Sanatorium

Day 432 of being ill. OK Day 4 and I’m utterly bored of it now. I’ve rested for 3 days and it’s still got a hold of me. I’m even boring myself writing about it. 😂

At least the weather has been kind. So I’ve been back in the sanatorium today. Did manage to make it to the yard to see Buddy and a little bit of work. So that’s progress. More resting and patience for me.

I am definitely getting better as I had to resist the urge to mow the lawn. That would be a step too far right now. But it’s on the list!

Snot funny

After feeling better yesterday, I took a turn for the worst overnight. Woke up at 6:30am sneezing, coughing and generally feeling pants. Called it and withdrew from the dressage competition I’d entered.

The body is amazing, but how the hell does it produce so much snot?! Mine seems to be every good at it! We’ve all got talents I suppose…

I’m disappointed as I was looking forward to getting back between the boards. Well done everyone who was out today. I was cheering you on (from my snot-induced coma).

If I’m honest, the preparation wasn’t the best. And it’s highlighted that our schooling has slidden as I’ve been focusing on jumping. So decided to get back to regular lessons again.

I’m not being hard on myself. I understand why we are where we are. I’ve been pulled in a lot of directions lately. Guess my body has decided that I need a bit of rest.

So I spent the day in my ‘sanatorium’ aka the conservatory. Another early night for me.

Layers

Today I went out for hack fearing I’d overlayered. There was some warmth in the sun and it felt very Spring-like indeed.

Halfway round, the sun disappeared and I was very grateful of my extra layers. It felt very Wintery again.

At least we didn’t see any April Showers.

Out like a lion

Well March seems to have a bit of a bitter sting in the tail. My goodness, it’s been cold today. It’s seen the return of the twig burner, blankets and kitten cuddles.

March came in like a lamb, but is definitely going out like a lion. Sleet and snow forecast tomorrow… Fun times! 🥶

Pretty in pink

It shows that the weather has been a bit odd recently. This camellia flowers after my other one. Usually in late April. But this year, it’s very ahead of itself.

It always makes me smile as it’s so pretty. Perfect on a grey, cold day. I was fighting hibernation-mode today. After the glorious sunshine of the past few days, it was a bit of a shock to be cold again.

Cuddle up

Apparently today is National Cuddle Up Day. Dodo is on point as he climbed onto my arms to have a cuddle. Hugo then decided to try and get on my lap. It did not end well. Now they’re both sulking at different ends of the sofa. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Buddy gave me a lovely cuddle too earlier. Perfect on a cold day. Thought it did take a long time to be able to feel my feet, hands and face again after riding.

Sit tight

I had a brainwave today. My thighs have been getting cold when I’ve been riding. So I was wracking my brains to think how I could keep them a bit warmer without adding too much bulk. I found a lovely long riding coat, but it was on 29 weeks back order. Not sure I’ll need it in Summer!

Then I remembered when I used to ski, I would use thermal tights under my ski trousers.

As I have a drawer of tights that I’m hardly using, I tried putting a pair under my jodhpurs. It worked. And a nice bonus was they kept my feet warm too. Hurrah!!

Weirdness

So it seems that the weather is a weird as the world right now. It’s been sunshine and showers, with a few hailstones thrown in for good measure.

Oh and cold. Did I mention cold?! Spent the day wrapped in a blanket working at my desk. Got my layers wrong when I went to the yard too so started cold, ended cold and took forever to get warm.

Winter is definitely not my favourite season. The sky was very beautiful this afternoon though. There’s still so much green about. Weird.

Edinburgh

Well I made it safely over the Border! After the hiccups of my flight, it was a bit dicey whether I would. So hello Scotland!

The one thing I said I wanted to see here was the castle lit up. Mission accomplished. It was worth it too. It’s stunning.

I’ve also had my first Irn Bru. 👏🏻 And it does taste different in Scotland. Grateful I wore my duvet coat, it’s a bit fresh!

I’ve seen a lot of kilted men. Guessing that’s to do with the rugby. Missed the match, but guessed the result. There were a few rather jolly people getting on the tram at Murrayfield.

Now snuggled up in the biggest bed I’ve ever slept in! It’s huge! I shall sleep like a Queen tonight. Well I am near a castle.

Recovery

Woke up feeling a bit better today. So, of course, I totally overdid it in my excitement. 🤦🏻‍♀️

I also had some healing needles from Colette. They definitely helped.

This evening I took Ruth to meet the other men in my life. First I took her to meet Cyril (my wisened old tree) for a hug. Then on to meet the main man himself, Buddy. He was overjoyed to see me, pausing from inhaling his hay for at least 30 seconds! 🤪

It was about 3/4 of the way back that I felt my energy tank drain. So back on the sofa and another early night for me…. It’s progress.