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!

Donate

Well that’s blood donation number 58 done and dusted!

It’s good to give back. I know there are lots of people who can’t but as I can, I do.

And I got 2 packets of crisps today. I wasn’t sure I’d eaten enough so purely medicinal.

Adaptation

Headed out with my friend Colette today for my 4th birthday outing. We were heading to East Ruston Gardens till we realised it was closed. Quick scramble to come up with a new plan and we headed off to Sheringham Park to see the rhododendrons.

Boy they did not disappoint!! The colours were so vibrant. Another place ticked off my Norfolk bucket list.

Owl-tastic

So this was my birthday outing today. My friend Helen took me to see the owls and other birds of prey. I was rather giddy as I’m a big fan. I love watching them and am lucky to see a lot around my house.

They’re so majestic. We saw a flying display while we were there. It’s amazing how nimble they are. Some got really close as they dived down. Just incredible.

Then we met up with more friends for dinner. We ate, we laughed, we were the last ones in the restaurant.

Now home with a big smile on my face. Thank you everyone who’s made my birthday so special.

Me

Tomorrow I turn 52. I’m honestly not sure where the years have gone. One things for sure, I’m nowhere near done!

I’ve packed a lot into each spin around the sun. I’ve tried to live my life to the fullest. To be a kind, caring and loving person. To help others where I can. To make a life that I’m proud of. And be a person to be proud of too!

I’ve had many highs and lows, ups and downs, adventures and disasters. I’ve got many scars. I’ve got more memories. I’ve done things I didn’t think I could.

Tomorrow I will celebrate my birthday. I will raise a glass to celebrate me. And I hope you will raise one to me too.

Houghton Hall

What a fab horsey day out at Houghton Hall. Feeling very inspired watching the action. Also feeling a tad tired after walking 6.5 miles round the course. Though I was ‘sausage dog’ assisted as I was towed round for a lot of it. Well when he wasn’t humping my leg. 🤦🏻‍♀️ What can I say, it’s my animal magnetism…?!

I shall sleep well tonight for sure! 😴

Smell the roses

I had my first birthday outing today. My friend Anni took me for lunch at Peter Beales Roses. Not sure either of us thought we’d be there over 3 hours wandering round the gardens and smelling the roses. My goodness, there were some heavenly smelling ones.

The time flew by and we could have stayed for longer. Came away with my birthday present too – 2 beautiful clematis.

Meh

Feeling a bit meh today. Found out last night that Great Witchingham BE in July has been cancelled. I’m gutted as I was aiming for it as our great BE return.

I know it’s silly, but I wanted to complete a BE there. It’s a special place for me as well as being my local BE venue.

After being eliminated there for my Wobbleberry in 2018, I’ve wanted the opportunity to try again. But it hasn’t happened for many, many reasons. Now it looks like it won’t happen there.

So I need to look at a new plan. And find a different way to tick that goal off the bucket list.

Just feeling a little frustrated with a few things right now. Nothing major. Just those silly little things that can build up over time.

So being kind to myself and looking at all the things that Buddy and I have achieved so far.

Clear head

This was the perfect way to end my day. Me and my boy out for a wander.

Since he’s had his bit in the correct way, he’s been so much more relaxed and so light in the contact. Fingers crossed it continues. Poor boy must have been so uncomfortable.

After the rain and thunder today, it felt good to be outside. It definitely cleared my head.

Stompy walk

After a very long day in front of the laptop, I desperately needed some fresh air this evening. It was too late to take Buddy out, so I went for a stompy walk instead.

I love a good stompy walk. It clears the head, gets the blood pumping and the heart rate up.

After all of the rain today, it looked so green and smelt so fresh. Since I last walked this route, they’ve made some changes. This field has been planted with something rather different. Couldn’t work out what it was so will keep checking on it.

Still it’s been a very productive day as I got the magazine I’ve been working on over to the designer. Excited to see the artwork soon.