Budgeting

OK so I might be a bit cross-eyed this evening. I spent nearly 4 hours on calls going over the budget for a Conference I’m working on. It’s a big one, so lots to capture.

We’ve broken the back of it. Ended up with lots more questions so tomorrow I will be doing my best to answer them.

Now we know that I’m not really a numbers girl. I much prefer words. These numbers are rather important so need to be right.

People sometimes ask me if event management is just the bit at the actual conference. Believe me there are a million and one things to get done beforehand. I’m going to be a busy girl. Good job I love it!

Car crisps

I have to do a hotel site visit in Brighton tomorrow. So I came down to stay the night with my Dad. I bought some snacks for the trip – including a big bag of Marmite crisps. I love Marmite, I love crisps, so I really love Marmite crisps.

I may have accidently eaten the whole bag! It was only afterwards that I saw the warning. They were spot on there….!

Overcooked

Well Bert was a very tired puppy today. I think he overcooked it yesterday round the XC course. Last night he was asleep by the time I got into my bed. And slept through. Today he was less enthusiastic about things.

He got lots of spaniel love today. So many people wanted cuddles, which he was very happy to provide. He had many spaniel fans cooing at how well behaved he is.

Considering he’s only 7 months, it’s a lot for him to deal with. The shops were much busier today. I made sure he had time out so he didn’t get completely overwhelmed. He got lots of treats from a number of stands. That helped too.

He’s clearly a fan of Henry James as he decided to fall sleep on their stand. The lady there said I could have one of everything in exchange for him!

I also managed to completely embarrass myself in Stubben. When asked if I needed any help, I replied ‘I love your bits’. To a rather attractive chap. Thankfully he saw the funny side of it, as did his colleagues. Apparently I made his day. While I was wishing the floor would open… Trust me to take something innocent and make it sound smutty. It’s a talent.

Two kids

Well I’ve made it to our first training camp of 2025. Hurrah! This is the first time I’ve been away with two kids, Buddy and Bert. My god, they need a lot!

The Buddymobile felt a bit cramped with it all. I also needed three lists! And I still forgot the poo bags and toilet roll. It’s much better now Buddy is tucked up in his stable and Bert is tucked up in his crate in the horse area.

I’m tucked up in the living. As much as I love the Buddymobile, it’s definitely time for a bigger lorry! Bert’s arrival means I need more living. Well that’s my excuse! I want a toilet and a fridge too.

So far both kids are behaving very well. Coming to Forest Edge is such a happy place for me. I know Buddy loves it here. And it seems Bert might too after zoomies in the forest. Buddy, on the other hand, had a leisurely walk before the lessons start tomorrow. Bring on the learning…

Judgy

Bert came with me to judge a local show jumping show. He clearly felt he should have the top job rather than sleeping under the desk. He jumped onto my chair and was very interested in the course walk.

It’s always inspiring watching people’s rounds. So much love for their horses and ponies. Whatever happens, it’s clear to see. And to see improvements through the rounds. Makes me want to get Buddy back to competing again.

I have to say that Bert was such a good boy. He has zoomies round the arena before the show. Then he settled under the desk or behind me – eating a body part or sleeping. He was so quiet at times, I almost forgot he was there.

He did manage to chew his lead when I left him to present the rosettes. But he soon got the idea that I was coming back.

It’s been an odd day. First Mother’s Day without Mum. It’s always been a weird day for me. So glad I was able to do something that I love, I’m very good at and occupies my brain.

The tears came when I got home…

Back again

After a very long time, today saw our return to Blickling. Honestly, it’s been months since we were last there. It was also Bert’s first visit! It was so good to catch up with Katie and Archie too. We talked the whole way round.

It was glorious weather too. This photo made me laugh, it looks like Archie and Buddy have had words.

Having ridden for nearly 1.5 hours, I took Bert for a run around. We had our first recall fail when Bert decided that another spaniel was far more fun than Mummy. Thankfully, said spaniel was very happy to play and the owners were incredibly understanding. They said they remembered those moments well.

There were lots of positives though. Bert waited in the lorry while I rode. He ignored several other dogs. And he did come back after he’d played. He clearly has the same love of Blickling that I have…

Roses are red

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! I realised I have 4 boys in my life and I didn’t get a single card… I’m sure they love me (and not just cause I feed them).

I was peopling this morning. The other receptionist had bought these beautiful roses to brighten the clinic. I put on a ‘timeless romantic songs’ playlist. Gosh there were some classics on there. And lots I hadn’t heard for a while.

I did get some ‘presents’. Buddy gave me an exceptionally filthy stable to muck out. Bert brought me an old piece of rope on our walk. And the kittens left a trail of muddy paw prints all over my bed. Who says romance is dead?!

Sleep deprived

This is what Bert makes of it all. He’s crashed out. Not surprised he’s tired after needing to go out 3 times last night. We all are! I’m not sure he’s been getting enough sleep. I’m finding it hard to get him to settle at times. He seems to settle best when he’s with me. He needs so much sleep at the moment. So doing my best to give him what he needs.

I know that the broken night’s won’t last. We’ve had some better nights. But last night wasn’t our best. I’ve realised that I’m not at my best when I don’t sleep well either. Lots of tears today. I’m overtired and very emotional too. I know I’m starting to allow myself to grieve for my Mum.

I absolutely adore Bert. I can’t imagine him life without him now. He makes me laugh so much. He’s so loving and cuddly. A puppy is really hard work. Especially when it’s just me. I feel like I need eyes everywhere right now. But I’m determined to give him the best start. If that means a bit more sleep deprivation, so be it.

I can sleep when I’m dead…

8 years

8 years ago, I made one of the best decisions ever. I bought Buddy.

What better way to celebrate our anniversary than going to a jumping clinic! I can’t quite get my head around the fact it’s been 8 years since I bought this handsome boy. This year has probably been our toughest together with his injury and the challenges I’ve faced. But one thing is for sure, he melts my heart.

Looking back at the past 8 years, we have had so many highs. We’ve made so many memories together. We’ve achieved things I couldn’t have even dreamed. There are a lot of people in the Buddy Fan Club.

Today we had a lot of fun together. Especially after I remembered how to actually ride! Funny how muscle memory kicks in when you let it.

He is and will always be ‘My Absolute Diamond’. And I couldn’t love him more if I tried.

A right pear

This is Buddy’s ‘pleeeeeeeaaaaaaaassssssssseeeeeee’ face. It always makes me smile. Today it was all about pears. He got one, while I ate the other. Of course, he’d finished his by the time I’d taken my second bite.

Then he wanted mine. Soft touch that I am. He got it. I mean, how could I say no to this little face!?!

That and I knew there were more in the feed room. Good job he didn’t! He does love pears.