Taxing Day

Today has been a bit of a taxing day. In a few ways. Not just cause I completed my tax return and paid for it too. I’m poorer as a result. But it took an age to do!

I was heading over to my amazing friend who seems to be able to explain what I need in a way I can get. She also ignores my huffing, puffing and toddler-like tantrums and makes me do it!

It should have been a 30 mins max journey. Today it took well over an hour as there was an accident on the road I needed. Luckily I spotted that before I went that way. So I decided on an alternative route. Along with every man and his dog. It wasn’t just the volume of traffic, there were road closures, diversions and road works. I was seriously losing the will at times. It’s a good job Bert is so good in the car. He crashes out mostly.

Once I’d arrived, and everyone had had puppy cuddles, we cracked on. After several hours, it was all done. Honestly, I don’t think people realise the amount of ‘admin’ and ‘processes’ you have to do when you run your own business. There’s so much that needs to be done behind the scenes!

My tax return was a lot easier than my Corporation Tax return. Still makes me laugh. My little business is so far away from a Corporation!

I’m definitely getting less panicky when faced with brown envelopes. Well till I found one on my doorstep. Then I realised it was the Buddymobile’s road tax renewal. Very taxing indeed!

Bladder control

OK, I’m going to say it. It’s too early for Christmas! Thought I’d treat myself to a mocha on my way back from my Dad’s. I regretted it when I was stuck in traffic and needed to pee. Luckily, I’ve done a lot of riding and Pilates, so have a strong pelvic floor.

By the time I neared Stanstead, the full bladder has shifted from ‘mild discomfort’ to ‘OMG I’m going to wet myself’. While queuing for the services exit, I had to laugh as a lorry pulled alongside with two portaloos on the back. Someone up there has a sense of humour. Made me think of my Mum. As a child, she’d rarely let me pass a toilet. Just in case…

By now I was up to ‘it really hurts! So drove into the services with the speed of a Formula 1 driver heading to the pits!! Lewis Hamilton would have been proud! And trotted to the loo.

Talk about relief. But then I did relieve myself. Made me wonder why we say that. And it’s still too early for a Christmas cup…

Badminton

Well Badminton 2024 didn’t disappoint. It was a challenging XC course that really shook the pack. Not sure I could have called the top 3 before they started. SJ tomorrow will be exciting!

I’m so glad I made the trip. I often wonder if other people do the slightly bonkers things that I do. I only decided to go on Tuesday.

After yesterday’s mammoth journey, the thought of another one wasn’t as appealing as you’d think. Especially after the Comedy Car started making a weird noise. My lovely Dad lent me his car today. I felt very spoilt in such luxury – AC and a very smooth ride.

The M25 had another sting in the tail. It was closed! I kid you not. Two junctions worth in both direction. Cue several detours there and back. Still made it in good time this morning. And good time back to my parents. Staying here again tonight before heading home. Fingers crossed the M25 is kind going home.

I walked nearly 8 miles today. Not a clue how many miles I’ll have done by the time I get home. Let’s just go with a lot…

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.

Hugs

This little sign always makes me smile when I’m at my parents. It’s very true. A good hug can really help in times of need.

Could have done with one earlier when it took an hour to get through Tonbridge Wells. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful place. But an hour to do 4 miles gives one rather a long time to see it.

Now you’d imagine that for such a delay there must have been an extreme reasons. But no, 50 yards of one lane closed and traffic lights. There might have been a bit of yelling, swearing and frustration by this point. I sounded a bit like John McEnroe…

Still the rest of the journey was smooth sailing. And the kittens were on hand to welcome me home. Dodo was on the roof playing lookout. Hugo was wailing the minute I walked in. They’re both now hugging my feet.

Gridlock

This picture pretty much sums up the world I live in. I had lots of errands to run today. Which mean lots of driving down country roads. I got stuck behind this mahoosive vehicle.

It made me laugh cause it probably goes faster than the Comedy Car. And probably costs more than my house!

I never get upset about being stuck behind farm machinery. I appreciate just how vital the role they play is. I’m a big fan of food. And let’s face it, without farmers, we’d starve.

So big up the farmers and being grateful for this kind of gridlock.

Back at Badders

It’s been wonderful being back at Badders today. The house looked at spectacular as I remembered it.

Up early to get there in plenty of time, the sat sav said we were due to arrive at 8:45am. We actually got into the car park at 10:45am having sat in traffic for 2 hours to go the final 5 miles.

I was gutted to miss the Lucinda Green XC Academy meet up. I’d been looking forward to meeting people I’ve been speaking to for over 2 years. But it wasn’t meant to be today.

The ground was heavy and very muddy. It was definitely a work out walking the course. I walked 7.1 miles over the undulating ground. The XC course was proving to be a very testing track indeed. The scoreboard made interesting reading at the end.

Now on the way home. Feeling tired, aching but very, very inspired!

Next year I’m determined to be there for the duration. Bring it on…

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.

Super supper

You have no idea how grateful I was to find this care package on the door step when I got home tonight. Not the best journey back as it took me nearly 5 hours! Sat in traffic for 1.5 hours to get through the Dartford Tunnel. The joys of the M25.

Even though I had snacks on the way back, I didn’t realise how hungry I was. I practically inhaled this. I have some amazing friends.

It’s good to be home. The kittens are very pleased to see me too. Hugo threw up and Dodo is asleep on my feet.

My parents? Dad is behaving. Mum is back on oxygen.

And me? Well I’m shattered…

Double jabbed

It took me nearly an hour to get there, but I am now double jabbed. In fact it took less time to jab me than it took for me to leave the village. 🤦🏻‍♀️

The traffic was so busy today. And not just in the roadworks. It should have taken 20 mins or so. Today it was triple that. Still got there eventually. Now have a sore arm, but feeling OK so far. 👏🏻