OK so when I did my Christmas food shop, I might have accidentally bought myself a new cheeseboard. Not that I have ever actually owned a cheeseboard before. This one was just too cute to pass up.

I love Marmite. So I pretty much love anything with Marmite in it. I spotted the Marmite cheese set and thought why not?!

I feel rather grown up having a cheeseboard. I’m pretty full of cheese and crackers now. Eyes bigger than once more…

As another Christmas Day comes to an end, I’m sat reflecting on stuff. December isn’t my favourite month for many reasons. Christmas can be a weird time for me. And so many.

This year, I felt the need for a chilled one. It’s been another busy year. I wasn’t feeling rushing about. I got to spend time with all of my boys. But I felt like a ‘proper parent’ today.

Buddy was busy stuffing his face. Bert took himself to bed at 3pm as he’d gotten over-stimulated. Hugo and Dodo had a fight. Dodo and Bert had a spat. None of them wanted to pose for their Christmas photos.

I sat on the sofa with all of my animals in different locations. It made me laugh.

Bert, Hugo and Dodo did come for cuddles. I had lots of lovely food. It may not have been chilled all the time, but it was lovely nonetheless.

Whatever you got up to, I hope you’ve had a wonderful Christmas Day.

They’re helping, honest they are. Funny how they both needed to come and check their own poo. They made me laugh as they sniffed it. Grateful that they didn’t knock the wheelbarrow over.

Buddy is enjoying his Christmas holiday. I am too. Even if there are lots of things that need doing though. After maid duty, I braved the supermarket to get the last few bits. The panic was palpable in there. It wasn’t as busy as it could have been, but still got bashed by a few trolleys.

I ended up with another eclectic collection of bits. But that’s me done! I came home, made soup, watched The Greatest Showman, watched Strongman and ate my body weight in finger food. It seems Bert is a big fan of filo prawns too.

Let the Christmas food coma and hibernation begin… From my house to yours, Merry Christmas everyone.

Well that’s my Christmas dinner sorted! Judging by the size of it, it might be enough for Boxing Day too. I’ve got a lot of vegetables to go with it.

I’ve been trying to go to farm shops more and buy local where possible. It’s been fun exploring and seeing what I can find.

I was out and about delivering presents and catching up with friends today, so popped into Goodies on the way back. My basket was rather eclectic. I hit the deli counter and came out with four different types of UK cheese. I even found some Camembert crisps. Admittedly they were from France.

I was feeling rather pleased with myself till I discovered my salad leaves were from Italy. Best laid plans huh?!

I also stopped at M&S so have lots of goodies from there too. One things for sure, I won’t go hungry…

This was the perfect way to start my Christmas break – a long overdue trip to Blickling. The last time I was there was back in August. And I scratched dear Toby…

Now that’s not the reason I haven’t been back. Things have been rather busy and we just couldn’t get a date that worked for us both. It’s always wonderful to spend time with Katie and Archie. We talked non-stop the whole way round. There was a lot to catch up on!

I honestly haven’t got a clue what is going on in this country right now. Every day there seems to be more bad news. It makes my head hurt so much. Right now, I’ll take peace on earth, good will to all men and the reversal of some of the bonkers decision the government have made. That would be a wonderful Christmas present to us all.

Today it was a much needed break from it all. Just two friends, two horses and a vast estate to explore.

It was also perfect for Buddy’s final outing of the year. He’s going to get a bit of downtime too. Let’s hope we all get some of that!

I think I might need to lie down or something, but today I rode my amazing horse in my amazing dressage saddle and his new rather amazing bridle.

It’s got a diamonte browband! Dressage mode is fully on!

We may not be the best, but we will certainly look the part. All the gear springs to mind. I picked up this bridle when we are WHW last weekend. It was brand new, but a bargain at £30. The reins were brand new too and only £20. Very happy to support a great charity too.

I’m pleased to report that Buddy positively floated round the arena. Me being me, thought I’d use an old pair of stirrups I had knocking about. Well that showed me that I need to buy another pair of Flex-ons. The tension was back in my inner thighs. Honestly, I don’t know how, but they’ve made a massive improvement to my riding.

I think we are both still getting used to the new saddle. It’s going to take time to adjust after many years in a jump saddle. I mean, I know my legs are long, but they felt VERY long today.

I’ve set myself the goal to do a Novice test competitively in H1 2026. First we need to crack Prelim. Might help if I actually entered a competition. Oh and have some more dressage lessons. Baby steps. For today, can we focus on how handsome Buddy looks with a bit of bling.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached this point in the festivities. My very own Elf has returned once more. I needed a good smile today.

I was meant to be heading to Blickling this morning but woke up to heavy frost, freezing fog and black ice. I also woke up to rat entrails, back leg and tail in my Office. I am very grateful that I locked the cats out of the bedroom last night…

I took a raincheck on taking Buddy out in the lorry and cleared what remained of the rat. Feeling slightly queasy after the latter that’s for sure.

Not quite the day I’d planned so I thought I’d take Buddy out for a hack round the local fields instead. And broke out his Buddy the Elf hat. You’re welcome!

Yesterday when I was at the garden centre, I saw this lovely garland. I wanted to get something for my front door. I couldn’t work out how to hang the wreath I made on it, so that came indoors.

Luckily this one is very lightweight so I was able to stick it to the inside of the door with a bit of string and a lot of tape. Fingers crossed it holds.

When I got back from the yard, it was sparkling in the lights. It’s so pretty!

I’m starting to feel a bit more Christmassy. I did my last peopling shift of 2025 today. I wore my new Christmas Jumper. It got lots of comments. People loved it as much as I do.

My out of office is now on. I’m taking next week off! It’s been another full on year, so I really need some time out. Here’s to a relaxing, festive week…

It was our yard Christmas meal tonight so I thought I’d wear my new Christmas Jumper. Finally I’ve found the perfect one for me!

It was a lush meal. In fact it’s been a lush food day as I had lunch out too!

I’m sure Buddy will appreciate my new jumper too. Maybe not the vat of trifle I had tonight though…

Bert and I headed over to Centre Paws for a puppy play date this morning. Honestly he has quite the social life! Luckily it meant I got to catch up with some friends after the dogs had played.

Afterwards, we headed to the garage as the Upgrade needed two new tyres. Bert was very well behaved while we waited. Well once he’d left muddy paw prints all over the seats and greeted everyone who came in. Honestly, you’d think he would be tired after all running about. He was far too nosy for sleeping!

Of course, he’s snoring now…