Daffodils

I spotted these lovely daffodils this morning. Daffodils always make me smile. They are such cheery flowers.

Spring is definitely here. It’s my favourite season. I may have mentioned that. The one thing I don’t like about Spring though is the multiple outfits required. I took Bert out for a walk first thing in a down jacket and gloves. Brrrr.

Come afternoon and I arrived at the yard with overtrousers, fleece and jacket. The sun came out and the layers came off. I popped Buddy over a few jumps and was too hot in just a base layer.

Then once the sun had set, it was back to fluffy socks and many layers. Good job I have lots and lots of layers.

Medicinal

I’m still feeling a tad crappy. But the sunshine was far too hard to resist. I had a sudden burst of energy so took Buddy out for a short medicinal hack.

It lifted my spirit for sure. And released a lot of snot judging by the number of sneezes I did on the way round.

Thankfully Buddy doesn’t react to my sneezing. Unlike Bert who is most concerned every time I sneeze or cough. There has been a lot of concern over the past few days…

Antenna

OK so I might have to admit that my symptoms might be more than emotional stuff. I woke up at 4am shivering and sweating in equal measures. Sure sign I am with cold! By 7am I had to admit defeat, cancelled my morning plans and very slowly crawled through the day.

I had a very gentle walk with Bert. Thankfully he got up have a runaround to burn off the energy. Mucking out seemed to be a slow process. I had to stop for a breather getting the straw down. Whatever this is, I am with snot and phlegm. Delightful.

As I finished up, I notice this single bit of straw standing tall. It looked a bit like an antenna. Or a lightning bolt. Even with snot, I still have an active imagination.

Normal service will be resumed shortly no doubt.

Nice touch

Super sub went to the football tonight. My goodness it was a cold one! I was definitely ready for my hot chocolate at half time. And my hot cross bun! I do love half-time snacks.

I saw this in the Ladies. What a nice touch. Made me wonder how much I’d spent on sanitary products over the years. A lot most likely. I’m sure someone clever has worked out an average. Anyway, well done Norwich City.

Notice how I’m not talking about the actual match. That was definitely a game of two halves. First half, we scored twice. Hurrah! Second half, they scored three times. Boo!

You can’t win them all… But it would be good to see a win now and then at Carrow Road.

Common sense

I have suspected for a while now that common sense is a rarity in this wonderful world we live in. But this made me laugh. Also make you wonder how many people ignored the cooking instructions on the back. The first one is remove lid.

I’m very partial to a Fray Bentos pie. Might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s one of my guilty pleasures. There’s something about a pie in a tin that does it for me. Make of that what you will.

For me, it’s proper comfort food. And on a rather wet day, it was much needed. I also needed something to warm me up after getting a tad soggy.

Thankfully it stayed dry for our pony play date this morning. Bert gained more gold stars for his ‘Lorry Dog in training’ chart. I’d parked the Buddymobile facing the arena. Bert was like a little meerkat popping his head up when I rode past. So cute!

In fact, he was so happy in the lorry that when we got back, he didn’t want to leave. Or it might have been he didn’t want to get wet in the rain…

Extremities

This is the face of someone who can’t feel their face! Made the mistake of assuming that cause I got rather warm mucking out that I wouldn’t need my ‘big coat’ on our ride.

I was very, very wrong…

I fear I got a bit carried away, cause there was little bit of sunshine today. I couldn’t feel my extremities by the time I got back. The ‘big coat’ was back on for Bert’s walk I can tell you. I’ve just about thawed out.

Keep learning

Today has been all about learning. First up, Bert graduated from Puppy School. He’s grown so much in those 6 weeks. He’s learned so much too. He got a certificate and rosette. Admittedly, he tried to eat the rosette.

His education will continue next Saturday. As I’ve enrolled him in Puppy College. He really does enjoy it. He drags me in each week.

Then it was Buddy’s turn as we headed over to Mousehold Farm for a lesson with Simon Grieve. It was our first lesson of 2025. Buddy was almost as energetic as Bert had been in his session. Even in the cold conditions. Who ordered snow?! Buddy felt amazing to jump. Seems the time out last year, really has helped him. He feels stronger than ever.

Bert came to his first clinic too. He slept in the cab while I had my lesson. Can’t say I blame him. Though he did get lots of cuddles. He was quite the hit.

It was a very educational day all round…

Frostbite

My goodness the wind has some bite to it today. I couldn’t feel my face by the time we’d finished our walk. Bert was on top form! He was having a blast chasing the leaves as they swirled about.

He really does make me laugh. He been in full Spaniel-mode the past few days on our walks. It’s wonderful to see his exuberance.

He got a few more admirers today. We had two trips to the same venue. First for breakfast, then back again later for coffee. He was introduced to sausages. Let’s just say he’s a big fan! Well there has to be perks to going out. Thankfully, Spaniel-mode is switched off when we’re out. Well for the most part…

Glimmers

I took Bert out for his constitutional this morning. It was a very grey and gloomy affair that’s for sure.

I’m getting rather fed up of the gloom. I’m craving sunshine and moaning I’m too hot. Still there were glimmers of hope. I saw daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops starting to push through the soil. Spring is on its way.

Things do look quite green at the moment, but that’s cause there’s so much moss about! A byproduct of the damp conditions I’m guessing.

I’m really enjoying taking Bert out for his little walks. He’s 16 weeks old now, but still can’t do too much. He doesn’t seem to get he has a limit, so I’m being very careful with my baby boy.

I do look like a Michelin Man with all my layers, but at least I’m kinda warm. Most walks I come back and I can’t feel my face! Good job I’m used to spending a lot of time outdoors.

Roll up

Somewhere in there is a lesser spotted Bert! Or more apt, a slightly wild Bert. He’s had so much fun rolling around in the blanket sofa cover. He does make me laugh. It’s also exhausting watching him bounce around the house before he crashes out.

Oh to have that much energy! I do find that the cold makes me tired. Most animals like to hibernate when it’s cold. Horses can get a bit wired by it. Thankfully Buddy was on his best behaviour today.

We had the most magical moment when a red kite flew over the arena and hovered over head. I was so transfixed, I didn’t get my phone out. The red kite is one of my favourite birds. So majestic in the sky. Seeing one always makes me smile.