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!
Met up with Katie and Archie for a saunter round Blickling this morning.
It felt cooler when I got up, so I opted for long sleeves. I was regretting this choice by the time I got to the yard as it was warmer than I thought. Let’s just say I was a tad warm…
They say horses sweat and women glow, well I was definitely a horse today. Pity I didn’t get to spend the afternoon in a field eating. I let Buddy have that one while I cleaned out the lorry and tidied his bedroom.
Dodo wasn’t impressed with the thunder today. He climbed up onto my laptop stand and wasn’t moving.
Made it a little hard to work. At least he wasn’t after my mouse. He did that overnight as I woke up to a ‘present’. Thankful I didn’t step on the remnants.
Hugo, on the other hand, was tearing round the garden in the thunderstorm.
This is something equestrians will relate to I’m sure. The danger to poo picking with a very inquisitive horse.
Buddy was either trying to help or he wanted to keep me in his field longer. Maybe it’s pony payback for going away.
It’s a good job I love him and can laugh at his antics. He was not subtle when he knocked it over. He was very pleased with himself.
Home after another mammoth drive. Took a detour on the way back to meet up with my northern family. So good to catch up with them. One of my nieces is back from New Zealand for a little holiday. I’m so proud of both of my nieces. They’ve grown into amazing women.
We didn’t have long together as I needed to hit the M6, but it was worth the extra miles to see them.
We went to Llandudno this afternoon for a wander along the pier. What a view!
I learnt the Lewis Carroll wrote part of Alice in Wonderland while he was here. I often think of one of the quotes – ”Have I gone mad?” “I’m afraid so, you’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret…all the best people are”
Makes me smile.
Greetings from North Wales! Guess who thought it would be good idea to drive here on a Bank Holiday weekend?! 7 hours it took me! So many hold up. Still I got to catch up with a few people on my travels. Lovely to chat to so many people. And listened to a few podcasts.
On arrival, I was greeting with lots of puppy kisses. Well after I’d unfurled myself from The Comedy Car. It’s not the most comfortable on a long journey. Lily was very pleased to see me. As were the rest of the Birkett’s.
I took my friend Colette on a sunset river cruise tonight for an early birthday treat. It rained. A lot. But we still got to see a lovely sunset. And some even more lovely properties from the water.
I know I say it a lot, but I really do love in a beautiful part of the world. It was so peaceful out on the Broads.
So I’ve recently discovered that I am a big fan of flat peaches. Why is this my news? Well I’m not a huge fan of fruit per say. Give me a bowl of salad or a plate of vegetables over fruit any day. So when I find one I like, it’s a good day.
Peaches seemed to feature today as Buddy was complimented on his peachy bottom today at his saddle check. He’s templating more evenly and has come up through his back. Hurrah! He needed to go up a headplate too. He muscling in all the right places.
I’ve been working hard on being more disciplined with both of us. Especially with my position. So really good to hear it’s working.
We played around with the blocks on my saddle too. The aim is to keep my slightly wonky body straight to help Buddy’s slightly wonky body straight too. Definitely felt different. And much better.
Just peachy!
Got to do something pretty special today. Headed to the East Anglian Air Ambulance HQ for a cheque presentation. Carleton Riding Club have been raising money for them in honour of one of our long-standing members, Martine Holden.
Martine is also a friend of mine, so I was even more determined to raise as much as we could for her. Together we’ve raised £3,625 for them. So much more than we ever dreamt. Testament to the impact that Martine has had on people and our club over the years.
A massive thank you to each and every one of you who donated.
It was even more poignant for us as they received a shout just after we’d finished having photos with the helicopter. We watched them fly off, knowing the vital role they perform on a daily basis.
You can still donate using our page – https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/carletonridingclub
Riding in a helicopter is on my bucket list. Fingers crossed I don’t tick that one off by flying in this one.
Today I have been mostly avoiding the sunshine. I am a tad pink in places from yesterday. Very pink in others. Seriously, you’d have thought I would have gotten the hang of suncream by now.
The backs of my legs are the worst bit. Guess they don’t see the sun much. They’re a little reminiscent of lobster legs right now.
I’ll live. And you’d like to think I’ve learned a valuable life lesson. Here’s hoping.
In the meantime, it’s lots of aloe vera, water and paracetamol. Oh and baggy trousers. And yes I’m now singing that song.
