Regular readers will know not to expect much activity from me at this time of the year.  The Tour grips me in its embrace, and I am willingly enfolded for three glorious weeks of emotion and spectacle. 

This year, we've experienced some diversionary activity that I wanted to share.  

After we lost Booty,  Andrew and I had lengthy discussions about the way forward.  Should we have another greyhound?  If so what age or sex?  Should we foster or adopt?  Eventually, after exploring the many options, we decided that we'd like another female, age irrelevant, and we were interested in exploring long term fostering.  In particular, as a loving, experienced greyhound home, we felt we could offer a long term placement for a dog that would otherwise struggle to be adopted.  

So after we returned from holiday, I gave a call to Paula, the local rep and friend, from Greyhound Welfare.  Paula already knew of our loss and had sent us a lovely email when we lost Booty, so our call wasn't a surprise.  We discussed our situation, and Paula confirmed that there were lots of dogs needing exactly what we were offering, a long term foster placement.  After a discussion of some of the candidates, Paula felt that we would probably be ideally suited to meeting Sara, a bitch currently placed with Sian, one of Paula's main short term/emergency foster carers.  We discussed her background and history, and Paula sent us some photos, with the advisory that as they were taken when she came into the care of the charity, she was severely underweight and therefore not looking her best. 

We agreed to take Boola and Andy along to meet her last Saturday, where she was taking part in a store collection at Caerphilly Garden Centre.  We went along feeling very nervous, but needn't have worried.  Practically as soon as we got out of the car, Andy was sniffing her with great interest and excitement and wagging his tail.  Boola was also very keen.  So we took the three hounds for an experimental walk around the car park of the garden centre, attracting some bemused glances as we went.  Clearly all three got on, which was our main concern.  We agreed to take her home, and shortly afterwards, were driving home with a third greyhound in the  boot.   

Here she is, a beautiful eight year old brindle girl.  She is a joy to have around, she is gentle, very affectionate, a devilish food thief and counter surfer, and a tail that is a lethal weapon - it wags at 100 mph.  

Having her round has been joyous.  We still miss Booty terribly, and Sara will never be a replacement for her.  Taking on another dog, and particularly giving a home to a dog that would otherwise struggle to find one, seemed to us, to be honouring Booty's memory.  

One of the reasons why she couldn't be adopted, was there was uncertainty over whether she had been spayed or not.   Funnily enough, as often happens when bitches move home, she came into season on Friday.  We noticed a few drops of blood around the place. Otherwise, she's been fine, but it means that we will have to restrict her public movements for around three weeks.  She'll be spayed now, in around three months.  

Yesterday, we took her and the two boys to the greyhound field where they could run about securely off lead, safely away from other dogs.  We had a wonderful time and it was lovely to experience some sunshine.  

It's been a very social week.  Last Thursday, we were delighted to be invited to my uncle Steve's wedding.  Steve is a geology professor in the University of Waterloo, Ontario, but his many field trips and globetrotting mean that we in Wales see him regularly.  Nancy, his fiance/wife is based in Stratford, Ontario but has family in the UK.  You can see Steve's academic profile here.  

The wedding took place at Clyne Chapel, Swansea, just at the foot of Clyne Gardens.  The reason for selecting this venue was the connection to our family.  My grandfather, Steve's father, was curate here and several members of the family including at least three of my brother's siblings were christened here.  As a result, it is held in great affection as well as being a very beautiful little place of worship. 

Steve has been married before and has two children, my cousins Sarah and Matthew, now both grown up and in their thirties.  Unfortunately, they weren't able to come over for the wedding but there will be a another Canadian celebration when the couple return.  My uncle David was best man, and it was great to see Hilary, my aunt and lots of other family members.  The service was beautiful and my uncle Philip videorecorded it for those (such as my uncle Richard in New Zealand) who couldn't be there. 

Nancy looked stunning. Marrying as a more mature lady and looking both bridal and elegant is a challenge that she pulled off beautifully.  She wore an ivory dress with an old gold lace shrug, and carried an elegant and simple bouquet.   Like many family members we reflected on the fact that it was the first major Evans family gathering without my father there.  

After taking the pictures,we returned down the hill to the Woodman just a few minutes away, for drinks and the reception.  We'd pre-ordered our food and the reception went beautifully, with lovely friendly staff in the pub, some great speeches, a very tasty meal and a champagne toast to the happy couple.  Rita and Roger had kindly agreed to come over and dog sit for us, so we weren't too constrained by the clock.  We eventually left around six after a thoroughly happy day to drive back up to Cardiff.  

 

On Sunday we had another family engagement, this time in Bath, for the fortieth birthday celebrations for Basil, Claire's husband.  Basil had bravely (considering the awful weather lately) decided to press ahead with a barbeque.  There was a gathering of family, friends, neighbours and colleagues and it was great to catch up with Basil's brother Ambrose. We also were treated to a tour of the new attic bedroom by James - he was delighted to now have his own room, and not to be sharing with his brother.  The views from the roof were stunning, looking across to Solsbury Hill (yes, the one in the Genesis song).  

 

We had all contributed to Basil's gift - he is a keen cyclist so there was a very special new bike saddle and a pair of cycling shorts.  He was delighted.  Sadly, we couldn't stay so long this time since the dogs were at home, so we came home after another lovely afternoon.  Amazingly it stayed dry, but this week has been a continuation of the appalling weather.  The rain just seems interminable. 

This has been one of the wettest summers I can ever remember.  Shortly after Booty's passing, we had the bittersweet pleasure of a long booked holiday to look forward to, in Pembrokeshire.  As before, we headed off to Little Dumpledale, with the car fully packed and with Andy and Boola having their spotted hankies on a stick and armed with a bucket and spade.  Throughout the week, we had a wonderful time, but we were acutely aware of the absence at our side, and I know how much she would have enjoyed it.  

We had two dry days and other than that, it rained pretty much all week.  We were glad of the cottage's efficient central heating and just seemed to be in fleeces and waterproofs the whole week.  We'd accidentally timed our booking to coincide with Pembrokeshire Fish Week which was lovely and meant that lots of the pubs were running a range of fish specials.   

The week was a good combo - social but also very relaxed.  Just spending the week with Andrew and the hounds was enough of a treat for me.  On the Monday we went over to Newgale to meet Louise, a friend and her adorable whippet Silver.  

We went over to Broadhaven to see my uncle David and meet up for lunch in a nice pub (he lives not too far away, in western Carmarthenshire).  And on the Wednesday night, the owners of Little Dumpledale organised a night up in the local pub for all the people staying at the farm.  This was entirely optional but was a great opportunity to meet the other guests and have a relaxed, social evening.  

Other than that, our days were mostly spent in long, leisurely beach walks, mostly with beaches virtually to ourselves.  Partly due to the weather, partly due to it still being term time for schools, but also because Pembrokeshire just is blessed with so many gorgeous beaches.  

One day was spent in me enjoying my birthday present - a visit to Cross Patch and Polstitches up in the countryside round Newcastle Emlyn.  On my birthday, I asked Andrew to let me loose in in Cross Patch as my present and he was happy to agree.  So we had a lovely drive up there through lanes overflowing with foxgloves and honeysuckle and other wild flowers.   The farm is set in beautiful countryside, and then inside is a treasure trove of fabric, quilting accessories, buttons and all manner of loveliness.  I had no problem at all in selecting a gorgeous bag of goodies, including some new embroidery scissors, some Tilda charm squares and some utterly adorable wooden buttons featuring squirrels and other woodland creatures.    Then next door into Polstitches, another heavenly shop and I treated myself to some gorgeous dyed aida and hand dyed threads. Bliss!!

One of our beach walks was at Manorbier - a glorious Enid Blyton crescent of beach, with a ruined castle, tiny village and ancient church set in the hillside behind the bay.   

  One of the things that Andrew and I discussed during the week was the gap left by Booty.  We feel we'd like to have another greyhound.  In particular, we feel we can offer a home to a dog that may not be easily adoptable so we are considering offering ourselves as a long term foster home.  Rescues often need such homes for dogs that are elderly or have medical issues - this is something we'd be very happy to consider.  We'll start by having a chat to a few rescue people we know - somehow, I don't think our sofas will be empty for very long.  No other dog can ever replace our darling Booty, but it pains me to think of any dog being in kennels (especially one that is elderly or vulnerable) when we could offer them a loving and secure home.  Andrew also had a look on Black Beauties last night (site for sighthounds in need of adoption) and we both were smitten.  So watch this space.... 

 

After such a miserable time recently, both of us were really looking forward to the weekend.  We had a long standing arrangement for Leila to come and visit us for a couple of days.  I was very excited - I don't feel I see her enough and her visits are always fun.  

Before she arrived, I did a bit of sewing ( a bit predictable!).  I had picked up some really pretty fat quarters when in Hobbycraft getting some thread and decided to make up a few nice things.  So I ended up with a drawstring bag, an applique drawstring bag, a zipped make up purse and a tissue holder.  I made up her room and then carefully laid out the goodies, just adding in a couple of L'Occitane treats. 

She arrived on Thursday morning, and I made some cupcakes while we chatted companiably in the kitchen. 

After lunch, and tidying up, we went into town for a little stroll round the shops.  Plymouth doesn't have the range of shops that Cardiff does, especially now that St. Davids 2 is open.  In particular, she wanted to visit L'Occitane, and we spent a delightful time in there, sniffing, rubbing and squirting lots of things; always like the fact too that the assistants offer you a cup of fruit tea while you are browsing.  Even better they had a sale on so I picked up a couple of things.  Then we went over to Crabtree and Evelyn for more lovely smellies and then round to Cath Kidston (bliss).  After that we headed over to John Lewis and stopped by the Lancome counter as there was a free gift offer.  We wandered upstairs for a look in the bedding department (Leila is a bit of a sheet fetishist) and then I had a look at the Amy Butler fabrics in Haberdashery.  After all the excitement, we headed back home with our parcels, and had a nice cup of tea and more chat.  Picked up Andrew from the station then came home and had dinner together. 

On Friday, we headed off to Ikea, as Leila had never been round the shop properly before and wanted to.  So we enjoyed a leisurely stroll round, and paused for lunch in the restaurant before continuing through the Market Hall.  Home again, and time to recharge our batteries before the evening.  Whenever Leila comes up, we try hard to find a "concept" restaurant (a long standing joke between us).  Then Andrew came up with a brainwave.  On our way to Tredegar House every day, we pass a quiet rural spot with a sign for Seoul House - Korean and Japanese food.  We decided to give it a go, figuring that even if it was terrible or we hated the food, there's a perfectly good chip shop in St. Mellons.  Well, what a revelation.  

Seoul House is a lovely place, set just off the main road and is a lodge to one of the old local farms.  It does rooms as well as the restaurant.  When we got in, the restaurant was small and homely, feeling in a nice way that we were in someone's house.  There were a couple of other Japanese/Korean families there also eating.  The guy who served us (who I think was the proprietor) was very friendly and helpful and helped navigate us through the menu.  

To start with we had some appetisers - exquisite little dumplings, and little plates of pickled vegetables.  We also had some of the most delicious tempura vegetables - incredibly light, fluffy batter on delicate slices of vegetables.  Gorgeous.  

For our mains, the speciality of the restaurant is a table BBQ.  Actually set into each table is a high powered electric grill (a very whizzy piece of kit, to be honest) that got ferociously hot.  Cuts of marinaded meat and vegetables were brought out and then grilled in front of us.  The idea then is that you take a lettuce leaf, a dollop of rice, some amazing sauce and then a piece of meat, roll it up into a parcel and eat it with your fingers in a couple of mouthfuls.  It was a bit strange, but we were utterly bowled over - the meat was beautifully marinaded, sliced and cooked and the sauce was amazing.  Apparently it is  a traditional Korean recipe, based on bean curd, with all sorts of lovely things added, such as garlic, herbs etc providing a delicious savoury flavour utterly unlike anything I have tried before.  We also had a side dish of the wonderfully (and aptly) named "Yum Yum Chicken" - chicken marinaded in a sweet, sticky, spicy marinade.  Messy but delicious.  

I can honestly say it was one of the nicest meals out I've had in ages, quite different and really lovely.  I can strongly recommend the restaurant, and we also liked the relaxed, family feel of the place.  After our meal, we came home for coffee, and before long it was time for bed.  

On Saturday, Leila came with us to Tredegar House to walk the dogs, but as we got there the heavens opened and it poured down (just to make a change).  So Leila decided to head for home, stopping off to visit a friend in Bristol with a new baby, en route.  The trip had flown by and to be honest, it was a badly needed tonic for us.  

On Sunday, Andrew was racing in the Llanelli Coastal 10K, with its course goign along the Millennium Coastal Path, with amazing views over Gower.  It was the first time Andrew ran this race; he was due to run it last year, but of course his broken collar bone put paid to that.  Because of Booty's death, Andrew's training had gone all to pot.  Although the course was lovely and the views terrific, he didn't do a particularly good time and looked tired and miserable as he crossed the finishing line, quite unlike his normal race demeanour.  Both of us were philosophical - the race is a good one, and I'm sure Andrew will enjoy running it next year.  Amazingly it stayed dry, and the sun even shone.  After the race, Andrew was given a T shirt for finishing and then we came home to spend a relaxing day together. 

Yesterday was the day I'd been dreading, our darling girl Booty has gone.  We walked the dogs as normal on Tuesday and although she'd been having a good sniff, she was definitely more lethargic and struggled to get back to the car.  When we took her home, she refused all food and even water during the day, never a good sign.  As the day progressed, it became clear that she was slipping away.  We made the decision that if she made it through the night, then we'd call the vet out to the house in the morning.  We've discussed this previously and think this is by far the best way to go (if possible).  Through the night, neither Andrew nor I slept very well, Andrew had her on the bed with him, snuggled up next to him.  On Wednesday I stayed with her all morning, just having a very gentle cuddle, and letting her know we were nearby.  Because of the double Bank Holiday the vet was very busy, but agreed to come out at around 1.  

Just before he came we moved her downstairs, she was too weak by that stage to walk, and settled her on a comfy duvet on the sofa.  We took Andy upstairs and he got quite distressed (he obviously knew something was happening) and I stayed with him.  My over-riding memory is of cuddling him and his head getting wetter and wetter as the tears fell on it.      

Booty passed away very peacefully at 1.30.  The vet left us for a little while to say our last goodbyes and we made sure the dogs also had a chance to, before the vet came back and took her away for cremation.  We have asked for a private cremation and for the return of her ashes and will scatter these in her favourite places. 

After the vet left, we took the two boys and went for a walk.  At this time of day, Tredegar is very quiet and it was raining intermittently, our tears mixing with the rain, as we walked in a fog of grief.  

Today has also been difficult but I've been comforted by a number of things.  We've had some lovely emails and messages from friends and I'd like to thank all those who've done so.  Secondly, it has helped having Andy and Boola around - they still need to be fed and walked and cuddled.  Thirdly, I have no regrets about the time we spent with her.  Every single day she spent with us was a blessing and a privilege - she brought so much love with her but we were also able to make sure that she was loved and cherished every day.  

I've attached some photos of her. RIP Booty.  Your race is run.        

Yesterday morning, we had an enjoyable walk in the park, quite early.  We returned home and had breakfast, then I spent a couple of hours attacking the house and getting it straight.  Went upstairs for a shower, then came down to watch the river pageant on TV and do some cross-stitching.  The event itself was marvellous, but the BBC's coverage was simply dreadful.  Z list celebs, nauseating nonsense, artificially jolly presenters, and a real lack of knowledge or interest in the subject.  Shame on the BBC for this - for so long they have been the default broadcaster for these big occasions but after this - not so.  One thing that was genuinely touching about the event was the real pleasure and excitement on the face of the Queen - she looked so delighted.  Also, hats off to her and the Duke of Edinburgh for standing during the procession - several hours in the cold and wet - more than I would have managed, yet she is 86 and he is 91.  Impressive.  

Had a relaxing evening watching some TV. 

Andrew is off this week and it is lovely to have him home.  We walked the dogs this morning, and had a little sunshine, but it's getting colder, greyer and chillier as I write and the sky looks like rain is imminent. 

Andrew is busy working on a website - I'll do a separate post about this.  Time for the big reveal, I think!

I haven't written for reasons that will become apparent.  On Wednesday 9th May I went to work in the library for the evening shift.  When I returned home it was apparent that Booty was very unwell.  I took her to the vet on Thursday morning, and she was diagnosed as having suffered a mini stroke.  She was also dealing with the problem of a recurrent eye infection that she is prone to.  Our poor darling girl was in a very bad way indeed.  The vet prescribed a drug called Vivitonin, and said that she would have to stop taking her codeine (a painkiller for her arthritis).  

For pretty much a week, things continued unchanged.  She ate very little, lost a great deal of weight (not good on a slender greyhound), slept a lot and seemed very withdrawn.  Finally, a week after she started taking it, we awoke to find her roaching on her back, wagging her tail - a joyful sight.  The medication seemed to have kicked in, and she finally began to perk up.  We are not out of the woods yet.  Her appetite is not fully recovered, she tires very easily, and she is now looking very, very old and frail.  The stroke has partially paralysed her facial muscles so she is now drooling, her lip is drooping and eating is difficult (though we are helping her as much as possible).  She is still going for walks, though is tiring easily and needs to rest during them.  The good news is though that she has her spirit back and though she is very frail, she has regained her joie de vivre and interest.  

The vet has advised that she can go to hydrotherapy, so we are taking her on Thursday, but I am personally not convinced she will be up to it - this may need to be her last session.  However, I am willing to be led by her and we will give it a go.  

In the course of this week, we have moved very much closer to the end of her life, and it is breaking my heart.  Our top priority though is making her as comfortable and happy as possible, and taking each day as it comes.  At the moment, she is still very much enjoying life and we are doing everything we can to keep it that way.  

I'll do a separate post for our other news. 

Last weekend, we went over to Llandaff for a Ghost Walk with Jim of Cardiff History and Hauntings.  We had previously done one of his walks with Rita and Roger last year and thoroughly enjoyed it, so as we had done one of the Edinburgh walks several years ago were keen to see this one.  A small group of us met Jim at the stone cross outside the Cathedral.  It was a cold night so I was wrapped up warm with a long coat and boots, and we'd remembered to bring torches too.  

The walk was an amazing mix of local history, folk tales and spooky happenings.  Jim does a huge amount of research so I was gripped by the many true stories about the Cathedral, the pilgrims who visited, the role of the area in many of the wars between the Welsh and the English, the English Civil War and its effects, Owain Glyndwr and his activities in the area, and stories about the village of Llandaff itself.  We explored the grounds of the cathedral, the Bishop's Palace,  the river bank, local woods, the graveyard and a piece of open ground just behind the Cathedral.  We also learned about the changing course of the river over time.  As the evening got darker, the bats flew overhead and the wind rustled through the trees, it was genuinely eerie at times. 

I can genuinely recommend the walks for anyone who is interested in the history and folklore of Cardiff.  Thankfully, there are no silly gimmicks and in fact Jim was showing us by the Cathedral a trick with his torch that made a very ghostly friar appear on the side of the building (clever use of shadows).  Whatever your views on the supernatural, this is a really interesting evening, but WRAP UP WARM!! 

I've been working in the Library today - extra shift for the Bank Holiday.  Worked yesterday as well.  The weather today has been dreadful - constant heavy rain and still quite cold.  In spite of it being May, I am still wearing winter jumpers and cardigans.   

So much to write about! After my last post, we headed swiftly into Easter and my birthday.  A huge thank you for everyone who sent gifts, flowers, cards and greetings - very much appreciated.  On the day itself, we had tickets to see Derren Brown in the Millennium Centre.  He was utterly amazing - very talented and funny and quite jaw dropping in what he does.  I loved his set too - had a fabulous steampunk look to it.  

Andrew had the week following Easter off work and we really enjoyed it.  It was great for him to be home and he painted the bathroom - the ensuite to our room.  We were fairly limited in the colour palette we could choose since we had decided to keep the tiles in there and we wanted something that would work with the colour of the main bedroom (a soft lavender).  Eventually we ended up with a lovely pale grey, with a white ceiling and woodwork.  It looks great - very crisp and fresh.  We also put in a new floor covering - a white design with a silver mosaic, again very simple and working well with the overall colour scheme.  

Then on the Thursday, we headed off to London for a quick weekend away.  The dogs went into kennels (always a wrench but we know they are very well looked after there) and we caught the train.  We stayed at the Premier Travelinn right in Southwark, just across the road from Vinopolis. We love this part of London.  While we were up in London we caught up with Warwick and had a special birthday dinner with him - a joint celebration.  It was lovely to see him.  We also had a special and very romantic dinner in Vinopolis itself - I had my 40th birthday party there and whenever we are in London we always try to eat there - it has so many special memories for us.  In the cocktail bar beforehand, Andrew had a cucumber Martini and I had my favourite, a peach Bellini.  Andrew let me try his Martini and I was bowled over by it - so cool and refreshing.  Definitely one to make over the summer.  

We also went on the DLR over to Stratford to have a look at the Olympics site which was very impressive, and came back via Canary Wharf, one of my favourite places.  On the Saturday morning, we had a lovely wander round Borough Market before getting a lunchtime train back to Cardiff.  We were able to drop off our luggage and have a quick coffee before heading out in the car to collect the hounds.  It was blissful to be reunited with them.  

Below I've attached some pictures.  

 

What a wonderful weekend.  Friday night was my last night in work before the Easter break - great to have a couple of weeks off.  On Saturday I had a really busy day.  In the morning, I went over to Busy Bees for a quilting course called "Flying South" with Marianne.  I knew I was going to have leave a little bit early so was organised and did all my fabric cutting out and organising before the course - fortunately Marianne had given us very clear instructions.  Originally, my thought had been to use some wonderful New Zealand fabrics that my aunt gave me last year (who lives in NZ, with my uncle).  But on reflection, I didn't think it was quite right for showcasing them and decided to go scrappy and use stash fabrics - no new purchases at all.  I'll post some pics separately of the fabrics and the blocks taking shape.  

The course was wonderful and flew by and soon it was time to take my leave.  Then back home and just time to say a quick Hello to Rita and Roger who had come over to look after the woofs while Andrew and I went to see Parsifal in hte Millennium Centre, performed in a concert setting by the Mariinsky.  It started at 4 and finished just after 10.  As usual, the performance was of a very high standard, though I was disappointed to see lots of empty seats.  We had booked a meal package with our tickets, and this was the usual very smooth, well organised operation.  As with much Wagner, I don't find the concert staging to be a problem - the music and singing is good enough to stand up by itself, and actually you're not distracted by odd or peculiar costumes, lighting or staging.  When we emerged, physically tired but greatly uplifted, I felt as though we had been away from home for much longer.  

Then it was back home for a much needed coffee.  On Sunday it was a beautiful day, sunny and warm, far too nice for our original plan to see an exhibition at the National Museum of Wales about Scott's departure in the Terra Nova from Cardiff on his last voyage.  We looked for some alternatives, and came up with a garden in Monmouthshire called Dewstow.  This was a garden with underground grottoes and caves that had been developed by an eccentric owner then after the War, had been filled in and neglected before being rediscovered and restored.  It's a beautiful spot with views out over the Severn estuary.  We loved the garden and were enchanted by the tunnels and grottoes, many with a wonderful selection of ferns and climbers.  As we wandered around, there were many Easter bunnies hiding among shrubs, trees and vegetation.  Rita and Roger loved it too and it was a gorgeous afternoon completed with a cup of tea and slice of cake in the cafe afterwards, accompanied by a little robin, who was hopping about taking crumbs from the tabletops.  I took lots of lovely pictures - a few are shown below.  

Rita and Roger stayed over on Sunday night,  and we enjoyed a special glass of bubbly as an early celebration of my birthday (next Sunday for those needing a reminder!) and on Monday Andrew left for a client very early.  So all three of us walked the dogs over at Tredegar House and then they left from there.    I returned home to spend a quiet day catching up on domestic chores.    

It's been one of those weeks where I felt that things were shifting, changes that had started were becoming more tangible.  Sometimes change can be minor and running quietly through your life, and then you have a week where you can sit up and really notice it, even though the final increment was not that huge.  

I've got a project going on in my life that I'm not quite ready to write about, but will be able to reveal quite shortly, hopefully after Easter.  That's making progress and is part of what I'm talking about.  

However, the main thing to write about is that this week I went riding, over at Helen's.  Helen is blessed to be the owner of four horses, with a fifth currently residing with her as well.  She has two Lusitanos, and last year took on two black veteran cobs, Brynne and Rudy.  On previous visits we've done stuff with the horses- I've been involved in tack cleaning, feeding, grooming and clipping, but haven't ridden.  Tuesday was our first outing.  Helen was riding Jaitoso, her beautiful Lusitano and I was riding Brynne.   

As you can see from the pics, Brynne is a very hairy boy - he's not clipped at the moment (apart from his feathers) and of course at this time of year, is just starting to lose his teddy bear coat for the summer.  After catching and grooming him, we tacked up and had a comedy moment when it was time to mount.  Fortunately an old oil tin was pressed into service and from there I made my rather inelegant ascent.  However, once I was on, wow! It felt wonderful - and I realised how much I had missed it.  Horses are a bug that are pretty much impossible to cure.  There have been times in my life where horses havent' been a part of it, but it's amazing how often they creep back in, usually because I end up being friends with people who have them or work with them.  

We set off for a rather leisurely hack - Floss the sheepdog came with us, and we set off down the lane, Helen in front and Brynne having to trot every few paces to keep up as his legs are so much shorter.  He hadn't been ridden since arriving on the farm, and it was obvious that he was very interested but also very nervous.  He got spooked by a few things along the way - Floss leaping out of a hedge, dogs barking, a pheasant shooting out of a copse but was clearly also immensely interested.  After some road hacking we turned into a field of Helen's and onto grass, and at this point he nearly took off as it appeared that in his previous life grass was indelibly associated with galloping.  I didn't feel that a flat out gallop was what I wanted on our first ride together so we walked for a bit and then returned to the lane.  An hour was plenty for our first ride and on the way back Jaitoso hurt his hoof on a stone so Helen walked him.  After we returned, I got off (still not very elegant), untacked and then we turned them out.  It was a delight to watch Brynne having a blissful roll and then cantering round the field as they played together.  

Not surprisingly, I was stiff the next day but I am really looking forward to riding again, and forming a partnership with Brynne.