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!

Road trip

Today I went to catch up with two lovely ladies who’ve both been a great support to me during lockdown.

First a trip to Tivershall St Margaret to spend the morning walking and talking. I got to explore the ruined church of St Mary’s. It’s stunning! But I am a fan of a ruined church.

Then on to Rendlesham to spend the afternoon sitting and talking.

Now home on the sofa with the boys. What a lovely day!

Boys together

So it’s been an interesting couple of cat-related days. Hugo seems none the worse for his snip yesterday or his antics with the cone of shame. Hoping Dodo is the same next week after his. Glad I realised she was a he before we rocked up at the vets.

Still getting used to calling him he after weeks of making a conscious effort to say she. But he doesn’t seem to be bothered in the least bit. Still a cuddle monster!

Mistakes happen

Today’s interesting twist in my rollercoaster life is that my gorgeous girly Dolce, is actually a gorgeous guy! Good job I checked before he went in to be spayed. 🤦🏻‍♀️

He will still stay as Dolce or Dodo as it’s stuck now. I said I wanted boys originally and now I have four in my life if you include Nero and Buddy.

Little things

Today has been one of those days that’s made me appreciate the little things in life. Taking Hugo to the vets without having to hand him over in a car park. Having a leisurely lunch out with a good friend. Spending the evening catching up with another. And talking to my Mum on the phone.

Makes you appreciate how weird life has been in recent months. It almost felt normal – whatever that is. I hope I never take these things for granted.

Cone of shame

Well that was stressful! Hugo came through his operation without issue. Got him home and put the ‘cone of shame’ on. Well he DID NOT LIKE THAT!! He threw himself about, got it off 4 times and made his boy bits bleed. Thankfully he hadn’t burst his stitches. Honestly the things I have to do!

Keep him calm they said. Restrict his exercise they said. He’ll be tired they said. Not a bit of it. He was tearing round the living room like his tail was on fire. So he’s now sulking back in the cage and wailing. He is not a happy camper. Lord only knows what Dodo is going to be like next week.

Still he got a clean bill of health and quite a few new fans at the vets. They all thought he was adorable too. Oh and they think he’s going to be big!

Hugo

Hugo has gone to the vets for his ‘big boy’ operation today. He looked so tiny in the carrier. It needs to be done so lots of positive vibes for him today.

Dodo is missing her brother and hasn’t left me since I got back. It’s probably the first time they’ve been apart.

Epiphany

I’ve been trying to define my vision for Leave a trail. I’ve been struggling. Then it hit me. For 30 years I’ve worked towards someone else’s vision. Never mine. This is the first time I get to create my own. It’s exciting and a little daunting. So I’m been doing lots of thinking, plotting and planning.

It’s funny cause I have a very clear vision of what I want to achieve with Buddy. Popped a few jumps this evening. Such fun! And reminds me how far we’ve come together.

Exciting times ahead! H2 2020 is going to be a good one. I can feel it.

Make new friends

Buddy met his doppelgänger today. Boxed him up and took him up to Cantley for a hack out with my friend and her horse Hugo. Talk about Matchy Matchy horses.

Lovely to take him somewhere new and explore new routes. Both boys seemed to enjoy each other’s company. We chatted the whole way round. There was a lot for them to deal with including huge lorries on narrow roads (with air brakes). Buddy definitely had his brave pants on. And we didn’t get too wet.

Buddy also encountered his first chicken. Not sure he’s a fan judging by his reaction. Still he walked past it at the second attempt.

Unfortunately the twat award goes to me for trying to drive off with the ramp still down. Thankfully no damage done and I shall now revert to the 3 check system I had for the trailer!