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!

Dragonfly

This morning when I was having breakfast on the patio, the most wonderful thing happened. A dragonfly landed on my knee. It gave me goosebumps.

I’ve seen lots of dragonflies in my garden, out riding or at the yard, but it’s the first time one has actually landed on me!

It felt like a very special moment. I wondered if there was a spiritual meaning. So I looked it up. There were lots of different meaning. All along similar themes. Essentially it’s very lucky to have one land on you. They signify change. And being connected to nature (that’s probably obvious as I was outside).

I must admit, I really did feel very lucky indeed. I sat frozen, barely breathing for fear of scaring it off. I must have twitched or something as it flew off to one of my roses. But moments later, it flew back and landed on my knee again. Does that make me doubly lucky?!

I find the symbolism of things fascinating. Makes you wonder where they came from. The symbolism with dragonflies seem to come from China and the Far East. But then they have been a round for a very long time…

Wedding guest

They say that it’s lucky to bring a horseshoe for the bride. Well tonight, I brought four! They were of course still attached to Buddy. My friend Kirsty was having her wedding celebration party at the community hall near the yard. I know how much she loves Buddy, so I walked up to bring him down to see her.

He was such a good boy. Posing for the guests. A few more members of the Buddy fan club I’d say. In fact her brother-in-law said he’d been to many weddings, but had never seen someone turn up with a horse!

Kirsty said it was the cherry on top. I’m so happy that I could do that for her. May you and David have a long and happy marriage.

Salty snacks

I’ve been craving salt recently. I’m guessing it’s cause of the humidity and a bit of sweating. I usually have electrolytes but I’ve run out (yes they’re on the shopping list). I mentioned this to the chiropractor and she checked me. Totally agreed that I need more salt. Let’s face it, I have to be different.

So on my way back, I stopped for some salty snacks. Can’t beat salted peanuts or salty popcorn. It was only when I got home that I realised I’d accidently picked up sweet popcorn. Doh!

At least a packet of peanuts hit the salty craving.

Adulting

Urgh what a day! I have been forced to seriously adult today. So many things that need to be sorted out. And not the fun kind. The kind that usually goes in the ‘too scary for Pip’ category.

Things like:

My energy deal is running out.
My broadband contract is running out.
Part of my mortgage fixed rate is running out. My breakdown cover needs renewing.
And many more…

Oh and to top it off, my driving license photocard is running out. I mean, who knew that was a thing?!

So I spent a lot of the day feeling like I’m going round in circles trying to find good deals. All while dealing with the rising fear of making a bad choice or getting it wrong. God adulting is so hard sometimes.

I spent two hours on a video call with a mortgage advisor. Came off with some options, but still a bit confused. Seriously, I’m an intelligent person. But finances scare the pants off me. Ironic I know for someone who’s spent their career working in Financial Services.

I also came to the conclusion that the process is aimed at people starting out on their mortgage journey. Not someone like me who’s crashing towards retirement… No, I really don’t need life insurance. Yes I understand the benefits of buildings and contents insurance. Where do I see myself in 5 years?! Alive preferably!

I tried to find a more superior adult to discuss it all with. Failed at that, so headed to see my second largest outgoing, Buddy.

Anyone got a crystal ball I can borrow?! It’s all so doom and gloom out there. Who knows what ‘crisis’ we will hit next…

Canter

This is the face of someone who just cantered her horse! Another massive milestone in Buddy’s rehab.

He’s given me a few strides before when we’ve been doing poles. But this was the first time I’d intentionally asked for it. And the first time since 23 April!!

I took him out for a 40 min hack first, to make sure he was definitely warmed up. Then took him in the school. Think he was a bit surprised at first that I was asking him to canter.

We didn’t go mad. Just tested both reins. Oh my goodness, it felt so good!

We’re coming back…

Scar face

It’s been a bit of a worrying time for me this weekend. Dodo went missing for over 48 hours. He missed 4 meals!! Hugo is known to wander, not for any length of time though. But Dodo rarely does. So it was very out of character for him.

I’d been out looking for him. But as I hadn’t been at home the whole weekend, I’d hoped I’d just missed him. But when he didn’t return for dinner last night, I started to fear the worst.

I was woken at 3:40am by a very little voice on the bed. He was very timid, tired and thin. Goodness knows where he’d been. After giving him some food (Hugo was rather happy about extra food), we all headed back to bed.

I woke up feeling rather rubbish. Pounding headache and thick head. So back to bed I went. Dodo joined me for more cuddles. Trust me to be ill when the builders are in next door. Lots of sawing and banging. Still I think we both needed the sleep.

Poor Dodo has a big gash on his face. I’m guessing he got into a fight and either ran or was chased off. He might have gotten himself stuck somewhere too. Who knows?! I’m so relieved he’s home. He’s very happy to be home too.

He’s barely left my side all day. My little purr monster is returning. Let’s hope normal service is returning for me too. Early night for us both me thinks.

Coffee in a can

I headed over to Blackwater tody to cheer on a few friends who were evening today. Lovely to catch up and watch the action. I really do miss eventing. So glad I can be a tiny part of it again.

On the way back, I stopped for petrol and spotted this. Who knew iced coffee in a can was so delicious?! My Mum used to like them, but I never actually tried one. It was most refreshing.

Wish I’d bought a few more…

Cotoneaster cull

Thought I’d have a quiet day today. Well quiet for me. I needed to pick up a new horsey washing machine, so the Buddymobile got a run out. As he was at home, I thought I’d take advantage of the extra space to clear my garden. I’ve been wanting to have a cull of the cotoneaster at the front of my house for ages.

It had gotten a bit out of hand if I’m honest. I’ve tried to keep on top of it. But it was beyond rescuing. So it was time to go.

My little chainsaw made short work of it. Getting it in the garden bag was a more interesting challenge. Still got there in the end.

With the Buddymobile suitable filled, I thought I’d better check what time the recycling centre closed. Annoyingly I’d missed it by 15 mins.

So I headed back to the yard to walk Buddy over some poles. And put the windows up on the Comedy Car. Not sure if it was going to rain, but better safe than sorry.

The Buddymobile is now pine-scented from the old hedge branches I cut off a while ago. Who needs an air freshener?!

I’m going to plant Agatha in the space. I love roses and think it’ll like quite fetching there. The rest of the cotoneaster can have a stay of execution. I ran out of garden bags (and steam).

It’s amazing what a difference it makes. And how much lighter my living room is!

Dark waters

One of these horses overcame a fear tonight. He was a proper warrior. Frankie isn’t a fan of dark water. By dark water, I mean the run off from a steaming pile of manure. Tonight he crossed the river of poo juice. Buddy wasn’t phased at all, so he just walked straight over it.

This played to our advantage as Frankie was much more willing to give it a go seeing Buddy standing in the poo juice. My Equilab looked like Buddy was doing the Hokey Cokey going back and forward showing Frankie that it was safe.

Finally Frankie took the plunge and took the step to cross the river. And by river, it was a few feet across. We were all cheering him on! Credit where credit is due, he was really brave to overcome his fear.

Thankfully the rest of our ride was smooth sailing. It was a lovely way to end the week. Think we all needed a giggle tonight.