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!

Watching paint dry

I woke up feeling decidedly crappy. Very frustrating when the weather was so nice.

After walking the Baby Sprocker and doing maid duty, I thought I’d rest up. But I didn’t want to waste the good weather. So I painted the side fence and shed. As you do!

My theory was that it doesn’t take that much effort to paint… It’s not that physical, right?!

It took a lot longer than I though. I’m definitely not firing on all cylinders. Even Bert got bored of watching paint dry and took himself off for a nap. I think I should have joined him.

Still I’m very pleased with the result. And neither of us ended up covered in paint!

Medicinal

I’m still feeling a tad crappy. But the sunshine was far too hard to resist. I had a sudden burst of energy so took Buddy out for a short medicinal hack.

It lifted my spirit for sure. And released a lot of snot judging by the number of sneezes I did on the way round.

Thankfully Buddy doesn’t react to my sneezing. Unlike Bert who is most concerned every time I sneeze or cough. There has been a lot of concern over the past few days…

Antenna

OK so I might have to admit that my symptoms might be more than emotional stuff. I woke up at 4am shivering and sweating in equal measures. Sure sign I am with cold! By 7am I had to admit defeat, cancelled my morning plans and very slowly crawled through the day.

I had a very gentle walk with Bert. Thankfully he got up have a runaround to burn off the energy. Mucking out seemed to be a slow process. I had to stop for a breather getting the straw down. Whatever this is, I am with snot and phlegm. Delightful.

As I finished up, I notice this single bit of straw standing tall. It looked a bit like an antenna. Or a lightning bolt. Even with snot, I still have an active imagination.

Normal service will be resumed shortly no doubt.

Ashes to ashes

We scattered my Mum’s ashes today. Her last wish was to be scattered in Golders Green Crematorium. Alongside her Dad, Mum, Brother and Son.

It’s a beautiful place. So peaceful given it’s in London. It was my first visit as I wasn’t there when the others were scattered.

I feel like I had the chance to say my final goodbyes to those already there. As well as to my Mum.

Afterwards, we headed to Sunny Hill to have some lunch and give Bert a runaround. It was aptly named that’s for sure! He loved meeting his Grandad and his cousins.

On the way back, I stopped at Thetford Forest so Bert could have a leg stretch. I must admit I needed one too after a lot of driving. It’s been a long, lovely day…

Pensioner

As I crash towards 55, I’m starting to get some interesting post. This arrived today from one of my pension providers.

I’m very grateful that my boss at the time helped me start my pension at the tender age of 21. At the time, I was more interested in next week rather than 40 odd years in the future. It felt like I was saving for a future I couldn’t imagine. Back then, my pension age was 60. Now it’s 67 before I’d get a State Pension (if it’ll even exist by the time I get there…).

Now I’m nearly at the stage where I can access my personal pension, it feels very grown up and rather surreal. Interestingly, it said in this leaflet says that from 2028, people’ll have to wait till their 57 before they can access their pension. I must have missed that change! Not sure why?

I’ve worked very hard in the last 34 years. I’ve put as much money as I can into my pension pot. I know I’m in a very fortunate position. But life is fleeting. So I’m going to enjoy my retirement. Whenever it actually starts….

Judgy

Bert came with me to judge a local show jumping show. He clearly felt he should have the top job rather than sleeping under the desk. He jumped onto my chair and was very interested in the course walk.

It’s always inspiring watching people’s rounds. So much love for their horses and ponies. Whatever happens, it’s clear to see. And to see improvements through the rounds. Makes me want to get Buddy back to competing again.

I have to say that Bert was such a good boy. He has zoomies round the arena before the show. Then he settled under the desk or behind me – eating a body part or sleeping. He was so quiet at times, I almost forgot he was there.

He did manage to chew his lead when I left him to present the rosettes. But he soon got the idea that I was coming back.

It’s been an odd day. First Mother’s Day without Mum. It’s always been a weird day for me. So glad I was able to do something that I love, I’m very good at and occupies my brain.

The tears came when I got home…

Thumper

Bert loves a carrot. He found one on the yard and happily ate it up.

It seems that he might have been channeling his inner rabbit a bit too much though. He’s going through a hormone burst and has become something of a humper.

He’s tried humping me, but that didn’t work. Tonight, we went over to a friend’s for dinner. And to meet her two dogs. One of whom, Bert took quite a shine to. Well judging from the fact he tried him to mount her several times. This was after a rather vigorous play session. Thankfully, Bert hasn’t got a clue what he’s doing (I’ve had a few dates like that).

He was trying to hump her head… At least I got dinner first.

Outta proportion

Bert found a stick today on our walk. He was very happy with himself. Until he tried to bring it along…

It was at least three Baby Sprockers long (the new stick measuring scale I have adopted).

Bert loves a stick. He doesn’t chew them. He kinda shreds them. He’s worked out which size he can get through the cat flap. My office looked like Edward Scissorhands had been in there after he’s brought in a particularly old one!

Then he went mad trying to eat the dustpan and brush. He does make me laugh. Even if he does mean that things take bit longer to do.

Wonderful

What a difference a day makes huh? On Tuesday, I needed my layers as I rode round Blickling. Today, I needed less. It was wonderful to be back there. In the glorious sunshine.

I’ve had a wonderful day all round. One of those days where things line up and you seem to sail through things. Lots of wonderful things happened. Nothing earth shattering, but wonderful nonetheless.

Buddy had a wonderful day out with his friend Archie. Bert had a wonderful day when he discovered my yard owners dogs’ food. Little piggy!

The after effect of that aren’t quite so wonderful. His puppy farts are off the scale! He’s even spooked himself with them. I know I shouldn’t laugh, but I think he’s disgusted himself.

Cerulean

What a blissful way to start the day. Just me, my Baby Sprocker and Mother Nature at her finest.

It’s been a glorious day. One where I seemed to have been in my own strip poker game judging by the number of layers I removed. I even took off my over-trousers and fleece. Yes it was that warm!! It’s March, right?!

I love days like this. Blue skies, bird song, fresh air in my lung, the sun on my skin, a full heart and an empty mind. It makes me rather sad that people have to be told about the benefits of being out in nature.

And the constant threat of destruction for housing, solar farms and all manner of other stuff. It makes no sense to me. With one hand there a programme to rewild and plant trees, while there’s another to destroy it.

If it was down to me, we would protect the great outdoors at all costs. The Countryside is in my heart. Always will be…