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!
It’s total gridlock on the garden fence today. Or is it a Brundall stand-off? You decide. Whatever it is, it made me laugh.
Neither of them was moving. In the end Dodo climbed over Hugo. I guess that’s one way to resolve it. Probably a good job we can’t do that when we’re in congestion. Though there have been a few times when I’ve feared the Comedy Car would go under an HGV. It’s rather small!
What a productive May Day bank holiday it’s been. Burned a few calories that’s for sure.
This morning I spent 2.5 hours at the yard. Wanted to poo pick and pull some ragwort that’s sprung up. It’s so satisfying!
Then this afternoon, it was cleaning out the greenhouse. Got a free sauna in the process. Possibly the hottest day so far this year, so I decide to spend it in a glass box.
It appears I’ve had guests in the greenhouse. Found next doors’ cat asleep in it. Not sure who got the biggest shock – me or him! I also found two tiny lizards. They were only about 5cm long. Super cute! Not a clue what kind they are.
It took a lot longer to sort out than I thought. But then it hasn’t been cleaned out for a few years. It’s looking nice and neat again now. Planted lots more veg too.
As there was still petrol in the tank, I spend another hour on the brambles. Bit of a glutton for punishment there. It looks so much better for it.
I do love an outdoors day. It’s very rewarding indeed. I shall sleep well tonight.
Hugo is loving the warmer weather. He’s also loving the fact the garden furniture comes out. He staked his claim to the garden chair today. He was most upset when I turfed him off it so I could eat my lunch. He was back on it before I’d made it back to the conservatory.
He was still there when I got back from the yard. Nearly 4 hours later!!
I’m with him on the warmer weather. Things seem so much better when the sun is shining. Buddy got a bubble bath today. Though he was more interested in the grazing afterwards to dry off. Typically he kept wanting to eat the bits in the shade. He was very appreciative of the cow parsley and cleavers. It really is the simple things in life.
Popped over to Blackwater today to be ground crew for the Carleton RC clinic being held there. It’s been a while since I’ve been over there. In fact, this could be the first time I’ve been back there this year. It hasn’t been a conscious thing. Just for one reason and another I haven’t got there.
It was lovely to be back there. Walked the 80cm course. Interesting to see the changes there. Lovely catching up with people and watching them ride. As soon as we can, I’m going to take Buddy back out XC. It’s time to get back to running and jumping. I miss eventing…
Operation get Buddy right took another step forward today. Auntie Sam came to see Buddy. Found quite a few tight spots. Include the one that Buddy forced her into! He was so busy eating, he wouldn’t move over, so she had to squish in by the rug rack.
Whatever’s going on with him, it’s not affected his appetite.
Farrier has checked him. Sam has checked him. Chiro and vet to go. I am praying to ALL the gods right now. Good news is that he’s so much better than he was. More rest for you Buddy Boy. Well kinda. Tomorrow I’m back to taking my oversized Labrador for walkies.
Doesn’t he look well though?!
What a fab demo at Easton College this evening from Gillian Higgins of Horses Inside Out. She paints the anatomy on the horses so you can really see the movements. Learnt a lot. And came away with some more pole exercises to do with Buddy.
Reminded me of many years ago when I went to another demo with her. And got to paint Murphy. It was so insightful seeing how he moved.
Lovely seeing so many people too. I do love a horsey outing. In fact it’s been a bit of a horsey day. This afternoon, I was an Emotional Support Person for a friend who was taking her horse to the vets. While we waited, we went for a walk through the bluebells and chatted in the sunshine.
I’m definitely horsey inside and out.
4 years go today these two adorable fluff balls arrived Chez Langley. I remembered how small the carrier was that they came in. I’d forgotten how small kittens are. These two were tiny!
They’ve grown into very handsome little boys indeed. Even if for the first few weeks I thought one was a girl. Soon became very obvious that she was a he.
They make me giggle with their antics. Shortly after taking this picture, Hugo pounced on Dodo. They then chased each other round the garden.
And yes, they will probably always be called the kittens.
I woke up feeling very swirly today. Too many random thoughts going on in my head. So I did something I haven’t done for a while. I walked to the yard. Then grounded myself by shovelling horse poo and giving Buddy a good brush. Listened to a great podcast on the way. It was the perfect one for me to listen to today as really resonated. But also gave me food for thought. Better thoughts than I’d been having.
After doing maid duty, I decided to walk back a longer route. One I used to do in lockdown, but haven’t done for a while either. Made me giggle as I remembered one day when I’d walked up to check on Buddy when the yard was locked down. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to be there, so snuck up the footpath to see him. In my slightly unsure state thinking I might get told off or had broken some rule, I ended up hiding behind a rather large bush so as not to be seen. Trouble was I was wearing a pink gillet. Not sure I blended in that well. Had to have a stern word with myself at that point. I think I was starting to lose it at that point. Honestly lockdown brought out some very interesting behaviours all round.
Thankfully I can laugh at myself. That helped to calm the storm in my brain. So does walking. Today it was just what I needed. Came back feeling much lighter.
There was a strange object in the sky this morning. I wasn’t sure whether to alert the Authorities. I left my house dressed for Winter, but shed several layers by the time I got to the yard.
Buddy was far too busy eating to notice what a beautiful day it was. He’s fully embracing his sick leave, that’s for sure.
I decided to take advantage of the good weather to clear yet more Ivy from my house. I noticed it had climbed up my chimney. Fear not, I wasn’t clambering up there. I went for an alternative tactic and embraced my inner Lara Croft and ventured into the undergrowth.
The wet weather has definitely encouraged my garden to grow. In order to get to the Ivy, I had to clear lots of stinging nettles. So yes, you guessed it, I’m feeling rather prickly now. Still, it looks a lot better now it’s clearer.
“One swallow does not a summer make…..” Well these two must be wondering what the hell they’ve arrived back to!!
You can just imagine the arguments: “I told you we should have stayed another week…”
It’s always a wonderful sight when the swallows return. Let’s hope warmer weather makes a return too.
Tales, Tails and Talus 