Miles and miles

Well I’m back home after another mammoth weekend. Not sure how many miles I’ve done. Quite honestly, I’m too tired to work it out. Thankfully the M25 was very kind to me today as I headed home.

It was smooth sailing all the way back. Unlike my hair, which looked like I’d been dragged through a hedge. I was back to windows open and being buffeted after the joys of AC yesterday.

Still the kittens were pleased to see me. As you can see they were very keen to leave their sunbathing to say hello!

Staying the extra night meant I got to see Mum again before I left. She’s not doing great so grateful to have been able to see her.

Badminton

Well Badminton 2024 didn’t disappoint. It was a challenging XC course that really shook the pack. Not sure I could have called the top 3 before they started. SJ tomorrow will be exciting!

I’m so glad I made the trip. I often wonder if other people do the slightly bonkers things that I do. I only decided to go on Tuesday.

After yesterday’s mammoth journey, the thought of another one wasn’t as appealing as you’d think. Especially after the Comedy Car started making a weird noise. My lovely Dad lent me his car today. I felt very spoilt in such luxury – AC and a very smooth ride.

The M25 had another sting in the tail. It was closed! I kid you not. Two junctions worth in both direction. Cue several detours there and back. Still made it in good time this morning. And good time back to my parents. Staying here again tonight before heading home. Fingers crossed the M25 is kind going home.

I walked nearly 8 miles today. Not a clue how many miles I’ll have done by the time I get home. Let’s just go with a lot…

M25

Well it took me 5.5 hours to get here, but Mum was really pleased to see me.

One of my more challenging journeys after getting stuck three times. Including once for over an hour on the M25. It definitely deserves its nickname ‘the biggest car park’. It wasn’t the most comfortable in the heat. I wasn’t the only one. The people in the car next to me had an umbrella up over the window. Very resourceful.

I decided to take a detour on my way to Badminton to pop and see my parents. Wasn’t expecting it to add that much time to the journey. Good job I’d decided to break the journey up by staying the night here before heading off tomorrow.

Salvia

I was given this pretty salvia today. I’ve done a little favour for a good friend. This was her way of saying thank you. She also fed me, which is definitely my love language.

We haven’t caught up for a while, not sure either of us was expecting to talk for 4 hours though! The time passed in no time. Love it when that happens. And I’m lucky that it happens a lot.

Toilet humour

Spotted this while I was washing my hands today. I love a bit of toilet humour. And a bit of word play.

I popped to the shop this evening to get some salad. It was slim pickings in there. Guessing the nice weather has encouraged an early start to BBQ season. Anyway, managed to find a house salad box that would work for dinner. After I’d paid for it, I managed to drop the box on the floor. The lady in the queue behind me shouted ‘tossed salad’. Brilliant!

Congestion

It’s total gridlock on the garden fence today. Or is it a Brundall stand-off? You decide. Whatever it is, it made me laugh.

Neither of them was moving. In the end Dodo climbed over Hugo. I guess that’s one way to resolve it. Probably a good job we can’t do that when we’re in congestion. Though there have been a few times when I’ve feared the Comedy Car would go under an HGV. It’s rather small!

Gecko going

What a productive May Day bank holiday it’s been. Burned a few calories that’s for sure.

This morning I spent 2.5 hours at the yard. Wanted to poo pick and pull some ragwort that’s sprung up. It’s so satisfying!

Then this afternoon, it was cleaning out the greenhouse. Got a free sauna in the process. Possibly the hottest day so far this year, so I decide to spend it in a glass box.

It appears I’ve had guests in the greenhouse. Found next doors’ cat asleep in it. Not sure who got the biggest shock – me or him! I also found two tiny lizards. They were only about 5cm long. Super cute! Not a clue what kind they are.

It took a lot longer to sort out than I thought. But then it hasn’t been cleaned out for a few years. It’s looking nice and neat again now. Planted lots more veg too.

As there was still petrol in the tank, I spend another hour on the brambles. Bit of a glutton for punishment there. It looks so much better for it.

I do love an outdoors day. It’s very rewarding indeed. I shall sleep well tonight.

Favourite spot

Hugo is loving the warmer weather. He’s also loving the fact the garden furniture comes out. He staked his claim to the garden chair today. He was most upset when I turfed him off it so I could eat my lunch. He was back on it before I’d made it back to the conservatory.

He was still there when I got back from the yard. Nearly 4 hours later!!

I’m with him on the warmer weather. Things seem so much better when the sun is shining. Buddy got a bubble bath today. Though he was more interested in the grazing afterwards to dry off. Typically he kept wanting to eat the bits in the shade. He was very appreciative of the cow parsley and cleavers. It really is the simple things in life.

Ground support

Popped over to Blackwater today to be ground crew for the Carleton RC clinic being held there. It’s been a while since I’ve been over there. In fact, this could be the first time I’ve been back there this year. It hasn’t been a conscious thing. Just for one reason and another I haven’t got there.

It was lovely to be back there. Walked the 80cm course. Interesting to see the changes there. Lovely catching up with people and watching them ride. As soon as we can, I’m going to take Buddy back out XC. It’s time to get back to running and jumping. I miss eventing…

Squished

Operation get Buddy right took another step forward today. Auntie Sam came to see Buddy. Found quite a few tight spots. Include the one that Buddy forced her into! He was so busy eating, he wouldn’t move over, so she had to squish in by the rug rack.

Whatever’s going on with him, it’s not affected his appetite.

Farrier has checked him. Sam has checked him. Chiro and vet to go. I am praying to ALL the gods right now. Good news is that he’s so much better than he was. More rest for you Buddy Boy. Well kinda. Tomorrow I’m back to taking my oversized Labrador for walkies.

Doesn’t he look well though?!