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!
Bert has his first trip to the roses place today. I met up with a couple of friends for a late lunch. I hadn’t realised that dogs were allowed. Guess I hadn’t needed to before.
They had dog rules. One of which was that all 4 paws had to be on the floor. Bert broke that one by jumping on my chair while I went to order. Whoops!
He’s becoming quite the pro at ‘settle’. I brought a ‘body part’ with me. That helped. He happily chomped away on it while we chatted.
This is the face of someone who can’t feel their face! Made the mistake of assuming that cause I got rather warm mucking out that I wouldn’t need my ‘big coat’ on our ride.
I was very, very wrong…
I fear I got a bit carried away, cause there was little bit of sunshine today. I couldn’t feel my extremities by the time I got back. The ‘big coat’ was back on for Bert’s walk I can tell you. I’ve just about thawed out.
Today has been all about learning. First up, Bert graduated from Puppy School. He’s grown so much in those 6 weeks. He’s learned so much too. He got a certificate and rosette. Admittedly, he tried to eat the rosette.
His education will continue next Saturday. As I’ve enrolled him in Puppy College. He really does enjoy it. He drags me in each week.
Then it was Buddy’s turn as we headed over to Mousehold Farm for a lesson with Simon Grieve. It was our first lesson of 2025. Buddy was almost as energetic as Bert had been in his session. Even in the cold conditions. Who ordered snow?! Buddy felt amazing to jump. Seems the time out last year, really has helped him. He feels stronger than ever.
Bert came to his first clinic too. He slept in the cab while I had my lesson. Can’t say I blame him. Though he did get lots of cuddles. He was quite the hit.
It was a very educational day all round…
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! I realised I have 4 boys in my life and I didn’t get a single card… I’m sure they love me (and not just cause I feed them).
I was peopling this morning. The other receptionist had bought these beautiful roses to brighten the clinic. I put on a ‘timeless romantic songs’ playlist. Gosh there were some classics on there. And lots I hadn’t heard for a while.
I did get some ‘presents’. Buddy gave me an exceptionally filthy stable to muck out. Bert brought me an old piece of rope on our walk. And the kittens left a trail of muddy paw prints all over my bed. Who says romance is dead?!
I was meant to be meeting up with a friend today. She was going to come to me, but hurt her knee skiing. She’s 72 and flipping amazing!
I had said I’d go to her (over an hours drive away). The Comedy Car is fixed. But still not quite right. About 2/10ths lame I’d say. So I was a little anxious about driving there.
We agreed to take a raincheck and decided to do a video call instead. We talked for nearly two hours!! It was wonderful to catch up.
I’m so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. I really am. So many of my friendships have been forged from chance meetings, a common bond or interesting circumstances. I love it when that happens…
There used to be a rather large conifer in this view. Yesterday my new neighbours had it cut down.
It wasn’t the prettiest of things and was very overgrown. Totally down to them as it was on their property. But I didn’t realise how much it protected my house from the road. Until today when I really stopped to look. I felt rather exposed in my living room. I’m not, of course, but you get what I mean. But it’s funny how you get used to a view and how weird it feels when it changes.
On the plus, it’s definitely lighter in my living room. Well I’m sure it will be even more so if we actually had some decent light. I am so bored of grey skies now.
Bert is fast becoming a huge hit at Black Barn Farm. He was there twice on Friday and we were back again today. When we arrived, they brought out a water bowl and treats for him. The owner came to say hello. As did a few of the stall holders. And most of the staff.
They all said they’d seen him on Friday and wanted to say how handsome he is. And how well behaved he is. The lady who runs the Quirky Art stall asked if she could take photos of him before we left. She wanted to draw him and add him to her card collection. What an honour!
When we left there, we popped into the vets to get him weighted and pick up his wormer. He practically dragged me in! We saw the vet nurse who got to know him when he was attending the Puppy Pre-School. She definitely has a soft spot for him. She asked if she could borrow him and took him round to meet all the other staff.
I said he needed to be the poster boy for their Pre-School. Bert loves going to the vets, out for coffee and lunch. He such a social butterfly.
I took Bert out for a little bit of a longer walk this morning. We took the footpath that runs through the vineyard behind where I live. I watched them planting it and it’s been interesting watching the vines grow.
You can volunteer there to help keep the vines weed free, pick the grapes when they’re ready and other jobs. They reward you with wine. Not that they’ve produced any yet. I really wish them well. Wonder what Norfolk wine will be like?!
The footpath then heads across a field. What I hadn’t realised was that it had been freshly muck spread! Bert LOVED the cow muck. A little bit too much if I’m honest. He definitely needed a shower when we got home!!
He’s teething, having a growth spurt and awash with hormones. 18 weeks is tough for him. And my hands as the land shark is back. It’s really hard as I can see he’s uncomfortable. Doing what I can to help him. Lots of cuddles, frozen carrots and extra food. Maybe I need to start volunteering at the vineyard….
Bert is getting the hang of sports. He was most interested in the rugby and football. He wasn’t so keen on me shouting, cheering and jumping around. He’s with the kittens on that one! They tend to leave the room.
In my defence, there was a lot of that going on!
First we watched England beat France in the rugby. That was a very tense match with England coming from behind. And off the back of a rather awful performance last time out.
Then we watched Brighton beat Chelsea in the FA Cup. Again, they came from behind. And off the back of a 7-0 defeat last match out.
I say we, Bert slept through most of the second half. Seems he’s more of a rugby fan.
There were similarities in both my teams. Today the underdogs won. I love an underdog. So that makes me very happy. Wonder who Brighton will get next…
My goodness the wind has some bite to it today. I couldn’t feel my face by the time we’d finished our walk. Bert was on top form! He was having a blast chasing the leaves as they swirled about.
He really does make me laugh. He been in full Spaniel-mode the past few days on our walks. It’s wonderful to see his exuberance.
He got a few more admirers today. We had two trips to the same venue. First for breakfast, then back again later for coffee. He was introduced to sausages. Let’s just say he’s a big fan! Well there has to be perks to going out. Thankfully, Spaniel-mode is switched off when we’re out. Well for the most part…
Tales, Tails and Talus 