As I knew I was going to have a long day peopling, Bert came with me. He was such a good boy. He waited patiently. He then had a lovely run round the car park at lunch time.

I was going to take him for a walk, but I wasn’t totally sure where to take him. I worked in the area for many year and didn’t really consider where I could take a dog. Funny that?!

Now we’re home, he’s decided that it’s been all work and no play today. So he’s demanding his toy is thrown. Repeatedly. For two hours. No-one can say that spaniels aren’t dedicated. He’s definitely more toyaholic than workaholic.

I’m covering at the Chiro’s this week as the receptionist is on holiday. It was a little shock to the system to be peopling on a Monday.

Like a good girl, I made myself some lunch to take with me. I clearly hadn’t had enough coffee as I left it in the fridge. So I popped down to the shop to get myself something for lunch. The joys of the new location is there’s a lot of choice! Too much maybe. I was torn.

Now I love a meal deal. I think I got a good one today. A big salad, a fruit pot and a Starbucks. I clearly wasn’t paying full attention as my salad (chicken pesto and pasta) had chillies in it. I assumed they were tomatoes. And my Starbucks coffee was actually green tea.

The salad I would happily have again. The chillies added a sweetness rather than heat. The same can’t be said about the matcha latte. I’ve had matcha before, it did not taste like this. I wasn’t a fan. Think I’ll stick to coffee in the future…

Bert went to a puppy party to celebrate his 2nd birthday. He met up with two of his brothers and one of his sisters. It was a truly wonderful afternoon.

They had a splashing time in the sea. Chasing each other around and a ball. We know Bert loves a ball, he’s not quite so good at giving it back. One for me to work on there…

After the pups had burnt off a bit of energy (let’s face it, they’re Sprockers so that’s kinda hard), we headed up the pub for a drink. Not before trying to get a ‘family’ photo. That was a challenge! Treats were needed for sure.

It also gave them a chance to dry out. Bert was asleep by the time we left Lowestoft. Judging by the amount of sand in the boot when we got home, he brought a lot of the beach back with him.

I love the fact that we all keep in touch and have shared our puppy journey together. Let’s see what Bert’s 3rd year on this planet brings…

My day started with a bit of a start as they were shooting nearby at 7am. Tell me you live in the countryside without telling me you live in the countryside. Normally I don’t mind, but I woke up feeling furred up and with a headache. So add shots fired and it wasn’t my best start. I’m still feeling a little pants if I’m honest.

After a coffee catch up with a friend this morning, I headed to the yard. It seemed to nice a day not to hack. It was really warm still. We were both sweating by the time we got back.

I thought I’d start my autumn prepping by breaking out the soup maker. It seems I have totally forgotten the ratios. So kinda winged it. It’s been a while I grant you. Seems my soup maker has forgotten a few things too. Like how to blend! I could hear it whirring, but nothing was happening. So I had to break out the stick blender. Two appliances in one day, just call me Delia!

It tasted OK. And hit the spot. Soup is medicinal too don’t you know. Let’s hope my soup maker isn’t shot though. That would be a real shame. I do love soup.

It’s Bert’s second birthday today. He had a special breakfast and then went for a long birthday walk with one of his doggy pals.

He was given a ball too. In Bert’s world, it was a very good day. He’s now snoring in his crate.

He really has improved my life in so many ways. He’s another reason to get out of bed when I’m having a bad day.

He’s very well travelled. He’s driven miles and miles in The Upgrade or Toby. He’s met so many people along the way. In his two years on this planet, he’s been to more counties than many people.

He was definitely a good decision. Even if he was a little bit of a surprise one.

I headed over to Blackbarns today for coffee with a friend. They’ve gone all Autumnal. It looked so pretty. I particularly loved this wreath. So simple, but really effective.

I must admit, I was feeling a bit deflated this morning. I know I’m on the comedown from Champs and another spin on the Parental rollercoaster. They all take their toll.

It was good to talk stuff through. My friend is on the Parental rollercoaster too. I guess we’ve reached that age where more and more of us are on it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful my Dad is still here. I know one day he won’t be. It’s tough navigating it while feeling wholly unprepared for it. I’m doing my best. I guess we all are.

My life may be mundane sometimes, but I am grateful for the life I have, the people I have in it and the opportunities I have. I’m even grateful for the challenges. One thing is for sure, however bad things get, I can always find something that makes me smile every day… I’m proud of myself for that.

Honestly, there are times when I am amazed at how well trained Bert is. Here he is waiting patiently behind the gate while I deposit his bowel movements in the poop bin. Even though he can get through the big gap, he stays on ‘his side’ of the gate.

Imagine his joy, when I called him through. He tore off down the lane without a second glance to his Mother. Then came tearing back while trying to catch a pigeon. He still hasn’t mastered the fact that they can fly and he can’t.

He does make me laugh. He definitely added to my life. That’s for sure.

I’ve found some unusual things while out walking or riding, but this was a new one.

Bert and I found a towel on our walk this afternoon. We also found a lightbulb. I say we, Bert did. Thank goodness he’s a Spaniel so just held it in his mouth! And dropped it when asked. I put it in my dog walking bag (yes I am that person) and disposed of it when I got home.

The towel I left as I wasn’t sure if someone was coming back for it. I feel like there is a story there. Why would someone leave a towel randomly in a field? Answers on a postcard please.

After another busy weekend, it’s hardly a surprise that I woke up feeling rather snotty and thick headed. I’ve been running on fumes for a bit, so it was going to catch up with me eventually.

Thankfully I’d had that forethought to keep today free of meetings and plans so I didn’t have to rush about.

I’ve had time to fully reflect on Saturday’s performance. With all the transport drama yesterday, I didn’t really have time. I’ve rerun the course so many times in my head. I know exactly how I would ride it again if I had the chance. I know it doesn’t change what happened, but it helps me cement what I could do. And that I can actually ride!

It showed up some gaps in our training and highlighted our lack of competitive riding. Again. These aren’t excuses. Things have been tough. If it’s not the weather, it’s the hard ground, my Dad and any other number of things.

The biggest thing I need to work on is me. My mindset used to be so strong. Lately, it’s taken a bit of a back step. I’m aware of what’s going on. Which is the first step. Now I have to do something about it.

I know I am a competent rider. I know competing is important to me. I know I’m trying too hard and putting too much pressure on myself. Carleton Riding Club is so important to me. I never want to let the club down or my team mates. I know this is a me thing. No-one has ever said anything to me that would make me think I’m not supported, valued or appreciated by the club. But that nagging sense is still there. So one for me to look at.

So yesterday I said I had a car crash. Today it was all about car issues! Everyone is home safe and sound and that’s what counts.

When we left Aston-Le-Wells yesterday to head to our stabling, we ended up going on a magical mystery tour. Several road’s closed due to HS2 (no comment). We ended up going down what can only be described as tracks. To the point where I feared dear Toby was going to tip over. It’s rather disconcerting being the lead driver when the road is getting narrower and narrower. And the Sat Nav kept re-routing.

After a few dodgy moments, we arrived safe and sound. Only to find out that one of my team member’s car had broken down and needed to be recovered. This morning as a team, we turned to the Four Musketeers. Her partner went with the car. Another team member hitched the trailer up to her lorry and her husband drove it back. And I drove her and her horse back.

All was going well till we got a call from the fourth team member to say that she and her husband had broken down too! She and her horse were recovered, leaving her husband with their car and trailer. They were recovered later.

You seriously couldn’t make it up!

I said I wanted to make memories with my Buddy Boy. We all agreed that this was a weekend we’d never forget! I came home with my memorial plaque, there’s a couple of photos that seem to show I can actually ride and three new friends too.