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!
Another big day in Bert’s World. He went for his first walkies. Having been round the garden a few times on the lead, he was really easy to walk. He wasn’t phased by the cars. Or the train when it went past. But then he’s not bothered by that in the garden.
He was very keen to get out and about. He really is a confident little chap. Gold Star for Bert!
You’ve heard of ‘When Harry met Sally’, well today it was ‘When Buddy met Bert’.
It was a big day for Bert. First he got to run round the garden without the lead. I finished puppy-proofing the garden this morning for him. He was very happy to be ‘free’. Took the opportunity to start working on recall too.
Then this afternoon, he came to the yard with me for the first time. He stayed in the car while I mucked out and poo picked. He was such a good boy. Finally it was time to come out and meet his rather big brother.
Buddy was so gentle with him. Bert was his usual bold self and gave Buddy a good sniff. He wasn’t the least bit phased by the horses. He was so squirmy, I could barely hold him.
There are new members of the Bert Fan Club as everyone was cooing over him. He’s such a cutie!
The trio became a duo today. We’d arranged to do another arena hire this afternoon, but Sam was poorly. So Carla and I went together as a duo.
After a lovely session we walked the horses off round the tracks. It was a tad warmer than last time as the strange orange thing in the sky had returned. Not complaining! We were careful not to scare it off…
Bert had his second jab today. He was a little confused about being back at the vets with no activities after last night’s Puppy Pre-School. He was very happy when he got to choose a new toy afterwards though. In fact, he got 3 new toys and an antler to chew. It appears I am that dog-owner.
His second jab knocked him for six so he’s spent a lot of today asleep. I took advantage of the calm to get lots done.
Dodo took advantage of the top deck! I’d put the radiator bed up there as I couldn’t open the crate door. There was lots of purring and snoring going on.
Of course, Bert was fully refreshed this evening, tearing round the living room. He loves his antler and has been chomping away on it. Now he’s had his vaccinations, he’ll soon be able to explore more and have some puppy play dates. Exciting times ahead!
Bert had an imaginary ‘bo bo’ at Puppy Pre-School tonight. I could say that he was very brave having the bandage put on, but honestly, I’m not sure he even noticed. He was far more interested in the liver paste on the table.
It was all a bit too exciting for him tonight. He got rather overstimulated and needed a time out. There were 3 new puppies tonight. All tiny and terrified compared to him. He’s such a confident chap.
He had quite the day as he had another visitor. This one brought treats! It seems I have a very food-oriented dog to go with my very food-oriented horse. Not a bad thing at all when it comes to training. Just need to get over the excitement of food. For both of them….
I had some errands to run today so Bert came to ride shotgun. As I opened my front door, I found these beautiful roses on my doorstep.
They are from my lovely neighbours, Jo and Maurice. There was a note to say that they knew I’d been having a tough time recently and hoped these would make me smile. They certainly did!
I’m so lucky to have such lovely neighbours. They keep an eye on me and have done so many lovely things for me over the years.
Headed over to Mousehold Farm for an arena hire today. Met up with these lovely ladies (and their ponies) for a pony play date.
The wind had some bite to it! I was a tad chilly when we’d finished. Clearly not working hard enough. 
It was lovely to pop Buddy over some jumps too. I feel like he’s had to take a bit of a backseat in the past few months. So it felt good to be doing something fun together.
You’ve heard of Fort Knox, well today my garden took a big step forward in becoming Fort Bert!
I was given some old fence panels a few years ago. I had all the best intentions of sorting out this bit of fencing. Somehow it never quite made it to the top of the list. Or anywhere near it, if I’m honest. Bert’s arrival has rapidly changed that.
I had planned to do it over the weekend, the weather put pay to that. So I decide today was the day! I thought I’d take advantage of the sunshine… that only lasted 5 mins before it started raining again.
I wish I’d taken a photo before I started. It took me an hour to get it to the top picture. It was rather overgrown.
It’s not the best job in the world I grant you. But I used a saw, hammer and secateurs – all without injuring myself! I’m taking that as a win. I’m going to paint the panels so they blend in a bit more too. And need to tweak it slightly.
I blocked off the driveway too. Still got a couple more bits to sort out before it’s completely puppy-proof. But ran out of steam and light today. Overall a very productive day.
That moment when you’re lighting a match and a bit flies off and burns you. Honestly, it’s a wonder I’m still alive!
Not a clue how I did it. I was striking the match away from me. Growing up, my Dad was a Scout Leader so I learned that one a long time ago.
All I can say is that it flipping hurts. Another scar for the collection huh?! Good job I can laugh at my own ineptitude lighting the twig burner. As Prodigy sang, I’m a fire starter, twisted fire starter. Or maybe I’d just met my match.
Bert’s new bed arrived today. I’d barely got it out of the packaging and he was trying to get in it. He was also testing its durability. With his teeth! Either that or he was trying to get the perfect spot for it. By carrying it round the room.
He was very happy with it. There was a bit of burrowing going on too. He’s such a happy little chap.
He’s also a shredder. He’s obsessed with toilet roll middles. They get shredded. And takes great joy in going in the waste paper box next to the fire. He’s shredded a few receipts and bits of scrap paper. Thankfully they’re there to be burned so no harm done. Other than my lounge floor looks a bit like the inside of a snow globe…
Tales, Tails and Talus 