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!

Family time

This picture makes me happy. My Dad is home and resting. My Mum is really happy to have him back. Fingers crossed his recovery continues.

Getting older sucks. The last 3 years have been incredibly tough for me and my family. Both of my parents have had life-threatening episodes. I swear they’re tag-teaming! It’s been one thing after another with them. It was only 3 months ago we were in the same situation with my Dad.

But I’m grateful I still have two parents. Hopefully there won’t be any more emergency hospital trips for a while.

It’s made me think about my future. Everyone has an expiration date, we just don’t know what it is. One thing is for sure, I’m planning on enjoying every minute I have left.

Long service award

Today I met up with my longest serving friend Debbie. We met when I was 4, so have been friends almost 50 years.

We headed over to the local leisure centre for a coffee and trip down memory lane. We used to play in the playground next door.

We used to have a lot of fun playing in the stream, including climbing through the drainage tunnels under the road. It’s got bars across it now. We didn’t really have health and safety in the 70s. Simpler times I guess.

Sporting pursuits

Today Mum and I have watched a lot of sport. We watched some of the coverage from the Winter Olympics and the FA Cup.

I always forget how exciting winter sports can be. If slightly bonkers. We both love curling. It’s like chess on ice. Most of the sports end up with me holding my breath.

With the FA Cup, I love an underdog story. It’s part of the charm of the competition.

Saw this sign when I was visited Dad today. It made me smile and seemed apt for both competitions.

Super heroes

I saw these PJs today and it got me thinking about the heroes. For me heroes are those people who put other’s interests before their own. I know so many people who fall into that category.

Today I watched healthcare professionals looking after my Dad and the carers looking after my Mum. I’m grateful for them all.

Good news, Dad is responding to treatment. He seemed brighter today when I went to visit him.

I love Wonder Woman so may need to go back and get these.

Groundhog Day

Well February hasn’t gotten off to the best start. My Dad was rushed into hospital yesterday.

After a bit of a scramble to make sure Mum was supported. And rearranging appointments and work stuff. I headed down to West Sussex today. After checking on Mum, I headed to the hospital to see him. He’s not great right now. But being well looked after.

Feels a bit like Groundhog Day as it wasn’t long ago he was rushed into hospital before. Ironically it was actual Groundhog Day yesterday.

Smiles are free

Today I was given the choice of mugs when I arrived at Gingerbreadland. I chose this one as it made me smile.

I’ve been complimented many times on my smile. I’m a very smiley person it seems. I remember a former work colleague telling me that he knew when things weren’t going well as I stopped smiling. He said it unnerved him when my smile vanished. He said it was a very good barometer.

Tiger tiger

Welcome to the year of the Tiger! My little tigers were very pleased to see me after a long day at work. Or that could have been cupboard love?

I was peopling at my Chiropractor’s. It’s so fun meeting lots of different people.

After dinner the kittens had a funny 5 minutes where they zoomed round the house and play fighting. They do make me laugh.

Winter beauties

Back home from a lovely weekend with Simon and Harry. It’s always good for my soul to spend time with them.

These little beauties were scattered over their path. Along with some stunning snowdrops. Spring is on its way. And that makes me very happy indeed.