Another job off the list for my parents. The ice in their freezer was starting to take over a bit. So my Dad and I attacked it. Bless him he ran out of puff so took on a supervisory role.

It was about halfway through that I realised I should have done a before and after photo.

Doing things like this give me such a feeling of satisfaction and I know it’ll help my Dad.

And yes, I was singing the songs in my head as I chiselled through the ice and frost. 😉

5 years ago I said my final goodbye to Murphy. Today I sat in my parents’ dining room looking at the pictures they have of him. I love this photo as he looks huge! He was in full on stallion mode.

It was the hardest and easiest decision I’ve had to make. I gave him his wings so he could soar to thank him for the times he helped me fly. I took away his pain even though it broke my heart. I thank him every day for the lessons he taught me and for the bruises, scars and tears along the way. He helped shape me as the rider I am today. My life was richer for him. I met so many people as a result of being his partner. He saved me from myself. He prepared me for Buddy. He will always be etched in my heart.

He was then and will always be my Smurfles. 🐴😍

This came up on my memories today. It made me giggle. But it also made me miss competing, lessons and clinics.

I’m also missing celebrating with people for their achievements. Not just my horsey friends. My running friends who get a PB. My dog agility friends. In fact anyone who pushes themselves to achieve something different. I’ve always enjoyed the Sunday evening reports.

My FB feed isn’t as rich as it once was. I’m missing planning what we’re going to do and where we’re going to go.

I miss those pre-competition nerves. I miss checking the lorry (even when I know everything’s onboard). I miss the exhilaration when it’s all done.

Some days lockdown is harder than others…

Dad was well enough to come home this evening. But he’s got to go back tomorrow for more treatment. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.

Last night I got a phone call from a paramedic to say that my Dad was rather unwell and they were taking him to hospital. Drove down today to look after Mum. It was a bit odd driving on the M25 and it being so empty. Just me and a lot of lorries and vans.

Dad was finally moved to a ward this afternoon and is on lots of fluids and antibiotics. Thankfully he’s Covid negative – so that’s one less thing to worry about.

Hopefully he’ll be home in a few days. All healing and positive vibes gratefully received right now.

Well it’s good to know that one us is feeling well. Buddy broke through the fencing today and went for a gallop round the fields. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Horses are so weird in winter. Most things want to hibernate. Not horses, they can be super high energy. Yesterday we did a fair bit of jogging out on our hack. I say we. So time to up the workload again. Thankfully I’m getting more energy all the time.

Once he’d cooled down, we had a lovely chilled out ride. Guessing someone got rid of a bit of energy first….

I got a science lesson when I got back home. Lit the fire and smoked the house out. The smoke wasn’t drawing. Quick google and it said it can happen if it’s been cold. Cold air is heavier than hot and all that. It suggested putting a blow torch up the chimney.

Well I don’t have one of those (and I’m not sure anyone would allow me one!), so stuck the hairdryer up there instead. 😂 It worked!

Someone’s stolen the sky?! Heavy frost and thick fog. Happy Sunday!

I saw this earlier and it really struck a cord with me. Lockdown on my own can be really tough done days. I miss people. I miss hugs. So I’m very grateful to have so many wonderful friends in my life. Friends I’ve known for decades, friends I’ve known for weeks, friends who live all over the world and friends I’ve not actually met yet.

A big thank you to everyone one who’s checked in on me. And an even bigger thank you for being a part of my life – big or small.

I’ve been doing a challenge that Lucinda Green has been running. It’s really fun. She’s been doing live Q&A sessions and there was one tonight. She’s a wealth of information. Learnt a lot from the session.

Her top tip for rider fitness? Hover rather than sit on the loo. I’ve experienced so distinctly dodgy toilets at horse venues (and a lack of heating), wonder if that’s where she discovered it.

Growing up she was my riding heroine and meeting her at the Rolex is still up there in my memories. You might be able to spot that from the size of my smile.

Storm Christopher was still howling today. Thankfully the sun was out too so I managed to get some laundry on the line. A first for 2021. There’s something very satisfying about laundry on the line.

Took Buddy out for a longer hack today. I’m still taking it slowly but I do feel like my energy levels are definitely improving.