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! 

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! 

A Viking Victory

It's been a very quick weekend! My brother dropped off Pouty McPoutface on Thursday before going off on his Eurovision adventures, and Maisie quickly settled into the routing. I think she's stayed with us enough times now that she knows the routine!

I had the girls over Thursday and, it being the first time they've met Maisie, I'm pleased to say that first impressions we're good! Friday was a relatively quiet day with us all working and then the weekend was upon us. 

So, originally my friend was meant to come along to Duncarron, but cancelled, then I asked another, who also cancelled. I was set to just go myself when hubby (who was working) suggested my nephew to help dog wrangling.

And so I went with my nephew who was pleased to have gotten out of a day hanging about his parents office bored. He gets in very well with Maisie, so was happy to wrangle her for us! We still took turns with the archery and the axe throwing and my nephew qualified for the competition. At 5ft 11, he was made to compete with the adults, and came joit second, so to say he was pleased is selling it short!

We paused the day to take a walk around the reservoir and let the dogs cool down and then we were back in the fort for more viking shenanigans. They had a best dressed viking competition, which I put Missy in for as a joke. The Viking who was doing the announcement broke character and nearly fell over laughing at Missy. Whilst she got the loudest cheer, the prize rightfully went to one of the children (although several people came up afterwards and told me they thought she should have won.)

And that was the day. All done. 

Sunday was a quiet one to recover. Much sewing was done and, whilst Maisie dislikes the overlocker, she allowed me to use the sewing machine. 

Then my brother arrived to pick up Maisie, filled me in on his Eurovision adventures and that was that.

A pretty good weekend. 

A Scarily Good Time at Duncarron

It's that time of year! The most wonderful time where there's parties for hosting and pumpkin seeds for toasting and guising out in the gandigow

There'll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories of
Halloweens long, long ago

No, sorry, sorry, got carried away there.

Well. Halloween this years been a bit odd. My eldest neice and nephew are too old to have family parties, and this year have made plans with friends. There was a brief glimmer of hope I may have seen the youngest ones, but alas, circumstances beyond anyone's control squashed that hope.

So. What are two Xennials that refuse to grow up supposed to do? (I finally found a generation category I fit into. All the rubbish stuff that's happened to millenials that I've experienced, whilst still having an Internet free childhood).

Well, we decided screw it, kids or no kids, let's dress up and go have fun anyway.

Duncarron were having a Halloween event that had been chalked up as a possible idea for all. So, I made Missy a new hat to complete the pirate outfit, we donned our own and away we went. 

We got there good and early before the worst of the crowds (read kids), so we could do the axe throwing and the archery without feeling like we had to hurry. We also did the pumpkin carving and (I at least) did the ghost house as Hubby hates them and won't go near one. There were nerf wars against the undead that were very popular with the kids that we didn't participate in (well, we all know its more fun being the zombie!) 

And it turns out Missy has a following from the pirate event last year. Cries of "Pirate Dogs back" followed us everywhere as we went about chatting to the employees and volunteers. It's safe to say we're becoming regulars! 

Although Missy needs a more effeminate pirate costume. Everyone assumes she was male! Perhaps some pink trim? Or a purple wool to the coat? 

On the theme of making things, I also managed to make my eldest neice a Monster High costume (Frankie Stien, specifically). 

Pop over to Instagram for the full look! And not a bad outcome seeing as I had the two dogs! Wee Ben went back on Thursday, he'd lost his target weight of 0.2kg and apparently has stopped begging at home. I'm waiting to see if it's because he's in a huff or if he's actually turned over a new leaf! 

Well, that's all for this weekend. We have a nice walk planned for tomorrow as well as seeigg friends, hence the early post. 

Till next week! 

Sailing for Adventure

Yesterday was agood day - not only was I spoiled for my birthday, it was the Pirates event at Duncarron Medieval Village (well, for this weekend it was renamed Port Carron!). As you can see, we went all out in the costume department. Whilst hubby and I were dressed up (more on that later) Missy was quite rightly the absolute centre of attention with cries of "pirate dog!" following us through the day. 

We arrived for opening. There was no plundering and pillaging as we were escorted up to the village but we were immediately greeted by two Jack Sparrows, in full character, sashaying over to us, stealing hats and posing for photos when we were able to stand up straight from all the laughter. They decided hubby, in his royal blue coat, looked like a young Gibbs, and he was henceforth called as such. 

I wanted to get Missys photoshoot done quickly (those little white sleeves didn't stay white for very long) which meant a quick tour de force around the Port where we were corralled by a dozen people desperate to say hello to her. Honestly, it was like handling a celebrity. 

I'm still shocked that she was the only dog dressed up - Missy has a store bought pirate dress and a pirate jumper that have been used for Halloweens past, so I expected to see a few of those! 

Nonetheless, my mother was insistent that there be photos of me and hubby on my birthday, so she had us pose too and I got nice photos of her as well. Being away from the bulk of the visitors, and more than happy to chat, our photos were quickly filled with other pirates and we were given basically a private tour of a weapons armament and a ships surgeons table. 

We were photobombed by LARPers (one pretended to be about to strike my mother's head off with a sword) and we started the next lap of the port, looking at stalls and chatting to anyone who would listen. Hubby had decided that he wanted to try some walk about magic and, after cheekily dashing up to offer the pirate band some sweets following a joke they made, decided to take the plunge and give it a go. He never comes across nervous, but I can always tell. He preformed for stall holders and LARPers, for the mermaids and for Jack Sparrow 1 (who took a shine to us after we hid from the rain in the LARP weapon store together. 

Boy did it rain. 

Once the squall passed my eldest sister arrived with eldest neice and nephew and on went the shenanigans. 

Hubby was approached by Jack 1 as we were leaving. 

"Have you been commissioned for here? The tricks and whatnot?" 

Hubby - "No, it's all voluntarily." 

"Well you've got everyone very excited and talking about it - that's really cool, appreciate it." 

And just like that, he was back in character. 

"Gibbs! You me throw me hat." 

We had an absolute blast. Missy was fawned over by everyone (she even had a song dedicated to her by the band: Dogs and Freaks by Golden Apple for those on Spotify). The Mermaids (in human form sneaking off for tea) joining in on a magic trick and seeing the look of absolute astoundment on thier faces was a highlight. Having a go at throwing knives. Joining in on a sea shanty; honestly, it was the best way to spend a birthday following three lockdowns. 

I feel a need to take a moment in the sewing part of the blog. My pirate costume is a well established costume - my long koi coat, a captain Hook hat and other embellishments and I'm ready to theatrically sail the seven seas. Hubby I've been chasing for months about a pirate costume, suggesting fabrics and cuts and he kept declining, saying he'd just wear a Jacobite shirt and be done with it. Fine. I'd focus on Missys instead. 

As you can see, her little coat is designed to look like a waistcoat and, whilst I knew those sleeves wouldn't stay white, I honestly couldn't resist (spoiler, they were black by the end of the day, but bonus, once it was off Missy, she was spotless).

I just finished up, pleased to have it done with a week to spare when hubby shuffles in. 

"So, you know how I said I didn't want a coat?..." 

He got into a conversation about Monkey Island at work, and was told he should cosplay as Guybrush. His argument was that he didn't want me to go through the effort to make something he would wear once. This he could cosplay in, go to fancy dress party's in (party? What's that?!). 

I looked at him. There's always one important thing to ask a magician. 

"How many pockets?" 

"... How many can you add?" 

I gleefully took the challenge and, after 5 days, finished the coat. Its both piratey and yet he could dress it up as an admirals coat. A pair of stockings and he could even be a Prince. Detailed photos will go on insta next week, I didn't have time to get any before the event! 

I shall leave on a rare note in this blog, a family portrait:

The Redcoats take on Duncarron

This weekend was hubbys first official weekend off in his new job. The first weekend of many off, the notion of which is a great novelty for us.

So we did what any self respecting person does when they have that first taste of freedom...completely fill in every single moment of it with plans leaving you in need of a weekend to recover from said weekend!

The Saturday was earmarked for a friends belated birthday and we went on a trip to the 5 Sisters Zoo. Its sad that they no longer allow dogs, but we did share a few of our favourite lockdown doggy zoo moments with our friends as we mooched about in the sun. It was really hot Saturday and, despite generous amounts of Factor 50 suncream, we all finished up a little bit pinker than we would have liked (although no actual sunburn to report, thankfully!). We got lucky and saw everything we wanted to see, including the new red panda! 

Missy was appalled when we returned and hosted a vegetarian bbq as, whilst she did try a little bit of the veggie burgers/sausages, they were clearly too seasoned for her liking! We played Finnish Skittles and then retired from the sun and sat up far too late just chatting and catching up.

Sunday was the big day. It was a Jacobite's and Redcoat event at Duncarron Medieval village and, seeing as hubby missed out on the last event, we simply had to go. 
I'm going to admit, I think they're figuring out how to host events as it was completely different to the last one! This one was smaller, partly because of the theme (they only have thematically relevant stalls at the events, so the shoe and the top hat stalls weren't there this time), but also because of the number of people. Talking to the reenactors, the Saturday had been very busy, so I think it was probably down to the day, but I suspect the fact most folk are away on school holidays probably played a big part too.

And they missed out! We arrived a little early as always and were told we were going to be escorted up to the village. After a few minutes making small chat with a pair of South Africans, a troupe of Redcoats arrived. We were ordered to one side, "searched" for weapons, deemed civillians (although hubby being a ginger was deemed a possible threat and a close eye was threatened on him) and then told to follow the band up the hill to the Fort.

For us, it was hilarious. Poor Missy however could not read the room and figure out what was happening. She hates loud and aggressive shouting and hides from raised voices, but there we were laughing away despite the scary shouting. And worse. We were following the people doing all the shouting!

After a lot of reassurance, she followed the troop but the captain was officially marked in her bad book. Every time he started his act, she'd put the tail down and quizzically stare at us. When he walked by us (very noticeable in his outfit) she'd stare daggers at him, clearly telling him off for being mean. There was a staged ruse where, after we were allowed in, the Redcoats attacked and took the village. After that we were free to wonder about. 

After an hour or so, my mum, my brother and his friend came to join us. They were gutted to miss out on the opening, but there was plenty to see and do still with hourly events. Maisie though, we've discovered, doesn't like musket fire. Despite Missys calm, she would not be persuaded that there was nothing to be afraid of, so my brother took her for a walk to get away from the musket demonstration for a bit. In future, I'll stick to inviting them to pre-gunpowder themed days... 

The weather was ideal for the day. Dry, warm but not hot, and a cool breeze to keep the dogs happy. We filled the day watching demos, axe throwing, weaving bracelets, chatting to the reenactment team, chatting to the dog owners and all the kids who shyly asked to pet Missy. It flew by. 

Missy even decided to put her grudge to one side and sat with the Horrible-Shouty-Captain. Granted, she waited until after we had stood chatting with him for 10 minutes about the event before shyly stepping forward to greet him (I never force her to say hello). It seemed a perfect end to the day. 

Between doing both dog walks as hubby's knee continues to heal, and a lot of reactive work in the day job, I haven't had much time to sew and push on with my ever expanding to make list. I did however find time to upcycle (well, I suppose it comes under visible mending) a much loved pair of shorts:

Pop over to my sewing insta @missdaisysewing to see the before!

Right, I'm making a promise to myself now, next weekend is to be a quiet one! Until then, keep safe. 

Travelling in Time

 

Life is finally feeling like its going back to normal as this weekend saw the first outdoor event of the year - Travelling in Time at Duncarron Medieval Village. Ironically, the last outdoor event we got to was also at Duncarron and was the Viking and Saxon event.

I saw the event, spanning from 1600s to WW2 advertised online, and put out an open invite to the family - my mum was the first to volunteer to join me for the day. My older sister and older niece and nephew decided they would come too, but I wasn't to expect them until later in the day - the difference between her and myself can sometimes really astound me, I was legitimately there for the event opening. One of the bonuses of arriving so early was that there was plenty of time to talk to all the volunteers doing the re-enactments - we were even invited into the Soviet WW2 camp to get some nice photos with Missy! My Rosie the Riveter outfit also got a lot of compliments (which is funny as my mum clearly thought I was bonkers for getting dressed up, then once she realised that lots of the public had also dressed up, was telling anyone who spoke to us that I'd made my outfit myself!).

Firstly, we were lucky with the weather. Dry, but overcast so we didn't burn. Mild, but not too hot. Perfect for a day trip! The event itself was very well organised. Numbers were capped owing to covid, so even at the peak point of the day, it didn't feel particularly busy - but there was still enough people that it felt like an event. There was a central area where there was amongst other things, musket demonstrations, combat demonstrations and story telling. In all the tents, various people from throughout time were displaying their skills and professions - we learned about heraldry, saw a demonstration on Viking coin making and then spoke to a saxon taxman (cue the theatrical hissing).

There was a variety of stalls too; the dress up tent was very popular and we all did that once my sister and co arrived, there was a tent selling period footwear (my mother bought some historian boots and I very nearly took away a pair or beautiful green court shoes, but decided against them as I don't need more excuses for more sewing projects!). Talking of sewing, there was a fabric stall (I was good and only bought 3m of a beautiful herringbone wool), a leatherwork stall; buttons and jewellery and beads. All sorts of lovely things! Oh, and Bacon and Maple Jam - I was under orders from hubby to get another jar if the same folk from the Viking event were there! (and yes, I did get a jar, as well as a Rum Marmalade, hubby is happy).

Axe throwing and Archery were also available to try. The chap doing the axe throwing was brilliant, and after some coaching, managed to land and stick the axe on my third attempt (he joined me in my little victory jump!). I'll confess that I was more confident in the archery having had a lesson before, until I was handed a longbow. It clearly wasn't a real longbow as I managed to successfully draw the string correctly (the strength required on a real on is insane) and landed all three arrows on the target. Yes. I was rather smug about that, but my nephew stuck his second axe, and I had to win at something!

One of the nice things about these events is that they are super dog friendly. Missy was not left out at all. She was greeted by all the volunteers (who didn't bat an eyelid when I asked if they would pose with her for me) and other visitors. I always enjoy meeting other dog owners at these things to gush about how nice it is that the fur babies are welcome. Although I was concerned about Missy being stolen by a Saxon volunteer who was helping at the archery - she insisted she hold Missy for me whilst I was taking photos of the family. A quick glance and she was sat with Missy giving her all the cuddles and attention! A truly lovely day.

I'll part with one of my favourite moments, which was a passing conversation with the boy helping at the axe throwing;

Saxon Boy - "Is she friendly?"

Me - "Of course, your more than welcome to say hi to her - her names Missy."

Saxon Boy - (immediately on his knees giving her ear rubs and kisses) "What breed is she?"

Me - "She's a rescue, so we dont know - but I'm always open to guesses!"

Saxon Boy - "Jack Russel and something big, she looks a bit like a rottie or doberman, but that's too big."

Me - (stunned at Jack Russel, but thinking it would explain her murderous streak at small animals) "A lot of people guess Rottie and Collie."

Saxon Boy - (shrugs and skips to his feet). "Well, it don't matter, I think she's beautiful as she is." (skips away without a backwards glance).

Gotta admit, that warmed my soul quite a bit. Though I think the compliments have gotten to Missys head - she looks a little too comfortable in the Chieftains chair, don't you think?!

Battering Rams at Duncarron

This week is sponsored by the letter B, for Battering Ram.

My birthday is the start of the long haul birthday run, and this weekend has been a busy start to the celebrations! After a very quiet day Friday (my actual birthday) I had a social distanced visit from a friend who I haven't seen since my visit to Liverpool in February. As always it was like we'd only seen each other yesterday and the evening passed far too quickly.

Saturday was a trip to Perth (now my friend has figured out how easy the train from Inverness is to get there, I imagine Perth will become a regular feature for the blog!) and we repeated the unbeatable pairing of first Brewdog and then Brew and Chew. We walked South Inch a few times and then it was back home for games night with some of my hubbies work colleagues who are moving into the friends bracket of our lives. I got the new Villainous Marvel expansion and it was brilliant (more so because I won!).

I had spotted Duncarron Medieval Village being advertised on a dog friendly page on Facebook, and instantly book marked it. How did I not know this place existed, let alone that they allowed dogs? My family get together day was sussed now I had a venue all the of the fur neices and nephews would be welcome, and those without fur would enjoy too. The price of entry is currently reduced to £5 an adult owing to Covid not allowing all the usual things to be happening, and I can honestly say that we got our monies worth.

Visually, the village is stunning. Even in the rain it was great to wonder about. There was plenty of photo ops for the humans and loads of space for the dogs. We had the full complement of the Scottish clan: brother with Maisie, big sister with all the family including Wee Ben and my mum. Big sister was late as always, so we had had our picnic and were enjoying a weapons display when they arrived.

The weather had begun to improve by this point, which was a blessing. We swapped over and had another walk about before showing them all the fun things we had discovered. Then we walked around Carron reservoir to let the dogs run off lead for a bit. A more eclectic pack you will not meet. Wee Ben never leaves sight. Missy roams off seeking prey and Maisie bulldozes in circles between the dogs and humans and the next muddy puddle she can find!

Half the party came back for cake and the other half had to get sorted for school. I've been practicing madeleines with ever growing success and they were the perfect choice in our current world - no blowing out candles, no touching the cake when slicing it - simply scattered out for people to take what they wanted, and touch only what they were going to eat. 

A very nice finish to the weekend!