Pensioner

As I crash towards 55, I’m starting to get some interesting post. This arrived today from one of my pension providers.

I’m very grateful that my boss at the time helped me start my pension at the tender age of 21. At the time, I was more interested in next week rather than 40 odd years in the future. It felt like I was saving for a future I couldn’t imagine. Back then, my pension age was 60. Now it’s 67 before I’d get a State Pension (if it’ll even exist by the time I get there…).

Now I’m nearly at the stage where I can access my personal pension, it feels very grown up and rather surreal. Interestingly, it said in this leaflet says that from 2028, people’ll have to wait till their 57 before they can access their pension. I must have missed that change! Not sure why?

I’ve worked very hard in the last 34 years. I’ve put as much money as I can into my pension pot. I know I’m in a very fortunate position. But life is fleeting. So I’m going to enjoy my retirement. Whenever it actually starts….

Judgy

Bert came with me to judge a local show jumping show. He clearly felt he should have the top job rather than sleeping under the desk. He jumped onto my chair and was very interested in the course walk.

It’s always inspiring watching people’s rounds. So much love for their horses and ponies. Whatever happens, it’s clear to see. And to see improvements through the rounds. Makes me want to get Buddy back to competing again.

I have to say that Bert was such a good boy. He has zoomies round the arena before the show. Then he settled under the desk or behind me – eating a body part or sleeping. He was so quiet at times, I almost forgot he was there.

He did manage to chew his lead when I left him to present the rosettes. But he soon got the idea that I was coming back.

It’s been an odd day. First Mother’s Day without Mum. It’s always been a weird day for me. So glad I was able to do something that I love, I’m very good at and occupies my brain.

The tears came when I got home…

Thumper

Bert loves a carrot. He found one on the yard and happily ate it up.

It seems that he might have been channeling his inner rabbit a bit too much though. He’s going through a hormone burst and has become something of a humper.

He’s tried humping me, but that didn’t work. Tonight, we went over to a friend’s for dinner. And to meet her two dogs. One of whom, Bert took quite a shine to. Well judging from the fact he tried him to mount her several times. This was after a rather vigorous play session. Thankfully, Bert hasn’t got a clue what he’s doing (I’ve had a few dates like that).

He was trying to hump her head… At least I got dinner first.

Outta proportion

Bert found a stick today on our walk. He was very happy with himself. Until he tried to bring it along…

It was at least three Baby Sprockers long (the new stick measuring scale I have adopted).

Bert loves a stick. He doesn’t chew them. He kinda shreds them. He’s worked out which size he can get through the cat flap. My office looked like Edward Scissorhands had been in there after he’s brought in a particularly old one!

Then he went mad trying to eat the dustpan and brush. He does make me laugh. Even if he does mean that things take bit longer to do.

Wonderful

What a difference a day makes huh? On Tuesday, I needed my layers as I rode round Blickling. Today, I needed less. It was wonderful to be back there. In the glorious sunshine.

I’ve had a wonderful day all round. One of those days where things line up and you seem to sail through things. Lots of wonderful things happened. Nothing earth shattering, but wonderful nonetheless.

Buddy had a wonderful day out with his friend Archie. Bert had a wonderful day when he discovered my yard owners dogs’ food. Little piggy!

The after effect of that aren’t quite so wonderful. His puppy farts are off the scale! He’s even spooked himself with them. I know I shouldn’t laugh, but I think he’s disgusted himself.

Cerulean

What a blissful way to start the day. Just me, my Baby Sprocker and Mother Nature at her finest.

It’s been a glorious day. One where I seemed to have been in my own strip poker game judging by the number of layers I removed. I even took off my over-trousers and fleece. Yes it was that warm!! It’s March, right?!

I love days like this. Blue skies, bird song, fresh air in my lung, the sun on my skin, a full heart and an empty mind. It makes me rather sad that people have to be told about the benefits of being out in nature.

And the constant threat of destruction for housing, solar farms and all manner of other stuff. It makes no sense to me. With one hand there a programme to rewild and plant trees, while there’s another to destroy it.

If it was down to me, we would protect the great outdoors at all costs. The Countryside is in my heart. Always will be…

Be there

Today seems to have been sponsored by the letter B.

I headed to Black Barns for brunch with a friend. Bumped into another friend there who I was only thinking about the other day. Spooky.

Then I headed off to muck out Buddy and Belle. Before driving the Buddymobile to Blickling to meet up with a friend and her gorgeous horse. We had a blast. As we were almost back to the car park, we bumped into yet another friend walking her dogs. What a bonus!

She waited while I untacked Buddy and got Bert. We joined her for a lovely walk round the estate. He had so much fun running around with her three dogs. Bert then crashed out in the Buddymobile on the way home. In fact, he’s still snoring now.

I love days like today when you get bonuses. Sometimes you just have to be there…

5 years

Today marks 5 years since we entered lockdown. And our lives changed forever. In so many ways, it’s hard to believe it actually happened. It’s like a hazy nightmare or dream. One where you’re not sure if it did or didn’t happen.

I’m still angry, sad, bewildered, grateful and a thousand other emotions. I know others are too. A collective sense of grief for what was, what might have been and what we lost.

Have we’ve truly acknowledged the impacts of Covid? Do we actually know? I joked at the time that it was like we were in a social experiment. Given the current state of the world, I’m starting to wonder if it was.

I read a post today that really made me think. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t have wanted to be making the decisions. Looking back, I’m not sure what it actually achieved. We seem to be in a worse state now than before.

I guess time will tell. History is usually written by the victors. Wonder how it will be reflected in all the chaos, scaremongering and lies…

Littermates

Bert has had the best day today. He met up with all of his brothers and sisters!

It was a high energy affair. Well what do you expect when a group of Sprockers get together. What is the collective noun for a group of Sprockers?! Maybe an energy…

First up he met his two sisters and two of his brothers at a Puppy meet up in a secure dog field. Honestly, he barely stopped zooming about. They all had such a blast.

As I was nearby, I popped into see his other brother on the way back. More zoomies ensued. How he still had energy is beside me?! Must have been the two rabbits ears he scoffed.

He’s snoring now….

Breathing space

Today has been one of those days where I took time out for me. That didn’t mean I neglected my animals of course. It just meant that I knew I needed to take a bit of time to recharge my batteries too.

I took Bert out for a walk in the sunshine this morning. He met a deer for the first time. I say met, dear Bambi was a bit startled when the Baby Sprocker came bounding over to say hello. Thankfully one of them had pretty good recall (eventually). I’ll let you guess which one.

When I got back, even though there were a million and one things I could do, I sat in the conservatory and listened to a podcast. Now it’s warming up, the conservatory is a blissful place to be. The kittens joined me and Bert so it was almost a full house.

After Puppy College and coffee with a friend, it was the Oversized Labrador’s turn to run rings round me. Literally!

One paper, it might look like I didn’t really do much. But I did what I needed to do. And that’s what counts…