Living it up at Lowther

So, firstly, no post last week. I took a weekend social media detox, partly because it was a challenge with Dog Furiendly, and secondly, because I really felt I needed a quiet weekend of down time. Hubby, whilst technically covid free, wasn't as up for his mother's visit as he expected. We all had a great time at the Van Gogh Live exhibition, but it completely wiped him out. 

And then on Tuesday, this little ragamuffin arrived:

Yep! Cousin Maisie is here on her holidays whilst my brother is away. Whilst there's been a few naughty moments, she's been on the whole pretty good. 

Then my oldest nephew came for the weekend. 

So of course it was only logical that we would drive 2 hours to Lowther Castle to catch up with Sis and the little cousins. 

We never do anything by half's! 

It was an amazing visit. Oldest nephew is now 13 and really coming into his own as his own person. And the young cousins adore him. 

Maisie and Missy got plenty of attention too. I had to laugh at the following exchange:

13 YO (after a whole day of pandering and playing and carrying the kids): Who's your favourite cousin? 

9 YO (without a skipped beat): Missy! 

I love the lot them to bits. 

We've previously done Lowther Castle, so I shan't go into too much detail, except to say that it's amazing. 

Below is a sneak peek of my latest craft project. The scrapbook of our June trip for my sisters birthday. This is part of my second favourite page to sketch. 

That's all this week. It's been a long and satisfying weekend playing video games, pokemon cards and watching anime. Most importantly, seeing family bonds form and grow. 

Hold tight your family, those born to us, those we have found through love and those who have found us. 

Horsing around at the Dalkeith Show

Well, it's been a funny old week. With covid being rife, I shouldn't have been surprised that my mum has come down with it and (owing to her visiting) my husband too. 

So I was in an absolute pickle this weekend. We'd won tickets to the Dalkeith Show. I was negative (and had been for a few days) and feeling 100%. Technically if I was in the office I would have had to go in, and yet I still felt massively guilty to be considering going out to have fun.

Hubby told me to go. I offered the ticket to my friend and explained the whole sad story and she encouraged me to go as well.

And so we went. And we had an amazing time. 

I joke that the Dalkeith show is the less touristy version of the Highland Show. Its got livestock. Its got vintage tractors. There's horses and stalls and competitions and shows. 

We arrived for opening and started with the Clydesdales. it was a good chance to catch up on life, the universe and all the happenings and it was swiftly lunchtime. 

As it was so hot, I got Missy in the paddling pool and splashed her down a few times. She wasn't pleased, but didn't overheat, so mission accomplished! 

The Dalkeith Show tends to get a novelty act in for the kids, and this year was the "Drakes of Hazard", a comedy act with a sheepdog herding ducks. 

We all ooh'd and ahh'd in the right places as the ducks completed the obstacle course (including a tiny helter skelter). Definitely a fun addition to the day! 

We finished the day doing the Braid Vets dog show, and Missy placed this year and won Best Crossbreed. I was initially surprised when they made a point that they were looking for dogs with three or more breeds in them, and then realised that this was to combat the rise of the "oodle". Over half of the dogs in the general "best puppy" or "golden oldie" were labradoodles, cockapoodles, sproodles, goldendoodles or a varient thereof, so they were clearly trying to get "true mutts" and not designer Crossbreeds in the competition.

Symantics and breed politics aside, Missy was in absolute tart mode with the judges. We had to walk in a circle and, midway round, she decided enough was enough and snuggled up to them and demanded all the cuddles. And won. Was it cheating? Did she bribe the judges with kisses?

Who's to say. Who's to say.

So an excellent day all round.

Today has been too hot for adventures (and even though I am still 100% and testing negative I don't want to push my luck too far. Technically I'm out of the window to have caught it from my mum, so I have until Wednesday to see if I catch it from hubby). So it's been a pottering about day for Missy and I. I got a load of the garden sorted. Been pushing on with crafts and we've been avoiding the heat by doing a very early walk and have planned a late one. Hubby, bless him, took an hour to cut the fresh grown onions and then had to lie down for a bit. He's doing well, but is just exhausted. I'm letting him help, but not expecting any, if that makes sense.

Talking of crafts, I managed to photograph last week's big project. 

I know what your thinking, but trust me, hop over to my Instagram @missdaisysewing and you'll see the fun and quirky design element on this one.

Stay safe, everyone! 

Bring Forth the Thunderous Hooves

OK, OK, the title is a little bit dramatic, but I needed something with more punch than the last time we did the Jousting in 2017.

Yes, it's been 5 years since we did the Jousting! After a forced 2 year hiatus, they really pulled out all the stops for this year. We had sword and archery demonstrations on horseback in addition to the Jousting. There was medieval music and a village with re-enactors. There was falconry and jesters. Something for everyone. 

So, the jousting.This year featured everyone's favourite villain; Sir Checkmate:

Battling it out with three other contestants for the brave maidens hand. This year we had a twist in the tail as our fair maiden, upon Sir Checkmate (dubiously and with a lot of cheating) winning, revealed she too, could joust:

Always a win in my books!

It was just hubby, Missy and I out for the day, and it was really nice to take it at our own pace and just enjoy the show with no distractions. Well, except for the 6 month old springer spaniel sat next to us (or more honestly, kept trying to sit between us, to which Missy was very unimpressed as she did not want to share her picnic blanket), but hubby loves giving dogs kisses and cuddles, so that doesn't really count!

The falconry was good. Sadly, due to the seagulls, they couldn't really fly the birds, but we got to watch them go from post to handler and see a little flying. 

And then it was round two of the jousting. True love prevailed, the evil Sir Checkmate was thwarted once more. At least until the next jousting event! We're hoping to see it in Caerlaverock this year, so I wonder if the script will be the same or not! 

In other news, Missy went on her first PAT visit this week, out to a care home. It went really well - at first I was unsure as the first few residents were a bit non-plussed at her being there, and then we met a lady who was completely deaf who grew up in a farm. My goodness. The kisses. The cuddles. The woman seemed to come to life seeing her. And then we had a few more really good encounters after that - so I can totally see why people volunteer at these places.

She's booked in next week for a hospital visit, so based on what is better for her, we're hoping to get something semi regular organised.

I also managed a big sewing project this week, but haven't had time to photograph it, so I'll save that for next week! 

P in the Park

It's finally the Summer and the events and festivals are in full swing. 

We had a quick week - firstly our usual evening commitments and then Friday was a volunteer day for me, out walking greyhounds at the Fife Greyhound Rescue. The greyhound rescue is always a great day, made better by the wonderful weather we had. 

Then once I got home we had our Liverpool friends visit. They were finishing thier tour of East Scotland and we were the last stop before home. Won't lie, it was a very late night, but you can't complain when it's good company!

Saturday was pancakes for breakfast and then they headed off to England whilst we were off to P in the Park. 

It's the first year it's been hosted and, whilst there were a few things I think they could improve on for next year, it was overall very enjoyable. 

There was a market, a give it a go agility course, timed races and also demos. We really enjoyed the K9 sniffer dog demo and talk and Missy did well in the race too (1 minute 15, not bad for a golden oldie!). We picked up some nice bits at the market too before heading home again. 

From there we've kept the rest of the weekend pretty quiet. I've been pottering about the garden - things are now becoming edible: the spinach had come and gone, home grown lettuce has been padding out our salads and today I picked almost 4.5kg of gooseberries from 1 of my 3 bushes! 

I've been getting on with my arts and crafts too - below is a set of dungarees I put together for my liverpuddlian friends little one. I've been meaning to make a togepi inspired outfit for years, and I've now finally done it! Very pleased with the oi9. 

Powering Through the Weekend

This weekend had an unexpected bonus adventure - the Castle Fraser Steam and Vintage Fair!

So let's rewind a bit. A few months ago, hubby's Dad finally went to a doctor about his bellybutton which had popped out into a little bump (I am positive that this is where hubby has this bad habit from, his arm could be hanging on by a thread and he'd insist he was fine). Of course, to no one's surprise, FIL had an umbilical hernia and he went on a waiting list to get it sorted.

Fast forward to about 10 days, and he was in surgery and successfully had it fixed. Which meant he had to basically be on bed rest for the foreseeable. Which would be fine, if thier dog Ruby, wasn't at least 50% Tigger.

Y'all, this dog has springs for paws. Nonetheless, MIL (who has a gammy knee) stepped up and has done all of the dog walks as well as looking after her husband. We had said since we knew an operation was going to happen that we would come up and help out with Ruby. We knew that it was the best place to help out so that MIL could have a break and get on with some well deserved reading or a nap or two. 

So we arrived and got to work by handing over a get well soon crumble. Saturday we had planned a succession of walks. The Moss. Castle Fraser. BA Field. Maybe the Estate for an evening walk too. 

Also like his father, this is where hubby, and subsequently myself, gets naming walking routes from. 

The Moss, check. A spot of brunch (aka the get well soon crumble which sadly went all too soon). Now onto Castle Fraser. 

We got the dogs in the car and pottered down the road. 

At the entrance was a big sign that said "Steam and Vintage Fair". 

"Oh", I said to hubby, "We must tell your dad they're having an event soon."

We pulled in and were met by dozens of men in bright coats waving us into the overflow caepaek.

"Oh", I said to the car in general, "it's today!" 

We rang MIL whilst we got expertly taken to out parking space. 

"Oh!" FIL could be heard in the background, "I'd forgotten that was on!". 

No, no, there was to be no adventure. We would stick to the plan and be in hand at the house. 

So. Um. Yeah. 

Really, it was an elaborate excuse to work on Ruby's posing. 

Realistically, we did the 30 minute yellow walk and caved. What better way to wear a dog out than new sights, sounds and experiences? Missy is an old hand at this, she'd keep Ruby right and show her there was nothing to be worried about. And, apart from deciding that she deserved a biscuit every time Missy did, regardless of whether she posed it not, Ruby did brilliantly. She was definitely unsure at the start - this is the second event she's done (last year's DogFest being the first), but between hubby's calm demeanour and Missys laid back attitude to the noise and smells, Ruby quickly settled in for it.

We really tried hard with the posing. And she was starting to get the hang if it at the end (although hubby is politely out if shot for them all!) 

We were spoilt for choice. Vintage cars and tractors. Tiny steam engines to giant steam traction engines and rollers. Motorbikes, fire trucks and military vehicles. Honestly, there was something for everyone. 

A very unexpected and delightful adventure. 

We sheepishly returned to the in laws and handed over the exhausted dog. They were delighted we had decided to stay and have a nice day, MIL was pleased to have got the hoovering done and also catch up on her book and emails whilst FIL had a good nap. 

A good day all round then! 

And yes, Ruby did wake up an hour or two later and we took her out again, but she was definitely more chilled out after an adventure of her own. 

Mission accomplished. 

We gave both dogs a good walk this morning before setting off. FIL is now at the point of his recovery where he is to start walking about, so will be able to start on some of the smaller dog walks, so our visit was perfectly timed in thar Ruby will be calmer for them moving into the routine. 

Not a bad little weekend! There is something to be said for a spontaneous adventure!

Sailing for Adventure

It's been an exciting week with lots of adventure. From sailing ships to beaches, pottery painting and scrapbooking, there's been something for everyone. We did some serious crafting, my sister and I, but I'll let her fill you all in on that in her blog! 

Last year on our Wales trip, we had so much fun we decided that we really had to do it all again. Hubby floated the idea of his childhood home of Broughty Ferry, Dundee, as a great place to visit and so we booked it pretty much on the spot. 

How quickly a year rolls round! After the excitement of the Jubilee weekend we headed up north and over the Tay for our trip to Dundee, home of Jute, Jam and Journalism. 

After the initial day of running about the beach and getting to grips with the area, Tuesday was the first big adventure. Hubby went with my sister and her family to the Discovery, and Missy and I had a girls adventure at the HMS Unicorn.

One of the oldest sail ships in Scotland, the Unicorn had plenty for Missy and I to see and do. After a dubious moment looking at the very steep steps, which Missy proved to be able to manage far more gracefully than I, the whole ship was pretty much available to look about.

I was glad we had decided to split the party. Whilst I was quite happy to read the columns of text and imagine life aboard the ship with 300 fellow sailors, I don't think my niece and nephew would have enjoyed it. Both are too young to feel rewarded reading panels of text, and I later learned that my nephew also struggled with the stairs on the Discovery.

Missy had a great time befriending the ships cat and stalking mice in the hold. The staff fawned over her as well, so I was pleased that no one probably noticed my awkward shambling up and down the steps. 

I don't think I'd have made a particularly good sailor! 

There was lunch in the local brewdog, a dog swap and a quick caper to the Mcmanus art gallery to see the whale skeleton afterwards. An excellent first day. 

Wednesday was the "quiet" day. My sister always insists on these, but they never really end up all that quiet! There was kite flying in the morning before my sister and her family checked out Broughty Castle. Lunch was in a cafe and then off we went pottery painting. Missy slept through most of it. She's been slowly building up again, but isn't quite there.

And yes. Of course I had to make her something.

Then Thursday was a trip out to St Andrews. After a solid morning walk, Missy and Hubby sat out whilst we all did the St Andrews aquarium.

Then it was the beach. I honestly forgot how much children love the beach. We took turns watching the shoes as the kids played on the the surf and in the sand. Missy played for a bit with her lure and settled down to watch the kids play and soak up the sun.

Our last day was a stop at the Dundee Transport Museum. This was the only thing we managed to all do together as it was the only proper dog friendly attraction that the kids would enjoy.

And enjoy they did. Sitting in driverless cars and old old fire engines, they had a great time. We learned about the Tay Bridge Disaster and also found out that dogs used to have to sit upstairs with the smokers on buses!

Believe it or not, but that isn't the end of the weekend. Saturday we pulled a fly one and, after getting my sister to the zoo, convinced we'd let the cat out the bag, we presented her with an early birthday present: a sponsorship for the ring tailed Lemurs. 

I've mentioned before how important the lemurs are to my sister, or more specifically, a very old, arthritic, half tailed lemur called Stumpy.

We had genuine tears of happiness, and I really can't think of a better way to end a holiday! 

A Lot to Celebrate

We've had good news. Missys results came back and everything is officially benign so she's out the woods with another scar and none the wiser. That news came on Wednesday, so with my sister arriving Thursday, I was in a great mood to celebrate seeing family and enjoying all the Jubilee activities on offer.

As always when she visits, it's been a busy week. Firstly it was Edinburgh Zoo as we all wanted to take advantage of our passes. 

Then it was a day at the Family Festival in Newhailes. Missy had gotten her stitches out that morning and we kept her walking to a minimum. It was good to watch the live music and enjoy the atmosphere. 

Honestly, covid is starting to feel like a fever dream sometimes, except that I know too many people who are affected long term by it. 

Talking of covid, our friends with the twins joined us (sans husband) and it was great to have both my neices and nephews play together. They're all at that wonderful age where they make friends fast and were soon causing havok.

To finish wrapping up the weekend, we did a family garden party. It felt like a gathering of the clan as each branch of the tree arrived. Our friends mentioned above were also invited, partly because the children were getting on so well, and partly because we're really the only family they have locally, so want to include them as much as possible. 

And it went great. There's always a bit of trepidation when I get everyone together, but it worked well. The kids had a great time running riot (thank goodness it's a big garden) and the adults all got to catch up. 

A success! 

And talking of successes, I managed it. Saturday night the last of the stitches were done, in perfect time for the party. Bit bad for less than a months work, especially as most of that month was worrying about Missy!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend, whatever you got up to!