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…

Storm Bert

Say hello to my mid-life crisis! I had to drive through Storm Bert to pick up the newest man in my life, Bert. If I ever needed a sign it was meant to be…!

I’d already picked his name before I found out about the storm. He’s Bert after my Grandfather Albert. A homage to my Mum’s side of the family. And he was my closest connection to horses.

It’s been a long time since I had a dog. But I’ve always wanted another one. The time has never felt right. My life is too chaotic. Too full on. But losing my Mum and others has made me realise just how short life can be. So when the opportunity to have this little cutie came up, I said yes!

We’ve had first contact the kittens. They’re a bit confused by the noises. Dodo was very brave and came to say hello. Hugo, not so much. I’m sure they will all love each other in time.

Buffalo

Today has been one of my more challenging ones. Last night, I received the phone call I’d been anticipating and dreading in equal measure. The one telling me that my Mum had passed away.

After a few more phone calls and a very broken night, this morning I drove down to visit my Dad to tell him the news. He is currently in hospital recovering from an infection. And I wanted to tell him face to face.

As I drove down, I was reminded of this fact. So I embraced my inner buffalo and charged towards this particular storm. This is going to be a new era for us all. One without my Mum.

This blog will continue. There will be lots of tears I’m sure. For now, I am shattered, drained and feel like my head might explode with all of the emotions. Early night for me…

Amaze

Blimey it’s been a bit rough here with the winds and rain. Buddy and I went out for a bit of a wind-assisted ride. The maize has been battered. It usually stands so tall and proud. So it was very weird seeing great swathes of it crushed. It was like a giant toddler had tried to make crop circles. Very odd indeed.

Clearly didn’t affect the taste as Buddy grabbed a few snacks on the way round. Eery but lovely way to end the day.

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.

Weather the storm

Blimey! That was one hell of a storm last night. I was woken up by the heavy rain, thunder and lightening. The rain was so hard I thought the skylight in the bathroom was going to smash. Not what you need at 12:15.

The air was much clearer this morning. And so was my head. The Comedy Car was delivered to the garage first thing. Should be sorted in a few days. And not it didn’t cost as much as I feared. So that’s another thing off the list.

The clouds were ominous this evening while I was at the yard. It felt rather Autumnal.

I’m sure there will be many more storms to weather. Right now, I seem to be weathering this one. Let’s hope the metaphorical ones are done for a while.

Tempestuous

So it seems that in order to get the best from Buddy, I have to ride in howling winds.

We had an early lesson with Simon Grieve this morning. When I left the yard, it wasn’t too bad but by the time I arrived at the venue, it was howling. Nearly got taken out opening the gate. Parked up the lorry and it was rocking. Then got blown off the mounting block. I know there’s not much of me, but seriously?!

Still I’d made it there so we gave it a go. Started with poles and worked on adjusting the canter. Simon put out two poles and gave me the number of strides to get between then. It’s hard for Buddy as he can get a bit strung out, so a great exercise for us. One I need to repeat at home.

A few of the jumps had blown over, so Simon secured one with some sandbags. Pretty sure that’s a first for me. But it worked. And we got to have a play over the jump.

Buddy was awesome! He was so chilled considering it was really strong gusts! He was focused. The drive back wasn’t too bad either. So seems it was definitely worse at the coast.

Cloud busting

Buddy and I got trapped today. I was planning on taking him out for a hack. But as I was tacking up, the heavens opened and it threw it down!!

And not just rain, hail stones, thunder and lightening. A proper Summer storm. It was so heavy, I didn’t want to leave his stable. In fact I could barely see the other side of the stable yard. Eventually it eased enough for us to make a break to the indoor arena.

As you can tell Buddy was thrilled by it all.

Storm damage

What on earth has been up with the weather today?! Four seasons again. One minute to was sunny, the next chucking it down. Driving was fun as there was horizontal rain and gusts.

This made me laugh when I got home. Storm damage Chez Langley.

Blue skies

What a difference a week makes (and a few good nights sleep). Last week we were confined to barracks due to the storms. Today it was beautiful sunshine.

Think Buddy was as happy as I was to be back out hacking. It’s amazing how the weather can affect your mood. And a lack of good quality sleep. Self-care comes in many guises. This is definitely part of mine.