Nettles

I think most people know that I love nature. I love being out in it. I love almost everything about it. I say almost, I’m not mad keen when nature fights back.

As it was a nice day, I thought I’d mow the lawns and have a bit of a tidy up of the borders. Great plan I hear you say…

This is me, so it wasn’t going to run smoothly. But even by my standards, I excelled myself. There were a few rather large nettles. No problem, I have protective gloves for them. Unfortunately, they don’t protect against ineptitude. I am now the proud owner of many stings. I peaked when I managed to pull one up and smack myself full in the face. I can confirm that flipping hurts!!

Bert tried to come to my rescue, but ended up taking me out with his cone. We’d been doing well with the body suit. Till he had an accident. I wasn’t quick enough with the fastenings (the clue is there). It needed to go in the wash. So we were back to the cone of shame. My legs are covered in scrapes and bruises from him bashing into me.

I managed to mow the back lawn after nearly falling over him several times. Then it was onto the front. Where a dog rose decided to attack me. Seriously?! They hurt too I can tell you.

Thankfully a full brown bin ended my gardening efforts and I headed to the yard. Buddy had excelled himself in the poo stakes. So that was fun!

Even though I covered him in fly spray, he spent the whole ride trying to get the flies off. There were so many today.

All in all, I’d say it was a draw between me and nature today. My face is really sore. Not as bruised as Bert’s Crown Jewels. He keeps rolling over to show me…

Cerulean

What a blissful way to start the day. Just me, my Baby Sprocker and Mother Nature at her finest.

It’s been a glorious day. One where I seemed to have been in my own strip poker game judging by the number of layers I removed. I even took off my over-trousers and fleece. Yes it was that warm!! It’s March, right?!

I love days like this. Blue skies, bird song, fresh air in my lung, the sun on my skin, a full heart and an empty mind. It makes me rather sad that people have to be told about the benefits of being out in nature.

And the constant threat of destruction for housing, solar farms and all manner of other stuff. It makes no sense to me. With one hand there a programme to rewild and plant trees, while there’s another to destroy it.

If it was down to me, we would protect the great outdoors at all costs. The Countryside is in my heart. Always will be…

Pine scented

I love the smell of pines. It’s such a comforting smell. Reminds me of living in Sweden. So walking through these woods was heaven. Bert and I stopped off for a wander on our way back from lunch. My goodness, it’s good for my senses to be around trees.

It’s also good for my stomach to have a lush lunch. I met up with a friend. He’s nearly 85, but we still have so much to talk about. Mostly horses. It’s fascinating listening to his stories of eventing and farming over the decades.

It’s one of the things I appreciate about the horse world. It’s very egalitarian. I have met so many people through horses. From all walks of life. In many age brackets. The common thread is a love of horses.

And horses are by far the best thing I’ve found for my heart and soul. But to be fair, being in nature comes a close second. Apparently you can ride in these woods. Now that would be a wonderful…

More waves

This week I’ve been hit by more waves of emotions. The tears have definitely been flowing. So I did something I rarely do. I took time for me. I rearranged plans, I stepped back from commitments and allowed myself time to cry, process and heal.

I’m along way from done, I know that. There’s a lot to grieve for right now. But I’m proud of myself for making myself a priority. Little Bert has massively helped there. He’s made me slow things down.

I was meant to peopling today. My lovely Chiro understood when I explained I wasn’t in the best place. So instead, I took my No. 1 boy, aka Mr Fluffy Ears, out for a lovely ride with a good friend.

We talked. We laughed (mostly at our horses antics). But most of all we were appreciative of the joy horses bring us and how being in the great outdoors lifts one’s spirits.

I have no doubt there will be many more tears to come. Grief is very messy…

Wakehurst

I needed to get outdoors today, so I headed over to Wakehurst Place this afternoon. Being outdoors and in nature are good healers for me. With all the emotions and stress of the past few days, I’d usually go for a long ride on Buddy. That’s not an option at the moment. So this was the next best thing.

Wakehurst Place is part of Kew Gardens and the National Trust. My Mum was a lifetime National Trust member, so I borrowed her card. We used to go there together. But I haven’t been for many years.

I walked round the gardens. Then found a bench to sit and reflect. The bench was dedicated with a line from a Wordsworth poem ‘To stay the wanderer’s steps and soothe his thoughts.’ Seemed rather fitting.

I had a chat with a magpie as you do. Before walking up to the highest point. As I sat looking out across the treetops, I couldn’t stop the tears from coming. Luckily there was no-one around.

On my way out, I noticed a plant I recognised. It was a Veronica. My Mum’s favourite. Can’t imagine why?! Guess I’ll be getting one for the garden.

Irish boys

Today Buddy got to show his friend round one of his favourite rides. Kimberley Fulcher and Irish came over to ride out with us.

It was a beautiful day for it too. Kim and I chatted the whole way round. Irish was very taken with the view from the top too. I love getting to share the beauty of where I live with someone new. I never take for granted how lucky we are to have the hacking we have.

Two gorgeous Irish boys out together. What a wonderful way to start the week.

Dazzle

I haven’t been at my best today. I woke up feeling grotty again. And fed up. Ended up having a good cry over nothing.

I’m fed up of feeling poorly. Fed up of the constant ups and downs in my life right now. Fed up of feeling useless. Fed up of feeling overwhelmed, lost and frustrated.

I hate feeling like that. I know it’s a reaction to being ill. Being tired. And being stressed.

So I did what I know works to lift my mood. I took Buddy out for a hack. Fresh air, nature and the smell of horse is the best medicine. Buddy is also my Valentine so definitely right to see him today.

It was so mild today that I overlayered when I got to the yard. Found a hi-viz gillet in the back of the Comedy Car. Forgotten just how bright it is. It lifted my mood that’s for sure. How can you be blue when you’re dazzling!

Setting sun

Today I’ve rested, I’ve cried and I’ve spent as much time as I can outdoors. Today was about me. The past week and yet more parental angst finally caught up with me.

I woke up feeling quite discombobulated. I’ve had one night at home in October. Funny how it goes like that. Things that were all planned out perfectly, ended up crashing into each other. Guess that’s life huh?!

After two long dog walks and an even longer hack, I sat in the conservatory with the dogs and watched the sun set on another day. Thinking about all the good in my life. And believe me there’s a lot!!

That’s the thing about life, you get a do over. Tomorrow is another day. It’s my last night in Beighton, so watching Strictly and getting lots of puppy cuddles.

Nature

I saw this quote today and it made me smile. I’m definitely an outdoor girl. After being ‘grounded’ yesterday, today it was lovely to be out and about again.

Dropped The Comedy Car off at the garage. Picked up The Buddymobile instead. Grateful that I have alternative transport – even if it’s a bit more of a challenge to park.

After meetings and cracking through my to-do list, I sat on the conservatory steps to drink my coffee. There was some warmth in the sun but the wind had some bite to it still. It filled my soul, that’s for sure.

I headed to the yard to meet a friend and her two daughters. They wanted to see Buddy. They helped me poo-pick his field (child labour at its finest). Gave him a lovely groom. Then came for a wander with us round the field. So lovely to be able to share my love of horses with them.

Snowdrops

This is a sight that makes my heart sing. Or should that be spring? It’s definitely round the corner

I love it when the bulbs start coming up. It reminds me that nature will out. I know I’ve lost a few bits in the garden after the false Autumn and hard frosts. Things got very confused (as did I!)! It’ll be interesting to see what comes back.

The only downside is that it means I really, really need to get out in the garden and start tidying up. I need a few more hours in the day at the moment. Thankfully the nights are drawing out so I will get my wish soon.