Daffodils

I spotted these lovely daffodils this morning. Daffodils always make me smile. They are such cheery flowers.

Spring is definitely here. It’s my favourite season. I may have mentioned that. The one thing I don’t like about Spring though is the multiple outfits required. I took Bert out for a walk first thing in a down jacket and gloves. Brrrr.

Come afternoon and I arrived at the yard with overtrousers, fleece and jacket. The sun came out and the layers came off. I popped Buddy over a few jumps and was too hot in just a base layer.

Then once the sun had set, it was back to fluffy socks and many layers. Good job I have lots and lots of layers.

Wild wee

As Bert is getting older, we can go a bit further on our walks. Today we went for a long one. For the first time, I got caught short. Well I guess it was going to happen one day…

My Dad was a Scout Leader when I was a growing up, so I’m no stranger to going alfresco or ‘wild weeing’ as it’s called nowadays. Honestly, we do love to brand everything, don’t we?! Says the woman who works in Marketing. I know, I know.

Anyway, I digress. Picture the scene. I find a secluded spot. I stand on Bert’s long line so he won’t go far. I drop my trousers and do a number one as quickly as I can.

All is good. Till I stand up and see a sign that says I’m being watched. Trust me…

Technology

This photo sums up my day. Let’s just say it was a series of technology fails. And no it wasn’t user error. This photo also made me laugh. Two intelligent women taking photos of our screens to send to each other so we could see what the other one saw. Or not in my case.

We got there in the end. Thankfully. We live in a world full of technology. It’s getting more complex in some ways. Having spent many years working in IT, I’m a big fan. But it does concern me on other levels.

It’s hard enough to know what’s true without throwing AI into the mix. I’ve started questioning so many things I see. I wish more people would too rather than blindly believing everything they see, hear or read.

I’m of a generation that remembers what it was like before technology took over our lives. I remember a time before the internet. When we weren’t bombarded with data all day and night. Orr permanently attached to our devices. It was a simpler time I guess.

I don’t miss the sound of the modem. Man that was a horrid sound…

Barrier

Bert can choose to sleep anywhere in my office, conservatory or living room. Including the sofa, chair or his bed. But no, he decided to sleep right behind my office chair. Creating a barrier so I can’t move without fear of running him over!

He has done this now on multiple occasions. Guess I should be flattered that he wants to be so close to me.

The snoring can be a little distracting though…

Power walk

There was definitely something in the air today. Some very odd energy. Not sure if it was the cold wind with the hot sun, but there was definitely something going on.

Both the Baby Sprocker and the Oversized Labrador were on missions! The power walk was on full display for them both.

Took Bert out for a long walk this morning and Buddy out for an even longer walk this afternoon. All in all I covered over 10 miles. No wonder we’re all tired tonight.

Watching paint dry

I woke up feeling decidedly crappy. Very frustrating when the weather was so nice.

After walking the Baby Sprocker and doing maid duty, I thought I’d rest up. But I didn’t want to waste the good weather. So I painted the side fence and shed. As you do!

My theory was that it doesn’t take that much effort to paint… It’s not that physical, right?!

It took a lot longer than I though. I’m definitely not firing on all cylinders. Even Bert got bored of watching paint dry and took himself off for a nap. I think I should have joined him.

Still I’m very pleased with the result. And neither of us ended up covered in paint!

Medicinal

I’m still feeling a tad crappy. But the sunshine was far too hard to resist. I had a sudden burst of energy so took Buddy out for a short medicinal hack.

It lifted my spirit for sure. And released a lot of snot judging by the number of sneezes I did on the way round.

Thankfully Buddy doesn’t react to my sneezing. Unlike Bert who is most concerned every time I sneeze or cough. There has been a lot of concern over the past few days…

Antenna

OK so I might have to admit that my symptoms might be more than emotional stuff. I woke up at 4am shivering and sweating in equal measures. Sure sign I am with cold! By 7am I had to admit defeat, cancelled my morning plans and very slowly crawled through the day.

I had a very gentle walk with Bert. Thankfully he got up have a runaround to burn off the energy. Mucking out seemed to be a slow process. I had to stop for a breather getting the straw down. Whatever this is, I am with snot and phlegm. Delightful.

As I finished up, I notice this single bit of straw standing tall. It looked a bit like an antenna. Or a lightning bolt. Even with snot, I still have an active imagination.

Normal service will be resumed shortly no doubt.

Ashes to ashes

We scattered my Mum’s ashes today. Her last wish was to be scattered in Golders Green Crematorium. Alongside her Dad, Mum, Brother and Son.

It’s a beautiful place. So peaceful given it’s in London. It was my first visit as I wasn’t there when the others were scattered.

I feel like I had the chance to say my final goodbyes to those already there. As well as to my Mum.

Afterwards, we headed to Sunny Hill to have some lunch and give Bert a runaround. It was aptly named that’s for sure! He loved meeting his Grandad and his cousins.

On the way back, I stopped at Thetford Forest so Bert could have a leg stretch. I must admit I needed one too after a lot of driving. It’s been a long, lovely day…

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….