We had a lovely meal in the Gateside Inn last night, for Mum’s birthday.

Dad and I had Peppered Beef with Rice and Veg, Mum had Chicken Tempura and Craig had Chicken & Leek Pie.

Holly had laid on a bottle of Prosecco and a bottle of Nozeco for us which was so lovely of her.

Dad and Craig had lentil soup to start…. For the first time ever, I never had a starter. Unheard of!

I did, however, order the Toasted Waffles with Tablet ice cream and toffee sauce…

Of course Mum and I had to share it as it is massive!!!! but very, very good…

By the time you eaten a Gateside meal, there is nothing else for it but to put your feet up in front of the fire, especially since you were awake since 5am. 😂

We lit the tealight village when we came home and I managed to stay awake for another hour before heading to bed at 10pm. Rock me on a night out eh?!

Mum got lots of cuddles whether she liked it or not!

I slept really well and woke at 6.48 which is a lie in for me these days.

Craig did a lot of work on his Scottish Dog Behaviourist page this morning and put out a post asking as many people to share as possible. We joked that maybe 20 people would…. We are so very grateful that currently he has 118 followers now which yesterday, midday, was ZERO. The response has been phenomenal and we are truly grateful.

88 people have already shared his post! This is where social media plays a great role…. in creating awareness.

He’ll be doing 2 or 3 posts a day to help us understand our dogs a bit better. Jeez I’m tired, you know what I mean but that didn’t even really make sense to me!

He went off to meet the village woodcutters at 10 and Mum and Dad and I headed down to Gro Coffee in Irvine. Here are the pups getting settled when we left.

Here’s Mum in Gro on her Birthday Boxing Day!

The food in Gro Coffee is out of this world. I had the breakfast taco, Dad had an omelette with Cajun chicken and Mexican veg (which resembled a calzone pizza) and Mum had poached eggs with smoked salmon. It was exquisite.

Mum bought a huge strawberry tart for Craig and we went for a freezing cold, brisk walk along the promenade!

It’s wild and all though 8°C, the wind chill made if feel so much colder!

I’m really looking forward to some sunshine, even just blue sky would be lovely. It’s not very picturesque at the moment though it was certainly dramatic.

We got home by 2ish and Mum and Dad left to head home. I think I might need a wee nap after all that lovely food and sea air. The wood burning stove is on in the sunroom, for the first time in ages, and I might just settle into Gran’s chair like old times.

Oh I should show you my beautiful flowers… the tulips from Mum and Dad and the roses from Claire through the week. What a lovely surprise and they’re such a joy to see. A reminder of brighter weather to come!

Thanks again to all of you who have shared the Scottish Dog Behaviourist. It’s the only way he will become known. Your distance from us shouldn’t matter as he will share lots of tips on a daily basis and eventually run online courses so that everyone can have access to his work.

For those of you who don’t have dogs…. I will talk about something else one day, I promise 😂😂😂

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

It’s Mum’s birthday today and they’re coming over this afternoon so we can have dinner in the pub next door.

It’s 2.40pm and I’m in bed to write this and catch a quick 40 winks. They’ll be here at 4pm.

It was busy in The little gift shop today, as people came in to congratulate Gayle on taking on a 3rd shop in Lochwinnoch.

There was lots of excited chat!

I also cleared away Valentine’s Day and brought out Mother’s Day. (19th March in the UK!). Cleared the shop window out and cleaned the window and the front glass door.

Craig’s also started doing loads of FB posts for the Scottish Dog Behaviourist, so I’ve been sharing all that. There’s been a lot of social media…..

So yeah, I’m tired. Been up since 5am. Dogs walked, house cleaned.

It was a dreich morning but I got loads of photos today as there was a strange light in the sky.

There must have been a lot of rain overnight as the burn was swollen.

I became strangely obsessed with the pylons today….

The sky looked so heavy….it was really unusual.

So I have an hour till my folks get here. Gonna put this out now and get a quick Power Nap!!

Have a great Saturday afternoon and evening. Pics from out night to follow tomorrow!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

It’s 5pm and I am shattered. Exhausted. Knackered…. But I have lots of exciting news to share!

Up and at ‘em for my last Fit Body Farm as a full time member 😢 never saw that coming, did you?!

It was a tough workout. 15 minutes of constant exercise, trying to do as many circuits as possible….. twice!!!!

Check the state of me by the time I was finished….

I walked up to Gavin, the Coach, and gave him a sweaty hug and started to cry…. He said that we should say “see you soon, rather than goodbye”. I hope that we will be back.

So….. you’re maybe wondering why?! Well….. 🐶🐶🐶

Craig is in the process of launching a new business and we need to use everything we have to ensure a successful launch.

This is his Fb page…

Scottish Dog Behaviourist FB

And his website…. Scottish Dog Behaviourist

It doesn’t matter where you are in the world…. If you have a dog, please go take a look and follow him. (Also in Insta!)

He’ll be posting loads of info and will eventually have a YouTube channel and online courses!

It’s all happening!

In other news, the little gift shop made a big announcement on FB today. If you’re local go check out Gayle’s FB page! Exciting times for her too!!

So I just need to make sure I keep exercising somehow, as the Farm has been very good for my mental health. I can’t let that slide.

So maybe that explains my mood in the last few weeks’….. I’ve been shattered all the time but there’s been a lot going on that was not my story to share. I’ve been supporting Craig when I’ve not been at work. He’s obviously the one doing all the hard work!

I’m really looking forward to getting involved in his new venture. Sorry in advance, if I go on about it a bit…. It means a lot to us that he is successful. Remember that we want to share as much of this worldwide with anyone who has a dog or dogs.

Feet up, movie on… and chill!

Stay safe everyone 🐶🐶🐶

What a day! 7am to 4pm with a wee cheeky half hour in Abbie the Campervan. I literally could have slept there all afternoon. I put the diesel heater on and it was super cosy.

I had the best sleep last night. It was sooo good. I felt really refreshed when I woke up.

Last night was the first night back on the Progesterone, for the next 2 weeks. It helps you sleep.

I’ve been really emotional today though. I’m not that sure why. Claire sent me this….

To be honest, I’ve never heard of dumfungled but I love it!

I am really tired. We’ve been super busy but it’s been a good week.

I started off at 7am, with the list I wrote last night and I actually got through most of it during the day. I’ve finished up tonight feeling way more organised than I did last night.

I’ve felt really sad today. There were tears a few times…. Honestly for no real reason. Could just be the hormones.

I was home by 4.40 and made a pasta bake for dinner. It was ready just before 6pm but I was heading over to the Village Hall to help set up for a Psychic Night that’s running tonight, to raise funds for the Hall.

I have the chance to go and I swithered for ages but decide not to.

One day I’ll actually go to something like that instead of avoiding it.

The girls were super lovely as we set up. Always a lovely word to say. Their kind words mean a lot to me.

I came home for dinner and am back on the fasting again.

This next one is only for laughs as I’ve not lost my shit…. 😂😂

No one wants a shit storm!

Hope the girls have the best night while I curl up on the couch.

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Good sleep!!! Great sleep actually. I was still pretty hot through the night but I was out for the count until 4.15am. (yeah I know that’s ridiculously early!)

That made me laugh! So yeah, off to the Farm and the moon was AMAZING this morning. I’ve no photos as I was driving.

It was a prefect chunky crescent 🌙 and it was almost red. It just hung in the sky, not far from the ground. I was blown away by it the whole way to the Farm. I love appreciating nature like that.

I can hardly walk by the time I get there! My muscles are so tight from Friday and Monday. It was another great workout. Lots of weights and running.

The sky was lovely when I left. The sun was starting to rise. We were so lucky to get the workout done before the rain hit.

It’s lovely to leave in the almost daylight.

It was torrential rain from 8-10 ish. Stotting off the ground, such a difference from the early morning.

My day flew by in a heartbeat. Honestly, I don’t know where the hours went. It was so busy and I had people in from late morning for most of the day. I was going to stay late but I was too tired. I knew I’d not concentrate properly and end up wasting time. I’ll go in early in the morning again and try to clear the decks before the weekend. It’s amazing the business that the Show has generated for us.

I still struggle with being out of control. I’ve tried to write a list of things to do in the morning. I just need to stick to it when I get in.

I’m off to meet the Crochet Hookers in the pub next door in 7 minutes. Sure we’ll get a good chat and put the world to rights….

Oh that reminds me, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon resigned today. (that’s was a quick switch in conversation eh?!)

I know so many people who don’t have a good word to say about her but I’ve nothing but respect for the commitment she’s shown our country. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Stay safe everyone 💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙

I was up at 5.30am and in work for 7.15am. We’re so busy just now that I feel like I’m not making a dent in it!

There was another lovely lady’s funeral today and I passed on my apologies that I couldn’t make it. I really wanted to be there, to pay my respects but the logistics of that, and coping with the workload would have been too much. I am so very sad for her loss….

I can still hear her voice and her deep laugh. I can see her wink and feel her hug.

I also can’t walk away from the amount of work that needs doing. The people pleaser in me isn’t sure how to handle this so I have to do what feels best for me at the time.

I think about her a lot. She’s in every tree and it makes me smile. I know how ridiculous that sounds by the way. I’m just saying it how it is!

Carole this spooky tree, from last year, is just for you. I’m sure you would have commented on it.

I’m really tired tonight. I feel a bit meh and I’ve lost the giggly spring that I had in my step yesterday. Nothing that a good sleep won’t fix.

It’s also Valentine’s Day today but we’ve chosen not to do anything for it this year. I like this next one that my friend Carol-Ann shared.

And definitely this….. ♥️

I’ve just read this back and realise it sounds a bit down. I’m really not. Looking forward to my cosy, clean bed!!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

I didn’t sleep great last night… woke at 1.30am, then again at 3 and finally up at 5am for Fit Body Farm.

It was a great session outside this morning. I love the outdoor workouts. It was actually light by the time I left at 7.30am!

The snowdrops are blooming in full force.

It was lovely to see the daylight that early… the forecast was for pure blue sky all day. It never really happened. I was soooo hoping for a sunset at the beach after work tonight. It was not to be!

There were sunny spells today but nothing f of any significance. Shame! I was looking forward to a good dose of vitamin D.

Work was crazy busy today. The customer enquiries have just kept flooding in since the show. It’s been an amazing response. The phone has not stopped ringing all day! I have taken more work instead of actually doing any… all day!!

It’s all good. It’s been a fun day. I’ve felt a bit excitable, a bit giggly. It’s been a lot better than getting stressed out.

I don’t like being out of control but I’ve actually laughed at it today…. That’s the way to be. And long may it continue.

I’m cuddling with Bhruic on the couch now.

Will go into work early tomorrow to try to get some done before the phones start ringing again.

So that’s all from me tonight.

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

I had such a great sleep last night. 8 hours and 19 minutes… I woke feeling refreshed. Clean bed has a lot to answer for.

I didn’t get night sweats for the first time in about a week and a half. I could have stayed in there all day and as I write this I think it would actually be nice to go back 😂

Had a nice decaf black coffee in my slothee mug! (from the Crochet Hookers for my 50th!)

So yeah… as usual on my day off, I want to do absolutely everything but actually I really want to do nothing. It’s half 1 already and I have dusted and polished the fire place and window ledge in the living room. I’ve tidied out the “candle” cupboard (yup we have one of those…) as it was a mess. I’ve hung one washing and put on another and I’ve walked the dogs…. For the first time in AGES!!

It’s a dull and fairly nondescript February day. It’s cold at first but then hot when you’re walking. I may have overdressed. The sky is grey and everything looks a big damp, soggy and miserable. It doesn’t make for the best photos! off out with Bhruic and Freya first.

Then back home for Calaidh.

Now Calaidh is not the most agile of dogs…. She doesn’t run half as much as the other two…. was lovely to catch her jumping this burn.

This was the most arty shot I could find… very slim pickings this morning 😂

Today was all about the water!

She really is a cutie pie.

So it’s now half 4 and I really have done nothing of any significance. I managed 19.5 hours of fasting.

I’m in front of the fire with a book while the football blares on the tv….. 😂

It’s been a restful day. I’m chilled and relaxed. I’m sure we’ll be binging Happy Valley as soon as the football is over!

Here’s to a good week ahead.

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Wow, 1040, feels like about 5 minutes since day 1000…. Life is passing by at a great rate of knots.

Awake at 5am today and it’s now 6 and I’m still lying in bed so thought I’d start this early. I’ve dosed up on positivity from my The Rambling Sloth FB feed. No nasties on there.

I found this. I was diagnosed with anxiety in 2018 when I first went off sick from work. But this…. Got me right in the feels.

100%. My body wouldn’t let me do that to myself for one more day….. well it let me go back for 5 months but they were the most pointless 5 months ever…. I was there because I felt I “should”. That word again…. Think about every time you feel you “should” do something. Does that not mean that we really don’t want to do it? It becomes a chore… how does your body make you feel when you force yourself to do something that you feel you “should” do?

Mine has a stroppy child inside that huffs and puffs and waves angry arms around… seriously. She’s totally in her element when I feel I “should” do something.

I think I’m pretty selfish these days. Selfish seems a very negative word…. Actually I know what works for me and what doesn’t. I need to listen to my body and it knows what’s right for me and what’s not. If something raises that stroppy child then it’s not really something I should be doing.

I feel a detachment from people at times. I don’t have s hectic social life, I don’t see lots of people because I have to build downtime into my week. I’m ok with that but I do feel I “should” make more of an effort at times.

I’ve been really stuck by 2 people who have died recently and by how much their deaths have affected me. For those who don’t know who they are, I will say that neither of them were close friends. Jeez that sounds awful but I’m trying to say that saying sorry for my loss seems wrong as the loss is felt WAY more by others…. But I’ve been profoundly affected by both lovely ladies and they will never know the impact they had on my recovery. Oooh a wee tear escaping there.

Both of these women, who hardly knew me, took time out of their busy lives to connect with me when I was ill. One was absolutely determined to get me out of the job that had broken me and the other always with a wink and a hug and the right words at the sad times.

Where am I going with this? I guess it’s to tell you all how much we do impact other people’s lives. Someone will remember you for the smallest things… a song, a smile, a memory, a wise word, a hug, some love….

And sadly on the flip side, there will be those that we remember for the wrong reasons. If someone doesn’t feel right to you then YOU are right. Your gut instinct is right. Someone who doesn’t treat you well, makes you feel bad every time you connect with them, gives you a dog, a back handed snide remark, those are not your people.

I read recently in the Happiful Magazine. Worth a follow by the way…. You should not be scared of not being liked…… eek!

Well I have a long, long, long way to go with that one. I’m not sure how to get my head around it.

I have hurt people on my journey…. I know there are people out there who don’t like me….. but that thought could eat you up from the inside out. That is not a pleasant feeling. I’ve attached a link to the article though so you can all feel as uncomfortable as me 😳😬😘

Happiful Mag -Overcome your fear of not being liked

As an aside, I must say here that I find fasting incredibly easy…. But when hubby is up super early and the smell of bacon wafts it’s way under your bedroom door…. A girl could be forgiven for falling off the fasting wagon.

Anyway, I think I’ll get up now and change the bed…. Put my time to better use. Be nice to have clean bed tonight.

I just went back to the top of the blog to add a title and call it “early morning feels” ……… then realised I can’t do that!!!!!! 😂😂😂

Oh haha a dog barked… they can smell the bacon too…. Right, I’m up!!!

The days seems so long when you get up that early.

It was The little gift shop’s 4th birthday today. I was the first ever customer when Gayle opened. I took a video when I walked into the shop. It looks soooo different today! She’s done so well and I’m so proud of her. She just goes after what she wants and does it. A great role model.

I had my Valentine’ Day sweatshirt on with a heart patterned scarf…. I’m not taking it off as I may never wear it again. It was only £5.99 and is not the best shape or quality.

So yeah, it’s 2.15pm and I’m in comfies on the couch between Freya and Bhruic. I’ve finished my 13 day stint of work and have 1.5 days off work. I’m not doing anything for the rest of the day.

And relax….

Have a great rest of weekend!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

3am again. Wide awake. I tried to back to sleep and reckon I was completely successful…. About 10 minutes before the arm went off…. 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

I got up for the Farm at 5am and felt so groggy and lethargic. Craig got the dogs up before I left….. look how tired they all look!!

Please don’t go…. Just throw the ball 🎾

Nope I’m gunna get it….

Bhruic looking super sleepy….

Just stop pointing the camera at me says Freya! She looks soooo p’d off 😂

Oh ok you can throw it now….

The workout was brilliant though, and it was lovely to see a couple of the girls I haven’t seen for ages. I am soooo sore now and can hardly walk!!

I came home at 7.30am and blitzed the housework. I was on a roll and knew, as soon as I sat down, that would be me…. So I kept on going.

Had to spend 20 minutes unblocking the hoover…. Realised that all I was doing was pushing dog hair around the house and it must be blocked. I had to take it apart! Then had to go back over everything once I unblocked it….. 😂 it feels great to have taken the worst off. There’s still loads that needs doing.

I got a message from a Gayle to say she was all ready for me at The little gift shop, with decaf coffee and oat milk!!! So nice of her.

I took sandwiches, for us both, for lunch and we had some lovely cake…. Forgot to take pics dammit… it was a Crunchie chocolate square. It was delish.

So Valentine’s Day is in full swing …. No men in to buy cards today but hopefully some tomorrow. We need to get more male customers! We don’t bite!

This is the shop window…. With very bad reflection.

Gayle is going to run a competition to win this amazing gift. My photos don’t do it justice!

Here’s a selection of cards and new Bomb Cosmetics. The shop smells lovely again today.

It was really good to be back and catch up on all the news and see all the new jewellery and smellies.

There was a big village funeral, today, for the lovely lady who died recently. I knew I wouldn’t be able to make it but it was lovely to see her daughter when I came home from work and give her a hug. She said her mum would have been pleased with how today went. I’m glad she had a lovely send off. ♥️

I’m not gonna lie… I am shattered now. I’m needing some time off after 12 days straight working and I’m really looking forward to a rest. Bearing in mind….. I crave alone time and silence and I have talked for 12 days. 😂 ironically talking is probably what I do best…. And I secretly love it but it will be nice to retreat into myself for a day and a half before it all starts again on Monday.

Chinese ordered as I can’t possibly cook (ok do I ever? It was my turn tonight and I just can’t….) candles lit… just need to change into my comfies and I’m done for the day!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Awake at 5am. I felt a bit antsy. Tense. Like I’d been grinding my teeth overnight.

I tried to get back to sleep but couldn’t. I played heavy rain sounds, then crashing waves followed by a meditation. All 3 were lovely and calmed my racing thoughts but I didn’t have time to fall back to sleep.

I was really jittery all morning. As if I’d had some caffeine. (I hadn’t, for once!)

I felt really anxious, breathless, trying to do everything all at once. I’m still bad for this when I’m busy. I like to be in control and I hate when I can’t be.

So I tidied up the office. Tried to put as much of the Caravan Show stuff back into its original place. I threw some junk out, I cleared my feet and felt a bit better.

There were things I had to do today, that I’ve neglected since the Show. I couldn’t do it all and had to accept that it was ok.

Ellison brought her lovely homemade lentil and bacon soup in for lunch again today. I cannot tell you how good it is!!

We had lots of customers in today too. The show has generated a great amount of enquiries.

When I left at 4pm, it was the end of my 11th day in a row at Tartan Campers. You know how I love a wee stat….

• Day 1038 of the blog,
• 1498 days with alcohol,
• 544 days without anti-depressants (this is the one that I actually cannot believe!!)
• And first time ever working 11 days in a row!! Course I still have The little gift shop over the next two days!!

I’m struggling to walk properly after the Farm yesterday. First big workout in weeks taking its toll.

I went straight to Silverburn Shopping Centre and stretched my aching legs out as I walked to meet Lea in Starbucks.

Starbucks is our thing. Our go-to. We used to go there once a week years ago, before I even met Craig. When Starbucks was a big thing… now they are everywhere.

And yes I ordered decaf! An oat milk caramelised macadamia latte DECAF!!! We must have told the girl about 5 times. Lea will sleep tonight on her caffeine… I’m impressed!

We haven’t caught up for ages so it was great to get a chat. Also lovely that we just pick up where we left off. We swapped Christmas presents and mine was in a Tartan bag!!

I got lovely perfume!

There was a Love Hearts arch and folk kept stopping for photos so we took a couple!

I love that Lea still had all the bags in this one!!! We couldn’t get a decent selfie with the arch in it at the same time!

I was back home about quarter to 8 and all of a sudden it’s half past already! It will be time for bed soon. Farm again in the morning. Which will be interesting if I stiffen up even more overnight… 😂

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

I made it!!!

It’s all about mindset. I got my gym bag ready last night, alarm set. Bed at 10 after 4 episodes of Happy Valley. That’s us finished the first season already!

I slept like a log and woke about 2 minutes before the 5am alarm. I felt rested. Fitbit says otherwise and says I was awake a lot… nope it felt like a great sleep to me.

I got out of bed no problem at all. I was ready.

It was great to be back. It was a quiet class but it was a good ease back in. I still worked hard.

It’s psychological but I know I feel worse when I’m not exercising. I have felt way better today. Way more switched on.

It was early sunrise when I left and I got some photos in the dark…. They look a lot lighter than it actually was.

Snowdrops woo hoo!!! And loads of them!

Love me a snowdrop!

So on to work and had a great day. Instead of fighting the work that needs doing, I feel there was some acceptance today.

I just got on with it. I didn’t try to stall it. I didn’t try to find loads of other, more important things to do.

I did a food shop in Home Bargains tonight….. who’d a thunk it?!?!? Rump steak for £2.79 and it’s a good steak 🥩. 2 chicken fillets for £2.29…. Amazing prizes and it didn’t look like poor quality. Highly recommend checking one out.

There is one thing I’ve learned today though…. I’ve identified a personality type that I do not respond well too. When people have a high level of expectation and demand that they get the thing that they want, when they want it. I think I’ve talked about this before….

I’ve always been a people pleaser so would never dream of laying down how it should be to suit myself. I find it very hard to react to this kind of personality. It feels entitled to me and I don’t respond well to it. So I’ve a bit of thinking to do on that.

My internal reactions are not pleasant. I feel an actual pain in my chest, I feel anger and clench my teeth. I have a very descriptive face and am sure there must be something that shows there…. Sneer maybe?!?!

I need to learn that this behaviour is not a slight on me. It’s not a dig at me. I think it has been in my past and that’s where the trigger is. Mrs overreaction!

Anyway, life is a big giant learning curve, isn’t it.

I’ve also seen this…… and this is the reason I don’t drink any more. I could have written it myself. Word for word.

I’m in with my Crochet Hookers. I was late but turns out we all were 😆 so I must dash and stop being rude.

There’s not enough hours in my day today!!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

5am this morning. Wide awake. Ended up in the office for 7.15am as I may as well work at my desk than work lying in bed.

I have so much to do that I feel so disorganised. I really struggle being out of control.

Works well under pressure…. NOT!

I get in a flap and can’t think what to do first. Then I end up in the middle of 4 jobs at once….. I do know how to get out of that. I just can’t necessarily do it at the time when I’m it. It’s like I wallow in the flap and it allows me to justify how useless I am. Even as I write that I realise how ridiculous it is.

All in one big waffling paragraph. 😂

I’m so worried I forget something that’s important. Let someone down by not contacting them at the right time. Lose business because I don’t get to them fast enough. Or make a mistake. Forget to order something. Run out of parts for the build….. my list of worries is endless 😆

And this is why I write the blog…..

It’s natural that I’m tired after the weekend but I struggle with the not sleeping. (As I write this, I know so many people who sleep WAY less than me…. My heart goes out to them). I feel antsy and irritated but also really sluggish and lethargic. If I’m honest, I really think I’m missing the Fit Body Farm.

The thought of getting up at 5am does not fill me with ANY joy…. Yet I’ve a feeling that I will feel much better for it. I just have book it…. And get out of bed. 🤦🏻‍♀️😂 it’s a vicious circle, you’re tired so you need sleep but when you don’t go you you feel worse for it.

I really got loads done today and am upsetting no-one. That’s the best of it! 😂

I was so grateful to see actual sunshine when I left work tonight. It was about 4.30pm when I left and the sun was low but it was shining. It was bright and it felt lovely to see it at that time of day. I had a lovely drive home.

I went out into the garden and kicked a ball around with the dogs. It was only about ten minutes but it felt great to be out in the fresh air for the first time in ages.

There was a lovely sunset.

Everything has just been a bit overwhelming really. That’s all.

We’re now watching Happy Valley, we seem to be behind everyone else in the UK who just saw the last episode. It’s quite addictive… and I’m not sure it’s been that happy at all through the first few episodes. 😂😂😂 Highly recommend it if you haven’t watched it!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

3am. 😳

Wide awake.

My head was singing songs, chattering away, making no sense. I wasn’t awake enough to get up, I’m exhausted…. But still no sleep.

I didn’t got to the Farm this morning and I felt really bad about that. It ruminated round in my head but I needed the rest. I’m not sure I got it so I set off to work early.

So as suspected, today was a little of the ordinary, mundane and routine…. And yet it wasn’t at all.

We are very lucky to have lots of work to do after the show but I’m a bit tired and jaded. 😂

An 8 hour nap today would have been amazing!!!

So I sat at my desk and sorted all our enquiries into date order and started working my way through them. There are still SO many to be done!!

So back on that tomorrow and hope that I can turn some of them into new business.

Today is 6th February, 2023 and our big girl Calaidh is 8 today!

With Calaidh it’s ALL about the tennis ball 🎾

She’s never happier than when she’s got her eye on a tennis ball.

She’s her daddy’s girl!

Here’s our little puppy when we took her to the vet at 12 weeks.

She had a unique personality. She doesn’t care for other dogs but just wants lots of affection from people. She’s scared of other dogs coughing and sneezing, she runs a mile. 😂

She’s always hiding from something 😂

Awww she’s the best. We don’t get the dogs anything for birthdays but we have been telling her it’s her birthday all day. 😂😂😂

In other news I got a Sizzle Streak badge today 😬 from Zero… the fasting app!

50 consecutive fasts!

Ok so I’m still not a size 12 but I feel so much better for it and I find it super easy to do. I feel much better without pigging out every single night. I’ve taken control of my diet and I’m managing it.

So that’s all from me now. A bit of a come down from the last few days but that’s ok. You can’t live life at that pace every day!!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Wow….. I have to say I’m nowhere near as effervescent tonight as I was last night. I am shattered!!!

I think I hit a wall about 13.10 today where I got sick of the sound of my own voice 😂 I’ve been doing great on the fasting while I’m on the stand as there’s no time to eat anything…. I think I needed food by the back of 1 today so I got a filled roll and crisps and a coffee…. £7.50!!

The show has been amazing and it’s shown me a side of myself that’s I’ve not seen for a very long time.

I love being on the stand. I’m so proud of who we are and what we do and telling people all about it.

Everyone has been so lovely. What are the chances?!? I’ve had so much banter with so many people, I just love that part of my job.

It seemed to be a lovely day today. Not that I’ve seen any of the weather for the last 4 days! Sunny on the way in.

Heading into the SEC.

A whole lot of work and chat later and the stand almost all packed away by 6pm tonight.

Tartan VAM (named after its registration!) sitting under the lights of the Glasgow Hydro.

With the Armadillo behind it.

VAM and Merida parked up for the night, awaiting collection tomorrow. Look at that sky!

Looking over to the Glasgow Tower.

VAM in the sunset.

And finally Ailsa’s rear end!

The sky was so beautiful. I wish I’d been out a bit earlier to see more of it.

It’s dark by the time Stuart drops me off. The lifts have been amazing, saved me having to drive the last few days and company on the way in and out.

The full moon is so bright!

I think it’s gonna be a cold one overnight but I cannot bring myself to put the screen protector on the van… I’ll deal with it in the morning.

So back to auld claes and porridge tomorrow. I have SO much work to do as a result of the show, not complaining at all but it’s certainly not going to be a restful week.

I’m not gonna make the farm again tomorrow. In 3 weeks I’ve only been once, that’s my worst record ever. But… I can’t do it all. I’ll get back in on Wednesday.

Can’t believe it’s almost Monday already. It’s 7.30pm and im just about to get my dinner. Chips from the pub which Holly so kindly gave Craig earlier. Just waiting on them to heat up!

I’m done….. 😂😘😴🛌

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Another level today.

It was amazing!!!!!!

We haven’t stopped.

It was heaving! Apparently people were queuing for up to an hour to get into the car parks. There were swarms of people everywhere!

I got a 20 minute break at 13.50 when I got some soup and a cheese and ham toastie , in the SEC staff canteen. Only cost £2.67 and it was lovely! Lunch on Monday cost me £7.50 and this was much better!!

It was like a calm haven when I walked through the door and it shut behind me. The girl told me that only 13 of the SEC staff had made it through for lunch so far so she knew that meant they were very busy.

Stuart described today like being in a tumble drier and that absolutely sums it up. We have literally talked to people all day! We’ve had people queuing up to speak to us. It was honestly amazing. I am bursting with pride at being a part of it.

I love every minute of it. I am honestly in my element. I just love it so much. Can’t get enough of it. Can you tell?!?! 😂

Here’s the end of day team photo!

I asked a guy to take our photo and he was obviously in a rush…. The one he took, none of us were looking at the camera…. He did take this one of me though… magic eh?!

Check the sunset on Ailsa the Tartan Camper, when we left the SEC. (It appears this actually stands for the Scottish Events Campus now…. Who knew?!?)

The sky was really stunning.

Stuart gave me a lift in and dropped me back…. I went on about the sunset all the way home. 😂

He thinks I’m crazy.

I told him he’s learning from me 😂😂😂

And the Tartan Camper drives off into the sunset!

It’s soooooo peaceful at home. Craig has the fire on and the candles lit and made me a lovely Chinese meal and I scoffed the lot!

Tomorrow is the last day of the show… I am pre-sad!

I have SO much work to do when I get back to Tartan HQ. It’s not like I get an easy time of it next week.

I can’t believe it’s Saturday night already. 😂

Hope you’re having a lovely weekend!

Stay safe everyone ♥️🚐🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Another very busy day at the Show today! It’s such a buzz, it literally barely stops and we are giving so many people information about our business. I feel very proud when I talk about what we do.

I have loads of photos today. Craig ran me in and the traffic was so much lighter…. I believe there might have been a teacher’s strike today? We got there at 9am and went for a walk down on the River Clyde.

The Paddle Steamer Waverley is moored at the Glasgow Science Centre over the winter, just next to the Glasgow Tower. I had the best day out on her in mid October. 🚢

The Clyde is so still just not quite a perfect reflection.

We walked down the Clyde and past the BBC Scotland building.

Then round the side of the Armadillo which is a fascinating building, to see the Tartan Campers outside the SEC.

And yes… obligatory photo!

Mum and Dad came all the way over from Edinburgh today. So good to see them and they actually spent a long time at the show.

Tried to get a pic of us all before they left…. This was the best!

We managed to get a half hour lunch which was lovely and a couple of chats as they passed our stand.

These Pikachus were on the rounds this morning 😂

Finally got a pic on the stand before the madness started this morning. this is my “hurry up and take the photo Craig, I’m embarrassed” face 😂.

So yeah it’s been another lovely day. It’s so important to be about to get the word out there and become recognised in the industry…. Doing what I do best, talking and smiling at people all day. 😂 I don’t feel like I need to sit in a dark room yet… I might need to by Sunday night!!!

Finally end of show team selfie with Stuart and Gav…. How funny that they kept shutting their eyes in every picture but finally got one…. 🙄😬

Happy Friday night to you all. Just about to get dinner and chill.

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Well that was an interesting evening yesterday…..

The cramp just kept getting worse. Painkillers didn’t ease it off and neither did my hot water bottle. Usually the heat is an instant relief.

I literally had to move about on the couch every 5-10 minutes or so. Once I got comfy, it relaxed a bit until the next wave hit. Not gonna lie, there were silent tears most of the evening as I genuinely felt awfy sorry for myself.

It wasn’t the kind of depression tears though, just a feeling sad for the current situation. Also not a woe is me…. I know that this will pass. And it has….

I’ve been much better today. I actually slept most of the night, which was great but I didn’t go to the Farm this morning as still felt rotten, I looked all peely wally and my eyes were puffy from the tears.

Bit pathetic eh but it was really sore.

I’ve had twinges today but nothing like yesterday.

So it’s been an exciting, busy, yet very quiet day at Tartan HQ. The boys were at the SEC in Glasgow, setting up our stand at the show. It turned out they’d given us the wrong stand so we had to move everything around. A daft mistake by someone on Monday.

We are so very lucky to have two vans right outside the SEC which is a great advertisement. (these are not my pics as I wasn’t there today!)

There’s the same Finnieston Crane that I took a photo of last week when I was at the Scottish Trade Fair with the little gift shop. This is the year of the trade show! 😂

Here’s our stand!

And here are 3 of my smart looking Directors…. A girl can never have too many Directors 😂

This lovely van is up for sale at the show… I love it!

So yeah, that’s me for the next 4 days! If you happen to be at a loose end and nearby then pop along and say hello. We have smart new gear to wear so there will be plenty of photos.

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

You do know that I have to look up the name of this show every time I type it don’t you?! 😂

It’s 8.23am and I’m in the exhibitors car park at the Scottish Exhibition Centre. I’ve called Craig to let him know I’m here and that I survived. 🤦🏻‍♀️😳😆 there may have been a few wee shaky tears 🤦🏻‍♀️

I was so nervous about the drive here. Let’s be clear…. She who used to wheech all over Glasgow, in rush hour, twice a day to commute an 88 mile round trip… suddenly terrified of traffic. I’m just the gift that keeps on giving eh?!?

I honestly think this stems from getting the van stuck on a campsite in May last year, followed by Abbie’s summer of wobbling back end. I’m sure that’s all it is. Of course I don’t drive in rush hour any more so I’m not used to it, but driving never used to bother me in the slightest. In fact, I used to love it. I never understood people who were nervous of it.

Hullo…… thanks new anxiety. I’m not having this one. I think these next few days will really help. Oh I should say we’re not meeting until 9am so I am SUPER early, of course. Might try a wee bit later tomorrow and risk slightly busier traffic. Even as I write that I think, get a life and I’m laughing.

Now, just to try not and need the loo for the next half hour as I wait for my boss Gav to arrive. We’re meeting in the car park as I had to drive past the guy on the gate and tell him I don’t have my exhibitor pass yet…. He was less than impressed but he did let me in. 😂

All set in my new Tartan gear!

Ok STOP TAKING PHOTOS!!!!

Fast forward…. It’s now 6.51pm and I am exhausted!!!!!!

What an amazing day. What a buzz. I have spoken to so many lovely people ALL day.

The show opened with Drums and Roses playing bagpipes and drums.

There are no photos of us on the stand. It was heaving. I never expected that at all, I mean, it’s a Thursday….. at one point our stand was literally swarming with people.

At one point Drums and Roses came into the show and played Highland Cathedral… I was chatting to a customer at the time so couldn’t listen properly but wow…. Special.

Suddenly it was 13.18 and there was a slight lull where I got a chance to run out and get some food. There was nothing much left so ended up with a vegan sausage roll, crisps and a DECAF coffee…. Check me remembering decaf. I’d done and 18.5 hours fast without even trying.

This shows how salubrious my lunch break was. I stood in a corner and ate the sausage roll, took the coffee back to the stand and ate the crisps on the drive home.

This is the only show shot that we got!! Stuart is so exhausted he’s having a snooze as we leave and I finally got a chance to have a drumstick lolly!!

Of course the exhibitor exit is half way to Glasgow…. We get out and have to double back towards Paisley to get to the car park… of course I exaggerate the size of the SEC but….. I then realise I’ve not got my handbag… and have to walk all the way back!! Despite all that, and being on my feet all day, I’ve only done 8,901 steps.

I am tired. My legs are jumping. Another 3 days of that. Wow.

Also realise I’ve lost my HRT patch somewhere so need to fit a new one…. That’s only the second one that ever fell off!

Craigie had venison lasagne in the oven and all the candles lit in time for me coming home. The drive back was way better than the way in. Totally confident tonight. Weird eh?!

So I’m looking forward to seeing mum and dad sometime tomorrow as they are coming to visit. If I get a chance they might get a wave 👋🏼 😂

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Wow.

Stomach cramp to a new level today.

Don’t remember it being this sore since my early 20’s and that takes some remembering. 😂.

I have this memory of being at Uni, maybe in my late teens and having such bad cramp that my Grandpa had to come and pick me up and take me to Gran’s. 😳Mum and Dad must have both been working.

I can clearly recall the atmosphere in the car…. You could cut it with a knife! Poor Grandpa probably knowing fine well what was wrong with me but we were NEVER going to discuss it. That just wasn’t the done thing….. here I am pretending I’m fine while making random small talk, as I curled up into a ball on the passenger seat and tried not to cry.

Actually, writing that reminds me of being alone with Grandpa, which makes me smile and is lovely, though I still cringe and the unspoken words!

Paracetamol haven’t worked at all today.

I slept quite well, yet woke at 5.15am and couldn’t get back to sleep.

The pain has been coming in waves. It’s felt overwhelming at times. I’ve had to sit hunched over my desk, to stretch my back…. I’ve had to stand up straight and try to stretch out my stomach…. I’ve had to sit still…. I’ve had to move around and I still can’t quite find the right position.

Another memory, at work this time, just after finishing Uni…. I worked in the Glasgow University Court Office Reception. We used to sit and hug the heated kettle when we had bad cramp…. It seemed like a great idea at the time 😂😂😂 an office full of girls could get away with that!

I had to start eating at 15 hours of fasting this morning as I needed to take more painkillers, and didn’t want to on an empty stomach. The cramps were making me feel sick, maybe it was the empty stomach with the cramps that didn’t help.

Usually within about 10 minutes it would subside, but not today.

I got some respite mid afternoon thankfully but it seems to have come back since I’ve eaten dinner.

I’m sure tomorrow will be fine. Maybe even later on tonight. It never normally lasts long… but this one is pretty heavy.

Oh the joys…. Peri-menopause is the gift that keeps on giving. This is the price I pay just now for increasing my hormones to help keep my anxiety and other symptoms in check.

As painful as it’s been today, this is nothing compared to the monthly mental slump that I have had for so many years. Honestly, it’s night and day. I’m in pain, it sucks, it’s uncomfortable but my head is clear, my mood is not going down, it’s not making me slump. (Except physically I’m contorted 😳😂😘)

In other news we’ve been busy getting ready for the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show. That’s a mouthful eh?!

The boys will set up the stand tomorrow and get it ready for opening on Thursday morning. I’m excited and looking forward to speaking to as many people as possible, selling the van we are taking for sale and selling as many conversions as we can!

Boss man has the vans place already. That’s the first stage.

So to end on a another positive. I’ve seen loads of positivity on FB today. In my 5.15am positivity scroll…. So I’ll post them here while I get myself into another stretching position.

Ok so I haven’t quite shared peace with the world today but I am trying. I’m off to hunt down a hot water bottle and see if that will help.

There’s always the kettle…. 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️