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!

Infrared

Today Buddy was infrared scanned. Nothing to worry about, just a precaution and out of curiosity.

I had to plait his mane out of the way. I gave him a little top knot for his forelock. He was so funny as when I tried to take it out, he was having none of it. He obviously wants to be a fashion icon of the yard. Got it out eventually.

The sweetest thing was Big Buddy finally got to meet Little Buddy. Little Buddy is a Shetland pony who belongs to my friend. There was a definite bromance started today.

It was the most adorable thing. I’ve not heard my Buddy ‘chat’ to another horse like that. They were grooming each other. It made my heart burst seeing them together.

If Buddy ever needs a Buddy, I think he’s just found one. In Shetland form.

Bus pass

I had quite the adventure today. With the freezing temperatures overnight, I was worried the lorry wouldn’t start. And if I did get it started, I wouldn’t be able to park it safely in the city. Thankfully Victoria came to my rescue and gave me a lift in to work.

Of course, that left the conundrum of how to get home. Decided to bus it back. My god, what a faff!

First I had to find the bus stop (easier said than done). Then I nearly missed it as it stopped at a different stop. Luckily someone spotted it, so we all trotted up the road to get it. Finally we ended up going round the houses, including a 3-point turn due to a closed road.

All in all it took an hour and 15 mins to do a journey that takes a max of 20 mins in the car. Still it only cost me £2 (and a little bit more body fat keeping warm while I waited in the freezing temperatures).

Got back to some good news! The Comedy Car was fixed. And the bill wasn’t as much as expected. Good job too as I had to ask one of my neighbours if I could jumpstart the Buddymobile off his car. Seems my worries were well founded after all.

Jammed

So my joyous 2024 continues. Driving back last night from my Riding Club Committee meeting, the Comedy Car started feeling odd and drinking petrol. And I mean drinking!!

Took it to the garage this morning and one of the brakes was jammed on. Just very grateful that it didn’t do that when I was coming back from my parents.

It needs new brake pads, discs and at least one calliper, maybe two. So another car bill coming my way. Plus I’ve got the car tax for the lorry to pay this month.

Thank goodness I have the Buddymobile though. At least I’m kinda mobile. Well once I got it started. Had to jump start it off a friend’s car (normally I’d use the Comedy Car….).

We had a fluttering of snow here today. I inadvertently wheel spun the Buddymobile trying to get off the close earlier. That was fun!

I’m working at the chiro’s tomorrow so wish me luck finding a space for it in Norwich. You have to laugh. Honest you do.

Pedi time

Oh how I’ve missed this little face. Well not so little really. But I’ve missed him. Think he was more interested in whether I had brought food for him.

It was pedicure time for Buddy today. He was very happy to have snacks too as we’ve found a haynet stops him from getting bored.

He looks so handsome. He was actually eyeing up a huge bale of hay. I thought to start off with that he was watching the yard dogs sitting on it. But no, he was all about the food! He kept staring at it even after the dogs had gone.

St Veronica

Dad spotted this cottage opposite the hospital that Mum’s in. Spooky as my Mum’s name is Veronica. I have to admit, I didn’t know there was a St Veronica. So did a bit of research. She offered her veil to Jesus so he could wipe his face on the way to the cross. And is the Patron saint of laundry workers.

Mum was a bit of a mixed bag today. Part Saint. Part very much not. Still she was calmer by the time I left to drive back to Norfolk.

I have a feeling I’m going to be putting a lot more miles on the Comedy Car. Good job I enjoy driving (though the M25 does test that sometimes).

Mac

As we drove over to the hospital today, I spotted one of my own hacking spots – Chailey Common. It brought back many happy memories of my first horse, Grandby Macawber. He was my 15’2 X-Cob, who had the body of a cob and the brain of a TB! He had a few issues – rearing, spinning, mouth like granite, legs like treetrunks, no brakes, steering was a bit suspect too, but I loved him. He taught me a lot, mostly how to sit a rear, brace a spin and bounce! He also gave me the XC bug as he was brave as a lion!

We used to gallop round the common. Huge smile on my face. Sometimes scattering a walker or two (see previous comments about brakes and steering).

Love enduring

I saw this painting at the hospital today. It was called love enduring. It made me smile. But then horses have been making me smile for most of my life.

It was much needed. Mum has really gone downhill since I last saw her. All prayers and healing vibes gratefully received right now.

Interesting tally

This makes me smile. I got home from the yard today and the Comedy Car tipped over to all the sixes. Even the time is pleasing.

I’ve certainly done a lot of miles since I got it in 2019. Back then it had barely done 30k miles.

It’s safely transported me round the country and only broken down once. Not bad considering it’s 12 years old.

I’ll be putting more miles on it tomorrow as I’m heading down to my parents again. Mum has taken a turn for the worst. So off to see her. And make sure my Dad is OK.

Marmite

Anyone else’s cat like marmite crisps?! The kittens go mad whenever I open a packet. I get mugged for them.

I’m a huge fan of all things marmite. I know it’s not everyone’s thing. But it’s very much mine. Nothing like marmite on toast to make the world feel a better place. And let’s face it, we can do with that right now.

It’s been a tough week with one thing and another. So I finished it with a bit of time with my best Buddy. He definitely makes my world better.

About time

So today I did something significant. Something that I’ve been putting off for many years. Something that might sound small to some or insignificant to others. But to me, it was a moment worth recognising.

I bet you’re on the edge of your seats wondering what it was?! Well, I donated my wedding dress to The Big C Bridal Boutique. And I am very proud of me.

It was bought from a picture, shipped over from the States and thankfully I loved it. It made me feel elegant and was perfect for a beach wedding.

When my marriage ended 11 years ago, it moved with me. I couldn’t part with it then. And for the past 10 years it’s sat in a box under my spare bed.

I’ve been wanting to donate it for years, but time marched on and it never made it to the top of the list. Today was the day. For some reason, I thought it would be a difficult and onerous thing. But it took less than a minute to hand it over. And I felt weirdly lighter afterwards.

So it seems that today’s lesson is to stop putting things off cause they might be difficult. Just do it and move on.