I’m getting better at the ‘arty’ photo too!

Today has been a bit of a mixed one for sure. First a walk round the RSPB bird reserve that’s just been reopened. It’s so beautiful there and so peaceful. Even saw a family of swans.

Got home to find a tax rebate! Happy days!

Got back from a lovely hack to a flat tyre. Boo!

Off to the garage to get it sorted. Sadly I need 4 new tyres and they can’t get them till Monday. There goes my tax rebate!

Good job it was only a 20 min walk home! Definitely did my steps today.

Buddy and I both went back to school today as a friend came over to help us with our groundwork. It’s something that’s been neglected a bit recently (for obvious reasons). So it was good to get a refresher and lots of tips. She brought me a present too! Smells lush!

I’ve never been a rider who thinks they know everything. I’ve always wanted to learn more about what makes my horses tick.

It was really interesting seeing Buddy’s reaction to her. And what she observed with us. Lots for us to work on.

I met up with a friend today for a walk round Salhouse Broad and spotted this super cool tree. Not a clue how it grew like that, but it’s definitely doing it’s own thing.

I’ve had a couple of days of reflection after doing Tony Robbins 7 Day Challenge. It was epic, but made me think about some stuff I really hadn’t wanted to or thought I needed to.

I feel like I’ve let quite a bit go in the past week. And truly let it go.

My friend asked me what was the thing I was most grateful for during lockdown. It took me a while to work out the answer, but it’s forced me to stop.

Lockdown coming after my ankle really forced me to stop. It’s given me the time to work out what I want (and don’t want). It’s given me the time to try new things (who knew I could write a kids book?!), learn new things (marmalade, I’m just leaving that there) and truly rest.

I’m ready to kick on with H2 now. Let’s see what it has to bring!

I finished a really interesting webinar on equine back pain to find these 3 snuggled up together. So cute!

I’ve done a lot of learning over the past few week’s. Lockdown has really reignited my love of learning.

So today marks 100 days of lockdown. That’s pretty mindblowing! On one hand, it feels like it must be longer. On the other, it’s gone by so fast.

Now we all know that I love a list, so what have I learnt in the last 100 days:

• I can cope with anything life throws at me
• I’m very resourceful
• I can achieve stuff even when things are stacked against me
• I love walking and being out in nature
• I need Buddy more than I realised
• I need hugs more than I realised
• I miss my friends and family
• I can learn new things
• I love learning
• I can keep trying
• I don’t have to do everything at once
• I don’t have to have all the answers
• I need to be focused or I get distracted
• Having a cat put down by social distancing sucks
• I am a crier
• I can make marmalade
• I can start my own business
• I can make new friends without leaving my house
• I am very grateful for having so many wonderful people in my life
• I can keep in touch in different ways
• I love a pub quiz
• I can still exercise and do Pilates
• I love my garden and growing veg
• Kittens make me smile
• It’s OK to rest
• It’s OK not to be OK
• 50 is the new 30
• Beauty is all around us
• Helping others makes me happy
• I haven’t had hair this long or been this brown for a very long time
• People wearing masks unsettles me (especially gas masks)
• Lockdown is an emotional rollercoaster
• Everyone has their own views and that’s OK

In fact, I probably could list 100 things I’ve learnt, but I won’t.

But the biggest thing is that nothing lasts forever. I’m definitely looking at this time as an opportunity. Don’t get me wrong, there have been some very dark days. But there have been some wonderful moments too!

So what have learnt?

I started the day with a little wobble. This quote popped into my head and helped to refocus me. Literally!

Very productive day. Really cracked on and ticked a few things that have been on my to do list for a while. And it’s only Monday!

Day 5 of my online course done and lots more ‘aha’ moments. I’m really enjoying learning new stuff. It’s one of the benefits of lockdown. I’ve been doing lots of courses, webinars and talks.

Since Buddy’s lost a shoe I thought I’d do some lorry training with him. I bought a fan to try and keep him cooler. He approved and kept sticking his nose against it.

He stood on the lorry for ages. He got a little impatient when he realised it was feeding time. But for the most part, he was good.

So horseshoes are lucky. Except when they come off your horse. Why are horseshoes lucky?! Anyone know?

After a productive morning and 2 hours on a training webinar, I went to the yard and thought I’d quickly pop a few jumps with Buddy.

Thankfully he pulled his shoe off after we’d finished. Guess we won’t be hacking tomorrow then… Looks like footwear has been a theme today.

Memo to me: hoovering in flip flops greatly increases your risk of falling over. Luckily the bookcase was there to break my fall. It seems that the pen is mightier than the sword!