Teasels

I spotted these teasels while walking Bert today. They reminded me of my Nanna and wonderful Saturday afternoon memories from my childhood. She lived in a flat in Brighton, well Hove actually (in joke there). One of her neighbours taught me how to comb wool with teasels. And spin it into yarn. Who knew I could be rather skilful with a spinning wheel. She also tried to teach me to crochet. I wasn’t very good at that! My Nanna taught me how to knit. I was OK at that. My Mum, on the other hand, was an avid knitter. The constant clacking of needles was a very familiar sound growing up.

It’s funny how objects can stir such memories. Got me thinking about all of the other things I can do. I have so many skills. Not sure I have many talents. But I can do an awful lot of things. I’ve probably forgotten quite a few too.

I can feel a bit of a skills audit coming on. Not sure my abilities with a spinning wheel are in high demand. But you never know…

Right now, I need to put some more energy into my business and find a few more clients.

Po

You know when you see something and you think ‘there’s a story there….’ Well this was one of those moments.

Ironically, it wasn’t on ‘Teletubby Hill’ – the nickname we have for one of the lanes near the yard. It was further on. Made me laugh as it’s not what I was expecting to see on a Sunday afternoon.

Buddy and I had a lovely ride out. Apart from a bit of a wardrobe malfunction. His hi-viz sheet somehow flew over his tail and was flapping round in the strong winds. I couldn’t get it back in place while onboard, so I rode back sitting on it. It wasn’t the most comfortable, but at least it stopped it acting like a sail.

As Po would say ‘uh oh!’

Dog-tired

Oh dear, I think we broke Bert. Puppy College was very tiring. It was his first session and Bert loved it though. When we got home, he crashed on the sofa.

He did rally enough to come and help me clear up the aftermath of the new fences. But soon crashed again during the rugby. And is snoring now. He’s clearly dog-tired.

Tousled

I hadn’t realised quite how windy it was today until Buddy and I got out on the tracks. It took my breath away!

Buddy was rocking the tousled look. It was really mild too.

But of a head wind as we went up the gallop strip. Not enough to slow Buddy down. Though it did make seeing where we were going a bit of a challenge. Thankfully it’s a straight run. The perfect way to end the week…

Breakthrough

This is the face of a little puppy who’s had two breakthroughs today. Firstly, he took himself off to his crate several times while I was on video calls. He curled up on his bed and slept.

He did it for the first time yesterday. But I didn’t want to count any chickens. Before, I’d had to put him in there. So the fact he’s now choosing it is huge.

Secondly, he’s worked out how to use the cat flap. Admittedly, he kinda fell through it the first time. But after that, he had a lot of fun going in and out. Out was much easier for him than coming back in. Much more of a scramble. He was most pleased with himself.

Unfortunately this has meant that he’s been in and out like a yo-yo. Most times bringing me a piece of old fence.

Speaking of fences, I took some flowers round to my neighbour to thank her for replacing my fence. She said it was a very last minute decision. But is really pleased that I’m pleased.

Assumptions

After days of hearing chainsaws from next door, it was a nice quiet day. Well till they started ripping the fences down to replace them. This involved clearing a lot of Ivy and such on my side of the fence line. More distraction.

So when I got a message from a friend asking if I was free for an arena hire with Buddy, I jumped at the chance to get out of the house.

The jumps were still out from Saturday’s clinic, so I foolishly assumed that Buddy would be happy to jump them. I was wrong. Again. Came into a fence he’d jumped beautifully on Saturday, only for him to slam on the brakes! He hasn’t done that for a long time. Bit of a regroup and he was soon jumping again nicely. Very odd. But not overthinking it. Well maybe a little bit.

Got back home to find 3/4 fence up. But a rather large gap between my fence and the new one that could leads onto the railway tracks. Not ideal with Bert and the kittens.

There was also a lot of debris and trampled plants. I needed to vent so wrote a long ranty message to another friend. Pressed send and then heard more fence ripping so went to investigate. The workmen were ripping out the two fence panels that are mine. I must have looked rather shocked and perplexed at this. They explained that the new owners had ask them to replace them as the same time. And they’d cover the cost. How wonderful is that?! Another job off my rather long list of house jobs.

Of course, I instantly felt bad for assuming, venting and complaining. The workmen offered to fix the gap too. I felt like a right arse. Well I guess that happens when you assume…

Settle

Bert has his first trip to the roses place today. I met up with a couple of friends for a late lunch. I hadn’t realised that dogs were allowed. Guess I hadn’t needed to before.

They had dog rules. One of which was that all 4 paws had to be on the floor. Bert broke that one by jumping on my chair while I went to order. Whoops!

He’s becoming quite the pro at ‘settle’. I brought a ‘body part’ with me. That helped. He happily chomped away on it while we chatted.

Extremities

This is the face of someone who can’t feel their face! Made the mistake of assuming that cause I got rather warm mucking out that I wouldn’t need my ‘big coat’ on our ride.

I was very, very wrong…

I fear I got a bit carried away, cause there was little bit of sunshine today. I couldn’t feel my extremities by the time I got back. The ‘big coat’ was back on for Bert’s walk I can tell you. I’ve just about thawed out.

Keep learning

Today has been all about learning. First up, Bert graduated from Puppy School. He’s grown so much in those 6 weeks. He’s learned so much too. He got a certificate and rosette. Admittedly, he tried to eat the rosette.

His education will continue next Saturday. As I’ve enrolled him in Puppy College. He really does enjoy it. He drags me in each week.

Then it was Buddy’s turn as we headed over to Mousehold Farm for a lesson with Simon Grieve. It was our first lesson of 2025. Buddy was almost as energetic as Bert had been in his session. Even in the cold conditions. Who ordered snow?! Buddy felt amazing to jump. Seems the time out last year, really has helped him. He feels stronger than ever.

Bert came to his first clinic too. He slept in the cab while I had my lesson. Can’t say I blame him. Though he did get lots of cuddles. He was quite the hit.

It was a very educational day all round…