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.

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.