I had the weirdest dream about my Mum last night. Couldn’t tell you where it came from, but it really unsettled me this morning. So I took Bert out for a long walk to try and process it.

Being out in nature really helps me to clear my head and sort out some of the random thoughts that exist up there.

I didn’t draw any conclusions but did have a few realisations. I’m making some changes that will be beneficial in the long term. I feel like for the past six or seven years I’ve been swimming against the tide or treading water. This will allow me to float for a bit.

While it’s what I have been craving, it also feels rather scary. Hence my subconscious having a bit of a field day I guess.

It’s amazing how much we can deal with but what tips us over the edge. Buddy is a prime example. Today he held it together when a car speed past with a very rattely trailer went past. But a crow on a pile of manure was a step too far for him. Thankfully he walked past in the end.

And I guess that’s the point. It always works out in the end.

My day got a bit turned around so I decided to clean and rearrange my boot room. As you do on a Friday.

It had become a bit of a dumping ground. Hardly ideal as it’s the main entrance to my little house. It was a little bit of a squeeze getting in. I cleared so much stuff out and had a shuffle about. It looks vast now! So much lighter too.

Amazing how just sorting can give an area a totally different feel.

I shall henceforth sweep through my entrance rather than stumble. OK, this is me, I can trip over air, but you get my point.

I’ve been given a little project – to clean a rather green bell and make it shine again. First step was to give it a good clean. Then came the brass cleaner…

OK so it may have taken me a bit longer to get to step two, but today I picked some up. As a child, I used to like the smell of Brasso. My grandparents used it so I was expecting it to invoke happy memories.

What I actually got was a nasal assault and a head rush from the fumes. Jeez, it’s strong stuff. Might be cause I went for the wadding version. Still it’s made a dent in the green and I can start to see the brass underneath.

It’s going to need a lot of elbow grease too. And I might go back and get the version of brass cleaner I’m more used to. It’s going to take much longer than I thought. I’m sure the result will be with it though. I love a bit of a project.

I popped into the supermarket on my way back from peopling today. I was in a bit of a rush, so didn’t stop to fully read the label on this one. My goodness they pack a punch!

I wasn’t expecting whole cloves of garlic either. Vampires beware! In fact people beware. I apologise in advance for my garlic breath tomorrow.

Pity I didn’t buy mouthwash while I was in the shop…

Today is an exciting day. I paid the balance for Big Camp.

Even though I go on a few camps each year, Big Camp holds a special place in my heart. It was the first camp I ever did. OK, so that was a bit of a disaster, but since then, Buddy and I have been going most years. I think I missed one when Buddy was off games, but i still made a guest appearance.

I’ve made so many friends through camps. I’ve made so many friends through horses. I’ve also made so many memories.

Last year, I had a photo shoot with Bert. I think I need to have one this year with Buddy and Bert. I may been helpers for that…?!

I have so many photos I know, but I do love this one from last year’s Big Camp. So here’s to July and the BHS Summer Camp 2026.

Buddy and I completely misjudged the weather today. It was light drizzle when we left the yard. Which turned into torrential downpour halfway round. And resulted in soaked to the skin by the time we were on the way back.

We looked like we’d been snorkelling by the time we got back. A lady even stopped and wound down her car window to tell me that for once, she wasn’t the least bit envious of me riding my horse.

I discovered my jacket is showerproof, not waterproof. There’s a big difference. Now I’ve been soaked before, but this was the first time my socks were soaked! I had squelchy feet by the time we got back.

Buddy was steaming and I was giggling as I squelched and dripped my way round the yard.

My tack was soaked too, so brought it home to dry. It’s still damp now! My boots are dry on the outside, but the insides are still very wet! Hopefully they’ll be dry by tomorrow. I do love the smell of saddle soap in the morning. This could take a lot!

I love the fact my horse is so easy to please. He’s a bit like his Mother – loves anyone who feeds him. He happily takes the leftovers from the other horses. He’s become the yard dustbin in a way. Waste not want not and all that. This included a garlic lick block.

The smell was heady! He was in rapture. I swear his eyes rolled back in his head. I had to take it off him as he was transfixed with it.

Then I had to navigate my way round him without getting smeared with garlicky molasses. That was more of a challenge than taking it away from him…

More productive time spent in the potting shed this evening. My tomato seedlings are now big enough to go out in the hanging baskets and into the planters.

It’s rather exciting to see the first tiny fruits on the ones I’d already planted up. The cucumbers I planted a while back have lots of flowers and tiny little cucumbers too. So cute!

The courgettes have been planted out as well. I managed to rehome a number of them so I now have a more manageable number. I love courgettes so still hoping for a bumper crop.

All in all, very satisfying. There’s something magical about growing your own. And getting your hands in the soil. I’m no Percy Thrower, but I love the process. The results taste so good too! And with the rain, I didn’t need to water them in. Let’s hope they don’t drown though.

OK so this is a new one on me, World Cup crisps. I’m not sure whether to be excited or slightly appalled. Either way, it had to be done.

Not tried them yet, so they might be awful. I’m also slightly concerned about double potato. Not sure potato crisps need to be flavoured with potato mash, but each to their own.

The World Cup is nearly upon us. It’s that glorious time where hope and optimism is high. Before a ball has been kicked as we’re plunged into disappointment for another four years. Or maybe this will be the year. It’s only been 60 years!

I’m in the same stage with these crisps. Optimism is high. Who knows whether it is valid or my tastebuds will come crashing down. I’ll let you know…

Buddy got a gold star today for being an absolute one during his sheath cleaning. I swear he was dribbling…

Honestly the things we do for our precious equine partners. I had to be careful how I wrote that as I’m sure there are a few men wincing at the thought of their appendages being cleaned. Of course, some may like that sort of thing. I’ve been single a long time now.

Buddy also got a gold star this morning as a friend came and rode him. It’s always interesting watching someone else ride your horse. Reminds me of how far we’ve come and how well schooled he actually is. All of those lessons, clinics and camps really do pay off!

It’s so easy to focus on what needs to be worked on, we forget to appreciate just how far you’ve come.