Dog walks

Today I got to walk with three dogs. First I headed over to meet Natalie and her two pooches.

We met somewhere I’ve driven past many times, but I had no idea it was called The Mystical Woods. What a wonderful name for a very wonderful place. If a bit soggy. There were some rather large puddles to splash through. And that was just her Labrador.

Then it was home to take my oversized Labrador for a walk. No puddles for him though.

My saddle is ready to collect, so that’s on the list for Monday. Buddy will be thrilled that his semi-retirement is over. I definitely will be happy to get back in the saddle.

Twitchy

I woke up feeling rather twitchy. Not sure why. I felt the need to be active. So I set about my house. Things have slipped recently. Understandably given all that’s been going on.

Finally got round to putting some more Buddy memory pictures up. These pictures represent two very big highlights from 2023. I’ve achieved a lot in my life so far, but competing at Hickstead is definitely in my Top 5!!

Photos like these inspire me, motivate me and remind me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. So after waking up twitchy, I finish the day feeling proud.

Cheese plant

I bought a plant today! And it’s made me so happy already. It’s one of my more random purchases, so bear with…

This morning I met up for coffee with a lady I connected with in 2020. We were part of an online networking group. Today was the first time we met in person! Boy was it worth the wait. We talked for 3.5 hours about life, covid, business and so much more. It was just wonderful.

We met at a cafe / plant shop. A rather glorious mix. As we chatted, I spotted this cheese plant. It took me back to my childhood. We had a monster of one in our hallway for many years. It then outgrew our house and was gifted to the office I worked in. It eventually ended up with one of the employees. I guess it was adopted by her.

I had to buy it. It’s a homage to my 70s childhood and my parents. It made me laugh all the way home as I drove along with it sitting proudly on my passenger seat. I’ve named him ‘Wallace’. He’s settling in well.

Hugs

This little sign always makes me smile when I’m at my parents. It’s very true. A good hug can really help in times of need.

Could have done with one earlier when it took an hour to get through Tonbridge Wells. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful place. But an hour to do 4 miles gives one rather a long time to see it.

Now you’d imagine that for such a delay there must have been an extreme reasons. But no, 50 yards of one lane closed and traffic lights. There might have been a bit of yelling, swearing and frustration by this point. I sounded a bit like John McEnroe…

Still the rest of the journey was smooth sailing. And the kittens were on hand to welcome me home. Dodo was on the roof playing lookout. Hugo was wailing the minute I walked in. They’re both now hugging my feet.

80 not out

Today my Dad joined my Mum in turning 80! Unlike my Mum’s big day, the Comedy Car and I made it to be with him. As did my niece Amy from Manchester. It was her turn to have car trouble this week. So we were all very grateful to be together.

We headed over to see Mum. Sadly she was having a bad day. But we did our best to make sure Dad had a lovely day. A wonderful pub dinner and birthday cake.

Happy birthday Dad!

Grateful

Today’s been a bit of an odd day. I’ve been really productive, but haven’t necessarily achieved anything.

I took time to sit in the conservatory listening to the birds sing and drinking my coffee. There’s so much to be grateful for in my life. It’s really easy to focus on all the things that aren’t where they could be or need to be sorted. There are a million and one of those!

There are also a million and one things to be enjoyed, appreciated and loved. They say it’s the simple things in life. Well today that was very true. Strong coffee, a bit of sunshine and a choir of songbirds.

Nutrition

One of my aims for 2024 is to get better at eating. Now I know for many people that might seem like a weird aim. Honestly, I forget to eat. Food is the first thing to go with me. I’ve been fasting accidently for years.

So tonight I made something nutritious and very yummy.

It wasn’t just my insides who were given a nutritious treat today. I had a lush facial this morning.

Not to be outdone, my mind and spirit were also treated. I spent the afternoon listening to informative podcasts and programmes.

Pretty sure that’s called a balanced day. I shall sleep well tonight.

Walkies

My saddle has had to go to the workshop to have the flocking sorted. It’s gone soft at the back. Well I have had it 6 years now. No saddle meant no riding. And before you suggest I go bareback, you’ve met Buddy?!

I’ve been offered a saddle to try, but thought I’d take Buddy out for walkies instead. He’s very much like an oversized Labrador.

Funnily, as I was heading out, we bumped into a lady walking her black Lab. She laughed when I said mine was bigger than hers.

Buddy and I covered nearly 2 miles on shanks’ pony. He’s such a dude. He just wandered along with me. We definitely got our steps in.

Faith

I saw this and it resonated. Today has been a bit of a reflective day. Once more I’ve been touched by people’s compassion and support. It really is the little things that can make a big difference.

A message to check in, an invite for dinner, a smile, a hug, a kind word. They all count. And make me feel seen.

Blossom

How stunning does this tree look?! It seems to have exploded almost overnight. Spring is definitely in the air. It was so mild today that I didn’t need a coat or gillet. And even then I was a bit warm.

After feeling utterly fed up yesterday, today I felt much more level. A good night sleep, a good pep talk and a good day really helped. Seems Positive Pip is coming back after Negative Nancy reared her head yesterday. Hopefully she’s back in her box again.

The things that I was fed up with yesterday haven’t changed. But my perspective has I guess. Sometimes you just have to accept what’s going on, sit with it and hope the answers will present themselves.