Back home after two nights at Forest Edge. Talk about what a difference a day makes! Yesterday it was glorious sunshine (but cold). Today we had a blizzard!

It felt like every time I looked out of the window, it was getting heavier. I was thanking my lucky stars that I was in the toasty judges box again. Poor Bert got a little cold in the lorry, but I couldn’t fault him. He’s been such a good boy.

I really felt for the competitors, helpers and horses in the conditions. Thank goodness it was indoors.

Not a clue how many combinations I introduced. Most of them I think I got right, but there were a few tricky names to pronounce.

It was really interesting watching the tests. I was there for Prelim to Elementary. I came away feeling quite inspired. And rather tired…

My goodness it was cold last night. I woke up to icicles on the Luton ceiling this morning. I’m very grateful I packed extra layers, that’s all I’m saying.

It’s been a full on day. This morning grooming for the wonderful Nicky and her equally wonderful horse Kiks. After battling his mane into some sort of submission, she was off to do her test. It wasn’t their best efforts, but by no means a disaster. I’m very proud of them both.

This afternoon, I was up in the judges box introducing the competitors. There were some lovely tests and some even lovelier horses. At least it was warm up there. In fact it was a bit too warm at times.

When I popped to check Bert, he was sunning himself too. Seems we were all craving warmth today.

We’re snuggled up under the duvet. He’s keeping my feet warm at least. Let’s hope for a slightly warmer night for us both. Looks like it’s going to be another full on day tomorrow. First competitor is at 8:23am…

So it’s Friday 13th. I must admit I was a bit wary when the garage booked Toby’s MOT for today. But I needn’t have worried. He sailed through and only needed a few bits doing for his service. Mostly bulbs it seemed and a diff pan. Honestly it might as well be in Russian!

Bert and I got a lift down to get him. Then headed off to Forest Edge for a couple of nights. Felt rather odd being here without bringing Buddy. I’m grooming for a friend tomorrow who’s competing here. It’s Regionals so rather exciting for her.

As I’m here, I offered to commentate for them in the afternoon and Sunday morning.

More good news, I worked out how to get the heating working. And used the microwave for the first time to heat my soup. Such luxury.

I managed to leave my rucksack in my friend’s car which has my clothes and glasses in it. Luckily it’s being retrieved tomorrow morning and brought over. I really am blessed to have such wonderful people in my life who help me out when I need it. I am very grateful indeed.

I was covering at the chiropractor’s this afternoon and reread this sign. I’ve seen it a few times, but I guess I really read it today. It really got me thinking.

Peace is something I craved but there are times when I know I create chaos too. As I was working this afternoon, I did Maid Duty this morning. Bert came too. He’s so good at the yard. He plays with his ball. He waits in the stable while I go to the muck heap. He tears around the indoor school.

Afterwards I took him to the woods. As we wandered about, something made me stop. I stood there, touching a tree and listening to the birds sing. It was like a bit of a reset and I felt my body, soul and mind relax…

Thankfully I didn’t cause too much chaos while peopling. It did feel rather odd being there on a Thursday. And after dark. But I got to catch up with some lovely clients who I don’t normally see. Im back again tomorrow morning. So still time to create a bit of chaos…

Bert and I donned our waterproofs once more. Honestly, I know it’s winter and all that. But it does seem like we’ve had a lot of rain.

My boot room is doubling up as a drying room. There’s a definite foisty smell in there. Bert has an interesting ‘wet dog smell’. It’s a bit like freshly dug potatoes. So now he has a new nickname as I’ve been calling him my little potato when we’re out trudging through the wet and mud.

Not to be outdone, Buddy was a proper mud monster. He and Bert both have fluffy legs or mud magnets as I like to call them. It took ages to clean him off.

I know the rain will stop. Eventually. I’m very grateful that I had my roof relayed last year. At least I’m dry in my house. And I have lots of wet weather gear.

No need to build an ark just yet…

One of the more interesting things about breaking in a new saddle is the creaking noises it makes. I know it’s normal, but it can be a little disturbing.

As I was schooling Buddy today, I couldn’t help but giggle as we creaked round the arena. I know it’ll stop once it beds in. I’m just grateful Buddy doesn’t seem bothered by the noise. And it could be worse, it could be me creaking!

Bert got to meet his Auntie Chris today. He was very excited. She bought him a new toy and an antler chew.

He was very excited about his new toy. He’s played with it for hours. It reminded me of the Olympic rings. OK it’s not all five, but you get my drift.

It was lovely to see Chris. We haven’t caught up in the flesh for far too long. It goes like that. Last year was a bit of a blur with Bert, Buddy, grief and life.

This year I’m going to try and catch up with people more. So who wants to spend time with me….?

I thought I’d watch the women’s downhill this morning. While I cleaned my tack. Well it did get a little wet yesterday. Once again, the bonkersness of winter sports was laid out clear.

Watching Lindsey Vonn crash out was a heart in mouth moment. The fact she made it there in the first place was inspiring. Not only coming out of retirement, after a partial knee replacement and a torn ACL. She’s 41 and still has so much desire for a sport she loves.

It goes to show that age isn’t the limit that we may be implied. In fact there was a 52 year old woman in the snowboard slalom.

Winter sports are definitely high risk. Let’s throw yourself off a mountain and land on something a kin to concrete. Listening to the commentators, it was like top trumps of injuries!

I used to ski when I was younger. Nothing to this level. It was a huge adrenaline rush flying down the slopes. So I do get the appeal.

I ride a horse, which comes with a huge set of risks. And a very similar rush. I guess it’s another reminder that you have to enjoy the ride while you can.

I fell down a Winter Olympic hole this morning. Who doesn’t love a spot of curling with breakfast. I watched another match with my dinner. Team GB was smashing it out of the park so far. Long may that continue.

This evening, Dodo literally fell down a hole. Between me and the sofa. He’s snoring. Bert is snoring. I’ve had to turn the sound up on the ice skating. It’s a rock n roll Friday night Chez Langley.

The next few weeks will feature winter sports. You have been warned. Let’s just hope we don’t get any snow here. If we do, I might be tempted to break my skis out. Bert still pulls like a train on the lead. We could create a new Winter sport. Anyone know if skis work on mud….?!

It’s been a miserable day here today. I couldn’t feel my face, fingers or toes after walking Bert. Finally thawed out before I headed to the yard. After getting a bit giggy yesterday seeing crocuses, Mother Nature reminded me today that it is still Winter.

One good thing about Winter is the Olympics. My Curling obsession has started. And we haven’t even had the opening ceremony yet.

Watched two matches in the Mixed Doubles. Team GB are in good form. Curling is weirdly addictive. A bit like chess on ice. Bert wasn’t as keen as me. He snored his way through most of the second match.

Winter sports are pretty bonkers really. I guess I’m hardly one to talk with my choice of sport. I suppose you have to make the most of winter…

Bring on the bonkersness. Let the Games begin.