So I turn 25 in about a week, and it feels like it was so recently my 24th birthday. Where did this year go? I don’t feel that I really accomplished as much as I did in previous years, but I did get to spend a LOT of time with the hounds and the family, which is precious. And, I had a lot more time to think, and reflect, on well, just about everything.
One of my favorite things about this time of year is the arrival of a herd of wild Shetland ponies. They are brought to a nature reserve very close to our house, and it is so lovely to bike over to them, and watch them graze. Last year, a foal was a new addition to the herd, and now, he is a bit bigger, but still very cute, and loves to frolic with the other youngsters. You can see them galloping, kicking and tossing their heads, play fighting and generally having a good time. It is incredible to have these wild animals so close by, and they love the attention of having you there, watching them.
I realized I last wrote a post for you three years ago, for your birthday. When I had just started off in Aberdeen, and you were back in Norfolk, our first time really living apart. I don’t know about you but I took it hard, I struggled with the distance and ‘losing’ my best friend. I had to make my own decisions, be my own company, go it alone. I found that hard, and I still often do. But this isn’t about me, it’s about you, and what I hope you’ll remember.
Before I say anything else, I just want to say, I hope you are managing, with whatever your situation is. I know this will be very different for everyone. I just wanted to share how I have coped with the uncertainty and the difficult times, and hope that some ideas may be things you could try too, if you want and are able to.
Prune gave us all a scare last weekend. She stopped eating, even eggs, which meant something serious. She had a traumatic couple of days in and out of the vets; blood-tests, scans, injections, gross medicines. If we were distraught, little Suzi was worse. She struggled without her big sister, and knew straight away that Pruney wasn’t alright. When Prune came home in the evening, Suzi rushed to her side, put her paw on her, and spent the night and next day next to her. That’s Suzi for you. One hundred percent selfless and loyal.
