New Year in Melbourne

Incredible meal at Taxi Kitchen with a prime viewing spot for the fireworks over the Yarra.  Not too shabby a way to meet 2017.

Well 2016...

I can't comprehend that only one of us survived it.

I look back at my blog posts from early in the year and it niggles me that every where was grey and grotty, that the horses weren't sleeker and shinier, then I give myself a shake and realise they were fed and watered and I had a shower every day, that was good enough! 

It was another wet winter, of course it was.  There was a day in the middle of February when the rain was lashing down, the mud was running down the drive like a river and I struggled to force myself out the door.  I remember thinking I can't do this, I can't keep going, I'm tired, I'm ill and Mark is dead.  I was practically displaying stable vices.  Then you realise that your knight in shining in armour is gone, no one is coming to save you so you pick up your sword (pitchfork) and slay your own dragons (err haylage, but some times I did have to hack it into submission).

Luckily the horses just kept selling and they sold to amazing kind people.  At times I told people a horse wasn't suitable for them or that I simply wouldn't sell to them and every time a better home, the right home for that horse, turned up.  There are many positives, so many youngsters to follow in new homes, including several of riding age.  Older broodmares in homes where they will be pampered and for the first time ever Arrayan Numa foals being shown, including Karen Paton's WD Where Eagles Dare who took the Supreme at the Scottish Appaloosa show.

I don't do counselling or anti depressants, I swear too much and I'm a little bit (more) crazy.  Early on I saw a quote, the gist of it was that you can't change anything that has happened, so you have two choices, you get bitter or you get better.  I aim to be better (then I feel guilty because I should of been better anyway).

2017 will bring big changes, a house move and hopefully a new job, more tears and almost certainly more laughs as well but tonight (I'm on Ozzie time!) I don't want 2016 to end.

Brother and Bob

Everyone should be more Bob, he is the happiest little dog!

Cover Stars!

Rebecca and I made the front cover of Scottish Rider on the full siblings Chamfron By Dand and Chamfron Firefly!

Melbourne Aquarium

We went snorkelling off Portsea Pier yesterday to try and see the Weedy Sea Dragons but a storm was coming in and visibility was too poor.  So I went to Melbourne Aquarium today instead!

Christmas at Sorrento

Arrived in Australia on the 23rd of December, my luggage arriving some days later!  The flight into Heathrow at sunrise with the fog over London was without a doubt the most beautiful flight I have ever been on.  The fog did mean we were delayed and resulted in a sprint to terminal four but I made it at the very last second.  Christmas has been down at Sorrento and Boxing day was spent out snorkelling with wild seals and dolphins,  it has to be said, like sprinting, snorkelling is not something I excel at but I did see both and didn't drown so I am taking that as a success...

Festive Chamfrons

Ombu was the first of the Chamfrons to dig out his festive attire and get in the spirit.  In Perthshire Guzull the sheep offered Rebecca a hoof and was chief tinsel carrier for By Dand and Firefly, they are doing extreme tinsel close ups this season.  Bellini looks like a naughty little elf this year while Aguacero is going for a classy colour coordinated look.  Compostella and her Arrayan Numa foal, Floss are masquerading as Santa and Rudolf.  Tizona has ditched the tinsel this year and is preparing for the holiday in Barbados she is certain she deserves as a Christmas present.  Oro Rosa says there is no need for an angel when she is about and Cactus Jack (and girlfriend Sheep) say "Bottoms Up"!  The ex Chamfron broodmares Tammy, Morena and Bridget are all looking well and very festive in their santa hats.  Mojito is looking very handsome and is hoping for a kiss under his mistletoe.  The last four photos may be Colorado, Colada, Kukri and Olegario or they may be escapees from the Cairngorm reindeer herd...