Brown cow

‘How now brown cow’ was the mantra for today’s walk. They’ve moved the cows back onto the fields round the back of my close. Normally I have no issue walking through them. But this was the first time Bert had come across so many. And a rather large bull. So we used it as a training session instead.

I walked Bert up to the cows and away. He barked a few times, so kept it all low key. The cows weren’t the least bit bothered by him. He was very interested in them. I think he thouhght they were big dogs. Though some of the calves were tiny.

The cows soon got bored and moved away after a while. Bert sat patiently and watched them go.

I love the fact I live so close to these cows. It reminds me of listening to the cows lowing at night when I was a kid. I grew up near a cattle market so it was a weekly sound. Such a soothing sound…

Teasels

I spotted these teasels while walking Bert today. They reminded me of my Nanna and wonderful Saturday afternoon memories from my childhood. She lived in a flat in Brighton, well Hove actually (in joke there). One of her neighbours taught me how to comb wool with teasels. And spin it into yarn. Who knew I could be rather skilful with a spinning wheel. She also tried to teach me to crochet. I wasn’t very good at that! My Nanna taught me how to knit. I was OK at that. My Mum, on the other hand, was an avid knitter. The constant clacking of needles was a very familiar sound growing up.

It’s funny how objects can stir such memories. Got me thinking about all of the other things I can do. I have so many skills. Not sure I have many talents. But I can do an awful lot of things. I’ve probably forgotten quite a few too.

I can feel a bit of a skills audit coming on. Not sure my abilities with a spinning wheel are in high demand. But you never know…

Right now, I need to put some more energy into my business and find a few more clients.

Registrar

And just like that, I’m back down South. We are now able to register my Mum’s death. So I came down to support my Dad. The Registrars’ office has moved into the Library. It’s such a funky building. Many memories of coming here as a child. My first office job was across the road. So I would pop in here sometimes in my lunch break to pick up a book or two.

I have to say, it was a very surreal process. A few questions and fact checking. Then a death certificate is produced. And my Mum has officially gone. It makes it very real.

I love watching genealogy programmes. I’ve found out a lot about my lineages. Today reminds me that for every name on a family tree or death certificate, there was a life lived. Each person made memories, had many stories to tell and played a part in many others lives. We will all leave a legacy in the mind of those we leave behind. Bit like the books in the library…

Cheese plant

I bought a plant today! And it’s made me so happy already. It’s one of my more random purchases, so bear with…

This morning I met up for coffee with a lady I connected with in 2020. We were part of an online networking group. Today was the first time we met in person! Boy was it worth the wait. We talked for 3.5 hours about life, covid, business and so much more. It was just wonderful.

We met at a cafe / plant shop. A rather glorious mix. As we chatted, I spotted this cheese plant. It took me back to my childhood. We had a monster of one in our hallway for many years. It then outgrew our house and was gifted to the office I worked in. It eventually ended up with one of the employees. I guess it was adopted by her.

I had to buy it. It’s a homage to my 70s childhood and my parents. It made me laugh all the way home as I drove along with it sitting proudly on my passenger seat. I’ve named him ‘Wallace’. He’s settling in well.

Wimpy

I had a blast from the past today in Lowestoft. I didn’t know Wimpy was still about?! This one has had a recent refurb too.

This took me back to my childhood. It was the ‘fast food’ chain my Mum preferred. Why? Because they did one burger that came in a brown roll. I’m guessing that was to make it slightly more healthy.

My nearest Wimpy growing up was in Brighton. So going was quite the treat. That was the thing back then. It was a rarity rather than a food group.

Even now I can remember the excitement. It was waitress service too. Like the American diners you saw in movies. As a kid, I felt rather sophisticated. Oh how things have changed.

Hickstead

We did it! It wasn’t pretty and we had 4 poles but we completed our first round of show jumping at Hickstead. I’m rather emotional to be honest. I’ve wanted to do that since I was a 5-year old horse mad little girl!

Then I didn’t have a horse, a pony or any idea who I would make it happen. But when you have a dream…

One of the fences I had down was the Hickstead planks. The one fence I wanted a photo over. Thankfully fence 1 also contained a plank so I’ve got my photo. Buddy was such a good boy. It was a very buzzy ring with so much to look at. He held it all together and stormed round. A little too fast at times – hence the poles.

I am one very happy, tired, slightly overly emotional Pip. Dreams really do come true.

Buddy and I will both sleep well tonight.

Ambitions

So this happened today. I can now say that I’ve ridden a horse at Hickstead. And jumped. It was only a practise fence this evening. But it still counts.

Growing up down the road, it’s been a life-long ambition to bring a horse here. Today I did just that. Tomorrow Buddy and I will be representing Carleton Riding Club here.

Regardless of what happens tomorrow, I’ve ticked something off my horsey bucket list.

It’s felt so good coming back to Royal International. It’s such an amazing experience.

Wishing Chair

One of the fun things about staying at my parents is that I stumble across things from my childhood. Take this book for example. I grew up reading Enid Blyton. And The Wishing Chair was one of my favourite. Famous Five was my favourite by far! I always wanted a border collie and I was definitely more George than Anne. Oh and I love ginger beer!!

The stories encouraged my sense of adventure, friendship and fun. I’ve often felt like I would have been right at home in one. Let’s face it, I’ve had a LOT of adventures in my life. I definitely plan on having tons more too.

After working most of the day, I headed to the hospital to see my parents. The staff are already recognising me. They ask how the other parent is doing. One asked how I was doing. Being honest, it’s been a really tough few years with my parents health issues. I’ve mentally prepared myself for the worst many times. So grateful every day I still have two parents.

After spotting this book, I made a few wishes of my own. And drank a ginger beer, though mine has alcohol in it…

Chips

I had to drive to Barnet today. On my way back, I stopped at Birchanger services and this made me smile. I loved how neatly they’d parked the bikes. Reminded me of watching ‘Chips’ as a kid. That was a fun TV show.

I bet it’s dated now. It’s funny how we remember things from our childhood. Good, bad and indifferent. Can you tell I listened to some training on healing your Inner Child?! 😝

Pookie

I had to get some cat food for the kittens and saw these treats. As you can see they’re a big hit!

I loved Garfield when I was a kid. And no, it wasn’t just because we shared a love of lasagne. The cartoons used to make me laugh. The characterisation was in point! But also because of Garfield’s teddy bear Pookie.

Why? Well because that was my parent’s nickname for me when I was growing up. So seeing these treats, made me smile.