My Girls at Christmas

We had a lovely Christmas - thanks for asking. Dan was at home, and we had presents, Turkey and everything. The whole family was here and we were very lucky to have a chef who cooked breakfast - yum yum, and then did a fantastic lunch. The Park was closed on Christmas Day so Milly and I went to the village cricket pitch for a walk. It is indeed hallowed ground. Millie went straight under the fence and did a 'poop' right on the crease! I couldn't get under the fence to pick it up - so I hope the Groundsmen aren't too cross!!!

Epic Journey

Today Milly and I got up at 5am, left at 6am and drove through the thickest fog ever all the way to Derby to see my Mum in hospital. It took me nearly 4 hours to get there. Milly slept all the way. I went into the hospital and sat with my Mum for 2 hours - Milly slept the whole time. The drive back took another 5 hours - once again it was foggy and the M25 was a car park, and Milly slept all the way back. She is more than making up for it now though - she's got a new game. It's called "Run away with Mum's dirty knickers and don't let her catch me"! She's very naughty - but really really funny.

Milly News

Milly is growing more and more each day. Her ears are now standing up all by themselves, and she is booked in for the doggy beauty parlour next week. Her coat needs 'hand stripping' and her nails need clipping. I haven't been to the hairdressers since June - but she'll be going monthly. For Christmas she has got some new t-shirts - one is black and says 'Security' across the back :)

Last Sunday she went to Richmond Park with Colin (and me and Jo) and had a great time. Afterwards she slept for about 12 hours. She's been helping me wrap Christmas presents this week - but really doesn't like it when she gets sellotape on her nose!!!

Strawberry slippers

Whilst in M&S this morning I bought myself some new slippers. My last pair have seen me through three years and were becoming a wee bit threadbare. Slippers are the kind of item where you don't really notice their demise, and then one day when you open the door to the postman - he glances down at your feet and you realise with absolutely clarity that you look like a total tramp. So I've bought a new pair. They're very pink and from the 'Per Una' range. When I got home I put them on and now Millie won't leave my feet alone!!! I checked the label to find that they are actually fragranced slippers, and they smell of strawberries!!!! Fabulous!

Christmas Food Shopping in full make up

I've just been to M&S and Tesco at Brooklands in Weybridge. I got up at 5.10 and was there for 5.30 (quick wash, clean teeth, track suit on and away in five minutes flat). I only had to get a few things to see me through the weekend. There were, however ladies shopping with huge trolleys, and get this - wearing full make up!!! At 5.30am??? I ask you!! Goodness knows what time they got up this morning. I know that here in leafy Surrey to some people appearance is everything - but really!!!! I couldn't stop laughing!!!

Get well soon Mum

My Mum, who is lovely, is a bit poorly. She's been diagnosed with the Big 'C' and this has resulted in major surgery - just before Christmas. She's in Hospital in Derby at the moment recovering. When I spoke to her last night she was very drugged up - she said it was morphine - I think she's on the Heroin! I Love my Mum very much and of course I am worried about her. But I know that she's going to be fine. If you have a spare moment, could you offer up a little prayer for her speedy recovery? Every little helps. Her name is Penny. Get well Soon Mum xxxxx

Secret Dirt bag

I have discovered today that Millie is a secret dirt bag. She went out with Barbara (nice dog sitting / walking lady) and came back 2 hours later after having a swim in a very dirty river. Apparently she went in with her coat on and everything. She is filthy, and when I say filthy...I really mean it. I am thinking now that perhaps I shouldn't have got a white dog. Now she is rolling and rubbing herself all over my pale beige wool rug. Lovely.

Naughty Millie

This morning Millie has found her naughty gene. So far she has run away with some dirty laundry, and now she has one of my slippers and is racing around like Lewis Hamilton on speed. All of the techniques we have learnt at puppy class aren't working and therefore I will have to find my 'smacking hand' - ask Danielle about that one!!!

Hello Tim

My dear friend Jopa (Jo is her name. PA is her title...therefore to me she is fondly known as Jopa) has a very nice fiance called Tim. Tim works in the newspaper industry up in t'smoke, and shares a number of likes with me. He likes Mazda cars (he has an RX8) he likes apple computers, he likes photography, and he likes 'Top Gear". He also likes dogs, and beer and food. When he comes over (which isn't often enough) we always rabbit on about these things and completely leave Jo and anybody else well out of the conversation.

Well, apparently, he's an avid reader of this blog, and according to Jopa, he's a fan. He finds my musings and rambling somewhat amusing (glad someone does!)

He's been waiting for ages to get a mention - so here it is...everyone wave "hello" at Tim....altogether now.......!!!!

Friends and Family.

We had a lovely weekend. My Mum and my brother, Frazer came down from Sheffield bearing christmas gifts (some for me - yippee!) and Dan and her friend Dave came home from Uni for the weekend. On saturday night we went to GBK for scrumptious burgers and then yesterday we went to The Minnow with the rest of the extended family for sunday lunch. It was lovely to see my Mum and Frazer again, and Dave (Dan's friend) was a sheer delight - good looking, well mannered, entertaining!!! Millie and I went to the park on Sunday morning and got drenched in the rain whilst the rest of the tribe stayed in bed until very late as they had stayed up all night to watch the boxing.

I sent them all home today with Christmas Presents for all my friends and family in Sheffield, and the house seemed really quiet when they left :(

December's here

Well, I haven't even begun to think about Christmas shopping yet - I so keep putting it off. I may have a trawl through the internet later. This week has been lovely. Dan came home for 24 hours - we went to Tesco and bought her a pink christmas tree!!! Dan loves Pink. In the evening we went to GBK - she gets very jealous when we got there and she can't come. Yesterday Millie went to the park for the first time. We took a ball and played 'fetch' - I think it'll be a while longer before she gets the hang of the rules!! She met some other dogs who were out with their owners - and enjoyed playing with them for a few minutes. Today we're off to Richmond Park with Jo and Colin. The potty accidents are becoming fewer - which is a relief. Today is Jim's birthday - so Happy Birthday you Old Bastard :)

Milly's first week

Millie has been a very good girl in her first week with me. We've almost got the potty training sorted - imagine me in pink fluffy dressing-gown out in the garden by torchlight, at 3am in the pouring rain saying "potty wee-wee Millie, potty wee-wee!!" Yes, if I had known I would have thought twice!!! All my coat pockets now contain a few treats and a doggie-poo bag. Barbara the dog-sitting lady has turned out to be a star and stays twice as long as I pay her for.

Millie still cries when I leave her alone - well - howls actually - but now it's only for about 90 minutes, instead of three hours, then she falls asleep. On Friday she went to the vet for her jab, and didn't bite him (result), and on Saturday she had her first bath!!! She looked like a little white rat when wet through - but loved the hair dryer!

She's still bossing all the other dogs about down at the stables and gets very loud and yappy when they try to re-assert the status quo.

She makes me laugh about two dozen times each day, and she only has to look at me and I can forgive her anything. She's growing very fast but I can just about still fit her in one hand. I can't believe that I waited 44 years to get a dog. I should have done it years ago.

Appliances I love.

Our Vacuum cleaner doesn't work very well and after a frustrating half an hour trying to clean up today, I popped to Currys and bought a new Dyson. It's fantastic and my carpets look like new. Doesn't take a lot to keep me happy!!!

Special People

Throughout my life I have met a few very special people. Only a few - but they more than make up in quality what they lack in numbers. The fact that there are only a few of them make them even more special. In 1991 I met a very special person who occupied a huge part of my life and my heart for two years. Time has passed, and we have both moved on, but the memories of the love that I shared with this person are kept in a special quiet corner of my heart. I saw this person again yesterday and it was fantastic to see him. He's very happy in his life now, as I am, and for that I am grateful. Even though relationships don't always work out, the good ones leave behind a footprint on your heart that stays with you always. These experiences and relationships are what shape who we are, and that time we had together was a very special magical time for me. As they say, 'It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all".

Meet Milly!!

This is Milly. I went all the way to Mid Wales on Thursday to fetch her from the breeder. She's a West Highland White puppy and she's nine weeks old. Even though I do say so myself she's REALLY CUTE!! She's really well behaved and can sit when asked already. The toilet training is getting better every day. She's not a replacement for Danielle, Oh No... But she is my special friend. At the stables she bullies all the other dogs and won't let them anywhere near the dog bed which is in the kitchen! Her Kennel Club name is Lady Penelope Marguerita, and that's because I have named her after my Mum and her twin sister...I hope that she turns out to be every bit as much of a lady as they are. We start Puppy training classes next week. I'll let you know how it goes!!

Halloween

Last night was great fun. I got out my broomstick and went out for a little flit around. Lost my pointy hat somewhere above Esher, and my cloak got torn on some brambles. The wart on my nose has got bigger since last year, and the black cat must have been invited to a party as I haven't seen her yet this morning. That's it then until next year. Cackle Cackle :)

Cute

Tonight my friend Emma wanted to ride her horse for half an hour - but she had nobody to keep an eye on her baby, Phoebe (named after my horse). I volunteered and had soooo much fun!!! I taught her to clap her hands while I said 'bish bash bosh' and then thow her arms out wide and cheer!!! Then she kissed me...aaaaagh!!! She's ace. I took photos on my mobile phone and even though I'm a complete tech-dullard I have managed to post a picture here!!!

Southern Softie

When I moved down to Surrey two winters ago I was always remarking on how much warmer it is down here. Usually it's about 5-6 degrees C warmer, and that makes a big difference. Today I felt cold for the first time, and was wimpering about it like I used to when I lived in Sheffield. I think I have turned into a southern softy. This means that I cannot visit home again until about April.

Clocks I have had to alter

Central Heating time clock, Car clock ( x 2), Watch, Clock radio, Microwave, Oven, Kitchen Wall Clock, Video Camera, Ordinary Camera, Blackberry, Mobile Phone. Does anyobody know what time it is?

A Brief Chat

Phoebe - "What bloody time do you call this to be bringing me my breakfast?"
Me - ""Morning sweetheart - sorry I'm late - but the clocks went back last night"
Phoebe - "What's a clock?"

Big Thighs and Great Sports

Last night I watched the Rugby World Cup Final - along with millions of others. I have no idea of the rules of the game and didn't understand what was going on - but no matter - there were enough big male thighs to keep me entertained for hours. I did, however marvel at the sportsmanship. When England's try was disallowed (which could have won us the game) there were no tantrums from the players, or indeed the commentators. They accepted it with good grace - can you imagine if that had been football? I love the fact that the referee regularly steps in and tells the players what they can't do, and they just listen to him, nod and get on with the game. There were bloody cuts and gashes, but no theatrical throwing themselves to the ground - screaming in agony in a peformance worthy of an oscar. NO, these strong men of rugby just get up, and get on with it!!! I loved it, and it totally restored my belief in sportsmanship. I don't really know but suspect that Rugby players don't earn a tenth of what professional footballers earn, but in my opinion they are worth ten times more. By the end of the game I was kind of getting the hang of the way the game is played (but maybe not!) Never the less I am converted (subtle joke!). So this morning I have changed my Christmas preesent list. I no longer want a David Beckham calendar, no, no, no...Now I want a Johnny Wilkinson Calendar. .....and they didn't lose....they came second. Well done South Africa, and well done England.

Hire Car

MY hire/ courtesy car from the garage has arrived. It's a Black Mercedes estate car. I feel like a funeral director.

The wrong trousers

Yesterday I wore the wrong trousers. I hadn't done any laundry and was down to my last pair...a pleated at the top, narrow at the bottom crepe pair of a dogy mustard colour. Before I left for work I had one of those moments when I absolutely knew that I was doing the completely wrong thing by wearing them. People at work were looking me up and down (y'know how they do!) and barely managing to conceal the amusement / bemusement / horror from their faces. I was oblivious until I went with Jo to John lewis at lunchtime to help her choose a deep fat fryer (she's got to have chips ever since I made them for her a few weeks ago), and walked past a full length window and saw my reflection. I have to tell you - the trousers were horrific. My lovely colleagues were sending me pictures of MC Hammer all afternoon. I was upset - but it was VERY funny. I went home and Cressie turned up ten minutes later...driving down the drive with "Can't touch this.." by the afore mentioned rapper blaring out on her stereo. For all those of you who care - I can report that I have thrown the said trousers in the bin. Never again will they see the light of day. POSTSCRIPT. I have had those trousers for a good few years and I really liked them in their day. Although I recognise the need to dispose of them, I am very sad. I couldn't stand another day of the humiliation I suffered yesterday. People can be so cruel :)

For Jacqui

Tonight I spoke to my best friend Jacqui up in Sheffield. When we lived near each other we used to spend every Friday and Tuesday together, and now that I live down South I hardly ever see her anymore. This makes me sad. However, when we manage to catch up on the phone we spend about an hour rabbiting away to each other (tonight's call was 57 minutes, and her husband managed to go and fetch a curry during the chat!) Anyway, she wanted to know what Dan's new horse - Rupert - looked like - so here's a picture of Dan and Rupert especially for Jacqui.

Car Crash Update

The Doddery old Gimmer has just 'phoned. He tells me that it was his wife's car he was driving, and he's not sure if he's actually insured to drive it. Would it be alright if he just sent me a cheque to pay for my damage? Would that cheque include enough to hire a funky little sports car for me to drive around in for a couple of weeks while my FLSC is fixed? Oh No, he's not made of money...came the reply. You see, it's not only 17 year old boy racers that drive around on our roads with no insurance - now pensioners have taken it up too. Fan - Bleeding - Tastic. No wonder he didn't want me to 'phone the police. Can you imagine the ensuing car chase around Esher? You've got to laugh........It's a good job that some of us responsible citizens do the right thing - like having a license, road tax, insurance. In future don't let those pensioners get away with 'that look' they give you ...you know the one...not in my day, law abiding citizens...yaddah yaddah. Don't be fooled by the folded checked picnic blanket on the parcel shelf, and the pork pie hat with Mrs wearing a rain hood. They're criminals.....I tell you...borrowing their friend's disabled passes so that they can park nearer the door at Tesco. Put them in a home:)

Itchy Little Mole Update

I had my appointment at Guildford Hospital yesterday. The consultant took one look at the ILM and said it was a 'halo nevus' and absolutely nothing to worry about. That's alright for her to say. I have worried about ILM for nigh on 6 weeks and she just dismissed it with one glance. She clearly didn't realise what I had been through. As I walked back to the car I was mightily relieved that it was nothing, but also a bit disappointed that there are no prescriptions for retrospective worry, not even a cup of tea and a biscuit, no soothing words, no empathy, nothing. I felt a bit cheated!!! The NHS have another statistic for 'clear up rates' (is it like crime?) and I am left with nothing!!! Not even a buckshee day off work for my trauma. Pah.

91 is too old to be driving

I know this for a fact because on my way home from the office an hour ago - some doddery old gimmer smashed into the side of my lovely little sports car. He's has mashed the door and the window is all smashed - I had glass in my bra!!! I was a wee bit annoyed and called him some very choice names but it's okay because he couldn't hear me - and I'm not kidding! I asked him why he had pulled out of the side road when the way wasn't clear (crawling traffic doing 5mph - clearly no gap) and he said he pulled out because he's been waiting for ages. That must be a new rule in the highway code then...."If you have had to wait for ages, it's then okay to just pull out - because no-one should have to wait for ages!" He probably didn't want to wait for too long because he's probably not got long left!!!!

I'm not being ageist here but I really do feel that 91 is too old to be driving a dangerous motor vehicle. The chap could hardly walk, couldn't hear and was wearing really thick glasses. Luckily nobody was hurt, but they could have been. In fact they nearly were as it took every ounce of self control that I could muster not to put my hands around his scrawny little throat. My Mum is 70 and still driving, and that worries me - but 91.....I wouldn't feel happy about a 91 year old boiling a kettle without supervision, let alone driving on a main road.

My insurance company have been briliant and my hire car is on its way as I type this, but it would have been better if I'd never had to make the claim. If a political party would like to put legislation against doddery old gimmers keeping their driving licenses in their manifesto - they'd have my vote. After all, don't they get a free bus pass that I, as a tax payer am paying for? Well they should bloody well use that then and sell the car.

Autumn Plant Mystery

I bought three houseplants from Ikea back in the spring. They sit on my kitchen window ledge. They haven't really grown throughout the last 6 months, but they haven't died either - which for me is a small victory over botany. Now, all of a sudden they are enjoying a big growth spurt. At least a few inches over the last week. I'm confused as it's cooler and darker now we're half way though October. Has anyone read 'Day of the Triffids' by John Wyndham?

Weather report

I can hear the rain...... through my window, bringing back sweet memories.

That is the line from a random song from the 70's. But Oh my God it's so true. The rain bit I mean, not the memories. It's absolutely lamping it down outside. Once again, Ladies and Gentlemen of Surrey, I give you precipitation......!!! There really can't be much water left in the world as it's all falling on Surrey. Because it's all the same water that just keeps getting circulated around the globe, somebody somewhere is having a very dry time right now. Instead of thinking what new car to get in March next year perhaps I'll just get a canoe and a paddle.

Today was GREAT!!!!!

Phoebe and I entered the dressage part of a mini one day event at the riding school next door. (We are still confined to barracks because of foot and mouth). We chose to do the three dressage elements and lo and behold were placed third in one section. We also achieved a respectable 4th and 6th place too!!!! We got a medal - see photo!! Yesterday was spent plaiting Phoebe's mane and tail - and yes - it took almost the whole day...seeing as I've never done it before. I'm told that accomplished 'plaiters' can do it in under an hour but I really don't see how!!! Doesn't she look lovely? and isn't the rider very smart? !!!!

Dressage competition

Because of Foot and Mouth still being an issue down here in leafy Surrey - yes, we're still in the zone...even though the rest of the country has forgotton all about it by now - the lady who runs the riding school next door is holding a competition on Sunday. I have entered, and I shall have to ride 3 dressage tests in reasonably quick succession. What with the alzheimers I find it nigh on impossible to remember one dressage test let alone three. I don't stand a chance. ;)

Chesney

There's this girl I know who I may have mentioned before. We know her as Chesney (fondly named after the young boy in Coronation Street). I have to see this girl nearly every day and she's always asking me to write about her on this blog. So here you are Chesney - your moment of fame.

She's a bit of a prankster and is always trying to find ways to wind me up. She (fondly) calls me 'the old lady who lives in the shoe' (I have no idea..?), and is always referring disparagingly to my age. A few weeks ago she left a horse's head in my bed, and is forever doing cruel and aggressive things to me on facebook...it's a good job facebook is only virtual or else I would be dead by now.

Tonight she tried to wind me up again by hiding my kitchen implements...could I locate my mini-grater which I use for parmesan? or my sharpest chef's knife? Eventually I discovered them in my fridge. I think she thought that was funny. Anyway I have it on very good authority that Chesney is terrified of spiders. Tonight I have located a website where you can buy arachnids and I'm thinking of ordering her a pet spider. I'm just not sure which sort - a tarantula, or maybe a mexican bird eater. In the meantime here's a picture for Chesney. Of course she won't know when the spider arrives, and I will SURPRISE her with it. Chesney - this is war.

Dan's New Horse has a new name.

Dan has just 'phoned. Her new horse arrived earlier this week and it's all going very well. He's quite sweet and hasn't misbehaved at all - yet - but there's still time. She has given him a new name. It's quite common to give a horse a new name. I often think the same thing should be applied to boyfriends..."yes, you're cute Brian, but would it be okay if I called you Rodger?, and you can call me Desiree!" Anyway the name she's chosen is 'Rupert". No doubt this will get shortened over time to "Roo". I don't quite get it myself, but sometimes a name just suits a horse. When I got Phoebe she was called Pebbles and that so didn't suit her, but Phoebe is absolutely right for her. (I just changed three letters). Anyway - when I finally see this horse I'll let you know if he suits his new name. He's the most expensive thing I've ever bought and I've never even seen so much as a photograph of him!

Someone else will do it

I always used to be really clean and tidy around the house. It's my army training and my utter need for control. But just lately I can't be bothered. Right now there are dirty pots and dishes from 3 days ago in the kitchen, and books and magazines strewn all over the floor. There's also a load of clean clothes piled up on the back of the sofa awaiting being ironed, and they've been there for a whole week. I had 2 bunches of flowers for my birthday 2 weeks ago, and they were still in vases on the coffee table, but they had dried up and the water had gone all smelly (ugh). When I got home last night the flowers had gone. Jo and Cressy had sorted it out because they needed the vases for flowers for the rest of the main house. So that kind of proves a theory, that is if you leave your mess long enough someone will come round ond day and sort it out. Now I know where my ex-husband was coming from, and where teenagers and most blokes get their ideas from. I wonder who will come and do the ironing?

Lovely day...but not for the animals

Yesterday was a lovely day. I went up to 'town' (that's London for those of you who aren't in the know) to meet my lovely Auntie Mimi (Mum's twin sister) to do Harrods. We had a lovely wander round the designer clothes saying 'How Much?...!!!!" and I tried on the most beautiful jacket ever made. It was rabbit fur (boo hiss) and dyed all the colours of the rainbow. It fitted perfectly and looked a million dollars - it was bargain at £2 grand!!!! Now, obviously I would never spend that much on a jacket - EVER - and I would never wear fur, but just for a moment it was very decadent to try it on. We had a look at the deisgner wedding dresses - no, no, no, I'm not getting married again, and then moved onto shoes and handbags and sunglasses. It was fabulous and a very girly day out. We had lunch at the Terrace restaurant on the 4th floor and I had steak and chips. Best piece of steak I think I've ever tasted.

We moved downstairs to the foodhall and bought Uncle David (who'd been left behind in the caravan in Hemel Hempstead) a nice box of handmade chocolates all tasting of yummy puddings...apple crumble, jam roly poly, bananas and custard...so I hope he enjoys those.

Last night I went out for supper with Lisa, Geoff, Emma and Emma and Paul to Giraffe for a burger. That was great fun too. So yesterday I tried on a fur coat, had steak, and had a burger. No animal rights around here!!...Oh yes, and I was wearing leather shoes and carrying a leather handbag and purse. Vegetarians and Vegans...pah.

Facebook friends

I've got more friends on facebook. However I'm not sure about it!!! The way that I have got my friends is by going through everybody else's lists and asking people to be my friend. Obviously they are people that I've already met and spent time with, and hopefully it was a good time. However, It feels like gatecrashing somebody else's party and commandeering their guest list. It all feels a bit weird to me!!! Most of the people I've become friends with have been from Dan's facebook page, although I do have half a dozen or so of my very own friends...mind you I did find most of them on Dan's list too!!! (she's obviously nicking my friends!) Is the idea that you get as many as you can? or is quality more important than quantity. Is it rude or cheeky to ask someone that you barely know to be your friend? and then, would it be rude for them to refuse to be your friend? Because obviously, if they refused, you would know! And they too, I presume want as many friends as they can get too, so hopefully would be delighted to receive a friend request from some random 44 year old woman in Surrey.

I just don't get the 'rules' of face book, are there any rules to facebook? Is there a prize for the person with the most "friends"? Obviously if there is - I don't stand a cat in hells chance of winning it!!! Everyone told me it's addictive, and I'm not addicted yet - however I do rush to my Mac when I get home and see if I've got any new friends that I didn't know about. I'm up to about 20+ and need more!!!

A serious seat of learning

This is a picture of Danielle and 3 other girls (I don't know who they are!) during their first week at Hartpury. I thought she'd gone there to study!!! It looks like they're having altogether too much fun!!!

Busy, and exhausted!

Dan is now safely ensconsed at University. Yesterday was the day, and very tiring it was too!!! I won't bore you with all the details, but it involved queues, huge boxes, a pink TV, pots and pans, 3 very large, very heavy suitcases, and a cheese sandwich. I mention the cheese sandwich because it's all that I ate all day so today resulted in a migraine from hell, the taxi driver this morning was very concerned that I was going to throw up in his cab, but luckily I managed to wait until I got home. I felt better after a sleep and then delighted Jo and Chesney when I decided to make chip butties.

Tonight I have been out for a meal with friends from the stables. I had a lovely time and got some really great presents including a pair of slippers with a male organ attached to the front (!) I certainly won't be opening the door to the milkman wearing those - oh no! (obviously it's not a REAL male organ - but a fabric version - however it is very clear what it is meant to be!) I may post a photograph of these slippers tomorrow - but am too tired to find my camera right now! I also took pictures of Jo and Chesney eating their chip butties, but I can't post those - far too embarassing.

Dan phoned me tonight to tell me all about her day, sounds like she's having fun and not missing her mother at all. Which is exactly how it should be. Hurrah for my clever daughter.....!!!

Somebody really important is coming home today!

This morning my baby's coming home. She's coming back to get all her 'stuff' sorted out before starting Uni on Monday. Oh yes, she also needs to get the wing mirror fixed on her car, somebody drove too close to her and broke it - but it wasn't her fault - really!!! No doubt she'll want to go shopping with me and my plastic, and then spend some time at the stables with all her friends. She was really sad on the 'phone last night as she doesn't want to leave Bruce's yard where she's worked for the last three months. I told her that she'll make the best friends ever at Uni and have the time of her life, but like me, she finds change really hard. I've really missed her and can't wait to have her home for the next couple of days.

A big parcel arrived yesterday and I got quite excited thinking it was crammed full of birthday gifts for me, but alas - no it was addressed to Dan :( .....apparently it's a new toaster for her room at Uni - at least I know she won't starve!!

Today was a BAD day

Today I drove to see the new horse that Dan wants being vetted. The vetting costs £250, but it needs to be done to make sure there's nothing wrong with the horse. The horse ' Hazel' failed the vetting as she has a splint bone growth. This may settle down, but it may not, and as it stands today I am not prepared to buy the horse if it's 'broken'.

Before I got there I was desperate to visit the little girl's room, but being a countryside kind of girl, I decided to have a countryside 'wee'. This usually involves squatting down behind the car in the corner of a field, or more commonly, in your horse's trailer. Today I attempted this and got very badly stung on my peachies by horrible stinging nettles...OUCH..it is really sore.

If those two things alone weren't bad enough, on the way home driving down the M4 I had a tyre blow out. Fortunately I was driving through roadworks at the time I was only doing 50mph, but I could have been killed. The very nice man from the RAC was with me within 10 minutes (woman alone!) and changed the wheel. So I finally made it home safely.

Bad things come in threes - so hopefully we're all done for today!

Itchy Little Mole - Part 2

I went to the Doctors on Friday and was very impressed that my appointment went ahead bang on time. The Doctor took one look at ILM and declared that I would have to go and have it seen to by a specialist at the Hospital (GULP). He would make me an appointment. I enquired how long I may have to wait for the said appointment. About 6 - 12 weeks was the reply. I could be dead by then.

Don't call me OLD..because you're fat and stupid!!

Yesterday - Saturday - was quite a good day. Phoebe had her 1st haircut of the Autumn and stood stock still all the way through it - making life very easy for me! Dan 'phoned to say that the horse she had been to try with Bruce was lovely and ideal for what she needs...which is all good news - apart from the fact that she's called 'Hazel". Who on earth would call a horse "Hazel'? I thought calling a horse 'Phoebe' was bad enough...but 'Hazel? It reminds me of a librarian. Dan's Dad rang to see if I could arrange a couple of riding lessons for the boys next door, which I did, and they thoroughly enjoyed - then surprise, surprise, he had a ride on Phoebe, and was actually quite good. (I didn't tell him that she's often a bit frisky just after clipping!) Last night I cooked dinner (what? Tracy? cook?) and the boys said it was yummy. Then we had a some fireworks and I wrote my name with a sparkler!!!

The only bad thing that happened was a little altercation with a new girl on our yard. That's what the title is about. I know that it sounds like the header for a Jeremy Kyle show - but hear me out. Tensions have been rising over the last few days due to one reason or another - I won't bore you with the details - suffice to say none of it was anything to do with me. She feels that everybody on our yard is unfriendly, unhelpful, and bitchy. I must pass comment on these allegations and say that they are patently untrue. Everyone gets on very well and apart from the odd spat about who bought the last packet of biscuits we all rub along quite nicely. That is quite rare on a livery yard - because you have a number of women together, and that always spells trouble!!! Don't take my word for that - the proof of the pudding as they say...most of the people on the yard have been there for ages, once they arrive, they tend to stay. That in itself is unusual, as most yards have quite a high turnover of livery clients. It's not a cheap yard, so there has to be good reason to stay, and we all agree it's because the facilities are very good, and everyone gets on so well. However she clearly doesn't think so and on Friday night she was in a bit of a strop about a horse being left out on it's own and for some reason had a go at me....it was a bit of a bark, during which I remained calm, but she shouted!!! So yesterday morning I asked her -very politely if she would refrain from talking to me in that manner ever again. She lost it again (!) and called me a....wait for it....."Nasty OLD woman!!!" Straight away I came back with the reply..."DON'T CALL ME OLD!" (Very witty and a clearly well thought out response!!) I was so cross I nearly ran her over with my wheelbarrow. The 'Nasty' I can cope with, but 'OLD?" I was gutted. I wanted to tell her that she was fat and stupid, but being MATURE I didn't.

You may think I'm being harsh calling her fat and stupid, but each time she gets on her horse it keeps throwing her on the floor and she keeps getting back on...ergo...stupid, and the fat bit ...well, it kind of speaks for itself. Lets just say that she would be probably be too large to model for next year's "Simply Be" catalogue. Then she said "what are you going to do now, write about me on your blog?". Her words were so very wounding!!!! So the answer to that is "yes' and here it is!!! She was due to leave in the next few days and go to another yard (huge sigh of relief) but because of the foot and mouth restrictions she has to stay until all that's cleared up. Come on Goverment, hurry up!!!

Does my Bum look big on this?

There's something very unflattering about cream jodphurs, especially on a woman of my tender years. It's fine if you have a figure like Kate Moss, but unfortunately I don't. I've managed to get away with it for a few years - that is if you don't look too closely, and stand a few yards away. Cream jodphurs show every lump, bump and cell of cellulite. Double click on the photo to enlarge it and you'll see what I mean - 'tree trunk' immediately springs to mind. When riding your thighs tend to look bigger anyway (honestly!!!) and looking at this picture I don't think cream jodphurs are for me any more. Obviously I'm not going to do anything daft like go on a diet (NEVER), so I may have to invest in some darker shades. That'll be "do you have these in any other colour...like black?"

Another food-related Post

Was struggling to come up with ideas for dinner (I still say 'tea' actually - being from t'north) last night ...then inspiration struck. Bacon, Sausage, tinned tomatoes, fried eggs, white bread, HP sauce and a big mug of tea...lovely!...and it was lovely. I mopped up every last bit of the egg yolk with the bread, and then gave out one of those very contented sighs. You can take the girl out of t'north..... !!

Too many 'e' numbers?

Just to let you know that the food parcel which I sent on Thursday to the girls in Gloucestershire has arrived...and they were thrilled. Today they will be a bit 'bouncy' because of all the 'e' numbers they have consumed!

More Foot and Mouth news

I don't know if I mentioned the goats before? The lady who owns the stables next door to ours has some goats and they live next door to our outdoor arena. Many a 'near miss' accident has happened when the goats leap about as the horses ride past..it's quite scarey...and many's the time that we've wished the goats weren't there. Goats have cloven hooves and therefore are now on Defra's hit-list, along with the resident cow, and some other animals. These animals are pets belonging to her children, and she has been informed that she will find out tomorrow if they have to be slaughtered. It's very sad, very sad indeed. We are praying for a quick resolution to this latest foot and mouth outbreak. These animals are showing no symptoms, will never ever leave the premises, and graze the same paddocks day after day. They just happen to be within the protection zone authorised by Defra, and for this they will have to die. I know that farmers are losing their herds, and their income, but for children to lose their pets is awful too.

Foot and Mouth update

We are now officailly in the main restricted zone and will be for some time to come, I fear. This means no animal movement whatsoever - we can't even go off the yard to hack out. There is a big red sign at the end of our road saying that Weybridge is in a "Foot and Mouth Area" and we are all wearing bells and chanting 'unclean, unclean'. We have to spray our vehicles at the yard and dip our feet. I can think of a few people with suspect cloven hooves who should be culled- but I'd better not say who!!!

Because we were so disappointed last night we decided (LIsa, Dee and I) to go to Gourmet Burger Kitchen in Walton to commiserate (Geoff came too). If you've never had a GBK burger you really must...they're awesome. I had a blue cheese version, which is a huge beef burger with a fabulous sicky blue cheese sauce...they're delicious. So I feel a bit better about missing my competition on Saturday!!!

I may go to the competition tomorrow and watch a few other people ride, then tell myself that "I would have ridden that bit better than she did!!!" which I'm sure will help!!! I can come home with an 'imaginary rosette' which I can then show to my imaginary friends.

Godfather

Yesterday the Jo and Chesney were working at the house. They wanted a break and rang to ask if they could sit and watch my TV for half an hour. being benevolent I said 'Yes'. I own a ceramic 'bust' of a horse's head. Chesney decided to tidy my bedroom and make my bed. Imagine my horror then, when I went in there later to find the afore- mentioned horse's head in my bed!!! She had also left chocolates on my pillow - but really I feel that the chocolates were an afterthought and the true sentiment had already been expressed. With friends like these.......!

Suspect Mole

I have a small mole on the jaw bone of my face (not that I have a jaw bone anywhere else). It's always been there but since I got back from Spain it's been itchy. So itchy in fact that I have inadvertently scratched it right off! Now the place it was is very itchy all the time and a hard lump has formed underneath. It also keeps bleeding. I have had to go and register at a local doctor's (I very rarely go to see a doctor so although I have lived here for nearly 2 years I've never bothered). My registation has to be complete and processed before I can ring up and make an appointment. Anyway I now have an appointment on Friday morning so we'll see what the Doctor says about my itchy little mole. Obviously, because it's MY itchy little mole, I am in a flat spin panic that it may be something more sinister - but that's because it's all about ME ME ME!!! I'll let you know what he says. If in the meantime you'd like to send me some flowers, that would be cool!!!

Food Parcel

Whilst speaking to Dan on the 'phone tonight, she asked me for a food parcel!!!! The girls are peckish (Dan, Abby and Bex) so tomorrow I will go and buy loads of biscuits, chocolate, crisps and other yummy snacks to fill a box, and send it to them. They specifically asked for stuff that was unhealthy!!!! That's just what we Mums do!!! It's on its way girls!!!

Would you leave your children alone?

I don't usually comment on things that are in the news and maybe I'm wrong to do it now. However - is it just me or does anyone else find it gobsmacking that Madeleine's parents left their children alone in a hotel bedroom whilst they went out for dinner? As a parent it's not something I would have ever considered when Dan was small. I would feel guilty if I just nipped out of the house to fetch something in from the car once she was in bed. Obviously none of us know the full story as we weren't there, but it all feels a bit odd to me. I have been looking at Gerry's blog over the last few days and I find his writing quite strange in that it's all written in a very 'me, me, me' tone. Have a look at it and let me know what you think?

Foot and Mouth

Tonight I'm a bit disappointed. I was really looking forward to taking Phoebe to her first affiliated Dressage competition at Merrist Wood, Guildford, on Saturday. However, we are now in the middle of restrictions on moving livestock due to the latest outbreak of foot and mouth. Merrist Wood is also in a restricted zone, the result is that I cannot take her off the farm for the time being. Luckily horses aren't affected by Foot and Mouth, but they can carry it. I feel dreadfully sorry for any farmers who this latest outbreak may affect, and the worry and stress that this will cause them. I'm only a little bit disappointed, but they must be devastated. Let's hope it gets cleared up quickly. Funnily enough, it's a government resaearch facility that's responsible for this latest outbreak. I do hope they take full responsibility, because if it was an independant farmer who had caused it - you can be sure they'd throw the book at him. We'll see.

Dressage Tests

Since I affiliated Phoebe into 'British Dressage' I haven't been to a competition - (Problems with transport!). Anyway all that's changed and we're off next Saturday to our first one. It's Novice 21 (that's the name of the test) and has some quite difficult bits in it. I rode it through yesterday in my lesson and it all went horribly wrong!!! I've got the rest of the week to practise, and am hoping for a good result. Phoebe will be on her toes of course at a different venue, that is, of course if she agrees to be loaded into the trailer!!! I'm feeling nervous already.

Charles Merry's Wedding

Yesterday my old friend and colleague Charles Merry got married to the lovely Emma. I went to the evening 'do' with one of the guys from our office. I was driving and therefore - not drinking...unlike the guy (who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent) from our office. I can't tell you how trying it is to endure a 45 minute drive home with somebody who's drunk. Ho Hum. The wedding 'do' was lovely and Charles looked very handsome in his penguin suit. They make a lovely couple and I'm sure they will be very happy together. Good Luck Charles & Emma xx

Facebook

I Joined Facebook on Friday. This morning it tells me I've only got 5 friends and therefore am a 'wallflower'. Great.

37.5 Hours

Our Company is being sold. It's been 'being sold' for ages, and I'm not sure how far down the road to 'being sold' things are, however I was told that if 'when it's sold' I want to keep my job, I'd better start doing 37.5 hours per week in the office ...no more working from home for me. Because I want to be at the Stables to ride every night before it's too late, and also because I don't DO traffic, I am now in the office every day for 6.45am and leave again at 2.30pm. I don't take a lunch break, just nip out to M&S for a buttie.

I've done this now for two weeks and I have to tell you that I'm absolutely knackered.

I will be in bed tonight for 9pm. I think I need to retire.

Poor Phoebe

The vet has been today...don't worry, there's nothing wrong - just time for annual flu and tetanus injections. Huge needle, jabbed into chest, and then about 20mls of harsh fluid plunged in. Horse's eyebrows leap upwards and then she looks at you as if to say..."How could you? I thought you loved me?" It's so traumatic for me....but it's for her own good, honestly!

Bank Holiday Weekend

Good Lord above - the sun is out - will wonders never cease? Yippee!!! and it's forecast to be sunny all weekend. FANTASTIC!!!

The Weather

Who ever is in charge of the weather is having a laugh....aren't they?

Dan's Birthday

We had a lovely time when we went to Gloucestershire last week for Dan's 18th Birthday. Check out the bruise on the top of her arm - we don't beat her..no no no, a nasty horse bit her!!! The meal was lovely and the company was great. We had dinner with Bruce and Ali, who she works for and the two lovely girls that she works with...Abby and Bex. I had a glass of champagne too many and told one of the girls that she had lovely teeth for a girl from Cornwall (what?!!!!) I'm sure when you get to eighteen parents become excrutiatingly embarrassing. Glad I didn't let her down!!!!

I shall wear purple

A colleague of mine showed me this poem, and I think it's lovely.


When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.


You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.


But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.


But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple

What can I say?

Yesterday at work, some of the lovely young ladies on the next desk were discussing forming a pop group and modelling themselves on the Spice Girls. "Can I join?" I asked. "Oh yes" came the reply, "you can be 'Old Spice' !!!"

Busy

I've been away in Spain since Wednesday - it was cloudy but very warm so don't have much of a tan, Had a big argument with Dan's Dad about her impending (Aug 15th) 18th birthday - but it's okay because I actually won for once!!! (I think). Before I went to Spain I worked away for two days in Gloucester and then in South Wales, so I haven't seen my lovely Phoebe for 7 days. Cressie has been round to feed the cat (thanks Cressie) who only killed one mouse in an entire week - which is a good thing as Cressie has a notoriously weak stomach. Whilst in Spain did 3 hair-raising journeys along the toll toad from Airport to House travelling at extremely high speeds and wimpering loudly (sorry Mike), and enjoyed 4 lovely days with extended family. I'm back now and off to Gloucestershire again on Wednesday for a dinner out and overnight stay for Dan's Birthday. None of the birthday presents that I have ordered for her have arrived yet (gulp) so I may yet have to shop to buy her a gift that I can take along on the day. Going to an event tomorrow to groom for Dee (Dan's friend) and am having a riding lesson in the afternoon. Jo is coming over for tea and cake at some point tomorrow also. Must phone my Mother, do laundry and ironing and find some time to write a report for work. Oh yes, also must balance bank account and work out exactly how much I spent on trip to Spain.

Good Luck Dan

Today Dan and Bugsy have their very first one day event of the Summer. Because of the rain all the others that she had entered were cancelled. She's on her way now (6.50am) to the West Wilsthire show ground and her dressage starts at 9am. She just sent me a text from the lorry and she was asleep!!! She's doing the show jump phase at 10am and then the cross country at 10.45am. So if you read this before then...keep your fingers crossed. Bruce (who she works for and who teaches her) has made her carry a whip (to 'encourage' Bugsy) which she is using for the first time in competition today!!! Bugsy will probably jump all the way to Kent. I'll post an update later so you can find out how they got on. Anyway "GOOD LUCK DAN"!!!

Visiting

On Tuesday I went over to Gloucestershire to see Dan. It took me 4 hours to get there (traffic jam on M4) but it was worth it. She looked tired and seemed to have lost a few pounds in weight, so I took her out for a big meal, and we went shopping to a tack shop. The little house that she is living in is lovely and she showed me how busy she has been with all her cleaning and cooking etc!!! I miss her so much, and home is so very quiet without her (albeit tidier and more organised!).

The main thing is that she is having fun and learning lots about riding and more importantly - jumping cross country. The people she is working for are really nice and looking after her very well. So half of me is glad she's gone because it's so good for her, but the other half is not so glad as it's not that good for me. It's her 18th birthday on the 15th of this month and I can't quite believe that she is going to be all grown up. So put all that together with the news that I need reading glasses (see previous post) and I can tell you that I'm really starting to feel my age!!.

Nice things and not so nice things

Today has had some good parts and some bad parts. The bad part first. I was struggling to re-focus my eyes when looking from my PC screen at work to look at the clock (to see how close I was to lunch time) so I went to get my eyes tested. The bad news is that I need glasses for reading. The good news is that there was a 'bogof' offer on at the optician. Two pairs of reading specs for £200. The bad news is that this is a sure sign of ageing.

The lovely thing that happened today was that my friend Jo, or Jopa, as she is referred to (Jo is her name and PA is her job title) came to ride Phoebe a few weeks ago, and took a beautiful photgraph of her which shows her lovely face and her very 'kind' eye. When I got home tonight this photograph had been enlarged, put in a beautiful frame and left for me by Jopa as a lovely thoughtful gift. It was so nice that it made me cry.

When I get my new specs on Friday I shall be able to look properly at the lovely photograph!!

Affiliated Dressage

Since Dan left home (sob!) I've had a lot more free time, and therefore have been able to do more riding and schooling with Phoebe. I always knew she was a good horse, but she's going from strength to strength. Even though she's middle aged - she's about 18 and there are approximately 3 horse years to one of ours - so at that reckoning she's about 54, she still works as if she's in her mid twenties, and at the peak of her fitness. She's very giving and always does whatever you ask of her. She's been so good in fact, that I've decided to affiliate. What on earth does that mean? Well, it means that I have joined us both in 'British Dressage' which is the governing body of the sport. It's a bit like the official football league as opposed to the Sunday League or some local competition. It means that we get to go to some much nicer venues to compete, and will be at competitions at the same time as people like Carl Hester although clearly not competing iin the same classes, although Olympic riders do take some of their younger horses and enter them in the lower classes as part of their training. Phoebe and I are going to try the slightly more difficult class of 'Novice' whereas before we alway entered the 'preliminary' classes.

We have to be able to do more extended trotting (legs flicking out more to the front with more impulsion from behind - more power but no more speed - yikes!) and some other more difficult steps and stuff!! It should be fun!!!! So we've increased our training schedule and so far everything I've asked of her she's given willingly - she's such a lady (I'm a lady!). Rightio, must dash...I've got to clean my saddle!!!

A Poem

Rain, rain, go away,
Come again another day.
Rain, rain, go away.
Come again some other day.
Little Arthur wants to play,
In the meadow by the hay.
Rain, rain, go to Spain,
Never show your face again.
Rain, rain, pour down,
But not a drop on our town.
Rain on the green grass,
and rain on the tree,
And rain on the housetop,
but not on me.
Rain, rain, go away,
Come again on washing day.
Rain, rain, go to Germany,
And remain there permanently.
Rain, rain, go away,
Come on Martha's wedding day.

Dirty Stop Out

I don't know why I didn't think of this before - but the simplicity of the answer has staggered me!!! To prevent the cat from dragging small animals into the house during the night - simply shut the cat flap!!!! That way she has to leave any carcasses outside!!!! No doubt she's got a flat area on her head from running and headbutting the cat flap door, expecting it to open...and I may have to re-address the issue as the nights become colder - but for now it seems like an ideal solution. I've just opened it again to let her back in and you should have seen the look she gave me.

In case you're wondering...

...I'm still in the UK and didn't go to Spain. This is because Dan's youngest brother has been quite poorly. He had suspected 'scarlet fever' and had to spend 4 days in hospital. The trip has been postponed for a few weeks. He's on the mend now. Thank goodness.

Fifi's reign of destruction and garden terror

The killer cat has started her reign of garden terror once agan. I thought that the bell had done the trick - but no. Yesterday morning there was half a rabbit underneath the kitchen table, and this morning there was another half a rabbit. Both halves were too badly damaged to see if I could (Frankenstein?) make a whole(!) Yesterday I had my french windows open and a little bird flew in. Fifi went demented and was racing around the walls trying to catch it. She knocked my plants from the window sill, and I had to lock her in the bathroom while I rescued the bird and put it back outside. The bird poo'ed on my silk cushions (but I forgave it - it was terrified!!) Dan's Dad has said that if she carries on bringing dead half-animals into the house then she's got to go. So now I have to get up really early, and go through into the kitchen with my rubber gloves and disinfectant to clean up before the rest of the family awaken. It's not very pleasant and it's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it. The cat has no idea that I'm secretly battling to keep her here, but I do so wish that she'd take at least one day a week off!!!

Why don't they tell you the simple stuff?

Yesterday I was printing some Photographs. I couldn't get the colours right. My printer kept darkenng everything down too much - strange but true. After 4 hours of wailing and gnashing of teeth I discovered a setting in my printer control where you can change the ink mix from RBG to CMY (that's red blue and green, to cyan, magenta, yellow). I found it by accident - and I was really annoyed because nowhere on Hewlett Packard's website, or Apple's for that matter did it mention this feature. They tell you all bout 'colour synching' and other complicated stuff but they never mention the simple bits. Am I supposed to know this stuff without being told? I nearly went out and spent £100 on a new Photo printer because my frustration was so immense. Anyway, now I've fixed it and all is okay again. (but I'm still a tad narked)

More Movies

I'm a bit bored here by myself without Dan so I've been watching more DVDs. Yesterday I watched 'Freedom Writers' and 'The Good Shepherd'. I liked them both. Freedom writers is about a school teacher in USA who is struggling to teach no hope ethnic kids in a getto school. It's a true story and very inspring - again, I cried at the end!!! The Good Shepherd is all about a CIA agent - but a bookish one - not an action hero. It's very confusing and the story doesn't become clear until nearly the end - but once it becomes clear it was a good story, although I was tempted to give up half way through. Both worth watching.

Get the Kleenex ready...

For when you watch this film. "The Pursuit of Happyness" starring one of my favourites Will Smith. It's a great film, and if you haven't seen it I suggest that you do. It's a true story - which I always feel makes films better.

I miss my baby

Well, I've managed a whole week without my baby. I've cleaned up and it stayed clean. The fridge doesn't get raided and the washing machine thinks it's gone to a 2 day week!. The cat is on anti-depressants, and we are all missing her so much. I've spoken to her on the 'phone every day and she's had to learn very quickly about cooking pasta and potatoes!!! (actually I have taught her all that stuff - but she's forgotten!) Bugsy is fine too and is enjoying his new working life. She's off to one day event in Cheltenham on Wednesday and it will be the first one she's done without me - her head groom. I will be in Spain so I can't even go to watch her ride.

So far though, I haven't taken up Yoga or Knitting, or even 'Spanish for beginners', but there's still time.

A few days away

I'm off to Caba Pino (near Puerto Banus) on Saturday until Wednesday. Dan's Dad has a house out there and needed somebody to accompany the boys on a flight. That'll be me then!!! Dan's Aunti Gill and Uncle Bob (who're lovely) will be there too so it should be fun. I hope that there won't be any issues with passports this time ( don't think I could go through all that again!).

I'm really looking forward to the break in the sun but it will feel a bit strange as Dan is usually there too. She is having fun in Gloucestershire - but working very hard and has fallen off the ramp to the muck trailer about six times. She keeps bashing her shins - ouch!

It feels like I'm going to Spain and abandoning her here alone in the UK. I can still speak to her on the 'phone - thanks to international roaming, and of course I will call her every day. I'm sure she'll be okay without me......she will, won't she?

New tools

I'm a bit of a DIYer. I have my own tool kit and can manage (quite well) most jobs around the house. I can put up shelves, curtain rails, change washers on taps, have fitted an new ball valve on a toilet, and do all my own decorating. I have an extensive tool kit, and abide by the golden rule of tool owners which is 'NEVER lend tools out'. If anyone wants to borrow a tool of mine I would rather go and do the job for them - that way I know my tools will be looked after, and more importantly - returned to me!!! I've pretty much got one for everything, and like to have a look in the DIY store for new tools and gadgets!!! (It's sad I know)

I have my own drill which I've owned since I bought my first house in 1986, and it's still going strong - however it's not cordless. It does have a long cable and so I've never seen the need to buy a cordless version. Yesterday I decided I would like a power screwdriver, and ended up buying (they were on offer) a drill / screwdriver combination. I'm going to put up two saddle racks this morning and will be trying out the new-fangled drill. I don't actually believe deep down that it will be powerful enough to drill into the wall - but we'll see!!! I think I need to get out more.

Embarrassing Parents (or parent!)

My Dad who lives in Spain with his partner of 18 years, Marrion, has just been over to the UK to visit my Grandma who lives in a nice home for the elderly in Sheffield. He stayed with my Mum (his ex-wife). They get on very well considering he left her twice during their marriage for other women. She (being very gracious) has forgiven him and they are now good friends. Imagine her shock then when after a few drinks on saturday night, he made a clumsy pass at her, and suggested they spend the night together for 'old times sake'!!! It wouldn't be so bad but they are both nearly 70 years old (do people still do the deed at 70?)

I don't get on very well with my Dad, although I love him, but he's very self-absorbed, and loves to be the centre of attention. He likes to be the one doing all the talking, and thinks he is the world authority on everything. When we were growing up he ruled our home with an iron fist, and now we often say what a lucky escape my Mum had. I take after my Dad in many ways and work very hard to try and limit the characteristics that I recognise in myself that came from him!!!

When she told me what he had done last night on the 'phone I was speechless. She thought it was very funny indeed, but I must admit to being completely horrified. Even after all these years and all the distress and pain he caused her during their marriage, he still refuses to treat her with the respect that she so richly deserves.

And what he thought he would be able to manage at the age of 70 with a bottle and half of red wine inside him is beyond imagination!!!

Needless to say she went to bed with a chair wedged up against the door.

Lucky Me

This guy has left a message for me on a dating website. I know that you shouldn't poke fun - but when you read his description he sounds a little like too much hard work for me.


STEVE
- 11 miles away in LONDON

Contact me
Add to My Favourites
See My Personality Assessment
Age 43
Hair colour Dark brown
Eye colour Brown
Body type Slim
Height 6'1'' to 6'4''
Ethnicity White
Religion Other
Education Degree
Employment Self-employed
Industry Skilled/unskilled trade
Income 5,000 to 9,999
Drinking Don't drink
Smoking Smoke regularly
Relationships Single
Have children Yes, living at home
Want children Undecided
Housing Housing Association tenant
Chat Up Line:
creative man seeks inspiration


Description:
I'm a free-thinking,creative-minded rebel,I love to live naturaly as I can, creatively too,I'd rather be free than loaded. I have my responsibilities and interests, but I'm missing the love of a good woman,someone who is not afraid to care an share. My lifestyle? I'm vegetarian for a while now, I'm fit due to training, walking, cycling and work. I have many skills, and at the moment I'm trying to utilise them to avoid the9to5 life which is unatural and frustrating. I'm not afraid of hard work tho, at the moment it is freelance whatever-gardening,artwork,cleaning an decorating, occasional teaching-I got experience of adult and child care. Past few years have been a struggle, so I need someone who can recognise and respect that; I make many things, both to create but also to explore ideas, I'm a reader and student, but I enjoy physical activity. Music is a big part of my life, playing or listening and although I enjoy going out places, I am happy with my own company. (love reggae an african sounds]I have a close relationship with my daughter as we've been through a lot together, she's been the light of my life these past few years. I'm not conventional, I've crossed the colour bar, I've met many people from all over, they all enrich i life, I'm a serious man though and ignorance is not for me, I'd rather face the truth, for we all have to.

I wasn't impressed and then I checked out his photograph, and I thought...."ooh yes, I'll e mail him straight away"

Got to keep busy

Now that my baby has flown the nest, I'm at a bit of a loose end. We've been together every day for the past 18 months, and because we have the horses together we spend many hours with each other every day. Probably more than most mothers and teenage daughters. Quite frankly she's my best friend. I must be missing her because I've phoned my own mother three times in 24 hours (!)

Yesterday I had a BIG TIDY at the stables and brought loads of things home to launder and clean. Normally that would take me days if not weeks to complete - but already it's all done. Yesterday I made a list of 'things to do' which includes horrid jobs like "clean out fridge" and "clean windows". I'm already two thirds of the way down the list and it's only 6.05am on Sunday morning.

God only knows what I'm going to do with myself when I've completed everything on the list. Anyway, she called me three times yesterday and everything seems to be going okay. I'm expecting tears by about Wednesday (hers, not mine....mine are about every 5 minutes!)

Tracy and Phoebe are sad

Today Dan and Bugsy went to Gloucestershire for the summer. I took them both, left them there and then sobbed my socks off at the motorway services on the M4. When I went back to the stables to drop off the trailer Phoebe looked sad and confused because Bugsy was no longer in the stable next door. Tonight, the house feels huge and empty. I miss my little girl so much when she's not here. I need to take up 'Spanish for beginners'.

Mouse update

Just in case you were wondering - the mouse has gone. We also had a big brown rat out by the wheelie bin - I know this because it had chewed a big hole in the wheely bin lid...destructive bloody thing. Anyway a very nice man came the other day and put some bait down (difenacoum - that's an anti coagulant - so they slowly bleed to death internally - eurgh!) and since he left we haven't seen Mickey or Roland again...neither have we seen any evidence of large or small rodent activity. I do feel a tad cruel as I really do think that all animals, no matter how horrid, have the right to live in peace. But when you get up and they've eaten half your loaf, it's all a bit much. And what with the neighbours thinking we're gypsies anyway, we do have to be rather careful.

Back to the lady from next door, I'm going to borrow my friend Lisa's coloured cob and tie it to the gate post whilst I pop to her door to see if she'd like to buy some pegs.

Camping in the rain

Before Dan goes away to work for the summer at the end of next week, she's planning on going to Cornwall camping tomorrow for 4 days with her best friends from Sheffield. What with the current weather situation, and more rain promised for the weekend (what? more rain? you're having a laugh!) ) I'm a bit concerned that at worst they will drown.. and at best they will be wet through all weekend. She doesn't seem at all put off though. Oh the follies of youth!

Wireless Music

I have just connected one of these to my apple mac and my stereo (which is rather cool and has huge Mission speakers and the best sound quality ever) and now I can play my entire i tunes collection through my stereo at the click of a mouse with no wires!!! I just love Apple products - they are so cool, and whatsmore there were no technical hitches...Apple is easy peasy lemon sqeezy!!!

Romany Tales

The estate where we live is very posh. In fact it's very very very VERY posh. Imagine my horror, shame and humiliation today when I discovered that one of our neighbours had said that she thought we were a family of GYPSIES!!!!

That's it - I'm leaving the country.

Sunday

Quick report of Sunday. Still have the mouse - haven't seen it for days but it's eating holes in my bread. Fifi has got used to her bell and can no longer catch small animals and torture them - HURRAH!!! It rained all day and we got very wet. Had a sleep on the sofa. Feel very sorry for people at Glastonbury. Went to Waitrose to buy loo rolls and washing powder. Am damp and cold and have had to put the central heating on. Early night - work tomorrow.

Ringing in her ears!

This week so far Fifi (killer cat) has murdered a rabbit, a pidgeon and two baby birds. That's quite low for her usual weekly tally. It wouldn't be so bad if she did her murderous deeds outside and left the evidence in the bottom of the shrubbery - but OH NO...due to some primaeval instinct to do with bringing gifts she insists on dragging the carcasses in through the cat flap and depositing them at the bottom of the stairs. If that wasn't enough, she then proceeds to de-capitate the body, and as far as we know she eats the head - I say this because we've never found one yet!!! It's all very macabre.

Today, in an effort to thwart her sadistic activities I have bought her a collar with a bell!!! Now, hopefully her intended victims will hear her appoaching and stand a better chance of escape. She, however, hasn't worked out that she is wearing the bell - only that it keeps ringing...this scares her and she keeps running away .....more bell ringing......more running.....you get the picture. Tonght she's exhausted and fell flat out asleep on Dan's lap. She was too tired to even eat her tea. I feel we may have cracked the problem....now she's too knackered to kill anything!!!!

Learning New skills

When I bought my Apple Computer I also signed up for 60 hours of tuition - seeing as Christian, who I usually ask about all things computing, would probably get really fed up of me ringing him and is probably not as brilliant on an Apple as he is on a PC.

I had my first hour yesterday morning, and learned loads. Obviously there are loads of short cuts etc that I would never find on my own, an I also needed a programme to replace Microsoft Money as that's not available for Apple (neither is Quicken - although it used to be!).

Anyway the more I learn about this computer, the more like it - it's just so logical (Mr Spock)! It works in just the way you think it should. I'm very impressed so far. - oh yes, the trainer was quite young and good looking too!!!

Eeeeek!!

There I was...fast asleep, when a scratching noise woke me up. A bloody mouse running around on my bedside table!!! I can't find it now, and certainly can't sleep knowing it's still in my bedroom somewhere!

i-mac

Well, it's arrived. I plugged it in and added my e mail account details, and it all worked!!!! Wonders will never cease!!! My internet connecion works too...amazing!!!! I have arranged for one of the IT guys to be at the end of the phone tomorrow in case I needed help - but it looks like he may get off lightly!!!

More changes afoot

Sometimes you just feel the need for a change. Well today I have had a radical change in hair style and colour. I went to see my cousin Richard at his fab salon in Covent Garden and this is the result. I wanted to look more like Sharon Stone!!!! Mind you, I always wear knickers. For those of you who've never seen me, my hair is naturally a muddy mousy brown colour!!

Changes afoot

After about nine years of using Microsoft Windows, today I placed an order for a Mac. I have looked into it quite extensively, Dan has a Mac i-book, and I had a long chat with Alvin at work, our graphic designer. Then I tootled along to the Apple store in Kingston, and (although I know they want my money) they simply couldn't have been more helpful. They know their stuff and were able to answer all my questions - it was a complete pleasure to spend the money. The guy who dealt with me spent over an hour demonstrating the product and what it does and how it all works. I was extremely impressed. The after sales service sounds fantastic, and after speaking to Tim (Jo's boyfriend who does loads of graphic work, photos etc) I felt I had made the right decision. It will be delivered on Friday, and I'm really looking forward to it arriving. See what Christian has to say about the i-mac here.

Tweseldown

Today we went to Tweseldown for some Cross Country training. See the pictures here.

Big Dinner at the Minnow

Bread, balsamic vinegar, Olive Oil - 4 pieces
Large field mushrooms in garlic, white wine, cream sauce
Fillet steak (medium rare) fries, roast vegetables and side order salad
3 Glasses lovely red wine
2 Coffees

Poorly tummy!!!

Lovely friends

My lovely friend Jacqui and her husband, Mel have arrived. They got lost on the estate (everyone does) but after I rushed out to find them and guide them safely to the house it was fantastic to see them. We had hugs on the drive, followed by a lovely supper of salmon fishcakes and fresh green vegetables (steamed), then fresh strawberries and raspberries with extra thick double cream. During supper we consumed a bottle of champagne, and had a lovely 'catchy-up' chat.

Tomorrow we're going to an exhibition at Excel, and then out for dinner in the evening.

YIPPEE - I love my friends.

Nice Pink Rosette

Tonight we chose Dressage over Jools Holland. I'm glad we did as Dan and Bugsy came 4th and have got a very nice pink rosette for their trouble. Also today she has managed to talk herself into a job for the summer on an eventing yard in Gloucestershire. That means she'll be leaving home straight after her 'A' levels finish and won't be back until the last week in September - and then it's only a few days until she starts University....GULP.....I am sooooo going to miss her.

Jools Holland

Today Dan and I have been offered a night out par excellence. Her Dad has got us two tickets to go to Hampton Court Palace on Thursday evening to see Jools Holland. There is, however, a problem. We are already booked to go to a dressage competition at Longreach on Thursday evening.

Nights out are like buses, none for ages then two come along together.

Pooh Pah Pants

Today has not been the best day. In fact today has been a 'Poh Pah Pants'Day. I still have the remnants of the 'man-flu' I contracted last week, and this is not very nice. I have a hacking, rattling cough, permanent pain at the top of my nose (sinus) and today this developed into a full blown migraine which precipitated an afternoon on the sofa, under a thin blanket watching back to back episodes of "Dog, the Bounty Hunter" whilst drifting in and out of dozes. I did get my laundry and ironing done this morning, and a spot of food shopping, but the rest of the day has gone to pot. I'm usually such a busy person that I hate being ill as it inteferes with my plans. I wanted to ride my Phoebe this afternoon, but was feeling too shitty to face it.

I have taken enough tablets today to rattle as I walk and now just feel pretty crappy. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll be feeling a bit better. I have however, booked a table for The Minnow for Saturday night with Jacqui and Mel and I'm really looking forward to that.

All sympathetic comments gratefully received.

Tip Toes

Dan has got a new boy-friend. He's not a 'boyfriend' yet because so far they've only been to the movies once. Right now he's here in the main lounge with her watching a DVD. I want to go through to say 'goodnight' because it's my bed time - but I daren't in case I catch them mid-snog. I'm not sure where he lives and how he's getting home. Manners dictate that I should offer him a lift home, but I don't know if she's planning to take him home or what?! When he arrived he shook my hand and said what a pleasure it was to meet me!!! I do like these public school boys - so polite!!! I shall have to go through on tip toes and do a reccy.

Sometimes it's very difficult being the mother of a teenage girl.

Simple pleasures

Today has been great. Went to the stables first thing and had a great riding lesson - Phoebe has now got over the goats and is back to normal. Then I came home and sunbathed (topless!) in the garden for about three hours.

Now I'm going to bed and today I've washed my bedding - clean sheets - bliss!!!

Some really good news!

Today I have been sunbathing in the garden - topping up the tan I started whilst in Spain. Later this afternoon I got a 'phone call from Sheffield and it was my best friend Jacqui telling me that she and her husband Mel are coming to stay next weekend. YIPPEE!!!!! Can't wait!!!!

Tears at Malaga Airport

Am back from 2 day jaunt to Spain. Had a fantastic time, eating, drinking, sunbathing, swimming, lovely family members and a great time was had by all. I did however cry at Malaga Airport - twice. I had to get up on Tuesday at 3.15am to get my 7.50 flight from Gatwick so when I arrived at Malaga and there was nobody there to meet me I regressed to 4 year old child and after waiting for 35 minutes and feeling abandoned I started to cry. My Mobile phone wouldn't work and I couldn't contact anybody....and because I'm a bit emotional when over tired...anyway eventually Mike picked me up and then I was alright again.

Today, upon attempting to leave the airport to fly home, one of the teenage kids I was accompanying had a problem with his passport and wasn't allowed through passport control. I had already gone through and was about to board the aircraft when I got the message that there was a problem. I had to run back only to find that he was being carted off to immigration!!! The man who was doing the carting didn't speak any English!!! I ran after them demanding to know what the problem was and found myself in small police station with 4 police officers and the teenage boy!

The police officers were all wearing guns (yikes) and were like extras from a very bad south american drug running movie (think 'Midnight Express'). To say that I was a bit concerned would be an understatement. Of course - because I didn't think (I never do) and I was annoyed (I often am) I started shouting at them and 'demanding' an explanation. Obviously that didn't go down too well (none of them spoke English and all they could see was this mad small woman screaming and frothing at the mouth) and one of them started pushing me around. Being really stupid, the next thing I did was light a fag. Cut to the next scene which includes very small room, me, the boy, a guard and jail-type door and bars on windows!!!! Can you imagine? It was at this point where I cried at Malaga Airport for the second time in three days!!!

Luckily my mobie phone had a signal, I called the office and one of our directors who speaks Spanish was able to talk to the head honcho and find out that there was a block on his passport to prevent him being taken from Spain unless he had one of his parents with him.

Eventually somebody from the house came to pick him up - but until they did we weren't allowed to leave. When I say we weren't allowed to leave - I actually mean that for over an hour we were kept there against our will, not given anything to eat or drink, and kept being shouted at by the guards!!! I had by then missed my flight, so I was booked onto another one 2 hours later. Unfortunately (!) there were only business class seats left - so a few minutes later I found myself sitting in the 'club' lounge eating breakfast opposite Rick Parfitt of Status Quo!!! (who, in case you're interested looks fantastic for his age!) Talk about going from the sublime to the ridiculous.

I finally got home about 4pm - which was a huge relief because a few times during this debacle I had visions of ending up in some Spanish jail for eternity being used as a plaything for some big hispanic drug running momma!!!

It's funny now - but at the time I don't mind admitting that I was crapping my pants.

So I've decided I don't really like Malaga Airport, I do however, like flying business class - despite being by far the scruffiest looking passenger that BA have probably ever had. You get a huge comfy seat, pillows and blankets, free drinks, and a proper meal, on a proper plate with a proper knife and fork!!!

It could only happen to me.

Which biscuit?

Just watching the BBC news and the presenters had a brief chat about which biscuit is best. We have this discussion at the stables all the time. They decided hob-nobs, but I don't agree. They're too bitty for me and you get left with oats and sawdust in your mouth long after the biscuit pleasure has passed. Peter Kay does a hilarious sketch about the 'hob-nob' (dunk me again!). If pushed I would have to say my all time favourite is the lemon puff (haven't seen one for a long time) followed by custard creams and jaffa cakes, and maybe jammy dodgers.

We take it in turns to buy biscuits for the stables. Well, some of us do. As in all things there are those of us who buy them regularly, and those who never buy them. This discrepancy disappears miraculously when it comes to eating them. We all take our fair turn at that!!!

Who's in charge?

I'd really like to know who is in charge of the weather. Last week we had 28 degrees and beautiful sunshine. Today the forecast says 8 degrees and 23mph winds. Whoever is in charge is not doing a great job are they? If they worked for me they would be getting the sack or at least a serious disciplinary. If you paid a monthly subscription for the weather you'd be looking for another service provider, or at least on the 'phone to customer services asking for a reduction in your direct debit. Isn't the weather supposed to follow some kind of pattern or trend, so once it starts to get warm and sunny it's meant to stay that way for a while (give or take the odd day of rain)? It's glorious June in 3 days and we've got early March weather. I've now got to crawl about in the back of the wardrobe and get out my winter warm riding clothes that I had put away!!

It's probably my fault for driving a 4x4.

Update I have just come back from the stables - it's 11.32 am and I had to come home because I couldn't stand the cold a moment longer. As I am now officially a southern softy I simply cannot handle the cold. It's absolutely bloody freezing - I could see my breath in the air. For goodness sake!!!!!

Billy Goats

The mad ranting woman from the next door stable yard has done a dastardly thing. She has built a pen next to our outdoor menage (fenced area in which we school our horses) in which to keep goats. Goats are very cute, but bleat and leap about a lot and therefore scare the living crap out of horses. Needless to say my 'ride with your mind' lesson didn't go that well yesterday. (I couldn't possibly tell you that Phoebe was a bit naughty and I nearly ended up in tears!). We've all had goat-related near misses this week!!! I can't imagine why she has sited the goat pen next to our outdoor menage and not her own...probably because the parents of the children she teaches would sue her if one of their 'little darlings' were to fall off because of a goat-scare. Anyway Phoebe's goat de-sensitising programme continues tomorrow! I'll be the one wearing the dark brown jodphurs!

Top Tip

When you have 'man-flu' and can't really taste your food, and your appetite leaves you - try eating 3 M&S individual luxury sherry trifles. I feel better already.

Wet and cold

Today it has rained all day and the temperature has dropped to November type cold. My man-flu is getting worse despite having spent twenty quid at Tesco on medicines and kleenex balsam ('spoil-me') tissues. But it's okay because early on Tuesday I'm flying out to Puerto Banus for two days. Dan is there with her Dad at the moment and they phoned me this morning and insisted that I fly out and join them. Well, who am I to argue with that? I have been told that I don't need much luggage as they have all the toiletries, make-up, hairdryers that anyone can ever need, so can I fit two pairs of shorts, two t-shirts, and clean knickers in hand luggage - you bet I can!!!

Emma at the stables has kindly agreed to babysit Phoebe and Bugsy and Jo is coming over to feed Fifi (killer cat).

So even if the rest of England has rain all week, at least I shall get 2 days of sunshine.

Sad

I'm sorry to let you all know that Rachel didn't make it. The vet and I decided that she was probably never going to regain the use of her front legs. The kindest thing was to put her to sleep. So Rachel has now gone to big bunny heaven in the sky. Her last snack were Marks & Spencer best Chanteney carrots.

Not a good start

This morning I have woken up with sore throat (swallowing glass - ouch) and runny nose. The rabbit is going for what I think will be her final visit to the vets - she still can't stand up on her own and spends all her time falling over (after I've set her back on her feet). In addition to that I've just checked the website for the organisation that I've recently sent £100 to for four tickets to see a dressage demonstration for 6th June - only to see that they've changed the date to tomorrow. No phone call, nothing - just a crap one line on their website. If I want a refund I have to have phoned them before the end of business yesterday - I can feel a fight coming on, oh yes and now it's bouncing it down with rain. I've got a feeling that today is going to be one of those days.

She's stood on her own four feet

This morning, for the first time, I've stood Rachel up on her four feet, and she hasn't toppled over!!! I think if she tries to move she probably will fall over - but right now she's happily watching the world from a normal position instead of on her side!!! Progress! So it might not be bad news tomorrow after all.

The boys are horrid

I was just talking to Christian on MSN (I think he should be working?) and Phil was sending him links to send to me. Christian was asking me how Rachel was doing, and then he sent me this. I think they're horrid.

Back to the Vets

The vet and I are becoming good friends. Rachel is improving - but still not able to use her front legs. We had a bit of a decision to make at the vets this morning. The vet thinks that there is probable nerve damage where the cat would have picked her up at the back of the neck. We decided to give her until saturday morning, and then if she's not better we will do the kindest thing. Come on Rachel.

Well, she's feeling better!

I've just fed and cleaned Rachel. She must be feeling better as she's kicking big time with her strong little back legs, it was difficult to hold her steady. Her front legs are still not right and she can't stand by herself yet. But there's nothing wrong with her mouth. She just bit me...OUCH!!

Bev is a bloody nutcase !

There's this mad woman I know - come to think of it I know a few! When I say she's mad I mean that she's volatile and gets angry very quickly for no real reason. Quite frankly at her age (late 40's) she should know better. She runs the stable yard and riding school next door to our stables. Since we've been there (17 months) she's had a go at me twice before. Both times for - in her opinion - driving down the lane too fast. When she has a go she goes off at an alarming rate and screams and shouts and generally tries to bully her victim into submission. Well, as you can imagine, that wouldn't work with me! I wait for her rant to finish then calmly explain that I wasn't driving too fast and then politely request that the next time she talks to me to please do it in a civilized manner. Everyone who knows her has been at the sharp end of her tongue at some point and they all share the same opinion of her. (she's nuts!) Most of her victims are children and teenagers who don't have the necessary skills and experience to deflect such aggression. So her behaviour for the most part, works for her. As I said, the woman is a bully.

Yesterday she was having a go (foaming at the mouth, wailing like a banshee) at one of my friends and I just happened to be standing near the gate looking for Emma at the time. She saw me and started having a go at me too!!! I told her to 'wind her neck in' (great northern phrase). Now I don't know what had upset her but it surely wasn't me, so I didn't really see why I should take a volley of abuse! The outcome of all this is that she has stated that I can no longer use the lane which leads to our stables (she owns it). Nobody else, just me. It doesn't matter as there is another entrance which she doesn't own which I can use - but the injustice of it has really annoyed me. So here's a little message for her..."Bev, of Weybridge Equestrian Centre...I think you are a nutter. I think that you need some professional help with your temper. I think you are rude and aggressive, and a bit of a bully. I also think that you should be very grateful for the fact that you have a great life living in a fabulous place and spending all your time looking after animals. Today is a lovely sunny day, and you should take a moment to go outside and smell the clean air that surrounds you. ...then you should calm down and come and apologise to me"

I know that she won't, and I feel a bit sorry for her - as it can't be nice walking around with all that aggression running through your veins, but I feel better for having written this!!! I wouldn't dare say it to her face as quite frankly she scares me a little!

Rachel Update

We're back from the vets. He didn't think anything was broken and has given us some special food to feed her. We've got to give her some TLC and take her back tomorrow morning to see if she's improved. Oh yes, she had an injection (tiny needle) of painkillers and antibiotics. The vet said that she was only a couple of weeks old. Bless!!!

Update: 12.32pm - Rachel has done a small poo!

Rachel is going to the vets this morning

I've made an appointment at the vets for 10am. She survived the night and has had some more apple and water this morning. Fingers crossed.