An Irish Getaway

 

Where to start? That's us just back from a fantastic week away in Ireland visiting family and also fitting in some tourist things too. As an added twist, we also went camping this time! But lets get to the start.

This year we decided to try the Pet Lounge option on the ferry. Stena Line state that pets must be crated in the pet lounge, which has always put us off as crate training is just something that we have never felt the need to do with Missy. We bought a lovely fabric pop up crate and...totally forgot about training. I will admit, Missys "training" was literally 3 separate occasions of having her lie down in it and giving her a nice treat. We simply ran out of time.
However, the 3 attempts absolutely paid off as Missy just chilled out for the whole crossing whilst we raided the free tea! I did try the exercise area, but Missy was not inclined to stand in the pouring rain and wind. Cant say I blame her!

Then we were on Irish soil and setting up the tent at the Kinnego Marina. We had managed to do a test run pitching the tent up so it was up in 20 minutes and we moved in for the week and then went to see my dad for homemade Chilli Con Carne. 

Tuesday we collected my sister from the airport and went to the Ulster Museum of Rural life for the day. It is a 1910s pre war village made of restored or replica buildings with actors explaining the different parts of rural life. Dogs are permitted on the grounds but not in the buildings, so we took turns popping in and out.
I would say it was possibly a highlight of the holiday, a wee hidden gem which is massively undersold by its website. The staff were great and we had a lovely walk through the town ad around the farm. It was that nice level of busy - enough people to have an atmosphere, but not so many it intruded on the day.
Highlights definitely included a fabulous exchange with the doctor who was alarmed at my sisters blue hair (which is catching as my pink under layer was noticed!). Although lunch was a disaster as the moment we sat down on the bench outside it started to pour with rain. We saved the cakes with the assistance of an umbrella but the bread roll was lost - in hindsight its funny, but at the time it felt like the world was picking on us. Especially as the sun came out 10 minutes later...

Wednesday was birthdays - my sister really wanted to do the Giants Causeway for the day and we managed to time it so that we caught the best of the weather. The morning drizzle had burned off by the time the tour finished and we completed the clifftop walk before the winds picked up. We had fun in the visitors centre too and generally had more time for the day, which was good.
We didn't manage the clifftop walk last time so I was pleased to fit it in this time and getting to see the Giants Organ up close and see the causeway from above was breath taking.

So yeah, those high winds. I honestly thought I was gonna wake up in Oz on the Thursday! The tent held up for us though and we were able to show off the living quarters when my dad visited for lunch. Thursday was just a chill out day really and a chance to enjoy camping whilst the weather had cheered up again.

Then Friday we were off home again before catching up with friends over the weekend.

I think I need a holiday from my holiday!

A Roaring Success

It was the first dog show of the season and Missy wowed the judges, taking home 3 ribbons! But let's wind back a step! 

I think I have converted my brother. Up until Dogwarts, he absolutely refused to take Maisie into the ring to compete at the fun dog shows. He didn't want to be on show himself and felt it would be awkward in the ring. And I never really pushed about it until we reached a position where, with Missy being in the same class, he kinda had to take her . And as we all know, the stars aligned and Maisie won her first ribbon. And now my brother has the dog show bug and, without my prompting, put her in for 2 classes at the Annual Muirfield Riding Therapy dog show. 

Missy went last year, and we had such a lovely time, I was keen to go back. An indoor dog show? Absolutely count me in on that one!

So my brother and I went along, Missy in for Veteran, prettiest girl, best rescue and fancy dress with Maisie in for prettiest girl and dog judge would most like to take home. Missy placed runner up in Veteran, losing to some very elderly looking pups and we went in for prettiest girl. 

Now, Missy plays hard tactics at these shows. She snuggles up to the judges, calmly and with her biggest doe eyes she requests pets and sits on thier feet, forlornly trying to follow as they leave. Maisie has not perfected a tactic. Shewas emboldened a little with Missy to try a similar tactic for pretty girl (neither placed) but without her cousin, was too shy to say hello on Dog Judge Would Most Like To Take Home and failed to place. 

Laughing with a comment to Maisie to take notes, we went in for Best Rescue. Now, I couldn't judge one of these shows on the best of days, let alone a category like that. Watching the judges make thier way about the dogs, listening to the stories, I could visibly see one breaking. By the tim they got to me, I could see tears glistening in the eyes on one lady. People think I'm joking when I say Missy is incredibly empathic, but she knows people. She immediately went to said judge and really cuddled in to her, proper snout rubbing snuggling. 

I try not to dwell on Missys past at these things. I explained she was a stray, we knew she was in a home situation, so likely abandoned, but that she hasn't let her set her back. I motioned the cuddling and explained how trusting she is, and how she loves people and the PAT work we've been doing. 

Well, I think that poor judge left more broken than when she started. 

The collie, with his strange malformed leg and left for dead in a bag at 2 weeks old, rightfully won. He was a beautiful dog with a gorgeous temperament and I was absolutely flattered when Missy placed second. 

Well, after all that we needed some light hearted entertainment. Fancy dress was the last category of the day and, sporting an upgraded viking look, Missy strutted about the ring like a sta and placed first.

I honestly expected the family (one kid a mermaid, another a pirate and the dog in a shark costume) to win, so was genuinely surprised to be crowned winner. My brother was taking it all too seriously at this point and said he'd have actually complained if they ad won and Missy had the most superior outfit! 

What a day! A fabulous start to the season and with promises of more shows ahead. We need to work a tactic for Maisie, perhaps a little harness with dragon wings to compliment Missy as a viking?

Until next time! 

Picking Pumpkins

I have tried for a few years now to go pumpkin picking somewhere dog friendly to absolutely no avail. They're either sold out of time slots, or they aren't actually dog friendly. This year, as swathes of cute pups perched atop pumpkins filled my feed, a horrible thought dawned on me, clearly I'd missed it again. The gourd had sailed. My hopes we're squashed.

And it was my mums birthday weekend and I needed to find something dog friendly that wouldn't freak Ren out. I won't lie. I spent far too long go ogling an ever wider circle of pumpkin patches before I struck upon South Ardbennie Farm.

I know it seems odd, pumpkins for birthdays, but firstly, the double dog situation, secondly, what I was really offering my mum was an autumn photoshoot with a prize pumpkin to carve later in the month with the grandkids. And I'm pleased to say that, with the sun out and the wind (mostly) keeping away, the weather was perfect and she was delighted. 

The Facebook Post was already up before I'd gotten home after dropping her off! 

Ren had had a... Moment earlier in the week. Hubby watching the wrestling with his friends online and Ren went into an absolute spiral. Shibas, or at least this one, don't display thier anxiety in the usual way. I honestly thought he was pacing about because he needed the bathroom and, when that failed and he was bored playing rug if war with me, that he had reached the mid-stay I'm gonna push boundaries stage. We'd certainly had that in the morning when he snuck into the bedroom and I found him casually draped over my pillow. So when he decided to hide under the bed, I thought he was acting the goat again until he snarled and tried to bite me.

Let me tell you. We decided it best to leave him there as he was clearly frightened. I did not sleep a wink that night. I had a literal monster under the bed. 

Until the morning. The sun came up and he was bright and cheery and his delightful self.

We messaged his pawrents in the morning and they said that they had suspected crowd noises being a problem, and they apologised. Why do I mention this? Because I think it's important that people realise that taking on a second dog just because they have one already is super easy, and it isn't. 

Apparently grandpaw is one of those types that scream at the TV when the footy is on, so Ren, being in a new and weird place, panicked. It's not his fault for snapping whilst being scared, and we now know what to look for as his anxiety signs, so no harm, no foul. He deserves leniency and was quickly forgiven.  

We doubled down our efforts to make sure he had a nice stay with us, hence today being about the dogs. 

And absolutely no more wrestling for the week! 

He gets picked up tomorrow and, whilst they get on well, I do think Missy will be pleased to get her routine back! 

That's all for this week, see you next! 

Trekking Up and Down the UK

 

Its been a pretty busy couple of weeks! On top of the usual day to day life and drama, we've managed to fit in some very busy weekends.

First of all it was Open doors Day on the 23rd and we went out to the Lothian Buses depo. Open Door Day encourages businesses to allow the public in for a behind the scenes look and has been going on for years. This was the first time however that I was made aware of a dog friendly day, so of course I had to take the chance and go along with Missy.

It was a good day, we got to sit on an open top tour bus and have a drive around the depo, hearing about the history of the building before going onto another bus (with a roof!) to go through the bus wash. There was lots of vintage buses to have a wander about and plenty of volunteers ready to chat with us.

Sunday was a quick dash to Keswick and back to see my niece for her birthday. It was my brothers idea, so him, my mum, the two dogs and myself made the journey all together. We first had lunch where I got to catch up with my niece and nephew and then it was a revisit to the pencil museum owing to poor weather. Here I took Maisie and accompanied my brother as he filled in the quiz - after all his mocking of the idea of a Pencil Museum, he actually really enjoyed the day!

Then it was a full week of work.

Then Saturday was a Halloween photoshoot before getting the house in tip top condition for a very special VIPet, Ren. Rens pawrents are away to Oz for two weeks and, owing to difficult circumstances on their end, we agreed to have Ren. Its not the best two weeks for us owing to other commitments, but he's a very easy going dog, so we'll make it work.

Then yesterday was a quick trip up to Stirling with the eldest neice to practice her photography and also fit in a Howl-o-ween dog show. Ren isn't one for dressing up, so in honour of his folks going to Oz, I made him a little Steve Irwin outfit and Missy donned her pirate one. Both were beaten by a poodle dressed as Audrey 2 from little shop of horrors, and it was a well deserved win for Storm.

And then it was a nice walk about Stirling to enjoy the last of the autumn sunshine and each others company before heading back home and getting organised for another week of work. I've been paired up as a buddy to a new start who joined the team today - he seems lovely, but it's gonna be a very busy run of things I can tell! 

Until next time, embrace the spooky season! 

(Missys photoshoot will be shared later in the month, I promise its worth the wait!) 

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! 

A Break From Pillaging

Last week's blog went out before I had time to write up Sundays adventure to the west coast for Largs Viking Festival. We went day 2 of the 10 day event which culminates in a long boat being burned as the Viking raid is reenacted and it was an excellent day all round. 

We got there early and parked up nice and easy at a sneaky car park a colleague had pointed out to me. Seeing as we had to creep around effectively abandoned cars for five minutes on approach to the holy grail, I was very pleased for the "locals knowledge only" as the car park was empty. Then we toddled over to the Viking village which was basically across the road. 

The village was well made and had the usual highlights we expected and some more, including rune reading, a midwife tent, a bard and demonstrations of viking board games. Ironically, what it was missing was warriors - they were all stuck in Spain, a rebound from the airport controls going out at the start of the week.

That was OK, I've seen plenty of skirmishes and, with my sister officially part of a reenactment group, I'll be seeing plenty more in the future as I fully intend on bringing my war dog down and supporting her. (Missy was dressed up until about 1pm when I decided it was too warm for her, and she got a lot of compliments). 

The one thing I was super excited about was not held up in Spain - the have a go dragonboat sailing. After getting my warpaint on we eagerly awaited at the docks. We knew Missy wasn't going on, and our friend had kindly volunteered to wait with her whilst hubby and I sailed and she would then go on the next sailing.

Well, I'm gonna get it out there, I'd make a terrible slave. I took on a rowing position, partly to sit by the hubby who wanted to give it a go, but mostly because no other volunteers came forward. And I was terrible. My timing was spot on, but I could not get the arc of the turn right as the oar weighed a ton - a kindly viking took hold of the end of my oar and provides the added oomph I was previously lacking.

15 minutes later, after a turn about the harbour in the glorious sun, we were back on dry land to a delighted Missy. I had been correct in that she would have no desire to follow us into the water, but she refused to move and watched the boat like a hawk. Hubby was delightedly regaling the trip to our friend when it was noted that someone hadn't turned up for thier booking. He joked about another go and I was a viking widow as he was invited back on. His rowing skills were significantly better than mine!

Missy disapproved of this too and simply lay down to watch, keeping me company as I took photos. He was forgiven by us both on his return and we made our way back through the craft stalls to the village. 

A superb day. 

The title of this blog comes from a work conversation. I had thanked my colleague about the parking recomdation and, as we waited on a call later in the week, he asked if I was going again for the boat burning.

"No, I'm taking a break from pillaging this weekend" was my joking response, just as another colleague joined the call and I was greeted with a:

"A break from what?!"

Handing in my resignation next week! 

This weekend has been a quiet(ish) one. Saturday I caught up with a friend and today was meant to be dressmaking. However, it devolved into chip damaging 6 different projects and finishing none. I was caught in the long awaited downpour on the afternoon dog walk and that was the end of my productivity. A shower wasn't enough to get heat back into my sorry bones, so a bath it is. Which has made me realise that I'm absolutely burnt out - whikst there is talk of adventures next weekend, I might pass on them for take 2 on a quiet one...

Until next time!

A Giant Adventure

It's been quite a week! We set off over the big blue wet thing and, after 2 hours of sailing, set foot in Northern Ireland.

Despite the visit itself being planned for quite a while owing to my dad's failing health, the exact itinerary was sorely lacking. This meant that we winged things on a day by day basis, which was oddly enjoyable. 

Day one was simply travelling. We stopped at my dad's, introduced Missy to his 5 (yes, five) dogs and were treated to dinner. We were then surprised with a birthday cake for my hubby who's birthday had been the day before. 

Our first stop was the Giants Causeway. This has been on my to-do list for some time and I was pleased to finally get to see it. Missy, who is part mountain goat, managed the large basalt hexagon pillars with ease whilst we followed behind with far less grace and confidence. The visitors centre was enjoyable, although as it was free as a national trust member, I am skewed in my judgement there! The tour was definitely a highlight of the day. My dad and his wife did join us at the causeway but the visit was short owing to a sudden downpour and my dad's poor mobility making the stones uncrossable. Typically, just as they gave up and got on the bus back up, the sun was back out again! 

Wednesday was Belfast. We started the day at the Botanic Gardens. Of all the Botanic gardens I've visited, this one was the most dog friendly we've visited

(Edinburgh doesn't allow and Glasgow permits on the grounds only, not in the greenhouses). 

The weather was in our favour as, after a cool start, the sun came out and Missy was soon sunbathing whilst I tried to catch a photo or two of the bees that were bumbling about. 

We then went into Belfast and, parking at the Titanic exhibition (which does not allow dogs, but is on the Maritime Mile and offers relatively cheap parking) we set about the next leg of the adventure. Whilst not allowed in, there was plenty to look at outside the Titanic building. 

The Titanic was built in Belfast. Hubby, being a Dundee kid, was quick to joke and compare it to the Discovery - the infamous ship of Scott and Shackleton that he grew up by that couldn't be stuck in ice, that then got stuck in the ice. "At least we got ours back!" He quipped, in his best put on stereotype Dundee accent.

Perhaps something spiteful was listening as we hit our first hurdle. We knew we were on it, but where exactly was the Maritime Mile? We walked about. We looked for signs. Nada. I went on the website and found that it was meant to have an app which was no good as we didn't have headphones and then I finally got the map to work. We were off. 

It's a nice wee walk. The Game of Thrones stained glass trail overlaps some of it and we wound our way around some Maritime history. Highlights were the massive iron bouys and the old light from the lighthouse. Worth doing - but maybe bring headphones to get the full experience! 

Then we started what turned out to be the highlight of the day - our Black Cab Tour of the political murals and a crash course in the Troubles. It had been recommended to me by a work colleague and, after emailing them to double check thier dog policy, was delighted that Missy was allowed to come. (For those wishing to follow suit, I would message in advance and they will try and accommodate you with a driver who is happy to have a dog in the cab). 

I had trucked back and forth to Ireland twice a year as a kid through the 90s and the tour really helped solidify the strangeness of my childhood to my hubby. He'd heard of the murals, but had never seen the scale of them. He'd heard of the mob mentality, the every day violence but it wasn't until he saw the 45ft "peace" wall that it really sank into him that it was, and as the gates close at 6.30pm every night, still is a, a grim reality for many. Being a private tour, we got to ask questions we felt would have sounded niave (what's the deal about the poppies, being one my hubby asked after I had made an absolute song and dance that Missy was not to have anything poppy related upon her (short answer being it's a political "flag" that you are, or aren't, part of the tribe).

Absolutely recommend, I can't say enough - the driver was great with Missy, tailored the tour to a level we both understood, and was very insightful and balanced about the two sides. 

Thursday was the dogs day. With a two hour sailing looming ahead the following day, we wanted her well walked and tired. And so Divis and the Black Mountain was selected.

It was a... adventure for sure. Weather was a bit dull, but fine for walking until you spotted the cloud that sat over the peak. We pursued the walk anyway, hoping the clouds would move on. 

They didnt. 

But that didn't spoil anything. Missy enjoyed a good sniff and a trot about (except when we spotted cattle and had her on lead) and, after 2 hours, returned to the Airbnb for a cup of tea. I had snores in stereo as both Missy and Hubby passed out from all the fresh air. Like all the other days, we saw my dad that evening and, sorting through his military paraphernalia that he wants to see going to a good home, listening to his army stories, was an oddly poignant and cathartic moment for me. Whilst I still decline to share details of his health, I'm more at peace about it.

We spent the last few hours of our time in Ireland with my dad at the St Georges Market. He, and his wife, are veritable magpies, and it was a delight to join in on what was obviously "thier" thing: breakfast in the restaurant and then a potter about the stalls.

And that was us. Back in the boat and back home. The last week already a distant memory. 

I'll leave it there for today, the blog has gone on quite enough, and I will share with you the stunning views from atop Black Mountain. Until next time! 

Trundling Through Time

It's that time of year again - Forces in the Field! Despite returning for the third year in a row, we had a blast (no pun intended). It was a cooler day than last year, which worked in our favour as Missy was happy to trundle about and look cute in her costume.

The event was definitely more focused on the World Wars this time and even had a competition for the different reenactment groups. (Although I voted for the NAFFI, I was absolutely delighted that the Women's Institute group won, they were a delight last year). NAFFI I hear you say, we'll, yes, this time the food was brought to us in good old British style:

A fun change to the burgers and chips normally on offer at Duncarron! Missy sat out of the gun demo, chilling with us girls instead as we tried to learn some crochet (it's still the devil's art, my poppy is most definitely a red sunflower) and Hubby watched the guns. He was very impressed at the display which included a mortar, which he hadn't seen go off before.

We did all manage to dress up, Hubby reused last years Home Guard costume and I went as a WW2 Propaganda Poster Nurse again. I was both flattered and mortified when people asked to have thier photo with Missy and myself! Our friend also joined in the fun as a WASP. Don't know what that is? Look them up, some very kick-ass ladies! 

I'll leave things there, it's been a very busy week, but I shall share the details at the weekend! 

Dog Day Out at Traquair

A bit of a quieter weekend for us this time! I had the eldest nephew staying over for a birthday sleepover. There was lots of Japanese food, anime and board games. We also took him for his first ever escape room, and we successfully achieved our mission in 45 minutes with no hints!

Sunday was Missys day. I had asked my nephew if he wanted to stay an extra night and come along for the Dog Day Out or if he wanted I could drop him off home the Saturday night. He chose an extra night of anime and board games!

We met up with my brother and Maisie and all headed down together. My nephew was in the back with both dogs whilst I drove us all down, my brother having just finished a late shift. 

There was plenty to see an do - we watched the agility but didn't have a go (whilst Missy considers herself healed up, she's still to avoid running and jumping for another week or two). There was gun dog demos and there was meant to be a sheepdog one, but the event was cancelled owing to "naughty sheep"! We enjoyed a Story-telling dog walk, hearing stories of different dogs from across Scotland as we meandered about the grounds and of course there was stalls and a dog show. 

I insisted that Maisibshoukd go in for once and, whilst she didn't place, I felt she should definitely have taken a ribbon for dog judge would most like to take home! My nephew was her wrangler for that, my brother insisting that he wasn't going in the ring. 

Missy placed 3rd in Best Rescue and 2nd in Golden Oldie, which was really nice. Her favourite event had to be the fastest sausage eating contest. And yes. You read that right. A sausage eating contest. For the dogs. 

Dogs were put in groups of four, lined up with the sausage placed at the feet of a judge and, upon completion, the judge would raise thier hand. First to raise thier hand indicated the winning dog. 

Missy was in the fourth set of dogs to go through the first heat and, when she clocked what was going on, was desperate to get her sausage.

I was genuinely surprised that she beat a lab and a gigantic fluffy hound in her first run, both dogs much bigger than her! She places 3rd in the second heat and, whilst I returned to my brother and nephew, they both scolded me for giving Missy the disadvantage - apparently I held her back in her dash. So next time I should drop the lead! The audacity of them both! 

Still, two sausages, Missy clearly felt she was a winner for that alone! Part of me really wants to see more events like that at the shows - ones that embrace the dogs as pets, rather than how they look. 

And that was the weekend. A fly by one again, and a great laugh. So until next time, dream of doggos enjoying sausages and life! 

A Busy Weekend for the Little Jacobite

Its a been another busy little weekend. Firstly we started with the Dalkeith show on Saturday. It was my second time at the Dalkeith show and, particularly after my volunteer day at the Royal Highland Show, I couldn't get over how much smaller this one was. 

Still, it was really nice getting to see some friends and watch the livestock. I had gone with my local friend, and my other friend with the twins came along too to say hi. The weather unexpectedly held out for us, barring a short shower at 10am as we arrived, and it was soon boiling. 

Missy did enter the dog show, but didn't place (although she did come second in musical sit, which is pretty good for her!). And by that point everyone had had enough sun and we called it a day.

After thunderstorms and heavy rain from 7pm tell well past bedtime, I was rather worried about our plan to take another friend of ours to Duncarron. It was the same friend who we tool last time and, honestly, just watching her live out her favourite renfaire vibes is delightful. 

Still, we got up to bright sunshine. The storm had cleared the humidity, but it was hot. 8am and the jumper was discarded before I even got out for the morning walk. 

Duncarron was a success as always. There was sword fights and musket fire, although Missy has recently decided that she dislikes the musket fire. Not to the point she's freaking out, but definitely showing us that she doesn't like it - I'm wondering if sorting out her allergies (and the prolific ear infections that we're a side effect) has resulted in her sensitivity to noise increasing. Hubby thinks it's just because she's getting old and doesn't feel obligated to put up with nonsense any more!

That was certainly the case with her outfit today - I had made a little plaid for her and she decided after ten minutes that she wasn't happy so we took it off her. I definitely think it was because it was so hot - she did later oblige me a woodland photoshoot in the afternoon when it was cooler. 

I may have made a coat. We matched. It was awesome. 

That aside, we all had a great time. I'd remembered a picnic blanket so Missy was in princess mode lying across it and refusing to share with humans or other dogs! We watched the archery demonstration, had better luck with the axe throwing, learned all about the plaid and watched the fight demonstrations. 

There were plenty of dogs at this event; a lot of the volunteers had brought thier own and plenty of visitors too. The hunting hawks were also being shown and, the biggest surprise was the very first Cat of Duncarron! 

A very successful day! We have a relatively busy run next weekend and then I have a quiet one planned that I am fiercely guarding to myself! 

Until next update, have a good one! 

Joust in Time

Following on from Missys mishap with the evil squirrels; we had literally booked a trip away the day before - last minute and non refundable. 

We waited out it out and, as she had passed the ten days bed rest and was getting very frustrated and bored, we decided that a change of scenery was perhaps just what the vet would recommend. 

The plan had always been a very quiet glamping trip to de-stress from the rat race, so why not? 

And Maisie came too! We had double booked a weekend looking after her with our holiday, so just extended her stay with us. To stop over walking Missy, we split them up for walks so that Missy was effectively still on bed rest whilst Maisie got a full walk. It worked a charm with, I think, both dogs appreciating the alone time with a human. 

We went down to Penrith and stayed at Howdy Glamping in their gypsy pod. It was exactly as advertised, neatly tucked away in a woodland and in a black spot for signal, just what we wanted! 

We did get in some adventures. One day was spent at Brougham Castle and the neighboring King Arthur's Table. That was our best day weatherwise as... 

 

Our day in Ullswater was rather wet! We did the steamers so that Missy spent most of the day resting barring the short walk we did at Howtown Pier. There wasots of dogs on the sailing, and we enjoyed chatting away to folk. We stopped for lunch at one end of the lake and then had tea and dessert on the other end!

 and then it was time for home and a stop at Carlisle Castle. It was a great castle but I was getting concerned about the amount of stairs. Whilst Missy is a master of the spiral staircase, we're to restrict too much of that motion, and Maisie has legs that are far too short for such tall flagstones. She gave up halfway and I had to carry her the rest of the way!

Theres not a lot to say of the holiday. We didn't spend as long as we normally would at places (thank goodness our passes got us in free!) owing to Missy. And if I'm honest, owing to ourselves. Hubby and I have definitely burned the candle too much at both ends recently. We definitely needed the quiet evenings listening to birdsong and playing cards.

We finishes our little holiday back home with the Spectacular Jousting in Linlithgow. Always a highlight in the calander. We took it super easy: no walk in the morning for Missy. She walked from the car to the Jousting. Lay down and watched said jousting whilst being fawned over for her Sir Checkmate inspired regalia, and then a wee dither about the stalls before we repeated the above in reverse.

Whilst she didn't get to meet her favourite pantomime villain, we all had a terrific time. Missy is definitely on the mend and wants to do much more than we're letting her, but these things take time to heal. So hopefully the cha he in sights and smells will be enough to have her feel less bored for now. 

Anyway, until next time, here is a photo of the infamous Sir Checkmate to tide you over!