A Month of May-hem

Will the puns distract from the lack of updates?

... 

May-be? 

So, it's been a hot minute since I last posted and a lots been going on! Firstly, hubby got a new job. But in between leaving one and starting the next, it's been may-hem. Hubby actually finished on the last day of the visit from my Manchester sister. He made bees with my neice and nephw, had his last day and, as we waved them off, was technically a jobless bum.

But not for long! He had a two week window betweenjobs and, after flitting up to Aberdeen for Missy to go on her holidays, it was time fo ours. 

Y'all, this holiday has been 18 months in the making. From the first email declaring "Congratulations, 75 weeks until you're cruise" until we stepped on it, I have been absolutely psyched about our 10 year wedding anniversary although, who is gonna pay peak prices, so we've technically celebrated it 5 months early with a Norwegian cruise.

We played it safe and just did 7 days as we had no idea if we'd like it and I was anxious about a return of my seasickness (trust me, best cure is to get so seasick you go through the other side after first turning literally green: Indonesia, I have many wonderful memories, but your Maritime safety was not one of them!). 

So we went to Southampton, and from there sailed to Stavange, the first of 4 stops. I shan't go into ridiculous detail except to say that we had an absolute blast. There was more than we knew what to do with on the boat for entertainment, the scenery was like walking in a literal postcard, there was endless cake at all hours to accommodate grazing hobbits and we ticked a big bucket list item off and we did manage to see the Northern Lights.

We got home Sunday, hubby started work the next day and I hosted the in-laws who came visiting to return our much missed pup. The house is so eerily quiet without her, which is odd really as she doesn't make a sound normally, except when chasing rabbits in her sleep. I waved the in laws away, got my scrapbook organised for the holiday, was back at work the Wednesday, a sewing lesson Friday and by Saturday was absolutely entrenched in the post holiday blues. I managed to get out in the nice weather and take Missy on some nice walks but absolutely failed to achieve anything else. I think the combination of basically being on my own all week (hubby had Wednesday off but spent it asleep whilst I was working) and yet cramming in loads of short visits just led to the inevitable. I was placed in a bath and fed chocolate and Sunday was a slow day of putting the world right, starting with a trip out for ou monthly free tea at Dobbies and then a trip to the cinema.

And the world is back together again.

My Inverness friend came through Monday as we both had a team meeting Tuesday. I will say, it's nice having a best friend there to car share with and the odd arrangement is working very well for us to actually see one another and hang out in person more. 

She workedfrom mine this morning then headed off at lunchtime and once more the house feels empty again, but tolerably so this time. Missy has been very cuddly since her return and I've definitely appreciated that from her. 

So, what to do to shake off these springtime blues but join a monthly challenge. Not walking 5km a day, but crafting every day to raise funds for the absolute best pet charity of them all:

The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.

I am rather pleased with day ones efforts. The plan is to make either some doggy quilts, or a proper human sized quilt, and raffle it off to raise funds. Keep an eye on my insta for daily updates each evening and check the link in my bio for details on how you can help raise money for dogs like Missy, and my childhood bestie Cindy, to help them find a loving home. Or just come along and say hi to cheer me on at @missdaisysewing. 

There will be Missy cameos along the way! 

Until next update, wish me well and take a well earned moment to yourselves, the blues aren't just for winter. 

Sketching Out a Great Holiday

Pencil puns are harder than I expected, I clearly need to sharpen my wits...

It finally arrived, the great sibling getaway! What started as a lakes getaway in 2017 has come full circle - since then we've done Disneyland Paris, took a break with Covid, then Wales, and Dundee last year. Honestly, this trip was a highlights tour of all our favourite things to do in the lakes. 

We changed it up a bit with our brother, as part of his 40th birthday celebrations, coming along with everyone's favourite Pouty McPoutface. Owing mostly to the extra dog we decided to break the party in 2, one for the dogs, so hubby, Missy, Maisie, my brother and I, and the other my sister with her husband and both kids. I knew it would change up the dynamic of the holiday, but it was more so than I expected. 

We started in Keswick. Owing to being much earlier risers than my brother, Missy, Hubby and I enjoyed the Derwent Pencil Museum which has undergone a revamp since we were last there. They still allow dogs and, armed with our quizzes, it made for a very nice morning out of the worst of the sun. Then we met up for lunch with my brother, took both dogs a walk by the river, then headed down to the site.

White Cross Bay is a great site. Walking distance to Brockhole and the pier for the boat to Windermere, a mere 6 minutes from Ambleside by car and right on the lake itself. We arrived, checked in, parked up, located my sister and her family and then all went to play in the water, letting the dogs cool down again.

Of course we started with the boats. This was really the one day that was pretty independent from my sisters family as we did the Walkers Ticket. Whilst they joined us in Brockhole and to Ambleside, we hopped on the next boat for Wray Castle whilst my niece and nephew hunted down chocolate dipped ice creams.

Once at Wray castle, we started the 4 mile walk to Ferry House. At 22C, I spent the whole holiday panicking about Missy overheating, but it was all in the shade of the forest or along the waters edge where both Missy and Maisie dipped thier paws to keep cool. This was the key thing for Hubby and I - in years past we tried this route and, owing to a much younger Missy trotting to get past all the ramblers, we effectively jogged the first mile and had to quit the route as I about died from the exercise. Needless to say, Missy is more sedate on walks these days, st least until she spots a squirrel or rabbit.

Once we successfully completed the 4 miles, we hopped on the boat to Windermere and celebrated with chocolate dipped ice creams of our own.

Wednesday was mostly focused on Brockhole and was a proper family day. The treetop adventure had been closed the day before and, at my brothers casual suggestion, that was the plan. I sat out with the dogs as I knew hubby would be sitting out on Thursdays plans.

I was unsure of how both dogs would feel about thier dad's up in the trees, but they were perfectly behaved for me. I managed a cup of tea, some "wild crafting" and then they were all coming down the zip line, buzzing about the adventure. It was the talk of lunch as we ate at Brockhole and enjoyed some of the wider scenery it offered. 

We split paths again, an afternoon swimming in the kids agenda whilst we decided to explore both Skelghyll Wood and Stagshaw Garden. The views we're absolutely stunning, so we'll worth squeezing into the tiny car park for! 

Thursday was definitely the sisters day. We started off with the big "must do" of my sisters - the Stott Bobbin Mill. I did give my brother the choice of opting out, but he was game for anything so came along with us. We were again blessed with superb weather and, as the kids ran about with their bobbin-keys for the kids quiz, the dogs enjoyed a sunny stroll. They no longer allow dogs on the tour, so hubby sat out whilst I joined the main party. 

The tour was superb and everyone enjoyed it, particularly my nephew who received the bobbin that split in half during the demonstration. The gift shop was subsequently raided of all bobbins and, after shaking my sister down by the ankles and determining that she hadn't stolen anything, we were on route to Kendal. 

I was getting very concerned about Missy at this point. Whilst technically no hotter than the days prior, this was our first "inland" day and she was panting like a freight train. Now, let me be clear, she loves to bake herself in the sun and then has to lie on the floor in the hall to cool down.  The heat and the panting weren't really the issue, it was adding in walking that was worrying me. 

We got to the castle and made a beeline for the city centre for some food. A huge shout out to the Pizza Express there. We had to sit outside owing to the dogs and, without prompting, we were handed a huge old margarine tub full of ice water for Missy. At last, my last minute panic buy of a neon orange cool vest was put to use. Dipped in the water and secured on Missy and she perked up right away. 

Content that she was well, my sister and I split off for the Quaker Tapestry Museum. Again I asked my brother if he wanted to decline, and this time he did! Clearly viewing tapestries was a step to far for him.

The museum was thoroughly enjoyable. I thought it was  going to be a collection of old tapestries, not the Quaker equivalent of the Bayeux Tapestry which told the history of the Quakers. So it was a pleasant surprise.

Just as we finished up in the gift shop hubby rang, it was fine, but Maisie had broken her good streak and chased a rabbit. He had to rescue her after she got trapped in brambles, but all was well, but they were done now, were we?

So we all congregated back at the car. Maisie was scolded for being naughty and all was well again. 

We celebrated the end of the holiday with desserts at the pub, which my sister snuck away to join us in. A toast was made to a good holiday and all was well in the world. 

We finished off the week back in Keswick, this time revisiting the Puzzling Place. It's an oldie but a goodie and the kids loved it, though I don't think Missy wants swapped out for a daschund anytime soon.

And then it was lunch and into our separate cars to go back home. Upon pulling into the driveway, hubby, Missy and myself looked at one another an knew the holiday blues were awaiting. I got a message from my brother, Maisie had refused dinner and was sulking, so clearly we weren't the only ones! 

I did get an invite out for a dog walk yesterday with my brother, so clearly I didn't drive him mad on holiday! Missy was in her cool coat again for it, but safe than sorry, its very hot! 

Al in all, a very good holiday. I did miss crafting with my sister in the evenings, but in the whole felt it had balanced out well. 

Until next time! 

Why 2023 Won't be "Our Year"

So. 

2022.

It's... Been a year.

Missy has gone up and down the length of the UK, from Sussex to Aberdeen and plenty in between. Highlights were most definitely our holiday at the 100 Aker Woods and our Jubilee Jamboree which spanned not one, but two posts!

We've had some real highs with her passing her PAT assessment and visiting carehomes, and some real, quite scary, lows with her going through a cancer scare at Easter time.

This year we have plenty of adventures planned, but I think we're going to be taking the world at a slower pace and try to enjoy each moment. Missy turns 10 this year, so it's not only in her benefit to slow things down, but for the wellbeing of hubby and I too. Last year was a another in a long line of years were we have consistently put others first, and we need to establish some boundaries before we burn out. 

Above: Missy demonstrating the best way to approach 2023. With adequate caution!  

So. I'm not gonna jynx anything by calling out 2023 as "my year", or saying its gonna be the best one yet, the 2020s have taught us to be cautious of such thoughts. So Missy and I are gonna wish everyone happiness and joy for 2023, because, after all, it's all we really need and want.

A Unique Getaway

In these unusual times, the idea of a holiday is a bit too good to be true. We were fast approaching our birthday week time off and decided to see what was doable as a holiday bearing in mind I didn't want to be anywhere close to crowded, Missy would be coming and both hubby and I really needed a recharge, so no long distance driving.

We decided on Perth. Its only an hour away should the worst happen (ie a lockdown) and has lots of options for walks and things to do. We found a beautiful little shepherds hut at Greenhill Farm Glamping and decided to wing it. 

Storm Francis had other thoughts. Our plans of a stroll around the Falkland Estate was cut short (although we managed to find shelter under the canapy at the Pillars of Hercules cafe and warm up with some soup). Being based in Dunning, we tried there to kill some time to find out the only cafe didn't allow dogs and the pub didn't open till 5.30pm. So we just went for the Shepherds Hut and hoped they wouldn't mind us being 10 minutes early.

Once the stove was lit and we had begun to dry out we saw the humour of the day and our good moods and optimism returned. We returned to Dunning for our dinner and found another log fire - this we could get used to!

Our second day was dedicated to Perth itself. With Perth being the main place I meet my friends these days, hubby was insistent we go to the Brew and Chew at the least, and that he also wanted to see where we typically walked Missy. We walked South Inch and then found an adorable cafe called Milas Bakery and stopped for breakfast. Then we went to our intended destination of Branklyn Gardens. The weather was drizzly, but dry enough it was pleasant to walk, so we wondered about the plants and flowers before stopping for some tea in thier tearoom.

The staff were fantastic. It was very quiet and we were the only people out in the courtyard under the canopy and they were keen to chat. They insisted on saying hello to Missy and, after we discussed her unknown heritage, made light talk of the world with them and discussed the building and gardens. 

By then it was time for more tea. We had a wander about the high Street which was pretty quiet and stopped in at the Brew and Chew, as requested. Missy was recognised and fawned over and then we went for a walk around North Inch and found the Black Watch Museum. Dogs are permitted on the grounds, but not inside, so we enjoyed the buildings exterior before calling it a day.

Our final day ticked off the last bit of the truly Scottish summer weather we had yet to encounter: fog. We had booked in Arbroath for the final day to meet up with the in laws who we haven't seen since March, way back before lockdown and when Covid was just begining to be a thing.

Remember those times? It's beginning to feel like a lifetime ago. 

Arbroath is always lovely. It's a quaint fishing/tourist town which offers a rocky beach and more ice cream parlours and fish restaurants than you can shake a stick at. We had a lovely time. It was great to catch up and watch Missy play with Ruby. Despite her years, Missy is still a touch faster, mostly due to her better cornering, but I don't think it will be long before Ruby figures her feet out and overtakes. 

There was beachcombing and a lovely fish restaurant before we went for another walk and had an ice cream on the shore. I'm not sure I really could have asked for a nicer finish to the holiday. 

For my mother in law, I made this adorable tea cosie. Everyone is stitching and embroidering these days, so I was goaded into picking up the needle again by my friends. I used to cross stitch prolifically as a teen. Then I discovered knitting where I could make toys and things to wear. Then I discovered sewing, where I could make anything I wanted.

Either way, it was nice to revisit the hobby, and have something I could quietly work on whilst listening to a book, and I was pleased with the outcome - not bad after a 15 year hiatus!

And lastly, for those wondering, today's letter for the #leadthewayatoz was U. Ironically, it's the perfect letter for our holiday - unique in many ways, whilst hiding under our umbrellas! 

Looking for Roman Ghosts and Cold War Mice

We are not long back from a pretty bumper week away at the roman city of Chester. The location was a new one for us, as was the idea of having Missy on a "city break", she being much more of a wild woodland wonderer than a pavement pounder. And it actually worked out really well!

The location was picked because it was a good central point to family we wanted to see and friends we were long over due visiting. We also wanted time for ourselves to do our own thing as well, so didn't want to be intruding on people with the intention of not being 100% social.

Monday was a travel day. Its a 4 hour drive for us, and we have to break regularly for Missy. We were being extra cautious after her bad stomach at the weekend and stopped more frequently than usual. She was absolutely fine, which is a relief. We had scoped out all the nearby vets as a matter of precaution but thankfully it wasn't needed. We arrived in good time though and, after checking into our Airbnb, had enough time to scope out the local bakeries and supermarket. 

Tuesday was a family day. My sister and brother in law managed a sneaky day away (in what we have playfully now dubbed as "doing an Alton Towers") and they came down from Manchester on the motorbike to hang out. It was a mooch about and hang out kinda day, in which we all ate way too many sweets and snacks. All the school groups were out and we watched them in the Roman Amphitheatre attack each other with plastic swords and shields. I don't remember history being that exciting at school, if it was, I might have pursued it sooner. 

We ate at the Lock Keeper, and my BIL found the pub cat who was blissfully unaware of the dog on the premises. A really good day, it's nice to just hang out sometimes! 

I also managed to pass on my latest sewing project: sandwich wraps (v2) and treat pouches, each in a fabric Specifically chosen for a member of the family. 

I'll just share my nephews tractor and digger set, the rest will be on my Instagram! 

Wednesday was another day where we met a resident cat, the super dog friendly Hack Green Nuclear Bunker had the chilled out Goulash and there was a scent hound training day, so we met some very excited spaniels too! 
The nuclear bunker is pretty much what it says on the tin; an old, declassified bunker used during the Cold War. It was very interesting, although we felt an audio tour would help as the giant humming and clicking computers soon blend into one another. For the kids, they have an "atomic mouse" game where you look for and find all the brightly coloured mice. 

It was an interesting day as its obviously something our parents grew up in fear about. Reds under beds is a joking comment I hear often from my MIL when she's talking about her childhood, and when looking at all the propaganda, it's a grim thought for a childhood. Over well brewed tea from the NAFFI we discussed the liklihood of a nuclear event, and the convoluted politics of the Cold War. Missy was disinterested in such deep talk and flirted with the scent hound trainers instead. 

To shake off the remnants of the Cold War, we went to the nearby Wynbunbury Tower. Apart from its lopsided appearance, and the supposed woodland walk around it (read peat bog, thank goodness Missy is wipe clean), we mostly went because my hubby thinks the name is hysterical. 

On the drive back to the Airbnb, I spotted a giant bee sculpture in a field. Pointing it out, I then spotted a sign for Snugbury Ice Cream. Well, if we can go to a tower because the hubby thinks a names funny, we can certainly get ice cream on the same pretence. The straw sculpture is because they are raising money for save the bees. Straw sculptures seem an odd hobby when you make ice cream, but admiring the photos of past sculptures including a giant dalek and a meerkat, it certainly seems to be one they are good at!

The ice cream did not disappoint, and we ate it whilst admiring the 40ft bee. Missy managed to coax us into sharing the cones with her, so she was very pleased with herself. 

I'm aware this is becoming a very long post, so will share our day out in Liverpool later in the week. See you all then! 

Back to Regular Programming

Just a short post! The hubby and I are back from a two week holiday in Oz and, whilst we missed our Missy terribly, we really didn't want to come back to normality. I can officially say that I most certainly have a dose of the post-holiday blues...

Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou?

Whilst we were away doing all the usual holiday things (hugging koalas and dingoes, eating copious amounts of ice cream, trying all the new sweets and cakes, avoiding the enormous spiders and so on) Missy stayed with the in-laws. As I previously mentioned, Flash passed away and that was literally the day before we drove up, so it was a bit of a weird get together. I think Missy was good for them to have about, she certainly cheered everyone up with her Romeo and Julie antics with Duke next door.

I wasn't joking about trying all the desserts!

I wont go on too much about the holiday except to say that we had an absolutely amazing time, although trying to squeeze in Sydney, Yulara and Port Douglas into two weeks meant it was non-stop tour-de-force of a holiday. I loved every minute, but another week would have been nice!

Kangaroos and wallabies love sweet potato!

Highlights were certainly the tour days - seeing the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains, the sun set and sun rise on the Uluru, the tea tour in the Daintree rainforest and getting the train to Karunda were all brilliant. On our 'quiet' days, doing all the wild life parks and just exploring the cities was amazing. I wont go on any more, or I will be here all day, so I will leave you with one little anecdote of a story:

As a way to fill evenings in Sydney, we went possum hunting in Hyde Park. First and second night, no success. Finally, our last evening and we spot a man and his daughter pointing at something, lo and behold, a possum! We took a long moment to admire it and, after explaining what it was to the pair, waved them off before we hear a rustle - it must be another possum, but its small, a baby possum!?

Then it opened its wings and flew straight over my head.

A fruit bat! I got such a fright but it was equally amazing!