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!
Thought I’d take a photo of Hugo on my lap. This was the result. Very ghostly. And rather apt for Halloween. As is a black cat on lap.
I even broke out my Halloween t-shirt for tonight’s exercise class. Though there were some rather ghoulish faces pulled with some of the exercises. I’m sure Buddy will thank me for strengthening my core.
Happy Halloween everyone!
I’ve often referred to grief as being like the ocean – it comes in waves.
After taking Buddy out this morning, I felt like things were right in my world again. Then this afternoon I was hit by a tsunami of emotions. Not sure what triggered it. But they took my breath away and made me cry at my desk. So I let the tears flow.
I guess it was going to happen. There are so many emotions to process when you lose someone. Dying is a process. Grief is one too. How you grieve is very personal. No right or wrong way, just what works for you…
OK, I’m going to say it. It’s too early for Christmas! Thought I’d treat myself to a mocha on my way back from my Dad’s. I regretted it when I was stuck in traffic and needed to pee. Luckily, I’ve done a lot of riding and Pilates, so have a strong pelvic floor.
By the time I neared Stanstead, the full bladder has shifted from ‘mild discomfort’ to ‘OMG I’m going to wet myself’. While queuing for the services exit, I had to laugh as a lorry pulled alongside with two portaloos on the back. Someone up there has a sense of humour. Made me think of my Mum. As a child, she’d rarely let me pass a toilet. Just in case…
By now I was up to ‘it really hurts! So drove into the services with the speed of a Formula 1 driver heading to the pits!! Lewis Hamilton would have been proud! And trotted to the loo.
Talk about relief. But then I did relieve myself. Made me wonder why we say that. And it’s still too early for a Christmas cup…
And just like that, I’m back down South. We are now able to register my Mum’s death. So I came down to support my Dad. The Registrars’ office has moved into the Library. It’s such a funky building. Many memories of coming here as a child. My first office job was across the road. So I would pop in here sometimes in my lunch break to pick up a book or two.
I have to say, it was a very surreal process. A few questions and fact checking. Then a death certificate is produced. And my Mum has officially gone. It makes it very real.
I love watching genealogy programmes. I’ve found out a lot about my lineages. Today reminds me that for every name on a family tree or death certificate, there was a life lived. Each person made memories, had many stories to tell and played a part in many others lives. We will all leave a legacy in the mind of those we leave behind. Bit like the books in the library…
Blimey that was a rather long and fraught day. With lots of good results! First up I was judging the last show jumping show for John Lake RC. It was wonderful seeing so many smiling rounds. Bit fraught at times. Some fab costumes too. But everyone seemed to enjoy the day.
We ran a bit behind, so it meant a speedy exit to head over to Carrow Road. After NCFC taking an early lead, expectations were high. Then Middleborough scored 3 goals before halftime. A very tense second half and 2 more goals for City. Meant the final score was 3-3. Bonkers match! Great result!
The final result was getting the last Sunday Roasts for dinner at the pub after the match. Yum!
Today has been about poles and puppies. Started the day taking Buddy to a pole clinic. He was exceptional. Well for Buddy and Poles! Think we were both a bit excited at being back out doing stuff.
And I suspect he was waiting for the poles to turn into jumps. Sadly he was out of luck there. Still lots of positives to take away.
This afternoon I headed down to Simon & Harry’s for a long overdue catch up. It’s been far too long since I visited them. Definitely got a very warm welcome.
I got to have cuddles with their puppies too. Oh my day, talk about scrumminess!! I’ve known almost all their dogs since they were puppies. So fitting that I got to meet these squigglings. They all have lovely homes lined up. Some people are going to be very lucky indeed.
How pretty is this rose? It’s almost glowing. The only issues is that it really shouldn’t be flowering right now. It’s so mild, I have lots of things coming back. My sweet peas have started to grow again.
Not that I’m complaining. My garden looks really pretty with lots of new growth. My lawn needs mowing. But it’s nearly November.
The weather feels as surreal as my life right now. So I’m grounding myself and focusing on the little things.
It’s been way too long since I caught up with this beauty. She’s one of my ‘wise women’. I love chatting to her. We met at the Assembly House for lunch. Both of us having major flashbacks to events there. We both worked at Aviva, but didn’t know each other then. We mixed in the same circles, but it was only after we both left, we met through horses.
We have so much in common. We’re both Sussex girls and used to work for London & Edinburgh in Worthing many moons ago. Funny how life goes like that. You have chances to meet and don’t. But then when the stars align, it’s magical.
Even though we have caught up for ages, it was like no time had passed at all. I love it when that happens. Thank you Anna, you were definitely good for my soul today.
Buddy finally had his first clip today. I’ve had to put it back twice as he didn’t have much to clip! It’s been so mild that he’s been getting a bit sweaty. So glad he’s done.
Clipping with Buddy has been quite the journey. He’s gone from histrionics to mild indifference. We were reminiscing about some of his antics. He’s rather ticklish so he’s still expressive. He still doesn’t like his ears or face doing. But for the most part, he was a really good boy for Beki.
Doesn’t he look smart?
The sky was on fire when I got back from the yard. It was so radiant that it gave the whole garden a pinky hue. It was very pretty indeed! As are the flowers that have blossomed. Again. I have things in bloom that should be out in Spring!!
I woke up feeling quite disconnected today. So I pottered before taking Buddy out for a lovely long ride out. Best way to ground myself. The last week has been an emotional rollercoaster. It will take time to come to terms with it all.
If the saying is anything to go by, tomorrow will be a nice date. But never mind shepherd’s delight. A red sky at night was Pip’s delight too.
Tales, Tails and Talus 