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.

It’s my birthday on Friday. Did I say? So in our now long held tradition Colette and I went out for a birthday outing. This time we had afternoon tea in Holt.

I’ve never been to Holt before. My goodness, what a charming place. Of course, I’m not sure I saw it at its best as it was chucking it down. I foolishly didn’t take a coat. Thankfully we didn’t have far to go.

Afternoon tea was amazing. It’s one of those weird things where you look at it and think that it’s not a lot of food. I can assure it, it was a lot of food! It was so lovely and we were so busy chatting, it wasn’t till we got back in the car that I realised I hadn’t taken a photo of it. Or us!

We stopped at the saddlery on the way back. Well we were practically passing. And Buddy needed some more feed.

I came out with said feed, a new coat for me and a new rug for him. What can I say, they had a sale on.

OK I admit it, I might have a problem… At least I’m waiting till Bert stops growing before he gets one.

As I kinda missed Buddy’s birthday yesterday, I made it up to him today. He got an apple and verge goodies! I picked him a birthday bouquet.

He also got to pop a few jumps. I think he enjoyed that. Well once he’s stopped spooking at the jump that he’d past several times before. Horses are weird sometimes.

He had some snacks too while I changed one of the jumps. Unfortunately for him, he hadn’t finished said snacks when we started jumping again. So had a long bit of cleaver hanging from his mouth. Every time we went over the jump it waved around. Made me giggle. He looked like Cotton Eye Joe!

Let’s hope he repays my kindness on Friday when it’s my birthday and we go to a jumping clinic. Or maybe I’m tempting fate there. I’d rather not eat verge goodies if I’m honest…

Bert and I headed over to Easton College today for Carleton Riding Club’s May show. No, I didn’t mix my B’s up. I meant Bert. I’d been asked to judge the SJ competition as our usual judge is out of action.

So that meant that Buddy has his birthday off. He’s 15 today! I’m sure he was gutted not to be jumping. I was in a way. You can’t help but be inspired watching the action. Can’t say that Bert was much help. He crashed out under the desk for most of it.

He did love the fact he got to have zoomies round the Arena as we cleared away. He’s a bit tired now…

I will make it up to Buddy tomorrow and pop him over a few jumps instead.

I think I did a good job judging. I didn’t have any complaints and I didn’t make anyone cry. I need to crack on with my judge training and get that ticked off. Judge Pip has a bit of a ring to it. Maybe the elevated position has gone to my head. Well the air was a bit thin up high in the judges box.

Bert was a little tired after our soggy walk this morning. And no, I am NOT complaining about the rain. I welcome it with open arms like a long lost friend…

I had some riding club stuff to do, so settled in for a few hours at the laptop. Bert, on the other hand, brought his bed and crashed out.

He was snoring rather loudly and clearly dreaming of some exciting sniff or other.

Isn’t it weird how it’s acceptable to watch animals and babies sleep. Not sure I’d want to be watched. Well the kittens do, but that’s kinda OK.

You might remember that I had a rider assessment when I was at the training camp earlier this month. Today I was working at the chiro’s and showed her and the physio my before and after photos. They were both very impressed with the difference.

I also showed them this image that came in my assessment report. Now I know I’m a wonky donkey. I have a scoliosis, twisted pelvis and a damaged shoulder (amongst other things). But seeing this image really brings home just how wonky I am!

Since camp, I’ve been more mindful of my position. I’m trying to be straighter through my shoulders. It’s amazing the toll things take on your body. Can you imagine what I’d we like without my crack support team?!

It wasn’t only me who’s a bit wonky. The Buddymobile had a wonky wheel. I hit a hidden curb. Thankfully not with Buddy onboard. So headed over to garage to get that sorted. Got my windscreen wipers changed too. If only it was as easy to fix my wonky body parts. Guess I’ll have to keep to the exercises…

There has been a bit of a trend in my close in recent years. A growing number of my neighbours have had their roofs relayed. After waking up to an ‘indoor water feature’ some time ago, I knew mine was going to need to be done too.

Seeing yet another bungalow being done gave me the kick up the backside I needed. So today, the roofer came round to look at the job to give me a quote.

Walking someone round my little house was interesting. Some bits like the facia boards and guttering are still really good and have lots of life left in them. As suspected, the roof has passed its best and needs relaying. So I’ve started the process at least. It’s only taken me 10 years…

While he measured up, I took a moment to admire the irises in my border. They really are stunning when in bloom. Thankfully, they didn’t take 10 years…

Today Bert and I headed to Poplar Park to commentate on and run XC Control at the BRC Area 14 RC ODE. I know, that’s a lot of acronyms. Basically it’s our British Riding Club’s area one day event.

I’ve done it for a number of years now. It’s great fun – even if it is a very long day, mentally taxing and a little stressful at times. I got home almost exactly 12 hours after I left!

Bert was very well behaved. Once again, I had offers to take him for walks. He’s also added a few more members to his fan club.

He was desperate to get in to the act. For the first class, he waited in the car. It was lovely and cool. I could see him from my position. Everytime I spoke over the PA, his little head popped up like ‘that’s my Mum’.

As it got warmer, he joined me in the control box. He wanted to sit and watch the action.

Not sure how many combinations we ran through, but only one faller (who was a bit shaken, but fine). I’ll take that!

And I seem to be getting better at the pronunciations too. Got through the whole day without upsetting anyone. There were some tongue twisters for sure…