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!
Spontaneous trip to Suffolk. Was going to come down tomorrow. But Simon suggested I come down tonight as well. He didn’t need to ask me twice!
Bailey was very happy to see me. So lucky to be greeted with such joy every time I visit.
We may have been slightly invested in Come Dine with Me. Wow, people really have no filters. Karma won as the most opinionated person came last. Made us all laugh.
This is a sight that always makes me smile. The first signs of Mother Nature waking up. Snowdrops are such cheery little flowers. They almost look like they’re smiling too.
I’ve noticed that I have little signs that get me through Winter. This is definitely one of them. Winter is a time to rest, restore and rejuvenate. So that we can Spring into action. Not sure I’ve done that much resting so far. I’ve done a lot of driving. I know that.
Still the nights are drawing out. We’ve made it through the 600 days of January. But I’m not counting any chickens just yet.
Spring is my favourite season by far. It’s a season of new beginnings. I find it a very hopeful time.
I found this at the back of my larder. Think it might be a little out of date…
It’s a fajita kit. The wraps included were like frisbees. Needless to say, they are now in the compost bin. Shame as I really fancied fajitas for dinner.
The saddest thing is that I moved to Brundall in October 2013, so they were out of date and moved with me.
Think I need to try and have a clear out. Honestly, it’s a wonder I’m still alive. I often feel like my life is a bit of a science experiment at the best of times. But food poisoning is something I’ll pass on.
No words needed. Just a very tired and overly emotional girl and her favourite little boy.
Given I woke up feeling rather drained, I actually had a rather productive day. Lots of errands run.
Finished it off with a trip to WHW for an evening with 5* Eventer (and Norfolk girl), Alice Casburn. Considering she’s just 22 year old, she’s incredibly grounded. Amazing what she’s achieved already. It was fascinating listening to her. I went to a talk with her last year. That was really interesting. She’s done a lot more since then.
She quipped that eventer Richard Jones had told her that eventing was just a glorified gymkhana. That made me laugh. Must remember that when we get back to eventing.
I’m well versed with many fonts (verdana is my favourite). I’ve even been called a font of all knowledge in my time. But this is the first time I’ve ever come across a font in a hospital!
Apparently it was moved to the hospital when the local church was undergoing renovations. It’s stayed ever since. Apparently nearly 5,000 people were baptised in it.
I’m back home after another trip down South. Honestly it’s exhausting. Not just the long drive, the joys of the M25 or sitting in a hospital ward. The emotions that go along with it all. Going back to my childhood home is a sensory overload. So many memories – good and bad.
I’m going to be honest, I’m struggling with it all. It’s really tough. Tomorrow is another day.
Yesterday I drove back down to my parents for my 4th visit in 2 months. In my haste to leave, I managed to forget my handbag. Doh! Money is OK as I can used my phone. My reading glasses. Well that’s a different story. My Dad had some I could use last night, but they were too strong so I couldn’t use them for long.
This morning I headed out to get some new readers. Poundland came up trumps! I’d love to say that the glasses were the only thing I bought. But we all know that’s just not possible.
On our way back from seeing Mum in Crowborough, I introduced Dad to the joys of Home Bargains. I saw this bag and it made me laugh. It’s so true! And yes, we came out with a bag full.
8 years ago I said my final goodbye to Murphy. I gave him his wings so he could soar to thank him for the times he helped me fly.
Today when I walked into Buddy’s stable I found this white feather. Not a clue where it could have come from. Even though I knew it was the right thing to do, it was the hardest (and easiest) decision I’ve made.
I thank him every day for the lessons he taught me and for the bruises along the way. My life was richer for him, he saved me from myself and he will always be etched in my heart.
He paved the way for Buddy. I’m sure he’s watching over us. And hope he’s proud of the partnership we’ve created.
Buddy was put through his paces today by the lovely Natalie. She rode him beautifully and was SO complimentary about him. I tend to be very critical of my riding and the lack of progression. Then I have moments like today when someone gets on him and raves about him. Reminds me of how far we’ve come.
So tonight I raised a glass to all of my horses. They all hold a special place in my heart. And helped shape the equestrian I am.
I am a big fan of mayonnaise. I am a big fan of truffle. Put them together and I’m a dribbling mess. My dinner just got a lot posher.
And I certainly earned my dinner tonight. So did Buddy. First lesson of 2024, saw us head over to World Horse Welfare. Simon Grieve had set up some simulated XC exercises. An offset double, jumping on the angle and jumping serpentines. So much fun!
It just goes to show how far we’ve come. Buddy ate up each of the exercises and lines.
I think Simon was a little stunned at how well we jumped. At one point, we got a ‘bloody marvellous’. Me being me, I had to check that his comment was about us – and not the fact the lights had been turned on. Indeed it was at us!
Although we kept the heights low, it felt so great to be back jumping. Guess I better start thinking about competitions for 2024. Maybe we can make our jumping posh too with some clear rounds.
Not sure if the kittens had spotted something. Or they were just on guard. But Paw Patrol was in full force today.
They sat like this for ages. Till the sun broke through and they retired to the sunshine. Maybe they were waiting for it to hit the conservatory.
I was toasting nicely with my dinky heater. I’m fact, I had to turn it off at one point as I was overheating.
OK so I might have failed on the whole life cleanse thing as I added something new. But it was much needed, a bargain and a business expense. Bear with me.
My office is off my conservatory. Lush in the Summer when the heat streams in. But like the Artic in the Winter. I can’t close the doors cause of the kittens. I can’t close the curtains cause it’s too dark. So I have a fan heater to keep me warm.
Perfect right?! Do you know how loud a fan heater is?! I have to turn it off when I’m on video calls as I can’t hear what’s being said.
So today I got fed up of being cold and bought a new silent radiator. It was on sale too. Hurrah!
It’s ever so dinky, but my god it packs it some heat. I had to turn it down at one point. Of course, now I have to fight the kittens for it.
Tales, Tails and Talus 