Dan and Bugsy at Longreach Cross Country

Warming up
Originally uploaded by Tracy Wood2006.

Today Dan and Bugsy and the groom (that's me) went to Longreach Cross Country competition. It was a lovely day, warm but very windy..and we had nice sandwiches!!!

Unfortunately they had a couple of refusals so didn't win - but then they went around the course a second time (non-competitive) and of course...when their scores didn't count they did it in the fastest time with no faults...typical!!!

Still they both enjoyed themselves and Bugsy had Polo mints!!!!

That was the week that was!

This week has been nice. I don't normally like the word "Nice" as I feel it's a bit lazy - there are thousands of adjectives which do a better job than "nice", but the week hasn't been exciting or splendid, or adventurous, or amazing, or anthing else other than nice!!!!

The weekend was good, involved a trip to Ikea (always a pleasure!!) Swedish meatballs, lots of picture frames (new camera!) and Dime bar cake (yummy). I discovered Eggs benedict in Cafe Rouge for breakfast and have been another twice (delicious). Dan went to Sheffield and came back again on Tuesday, so I had peace and quiet and the opportunity to really give things a good clean - also got to eat all the stuff I love which she normally turns her nose up at...scallops....lamb chops.....caesar salad...etc etc.

On Wednesday I decided new make-up was needed and after a disastrous make-over in Boots done a by a very willing young lady in a white coat who managed to make me look like the bride of Frankenstein I was advised to make an appointment at the "Bobby Brown" counter in Bentalls department store. I had a consultation with a very nice young man who did my make up and managed to lose 10 years along the way. Fabulous!!! I bought one of everything he had used and my credit card got a hammering - mind you it was a lot cheaper than a facelift.

On Thursday I went to the physio who decided to try acupuncture in my dodgy shoulder. The needle went in...hit a nerve....immense sickening bolt of pain, hot sweat, and I promtly threw up all over my saggy white bra (see previous posts!). Not a succesful visit!!!

Today is Saturday...so who knows what the day has in store!!!!! Fingers crossed for a nice weekend!!!!

A New Toy

Yesterday, after a brief chat with Christian regarding the merits and efficacy of the Nikon D50, I popped myself along to a lovely camera shop in Weybridge and bought one. I also got a 55-200mm additional lens.

I spent a couple of hours reading the instruction book (must be turning into my Dad!) and then started taking pictures!!! You can see the results here. I'm sure my photographic technique will improve with time and practise!!!

A Special Day

Today is Dan's 17th birthday. Obviously I am biased, but she is growing into a very fine young lady. She's smart, funny, kind, gracious, gentle and sweet, and then sometimes feisty and strong and determined. She was born on a Tuesday - which means she is "Full of grace", and she so is!

Her Dad and I have spent the day with her today - we opened pressies, had breakfast, then she had a two hour driving lesson - this went well and there were no accidents (!) Apparently she kept wanting to pat the steering wheel and tell the car "Good boy" (that's what she does with her horse!). She managd to get to second gear and only crunched the gears once!!!

This afternoon she went on a shpping trip with Dad and then tonight we have been out to dinner with Christopher and William (her brothers), and good friends Simone and Kimberley.

We have all had a lovely day - much better than the day I had exactly 17 years ago!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAN XXXXXXX

Keep off the roads

Dan will be 17 next Tuesday. Her provisional driving license has arrived today in the post. I will publish the schedule of her driving lessons, so that we can all stay at home. Yes even those of you who don't live in Surrey...as I'm sure the repercussions will be felt as far north as Sheffield!

Where have my nerves gone?

Yesterday Dan took Bugsy to Great Bookham Equestrian Centre to compete in a show jumping competition. I don't know where my nerves have gone...? Usually when we go somewhere I am a bag of nerves and in a total state until we're on the way home again, but yesterday I never felt a flicker. I didn't mind parking close to another trailer ( two neddies tied up near each other can sometimes lead to kicking trouble), I didn't mind holding Bugsy while she got changed (who? me? hold him? what if he runs off? or rears up? or eats some grass?), and I was supremely calm while she was warming him up, I even changed the heights of the practise jump without a care in the world.

When she entered the ring to begin the course I was idly chatting to another "Horsey Mum" and din't bat an eye - previously I would have been throwing up and simultaneously filling my pants!

As she jumped the course I was able to watch with both eyes open, and whatsmore I was able to appreciate the technical ability that they both showed!!! Amazing!!

She didn't win unfortunately - but hey, no matter, because I was cool!!!

So, Saturday I managed to hack out my horse, and then this yesterday....has someone switched my medication?

I can't quite understand it

Something else to see!!!

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