Watched

It’s been rather weird being in my parents house today. I’ve spent many days here on my own. After all, we moved here when I was 4 years old. Today it felt different. Understandably.

But I was being watched. Literally. This photo of my Mum sits on top of the display cabinet. It was a professional photo she’d had taken when she was 21 and had just had her VERY long hair cut short. It’s always been favourite photo for me. Today it brought me comfort.

As did the photos around the house. She looked so vibrant and full of life. The past 5 years have been very tough. Many of you have been on the ‘Parental Rollercoaster’ with me over that time. They’ve both had more than their fair share of medical issues. I’ve seen the inside of far too many hospital wards. I used to joke with my Mum that she didn’t get a prize for ticking them all off! Or frequent NHS flyer point. She definitely wracked up a few! They both have.

Hopefully, I’ve seen the last ward for a while as my Dad was discharged and is now back home…

Nations Cup

This morning I headed off to my favourite horse show – Royal International, Hickstead. I was coming down on Sunday for the BRC Team of 3 competition. I have friends competing this weekend. So I thought balls to it, I’d come down for the weekend. I could catch up with my parents too.

Today was the Nations Cup. It was a cracking competition with Team GB taking the win! Watching John Whittaker riding at the top level at the ripe old age of 68 is inspirational to say the least.

Initially I was sad that Buddy and I aren’t here competing together. We will be back next year I’m sure. I get to share Hickstead with more people. I ended up speaking to some people by one of the rings. They’re local so laughed when I said I was too. And not at the same time.

They said it’s true that you don’t appreciate what you have on your doorstep. They come every year and can’t remember when they first came. It’s a family tradition.

After the competition had finished, I popped to surprise my Mum. Before heading to stay the night with my Dad.

Tomorrow I’ll be back at the Showground to support the showers, watch the jumpers and welcome my teams for Sunday. Might pop to the shops too. Well it would be rude not to really…

M25

Well it took me 5.5 hours to get here, but Mum was really pleased to see me.

One of my more challenging journeys after getting stuck three times. Including once for over an hour on the M25. It definitely deserves its nickname ‘the biggest car park’. It wasn’t the most comfortable in the heat. I wasn’t the only one. The people in the car next to me had an umbrella up over the window. Very resourceful.

I decided to take a detour on my way to Badminton to pop and see my parents. Wasn’t expecting it to add that much time to the journey. Good job I’d decided to break the journey up by staying the night here before heading off tomorrow.

Quiche

I jokingly asked if I could have a doggy bag when I left camp yesterday. They said yes! So I was dispatched with four pieces of quiche for the road.

Arrived home with three. I have to admit that there are easier things to eat while driving. I had two for my dinner tonight. One more piece for lunch tomorrow. I do love quiche. Especially homemade ones. This was mushroom and peppers. Yum!

It always reminds me of my childhood. My Mum is a big fan. My Dad not so much. He used to joke that men didn’t eat quiche. Well this one was made by an Army one at that!

Font

I’m well versed with many fonts (verdana is my favourite). I’ve even been called a font of all knowledge in my time. But this is the first time I’ve ever come across a font in a hospital!

Apparently it was moved to the hospital when the local church was undergoing renovations. It’s stayed ever since. Apparently nearly 5,000 people were baptised in it.

I’m back home after another trip down South. Honestly it’s exhausting. Not just the long drive, the joys of the M25 or sitting in a hospital ward. The emotions that go along with it all. Going back to my childhood home is a sensory overload. So many memories – good and bad.

I’m going to be honest, I’m struggling with it all. It’s really tough. Tomorrow is another day.

Bag a bargain

Yesterday I drove back down to my parents for my 4th visit in 2 months. In my haste to leave, I managed to forget my handbag. Doh! Money is OK as I can used my phone. My reading glasses. Well that’s a different story. My Dad had some I could use last night, but they were too strong so I couldn’t use them for long.

This morning I headed out to get some new readers. Poundland came up trumps! I’d love to say that the glasses were the only thing I bought. But we all know that’s just not possible.

On our way back from seeing Mum in Crowborough, I introduced Dad to the joys of Home Bargains. I saw this bag and it made me laugh. It’s so true! And yes, we came out with a bag full.

Interesting tally

This makes me smile. I got home from the yard today and the Comedy Car tipped over to all the sixes. Even the time is pleasing.

I’ve certainly done a lot of miles since I got it in 2019. Back then it had barely done 30k miles.

It’s safely transported me round the country and only broken down once. Not bad considering it’s 12 years old.

I’ll be putting more miles on it tomorrow as I’m heading down to my parents again. Mum has taken a turn for the worst. So off to see her. And make sure my Dad is OK.

Brighton Blue

Another day visiting another hospital. It’s been a reoccurring thing over the past few years. I’ve come down to see my parents. Mum’s still in hospital in Brighton. It’s the first time I’ve visited her here. So another hospital to add to the list of hospitals I’ve visited one of my parents in. I have told her that she doesn’t get a prize if she ticks them all off!

I loved this mural on the car park wall. It’s captured the highlights of East Sussex. Brighton and Hove hold a special place in my heart. My Dad is Brighton born and bred. I spend many hours visiting my grandparents and Nanna there. And I lived in both for many years too.

I’ve often wondered why the railings, buses and taxis are all painted a shade of Aqua. I still haven’t found out. But I did find out that it’s called ‘Brighton Blue’ and changes shade slightly along the promenade to become ‘Hove Green’. Who knew?!

Community spirit

Not sure I’ve ever seen a vicar directing traffic before. But that’s what happened today!

I’m back in West Sussex for a flying visit to see my parents. I needed to go to Kent for a site visit so two birds and all that. Mum had a nasty fall on Friday (nothing broken but a large plant pot) so wanted to make sure she was OK.

Came the back way and the traffic lights were stuck on red. But the Rev was on hand to keep things moving. Well they say the Lord moves in mysterious ways… Talk about Community Spirit.

Forgetful

So there seems to be a bit of a reoccurring theme when I visit my parents. I either forget something. Or need to buy more of something. The latter is usually due to the fact I’m not totally sure how long I’m going to be here. The former can come from the speed with which I need to get here.

This is today’s purchase. Yup, guess who forget the phone charger?! I have a car one, but that means sitting in the car while it charges. Fine yesterday when I took Dad to the hospital. But sadly no trips today as Dad is in for another night.

At least I can charge my phone. And I won’t miss the bright orange charger next time. Or that’s the hope!