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.

Frozen nuggets

One of the advantages to a sharp frost is that it makes poo picking so much easier. Love collecting all the frozen nuggets from Buddy’s fields.

They’re lighter as well so the barrow isn’t too heavy. The mud’s frozen, so no getting stuck or sliding about.

The downside – I can’t feel my face, hands or feet. And it takes hours to thaw out. Me, not the poo. As an equestrian in winter, I’ll take any little win I can.

Sunshine

Still feeling a tad crappy when I woke up. So stayed in bed and got more sleep. When I’m ill, sleep really is the best thing for me.

It was a lovely sunny day, so I once I’d gotten up, I sat in the conservatory soaking it up and recharging my batteries. It was still rather chilly so I broke out the blankets too. It does make me giggle as I feel like a 90 year old wrapped in a blanket with my cats. Still I was warm and the kittens appreciated it.

Being forced to slowdown has given me a chance to reflect on things. 2023 was a challenging year for me, but a successful one nonetheless. I haven’t really thought much about 2024 and what I want to achieve. So today I did just that. I’m starting to create my vision for the next year and beyond.

But mostly, I enjoyed the sunshine.

Hoarse

Woke up feeling a little hoarse. Typically I’d had two really good night’s sleep and was feeling excited about the new year. Then bang, my body decides it’s going to be ill on me.

So I took my cotton head to the laptop but gave up after a few hours and dragged my snotty nose to the sofa.

The kittens were thrilled to have an afternoon of snuggling on the sofa. Me? Not so much. Till I saw the sleet and snow outside. Then I was rather grateful I didn’t have to leave the house.

Fear not, normal service will be resumed soon. Nothing more sleep, good food and lots of lucozade won’t fix.

4 years

4 years ago I started this blog. So Happy Anniversary me!

I started it to chart my recovery from a broken talus. Little did I know it would cover Covid, highs, lows, tears, laugh, triumphs and disasters.

It might not have been the success that I’d hoped. But I’m not sure I started it for that. I started it for me. If others get something from it, that’s a bonus.

So if you’ve read any of my posts, thank you.