Wonderment

Well it’s the first day of 2025 and to be honest it’s been a pretty nothing day. I really wasn’t feeling the whole NYE thang, so I was in bed by 10:30pm.

Of course, I was woken up by the fireworks at midnight. That and the howling winds. Why would people want to let off fireworks when it’s so stormy?! Seems a bit of a waste but there you go.

The storm continued today. With the added bonus of hail as I was mucking out. Bert was doing his best Dumbo impression with his ears flapping in the wind. Not sure he was that enamoured with walking in the driving rain.

He did throughly enjoy his hot shower when he got home. As did I. Not together, I’d like to point out.

We had a pretty chilled one. Rounded off with the Christmas tradition that is World’s Strongest Man. Well I didn’t attempt the annual ‘Christmas tree’ carry, so might as well watch the professionals. It’s the little things…

Out and in

So the saying for New Year is ‘out with the old and in with the new’. Well as I didn’t see the new year in, I thought I’d do something else instead. So out with my very old baking tray and in with my shiny new one. Not sure it has the same ring to it.

The old baking tray has served me well. To be honest, I’m not sure how old it is. That says something about my cookery skills.

A trip to B&M can be a bit dangerous. Today I was very restrained. I went for envelopes. Came out with a baking tray, air fryer liners, cat treats, doormat, 12 kitkats and some washing up liquid. Oh and the envelopes. So not only was today out and in, it was also in and out.

Stormy seas

I’m back home after an emotionally exhausting few days with my parents. Mum isn’t doing well at all. And as we end 2023, it looks like there are more stormy seas to navigate for us as a family.

Quite apt as the view from the hospital earlier was of very stormy seas indeed. The pier was very low in the water. Or the sea was very high. I felt a bit seasick watching the waves.

I’d hoped to start 2024 with a clean slate. But that’s unrealistic I guess as you get older. The challenges seem to get tougher and last longer.

Normally I’d finish the year with a round up. But honestly, my brain is mush from all the driving, trying to stay up beat and not bursting into tears at any given moment. So forgive me, it’ll have to wait.

For now, I’m proud that I’ve navigated 2023 relatively unscathed. I’m hoping 2024 is kind to us all.

All the Queen’s Horses

Oh my goodness what an incredible day!! I got to walk in the London New Year’s Day Parade as supporter for my friend Sam and her amazing Haffy Halo!

It was worth the 4:15am alarm call. The Buddymobile made good time to Hyde Park ready for the parade briefing. After a leg stretch through Green Park for Halo, it was time to get Sam into her stunning costume.

Then we headed to the start of the parade. The crowds cheered and waved. And I’ve never said ‘Happy New Year’ so many times!

The atmosphere was electric. I couldn’t get over how well-behaved the horses were.

After we’d finished the parade, we headed to Horseguards Parade for a photo. Then up The Mall to have more photos outside Buckingham Palace. What an honour!

Definitely a special way to start 2023. Lots of memories made today, that’s for sure!!

We will all sleep well tonight….

Jump into 2022

I’ve taken jumping into the new year literally of course. It’s been a couple of weeks since we last jumped (and we know how well that went!).

Decided to pop a few jumps as it was quiet at the yard. Think my smile says it all. I love jumping, but it doesn’t always make it to my face. I have a look of concentration most of the time. It’s either face like thunder or mouth open.

One for me to work on this year. 🤪 Maybe if I look like I’m actually loving it as much as I am it might make a difference. I’m game!