Buddy and I went out for a lovely hack today. So lovely I forgot to take a photo. So this quote will have to do. He was a wise man that Mr Churchill. Especially when it comes to horses.

It was actually the first time I’d ridden Buddy this year! It started with the weather. Then it turned into some more time off for him. Once he’s gotten over his ‘but I’ve retired’ stage, he seemed rather pleased to be back out again.

I was very happy to be back onboard I can tell you…

Today I made my 4th trip to Carrow Road in as many weeks. I was there for two matches in December and this was my second match in January. After three league matches, this time it was an FA Cup match. Against Walsall.

As it was a cup game, it meant a change of seats. This time we were in the posh seats! Literally! Padded seats and three down from Delia.

There was no need for ‘let’s be having ya’ as we won 5-1. Into the next round we go. As do Brighton. They beat Man U no less. So I still have two teams in the cup. Hurrah!

What better way to end the day than with cuddles from two of your four boys. I am rather toasty under a blanket, with two animal shaped hot water bottles. Not that I’m complaining, I’ve been felt cold most of the day (well week really).

Hugo has been getting braver and braver with Bert. I do get it, he’s rather bouncy and slobbery. The kittens are much more refined. Bert is a bit like a bill in a China shop with them so I understand their hesitance to fully engage with the Baby Sprocker.

This was a lovely moment. Hugo purring, Bert snoring. Me slightly scared to move in case I disturbed them…

I met up with a friend tonight for dinner. She brought her two dog with her. Now one of them, Maisie, is particularly fond of Auntie Pip. So I got lots of kisses. She also didn’t want to stay still for the photo.

I decided to leave Bert at home so I could concentrate on my meal. He is pretty good, but not as good as these two. Next time I’ll take him.

We had a lovely dinner and put the world to rights. I was sniffed very vigorously when I got home. Bert clearly wanted to know exactly who I’d seen. Good job we don’t do that as humans. Can you imagine…

I had a rather exciting delivery today. The publishers sent me my contracted books. I’ve seen it in the flesh as I’ve been asked to sign a few copies. But honestly, I can’t explain the pride I feel holding it in my hand.

It took so long for me to get my copies cause it sold out! OK so I don’t know how many copies there were to start off with. But it sold out.

The feedback has been wonderful too. It’s made me cry happy tears hearing the reaction of friends and children.

This is a pinch me moment. And just goes to show the you can achieve anything you put your mind to. My Little Buddy Boy is out there in the World. OK, so I might be crying again…

After the minus temperatures of the past few days, it was good to get back above freezing.

The snow is more slush than anything. Trouble is that slush is rather slippery. I really struggled to get off my driveway this morning. The Upgrade just couldn’t get traction on the hill. And it’s not even that big a hill!!

Made it up eventually. Thought I’d take Bert to the woods. It was rather slippery underfoot. We both skidded a few times. OK I skidded many times. Thankfully I stayed on my feet. It’s an awful feeling though. Heart in the mouth moment…

It was -7 degrees when Bert and I left the house this morning. He wasn’t keen on having him coat on. He ran round the lounge rather than sit nicely. Kinda defeats the object of going for a walk if you waste energy up first.

I needn’t have worried, he was full of it! He is super charged by the snow. He had a good run around with a black lab he met while I talked to it’s owners. They both commented on how well trained he was. They wouldn’t have said that had they seen him trying to drag me down the road. Walking nicely on the lead is still very much a work in progress.

And how fast! He absolutely smoked the lab.

I couldn’t feel my face by the time we got back. Nor my feet – and that was with three pairs of socks on! I layered up and was still cold. I had the opposite when I was mucking out. Started to overheat. Damned if I was taking any layers off though. I’d rather be a bit hot that end up cold again. Remind me of that when I’m moaning I’m too hot in Summer…

Now I’m no animal communicator, but I’m pretty sure Buddy is saying ‘stop taking photos and give me the haylage woman’. He saw me coming up the track with a haynet and was waiting for me.

Just as I got to him, the snow really started coming down, so I took shelter for a moment. He didn’t take his eyes off me, so I caved and gave him the haylage. I mean, how could I refuse such a handsome face?!

This kittens have spent most of the day sulking in the conservatory. I’m now regretting teaching Bert how to use the cat flap. He’s been in and out like a yo-yo! Each time bringing more snow back in with him.

The kittens have been glaring at me, him, the snow, you name it! The are very unimpressed with the white stuff. I’m sure they’re having conversations about why the Baby Sprocker is so excited! The difference between cats and dogs huh?!

This is what happens when you leave the skylight open on your lorry and it snows! Not quite enough to make a snowman in the horse area.

I went into grab the haynet I didn’t used yesterday and couldn’t help laughing at the snow puddle. Not sure it’s quite a snow drift.

I do love the snow. It does make everything a lot harder. I spent three years living in Sweden, so spent a lot of time in the snow. I learned to ski when I was young and used to ski a lot. In fact I have a pair of downhill skis in my garage. At this rate, they might come in handy.

Bert loves the snow too. Watching him run and play in it is rather joyous. Buddy was more interested in the haynet when I went to see him…

Bert got experience snow for the first time today. I honestly wasn’t expecting quite so much of it either!!

Definitely not how I’d planned my Saturday. I had planned to take Buddy for a lesson at WHW. Given there was a yellow warning in place for snow, ice and freezing temperatures, the decision was made to cancel the clinic. Gutted but I wasn’t totally sure I could get off the driveway, let alone off the yard.

That meant a lot of scrambling sorting out the logistics and doing our best to make sure tomorrow’s clinic can go ahead. There are so many moving parts to putting training like this. Not sure people realise the hours that go into it.

We do it cause we love our riding club. Even if that means there are times we have to disappoint people. It’s been a bit fraught at times today.

Watching Bert’s delight on the snow made me laugh. Safe to say he loved it. He was tearing round the garden. He also seemed to be bring a lot of it into the conservatory!

Buddy was rather unimpressed when I did get to the yard. I took it slowly as it was rather slippery on the roads. Seems we have more than most. Fingers crossed the white stuff goes soon…