Exposed

There used to be a rather large conifer in this view. Yesterday my new neighbours had it cut down.

It wasn’t the prettiest of things and was very overgrown. Totally down to them as it was on their property. But I didn’t realise how much it protected my house from the road. Until today when I really stopped to look. I felt rather exposed in my living room. I’m not, of course, but you get what I mean. But it’s funny how you get used to a view and how weird it feels when it changes.

On the plus, it’s definitely lighter in my living room. Well I’m sure it will be even more so if we actually had some decent light. I am so bored of grey skies now.

My year

This made me laugh a little too hard.

I claimed 2020 was going to be my year. I broke my ankle on 2 January. Badly. Oh and let’s not forget the global pandemic. Amongst other things like my Mum nearly dying of the bloody virus!

I claimed 2021 was going to be my year. Then I ended up in hospital with Covid. Yup Santa was uber generous! I started the year on ‘house arrest’.

I kinda gave up after that for obvious reasons…

But in the spirit of positivity, they weren’t all bad. There were so many good things that happened in those years too. And every year. Like the song says, life is a rollercoaster, you just got to ride it.

Sure I’d love a great year. One with less drama, heartache and angst. It’s true that you can’t always change the things that happen. You can change how you view them… and while I’m not claiming it as my year. I am claiming my ability to view this year as a good one – whatever happens.

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.

Sausages

I met a friend for brunch this morning. I might have mentioned I’m a fan of brunch. Especially when this is the view.

Decided to push the boat out and have more than just a breakfast bap. I had ‘The Greenhouse’. Yes it was mostly veggies. But I swapped the vegan sausages for proper ones.

I don’t eat much meat, but I’m partial to a sausage (insert your own jokes there). I only ate one, opting to split the other one between my friend’s dogs. They were very happy with that deal! I has eyes bigger than… Let’s just say I didn’t need much for dinner.

Pier at the view

We went to Llandudno this afternoon for a wander along the pier. What a view!

I learnt the Lewis Carroll wrote part of Alice in Wonderland while he was here. I often think of one of the quotes – ”Have I gone mad?” “I’m afraid so, you’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret…all the best people are”

Makes me smile.

Jack and Jill

I had some errands to run so while I was in the car, I headed up to the South Downs for a walk. I needed some fresh air to clear my head. Parked at Jack & Jill Windmill. Somewhere I used to visit a lot but haven’t been to for years.

Jack is the black one in the back and Jill is the white one. They’re both privately owned but cut quite the figure.

I’d forgotten how beautiful the views are from up there. You can see for miles towards London and right out to sea. I could even make out the hospital where my parents are in the distance.

I may have moved away in 2006. And made a home in Norfolk. But Sussex will always have a place in my heart.

Church Tower

Today I got to do something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I got to go inside a church I’ve ridden past for the past 12 years. And climb up to the top of the tower as well.

The latter was up two rather wobbly ladders. I had a wobble on the first one as it was making a very weird noise. But after a few deep breaths and a brain reset, I carried on. So glad I did. The views were stunning!!

I had no idea how pretty the church was inside too. I do love a church. They’re such soothing places.

Look around

Headed over to meet my ‘Happy Camper’ ladies this afternoon. It was great to catch up with them. They’re definitely part of my tribe. I came away feeling so loved, appreciated and very grateful.

I know I’ve said it before, but I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life.

I had to pop over to the feed store afterwards and saw these deer on the way back. I stopped to take a photo. I felt equally blessed that I spotted them. What a stunning view. I’ve been very much in my head the past few days, so it was good to look around and admire the beauty all around us.

Friday feeling

Well this is a view I haven’t had for a while. I’ve been so busy recently that it feels like ages since we went out for a hack round Strumpshaw. It was much needed indeed.

We even had a cheeky canter as the ground is perfect at the moment. That’s something we haven’t been able to do for ages either as the ground has been too hard. If the rain continues, it’ll be too slippery.

Honestly, people wonder why us Brits are obsessed with the weather. It’s cause its so changeable. At this time of year, it feels like four seasons in one day. It’s definitely four outfits too as I feel like I’m layering on and off.

Countryside code

I’ll never tire of this view. We’re so lucky to have access to such off road hacking. I’m definitely a country girl at heart. That’s why it upsets me when people have no respect for the countryside. Seeing the flytipping today made me very angry indeed.

We have the countryside code for a reason. I want to preserve the countryside for generations to come. Not just for riders. But for everyone to appreciate the beauty that’s around us.

One good thing about lockdown was that more people came out to the country. I know I explored what was on my doorstep more. If you are coming out, please respect it. You could be walking next to your next meal. You’re definitely walking near someone’s livelihood.