5 years

Today marks 5 years since we entered lockdown. And our lives changed forever. In so many ways, it’s hard to believe it actually happened. It’s like a hazy nightmare or dream. One where you’re not sure if it did or didn’t happen.

I’m still angry, sad, bewildered, grateful and a thousand other emotions. I know others are too. A collective sense of grief for what was, what might have been and what we lost.

Have we’ve truly acknowledged the impacts of Covid? Do we actually know? I joked at the time that it was like we were in a social experiment. Given the current state of the world, I’m starting to wonder if it was.

I read a post today that really made me think. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t have wanted to be making the decisions. Looking back, I’m not sure what it actually achieved. We seem to be in a worse state now than before.

I guess time will tell. History is usually written by the victors. Wonder how it will be reflected in all the chaos, scaremongering and lies…

Sunbather

So it seems Bert is a bit of a sun worshipper too. He and the kittens have been laid out sunbathing today.

He was a rather hot pupster after our walk this morning. But insisted on a bit more sunbathing over lunch. We met a lovely couple on our walk today. The wife was gardening and Bert wanted to say hello. Ended up talking to her and her husband for a long time. She even got Bert a bowl of water while we chatted. They were telling me some of the history of Strumpshaw village. They’ve both lived there all their lives. In fact the husband was born in the house they live in. 81 years ago. She was born down the lane.

I love it when I have random meetings like that. It’s really cool to find out stuff about the area I live in.

Reuse

I spotted this sign while walking my charges today. It was clearly a marker of some sort. Whether it was a road marker or something else, I don’t know. I love the way it’s been reused in the modern house. They’ve used glass bottles too.

A little bit of history hidden in plain sight. Wonder how old it is. Must be fairly old as it’s Yarmouth rather than Great Yarmouth. Or maybe they charged by the letter…

Storm off

Right, this is getting ridiculous. How many frigging storms does one week needs?! Four is a bit much in anyone’s book (and apparently it’s now in the history books too).

It’s at time like this, I’m very grateful that we have an indoor school at the yard. But if I’m honest, I’m fed up with getting soaked, nearly blown off and frozen through.

And apparently we have more storms to come. 🤦🏻‍♀️

At least I can guarantee that Buddy will make me smile.

History made

Today Rachael Blackmore made sporting history by becoming the first female jockey to win the Grand National with victory on Minella Times at Aintree.

She deserves all the plaudits today. As does the horse and everyone involved with him.

One of the things that makes equestrianism so special is that gender doesn’t play a factor. Men and women compete on an equal footing. It doesn’t matter about the gender of the horse either. Mares, stallions and geldings all compete each other. It’s about you and your horse on the day.

Wonder why racing has taken so long to catch up.