Wings

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.

Posh mayo

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.

Paw Patrol

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.

Heat source

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.

Ooh la la

So my life cleanse continued with more items listed today. Not totally sure why Vinted has decided to send me an update email in French though. I mean, I know it’s a fancy jacket and all. But pretty sure I didn’t change one of my settings. Who knows?!

It made me laugh that’s for sure. It’s been a long time since I did French. Thankfully I know what this one says so didn’t need to resort to google translate.

Clearance

One of my aims for 2024 is to declutter my life. It’s a bold aim I grant you. I’ve made a start at least. I’ve sold some stuff, listed some more and set a goal to clear something each week.

Let’s face it, donating my wedding dress took me 10 years. It seems I’ve held onto a lot of stuff I rarely use – ‘just in case’. So it’s time to let it go.

Windswept

Well the wind has picked up today. Typical after the freezing temperatures have warmed up. Still it didn’t stop us heading out for a wind-assisted hack. It felt great to be able to get off the yard. Even if our words were blown away. A lot.

I really need to sort Buddy’s mane out. He was so windswept by the time we got back. He does seem to be able to rock the Mohawk though.

Infrared

Today Buddy was infrared scanned. Nothing to worry about, just a precaution and out of curiosity.

I had to plait his mane out of the way. I gave him a little top knot for his forelock. He was so funny as when I tried to take it out, he was having none of it. He obviously wants to be a fashion icon of the yard. Got it out eventually.

The sweetest thing was Big Buddy finally got to meet Little Buddy. Little Buddy is a Shetland pony who belongs to my friend. There was a definite bromance started today.

It was the most adorable thing. I’ve not heard my Buddy ‘chat’ to another horse like that. They were grooming each other. It made my heart burst seeing them together.

If Buddy ever needs a Buddy, I think he’s just found one. In Shetland form.

Bus pass

I had quite the adventure today. With the freezing temperatures overnight, I was worried the lorry wouldn’t start. And if I did get it started, I wouldn’t be able to park it safely in the city. Thankfully Victoria came to my rescue and gave me a lift in to work.

Of course, that left the conundrum of how to get home. Decided to bus it back. My god, what a faff!

First I had to find the bus stop (easier said than done). Then I nearly missed it as it stopped at a different stop. Luckily someone spotted it, so we all trotted up the road to get it. Finally we ended up going round the houses, including a 3-point turn due to a closed road.

All in all it took an hour and 15 mins to do a journey that takes a max of 20 mins in the car. Still it only cost me £2 (and a little bit more body fat keeping warm while I waited in the freezing temperatures).

Got back to some good news! The Comedy Car was fixed. And the bill wasn’t as much as expected. Good job too as I had to ask one of my neighbours if I could jumpstart the Buddymobile off his car. Seems my worries were well founded after all.