Author: langlep

So 2020 was going to be my year. The year I got my life sorted after being served redundancy notice from my job in November 2019. The year I ticked off more things from my horsey bucket list. The year I got my mental health back under control and reduced stress in my life. I had a plan. And it was a good one. Then the plan changed dramatically on 2 January. I came off my horse at speed and broke my ankle. Badly. Like all good equestrians, I got back on and rode back to the yard, sorted Buddy out and then drove myself to A&E. That’s where this journey really began... I was sent home from A&E and told to crack on, only to receive a phone call later to say they’d missed a fracture (and a rather serious one at that). Whoops! So fracture clinic on 3 January, surgery on 5 January and home to recover. I started this blog as a way to chart my recover back to the saddle. As I cleared clinics and competitions out of my diary and wondered what the next few months would bring, it's been a safe space for me to say how I'm feeling. The new plan was to get a new job, to keep Buddy is kept ticking over and recover from my injury. Another good plan! I didn't expect a global pandemic, lockdown and all that happened in 2020. This blog has changed over time but it's continued to be my safe space to share the things going on in my life, with Buddy and the cats. Enjoy!

The mundane

Well it felt good to sleep in my own bed last night. I’ve been away a lot in December with one thing and another.

Not that I’m complaining! I love being away. The downside is that I can get behind with the mundane chores. So today I pottered and caught up a bit. Did the laundry, housework and tidied up.

Ventured to the supermarket too. It was slim pickings for breakfast this morning. Missed being catered for. So I bought myself a posh pie amongst other things.

Not to be left out, I got Buddy some parsnips. And the kittens some posh cat food. Well there has to be an upside to the mundane.

Au revoir

Buddy and I are back home after a fab Christmas away. It was an amazing few days. Spent with loving people, six dogs, seven horses and two cats. What’s not to love?!?!

Always sad to leave. But it’s definitely au revoir. The kittens were very happy to have me home, I can tell you. I’ve swapped puppy kisses for kitten purrs.

Away in a manger

You know you’re pretty special when your amazing friends build you a stable so that your horse can come to stay for Christmas.

Buddy is loving his festive stay away. We’ve arrived and ridden in their arena. Buddy thought he was having a holiday. He got a workout instead.

So excited for our holiday. Christmas has officially started.

Lookout

This made me laugh today when I was at the yard. Turned round to find this heron keeping a watchful eye on proceedings. I’ve never seen one on a roof before. They’re usually in the reeds.

Made me wonder what he was looking for. Maybe he’s on Santa watch for all the other birds.

Fair weather

One last trip round Blickling with Katie and Archie this morning. We checked the weather forecast yesterday and it said it would be dry. It lied. It was very wet indeed.

We waited in the car park to see if it was going to clear up. It definitely eased. So we headed off. As is the law of sod, we were at the furthest point away from the lorries when the heavens opened and we got soaked.

Blickling is such a beautiful place. Here’s to more adventures in 2023.

Lapcat

After a long day, I swapped the laptop for a lapcat. Hugo was waiting for me and started putting the minute I sat down. I remember reading that a cat’s purr can be therapeutic. If that’s the case, I’m definitely getting my monies worth.

Tired

Definitely feeling my late night today. Got back from London at 1:30am this morning. So didn’t get the best sleep as I was wired from a brilliant day (and a midnight McDonalds).

Woke up feeling rather jet-lagged if I’m honest. We’re heading towards the end of the year and I’m feeling it. It’s been another really busy one. The last few years have been really challenging for me. And full on in so many ways.

It seems that so many people I speak to are feeling the same. Tired, exhausted and drained are three words I hear a lot.

But I truly love my life. And am grateful for the experiences I’ve had along the way, the people I’ve met and the memories made.

Olympia not Olympia

On my goodness, what a fab day. Feels so good to be at the London International Horse Show. It’s not Olympia cause it’s not there. But it’s a cracking show.

I’ve spent more than I planned. Bought myself a new body protector. I needed it as my old one is far too big for me. It’s really uncomfortable now. My new one is so comfortable. Can’t wait to get back out XC and test it out. The riding bit, not the falling bit of course.

Got a new reflective tabard too. With lights on it. No driver is going to miss me!

Waiting for the fancy dress class. Then home. It’s going to be a late one, but totally worth it. Same again next year!