Welcome to blog! I started it in 2020 to chart my recovery from breaking my ankle (hence the name). I guess no-one saw a global pandemic coming. It's turned into a place where I can talk about the things happening in my life, my horse and my cats. Enjoy!
Buddy excelled himself in the mud stakes today. He clearly felt that he needed some sort of mudpack spa treatment. Because he’s worth it!
Lord only knows how he managed to cover himself like that. Can’t help laughing at his precision coverage.
And I know what you’re thinking. No I didn’t attempt to get it off as it was too wet still. Yes I rode like that. In the rain. Which cleaned my coat, but sadly not Buddy’s legs.
It’s that time of the year, when my thumbs splits. I have no idea how or why, but I do know that it blooming hurts!
Sometimes it’s both thumbs, sometimes just one. Sometimes both sides. It’s a very odd thing.
It makes you realise how often you use your thumbs…. I may have said ouch a lot today as I’ve caught it numerous times.
Bert met up with his two sisters today. He was meant to meet up with some of his brothers too, but sadly that didn’t happen. To be honest, three Sprockers was enough!
He met his match in Olive. It was so funny watching them roughhouse and tear round the dog field. Tilly was a bit more reserved to start off with. But soon came out of her shell and joined in the fun.
They were having a lot of fun going through the tunnels they have there. That’s where Olive met her match as she wasn’t a fan. Bert and Tilly were loving it!
Bert slept the whole way back. And again after his much needed shower. He was rather muddy! In fact, he’s spent most of evening asleep too! He was one tired puppy…
Bert learned a valuable life lesson today. Sometimes electric fencing hurts! We were walking past the sheep and he got a bit too close to the fencing. Next thing I knew he was howling like a banshee. Poor boy got a zap. Needless to say, he stayed further away from the fencing after that.
In fact, he learnt a lot today. It was week 3 of Puppy School and I’m seeing huge improvements each week. It’s lovely to hear the trainer comment that he’s changing and improving week on week too. She’s first met him as at 9 weeks. He’s now 16 weeks. Maybe Storm Bert is calming…
Today we worked on ‘settle’. He carried the good work when he got home, sitting happily in the conservatory while I had my lunch. Well until he turned into a guard dog. Still not a clue what he was growling and barking at. Whatever it was, he show it…
I took Bert out for his constitutional this morning. It was a very grey and gloomy affair that’s for sure.
I’m getting rather fed up of the gloom. I’m craving sunshine and moaning I’m too hot. Still there were glimmers of hope. I saw daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops starting to push through the soil. Spring is on its way.
Things do look quite green at the moment, but that’s cause there’s so much moss about! A byproduct of the damp conditions I’m guessing.
I’m really enjoying taking Bert out for his little walks. He’s 16 weeks old now, but still can’t do too much. He doesn’t seem to get he has a limit, so I’m being very careful with my baby boy.
I do look like a Michelin Man with all my layers, but at least I’m kinda warm. Most walks I come back and I can’t feel my face! Good job I’m used to spending a lot of time outdoors.
Bert did his bit for Carleton Riding Club today. He helped us sort out the jumps we have stored at a local venue. We marked them too so it’s clear which ones are ours.
He was very helpful and definitely didn’t get himself wrapped round them. Or round a table. Or chair. He started ‘free range’ but a pony came into the arena, so he went back on the long line. Then became a bit of a trip hazard…
We’re all volunteers on the club Committee. We give our time willingly to support the club we love. It supports many people to do the things they love as well. All we ask is that our members do a little bit of volunteering too. Think Bert is setting a very good example already.
I’m looking forward to our next clinic where Buddy will be the one jumping them.
This delivery today sent Bert into a bit of a frenzy. It also turned my stomach somewhat. I’m not the best with animal body parts. Bert’s delight outweighs my squeamishness.
I may have used tongs to pick up a chicken foot though. Bert made short work of it. His little happy chirrups would melt even the hardest of hearts.
Sometimes it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing something new. But I’m still not ready to face rabbit ears…
I have had the most wonderful day. I met up with this glorious human being, my ‘aunt’ Sally. I first met her when I lived in Sweden. Not sure of the exact year, but we moved there in 1983. Her husband worked with my Dad. She’s been a part of my life ever since.
She now lives in New Zealand so we haven’t seen each other in the flesh for a few decades. But we are in touch by email. She’s back in the UK to support her youngest daughter who’s had her first baby before Christmas. As her daughter and husband live near Newmarket, we arranged to meet at Elveden for lunch.
It was so good to catch up with Sally. Growing up in a foreign country is an amazing experience, but can be a bit lonely. Sally became a surrogate aunt/mother to me. She was always there for me. Even when she had her own kids. I valued her wise words and advice over the years. She’s always seen me and accepted me for who I am. Something we all need. Especially during adolescence.
I remember when her youngest was born, now she’s a Mum herself. Makes me feel rather old in some ways. But meeting up today was like no time had passed at all. Just wonderful.
I’ve been saying for a long time that I want to go back to NZ again. And see her. Wonder if 2025 is the year I make that happen…
You’d think Bert would be tired after his second Puppy School session. Clearly not as he’s having a lot of fun with a bucket of all things. I popped a treat under it so he has to work for it.
He was a lot calmer at Puppy School today. He was much more focussed on me, rather than on all of the other puppies. So much better for training.
Today we were working on ‘sit, down and stand’, recall and tips for helping with biting. Bert is still in his piranha stage. He loves playing with his toys. Unfortunately, he’s accidentally caught my hands too. Man, puppy teeth are sharp!
I’m trying to get ahead of it before he starts teething. He’s now 15 weeks so he’s heading towards that.
He crashed out when we got home, so I left him sleeping while I went to pop Buddy over a few jumps. It’s been a little while since we jumped, so nothing big or fancy. But felt very good to leave the ground again.
I love it when I get to try something new. And today I tried somefood new! It was our Chiro’s Christmas Meal. Bit late I know. It was lovely to get all the therapists who work out of the clinic together. We went to Namaste, a local Indian Restaurant. I had a Dosa…
I’m going to be honest, I’d never heard of it before. It sounded intriguing so I thought I’d give it a whirl. It’s a crepe filled with masala spiced cheese mashed potato. It was kinda weird. It was kinda wonderful. I liked it, but couldn’t tell you why. I’d have it again, but definitely needed a side salad or something. It was a bit heavy.
We had a right laugh as we did a bit of a Secret Santa by bringing a naff present. Then drew names to see who got it. I ended up with 3 hyacinth bulbs. I was chuffed! In fact, everyone was pleased with the gift they got. Spooky! Just goes to show how what seems naff to one person is appreciated by someone else.
Tales, Tails and Talus 