I woke up this morning feeling rather low on energy. I haven’t been sleeping the best – just a few things on my mind. Last night was so humid, it really didn’t help.

As it was forecast to be a hot one, after doing everything I needed to, Bert and I retired to the sofa for some down time. I would say chilled time, but it was a tad warm. My little fans were overheating they were working so hard.

After watching some gymnastics from the Commonwealth, I remembered that a new series on Pompeii had been released. So I thought I’d watch it. Oh my goodness it was good. Fanciful, but it gave me goosebumps. Though that could have been the fan…

I had no idea Tom Hiddleston spoke Latin or studied the classics at University. He shares my fascination for Pompeii. Watching it brought back so many memories from my visit there. In some ways it feels like a long time ago, but it was only January.

I ended up watching all three episodes. It’s a different take on the events. It reminds you of the human tragedy but also the fact so many people escaped. That it’s not just a story. It’s history.

I’m not sure if I’m feeling the benefit of taking time out today. But at least I’m not out of time like so many in Pompeii.

Check out my first courgette. It’s huge! It wasn’t quite ready to harvest before I headed down South. It’s clearly had a growth spurt.

I’ve got several more to come too. Now the decision is courgette volute or fried with cheese. With my culinary skills, I think we know which is the sensible option.

Given my Dad is in hospital, I could do without injuring myself at this point…

Bert and I are back home after a rather interesting weekend away. Bert came back with a food parcel this time. My Dad had ordered some goulash when he did an online shop. Little did he know it was dog food! Sure Bert will appreciate it though.

Speaking of my Dad, I went to see him this morning. He looked much better and is recovering well. That’s very good news.

The doctors have told him he’s lucky to be alive. The fact I may have helped to save my Dad’s life has hit me quite hard. He’d had a heart attack on Friday before I arrived. My quick actions meant he got the treatment he needed.

I’m very thankful that I was there. Someone was definitely watching over my family that’s for sure. Talk about divine timing. It could have gone very differently…

I needed the journey home to process it all. Luckily I had four hours or so. I know I’m not at my best as I accidentally put premium petrol in my car. That was an expensive tank full. Still at least I won’t have to buy food for Bert for a while. Let’s hope he likes goulash…

Bert took his duties very serious at Hickstead today. He decided he was to be the International Greeter at the show. He got so much attention. And not just people he knew!

He met a lot of new people. There are lots of people who’ve joined the Bert Fan Club.

It was a very long day for him. He dragged me to the arena for the start of the BRC Team of 3 competition. He dragged me round the Showground too. But overall he was such a good boy as he waited patiently by the rings.

He’s very tired now. So am I. It was wonderful watching all of my nine riders today. Everyone did our fabulous riding club proud.

It looked like a simple course, but it was really testing the riders. There weren’t many clear rounds.

Same could be said for the King George Cup. I was able to go and watch some of that too.

That’s another Hickstead done. I’m grateful that I don’t have to drive home after it. I’m staying at my Dad’s tonight. I’ll head down to see him tomorrow before coming home. He’s recovering slowly but I’d going to be in hospital for a while longer. I’ll need to be back here when he’s allowed home. Bert will be very happy to greet Grandad. He’s keeping his chair warm…

I made it over to Hickstead today for a few hours. I left Bert at my Dad’s as it was quite warm. He went for a lovely long run this morning. I needed to clear my head too.

I didn’t get the best night. Everything with my Dad kinda hit me. I’m so grateful that I came down yesterday. It could have been so much worse.

He’s going to be in hospital for a few more days so I will work out what I’m going to do when I have more information on Monday. They need to see how he’s responding to the emergency procedure they did.

Watching the Queen Elizabeth Cup today was a great distraction. Horses really are amazing! They clear those huge fences like they are nothing. It’s very inspiring indeed.

Looking forward to watching my riders tomorrow. Not the grand heights of the Main Ring, but an achievement nonetheless. I’m still so proud that we’ve jumped at Hickstead. Twice. Not sure if I mentioned it…

It’s my favourite shows of the year – Royal International at Hickstead. I’m not competing there this year, but I’m the Team Manager for those who are in the BRC Team of 3.

As Hickstead is on my Dad’s doorstep, I thought I’d stay with him. I came down today so we could catch up and have dinner together. I was going to suggest we go out. Sadly he needed to go out himself.

When I arrived, it was clear he was very unwell, so I called 999. They were brilliant and arrived in less than 30 mins. He’ll be topping up his NHS Frequent Flyer points for a few days.

Dinner plans kiboshed, I wandered to the local supermarket and saw this. I mean, I love pizza. But marrying one might be a step too far. I have to say it was very yummy. Also, not sure I appreciate being called chicken. Chick is fine though.

After a bit of an interesting start to my weekend, it was the giggle I needed.

I got an email telling me that I was getting a royalty payment for my Buddy book. How cool is that?!

OK, so I will have to be careful not to spend it all at once, but it’s still amazing. Not only am I a published author, people are buying my book and I’m getting paid as a result. Makes me so proud.

My next two books are with the illustrator. I love the way she’s helping to bring them to life. I’ve also sent the words over to the publishers for them to review. Fingers crossed they want to publish them as well.

I haven’t sold as many books as I’d hoped. I’m not totally sure how one markets a book. Yes, I know I’ve worked in marketing. My blind spot has always been marketing myself. The publishers are helping but I’d like to do my bit.

So if anyone has any bright ideas… I’d love to share my little boy’s exploits with more children.

Buddy was all ears when I told him. Well he could have been listening for the monsters in the maize. And yes, I’ve written a book about Buddy and the Maize Monster…

Buddy has moved house. He’s still on the same yard, but has moved to a bigger stable. He was a bit confused to start off with. So was I as I kept walking to his old stable. But then I’ve had that stable since 2012!

In that time, it was Murphy’s, then Phoenix’s and finally Buddy’s. It holds many memories indeed.

Buddy’s new stable has two doors. He was very much enjoying the dual aspect. It also means he gets fed earlier as he’s closer to the feed room. I thought I’d take a lovely photo of him looking out of his new windows, he was too busy stuffing his face…

He may have moved, but I still need to finish moving my stuff over. It’ll give me a chance to have a sort out and give everything a clean. It’s amazing how much I’ve accumulated in his stable. I’m so lucky that he rarely touches anything in there. Long may that continue…

Bert had another puppy play date with Barney today. At a new venue and one with water splash!

They both love the water, so were in and out. Michaela and I got a bit wet as they tore past and shook.

They were very excited to see each other. I guess they’ve know each other most of Barney’s life. He was tiny when they first met.

I’m glad I put a towel in the car. I’m getting quite used to the smell of wet dog. Bert had a blow dry on the way to lunch as I opened the back windows for him. His little Mohawk was wild by the time we arrived. It wasn’t that far either.

He did get another treat as I bought him a pig’s ear at the feed shop. He made short work of that. Well I guess he had burned off a few calories today…

I ticked another long overdue item off my to do list today. Well two in fact. First was my eye test. Still need reading glasses, but my distance is above average – for my age. Why does that need to be a factor?! Why can’t it just be celebrated?

I wasn’t best pleased when she used the words ‘people nearing 60…’ Thanks for that! I am so not ready to face that milestone. I have four years to get my head round it.

Who knows what the world will look like in four years?

The second was to put a trellis up to support my rose. This involved power tools, so always a risk in my hands. My aim was to encourage this rose to grow up the wall. The lack of trellis has meant it was rather tangled so it did take a little bit of time to sort it out. Hopefully it’ll be easier to train it now.

I have another tell us that needs to go up at the front. I didn’t want to push my luck today. Drilling two holes without issue was a success. I was happy to stand back and admire my handy work. And given my distance eyesight, that could be a long way back…