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!
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.
Today I did a good thing. I took a friend and her horse over to Mousehold Farm so that they could have a lesson there. She doesn’t have transport, so I decided to pay it forward. I remember what it was like before I got transport.
I get a warm fuzzy feeling doing a good turn for people. That was about the only warm bit of me! It was blinking freezing! Honestly, I was wearing lots of layer. Felt like we’d either gone back to January.
It’s like Winter and Spring can’t decide who’s turn it is. Let’s hope Summer gets in on the act soon.
Not sure I’ve ever lit the twig burner in April before. At least I’m toasty now.
I jokingly asked if I could have a doggy bag when I left camp yesterday. They said yes! So I was dispatched with four pieces of quiche for the road.
Arrived home with three. I have to admit that there are easier things to eat while driving. I had two for my dinner tonight. One more piece for lunch tomorrow. I do love quiche. Especially homemade ones. This was mushroom and peppers. Yum!
It always reminds me of my childhood. My Mum is a big fan. My Dad not so much. He used to joke that men didn’t eat quiche. Well this one was made by an Army one at that!
I’m back home after a wonderful camp. It wasn’t my best camp, but not my worst either. The weather was a bit of a challenge. Talk about sunshine and showers! And blooming cold!
Sadly Buddy isn’t right. Not sure what the issue is, so going to go through the MOT checklist for him. I’ll get to the bottom of it. Or top depending on where the issue is.
Still I got to watch most of the lessons. And we were able to take part but in walk only. Learnt so much though – even in walk. It’s not something I’ve spent much time working on before. I guess I’ve sort of assumed that a horse can walk. Some of the exercises really made my focus on my position and isolating my seat.
Today I learnt how to halt by clenching my bum. Buddy halted square EVERY TIME! Something I’ve really, really struggled with over the past 7 years with him. I swear it’s witchcraft.
Although this camp wasn’t the success I’d hoped for, it was still wonderful being away. It’s always a joy spending time with likeminded people. And of course my Buddy Boy.
Next camp is booked for June. So I need to get Buddy sound and my lorry water tight. It’s good to have a deadline. Wish me luck!
One of the glorious things about camp is that I get fed three times a day! This isn’t common place in my world. I know people find it weird that I can forget to eat. But I honestly do!
Seems I make up for it at camp when I practically inhale food! Same can be said for Buddy. He’s loving stuffing his face with haylage.
Good job we’re burning a few calories too. Thought today I shivered a lot off! I was very cold last night. I’ve got an extra duvet for tonight. Today the temperature dropped while I was watching lessons. I had to break out the woolly hat!!
Good job I packed for every eventuality. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. And all that!
Well I wasn’t sure if we would get here, but we did. We’re all set for our first training camp of 2024. After the Buddymobile pulling a sicky, then Buddy calling in sick, I was fearing the worst.
But we locked and loaded! Eases Buddy in gently with a stroll round the forest.
It’s a tad fresh so hoping I’ve brought enough layers. Time to snuggle up for the night. Bring on the learning!
Tales, Tails and Talus 