Welcome to blog! I started it in 2020 to chart my recovery from breaking my ankle (hence the name). I guess no-one saw a global pandemic coming. It's turned into a place where I can talk about the things happening in my life, my horse and my cats. Enjoy!
Headed over to Mousehold Farm for an arena hire today. Met up with these lovely ladies (and their ponies) for a pony play date.
The wind had some bite to it! I was a tad chilly when we’d finished. Clearly not working hard enough. 
It was lovely to pop Buddy over some jumps too. I feel like he’s had to take a bit of a backseat in the past few months. So it felt good to be doing something fun together.
You’ve heard of Fort Knox, well today my garden took a big step forward in becoming Fort Bert!
I was given some old fence panels a few years ago. I had all the best intentions of sorting out this bit of fencing. Somehow it never quite made it to the top of the list. Or anywhere near it, if I’m honest. Bert’s arrival has rapidly changed that.
I had planned to do it over the weekend, the weather put pay to that. So I decide today was the day! I thought I’d take advantage of the sunshine… that only lasted 5 mins before it started raining again.
I wish I’d taken a photo before I started. It took me an hour to get it to the top picture. It was rather overgrown.
It’s not the best job in the world I grant you. But I used a saw, hammer and secateurs – all without injuring myself! I’m taking that as a win. I’m going to paint the panels so they blend in a bit more too. And need to tweak it slightly.
I blocked off the driveway too. Still got a couple more bits to sort out before it’s completely puppy-proof. But ran out of steam and light today. Overall a very productive day.
That moment when you’re lighting a match and a bit flies off and burns you. Honestly, it’s a wonder I’m still alive!
Not a clue how I did it. I was striking the match away from me. Growing up, my Dad was a Scout Leader so I learned that one a long time ago.
All I can say is that it flipping hurts. Another scar for the collection huh?! Good job I can laugh at my own ineptitude lighting the twig burner. As Prodigy sang, I’m a fire starter, twisted fire starter. Or maybe I’d just met my match.
Bert’s new bed arrived today. I’d barely got it out of the packaging and he was trying to get in it. He was also testing its durability. With his teeth! Either that or he was trying to get the perfect spot for it. By carrying it round the room.
He was very happy with it. There was a bit of burrowing going on too. He’s such a happy little chap.
He’s also a shredder. He’s obsessed with toilet roll middles. They get shredded. And takes great joy in going in the waste paper box next to the fire. He’s shredded a few receipts and bits of scrap paper. Thankfully they’re there to be burned so no harm done. Other than my lounge floor looks a bit like the inside of a snow globe…
This week I’ve been hit by more waves of emotions. The tears have definitely been flowing. So I did something I rarely do. I took time for me. I rearranged plans, I stepped back from commitments and allowed myself time to cry, process and heal.
I’m along way from done, I know that. There’s a lot to grieve for right now. But I’m proud of myself for making myself a priority. Little Bert has massively helped there. He’s made me slow things down.
I was meant to peopling today. My lovely Chiro understood when I explained I wasn’t in the best place. So instead, I took my No. 1 boy, aka Mr Fluffy Ears, out for a lovely ride with a good friend.
We talked. We laughed (mostly at our horses antics). But most of all we were appreciative of the joy horses bring us and how being in the great outdoors lifts one’s spirits.
I have no doubt there will be many more tears to come. Grief is very messy…
This is what Bert makes of it all. He’s crashed out. Not surprised he’s tired after needing to go out 3 times last night. We all are! I’m not sure he’s been getting enough sleep. I’m finding it hard to get him to settle at times. He seems to settle best when he’s with me. He needs so much sleep at the moment. So doing my best to give him what he needs.
I know that the broken night’s won’t last. We’ve had some better nights. But last night wasn’t our best. I’ve realised that I’m not at my best when I don’t sleep well either. Lots of tears today. I’m overtired and very emotional too. I know I’m starting to allow myself to grieve for my Mum.
I absolutely adore Bert. I can’t imagine him life without him now. He makes me laugh so much. He’s so loving and cuddly. A puppy is really hard work. Especially when it’s just me. I feel like I need eyes everywhere right now. But I’m determined to give him the best start. If that means a bit more sleep deprivation, so be it.
I can sleep when I’m dead…
Bert is now officially a ‘Lorry Dog in Training’. I had to take the Buddymobile over to the workshop for some work. So thought I’d take Bert along for the ride. He was such a good boy. He curled up and slept for most of the journey. Big Gold Star right there!!
On the way back, I realised that I’d left his lead in the lorry. Doh! It was the one that came with the cat harness I bought for the kittens (and caused Hugo to flop like a rag doll). It was annoying me anyway as the clip was really fiddly. Not what you need with a wriggly puppy!
As we were coming back through Wroxham, I remembered there’s a dog shop there. So lovely new lead purchased. While there I asked about harnesses etc. The lovely lady in the shop said if I bring Bert back when he’s had his vaccinations, she offers a fitting service.
I can already see it will become a cool place to go. So lovely that there are so many dog-friendly places about.
This is Bert’s favourite toy, Mr Fox. Today, Bert worked out how to make it squeak. Properly. When he first arrived, he accidently made it squeak and scared himself.
It actually has 12 squeakers in it. So far he’s only managed to squeak a few at a time. I’m waiting for his musical prowess to kick in. While I am regretting my choice of toys….
Bert has a new playpen in the garden. This is so he can be outside (supervised of course) while I puppy proof the garden. As adorable as he is, it’s hard getting stuff done. I have to wait for nap time. I have a new found appreciation for new Mums that’s for sure.
I have to admit, it looked bigger online and I’m sure I measured it out. I’m willing to admit that I’m not great when it comes to scale. It will do for now though.
He gets a gold star for photo posing! It seems I have yet another photogenic animal In my life.
He also gets a gold star for his trip to the vets today. He’s has his first jab, so he’s on the path to proper ‘meet & greets’. He weighs in at 4kg and is a good solid little chap according to the vet. Though he did say that he has rather large paws. Let’s see if he grows into them!!
He’s also enrolled in Pre-Puppy School. Exciting times in Bert’s World.
So it appears I might have a cat dog. Bless him, I just sat down for a coffee and he was straight on my lap.
He’s having so many new experiences. Bert’s World is getting bigger all the time. He’s had so many first. It’s so cute watching him dream. Makes some wonder what he’s dreaming about.
Today his biggest excitement has been Nylabones. Mine too! Wow, he was like a puppy possessed. Not complaining. He’s definitely in the piranha phase….
Tales, Tails and Talus 