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!
This is Bert’s favourite toy, Mr Fox. Today, Bert worked out how to make it squeak. Properly. When he first arrived, he accidently made it squeak and scared himself.
It actually has 12 squeakers in it. So far he’s only managed to squeak a few at a time. I’m waiting for his musical prowess to kick in. While I am regretting my choice of toys….
Bert has a new playpen in the garden. This is so he can be outside (supervised of course) while I puppy proof the garden. As adorable as he is, it’s hard getting stuff done. I have to wait for nap time. I have a new found appreciation for new Mums that’s for sure.
I have to admit, it looked bigger online and I’m sure I measured it out. I’m willing to admit that I’m not great when it comes to scale. It will do for now though.
He gets a gold star for photo posing! It seems I have yet another photogenic animal In my life.
He also gets a gold star for his trip to the vets today. He’s has his first jab, so he’s on the path to proper ‘meet & greets’. He weighs in at 4kg and is a good solid little chap according to the vet. Though he did say that he has rather large paws. Let’s see if he grows into them!!
He’s also enrolled in Pre-Puppy School. Exciting times in Bert’s World.
So it appears I might have a cat dog. Bless him, I just sat down for a coffee and he was straight on my lap.
He’s having so many new experiences. Bert’s World is getting bigger all the time. He’s had so many first. It’s so cute watching him dream. Makes some wonder what he’s dreaming about.
Today his biggest excitement has been Nylabones. Mine too! Wow, he was like a puppy possessed. Not complaining. He’s definitely in the piranha phase….
Bert has had an upgrade to his crate, so I had a bit of a shuffle around. I brought the smaller one into my office instead. That way I can keep tabs on him while I work. Well Hugo was straight in there! What is it they say about curiosity and cats
Speaking of curiosity, there’s been definite progress with the kittens and Bert. I’ve given them their own zones. That’s worked well. I’ve put a stair gate up too to create a barrier but they can see each other through it.
The kittens are wary of Bert. They really do t know his whines and little wolf howls. He, on the other hand, is oblivious of them for the most part. Tonight we had a Mexican Standoff between Hugo and Bert. Since then, Hugo has jumped the barrier twice to investigate. He’s either realised that Bert is no threat or that he’s staying.
Either way, my sofa is big enough for all 4 of us (sorry Buddy, it’s not that big).
Buddy chose to show his appreciation to me for paying for his massage today in a rather unusual way. No, he didn’t shower me with love and affection. He threw his head about and smacked me on the bridge of my nose! Ouch!!
My poor nose has been battered a few times now. The first time was horse related, the second was NHS related and the third was cat related.
The NHS straightened my rather broken nose after I came off a horse and shattered the bridge of my nose. In fact it was straighter than before. You could say I got a free nose job.
The third time was more embarrassing as I accidentally head butted my cat Lister. It was one of those unrepeatable things. We just clashed! Unfortunately, I was in London the next day to meet my new boss. I guess turning up with two black eyes was a bit of an icebreaker!!
Let’s hope that I don’t have the same look tomorrow…
Thought I’d take Buddy out for a lovely ride round the village today. It was a sunny day, so why not. The only downside to this time of year is that the sun is very low in the sky. I had a couple of moments where drivers couldn’t see us till the last minute as they were blinded (and for once it wasn’t by my hi-viz!).
Buddy decided to add to the adventure with a freestyle move I like to call ‘the teleport’. Let’s just say we changed lanes very quickly. Thank god I’ve got a good lower leg, the road came towards my face at speed.
And what caused this freestyle move – why a white charity donation bag. Clearly Buddy doesn’t believe in charity…
Say hello to my mid-life crisis! I had to drive through Storm Bert to pick up the newest man in my life, Bert. If I ever needed a sign it was meant to be…!
I’d already picked his name before I found out about the storm. He’s Bert after my Grandfather Albert. A homage to my Mum’s side of the family. And he was my closest connection to horses.
It’s been a long time since I had a dog. But I’ve always wanted another one. The time has never felt right. My life is too chaotic. Too full on. But losing my Mum and others has made me realise just how short life can be. So when the opportunity to have this little cutie came up, I said yes!
We’ve had first contact the kittens. They’re a bit confused by the noises. Dodo was very brave and came to say hello. Hugo, not so much. I’m sure they will all love each other in time.
Well it wasn’t 14 hours, but nearly 12! Today has been about catching up on sleep and food. I’d love to say that I emerged from my bed like Sleeping Beauty. Sadly I looked more like the Beast from Beauty and the Beast. Very crumpled indeed!! And my feet are still very sore.
I felt dreadful too. That’ll be the adrenaline of this week leaving my body. I know the drill. But this time I’m trying to get ahead of the comedown. I’ve had some lovely messages of thanks about the Conference.
I’ve promised myself a quieter December. So let’s see what that looks like….
Back to reality with a shiver today. It took me ages to scrape all the frozen snow and ice off the Comedy Car before I could head home from Birmingham. I know I’ve spent 3 days running around like a headless chicken, but it did feel like I might have skipped a few months as it was so mild when I arrived.
After yesterday’s long day and massive step count, all 42k of them (nearly 23 miles), my feet looked like they’ve got frostbite. They are very sore and throbbing.
Got home to find my house was a cool 7 degrees! So headed to see Buddy while the hearing did its thing. I definitely got the cold shoulder from him to start off with. But he soon thawed and came over for a cuddle.
I am very, very tired. So early night for me. I’m so proud of what the team achieved over the past few days. It’s getting 5 star reviews!
Well that’s it done!! Another Conference done and dusted. I woke up at 5am and have just got into bed at 2am the next day!! A very, very long day!!
But an amazing one! It wasn’t without its hitches, no event is. So far the feedback I’ve had has been overwhelmingly positive.
My feet hurt, my body hurts and my brain has gone. I know I did good. We all did. It was amazing to be part of such a wonderful team.
I will sleep very well tonight….
Tales, Tails and Talus 