Happy birthday Betty!

 

Despite seeming like it was only yesterday we got her as a little pup, Betty turned one this weekend! She celebrated like very one year old by running around too much in the heat and throwing up - brings back memories of toddler parties! You would think that being one would make her a bit more sensible but it seems not. We took her for a walk on Thursday evening and let her off the lead as normal as we got to the field. No more than 5 mins later a deer broke cover right next door to her and she of course gave chase without a moment's thought. The crops haven't yet been cut so all we could see was her head popping up every so often as she charged across the field and straight through the hedge! Abi went one way and I went the other (probably not the most sensible thing given all that did was confuse her) and after about 15 mins she finally came back absolutely knackered but clearly grinning from ear to ear! The problem now is that I cant let her off in the field without her trying to track down another one - how long will that last I wonder?

Meanwhile Abi has been spending all her time (and all her money) on Nula. I can't complain, she has been up every day this week to be dropped off before 9am, cycles home afterwards (with only minimal complaints) and is therefore fitter and more agreeable than she ever would have otherwise been. She's been riding 6 days a week so we have to assume that Nula is also getting fitter, although I'm not sure she looks it. She's super glossy but definitely still quite plump - goodness knows how given she hardly any grass in her field. 

While Abi is loving her horse, Izzy is loving her motorbike. She went off again on Wednesday with Glenn for a track day and came home buzzing. She has a circle of friends there who always tend to go on the same days, and she is learning something new every time. I'd like to post a photo but of course she goes with Glenn so I don't have any.  Instead I've had to resort to screen-shoting a video from their website - whatever it takes!

Back to work this week was much easier than it might have been - August is always an easier month than others. The weather has continued to be mixed at best and so at least I'm not sweltering in my office rather than being outside enjoying the sunshine. Glenn spent much of the week taking the roof off the workshop in order to put insulation and board down before replacing the roof. We've also installed a canopy above the back door to try and provide a bit of rain protection (previously if it rained then all the rain blew through the door if you opened it and you immediately got soaked). There was no forecast for rain but straight after Glenn put it up the heavens opened and it chucked it down. I can't say its perfect (it won't be until we sort the guttering), but it was definitely better than before. Another small but meaningful job done.

We do have to keep reminding ourselves that we have only been here 4 months (and have only owned it for 3). This week we had a couple of friends come round for the first time and all loved it. We are slowly eradicating the problems and bringing a wow factor to our home - give us a year and it will barely be recognisable. 

Blurry but better than nothing!