Confusion

Poor Buddy was very confused today. I rocked up at the yard early and headed to the lorry. He clocked this right away. He watched as I filled a haynet. He did his pre-lorry warm up with a couple of laps of his field.

So imagine his confusion when I walked past him and brought a different horse in. If a horse could looked shocked, it was Buddy.

I was taking a friend’s horse to the vets. This was Buddy’s face as I put said horse back in his stable. He was not impressed.

He got lots of cuddles and soon forgave me.

Shadow

Well someone was very pleased to see me when I got back from work. It’s week two of covering at the chiro’s. I’m there four days this week.

Unlike my other cats, the kittens haven’t known me go off to work every day. Sure they’re used to me coming and going, being away and are quite happy to entertain themselves while I’m not here. I know this judging by the amount of fluff and toys on the lounge floor when I get back.

But for most of their lives, I’ve been with them. They’re lovely company. Of course, they have their moment. Like tearing through my office when I’m on a call. Or like tonight having a scrap while I was on a webinar. They do make me laugh.

Mums

Today isn’t one of my favourites. Mother’s Day is a bit of a weird one for me. For many reasons. But we all have our stuff, right?! Don’t get me wrong, I’m very grateful that my Mum is still here. I know so many people who’ve lost theirs. It’s just tough.

Mum is now in a nursing home. It’s sad, but totally the right thing for her. It’s a massive change for my parents. They’ve been together since 1966. That’s a long old time.

I haven’t had a chance to go and see her yet. I will. Hopefully she’ll be in good spirits.

It’s been a weird week. I feel like I’ve fallen into an episode of EastEnders (or should that be PipEnders) with the twists and turns. Nothing I can’t handle of course.

As we were out for a hack, I saw my first lamb of 2024. It was all legs! Another Mum to be celebrated.

So tonight I raise a glass to all the amazing Mum’s – past, present or future. You’re amazing.

Sunshine

The weather finally got its act together and it felt like Spring is on the way. Buddy and I headed over to Blickling to meet Katie and Archie. For the first time this year!!

It was so wonderful to be back at Blickling. The sun shone for the whole of our 1.5 hour ride. We didn’t stop chatting the whole way round either. Just wonderful.

Horse and Hound

After my stint commentating at the Area Festival, a friend suggested I take my post and send it to Horse and Hound letters editor. So I did. And they’ve published it!

I’ve always wanted to be in Horse and Hound. So I guess I can tick that equestrian goal. Next time, I hope it’s on a horse rather than writing about horses. But who knows. It’s still an achievement.

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.