5 years

5 years ago, I made one of the best decisions ever. I bought Buddy.

I found him at a time when I was broken emotionally as I was grieving for Murphy and accepting it hasn’t worked with Phoenix. I was broken physically as I was recovering from a broken finger. My riding confidence was at an all time low. But he was the best cure for everything.

It’s not been an easy 5 years. There have been amazing highs, crashing lows, more broken bits, but I wouldn’t change a second. Winning a trophy at the Norfolk Show is still a high.

In the last year we’ve had lessons with not one, but two eventing legends. We’ve been to 4 training camps. Weve been to lessons and clinic. We’ve been to new places. We’ve met more people. We’ve made more memories together.

It hasn’t been the year we’d planned. Again. But again, who saw a global pandemic!!

I couldn’t love him more if I tried. He is now and always will be ‘My Absolute Diamond’.

Happy anniversary Buddy. Here’s to the next 5 years…

Rewards

This was delivered today. A thank you after my trip to Edinburgh. And another rosette for the board. What a lovely touch.

After feeling a bit low, this made me cry in a good way. It’s such a great feeling knowing that my clients appreciate what I do for them.

Resting isn’t lazy

I woke up feeling quite down this morning. I’m tired, drained and a bit overwhelmed. So I cut myself a bit of slack and retreated to the conservatory. I sat cuddling the kittens and watched the clouds go by. I had a good cry as well.

Things aren’t where I want them right now. I’m doing my best. It’s exhausting some days. Running your own business takes so much energy. Supporting my parents took a lot out of me too. I’m spinning so many plates right now, it’s understandable I’m feeling a bit spent.

So today I rested. The powers that be decided that I shouldn’t be alone as a good friend rang the doorbell. And she brought me a taste of Scotland. Just what I needed.

I’m learning that resting doesn’t mean I’m lazy. It means I’m getting my energy back so I can go again.

Autumn explosion

It seems like the Autumn colours have appeared overnight! I know I’ve been away and all that. Even in the drizzle, the colours were vivid.

After another trip away, it felt so good to go for a wander with my little boy. I’ve missed this. It really does my soul good. Even if we did get soaked. Never let it be said that I’m a fair-weather rider.

Halloween hangover

So it appears I am channelling vampire tendencies again. Got a few odd looks today as a result. The trouble is that I totally forgot about it. Till someone mentions it.

Not a clue what causes it, but I can get them when I’m over tired. The last few weeks (months / years) have caught up with me a bit. Feeling rather tired today. So looking forward to an early night. Not very vampire at all.

Halloween was so last month…. Normal Pip service will be back soon.

No place like home

Someone was very happy I’m home. Dodo was my shadow as he slept in the office. Hugo kept coming to check on me, between naps on the sofa.

Buddy seemed pleased to see me too. Thought he was a little sluggish when I lunged him. He had his vaccinations yesterday so problems an aftereffect from that. After 4 days off, I’d expected a bit more enthusiasm.

As for me, I’m very happy to be home. I love travelling and going places, but I love my little house, my boys and my bed too.

Looks are deceiving

Well that’s the Conference over. I’ve loved the last 3 days. I got to people. A lot. It’s been great meeting people I’ve worked with virtually in the flesh.

I’ve loved Edinburgh too. Blown away with how beautiful a city it is. Bugger me there are some hills though! Climbing back up to see the Castle in the daylight was a great idea. Carrying my rather heavy bag, backpack and banner while doing it wasn’t my best look. Talk about modern day packhorse. 😝

The ladies at the top took pity on me when I got there. It’s been a while since I did proper hills. The joys of living in Norfolk.

Got to the station to be sniffed several times by a police dog. Hope I wasn’t too stinky…

Thank you Edinburgh. I’ll definitely be back.

Always learning

Took a moment to read this on my way for day 2. I’m at the Society of Endocrinology Conference so felt right to learn a little bit more about the subject matter. Though I seem to have an air of a medical professional as I’ve been asked several times today if I’m a professor. It must be the glasses….

I’m here representing Addison’s disease and Adrenal Insufficiency. A subject I’m learning a lot about. It’s been fascinating chatting to people about their medical experiences. I’ve had conversations today about low testosterone, Cushings and thyroid issues to name but a few.

The human body is amazing. But when it goes wrong, boy can it go wrong.

Greyfriar’s Bobby

Ever since I watched the film Greyfriar’s Bobby (and sobbed my heart out at the end), I’ve wanted to see this statue. Tonight I did. And he was worth the wait. I touched his nose, asked for good luck and made a wish.

I am loving Edinburgh and I’ve not really seen much of it. I think I am going to have to come back.