The roofers arrived today. I have to say I was feeling a little anxious about it. It’s one of those ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’ moments. I’ve seen roofs being done, but it’s not been my roof before.

I needn’t have worried. They cracked on and were soon stripping everything back. Of course, it sounded like they were actually coming through the roof! The downside to vaulted ceilings, no sound proofing.

I managed to get a couple of hours work done. In between the banging and crashing. And Bert bringing me bits of concrete and wood. Eventually, I admitted defeat and headed out to the greenhouse. I wanted to plant up the bits I bought last Sunday.

I decided to go a bit rogue with my baskets. So mixed a tomato plant with some other flowers. It might work or be a complete disaster. That’s my style of gardening. Each plant gets the same pep-talk – ‘You have two choice: live or die. Choose wisely.’ They look rather good cheek by jowl.

Let’s see what happens next. At least I know they’ve been well watered in as there was a bit of a downpour. Slightly terrifying when I don’t have a water tight roof. But then I guess that’s why I’m having it relayed…

After feeling rather smug about cleaning my boots, today I was reminded that cleaning them doesn’t mean they are waterproofed. Especially when they’ve split. I got soggy socks on our walk today.

In fact I got rather soggy full stop! I was ill prepared for rain. My beautiful Reincoat is still in my friend’s lorry after Badminton. And the new Ariat muck boot I bought there are still in the box. I got them to replace these ones. They’re still so comfortable and have a lot of wear left in them, I hadn’t swapped over.

Forgot just how much water they let in. I had to giggle as I squelched along.

Speaking of water, I’m rather grateful the roofer made the call not to start my roof yesterday. That would have been rather soggy too. They’re starting tomorrow instead. Let’s hope the weather gods are kind…

It’s one of my close friend’s birthday next week. She’s one of those wonderful people who hasn’t been in my life that long, but feels like she’s definitely deserves a place in it!

She’s been having a bit of a tough time, so I decided to treat her to dinner. It was the least I could do for all the love, advice and support she’s given me over the years. As well as having to deal with the odd toddler tantrum and plenty of tears too.

On my birthday last year, she gave me a ‘It’s my birthday’ tiara. I’ve kept it ready to return the compliment. She wore it with pride. It’s now going to be a bit like the Olympic torch. Passed back and forth each birthday.

The restaurant were brilliant. They even sang her Happy Birthday. I feel like I sprinkled a little bit of fairy dust about for her birthday. It was lovely to see her smile so much.

Maybe we should all wear tiaras.

Bert’s brother Neville came to stay today. His Mum was in a bit of a pickle and asked if I would have him. She said there weren’t many people she’d trust with her little boy.

The brothers had a fab time together. There was lots of running about, play fighting and quite a bit of humping. They were very fair and took turns to be the humper.

They came with me as I headed to Suffolk for some work. On the way back, they had a run round a secure dog field while I had lunch. They both needed a nap after that!

Recharged, they were back to playing. We had a man down when they were tearing round the garden. Bert jumped over the pond, Neville misjudged it and ended up in it! So not only did he have a fun day with his brother, he got a free shower…

They will both sleep well tonight, that’s for sure.

I brought my tack home to clean on Saturday. Well it was a bit greasy after a few sweaty rides and my lesson. Thought I’d bring my every day riding boots home too. They really needed a good clean.

As is the way, I didn’t get round to cleaning it over the weekend. So set about it today. Might have got a bit carried away as I decided to clean my other boots too. They came up a treat.

Going to have to bring my competition boots home now and give them the once over.

I’d forgotten how satisfying polishing shoes and boots can be. I wish I’d taken a before photo. Let’s just say they were long overdue..

A lovely friend took me out for a birthday carvery today. It was lush! On the way back, we took a detour and stopped at a garden centre. After consuming a lot of food, I needed to walk it off a bit.

I came out with some lovely bedding plants to refresh a few pots and a rather large toy for Bert. It was almost as big as he is!!

He was very excited by it. Sadly the octopus is now a few limbs lighter as he chewed three off. He also found the squeaker and chewed that. His final act was to make my garden a winter wonderland with stuffing everywhere.

He’s clearly going through a destructive phase. But thankfully he’s taking it out on his toys rather than my stuff.

The dead octopus has been dragged round the house and he’s now asleep on it. In Bert’s world it’s been a good day. In mine too. I’m eeking my birthday out for as long as I can… and why not?!

Well this was a wonderful way to start my next orbit around the sun. The sun was in full force today as it was a tad toasty.

Buddy needed a little shower when we got back. I definitely needed one. Given we’ve both had our birthdays recently, I suppose that’s fair. Funny to think people only used to have a bath on their birthday. Or is that one of those urban myths?

Well hello 55! What a lovely day it’s been. Some people get to the spa on their birthday. Some people chill. I did neither. There was a lot of sweating! After taking Bert out for a long walk, it was Buddy’s turn as I headed over to Martham for a jumping lesson. My goodness it was a hot one!

Buddy was on good form. As was the instructor who sang Happy Birthday as I arrived. That made me smile.

So did a lovely dinner out with friends this evening. I even got a candle in my tiramisu. And another round of Happy Birthday. I’ve been quite spoilt.

Thank you to everyone who’s taken the time to send me birthday wishes. Social media can get a bad rap sometimes. But it’s heartwarming to know that so many people have taken a moment to celebrate with me.

Let’s see what 55 brings shall we?!

Thought I’d try and take a cute photo of Buddy and Bert together. Buddy was more interested in Bert’s lead. And Bert kept trying to eat poo. This was the closest I could get. It’s still a bit cute.

Typically they were having a nuzzle but I wasn’t quick enough to get the photo. Bert is so patient. He sits while Buddy sniff him. Buddy is so gentle with him.

I do love my boys. Of course this is only half my boys. There’s no chance I’d get a photo of all four without some serious photoshoot action!

I’m a very lucky girl indeed to have four gorgeous boys in my life…

I saw this quote today and I really like it. As I crash towards another birthday, it’s natural to reflect back.

55 feels like a big birthday. I know it’s not really. It’s just another number. But somehow it feels different. Maybe it’s cause I can access my pension. I could retire (mad when I still think I’m in my 20s). It feels like I must be very old indeed.

So I am rebranding my pension to something more positive. I feel like it needs to be the Adventure Fund, the Fun Pot or the Horn of Plenty. Suggestions welcome…

Having worked in Financial Services for my entire career, a pension feels very serious and grown up. I’m now very grateful that I’ve worked really hard, made sacrifices and prioritised putting money away over the past 30 odd years.

I’m sure there will be people who say I’m lucky. I guess I am in a way. This is my reward for the decisions I’ve made along the way.

Besides which, you can’t have the comeback if you haven’t retired. Oh and fear not, I’m not retiring just yet. Still having way too much fun! It’s just comforting to know that I could if I wanted to.