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Comes together

There are many times when I question my life choices. A 4:30am alarm call on a Sunday morning is definitely one of them! Think Buddy was questioning them too when I turned up at stupid o’clock. He looked a little confused to be honest. Breakfast on the Buddymobile made it more appealing.

We were heading off to the Suffolk Equestrian Centre in Bury St Edmunds for RC Arena Eventing. Another new venue for us. And our first time doing Arena Eventing. But not our first time representing Carleton RC.

I wasn’t sure how today was going to go. We haven’t had the best build up if I’m honest. I’d dropped back to 70cm to give Buddy a really confident run. It proved to be the right decision.

After walking the course, I felt really positive about it. There wasn’t anything that I felt would be an issue. But this is Buddy. So anything was on the cards. And there were lots of questions. Including a water splash.

I had to stop watching the early rounds as there were so many eliminations and issues. So I told Buddy we were there to have fun!

He warmed up like a dream. Then when it was our turn, he wasn’t sure about the white barriers or standing in the rain by the ring. In the ring, everything came together! My little boy flew round! Even when he wasn’t sure, he trusted me and stormed round for a clear round, including the 80cm joker fence.

Flew a little bit too much as we were 8 second under the optimum time. Still good enough to take 5th place individually (out of 49) and to help the team take 4th place (out of 12).

To say I came out with tears in my eyes is an understatement. And the biggest smile you can imagine. Days like today are the reward for the hard work, bruises and disappointments.

When it comes together, it’s worth more than gold.

Lucky at last

My recent record at Carrow Road hasn’t been great. In fact my recent record of watching Norwich hasn’t been great. There have been a lot of loses and not much action. Today I broke my jinx and saw them win.

Wasn’t the best match. But I’ll take a 3-1 win. And Brighton beat Chelsea. So today has been a very good football day.

Brace yourself

Buddy had his annual visit from the dentist. He wasn’t sure to start off with, but he soon settled. The dentist said he’s got really good teeth. So that’s really good to hear.

It was so wonderful to see Buddy. He came wandering over to see me when I went to get him in. After he’d had his teeth done, I lunged him. After over a week off I wasn’t sure what to expect. He threw some interesting shapes. He does makes me laugh sometimes.

He was really cuddly afterwards. I think he’d missed me too.

Super supper

You have no idea how grateful I was to find this care package on the door step when I got home tonight. Not the best journey back as it took me nearly 5 hours! Sat in traffic for 1.5 hours to get through the Dartford Tunnel. The joys of the M25.

Even though I had snacks on the way back, I didn’t realise how hungry I was. I practically inhaled this. I have some amazing friends.

It’s good to be home. The kittens are very pleased to see me too. Hugo threw up and Dodo is asleep on my feet.

My parents? Dad is behaving. Mum is back on oxygen.

And me? Well I’m shattered…

Latte

Anyone who knows my Mum will know her love of a frothy coffee. So today I took her one when I went to visit her. It put a smile on her face.

She’s doing well but not ready to come home yet. Dad is also doing well. And actually listening to me telling him to rest.

He wanted a burger for dinner. So good daughter that I am, I drove to Hickstead to get him Burger King. Well makes a change from driving to Hickstead to watch horses.

Jack and Jill

I had some errands to run so while I was in the car, I headed up to the South Downs for a walk. I needed some fresh air to clear my head. Parked at Jack & Jill Windmill. Somewhere I used to visit a lot but haven’t been to for years.

Jack is the black one in the back and Jill is the white one. They’re both privately owned but cut quite the figure.

I’d forgotten how beautiful the views are from up there. You can see for miles towards London and right out to sea. I could even make out the hospital where my parents are in the distance.

I may have moved away in 2006. And made a home in Norfolk. But Sussex will always have a place in my heart.

Wishing Chair

One of the fun things about staying at my parents is that I stumble across things from my childhood. Take this book for example. I grew up reading Enid Blyton. And The Wishing Chair was one of my favourite. Famous Five was my favourite by far! I always wanted a border collie and I was definitely more George than Anne. Oh and I love ginger beer!!

The stories encouraged my sense of adventure, friendship and fun. I’ve often felt like I would have been right at home in one. Let’s face it, I’ve had a LOT of adventures in my life. I definitely plan on having tons more too.

After working most of the day, I headed to the hospital to see my parents. The staff are already recognising me. They ask how the other parent is doing. One asked how I was doing. Being honest, it’s been a really tough few years with my parents health issues. I’ve mentally prepared myself for the worst many times. So grateful every day I still have two parents.

After spotting this book, I made a few wishes of my own. And drank a ginger beer, though mine has alcohol in it…