A quest, a shop and a happy mama

There are times when no matter what you do, everything feels like a struggle.  Days which you spend convinced that getting out of bed was a gross mistake and even being friendly feels like hard work.  Yesterday was a struggle day.

And then there are those sunshine days when it seems the whole world is on your side and there is nothing that you cannot do.  Today was a sunshine day.  

That’s not necessarily to say that it has been smooth – I had planned to go to Fountain’s Abbey to walk Percy as pounding the streets of the Barracks can get very old very quickly.  I hadn’t planned on the weather: 1C with a winter weight duvet of fog lying heavily over the whole of Yorkshire.  I also hadn’t counted on the leftovers of yesterday’s struggle day, which it turns out included me leaving Alby’s buggy and snow suit outside and the garage door slightly open – not necessarily a problem but on this occasion it meant buggy, snowsuit and back carrier were all soggy.

Nevermind as this was a sunshine day (despite there being no sun).   So, damp items were strategically arranged around the radiators, front pouch grabbed, reserve snow suit unpacked and we hit the road (albeit cautiously).

Fountains Abbey pulled out all the stops for us – easy parking, a Christmas Market in the foyer and no queues at the entrance.  It seems Yorkshiremen are a hardy bunch judging by the number of people out and about.  They also seemed a friendly and welcoming bunch based on the number of smiles we got – until I caught sight of us in a mirror and I realised they just have a good sense of humour:  Alby in the pouch wearing an oversized snow suit which gathered up around his ears but left his ankles exposed, mismatched snow shoes, stripy gloves stretched over the top of his suit and pulled up to the elbow and a runny nose for good measure.  Me wearing more layers than you could imagine with pockets bulging with keys, drinks and snacks for all.  And Percy trotting along as gormless as ever.

The icing on the cake was walking past a young boy who looked at Percy and then asked “is he a working dog?”  

Percy working the foggy ruins

Trendsetter Alby and his noble steed

 

From Fountains Abbey to Northallerton where we bumped into friends in the book shop.  Alby and Arthur giggled as they pulled books off the shelves together.  Alby kept heading for the exit – pointing up at everyone he passed and squealing each time he tripped over his own two feet.  Once home again Alby’s throwing skills were put into practice again as he threw Percy’s toys around for him.

It’s been a good day.  A productive day.  A busy day.  A happy day.