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!

Font

I’m well versed with many fonts (verdana is my favourite). I’ve even been called a font of all knowledge in my time. But this is the first time I’ve ever come across a font in a hospital!

Apparently it was moved to the hospital when the local church was undergoing renovations. It’s stayed ever since. Apparently nearly 5,000 people were baptised in it.

I’m back home after another trip down South. Honestly it’s exhausting. Not just the long drive, the joys of the M25 or sitting in a hospital ward. The emotions that go along with it all. Going back to my childhood home is a sensory overload. So many memories – good and bad.

I’m going to be honest, I’m struggling with it all. It’s really tough. Tomorrow is another day.

Bag a bargain

Yesterday I drove back down to my parents for my 4th visit in 2 months. In my haste to leave, I managed to forget my handbag. Doh! Money is OK as I can used my phone. My reading glasses. Well that’s a different story. My Dad had some I could use last night, but they were too strong so I couldn’t use them for long.

This morning I headed out to get some new readers. Poundland came up trumps! I’d love to say that the glasses were the only thing I bought. But we all know that’s just not possible.

On our way back from seeing Mum in Crowborough, I introduced Dad to the joys of Home Bargains. I saw this bag and it made me laugh. It’s so true! And yes, we came out with a bag full.

Wings

8 years ago I said my final goodbye to Murphy. I gave him his wings so he could soar to thank him for the times he helped me fly.

Today when I walked into Buddy’s stable I found this white feather. Not a clue where it could have come from. Even though I knew it was the right thing to do, it was the hardest (and easiest) decision I’ve made.

I thank him every day for the lessons he taught me and for the bruises along the way. My life was richer for him, he saved me from myself and he will always be etched in my heart.

He paved the way for Buddy. I’m sure he’s watching over us. And hope he’s proud of the partnership we’ve created.

Buddy was put through his paces today by the lovely Natalie. She rode him beautifully and was SO complimentary about him. I tend to be very critical of my riding and the lack of progression. Then I have moments like today when someone gets on him and raves about him. Reminds me of how far we’ve come.

So tonight I raised a glass to all of my horses. They all hold a special place in my heart. And helped shape the equestrian I am.

Posh mayo

I am a big fan of mayonnaise. I am a big fan of truffle. Put them together and I’m a dribbling mess. My dinner just got a lot posher.

And I certainly earned my dinner tonight. So did Buddy. First lesson of 2024, saw us head over to World Horse Welfare. Simon Grieve had set up some simulated XC exercises. An offset double, jumping on the angle and jumping serpentines. So much fun!

It just goes to show how far we’ve come. Buddy ate up each of the exercises and lines.

I think Simon was a little stunned at how well we jumped. At one point, we got a ‘bloody marvellous’. Me being me, I had to check that his comment was about us – and not the fact the lights had been turned on. Indeed it was at us!

Although we kept the heights low, it felt so great to be back jumping. Guess I better start thinking about competitions for 2024. Maybe we can make our jumping posh too with some clear rounds.

Paw Patrol

Not sure if the kittens had spotted something. Or they were just on guard. But Paw Patrol was in full force today.

They sat like this for ages. Till the sun broke through and they retired to the sunshine. Maybe they were waiting for it to hit the conservatory.

I was toasting nicely with my dinky heater. I’m fact, I had to turn it off at one point as I was overheating.

Heat source

OK so I might have failed on the whole life cleanse thing as I added something new. But it was much needed, a bargain and a business expense. Bear with me.

My office is off my conservatory. Lush in the Summer when the heat streams in. But like the Artic in the Winter. I can’t close the doors cause of the kittens. I can’t close the curtains cause it’s too dark. So I have a fan heater to keep me warm.

Perfect right?! Do you know how loud a fan heater is?! I have to turn it off when I’m on video calls as I can’t hear what’s being said.

So today I got fed up of being cold and bought a new silent radiator. It was on sale too. Hurrah!

It’s ever so dinky, but my god it packs it some heat. I had to turn it down at one point. Of course, now I have to fight the kittens for it.

Ooh la la

So my life cleanse continued with more items listed today. Not totally sure why Vinted has decided to send me an update email in French though. I mean, I know it’s a fancy jacket and all. But pretty sure I didn’t change one of my settings. Who knows?!

It made me laugh that’s for sure. It’s been a long time since I did French. Thankfully I know what this one says so didn’t need to resort to google translate.

Clearance

One of my aims for 2024 is to declutter my life. It’s a bold aim I grant you. I’ve made a start at least. I’ve sold some stuff, listed some more and set a goal to clear something each week.

Let’s face it, donating my wedding dress took me 10 years. It seems I’ve held onto a lot of stuff I rarely use – ‘just in case’. So it’s time to let it go.

Windswept

Well the wind has picked up today. Typical after the freezing temperatures have warmed up. Still it didn’t stop us heading out for a wind-assisted hack. It felt great to be able to get off the yard. Even if our words were blown away. A lot.

I really need to sort Buddy’s mane out. He was so windswept by the time we got back. He does seem to be able to rock the Mohawk though.