Advance party

I’ve arrived!! Really smooth run through. And with only one pee stop. Blimey Wales is a long way from Norfolk.

This is the calm before the chaos starts tomorrow. We hit the pool. Well I say pool, it was more jacuzzi, stream room and sauna. It’s more than I got to do last year. And will probably be the last time I see it before I leave.

We headed over to one of the restaurants for dinner. This one is in the clubhouse that was built for the Ryder Cup in 2010. It’s pretty cool. As was my dinner. A winning start me thinks.

Awash

Oh the glamour of poo-picking in the rain. Buddy was really helpful too. He decided to poo in the furthest corner of the field I’d just cleared. I swear he did it deliberately. He waited till I moved to the next field and stared right at me. Funny boy.

You have to laugh at the weather. It was vile this morning. Of course, by the time I got home and showered, the sun had come out. Still we got to have a soggy cuddle.

I’m going to miss his little face. He’ll think he’s retired when I come home. But then he acts like that after a day off.

I won’t miss getting soaked. I’ll be lucky if I actually leave the hotel the next few days. Wish me luck…

Plans

Today has been all about checking the plans for next week’s conference. I’m rather cross-eyed from staring at spreadsheets, documents and emails.

It takes months of planning and so much work to put on a conference – even a small one. This is a big one. I’ve been doing events for many years and it still surprises me when people think they just happen.

Today’s checks were to make sure that we have the right number of bums on seats, the right beds for the duration and that we had all of the dietaries and allergies. I’d really rather not accidentally poison someone. And go through the running order for the millionth time.

Few last bits to sort and then off on Sunday. Sure there will be stuff that comes up. I will be in full ‘swan-mode’ next week. So exciting!!

Condiments

I needed to pick up some champagne for the conference next week. As you do. Spotted this and thought I’d give it a whirl. Blimey it’s good. But you don’t need a lot!

Garlic is very good for the heart. But maybe not for others. I apologise to anyone who I meet to tomorrow… I may have overdone it.

All hallows

Happy Halloween everyone. It was very foggy when I got to the yard this morning. Pretty apt for Halloween.

Thankfully it had cleared by the time I took Buddy into the arena to pop a few jumps. I’ve found that riding first thing really sets me up for the rest of the day.

Bee happy

I bought some new tea towels a while back but had used them yet. Today I got this one out. Isn’t it lovely?

I love bees. It’s wonderful watching them buzz around my garden. They’re so industrious. Always on a mission or so it seems.

Bit like me today. I definitely clocked up done laptop hours today. I’m a week out from the big conference I’m supporting. So lots and lots of admin to be done. Good job I love a spreadsheet. I think I had 8 open today at one point. Lot of briefing calls too.

I’ve been a busy bee today. And if it all goes to plan, my clients will bee very happy too.

Bodily fluids

This was the scene that greeted me when I arrived at the yard. Not sure where Buddy was aiming?!

Took Buddy over to meet Katie and Archie at Blickling. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to get together. There was a lot to catch up on. It was very busy there today. Guess that’s cause it was such a lovely sunny morning. Still we managed to have a lovely wander about.

One comedic moment when Archie stopped for a pee. My god, it lasted forever! We were both laughing as it didn’t stop! Not to be outdone, Buddy decided to join in too. Cue more giggling from us. They also picked a spot in full view of the walkers. After an age, they both finished.

We were giggling about bodily fluids. And yes, we both needed to go when we got back to the lorries. You’ll be pleased to know, we were much more discrete about our ablutions.

Spooky

Now I’m very used to spooks with Buddy, but today was a different type of spooky. I was judging a Halloween show jumping show. It was great to see so many people making the effort to dress up. And the horses weren’t left out either! Lots of fun had by all.

This made me giggle as I left the venue. Clearly this rider wasn’t ready for trouble.

Nostalgia

It’s been a while since I walked down this particular road. I used to do it twice a day for many year when I worked here.

Today I passing through on my way to various appointments. Some things looked the same. Some very different.

Funny how a street or a building can bring so many memories flooding back. I met some wonderful people in my time working for Aviva. Many I’m still in touch with. And made some fab memories.

Untangled

Today was an annual thing. Buddy had his annual trip from the dentist. And I had my annual trip to the hairdressers.

My hair has been really annoying me lately, so decided to have a bit of a chop and go shorter. Must have had a few inches off it. Feels very bouncy and light.

Reminded me that as a kid, my Mum would get my hair cut short for the winter but let me grow it long in the summer. Kinda felt the wrong way round then. Seems I’ve done the same.