Welcome to blog! I started it in 2020 to chart my recovery from breaking my ankle (hence the name). I guess no-one saw a global pandemic coming. It's turned into a place where I can talk about the things happening in my life, my horse and my cats. Enjoy!
It was our yard Xmas dinner tonight. We headed to the village pub for a lovely meal. There was a special person missing. It’s the first Xmas meal without Martine. So we raised a glass to her and toasted her honour.
I really liked the festive centrepieces. We lit the candle and I said a prayer – peace on earth and joy to all. May your table be full, your heart be fuller and your belly even fuller still.
OK, so I might be preparing for winter. I bought this loungewear set today. No I didn’t really know that loungewear was a thing. I thought they were very fluffy pyjamas. But no, loungewear it is!
I saw them in John Lewis and couldn’t resist. The trousers are so fluffy, I resemble Mr Tumnus from Narnia. Don’t care though, they’re toasty warm! Let’s face it, I’m usually cold. So having warm legs is a novelty.
I haven’t been to John Lewis for ages. But it was a great place to meet a friend for a coffee, mince pie and lots of chat. It’s been a while since we caught up too so there was a lot to cover.
I then spent the rest of the day in a rather chilly unit packing gingerbread. As one does on a Saturday. Another friend had a huge order to fulfil and sent up the gingerbread equivalent of the Bat Signal. Pity I had to wear chef’s whites and not my fluffy loungewear.
Today I said goodbye to my friend Martine. It was an emotional service to say the least. My tears were already flowing. Then I saw her riding hat on her coffin.
It was also a very fitting tribute to a wonderful woman. I will think of her every time I ride. Her wise words ringing in my ears. I will think of her every time I put on hi-viz. Her stern words ringing in my ears.
When I got Buddy, 7 years ago today, she told me that she would help me with ‘this one’. ‘This one’ was the one for me. And she was spot on there!
When she praised you, you knew it was well earned. When she said she was proud of you, it was the most magical feeling.
So thank you Martine. You helped me more than you will ever know. I’m now riding for us both.
One of my friends, Christine came to visit me today. So I took her over to Salhouse Farm Shop & Cafe at Blackbarn Farm. It’s such a lovely place. And a stunning view.
I can definitely recommend their fish finger bap!
We chatted for over 4 hours and could have easily chatted for another 4!
I lost a good friend last week. Our yard did too. So today we went for a yard hack today in her memory. We wore her favourite colour – pink. We rode one of her favourite routes. And when we got back we toasted her and ate her favourite cake – fondant fancies.
I walked the route. Nearly 5 miles. Well Buddy had worked very hard at camp so he got to sit this one out. But I wanted to be a part of a special moment. For a very special lady.
The sun shone for you Martine.
Up early today to beat the heat and meet Katie over at Blickling. We were in the saddle by 9:45am. And I’d mucked out before driving there. First time I’ve beaten Katie there. The traffic was very kind. Well for me.
There are so many paths through the woods, that for the most part, we were in the shade. It was blissfully cool in there.
The humidity soon started to build though so headed back for an afternoon of meeting. Then back to the yard as Buddy had the farrier. It was much cooler so decided to poo-pick his field.
Turns out, it wasn’t as cool as I thought. My brain was obviously a bit fried. I spent 10 mins looking for my car keys. Feared I’d dropped them in a field. Only to find them sitting on my car seat. With the windows open. Good job the yard is in a safe area. Though not sure there are many people who’d want to steal the Comedy Car.
Got to do something pretty special today. Headed to the East Anglian Air Ambulance HQ for a cheque presentation. Carleton Riding Club have been raising money for them in honour of one of our long-standing members, Martine Holden.
Martine is also a friend of mine, so I was even more determined to raise as much as we could for her. Together we’ve raised £3,625 for them. So much more than we ever dreamt. Testament to the impact that Martine has had on people and our club over the years.
A massive thank you to each and every one of you who donated.
It was even more poignant for us as they received a shout just after we’d finished having photos with the helicopter. We watched them fly off, knowing the vital role they perform on a daily basis.
You can still donate using our page – https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/carletonridingclub
Riding in a helicopter is on my bucket list. Fingers crossed I don’t tick that one off by flying in this one.
I love it when you reconnect with someone special from your past. I got a message from a lady I used to work with in Worthing many moons ago.
We lost touch when I moved to Norwich and she left when they closed the building.
Today we spent 1.5 hours on the phone catching up on the past 15 years. It was like no time had passed at all. We picked right up where we left off.
We reminisced about our time working together, our fitness efforts and nights out clubbing. So much has changed and so much still the same.
We’re both older. Some may say wiser. But the reason we connected back then, still hold true today.
Today we put the band back together! It’s been a while since we hacked. It was like no time had passed at all. We chatted the whole way round. The boys seemed pleased to see each other too.
Another thing that hasn’t changed is my inability to take a selfie on a horse. This photo made me giggle when I saw how it came out.
Sometimes it’s the little things in life. A catch up with a good friend, a good ride in the beautiful countryside and at good laugh at your own ineptitude.
Well we did it! Today’s show at Carleton Riding Club was in honour of this amazing woman – Martine Holden.
I’ve know Martine for a long time now. She’s one of the few people I actively seek out for advice with Buddy. She’s the reason I wanted to go to BHS camp. Now I’ve lost count of how many I’ve been to. She’s the reason I joined Carleton Riding Club. Now I’m on the committee.
So when we decide to do a fundraiser for the charity of her choice, I jumped at the chance to be play a part. Not sure I realised I would have to walk 6.5 miles though!
It’s been a fabulous day indeed. Seeing everyone in their hi-viz competing was just brilliant. People really embraced the cause and the chance to honour Martine.
There was a lot of love shown for her. I haven’t done the final count yet, but we’re heading towards £2,000 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
Martine, you’ll never know how much you’ve done for me. So I will pay it forward and be more Martine…
Tales, Tails and Talus 