Medallion man

Bert got an early Christmas present today. A new collar and ID tag. He’s still so small I had to get the smallest tag going. God help anyone who needs to read the phone number – it’s a rather small.

He also got a Christmas bandana. He was so happy on our little walk.

I’m sad that I haven’t put my tree up. I honestly couldn’t face bringing it in this year. And with Bert, I wasn’t sure how he’d be with it all. Next year, he will be bigger and more used to stuff. I haven’t broken out the tinsel for Buddy either. What a grinch!

His little bandana is a little attempt at being a bit festive. I hope whatever you do tomorrow, you eat, drink and be merry.

Merry Christmas to you all from me, Buddy, Bert, Hugo and Dodo.

Best present

Well I’ve made it to the ripe old age of 54! Happy birthday me! And I got an extra special present today. I got back on Budy for the first time in a month. Oh I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed these ears. He’s still got a long way to go with his rehab. But the first constitutional under saddle is a milestone.

My birthday is usually a big deal in my world. This year it kinda snuck up on me. I hadn’t planned anything. And this morning when I woke up, I really wasn’t feeling it. After all, it’s only another trip round the sun. Things with Buddy, my parents and life in general has all overshadowed it this year.

Thankfully people in my life decided that it should be marked. I’m overwhelmed with the number of messages I’ve had.

I’ve had some incredibly wonderful and thoughtful presents too. Tonight I was taken out for dinner. And have had cake. Lots of cake.

Next year will be a big one for me. I didn’t get to celebrate my 50th the way I’d planned because of Covid. So I’ve decided to celebrate my 55th in style!

Out out

Woo fricking hoooo! Buddy and I headed out in the Buddymobile today. Cause for celebration indeed. It drives like a dream and so did Buddy. He was striding out round the tracks. Sound in walk, trot and canter. Phew!

It felt so good to be out and about again. The Equidry was out and about too! Have Spring and Winter had a tiff?! Cause Winter feels like it’s doing the whole ‘…and another thing’. It was so cold, windy and wet!

The bluebells were out and even in the wet, miserable conditions, they put a smile on my face. As did the cheese toastie and mocha. Well I needed warming up and there was cause to celebrate. We were out out!

Slayer

Today I slayed a dragon. Well not totally, but I made huge progress. You see I have a huge fear of brown envelopes. Particularly the ones from the tax man. I think it’s the way they’re written. Quite simply it puts the fear of god in me!

I’m very good with words. But not that good with numbers. Well I am. But not when it comes to taxes, finances or more technical numbers. I tend to have a toddler like response to them.

Now given I run my own business, a toddler tantrum doesn’t cut it with the tax man. Thankfully I have a wonderful friend who somehow manages to deal with my ineptitude, petulance and toddler tears. And makes me do the things that I really don’t want to.

After over an hour of listening to how important my call was and that I could find the answers on their website, I finally got to speak to a very helpful tax man who helped me understand what was going on and why I’d had a letter (that I really didn’t understand). I now need another letter before I can actually fix the issue. And when I say I, of course, I mean she.

To celebrate my courageous achievement, she bought me lunch. The downside was we ate it in a car park with a rather interesting view.

I’ve learn new stuff today. Fear not Accountants, your jobs are safe. I’ll stick to words and telling people’s stories. That’s where I’m at my best.

80 not out

Today my Dad joined my Mum in turning 80! Unlike my Mum’s big day, the Comedy Car and I made it to be with him. As did my niece Amy from Manchester. It was her turn to have car trouble this week. So we were all very grateful to be together.

We headed over to see Mum. Sadly she was having a bad day. But we did our best to make sure Dad had a lovely day. A wonderful pub dinner and birthday cake.

Happy birthday Dad!

Platinum Jubilee

Today we celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. 70 years on the throne (or in the same job). An amazing achievement.

Let’s face it, we Brits like a bit of pomp and ceremony. And bunting. We really like bunting. It’s been lovely to see so many people celebrating. I’m sure there will be some sore heads tomorrow.

The monarchy is part of our culture, our identity and our Britishness.

Thank you your Majesty. Long live the Queen.

Me

Tomorrow I turn 52. I’m honestly not sure where the years have gone. One things for sure, I’m nowhere near done!

I’ve packed a lot into each spin around the sun. I’ve tried to live my life to the fullest. To be a kind, caring and loving person. To help others where I can. To make a life that I’m proud of. And be a person to be proud of too!

I’ve had many highs and lows, ups and downs, adventures and disasters. I’ve got many scars. I’ve got more memories. I’ve done things I didn’t think I could.

Tomorrow I will celebrate my birthday. I will raise a glass to celebrate me. And I hope you will raise one to me too.