Honourable mentions for Hufflepups

Am I crazy enough to go to Dundee just for a dog show? Yes. Yes I am. 

And better yet, so is my brother, so Maisie came too!

Missy is a true Hufflepuff - fiercely loyal, full of endless love and devotion, and prone to being a bit niave and, well, she will never live down being rescued from a tree. Maisie is a slytherin. She's clever and cunning, has her pawrent wrapped around her little dew claw and has sass. Endless, tail swishing swagger full of sass. 

Dont let that pout fool you, there is a dark lord behind that underbite... 

My brother was too old for the Potter craze and so whilst he knows of it, it's not his cup of tea usually. In fact, he originally declined the invite then decided to take me up on it purely so he had an excuse to say no to overtime at work! 

So we went along. We paid in, entered through Platform 9 3/4 and browsed the stalls before going over to the main ring. Both girls went in for Best Witch (didn't place) and then Missy went in for Best Robes (she lost to Hagrid and his German shepherd come hippogriff). Then Maisie went in for Best Pureblood and guys, it finally happened, she may not have technically placed, but Maisie got her first ever ribbon as an honourable mention.

Truth be told, my brother was utterly smitten. Missy placing 3rd in Best half-blood paled in comparison to the achievement of our favourite pouting princess. By this point the rain had started and, on the drive back, we discussed highlights and lowlights. We both agreed a burger van wouldn't have gone amiss, and some human stalls too would have been nice. We were also both taken aback by how much fun the theme added. The fancy dress was all Potter themed (the angel winged golden (retriever) snitch being a highlight) as was the decor, which added to the party mood of the day. I was very pleased when my brother added that he would go again next year if he's available. 

Can't give higher praise than that! 

Till next time! 

Going with the Tide

It's been a hectic few weeks with the lockdown restrictions easing across Scotland - it feels almost like a second Christmas I've had so many gifts to drop off!

This weather this weekend couldn't have been better for outdoor meets. Sunny and bright but with a brisk breeze, perfect for long walks. And we have walked a lot this weekend: firstly a proper catch up with one of my friends in Edinburgh as we rambled around the Water of Leith and the canal before stopping for lunch (the biggest bacon and egg roll you've ever seen, and a very nice raspberry brownie). Although we've kept on contact online, it was nice to be out and just enjoying the morning. We're hoping to get to Perth next month and then we three (4, we must include Missy) girls can have a proper catch up. 

After that, we parted ways and I stopped in to see my mum and eldest neice. My brother had popped round too, so Missy and Maisie enjoyed some doggy sunbathing together. It was good to catch up with my neice without her mother about, she's now 16 and her interests and hopes for the future have begun to deviate from the path her mother wants, so it was good to see what she's thinking and give her some advice from my own experiences of school and beyond. After my brother headed off, we went for a short walk and Missy was more than ready for bed.

Hubby is back in work now and, whilst he's rightly anxious about Monday, it's been good for him to have a solid purpose again. He was starting to get frustrated with the world, so I'm pleased things are becoming more normal again. With hubby going back to work, I suggested we took the opportunity to get up to Dundee to see an old friend of his that we haven't seen since the New Year that we welcomed in 2020.

We decided to go to Broughty Ferry and walk the beach before the bathing season kicks in and dogs aren't permitted on it. Missy isn't much of a beach dog, and her favourite part of the day was the very short walk through the nature reserve. It was really nice to see our friend in person - he's previously struggled with his mental health, so it was good to actually see him and know that he's doing OK.

Broughty Ferry also means Visocchis Ice Cream, and, walking along the promenade in good company, seeing hubby truly happy whilst Missy and I trailed behind and enjoyed the sun, the world feels like it's coming back to rights.

I shan't say too much, lest I jinx things, but the trend of good meets and long awaited get togethers are set to continue through the May day weekend. So, I'll raise an ice cream to the slow unlock, the long awaited get togethers, and here's hoping we don't have to do it again.