Time

I headed over to Clippesby Hall this morning for breakfast with a friend. It’s the first time I’ve been there. And I will definitely be going back! It’s a little gem. Next time I’ll be trying a pizza. The huge pizza oven looked amazing. Though maybe not for breakfast.

They have this wonderful old clock in the restaurant. It chimes on the hour. And great to see the mechanism on display.

Once again, I’ve been reminded how fleeting time can be. Yet another person in my life going through serious health concerns.

The older I get, the more I feel like time is slipping away. I’ve always tried to live my life to the fullest. There have been challenges. There have been triumphs. Life is about highs and lows.

But recently I feel like there might be too many challenges and lows. So today I paid the balance for a training camp in April. Buddy and I are off to one of our happy places.

Time passes, so grab life by the horns and enjoy it.

Muscles

The chiropractor’s theme for March is about building muscles. Did you know that most people don’t carry enough muscle?

I didn’t realise that you lose skeletal muscles as early as your 30s. You lose mass as well as strength. But you can also build them at any age.

From 50 onwards your muscle mass decreases 1-2% every year if you’re not training them.

Fascinating stuff. I was working on my muscles behind the desk.

Of course, I’d till prefer the type that goes with frites and crusty bread…

Sunbeams

The chiropractor’s receptionist is on holiday, so super sub has been called into action. 8 extra days of peopling this month! Today was the first day and it was so great to catch up with lots of the patients I haven’t seen for a while. My face is aching from smiling all day.

I’ve been working there for a few years now. So I’ve met an awful lot of people there now. Being with people really boosts me. The joys of being an extrovert I guess. I also find it really interesting the conversations I end up having. Here’s to two more days this week.

Harmonious

We went out with a new combo today, Debbie and Marmaduke. He’s an Arab and adorable. He and Buddy seemed very happy in each other’s company. Arabs have a reputation for being ‘high energy’ and Marmaduke can live up to that. But today, he was Mr Chill.

Debbie and I didn’t stop chatting the whole way round. We went round two bridges. It’s one of my favourite rides as it reminds me of Murphy.

We haven’t done it for a while, so it was lovely to go that way. As well as have some new company.

Wind beneath my wings

Blimey it was a tad windy today. I didn’t realise just how windy it was till we got off the yard. The good news is that Buddy isn’t bothered by the wind. Neither am I. I know some riders and horses are. Very grateful for that.

Not sure Buddy was grateful for my singing as I sang ‘wind beneath my wings’ to him. Honestly everyone’s a critic. Good job he can’t see the reel I made from our hack.

Caring

Once more I’ve been reminded how blessed I am.

Yesterday evening I got to catch up with a wonderful friend. Someone I greatly admire and massively appreciate. Someone who’s been through a testing time, but still makes time for me.

Today I was surprised at the yard by another wonderful friend. She brought me flowers and chocolate to make me smile. Again, she’s someone I admire and look up to. I know she’s having a tough time right now. But she rocks up cause she knew I needed a hug.

Tonight I was feed by yet another wonderful friend. Someone I couldn’t have gotten through the last 4 years without. Someone who has helped me more than she will ever know. Even when she’s had her own issues to face.

I consider myself so lucky to be surrounded by people who take the time to check in on me. Even when their own world’s are decidedly shaky. There are too many to name.

Stamps

I had to buy some stamps today. I needed to post a birthday card to a friend. It’s his birthday tomorrow. Yes he was born on 29 February. So actually gets to celebrate tomorrow.

Anyway, I went in and asked for a 6 pack of First Class stamps. The girl looked a bit confused and said they only come in packs of 4 or 8 now. Shows how long it’s been since I bought a pack of stamps.

The price has gone up considerably as well. £5 for four stamps. That was a bit of a shock. Guess that’s cause they are now bigger with a barcode. That must cost more to produce.

Still they’re a very pretty colour. Very regal.

Seat bones

Today has been a really good day. I rode my horse for the first time in what feels like forever. My saddle feels amazing! Perfectly balanced and makes me realise how unbalanced it had gotten.

Boy did it feel good to be back in the saddle, out and about. And after his initial shock at seeing the saddle, so did Buddy.

The only downside is that I have been reacquainted with my seat bones again. I was already feeling the gardening yesterday. Tomorrow I may be feeling it too.

Thicket

I may have got a bit carried way this afternoon. I was sat having lunch in the conservatory and got rather fixated on the swaying branches. Another tree was growing up behind the holly. It had reached the top of my neighbour’s garage!

In the wind today, it was swaying around like one of those inflatable men you see outside garages. The ones with long arms. They’ve probably got a proper name, but you know what I mean.

I’ve been meaning to cut the other tree down for ages, but seeing it flailing about in the wind spurred me into action. Nearly 3 hours and a lot more trimming, tidying and wedding later, I felt rather satisfied with my efforts.

Of course I looked rather windswept and like I’d been dragged through a hedge backwards. But then I kinda did.

Boost

Well it’s taken me till the age of 53 (and a half) to be the proud owner of a pair of jump leads.

The Buddymobile needs a little boost when it’s been sat for a while. Or it cold. I mean, who doesn’t?! I’ve been borrowing some when needed, but yesterday when I was driving back from the woods, I decided to go and get some of my own.

I have a phrase when I’m grooming for someone – ‘Better to have them and not need them, than need them and not have them’. This is the same.

Typically I needed them today. The Buddymobile hasn’t been out for a while. What with parent drama, flu and no saddle, it’s only had one outing this year. Thought I’d take it out for a spin. It felt good to be back behind the wheel.

Next time I’m going to take Buddy with me…. Time for some more horsey adventures.