Walking in the Shadows

Random musings from Warwickshire on life in general... Things that make me laugh, make me cry, things that wind me up beyond all endurance - and everything in between.

Planning another escape…

I get back from one escape, and I immediately start planning another escape – with the same person!

This time, it’s the Italian car day at Brooklands, and from what I’ve been told, it should be one hell of a weekend. Apparently, there are loads of cars there, and you get the chance to walk around, ask questions and get your sticky little mitts on them as well!

I’ve got to admit, I’m really looking forward to this, and all I need to do is find out what date this is, and see if Mum’s got anything planned, as the last thing I want to do is upset her…

Guess I should call this quits - I’m supposed to be working…

Back later if I get the chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don’t have wings

A fun but tiring weekend…

It was just the sort of weekend I needed to brighten my mood after a rotten week.

I got to our meeting point, and was able to sneak up on my friend who had his back to the door, and made him jump by giving him a cuddle. We had a coffee and talked about the route to Cosford – which meant that we would have to use the M6… Ok – not a problem there, as it was a Saturday, but I knew from past experience that traffic could be hell.

The museum at Cosford opened at 10am, and there were a couple of aircraft outside... Not an issue, but it was blowing a gale across the airfield, and I was shivering, despite the fact that I had a heavy coat on – as it was my legs that were cold!

Once inside, my friend was a real angel and guided my frozen carcass to the hot air vents, which supplied heat to the museum building – and me! Once I was warmed up (ok – not nearly as warm as I would have liked, but I don’t think my friend would have been too keen on staying by the heater as it was quite a drive to get to Cosford!), we started to go ‘round the museum.

I will admit, I was wishing that Dad was with me, as he would have really enjoyed the museum – simply because he would have been able to tell me about the passenger aircraft that my friend and I were looking at.

The exhibits were incredible, and I will admit being awestruck by the sheer size of the Lincoln bomb bay, and my friend was a real angel, and explained about the different ways that the bombs could be loaded, and also showed me the loading diagram on the side of the bomb bay.

I also saw one of my favourite aircraft – the Spitfire. Ok – I know that sounds corny, but it really is a favourite of mine, and I’ve been lucky enough to see one flying several times – and one of those times was when the Lancaster bomber was flying as well…

We then walked down to the other hangar, where there were a variety of aircraft, including the York transport aircraft – which was another derivation of the Lancaster bomber. My friend was quite upset, as the aircraft had its tail pointing towards us, and we were unable to go around the front, but he took the time to explain what the differences were and what it was used for.

The one thing that he was determined to do was go and see the Vulcan cockpit simulation... Ok – not a problem there, as I was interested as well, but I didn’t realise that I was claustrophobic.

Which is crazy, simply because I didn’t have a problem when I went ‘round St Michael’s cave in Gibraltar. I couldn’t stay in there, and I gave my friend quite a fright when he turned ‘round, and I’d gone!

What I did was scoot out as fast as I could, and headed for the Concorde engine, as it was something that I was interested in (as I’ve got several bits of one at home, thanks to Dad, who used to work for British Airways!)

I didn’t hear him walking up behind me, and he returned the fright that I’d given him earlier in the day, and was quite concerned about me. I explained that I had felt very uncomfortable, and needed to get out of there as fast as I could. He was really sweet, and said that if he’d known that I was claustrophobic, he wouldn’t have let me go in there!

We then decided that it was time for a coffee, and as the coffee shop was in the main building, it meant that I got cold again! I wasn’t terribly impressed, and headed straight for the coffee shop, whilst he went ‘round the shop.

Once that was sorted, we then headed for our over night stopping point – which was the Mellor Park Premier Inn at Wolverhampton – as my friend wanted to go to Chapel Ash Harley Davidson the following day.

Before we went to dinner, he got this bag out, and told me to hold out my hands, and close my eyes… I will admit to being somewhat suspicious, as he can be quite a wind up merchant, but I decided to trust him. I felt something soft and furry against my hands, and when I opened my eyes, he’d given me this really sweet little toy tiger!

He said that it was the only one in the basket, and had made the most of the fact that I’d gone for a coffee, as it meant that he could dig through properly, and see if he could find a little tiger for me! Needless to say, the tiger was duly named Cosford, after the place that he was bought, and I hooked him straight onto my car keys, so that he was safe.

I then gave him the little teddy that I’d got him (it came with a miniature bottle of Bells whisky) and he immediately called it Grumpy, as it had a seriously grumpy expression on it face!

We then decided to go to the adjoining pub for dinner, which was really good, and I have to admit, I was absolutely shattered – but equally over the moon, as Scotland had won the Calcutta Cup! (It’s a trophy that is contested between the English and Scottish rugby union teams)

The following day, we headed for Chapel Ash, and had a quiet wander around… I bought myself this magnificent t-shirt, in shades of blue, with the union jack on the back – much to the disgust and annoyance of my friend, as it was the one that he wanted!

The drive back was ok – apart from the fact that I really aggravated my shoulder injury, by being too damned stubborn to stop and have a break – which caused my friend quite a bit of worry, as we parted company at Warwick services, and he admitted that he was worried about me, as he wouldn’t be there to act as my back up if anything went wrong!

But, I survived, and had a really good weekend, and the memories will keep me smiling when I’m feeling down…

I could stay awake just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
While you're far away and dreaming

I could spend my life in this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Every moment spent with you
Is a moment I treasure

Don't wanna close my eyes
Don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing

'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream would never do
I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing

Time to call this quits – I’m supposed to be working, not blogging!

Back when I get chance.

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don’t have wings

It's been a long time, but my time is finally near.

It's so close to me going away for the weekend that I can scarcely believe it. Simply because the time seems to have been dragging, and I know tonight that I am going to have an awful job getting some sleep.Ok, I'm an insomniac anyway, but I get the feeling that tonight will be worse that normal...

It's been a long road, getting from there to here.
It's been a long time, but my time is finally near.
And I can feel the change in the wind right now, nothing's in my way.
And they're not gonna hold me down no more,
No they're not gonna hold me down
.


But, the best bit is knowing that I'm going to be spending a weekend with a really good friend, and know that I can let the barriers down,and be myself without having to put on the usual front that I have when I'm in the office....

I've known the wind so cold, I've seen the darkest days.
But now the winds I feel, are only winds of change.
I've been through the fire and I've been through the rain.
But I'll be fine ...

Cause I've got faith of the heart.
I'm going where my heart will take me.
I've got faith to believe, I can do anything.
I've got strength of the soul, and no one's gonna bend or break me.
I can reach any star; I've got faith, faith of the heart.


Guess I should call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be working, not blogging!

Back later if I get chance...

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

In the office, and in pain...

My shoulder's killing me, and I'm beginning to wish that I hadn't decided to drive today. Thankfully, Mum's insured on the car, so if my shoulder is as painful when I finish at 17:00, I'll drive down to see Mum, and then ask her to drive home.

What doesn't help me, is when I get smart ass comments about me going horse riding. I wouldn't object in the slightest if I had been riding,but the closest I've been to a horse was going to see Flame this morning, and giving her a treat - a couple of apples that I'd picked up at Sainsbury's on Sunday.

But, the thing that's worrying me is Saturday. I'm supposed to be going to Cosford with my daft hog riding friend. Ok - I know that doesn't sound too bad, but it's about an 80 mile drive - most of it motorway.

But, I guess the way to deal with it is dose myself up with painkillers before I go and meet my friend, and try my best to hide the fact that my shoulder is killing me.

Failing that, I'm just going to have to grin and bear it, and admit that my shoulder is giving me a great deal of trouble, and take the consequences head on.

Guess I should call this entry quits - I need to get some bits and pieces sorted out.

Back when I get the chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Starting to walk on air...

There's something about talking to a good friend that really lifts me.

I called my daft hog riding friend at lunchtime, and he was making me laugh, complaining about his phone and hands-free kit packing up. Once he'd had his grump about that, we got talking about various things - including his trip to see We Will Rock You in London last night.

He said that it was really good, as he really likes his Queen music, and said that there were some parts that had him in tears, as he admitted that he's rather vulnerable at the moment, and was grateful that the theatre was dark!

We got talking about our trip to Cosford, and we've agreed to meet between 08:00 and 08:30, and the second one there not only buys the coffee and also gets a huge hug. That made me blush, and I have to admit that I was really glad that I was in the car, and not anywhere that I could be seen!

Once we get to Cosford, we've both agreed to turn our 'phones off, and he has said that he'll have no need for his phone, as he would be holding my hand the whole time, and that when he hugged me, he said that it would take an awful lot to make him let go of me! That made my smile get even bigger, and I have to admit, I'm counting the hours until I see him, as he means an awful lot to me.

We had to end the call as he was arriving at his next customer's premises, and he said that he would see me very soon, and would speak to me later this evening, when he finishes work.

Time to call this quits - I've got four tyres to locate for an order...

Back later, if I get chance.

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Something smells fishy. Very fishy indeed. Positively tuna casserole.

And I think I know where the smell is coming from. I'm getting landed with dealing with the account that I have to run weekly reports for. Ok - not normally a problem, but I get the impression that it could be another poison chalice for me, and I have enough on my plate dealing with the OTR stuff.

But, at least I've been asked if I want to have more to do with this account... I suppose I could have refused, but the way things are looking at the moment, refusal would not have been very healthy for my career. Don't get me wrong, I'm not worried about my job - it's just that recently, I've had a few wobbles, and I don't really want to blot my copy book any further.

To add insult to injury, I've also got to speak to my line manager tomorrow about one report for this damned account, as they want to know what stock will be available for them every week.

Err, excuse me, I'll just use my crystal ball to see what all the other customers are going to order. There is no way that it can be done with the present system, as I know damned well that the data will be obsolete even before it's left my in-box.

Guess I should call this entry quits - it's nearly time for me to escape on my lunch.

Back later if I get the chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Back in the saddle? I wish.

Well, I've got my body armour, but I'm not fit enough to go riding yet. The armour fits nicely, but it still hurts to breathe when I've got it on, and that tells me that I'm still recovering from the injuries that I sustained when Flame kicked me.

Ok - I know that it could be an awful lot worse - and I could be in hospital recovering , but I was hoping to be able to start riding as soon as I got my armour. So, it means that on a nice sunny afternoon, there's no buggering off down to the farm to get Canute (or Flame) saddled up, and disappearing off into the the hills.

So, I guess that it means a few more weeks of being careful, and not doing anything bloody stupid, until I can breath without pain when wearing the armour.

Time to call this quits - I'm supposed to be looking on the web for a new digital camera...

Back when I get chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug

And today was my day to be the bug. I seemed to get splattered on practically every windshield that I encountered, and all it did was spread my confidence like a bug's innards.

Sometimes you're the windshield
Sometimes you're the bug
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes you're a fool in love
Sometimes you're the Louisville slugger
Sometimes you're the ball
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes you're going to lose it all


But, I'm lucky enough to have friends who do their damnedest to scrape my confidence up off the windshield of life, and send me e-mails like this:

What can I say 'bout my friend Karen?
She is kind, warm hearted, with a devilish sense of humour
She is small but all the best things come in small packages
She is fiery yet gentle she is lovely and caring yet doesn't show everyone
She is private yet outgoing she shows love and affection
She loves cuddles and will get some and kisses as well
I love her company she is great fun I know the real Karen and there is only one
I wouldn't want her any other way so don't you change not for anyone
Don't you cry there is no need for you are not alone
You are strong and you are the best never let them tell you that you are not
You're a winner and that's what sets you apart from the rest
Winners make it happen losers let it happen and you ain't a loser and you know it
Take your strength from those who really know you not those who think they know you
Lean on those that you can count on not those who count on you
Use the shoulders given to you, they may be uncomfortable but use them to rest your head or cry on
Use the cuddles you receive as they are silent but mean so much
Thank you for being my friend your friendship means so much to me and I cherish it always as I cherish you


When I read that, it was all I could do to say at my desk, and not run outside and find somewhere I could cry my eyes out.

Time to call this quits - I'm about to get savaged by the cats - they're hungry and I've not fed them yet!

Back later - if I'm in one piece!

Karen
Learning to fly but I don't have wings

Shattered dreams, and a shattered heart?

On the work front, it's been a good day for me. On the personal front - it's been a disaster - and not for me, but for someone whom I care about a great deal.

I realised that something was wrong, when my friend sent me an e-mail, telling me that he wouldn't be answering his 'phone to anyone, and that he wouldn't be sending any e-mails either..

Normally, if I get an e-mail like that, my immediate thought is "what the hell have I done to upset him this time", but he seemed to realise that would be my first thought when I read the message.

He was at pains to point out that it was nothing that I'd done, but he just needed time to get his emotions together, and would be in contact with me soon.

Ok - not a lot I could say about that, but I don't mind admitting that my mind was on anything but my work, and was only too keen to make a run for it at 17:00...

As Mum was working the late shift, it meant that I had the house to myself, and was able to sort out bits and pieces, whilst having a part of my mind on whether my friend was ok...

I got my answer soon enough. My mobile chimed, and I had a text message from my friend, asking me if I could call him...

I did, and it was like someone had blown a hole in the Hoover dam. He was distraught, and in tears, and I will admit to feeling helpless, as there is only so much that you can do when you're at the end of the 'phone, and there's a fair distance between you.

And now you've given me, given me,
Nothing but shattered dreams, shattered dreams,
Feel like I could run away, run away,
From this empty heart

At the end of the day, all anyone can do is act as a shoulder for someone to cry on, and when they're in that sort of emotional state, try to keep their head above the emotional tsunami the best that you can.

Time to call this quits - I've got things to do, and the reception on my mobile stinks, so I need to be somewhere where I can get a call on my 'phone.

Back when I get chance.

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Bored, and time is dragging...

It’s one of those days when time seems to be dragging its heels, and I’m reduced to scratting around trying to find something to keep me out of mischief… But, thankfully there have been several good jokes coming my way…

Three guys - a Canadian farmer, Osama bin Laden, and an American engineer are working together one day. They come across a lantern and a Genie pops out of it. "I will give each of you one wish, which is three wishes total," says the Genie.

The Canadian says, "I am a farmer, my dad was a farmer, and my son will also be a farmer. I want the land to be forever fertile in Canada." Pooooof! With the blink of the Genie's eye, the land in Canada was forever made fertile for farming.

Osama bin Laden was amazed, so he said, "I want a wall around Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran so that no infidels, Jews or Americans can come into our precious state."

Pooooof! Again, with the blink of the Genie's eye, there was a huge wall around those countries.

The American engineer says, "I am very curious. Please tell me more about this wall." The Genie explains, "Well, it's about 5000 feet high, 500 feet thick and completely surrounds the country. Nothing can get in our out - it's virtually impenetrable."

The American engineer says, "Fill it with water."


This was one of the others that made me snigger…


Students were assigned to read 2 books, "Titanic" & "My Life" by Bill Clinton.

One smart ass student turned in the following book report, with the proposition that they were nearly identical stories! His cool professor gave him an A+ for this report:

Titanic: $29.99
Clinton: $29.99

Titanic: Over 3 hours to read
Clinton: Over 3 hours to read

Titanic: The story of Jack and Rose, their forbidden love, and subsequent catastrophe.
Clinton: The story of Bill and Monica, their forbidden love, and subsequent catastrophe.

Titanic: Jack is a starving artist.
Clinton: Bill is a bullshit artist.

Titanic: In one scene, Jack enjoys a good cigar.
Clinton: Ditto for Bill.

Titanic: During ordeal, Rose's dress gets ruined.
Clinton: Ditto for Monica.

Titanic: Jack teaches Rose to spit.
Clinton: Let's not go there.

Titanic: Rose gets to keep her jewellery.
Clinton: Monica's forced to return her gifts.

Titanic: Rose remembers Jack for the rest of her life.
Clinton: Clinton doesn't remember Jack.

Titanic: Rose goes down on a vessel full of seamen.
Clinton: Monica...ooh, let's not go there, either.

Titanic: Jack surrenders to an icy death.
Clinton: Bill goes home to Hilary... Basically the same thing.


This one, though was the one that made me grin….

A married man was having an affair with his secretary.

One day, their passions overcame them and they took off for her house, where they made passionate love all afternoon.

Exhausted from the wild sex, they fell asleep, awakening around 8:00 pm. As the man threw on his clothes, he told the woman to take his shoes outside and rub them through the grass and dirt. Mystified, she nonetheless complied.

He slipped into his shoes and drove home.

"Where have you been?" demanded his wife when he entered the house.

"Darling, I can't lie to you. I've been having an affair with my secretary and we've been having sex all afternoon. I fell asleep and didn't wake up until eight o'clock."

The wife glanced down at his shoes and said, "You lying bastard! You've been playing golf!"


Hmm – suppose I should look like I’m working, but I’m suffering from a severe case of TNFI…

Back later, if I get chance.

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Starting the weekend...

Well, the plan to go to Ashwood nurseries went to the wall, simply because they were holding one of their "behind the scenes" weekends, and it had featured on Midlands Today - one of the local news programs.

Mum didn't feel too good, and was worried that my ribs and shoulder would get bumped and bashed, thus putting me in an evil mood, and that was something that she had no intention of doing.. Why, I have no idea, as I'm such a little sweetheart when I've been bumped and barged. Believe that, and you'll believe in the Tooth Fairy as well!

So, Mum and I headed to Merry Hill. Which should be re-named Merry Hell, as that was what Mum was playing about the parking. Because she's not too good when it comes to walking long distances,has what Dad used to refer to as a "park anywhere ticket" - i.e. a blue disabled person's badge, that allows her (in theory) to get parked in larger spaces, closer to the entrance of the shops.

Fine in theory, but Merry Hill doesn't seem to have enough parking spaces full stop, let alone enough disabled slots, thus meaning that we had to park at the bottom end of the car park, and take a very slow walk to the entrance of the shopping centre.

Once we'd gotten over that hurdle, it was a case of seeing if either of us could find anything for my cousin's October wedding. I was tempted by this beautiful ice blue dress, but even in the petite (ok - short) section, this damned dress was nearly floor length - which went down like a lead balloon with me.

My mood wasn't helped when the smarmy sales assistant said that it would "look better with high heels." That was not the best thing to say to me, as I loathe heels, and Mum was sniggering at the thought of me wearing a dress. So, I've decided that I'm going to look for a dark coloured trouser suit, and have a brightly coloured top underneath the jacket.

We got several bits and pieces - but nothing for the wedding apart from a few ideas, and headed for home, where I was able to check my 'phone. I'd got a couple of missed calls from my friend (who was working - I gave that up as a bad job when I joined my present company!) He was his normal mickey taking self, asking me if I'd left my 'phone on a high shelf again, and would I call him when I got chance.

Not a problem - I just made myself scarce (the excuse being that I was going to watch the rugby on BBC1)... I called him and he asked if I was ok, and I could tell that he was worried I'd been horse riding - without my body armour.

Ok - I'm dumb, but I'm not that dumb, and I told him that I'd been shopping with Mum at Merry Hill, and that I was going to go back to the saddler's next weekend to see if the body armour fitted, and if it did, I could contemplate starting riding again.

He didn't sound too keen on that idea, but I think he's realised that there's not a lot that he can do if I do decide to go riding - apart from lecture me, which I'll just ignore as per my usual trick!

Time to call this quits - my damned mobile's ringing...

Back when I get chance.

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Playing the fragile female...

And I can do it so well when I need to! Needless to day, I have managed to make the two people who made me so angry / upset yesterday feel really guilty, as I went into work with a migraine.

The OTR manager called me first thing this morning, all sweetness and light, almost as if he'd forgotten that he'd had a real blast at me yesterday afternoon...

I, however, decided that it was time to start playing nasty, and when he asked how I was, as I sounded subdued, compared with my normal self, dropped the first of the bombs...

"That's because I'm waiting for the migraleve to kick in, and try and ease my migraine."

"Oh, I'm sorry - I didn't realise that you weren't feeling too well."

The sucker punch came when I told him that I'd woken up with it. Which wasn't a lie - I had, and I was feeling bloody awful.

Needless to say, that sucked the wind right out of his sails, and he said that he would keep the calls to a minimum for me, as he wanted me to get better quickly. I got the feeling that he was worried I would go home sick - something that I have to admit, I was awful tempted to do!

But, there were a couple of bright spots for me - one was the fact that my daft bunny kept e-mailing me, and making me smile (not something that I'm supposed to do when I'm supposedly suffering from a migraine!)

The other was finding out that I had unexpected allies in the OTR department - all of whom had ganged up on the two people who'd put me in such an evil mood yesterday, and one even went to the trouble of pointing out that I was doing a job that none of them wanted to do!

Guess I should call this entry quits - I'm going to Ashwood nurseries tomorrow with Mum, and I have to be up early to go and make a fuss of Flame as well... Bang goes my weekend lie in!

Back tomorrow, if I can face sitting at a computer!

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

In fury and pain

I swear, one of these days I am going to swing for certain members of the OTR department. Before I escaped for physio, I had a call from the OTR manager, asking me about two tyres, that I'd let one of the guys have... It turned out that one of the other guys wanted these same tyres and it was like a group of children squabbling!

It turned out that there were two codes for these damned tyres, and that both my understudy and myself had been using the "wrong" code for the orders, and neither of us were the wiser, as no-one had thought to let either of us know!

Even though I offered to call this fella and explain, the manager refused, and said that he would deal with it, as he said that it would sound better comming from him, and finished the call.

Needless to say, that put me in an evil mood, and I warned my understudy of what had happened, as the poor sod gets my direct line forwarded to his extention number when I'm either on lunch, or away from the office.

I then went to physio - which was good, if not painful and I will admit, to being in a stinking mood as I type this entry up.

I'm awful tempted to make life extremely difficult for the two people concerned, but that would mean letting them know that they have been able to wind me up - and I'm better than that.

But that doesn't mean that I'm not going to get my own back - and I think that it may be time to play the "fragile female" bit....

Time to call this quits - I need to try and get some sleep tonight....

Back when I get chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Back onto the emotional rollercoaster...

Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions today... I'd already got the pre-cursor to a migraine, and them my daft hog riding friend sent me an e-mail at work, saying that he'd sent me an e-mail to my home e-mail address, as he didn't think it was suitable to be sent to me at work....

I struggled through until lunchtime, then called him as I was driving over to the Crem, and that was when the tears really started to flow.

He was a real angel of mercy - talking to me about all sorts of things and even managed to make me smile through my tears by asking me how big I liked my teddy bears... I wasn't sure what that was leading up to, so will admit to being a little guarded, until he said that he was going to hug me like a teddy when he saw me!

That nearly finished me off, and I went back into the office looking like a vampire after a seriously bad night on the blood, and did my best to avoid answering questions about what had caused me to get so upset.

The simple matter was the fact that I had spoken to my Aunt last night, and she is so much like Dad in her manners (i.e. doesn't suffer fools gladly, and is of the opinion that it's the family first - everyone else can go **** themselves) that it re-opened the wounds that were caused when Dad died.

Then, I read the e-mail that my friend had sent me. Suffice to say, that it did start me crying again, as I didn't realise just how he viewed our friendship, and it made me realise just how much I value his friendship.

Hello my friend,

Thank you for talking to me,
Thank you for being there when I need someone,
Thank you for reasoning with me,
Thank you for listening and trying not to judge me.

I am a mad mixed up bunny trying to do the best I can for everyone - it's just that some people out there in my life just don't appreciate it and it just ain't good enough for them.

I don't expect you to understand me at all 'cause I know I don't understand myself all of the time.

I just want to be happy its not too much to ask is it?

Take care from your daft cuddle bunny

For him to take the time to send that to me, just tipped me over the edge yet again, and it took several readings for his words to sink in.

I will admit, there have been times in my life - especially just recently - where I don't think that I could have coped with out him giving me a swift kick up the tail, and I will admit, I didn't think that my reply was really eloquent enough to express what I was feeling....

You've been one of the best things that could have happened to me, and there have been times when I don't think that I could have coped without having you to talk to, make me laugh, and occasionally give me a swift verbal kick up the tail to get me thinking straight.

Your friendship means more to me that I could ever tell you in an e-mail, but I know that when I see you, I'll be able to show you what you mean to me...

 Time to call this entry quits - it's nearly impossible to type when you can hardly see the keyboard for tears.

Back when I can see, and think straight.

Karen
Leaning to fly, but I don't have wings

Knackered, but happy....

I'm making an escape this month with my daft hog riding friend. We're going up to RAF Cosford, and as it's a fair distance for the pair of us to travel, plus wandering around the museum, we've decided to make a weekend of it.

Ok - not a problem there. The problem arose when I was dumb enough to mention this trip to Julian, who immediately decided that there was "no way you're going to wear a scruffy polo neck and jeans - you're going to look like a lady for once."

Thanks a bunch. The "scruffy polo neck" happens to be an old favorite of mine. Ok - I admit that it has seen better days, but it's one of those things that you tend to be loathe to throw away, as it's so comfortable. But, once Julian gets into that frame of mind, it takes a braver person than me to challenge him - especially with sore ribs!

So, the scene was set for the pair of us to go to Milton Keyens, and as we were leaving early morning (ok - 08:00) he stayed over at my home.

There were moments when I could have cheerfully strangled him, as he kept dodging from shop to shop, picking out things that were either frilly, or pastel coloured, or if I was seriously unlucky - both! But, I soon realised that he was only doing that to wind me, up, and he did quite a good job of it!

He was a real angel, advising me on colours and fit of things that he and I picked out, and on more than one occasion, I heard other shoppers say to their partners "why can't you take more of an interest like he does?" That made Julian and I both laugh, and yes, it did hurt, I will admit!

The end result was well worth the sort feet that I ended up with, and as my friend reads this blog, I'll say no more about what I got - aside from the fact that it's a little bit different to my normal attire!

Time to call this quits - Julian's cooked dinner for Mum and myself - and it smells divine!

Back when I get chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

And it's not just me getting hurt...

Not the sort of 'phone call that you really want to recieve. I got a call from the farmer who keeps an eye on Flame for me, to say that she had blood pouring from a wound on her off-side rear hock...

I will admit to breaking numerous speed limits in an attempt to get to her as fast as I could, and was praying that it wasn't anything nasty, and that Tony had called the vet...

I got to the farm, just as Gianni (my trusted vet) pulled up. The pair of us walked into the yard, where Tony had managed to get Flame into one of the loose-boxes. If I didn't know better, I would swear that she knew he was trying to help her, as normally she's a real sod to get into a box.

Thankfully, no major damage, but the cut still needed a fair few stiches to close it up, and I've been told that she won't be fit enough to do any serious cross-country work for at least a month.

Ok - I can live with that for the moment, as I'm still trying to recover from my injuries. But I know that as soon as I (a) get my body armour, and (b) am fit enough to ride, then this restriction will bug the hell out of me. Tony must have realised that was the case, as he's said that I can ride his big hunter - Canute, until Flame is fit again.

That's really sweet of him, but it will be like going from a Ferrari to a Reliant Robin in terms of performance, as Flame is bred for speed and agility, whereas Canute (bless his huge heart) is more of a plodder.

But, they say that beggars can't be choosers, so I guess that if I do want to go riding before Flame is fit, then I'll be scrambling up onto Canute's broad back.

Time to call this quits - I need to get some rest, as my ribs are killing me.

Back when I get chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings