My
log
December 2011 Ramblings ..............
December was horrible, the waether was apalling from start to finish. One day whilst out walking the hailstones were so big and hard that the dogs and I hid in a bus shelter until they stopped. I had just made it into a field ten minutes later when another hail storm started, it was so bad that I could hardly see. When I looked up Reef was attached to my leg but Indi was no where to be seen. All of a sudden I saw a movement and it was Indi, she was in the hedgerow stood on her hind legs next to a tree, her front legs were hitched up in a branch so that she was flush with the tree and avoiding the hailstones!!!
I have never known the fields to be so wet and the dogs to be so muddy. Usually a towel down after their walk does the trick but the whole month they have either come in soaking wet from the rain or I have taken them into the back garden to hose their legs and belly off before they come in the house thus making them soaking wet again!
My man flu started at the beginning of December, I seemed to be getting better and then within 3 days would go downhill again, this re-occured three times before I took a course of antibiotics to clear it up once and for all.
Christmas day and Boxing day were lovely and were 2 days that I could actually taste my food, which was just as well as my brother made a very good job of the cooking. it was nice to escape to his tidy house for a couple of days as mine is still "in progress" with all of the building/decorating. the dogs are always welcome around Simon's and think the world of him and his son Zeb so together with Mum we had a lovely family Christmas.
On Boxing day Beetle and a friend Contra decided to escape from their field and visit the local retirement home, I don't know who was more concerned, Wendy to find that the horses were missing or the resident who went out for a cigarette and discovered them happily chomping in the back garden.
On Christmas eve some lovely news came from Halina + John........ Matahari Moth Orchid (Moth) had a lovely litter of puppies - I know that they will have had a fabulous Christmas adoring them, love to them all xx
Ramblings October / November 2012................
October arrived, Beetle came back in from his holiday and then we had a mini heatwave!!
Mum came to the first Champ show we had been to for ages, but her back had been playing her up, the day after she was really bad and got worse over the next two days to the point where she couldn't sit, stand or sleep and ended up in A&E. After being provided with enough drugs to kill a horse, she was finally out of severe pain however she didn't leave the house for 6 weeks. Intense therapies, now mean that she is slowly improving. Its been tough attending shows on my own......... no-one to get coffee, planning going to the loo etc.......... Deerhound people have been fab lending a hand however.
My nieces and Nephew who live in Suffolk made a lovelysurprise visit in October, since my house was like a building site they stayed at the local caravan park. We had great fun, walking the dogs, riding and swimming - I was grateful to spend some evenings in the caravan where I could sit on a sofa!!
About 18 months ago, Mac rolled over on his bed and put his head through the wallpaper in the blocked up chimney, It must have been crumbling for a while. I started planning having the chimney breast removed as a while ago I had removed the same chimney breast upstairs. There never seemed to be a good time and I have cancelled it 3 times. Then in October i went for it..................well as with most old houses one problem usually hides another................. the old lathe and plaster ceiling came down with the chimney which was full of black soot......... a carpet was ruined.......... and then my 18 year old boiler decided to be tempramental. AAAAARRRGGHHHH!! A one week job has turned into approx 3 months. It has been a nightmare. I lived upstairs for 5 weeks, then had a 3 week break before the work has started again........I hope that all of the work may be near completion by the end of January. The dust has been terrible and I probably still have a few more months of it yet.
Needless to say Christmas preparations may be a litttle chaotic!
Keri Llewellyn
September Ramblings....................
September started with turning Beetle out for a well earned summer holiday. As he is still young I like him to have at least a month off each year in a huge field with some "friends" so he can just be a horse for a while!
I then took the opportunity of a last minute holiday with a friend. Usually a gang of us go diving each year but dur to illness and busy schedules we had not been able to arrange anything this year. Karen (twisty witch) and I decided to look for a last minute bit of sun not to far away and settled for a week in Marsa Alam Egypt.
It was a place that did just what it said on the tin - provided good diving and very quiet chilling time! no phones, the bar closed at 9pm each evening ( due to most of the morning dives starting at 5.30pm!) It was very very hot and that coupled with the 100 steps to my room meant a good start to my latest diet!!
I have a wish list of things / creatures I would like to see whilst diving, I have been fortunate enough to see loads of things but the excitement of seeing my first dugong (sea cow) within 5 minutes of entering the water on my first (check) dive was unbelievable and set the tone of the holiday (although noone saw another on any dive the whole week!)
After a fabulous week of dolphins, turtles and Octopus not to mention the fact I was pleased to find that my lungs still worked after last years accident, it was home to tragic news.
As soon as I landed I had a distressed Mum on the phone to say that Mimi had been found dead the morning before in the kennels. Mum had phoned every day and texted me with news of the dogs, so this was a complete shock as all had been fine even up to 6pm the night before which was the last time mum had rung the kennels. We were all devastated.
Then it was back to reality - as I had 2 weeks of long working days to get through. It was also time to start sorting the dogs out as I had entered South Wales Kennel Ch show in early October . . . . . . . . .
August ramblings . . . . . . . . . . . .
August came and brought with it 2 dressage tests!! What can I say - we survived - we improved, one was outdoors in storm conditions and the other one was inside in storm conditions!!
I took Reef to our first show in ages which was our local "Vale of Glamorgan" agricultural show. it was lovely to be supported by Jan and Stuart who brought Storm and we won BOB so had a really great day. There were more Deerhounds than usual both showing and visiting including 2 "rescues" who live locally but I have never come across before.
We also went to WELKS CH show this month, it was great to see everyone and catch up, although I wasn't too well but was really looked after by Wiggy and the Wolfscastle crew - many thanks. I had a few pleasant nights out with friends I hadn't seen for a while (one of these led to a September holiday being booked - YAY!) and my Nephews 2nd birthday party which we held in "Millies Madhouse" - and Mad it was too, all in all a hectic but very pleasant month.
Ramblings June / July 2011...............
Well where has the time gone? Its been a very busy time work wise. I have been putting a lot of work into schooling Beetle and hope to enter a Dressage test before the summer is over. It will be a bit of an adventure since seeing so many people and things going on may well fry his brain, the aim was for him to just "visit" a show first to have a look around. Sadly both local events were rained off - best laid plans and all that. I shall also be a nervous wreck since it is at least 22 years since I last entered any riding competition!!!
I have suffered with tooth problems since May, I am on a waiting list for an op since one tooth is a tricky problem - I can now really sympathise with anyone who has moaned about tooth pain to me in the past..........never have I been so desperate.............. only 6 weeks to go (fingers crossed!) I am now on the 5th course of antibiotics...
At the end of June Matahari Mimosa came back to live, just one of many reasons that I haven't attended so many shows for the past 2 months. She has settled in very well, more news and pics to follow.
A big congratulations to Matahari Moonlight (Luna) who since becoming a Bermudan champion has now recieved an invitation to the American Kennel Club Eukanuba National Championship in Florida!
Also lots of bad news this month 2 friends who were both in remission have had the big "C" return, they are both being very brave and upbeat and I am sending them positive thoughts daily.
Then I noticed on the Kilbourne website the Annual Deerhound Club show "deal" for 2012 was up already - so I am booked............ gives me something to look forward to next year - can't wait!!
Ramblings May 2011........................................
Wet - Dry - Wet - Hot/Dry - Cold/Wet................................................. a very up and down month, got soaked and freezing cold at Bath Champ show............ then was so hot at Southern Counties that I invested in some "Keep Cool" coats for the dogs!! I am very impressed with these coats, they certainly seem to do what it says on the tin!! The dogs are kept very cool and they are great to travel and walk them in. Despite soaking them in water to "activate" the coolong effect the dogs coats are not wet and neither are your legs when the dogs lean on you!.
I actually finished my new fish pond and have transferred the fish, it would be great if we could have some more nice weather so that I can sit in the garden and appreciate it.
I moved Beetle to his "summer lodgings", he will live out now unless the weather is particularly bad, but will continue his more formal education and is starting some jumping training. It is a little sad as the dogs can't come out riding with me during the summer as his new livery yard does not have " off road" riding.
Ramblings April 2011.................................
The beautiful weather meant that most of April was spent outside. I have walked, ridden and gardened even before and after work. My only worry is that this amazing sunny spell might actually be our Summer!
The long awaited Breed show arrived and though it was a really long drive the setting was spectacular and after a very exhausting and draining time in work it was nice to be transported away to a place that felt calm - although certainly not a restful few days with so much going on. Whilst we were there it was lovely that we were joined for a couple of visits by some family who live in Suffolk and who due to time commitments we dont see that often.
I did at least mamage to catch up with some more people who I missed at Crufts (although not all) and I do understand the feelings of some people who would prefer to visit the breed show without dogs so that you can socialise more and watch everything in the ring!!!!!
At breakfast on the Sunday morning the "welsh contingent" formulated a plan to go and visit Kim and Zoe's " Wolfscastle" puppies next weekend since we had missed them at the breedshow.
The next Sunday saw Mum and I, Gaynor and Alan and Leo and Robin trek down to westest Wales to visit the Wolfscastle abode - surprisingly this is the first time that I have visited. It was another really hot day, perfect for sitting in the garden with a selection of refreshments and we all took a picnic. We played with puppies (lots of cuddling) and then went for a walk when it had cooled a little. Another fab day!
To end the month we attended South West Hound Open show where Indi came first in the PG class.
Ramblings January, Febuary, March . . . . . . . . . .
Oops - Glenis has just reminded me that I haven't posted any news for 3 months - well I think you can tell its been a very busy time. Lots of ups and downs generally lots of downs in work as the council cuts have hit our business hard and we have had to lose 25% of our workforce, its been an emotional and frustrating time and I am hoping that things can now only improve - fingers crossed.
The positives have been . . . the weather! after a cold January and lot of rain in February, March has been a real pleasure. Lots of dry and even warm days which have seen me out of the house a lot, riding, dog walking and gardening!!!
My riding has been a joy, with my new point two air jacket I feel liberated again (I just couldn't get on with the rigid body protector for hacking). The best thing has been introducing the dogs to forestry riding. I did have some concerns about the dogs running into the horses or getting run over (by Beetle) or being out of control with me a little too far away to be effective, however I couldn't believe how fantastic its been, we have taken its slowly and with the added influence of my friends well behaved dogs, the deerhounds have learnt to follow just behind Beetle so as not to be stepped on (or behind all of the horses if I am riding with friends). Reef especially thinks he is now a proper "horse hound" and takes his role very seriously whilst smiling the whole time!!! We have met walkers, cyclists, motorists, children, stock and lots of chickens whilst riding through farmland - through all of which the Deerhounds have not put a foot wrong - I am very proud of them and its been a real buzz us all coming back tired after a good ride.
Then March brought Crufts . . . . . . . . . . . We had an absolutely fabulous day, I was on a real high that Indi got 3rd in Post Graduate Bitch, it was a huge class and Indi behaved really well. Its my best ever Crufts result (Mac had a 5th) and I now have a lovely Crufts rosette.
MATAHARI MERMAID (MISS K A LLEWELLYN)
Another smashing bitch, would win easily in a smaller class, ( 25 Abs: 6 ) very good overall conformation, and excellent movement - Zola Rawson
The day was made even better by seeing and catching up with so many friends, (although there were some I still didn't get around to chatting to and am now looking forward to the Deerhound Club weekend to hopefully put this right!). Meeting Carole from Bermuda (Lunatics mum) for the first time and Laura and Ian from Scotland was just the icing on the cake - lovely, lovely people.
A big thank you to Wiggy for bringing his big, long one!!! as i didn't ever have any pictures from Crufts since Mum and I can never get the lighting right!!!!!! Also thanks to "Hinge and Bracket" (Mum and Auntie Pat) for all their help and patience dog and belonging sitting whilst I am off being a stress head!!!
Ramblings December 2010
LKA was a good opportunity to catch up with some friends around the ring that I haven't seen for a while. it was really good to be given a much needed riding pep talk (AKA kick up the arse) by Liza (Faircloth) - just what I needed!!
I found a lovely B+B just 0.5 miles from the NEC (sadly already booked for Crufts!!) which meant a stress free arrival in the morning. It was a lovely day - prompt judging meant a good start to the journey home.........sadly thwarted by the M6 being closed........ miles of traffic jams and a long diversion, ah well never mind!
Then more snow, more snow, frozen snow and a dose of piggy flu - just what you want when you haven't finished your Christmas shopping!!
Mum and I had a quiet but very restful Christmas and new Year - hope it was as good for everyone else.
Carole in Bermuda has a new addition to the family - Luna has a new pal and looks really pleased!
Ramblings November 2010
The long awaited day came and I got back on Beetle. I rode in the menage for a couple of weeks - not at all impressed with my new Rodney Powell back protector. Its so stiff, getting into it wore me out, I had to relearn adjusting stirrups and girth due to my inability to move! Beetle was very fit and high as a kite due to all of the work in the school we were doing but it was still nice to be back on board - then the snow came -Snow and Ice thwarted the end of the month we were unable to get the horses out of the yard for 2 weeks, even the menage froze too hard to work the horses in. The first thaw saw me riding (accompanied ) on the road for the first time. I went straight on the ride where I had my accident but I can't say I felt comfortable or confident. Even after a couple of times it didnt feel any better I realised that my confidence had taken more of a battering than I thought, the icy roads and inflexibility of my new body protection not helping matters.
The last weekend of the month saw Mum and I (Mum with her winter spikes on) battling our way to an open show in Cardiff. Since both dogs were entered in the same class it was a very kind (and brave) friend of Gaynors - Karen - who offered to lend a hand. I was very pleased when Indi won the class, Gaynor's Susie was second and Reef came third.
Ramblings October 2010
I'm still not as active as usual although getting better each day. Lots of work to do in work so I was kept really busy this month.
I heard very sad news that Caroline and Robin who have Brodrepp (Matahari Whitecap) lost their other Deerhound Somerled. Although I never actually met Somerled from all of the e-mails and pictures that Caroline has sent me he seemed like a true gent and a very loving and sensitive Deerhound. Then some good news - Caroline and Robin have picked up a new puppy from Elaine (Ehlaradawn) her name is Calantha which means "Beautiful blossom. A woman of childlike beauty and innocence" Caroline really does choose the most beautiful and unusual names. Brodrepp looks like he has fallen in love already!
The end of the month saw me collecting an award at the Welsh Care Awards in Cardiff City Hall for Leadership and Management in Care. I was very kindly nominated by my staff (without my knowledge and am secretly very pleased even if I didn't show it!!) it was a lovely evening and I had a great time with my staff who came along to support me - Thanks All.
Ramblings September 2010
September has been really quiet. I worked from home at first and held staff meetings at my house! After a couple of weeks I started to drive short distances and started to reduce my pain killers. By the end of September I was back in full time work and doing my usual walk with the dogs. I have tried jogging a little but the ribs are still a little painful so I am aiming to try and get fit enough to enter LKA in December. I have been told that due to the pneumothorax I have been told that it would not be a good idea to ride until November 4th (and counting)............
August Ramblings 2010 . . . . . . . . . . .
August kicked off with the Hound show, a very wet day!! I think that due to the soft crate the dogs were drier than Mum and I!! I made the fatal mistake of standing up during the middle of the downpour which then meant that my seat was rendered useless and completely filled up with water.
By direct contrast 3 days later I then attended the Vale Show which was like a heat wave, I took Reef and a rucksack and we spent half the day trying to hide from the sun under the shade of the boot of a car. Jan and Stuart brought Storm (Matahari Monsoon) just for a visit, although they have been in touch the whole time it was the first time I have seen Storm in the flesh since they took him home and it was lovely to see the huge cuddly bear he has grown into. Gaynor (Carr) and I went back and fore to Dogs Trust and another dog rescue tent as there were 2 rescue Deerhounds (one needing rehoming) there – so sad.
The next weekend I went for my annual dive in this country (urghh, usually done just to check kit/maintain skills/remind myself why diving abroad is so much more enjoyable!) It rained again so after getting wet we then changed into dry clothes – and promptly got wet again!!! Good to get together with Twinkly witch and Twisty Witch for a pub lunch afterwards – with lots of strong coffee to warm up!
Then the day after we drove down to the New Forest to stay overnight before spending the day in New Park for Bournemouth CS – another scorcher, we successfully ended up with a “tented camp” as the sun was so strong.
The next weekend was going to be the first full weekend that I had spent at home for 6 weeks – I was really looking forward to it although I had a busy itinerary . . . . . . . well all good plans!!! After a busy Saturday morning I made a bad decision to take my youngster out for a ride – he had had an altercation with an escapee stallion the evening before and was feeling sorry for himself. I thought I would take him out for a 20min walk to see if he was stiff etc........ He was unusually quiet and ploddy so we just pootled “around the block” me daydreaming and then being nosy and stretching to get an “over the hedge” view of a property that had just been put on the market whilst holding only the rein buckle in one hand when – boom....... Beetle spooked sideways and I hit the road! I knew that at the very least I was severely winded and luckily was able to get my mobile phone out of my pocket and ring my friend Lisa, After 5 minutes when I still couldn’t move I realised that I may have done some more damage. Lisa arrived fairly quickly after dropping her husband off to catch Beetle and take him home (he had moved up to the nearest patch of grass and was munching) and she called an ambulance – what an experience – by now I was in quite a lot of pain and had difficulty breathing but they were more concerned with any spinal damage I might have had and so strapped me to a back slab – this made for a very uncomfortable journey. In A+E I was told that fortunately I did not sustain any spinal/neck injuries however I had torn my rotator cuff, broken 3 ribs, one of which had punctured my lung and so now had a pneumothorax – cue a chest drain (the worst thing I have ever had to endure). I was then admitted to hospital. My Mum and friends took care of everything..... beetle was turned out in a new field (further away from the stallion) and the dogs went into a kennels since it was unsure how long it would be before I was back on my feet.
Then more bad news, my poor mum had to come to the hospital in the morning and explain to me (an already horrible patient) that my beloved Mac had passed away in the night. Mac hadn’t been himself for a few weeks, everything was stressing him out more than usual and he had been particularly restless, I am not sure that he ever fully recovered from his gastric torsion op and it appears that he just went to sleep and didn’t wake up. Mum took his body to my vets but he didn’t seem to have been stressed at all and she said he looked very peaceful – for that I must be grateful.
It has been a long month and I am now forced to have a rest whilst I recover. I would really like to thank all of my family and friends for both their practical and emotional support at this difficult time, I consider myself to be a very rich person to have such wonderful people in my life.
Ramblings July 2010............
This was a busy month with lots of appointments / engagements to attend. The Poor dogs were in and out of kennels for a few nights each week and I have travelled the length (not so much breadth) of the country for meetings and parties!!
Apart from work I had a fabulous long weekend on the Isle of Wight. I was visiting friends and also had another friend - Gav -"40th surprise party". his girlfriend had hired a pleasure cruiser for the evening and we had champagne reception, casino and disco on board. We departed from Cowes and then sailed around the solent for the evening. It was a fab party, James Bond themed and Gav didn't have a clue! we were all on board when he arrived to board the boat on the red carpet thinking he was going to a cocktail party !
Then the following weekend (with just 3 days in work in between) I had another friends 40th! Tracy in Wigan, again another fantastic party with friends staying from all over the country. The party actually started on Wednesday when the preparations began and everyone was helping to set up (marquee etc) then it continued for the next couple of days with the main event being Saturday evening to Sunday morning. I laughed and laughed the whole time and despite nearly killing me off (I am not known for late nights!) the karaoke and party was still going when I left on Monday morning!!
I am now exhausted but still have some more away weekends to go!! I will not have been home for 6 weekends in a row in total by the middle of August - hey ho!
Keri Llewellyn
Ramblings June 2010
The beginning of June I moved Beetle to a smaller field, he has put on loads of weight and has also grown another inch. I had him shod and then took him straight out on his own in a strange place, he was brilliant, he is so lovely to ride I smile each time I take him out. The weather has been perfect for riding and with my friends home made recipe of citronella and hair gel as a fly deterrent we have had some beautiful and fly free rides.
Then back into the show season, first Blackpool and then a few days later to Windsor. I have to say that really entering both of these shows was a little to much for both myself and the dogs. The weather was extremely hot at both shows and coupled with a lot of travelling and some overnight stays I think we were all "showed and travelled" out after these two. Even though we had left double the amount of travel time required from our hotel to Windsor we still found the traffic challenging and were very grateful when we arrived and found that the previous breed in our ring (Elkhounds) had not even started and that they had delayed the start of the whole show. It was disappointing to find out that my favourite overnight haunt near the Stafford showground ( Holiday Inn Express) has since April 2010 introduced a £10 charge per dog, this makes a big difference when bringing 3 dogs, its seems that costs associated with dog showing are escalating at an alarming rate!
All of the dogs are fine although since this hot spell started they have not been eating as well as normal. - No complaints about the weather here though - we will be faced with rain again soon enough!!!!
Ramblings May 2010
I really haven't got my skates on and organised myself with show entries this year. I kept missing them by a day or two, however I managed to attend the Deerhound Fun day in Newbury.. . . .and fun it was, everyone had a great time and still the weather was kind. However my dogs with a killer instinct at home - even towards plastic bags - showed no inclination of being interested in learning to lure course. Even though they were jumping up and down with excitement watching the others as soon as they got their opportunity all they wanted to do was play and rough house each other .. . . ah well!!
At the end of May we went to Bath Ch show. Indi was left home as she is in season and so Mum, Pat and I took the boys. We had a lovely time and although Mac only came 4th in Open dog it was his first time back in the ring since he bloated and he loved every minute. He was a joy to show and was so excited all day. Quite an emotional day, I went home a very proud Mum and with a huge smile on my face!!
Ramblings April 2010
Mac continued to improve and very gradually I re-introduced him back to his usual diet. He had lost an alarming amount of weight but due to the nature of his problem I knew that putting it back on would be a slow process. We went to the Deerhound Club Show and had a great time, it was good to see friends and the weather was fabulous. The young hooligans were quite overwhelmed with it all but made sure they really enjoyed themselves!
Beetle continued to make good progress but the winter has been a very long one and the whole of April was spent with fingers crossed that grass would at last come through. The last week of April he lost a shoe and I then decided to have the rest taken off and turn him out for a well earned break.
March Ramblings..........
March started where February ended with a hundred mile round trip each evening after work to sort out / ride Beetle and then on to visit Mum in hospital. To all our relief Mum was discharged on March 8th, not that the hospital have any clue what actually happened in her knee but it had improved enough for her to be able to hobble around. Mum came home and was a little upset that she would not be able to come to Crufts on the Friday since she couldn't walk, but I managed to arrange for us to borrow a wheelchair and our friend "Auntie Pat" was more than willing to push her around so we thought we were sorted...............
On the Wednesday morning at 6am I took out the dogs for the usual jaunt but something was just not right with Mac. Since the dogs (well the 2 hooligans) are quite playful (code word for rough and dangerous) I thought that they may have bashed him whilst playing, he was walking hunched up as if he had pulled something in his neck. I couldn't feel any thing worrying at all when running my hands over him and no obvious signs of pain. I was supposed to be at an all day conference but something told me that I shouldn't leave him. I sent my apologies and waited for my vets to open and told them I was bringing him down. Even then there were still no obvious clues / signs of what was wrong with him. The vet agreed that something was going on an an xray confirmed our worst fears - he was bloating, albeit very slowly. This was nothing like when Rinda bloated. He was admitted and treated straight away, I was to ring later for news. They successfully cleared his stomach but took the decision that since he was going into hyper bulimic shock it was best to get him through this trauma and stabilise him before performing the pexi op ( where the stomach is stitched to the abdominal wall so that in the event of a dog re-bloating it is unable to twist). It took 10 days before the vet was happy that Mac was in the best possible shape to have this major abdominal surgery, it was heart wrenching to take him in when he had seemed so much better and knowing that he would come out in a terrible state and need intensive nursing again for a few days.
After both treatments my vets took the decision to allow me to bring Mac home straight away. (I think this was to save their eardrums since when Mac is not happy you really know about it). Although on both occasions I took him back daily in order for them to check him. We had one small set back when they prescribed Tramadol for breakthrough pain and he had a reaction, we thought that he may have been rebloating since he became so distressed, however a visit to the emergency vet confirmed that it was probably his reaction to the Tramadol. (Useful to know that as with people Tramadol doesn't suit everyone).
Otherwise Mac has made a good recovery, he will still be walked only ON the lead for a few weeks, but he is feeling much better, shown by his frustration at this restriction! It will be hard not to wrap him in cotton wool, but what will be will be and I would rather that he enjoyed every minute of a shorter life than restrict him in anyway i.e. not let him off the lead or have some rough play etc..
Ramblings February 2010..........
February started well with me riding Beetle for the first time, it was really exciting as I can't believe I bought him the day he left his mum and now he is nearly all grown up. The days were passing with horse things such as saddle fittings, having his back checked etc when I had the "mum" phonecall............. could I take her to casualty as she couldd't stand up - something has happenend to her knee.
That was the friday night that Wales had their first international rugby game of the season (not the best night to be sat in casualty!!) getting mum in and then out of the van was tricky enough as her leg had swelled to twice the size - I was just glad that this injury had nothing to do with the dogs or me!!!!
Well the rest of the month was completely taken up with work - then a 100 mile round trip each evening to sort Beetle out and visit Mum..........................
Ramblings January 2010...........
January started with a bang as I jetted off to my favourite haunt in Bali on the 1st! I had a fabulous time celebrating the big 40 with friends. I missed the country's big freeze - another bonus whilst I was basking in 30 degrees!! the diving was excellent as usual and on my birthday I dived the coral project and was pleased to see the growth since the last time I visited.
While I was away my friend Wendy continued Beetle's education, he now has his first full set of shoes on and she has been on his back, he is not yet riding out, but won't be long!! (luckily for Beetle Wendy is half the size of me!!)
On returning from my lovely break I received some very sad and upsetting news that Matahari Mola Mola (Brodie) passed away. As well as all of us here Laura, Ian and family are devastated and our thoughts are with them.
December Ramblings . . . . .
In December there are always so many things to attend but its always really good to see and catch up with friends old and new. Most of my older friends will know that for years i have sent money / sponsored someone instead of sending loads of Christmas cards - this year I sponsored a coral in the largest reef reconstruction project in the world. This is based in Bali just up the beach from the Matahari resort and they use metal structures which are electrified witha low current in order to spped up coral growth. The "coral project" has been very successful and I will include a link on my links page for anyone wishing to find out more.
December was also the month where Beetle's education stepped up a gear and he started some daily and more intense than previously training which includes long reining him just about everywhere . . . . . . .I am pleased to report that he has now achieved the predicted (and fingers crossed) 16hh mark!!
Ramblings November 2009 . . . . . . . . .
November was wet, wet, wet!! Its dark in the morning , dark in the evening and the dogs are coming in like mud monsters after every walk!
Mum had her plaster off so things have returned to normal - I am relieved of caring duties and she has returned to dog duties!!
Beetle has had his last foot trim, his next visit will see him having his first set of shoes on ready for him to begin proper work in January.
It was the puppies first birthday at the beginning of November, the year has flown and I still can't believe how they have all grown. It has been lovely to catch up with some of them and see how they are doing but also slightly sad as it is a year we have now been without my lovely Rinda.
Ramblings October 2009.........
October began with my mum breaking her wrist in two places, it was India's fault, I was out with the dogs and mum was out power walking when we came across each other - even though the dogs were all on leads an enthusiastic greeting resulted in Mum losing her balance and using her hand to break her fall!! It was a nasty break, mum lost consciousness and ended up having an ambulance trip to casualty . . . . . . needless to say I am on full time caring duties!!!
The month ended with a fabulous evening in Cardiff City Hall. I am very proud that two of my staff beat hundreds of other nominees to receive National Care Awards. The prizes are given at a glittering award ceremony / dinner in City Hall which is a magnificent building in Cardiff. a truly memorable evening.
Ramblings September 2009 . . .. .
September was work - work - work.
We did have a lovely couple of days when going to Richmond Championship show. Reef won best puppy dog and then as we had decided to stay another night before driving home we were able to stay and watch Elise Cartmell (Cusidh) in the group. What wasn't so convenient was waiting until the show ended and then getting back to my van to find I had a flat tyre!!!! (I had a nail stuck in it) Thanks to the gate staff at Richmond who helped me change the tyre!!
Ramblings August 2009............
Yet another wet month ~ August was full of "family stuff" my little brother Nick got married to Lief, my brother Simon's and partner Sherifa's baby, Zeb, arrived 3 weeks early (all well) and my step sister Cath brought my young nieces and nephew all the way from Suffolk for their annual visit!! I also managed to fit in a masquerade ball to celebrate friend Mary's 50th birthday and go to 4 shows - phew!! The last of these was an open show on Saturday 29th August in Port Talbot, after roping in my mother and Robin Paisey (thanks!) to help me show the three dogs, Reef put in several very good performances and went Reserve Best Puppy in show - I am a very proud birth mum!!!
Ramblings July 2009............... July started off really nicely, Mum and
I went to visit our friend leigh and his Deerhound Bijou in Bedford
for the weekend and whilst there Linda brought Matahari Mountain View
(Jemima) over and we all went for a walk. Jemima has turned into a lovely
dog, really affectionate and looks just like her Mum Rinda. Then the
next weekend we took all of the dogs to an open show where we met Matahari
Manhattan (Angus), we all had a successful day, all getting placed and
Many Thanks to my poor Mum and Auntie Pat who took Mac and India in
the ring!!! Reef did very well winning best Deerhound and puppy and
then going on to win the hound puppy group. Angus is a real sweetie
who adores Lynne and Phil, its so nice when I get to see "the pups"
and also that their new owners keep in touch and send pics and messages
etc. (some of the pups write their own letters - very clever!!!)
Then the dreaded swine flu took a hold in work and what with that and the apalling weather the month went down hill very rapidly - oh well.............
Then the dreaded swine flu took a hold in work and what with that and the apalling weather the month went down hill very rapidly - oh well.............
Ramblings
June 2009................
June was a mainly sunny month, it was lovely to have balmy summer walks
and actually sit (and eat) in the garden. Even my garden looked slightly
recovered from all of the puppy pruning and a few flowers managed to survive.
The dogs and I had our first night away from home together as my brother
Simon hired a cottage in West Wales as he was exhibiting (he is an importer
of hot chilli sauces) at the Welsh Game Fair. We had a lovely day and
weekend and met up with Phil, Lynne and Angus (Matahari Manhatten) who
is fantastic and was pleased to see his brother and sister, we also bumped
into Kim and Zoe (wolfscastle). On return from the lovely weekend however
I discovered that my water feature (mini pond) had been under attack from
seagulls who had eaten all 14of my baby fish!!! These were the only fish
in the pond since they hatched after my purchasing a water lily last year,
they survived and grew all winter and even survived investigation by 12
deerhound pups and now all gone!!!! Ramblings March
2009
Well March was all about Crufts, it was a great day out and it felt like
ages since I had last seen everyone. Even though Mac didn’t get
placed we had a lovely day out. The weather has been improving – the same cannot be said for my
garden!! I still have a “blank canvas” Mum and I have a new
game – guess the stalk!! My raised beds now have been excavated
like quarries and I still have a lovely collection of garden furniture
in them to try to discourage their use as sand pits!! There are a few
shrubs clinging to life and throwing out some shoots however I don’t
think 2009 will be their year!February
Ramblings
Decisions, Decisions………. The girls are all so great
I have swapped and changed my mind every day, Maybe is a babe, everyone
loves her with her 4 white feet – she loves men and male dogs!!
Mimi is the image and personality of her mum, independent and strong,
India is sweet and cuddly – Reef is just Reef, he is so laid back
and happy, never makes a sound and lets the girls hang off his ears and
ambush him! To take my mind off it Beetle has gone downhill and lost a
lot of weight – I have had to bring him in for some TLC ……..
Its going to be a very busy month……… Crufts soon, it
will be great to see everyone. Ramblings
January 2009 The babies started to leave this month, it was
devastating, Mum and I cried each time ( we are really soft and it was
sad as we were losing little bits of Rinda). First to leave was Luna
who travelled all the way to Bermuda then one by one they went to Bedford,
Surrey, North Scotland, Pembroke, Merthyr, Tonypandy, Devon. All have
settled in their new lovely homes. Although I lost 8 of my babies, it
feels like I gained some really nice new friends who I hope will keep
in touch. The weather was a bit erratic in January, raining,
snowing, freezing. The puppies that were left started some lead training
and are now spending longer periods in the house for some “indoor
play” they have all been really good. Reef seems to know he is
staying and is now doing well in his role as Mac’s little shadow.
So just the job of choosing the bitch that is staying with him….will
it be Mimi, India or Maybe?????
Ramblings
December 2008
December was awful, we lost our beloved Rinda at
the beginning of the month but her beautiful babies kept us going. Ramblings
November 2008
November was a great month….. the start of
the month kicked off with a lovely night (friends 50th birthday) medieval
theme party and an overnight stay in an old castle. The castle is set
in the Brecon beacons so a lovely brisk walk before breakfast shook off
the morning after head. What better accessory to take to a medieval party
than a Deerhound – Mac was the star of the show and also had a lovely
evening.Then a few days later along came our “babies”
over a 12 hour period 12 babies arrived all healthy and all very even
in size. It was the moment Mum and I had been waiting for and all three
of us were exhausted but happy by the morning.Rinda once again proved to be a fabulous Mum and
I was thoroughly enjoying being on “pupternity leave”Ramblings Oct 2008
The month has dragged, work has been really busy as I have been preparing
for my maternity leave!!!
Rinda is really heavy with pups but is still enjoying her walks but
at a much slower pace. My mother calls herself a frustrated midwife
and we are all just waiting now - we are as prepared as we can be but
its like waiting for the phone to ring............
.
I measured Beetle yesterday as I moved him to his winter lodgings, he
is only 15.2hh at the moment (2 yo). I have my fingers crossed that
he grows a lot this year or he won't be big enough for me to ride, he
really is a lovely character though.
Well thats all for now ......Hopefully lots of news soon.
