A sunny trip to the beach. . . .

School holidays always include a trip to the beach.

The sun was glorious, but don't be fooled, it was freezing!!

We had the beach almost all to ourselves.

We walked all the way out to the sea and Penny loved the water.

Dog/child training continues . .. . . 

Brock Valley

I have a sewing project, folded up on the sofa that I don't want to start!!

So to avoid looking at it, today we went out.

We visited Brock Valley.

The wild garlic carpets the woodland floor.

Penny enjoyed every minute.

She was keen to take a dip in the stream . . . . 

(and take the lead holder with her)

But muddy wet dog for the journey home  . . . . . I don't think so.

As soon as we got home I gave her some lunch,

But the poor dog was so tired she couldn't eat

And shes slept most of the afternoon!!

On a long lead. . . . .

 Penny's been able to get out and about for a couple of weeks now.

We often head out for a small walk after dropping my Son at school.

The lead needs to be short, with prams, children, parents, scooters and bikes, not to mention the heavy traffic!

But today we took the car and drove to Beacon Fell Country Park.

Lots to see for Penny, on a lovely long lead and no pulling her in close to avoid 'stuff'

We walked through the woods and out onto the rough grass.

(which Penny loved, lots of sniffing to be done)

We called at the small pond which was covered in frog spawn.

And just by chance spotted one of the new sculptures!!

Penny enjoyed jumping up on the many tree stumps . . . . 

But shes really just a little puppy, not quite big enough yet!!

Squeezing in some sewing time.

My Life at the moment revolves around Penny!!

She takes up all my days and keeps me awake late into the night and gets me up nice and early in the morning.

So just over a week ago I gave myself the day off, it was all a bit last minute but I NEEDED A DAY OFF!!

It just happened to be the Harrogate Spring Quilt Festival. . . . . .

I didn't have a project in mind but got a little bit of fabric just in case!!

Whilst the beast Penny was asleep the other day I had a sort through my Mini Charm packs.

Luckily Penny sleeps through the noise the sewing machine makes, but when she is awake I have to lift the foot peddle onto the table otherwise she tries to chew the wire. 

I used some fabric from my stash.

Lots of cutting, sewing, ironing and trimming.

 (also I did some standing outside willing the dog to hurry up and have a wee)

Then sew it all together!

I've still got to add some backing fabric and decide how to quilt it. 

(and then what to do with it, theirs only so many blankets/quilts you need as a family)

But for now I'll just enjoy the piece whilst my little friend has a nap.

Dogs and coats . . . . .

I've got mixed feelings about dogs dressed up in clothes.

But I would like Penny to be able to wear some sort of rain coat, especially when shes older and our walks are looooong. 

When shes fully grown I'll buy her a nice rain coat but until then she needs to feel happy and comfortable wearing a jacket!!!

I had a little look on the internet at 'Dog Coat Patterns' , then had a measure of the dog.

This was fun, Penny thought it was a great game!!!

After a rummage in my fabric stash for some fabric, I settled on some fleece.

Then out came the sewing machine.

(In between using the machine the foot pedal had to go on the table, the wire was toooo tempting)

My model was a little reluctant to try on her coat.

She just needed a nap. . . . . . 

After a sleep she was happy to try the coat on but very difficult to photograph!

I am pleased with the finished coat and I might make another with some shower resistant fabric.

Penny's Grand Day Out

Today Penny had a grand day out.

We had an 'uneventful' car journey.

 (On Penny's first journey in the car, alone in the back, she had multiple accidents)

Although the wind was biting and we all felt the cold, Penny loved the sea!!

She is very busy and had no time to pose for photos!

After dipping her paws in the sea we headed for the sand dunes

My son loves the dunes and always has a roll in the sand, filling his wellies full of sand.

I had thought I'd need to carry Penny back to the car, thinking she'd be exhausted but no!

She set a fast pace.

Back home for a mad run around outside and a quick pose for a photo!

Meet Penelope

Just before half term, after the children set off to school, my partner & I set off for a day in Wales.

No site seeing, we went to see a puppy!!

We paid our deposit and arranged to pick her up in half term.

The journey there was full of excited chatter but on the journey home we tried to stay quiet and calm!!!

Meet Penelope!!!

Its a steep learning curve. . . . . 

At first she was a bit timid. . . . . 

But she's soon settled in.

Shes even made friends with BB8 (our Bunny)

Well that's it for today, shes had a little snooze, now she needs my full attention!!