Bringing in 2022

It's the start of a new year and with that, the promise of new adventures to come whilst firmly closing aside 2021. 

Whilst not a bad year, as there were plenty of highlights to be had (a sneaky Disney trip, lots of visits to friends and family, Missy coming 2nd in Golden Oldie and finally having her medication sorted so itchy paws are a thing of the past, to name a few), there was a fair share of lows. Hubby was made redundant from a job he truly loved and, whilst happy doing what he's doing now, it will never replace the gap in his life. We've lost acquaintances, and almost lost close family. Good friends are struggling with the burdens of covid and burnout, and there is little I can do to help them but offer a cup of tea and an open ear. And yes, the plague we had hoped to have banished is still here making life difficult and interrupting our most simple plans. 

Yes. Whilst 2020 was a dumpster fire, the heights of 2021 have really made me feel the lows of the year much harder. 

So, that chapter is being closed and I am opening the next warily, but with optimism. 

Final comments on 2021:

Christmas this year went very well. We had decided on a low key event with my mother coming over and that being all the guests. A quick walk around the estate in the morning made me feel like the ghost of Christmas present; the streets were dark and all the curtains were open and lit, displaying families opening thier presents and running around throwing wrapping paper and glitter. 

It certainly got me in the right mood for the day. My mum turned up at 11 and we had okonomiyaki for dinner (with a Christmas twist, it being of the turkey and crispy bacon variety) which went down a treat. She humoured us in a gnome painting activity and very quickly took the whole affair very seriously. It was just the right thing to idley pass the time as we got caught up on the goings on in life and then it was time for her to head off.

A good Christmas. 

And then, as I mentioned previously, it's been redecorating. I normally deep clean the house for the bells, so I've baan anxious that it was an impossible task this year. We spent the passing of the year painting skirting together, which I suppose in its own way is what we want for the year to come, to enjoy each others company and continue to work well as a team. 

Now onto 2022.

We started out today as we meant to go on with our first #leadtheway walk, which was a Loony Dook inspired affair at Portobello. It was also our best turn out yet with half a dozen people. After Missys last walk being all girls, this time it was all boys, and she was in her element flirting with them (particularly with an Irish Terrier called Red). 

For those unaware, the Loony Dook is the practice of going swimming in the sea on the first of January. Even at an almost tropical 14C, its always been one step too far from me. Looking at the bright red cold-sore skin on show, and hearing the humorous shrieks of shock and laughter made me quite glad for my wellies as I waded in a little. Missy had to be bribed in order to try the water, and she took the biscuit and went back to her flirting on dry land. 

Some of the dogs on our walk did brave the water, and it was lovely to watch them. 

Then back home to putting up wallpaper, there truly is no rest for the wicked! 

In other news, we finally got our Wilderness Wolf badge with Dog Furiendly - the first in the pack to do so, and quite an achievement! 

Missy is wondering where the girl scout cookies are to be found...

Normally this is where I put in my hopes and plans for year to come, but I'm not going to do that this year. Yes, I have grand plans in my ever evolving wartime garden, but I'm not making elaborate plans. Or resolutions. I'm just gonna focus on making this year count, and bringing in as much good to it as I can.

And so, with great sincerity, I raise a mug of tea and, truly, wish you all a Happy New Year. 

Festival Fever

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... 

But not, like, an actual fever, or new cough or any such plague related thoughts. 

At last, the moment we were all waiting for, Missys most important date in the doggy year: Dogfest North.

So, back in times of early unlock, when the thought of normality will still far from grasp, Dog Furiendly asked for volunteers for all the Dogfests. Deprived of any semblance of freedom, I immediately volunteered for both days of Dogfest North and retrospectively checked if people would be available to see that week.

The day of Dogfest had arrived. I'd done it. Survived a week with the In laws (no hardship really, I'm quite lucky on that front!), managed to avoid concussion on the flumes (I may have belly flopped and smacked my face off one when excitedly racing the hubby, but all good, and no black eye!), Missy was devoid of injury and her arthritis was nowhere to be seen. We were ready. 

A group chat had been put together for us Explorers and, being told that my job today was to get content and enjoy it, I was almost vibrating with excitement (or possibly with the lack of sleep from excitement and copious amounts of tea). Missy had her game face on and we strutted through those big gates like we owned the place. 

... 

... 

Until I basically fell onto every dog visible for hugs and kisses. It took an hour for hubby to gently stear me to the Dog Furiendly stand as I excitedly ran off to grab another freebie, or cuddle another dog, or take Missys picture. She was on form - I've previously mentioned that she's never forced to do anything she doesn't want to, and that includes photos. You can tell when she's excited for the training (which is how she sees photos), and when she's too tired for it.

Saying that, we did make sure she got plenty of time to rest!

After the trek to the stall, I was signed into Dog Furiendlys Instagram and told to get photos and videos and share the excitement. Which would have been easy had the 4G not died a slow and horrible death owing to all ththe people sharing photos on thier Instagrams! Still, challenge accepted.

We did the Big Dog Walk (the 2km route, Missy had a long day ahead of her), and went round pimping Dog Furiendly to anyone who asked about the tshirt I had on, and made lots of conversations with the stall holders and other dog owners. 

There was really too much going on to see everything, which isn't a bad thing, really. Ironically the Manchester Police Dogs was the only thing I'd bookmarked as a must do, and it was cancelled after they were called put on a job. Best excuse really, perhaps next year! 

Knowing that we were being joined with family for day 2 we didn't do the fun dog shows or have a try events. At 8, Missy needs to be made to pace herself, she hasn't quite figured out yet that she's getting old. We did however enter her in for Scruffts Golden Oldie.

For those not in the know, Scruffts is the only category in Crufts that allows mongrels to compete (outside of dance/agility etc). In order to get into the shortlist for Crufts, you have to win one of the many heats going on through the year. I didn't expect to do well, seeing as Missy is often mistaken as a younger dog, so we just entered for funzies. 

So I was legitimately shocked at this:

Second! With her own legitimate kennel club ribbon!

Its getting framed, the print is already in the post.

So that wrapped up day 1. And we were all beat. Early nights all round (after Missy got a big well deserved treat, of course). 

Day 2 started with an Explorer meet up. It was nice to finally meet some of the crew who I've been collaborating with over the last 2 years (I became an Explorer just before lockdown hit).

My sister and her family joined us, as did the in laws. I wasn't sure how Ruby would be, but I was mistaken in my concern, it being my FIL who was most overwhelmed at the experience. 

This time we did DogFest as a more normal event - there was tombolas (my neice and nephew are clearly lucky charms, they walked away with teddies and t shirts and all sorts of things!). We also tried Loveliest Lady (a dalmatian was "spot on" and won, but I got to meet Michaela Strachan (Missy tried to sway her with cuddles, but alas, it was to no avail) so was pleased with that. My inner 10 year old was in absolute joy. 

Most of the "have a go" things are too high impact for Missy these days - whilst she could have easily managed the hay bale race, I'm wanting to preserve her knees as best I can. Still, my neice took Missy round the obedience ring (we had a great deal, she gave Missy the treats and I said the commands) and Missy even walked onead for her beautifully around the last part of the ring. Missy is still learning new tricks, adapting to the neices and nephews whims as they grow.

We did try for Scruffts again (prettiest bitch) but didn't place. I was still on cloud nine from our previous success, so honestly didn't mind. A German shepherd cross won, which I had to agree was a beautiful dog, so I didn't mind. 

After that, everyone was absolutely knackered. Between the shock of the crowds, the unexpectedly nice weather, the good company and being on feet all day, we said our final goodbyes and went separate ways. I would have liked to have seen more of my neice and nephew, but between our action packed week, my adopted into family and school, there really wasn't time. Hopefully I'll see them again before the year is out!

Would I Dogfest again? Absolutely! 

But I need to recover from this one first! 

Adventure is out there!

So Missy got some very exciting news at the end of last week:

She's officially an Explorer for DogFuriendly.com! What does that mean? She gets to share her adventures on a bigger platform and we can spread the word of all the awesome dog friendly places we have been to and think you should go to too. I was really impressed with the selection process that had us fill in an online application form and then, after being shortlisted, write a listing for the site. For once the dogs are being chosen because they will do well in the role, not because of Pedigree. 

So, with that in mind, I'm hoping it will refocus the blog which has become a bit of a place for my meandering thoughts and commentary on life.

This weekend was a flying visit up north to visit the in-laws. I'm not sure if it's a man thing, or if my close proximity to my mother somewhat negates the desire, but sometimes all my hubby wants to do is go back home to his old nest and be pampered a little. I certainly agree it's nice to relax and not be guilt tripped by laundry needing washed or paperwork needing filing, so we happily packed the car and made the journey. 

My in-laws certainly enjoy us visiting and they take being grand-paw-rents seriously having already organised the weekend dog walk intinery. It wasn't just for Missys benefit, Ruby, now 8 months old, is at the terrible twos stage, and will steal shoes and hats out of sheer petulance if she doesn't feel she's getting enough attention. I think they appreciated a bit of a break as we played with the puppy and Missy snuggled with them on the sofa! 

We started our new role as Explorers with a revisit to Crathes Castle. It's a National Trust site and, whilst dogs are not permitted into the buildings, they are more than rewarded with a beautiful woodland walk. The worst of the boggy areas have boardwalks, but it's not the easiest terrain underfoot - which is exactly what Missy likes best! Both she and Ruby tore around, noses to ground, looking for rabbits and mice and thoroughly exhausted themselves. 

For the humans, they have just erected wooden carvings of native animals; we found an otter, a squirrel, a kingfisher and a beautiful heron dotted about the route. 

We finished with hot chocolate and cakes from the cafe which we discovered was dog friendly. We stayed out in the courtyard though, both In-laws didn't feel Ruby could be trusted yet in a nice indoor space. Perhaps next time. 

We celebrated Burns that evening with a truly Scottish dish: fish suppers and mushy peas! Forget haggis, we went for the real deal, at least by 21st Century standards. 

My MIL loves crafts so we managed to fit some time in to get on with that. I haven't quite finished the piece I started, but will hopefully have the embellishments finished soon. I did however get the chance to show her what I had done with an Xmas present she had gotten me:

An art form in progress for sure, but I was pleased with how these turned out - they are a mix of soy and Beeswax, hence the creamy colour. 

Well, I will leave things there for now, Missy is snoring away and those jobs I put aside for the weekend won't wait any longer. No rest for the wicked!