40 Things for 40

Seriously, it's March already? Where has this month gone? Anyway, time to run through my 31 things and give updates on them all. 1. Pass CBT so I can ride my awesome bike Still not done anything with this one. I am now wondering whether this one is worth doing currently. 2. Have driving lessons & pass test So, I finally got a driving lesson booked for 12th March! It will be a 2 hour session and it will be interesting to see how I get on back behind the wheel again. I just have to try and find my provisional licence! 3. Start riding Amber I am still unable to use out 'riding paddock' but if the weather continues to be this dry, I might just start riding in our field to start, then round the farm. In fact, I'm hoping to hop on board this Sunday. 4. Have a go at horse agility with Amber Over the next couple of days I will be rescuing my jump poles and blocks and starting to have a wee go with her over the weekend. 5. Start working Blossom and back in early Summer...

Or at least that is how it felt today. I took Blue for a nice walk, then after sorting out some washing, I wandered up to see the horses. Only problem was I had on my jodphur boots, which I have not worn for a while, and halfway to the yard, the boots were already rubbing. Ouch. Once at the yard, I made up Amber's feed and sorted out brushes and headcollar. Caught Blossom, then gave Amber her feed and took her rug off. Today I did something a bit different with Blossom and bitted her! She took it all in her stride and was quite happy just chomping on the bit getting used to the taste and sensation. Unfortunatly the bit is a little small, so I will need to get her a bigger one as soon as I can. I then took her for a little walk, and left the bridle on for about 10 minutes. This is something else that I can do with her each day, then after a week or so, I can start to get her used to being led from the bit. Training session over, I gave her a groom- until Amber decided that ...

Amber checking if the camera is edible or not!

Today was the day we went to see Tobago and his lovely owner Kate. Didn't take any photos though, but there are plenty of him on the internet! Simon was feeling better today, so we took Blue for a walk around the woods. Blue was pretty good, apart from bogging off during the converstation I was having with Simon about how much better he is now, and Simon's reluctance to let him off the lead when he takes him out. We then went and spent some time with the horses. I did some work with Blossom again while Simon poo-picked the field. She was much better today, so I think she picks things up pretty quick, but almost needs time to think about things, whereas Amber picks something up straight away and remembers. So I was happy with her. We also wormed them (I think by tomorrow they will refuse to come near me!). Then it was off to meet Tobago. We did the journey in good time, and only nearly got lost! It was lovely to finally meet him, and watch him play about with his 'joll...

Not the best, but how could I resist blogging a photo of these little guys. And no, they are not mine...and I will not be getting one.

Yes I am sad and my horses have matching headcollars! So, as if getting the vet out to the horses wasn't bad enough, today it was hoof trim time! Simon was not too well today, so spend most of the day sleeping. That was fine as the farrier was not due until 4pm. Then he phones me at 1.40pm to say he can be with me in 40 minutes if I wanted! So I managed to pursuade/drag Simon out of bed to run me up to the field, then he went back home while I got headcollars on the horses and picked out their hooves while waiting. Amber was done first and was good, apart from a couple of leg-waving moments. She was falling asleep towards the end. Blossom was watching and snorting, as if she had never seen our farrier before! When I got her out of the field to be done, she was spooking at the farrier (as she does every time), but she settled and he got her front one, then her back one done. When he went to do her other front hoof, she started spooking again. Silly pony! Finally there wer...

Amber still feeling rather sleepy!

Today was vet visit day. Not for anything serious, but for both horses to have their flu & tetnus jabs, and for Amber to have her teeth checked. Thought we might have fun catching them, but took the bucket of treats as it makes a good rattley noise. Despite the fact they were halfway across the field, they soon came cantering over. Managed to catch both of them fine and took them round by the dairy. Amber went into the stable and Blossom was tied up outside. Each had a haynet to keep them occupied, but both were quite happy looking at their surroundings. While waiting for the vet, I took Amber's rug off and and we gave them a quick groom. Sheila decided to ride Solo, and typically needed to use the stable (despite the fact I had asked if I could use it), so Simon helped her with Solo, while I dealt with Blossom having her jab. She flinched a bit, but was fairly well behaved. Next Amber had her sedation. I was not sure how she would react to having her teeth done, so t...

Been thinking a little more on this one, and although I had a relatively large list of stallions to begin with, I had narrowed it down to two- Sempers Spirit and Legrande. But then, there was one stallion who I really liked, but  did not think that he would be the one for Amber, and I had a light-bulb moment one night (couldn't sleep), actually he would be the best choice for producing the type of foal I am hoping for! His name is H Tobago and he is a pure bred Arabian stallion (funnily enough, Sceptre's sire was an Arabian too). He is about the same size as Amber, so the foal would be around 15.2hh- the perfect height for me. He has a wonderful temperament, fabulous movement, and an amazing zest for life! Details for this amazing chap can be found here As he is not too far from us, we are going to see him on Saturday, and I am looking forward to that. I am also getting a few dates from Simon that we can go and see Legrande- h...

As Simon's work circumstances will be changing in March, and he'll be getting a company car. We will now really be needing two cars. His company car will be used for business only- and it will not have a tow bar, so we won't be able to use is for taking the caravan anywhere. So, for now, we'll be holding onto the Volvo, and, providing I feel comfortable driving it, it will become my car (aside from the towing part). Last week, I decided that seeing as I got paid, I would enquire about doing some driving lessons, and have got one booked for 12th March! I will see how I get on with 1 or 2 lessons, then take things from there. My driving instructor called me today to introduce himself and asked a few questions about my aims for driving. I've not really got a 'must do by', as I'm waiting to see how the first lesson goes. Next on the to do list for this task is looking into getting me insured on the Volvo, so Simon can take me out to practice. We mi...

Rocks Spending time with my lovely horses and dog Getting paid! Planning driving lessons Arranging to visit a couple of stallions Sucks Feeling 'out of sorts' all week Simon still saying "No" to something I really want/ need him to say yes to.

One of, if not possibly, my favourite songs by Bon Jovi, taken from their 2009 album, The Circle. I have this tradition of sorts with my Mum, when ever Bon Jovi releases a new album, she gets it for me for Christmas!

Seeing as I'm not feeling too good today, I thought I'd share my Bagpuss wheat/lavender microwave teddy. Keeps me cosy and warm!

This is what Simon got me for Valentine's Day. Apprarently joining the mad rush of blokes to get something for their other halves (his words, not mine). And yes, that is Blue's nose in the corner, he can smell chocolate from a mile away! I got Simon a personalised card from Moonpig. Might not seem like we got each other a lot, but then we are planning on getting a Wii to share!

I took Blue up to the field today, and we got there about 10.30. I could see that Blossom was laying down, and I thought to myself that I very rarely got to see Amber laying down. I made up the feeds and headed back to the field to see to them. Lo and behold, Amber was laying down next to Blossom! Aww, how cute I thought, what's the chances that they'd stand up before I can grab some photos. Put feed buckets out, called them and aside from one half lifted head, there was no reaction. So, leaving Blue to guard the feed, I started to wander over to the horses so I could lead them over to the feed buckets. Blossom finally got up, but Amber decided she was comfortable as she was, so could I bob off and leave her alone? Decided it would be easier to go and bring feed over to them (me, a slave, never?), and Blue too of course. As Blue can sometimes try to play with the horses, I secyred him to the fence while I inspected the horses, so that he could wander a bit and get out...

One of my favourite songs ever by the Icelandic band "Sigur Ros". The title means 'jumping in puddles' in Icelandic- well I guess that's obvious! I also love the video for it, with the theme of never being too old to have fun. Sigur Ros are performing in Vienna in September, and I'm currently trying to persuade Simon to go- it will mean I get to see an awesome band in a city I would love to visit- plus fulfilling one of my 31 things, having a holiday abroad. Enjoy the track, and the video!

"I didn't do it" Amber having a snooze in the sun! Blossom had been laying down too, but perked up as soon as she saw the feed buckets. Amber needed a little more encouragement to get up.

One of those tunes that I'd almost forgotten about, until it started playing on my Ipod (had all my music on random) a few days ago. Still as good as I remember!

Meh, I'm having one of those days where I really feel like I can't be bothered to do anything. It sucks because I really want to get stuff done, but instead I have been busy procrastinating. Oh well, tomorrow is another day, right? Ass-kickings welcome!

I love the Budweiser commercials. I just wish they were shown on UK TV!

Blue spies the Postman...

The wallpaper- it stayed up overnight and everything. I have to thank Simon's dad for getting the pattern to match up so well though- I just did the pasting and holding (and trying to look useful when I don't really have a clue what I'm doing! I should just point out that this has been done as a feature wall- the rest of the room is still magnolia!

Amber getting wrapped up for the (very cold) night!

Blossom loves Blue, but as you can see, the feeling isn't mutual!

It's Friday, so that means its rocks and sucks time Rocks Simon has tentatively accepted a new job within the company he works for full time. It will mean no more shift work, which we've decided is a good thing. Critters are all doing well Simon parents visiting for the weekend Sucks Been offered a fantastic opportunity to launch my horse breeding project, but finances will dictate I'll have to turn it down. Bugger. Snowed again last night, but its pathetic. I want proper snow! I have a stack of mail to post, and currently no money to post it. Grrr.

Amber playing with the water- she kept slioshing it around with her nose, so that the ice cleared and she could drink. Diva, much? Yes I know that as her slave I should have removed everybit of ice, but by that point my hands were almost the same colour as her rug!

The hound with his "hurry up and take me out" look

Blue checking out the snow

That I will just be having one blog from now on. I feel that it will be easier to only have one blog to maintain and update, and easier for those who read it to be able to follow my posts more simply. I shall be using this blog as my only one and will be impoerting posts over from my other blogs today. I know that does mean that older posts will be added on the date posted, so you may need to scroll back through to read them all- sorry about that. Once all is settled and up to date, this should be a better blog!

Snowy garden

The Secret Holocaust Diaries - Nonna Bannister The diaries of a young girl in the Ukraine as Communism and then World War Two shatters her world. A harrowing tale of human courage, brutality, endurance, kindness and forgiveness.

Bouncy Blue on our walk this morning.

Amber- not frozen solid or anything! It certainly was this morning at 6am when Simon had to leave for work. It was -8C! By the time I took Blue to go up and do the horses at 10am, it was still -2C, and has only just gone above freezing now. The horses were both warm enough- yesterday I changed Amber's rugs so she has 2 on now, and felt warm enough (just about) this morning. Blossom felt warm enough- but then she does have a coat to rival a yak! Blossom the Yak pony! I did have to smash through 3 inches of ice on the water trough even though it was the same place that I has smashed through yesterday, so goodness knows how thick the rest of the ice was. There was enough of an area for them to drink from by the time my hands had gone blue and I couldn't feel the rock to hold it! Simon will be able to go up with me tomorrow and if we can drive up, then we'll take the club hammer and remove as much ice as possible! On the way back, we took a short cut across...

Another playing around with photos session- this time using the soft focus (and Blossom still has not learnt that she will never get any of Amber's grub).

I just realised that I forgot to do this last Friday- whoops! Rocks Doing good health-wise (both physically and mentally) We may get snow! Making progress on my 31 things I have Simon I have a crazy bunch of pets, who I wouldn't swap for the world (no, really) My family My friends Sucks Simon got walloped with large tax bill after doing his tax return (he had to do it because of his business, but the bill is because his full time job haven't done his student loan payments properly!) My Grandad is having a birthday lunch tomorrow and I can't go because Simon is working. Can't leave the dog on his own for 14 hours and not entirely sure how he'll cope on the train if I took him with me. Plus train fares are expensive and we're skint this month now. It's the SSGB over the  weekend, and I can't go for above reasons

Blossom trying to see if she can get some of Amber's feed. Good luck with that one Bloss!

Last video of the day, and my desert island song. Now, I'm not really a big fan of country music, but I love Johnny Cash. Especially his American Recording series of CD's, which as well as featuring country songs (obviously), he covers songs such as "I See A Darkness" by Bonny Prince Billy, "The Mercy Seat" by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds,  U2's "One" and Nine Inch Nail's "Hurt" (and I got to say that I prefer Cash's versions of all of them). Hurt was one of Cash's last songs (I believe), and is all the more poignant for that fact.

Another one of my favourite songs from one of my favourite albums, Angie Aparo's The American, which I highly recommend. It is one of the few albums I have where I like every single song on it, especially Spaceship, Cry and this one- Hush. Another 'accidental' find, I was looking through some fan-vids and came across one that featured this song. Seeing as I have not been able to find an official video, here is the one I discovered (which just so happens to feature clips from a great show CSI Miami)

One of my currently favourite songs is a cover of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" by Placebo. I actually come across is almost by accident while searching for another song! I have heard the Kate Bush version, but have to admit I prefer this version- it's darker and the music and lyrics seem to fit together better. As this is my first time adding a video, it might just be a case of ignoring the video and just listening to the song.

So, it's been a month since I re-started my 31 things and I figured it was time to do a general update on all of them. I have of course been updating each one when I have done something towards it and will continue to do so, but I think it will be good to keep a record of each month's progress too 1. Pass CBT so I can ride my awesome bike So far, I have not made a start on this one. The main factor being money, especially as the bike needs it's MOT etc doing soon. Also it needs repairing as Tim was nice enough to drop it when moving it at work and snapped off one of the wing mirrors! 2. Have driving lessons & pass test Again, I have not made a start on this one, as I'm still not to sure about being able to drive the current car. Simon might be able to get a company car, and if that's the case then we can look at replacing our current one with something more suitable for me- but we wont know about that for a week or so. 3. Start riding Amber  I am plann...

I got one of Simon in his suit, looking smart and everything, but he wouldn't let me post it (the coward), so here is another edited one. Although I have Serif Photo Plus x2 (similar to Photoshop), I do simple edits like this (sepia) in Picasa.

F**k It - John C Parkin  http://www.thefuckitlife.com/ This probably has to be the best title for a book ever. Even better, it's a self help book! It has quite a simple concept really- just learning basically say F**k It to anything stressful. This could be from no longer worrying about your diet to leaving an unhappy relationship. The ideas seem to be rather Zen-like in nature, but by using the phrase "F**k It", it makes things easier to understand/ want to change. The author also happens to have a great sense of humour too and writes in a way as not to make you feel stupid/ pathetic/ worthless like some self-help books seem to do. If you take the advice then great, if not then F**k It - who cares!