Lovely day catching up with friends. First a walk with my friend Colette and her dog Bonnie. Talk about brain freeze as it was so cold.

Then a relaxed hack out with our hacking friends.

Sadly there was a number of fly tipping around our route. It makes me so sad and angry. Such a lack of respect for our beautiful countryside. As well as causing issues for the flora and fauna. Thankfully it wasn’t an issue for our boys today.

Pretty sure everyone missed me. Nero especially as he’s been glued to my side. Every time I sit down, he’s there.

I’m surrounded at the moment as I have kittens on either side.

Buddy was pleased to see me too. I’m very lucky to have such loving animals.

Popped to M&S to get these bad boys today. So looking forward to trying these tomorrow.

I love Marmite! I know but everyone does. But I’m a big fan. Hope they’re good.

I had a good journey home and an now flopped on the sofa. The boys were very happy to see me. It’s good to be home.

Another job off the list for my parents. The ice in their freezer was starting to take over a bit. So my Dad and I attacked it. Bless him he ran out of puff so took on a supervisory role.

It was about halfway through that I realised I should have done a before and after photo.

Doing things like this give me such a feeling of satisfaction and I know it’ll help my Dad.

And yes, I was singing the songs in my head as I chiselled through the ice and frost. 😉

5 years ago I said my final goodbye to Murphy. Today I sat in my parents’ dining room looking at the pictures they have of him. I love this photo as he looks huge! He was in full on stallion mode.

It was the hardest and easiest decision I’ve had to make. I gave him his wings so he could soar to thank him for the times he helped me fly. I took away his pain even though it broke my heart. I thank him every day for the lessons he taught me and for the bruises, scars and tears along the way. He helped shape me as the rider I am today. My life was richer for him. I met so many people as a result of being his partner. He saved me from myself. He prepared me for Buddy. He will always be etched in my heart.

He was then and will always be my Smurfles. 🐴😍

This came up on my memories today. It made me giggle. But it also made me miss competing, lessons and clinics.

I’m also missing celebrating with people for their achievements. Not just my horsey friends. My running friends who get a PB. My dog agility friends. In fact anyone who pushes themselves to achieve something different. I’ve always enjoyed the Sunday evening reports.

My FB feed isn’t as rich as it once was. I’m missing planning what we’re going to do and where we’re going to go.

I miss those pre-competition nerves. I miss checking the lorry (even when I know everything’s onboard). I miss the exhilaration when it’s all done.

Some days lockdown is harder than others…

Dad was well enough to come home this evening. But he’s got to go back tomorrow for more treatment. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.

Last night I got a phone call from a paramedic to say that my Dad was rather unwell and they were taking him to hospital. Drove down today to look after Mum. It was a bit odd driving on the M25 and it being so empty. Just me and a lot of lorries and vans.

Dad was finally moved to a ward this afternoon and is on lots of fluids and antibiotics. Thankfully he’s Covid negative – so that’s one less thing to worry about.

Hopefully he’ll be home in a few days. All healing and positive vibes gratefully received right now.

Well it’s good to know that one us is feeling well. Buddy broke through the fencing today and went for a gallop round the fields. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Horses are so weird in winter. Most things want to hibernate. Not horses, they can be super high energy. Yesterday we did a fair bit of jogging out on our hack. I say we. So time to up the workload again. Thankfully I’m getting more energy all the time.

Once he’d cooled down, we had a lovely chilled out ride. Guessing someone got rid of a bit of energy first….

I got a science lesson when I got back home. Lit the fire and smoked the house out. The smoke wasn’t drawing. Quick google and it said it can happen if it’s been cold. Cold air is heavier than hot and all that. It suggested putting a blow torch up the chimney.

Well I don’t have one of those (and I’m not sure anyone would allow me one!), so stuck the hairdryer up there instead. 😂 It worked!

Someone’s stolen the sky?! Heavy frost and thick fog. Happy Sunday!