Is anyone else’s garden a bit confused by the mild weather? I have spring roses back out again. It’s September, right?!

I noticed a few tiny sunflowers standing tall in the cutaway when I took Buddy out. I do love a sunflower. They’re such cheery little flowers. They always make me smile.

I also love the way that they move towards each other. Not literally, they do have roots. But the way they can end up facing each other. We all need support – in any form!

I’ve given myself a bit of a talking to. I know I’m not handling things as smoothly as I normally am. It’s understandable, there’s a lot going on. I left a few things out on the fields today. First with Bert, then with Buddy.

I nearly left myself out there when Buddy decided that a motorbike tearing fast him was OK, but a pheasant flying out in front of him wasn’t. Thank goodness for sticky jods, that’s all I’m saying!

Even though he’s calmed down a lot over the years, he’s still got one hell of a spook on him. After that I sat a little bit taller in the saddle too…

I really wasn’t feeling today when I woke up. Culmination of a few very busy, very emotional weeks. And a lot of driving!

So I did something I rarely do. I let Bert out for his morning ablutions and crawled back under the duvet. Bert rarely sleeps on the bed. This morning I was reminded why. He’s a total bed hog! Worse than the kittens. We both must have drifted off though. Clearly I needed more sleep.

I booked myself an appointment to go and see my lovely chiro. She worked her magic and I was feeling more level again. Literally and metaphysically.

I was doing OK till I knocked my full barrow over while doing Maid Duty. That was the last straw. Again literally. I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, scream or give in. Think it was a combination of all of them. Sometimes you just have to let it all out.

At least by the time I got in the saddle, I’d regain my composure. Buddy doesn’t need a bawling emotional wreck on his back. That’s not fair on him. I went out with tears in my eyes and came back with a huge smile. My little boy is the best therapist I could have. He really is.

I saw this air freshener hanging up in the car I parked next to in the hospital car park this morning. It made me laugh a little bit too hard. I showed it to my Dad and he had a similar reaction.

Let’s face it, we’ve all driven like a manic when we need to toilet. I’ve driven like an F1 driver heading to the pits as I’ve entered a service car park before. Trying to control my badder as you go over the speed bumps.

Coming home, I had a different challenge. It took nearly six hours to get back! A broken down car was causing chaos on the M25. Call me critic if you like, but given there were Highways men there and had coned said car off, wouldn’t it have made more sense to push it to the side of the road. Rather than cause a two hour tailback?! Probably some safety rule.

I have to admit, when I hit the end of the queue my heart sank. Having sat for over 30 minute not moving, I burst into tears. All of the emotions from the past few weeks tumbled out of my eyes.

By the time I got going again, I didn’t want to stop. My bladder (and Bert’s) had different ideas. So we had to make a pit stop of our own. I grabbed some food and ate it too fast, giving myself hiccups. I’d forgotten how uncomfortable and painful they can be.

Still, we made it home without any more issues. My Dad wasn’t as good today when I saw him. It’s a bit of a worry but he’s being well cared for. I’m sure I’ll be feeling more level again after a good night in my own bed. After the past few weeks, I’m sure I have a bit of sleep to catch up on…

Today would have been my
Mum’s birthday. It also marks two years since I last saw her. It’s been a tough day with my Dad in hospital too. He was in hospital for his birthday, now he is in hospital for hers.

Losing a parent is really hard. No-one prepares you for it. Facing the thought of losing my remaining one is really tough.

I took Bert out for a long walk to clear my head. It always feels a bit weird staying at my parents without them. He met another Spaniel and played ball with him. His owners were surprised that Bert was faster than their working cocker spaniel. Watching his enthusiasm lifted my mood a little.

My Dad’s next-door neighbour popped round last night with two apple turnovers – one of my Mum’s favourites. She thought it would make us smile on a bit of a bittersweet day. She didn’t know he was in hospital sadly. It was so sweet of her.

I took them up to him when I visited him. He was better than when I saw him yesterday. He enjoyed the apple turnover as much as I did. We could t raise a glass to her, so a pastry was a good substitute. Happy Birthday Mum.

Another day, another trip round the M25. At least this time I didn’t have to do the whole thing this time.

I got a call yesterday to say that my Dad had been taken to hospital. Again. It didn’t sound good, so I came to see him.

As I walked to the ward he’s on, I noticed a collection of rubber ducks. I’m a big fan of a rubber duck. I have a bit of a collection, even though I don’t actually have a bath.

They made me smile. Hopefully they do the same for the patients and staff at the hospital. Makes you wonder how it started. I feel like there’s a story behind it…

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little tired and achy today. Sign of a good camp. Another sign is the mountain of washing and stuff to sort. Honestly, I don’t know how I end up with quite so much. Guess that’s what happens when you go away with two ‘kids’.

The camp clean up was on today. Several loads done and hung out. This is my latest Practical Pip moment. I’m fed up of washing Buddy’s boots and the Velcro getting stuck together. So I bought one of these delicates bags to try. It’s the perfect size and means I can throw them in the washer without them sticking to everything. It’s also good enough to store them in the lorry too. Two for the price of one huh?!

We’re all back home after our training camp. What a brilliant few days it’s been.

Buddy was on top form. He’s always been a wonderful horse in my eyes. He’s really matured over the years. He takes everything in his stride now. I can’t help smiling while I’m riding (not that it always shows on the photos). He’s such a joy to take away.

So is Bert. He’s growing into the most wonderful little dog. He had lots of friends at this camp. Each morning we’d take the dogs out for a ‘hound exercise’. We started with four dogs on Monday and ended up with six dogs today.

He found a new toy. Not a clue what it was, but he loved it. He seemed to enjoy wearing it like an Alice Band. Maybe it was to keep his ears in check?!

The day started with a tumble and ended with one too. I’m OK before you worry. Bert have having too much fun playing rough and tumble with another puppy. He wiped me out on the way past. Typically I ended up landing in a rather soggy peaty bit. Still no harm done.

Buddy and I only had one lesson today as there was a faller in the first jumping lesson of the afternoon. I stayed with rider while we waited for an ambulance. Thankfully nothing broken, just very sore.

We had five brilliant lessons together so I wasn’t disappointed. I’ve come off one or two times, so know what it can be like. It felt like the right thing to do.

That was our final camp of the year. More memories made, more learning done and more time spent with fabulous people. Till next time…

Second day of camp done. Both of my boys had a fun jumping this spread. I asked the photographer to take some photos of Bert jumping. Well I have lots of photos of Buddy jumping.

Having just jumped this spread with Buddy, she asked if Bert would jump it too. And jump it he did. In both directions.

In fact, I’d go so far as to say he jumped it better than Buddy did.

Just goes to show that it’s not just the people who have fun at camp. We can share the fun around.

First day of camp done and as usual, it was brilliant. Buddy, Bert and I are having a wonderful time.

Buddy had two lessons – flat and jumping. Bert had two runs round the forest and ended the day jumping the same jumps as Buddy! Definitely got an agility dog on my hands.

Bit of a lightbulb moment in my flat lesson. The instructor told me to get my shoulders back. I thought I was. She said imagine you’re coming off the leaf pit at Burghley. Well that worked!

Every time I crept forward, the word Leaf Pit put me back into the correct position. Amazing how simple it is to make a positive connection between a word and an action.

Buddy was on very good form in both lessons. He also decided he was part Mountain goat while I was hand grazing him. Camps really are a very happy place for me.

Looking forward to Day Two…

Buddy, Bert and I have arrived at Forest Edge for our final camp of the year. It’s so lovely to be back here and see so many friendly faces.

Toby was a great host for dinner. There were five of us round the table. It didn’t feel too cramped. Bert was very happy to provide a ‘Spaniel pre-wash’ service after we’d eaten.

As he’s nearly two, and quite the pro at lorry life, I thought I’d try him free range overnight. Normally he gets locked in his crate. This will either be a wonderful success or I will be climbing down from the Luton to lock him in said crate.

Let’s hope we all get a good night. Tomorrow lessons begin. I’d usually say the sweating, but that definitely started today. It was very humid! I know, I bet you’re glad you read that…