I thought it seemed more appropriate for the update about the funeral to have its own post.  

Since the funeral, the great and awful truism "Life goes on" has been playing through my mind.  And of course, it is so true.  Despite grief, dogs need to be walked, bills need to be paid, customers supplied, the house cleaned.  And in some ways, these things, by their very everyday quality, have soothed and reassured and helped provide structure.  I've had one or two days where I've struggled to get through more than the minimum but gradually feel that normal tempo is being slowly restored.   

Things took a big step forward on the weekend.  We headed over to Fonmon Castle in the Vale for the Countryside and Game Fair.  Our particular reason for going was to watch one of the arena attractions, the horseboarding.  Apart from this, there was a vast array of attractions, ranging from chainsaw carving to Hamster Displays.  The weather wasn't brilliant, a bit damp and chilly but it didn't put us off.  

The horseboarding was great.  I sat ringside with Callie and Sara while Andrew took some photos.  Callie and Sara were absolutely fascinated and very excited by it, squeaking with excitement when the horses thundered past.  I loved watching it, it was amazing - completely bonkers but I was full of admiration for the skill and courage shown by both the boarder and the rider and the working together.  

We had a look round at some of the other attractions then as there was a fun dog show, fundraising for Four Paws Rescue, we entered a couple of classes.  The girls came home with their first rosettes of the season! Callie won the Senior Rescue class, Sara was 2nd, and in the best Veteran, Callie came 3rd and Sara got a special.  Callie was eligible to go back for BIS, but we were cold and damp and needed to get back to the boys so headed for home after a very enjoyable day.  I attach some of the pics that Andrew took, of the thrills and spills.