A Little Snow.

The day began with blue skies and a dusting of snow on the mountain tops.

As I sat outside pondering the world the air was filled with the sound of garden birds singing. Not so melodious are the seagulls stomping around on the roof of my study. 

After loading the car with bags of garden waste for the dump I set off bright and early for the stables. The ponies were only just being brought in and I was asked to tack up Tex (of course). I had hoped to have an indulgent time bushing his thick mane but when I ran a brush over his body prior to putting his saddle on I noticed a number of muddy lumps on his belly right where the girth goes. Getting those out was my priority as I spent time leaning on Tex's side whilst gently teasing the mud from his thick coat. Tex's comfort was more important than looking pretty.

Katie was teaching us today and she had already laid out an arrangement of poles to encourage better shaped 20m circles (are we that bad?) which we did in walk and then in trot. (Sitting trot for some of us.) We also practised changing direction by doing half of one circle and then half of the other in a kind of S-bend. Tex did a lot better at getting onto the bit and I'm working on straightening my shoulders which is not so easy with my bent spine. 

The bonus for today was that there is a 4 hour ride at the beginning of April which naturally I have booked myself onto.

After the dump I called in at Hahav. There I found myself a pair of extending loppers, rather sturdier than the ones I've already got, for £5 and a couple of other little bits.

Next stop was Morrisons. I didn't have much on my list but found some nice things in the reduced cabinet. As well as salmon fish cakes and smoked salmon I got a couple of racks of spare ribs (£2 each) to go in the freezer. 

Town today was teeming with children which was unusual for a Friday. Small ones with their parents and gaggles of teenagers on their own. It turns out the schools were having an inset day as many roads were closed for time trials for a cycling festival.

I went up to Boots to tip a bag of empty blister packs into their recycling box. Then I struck lucky in the Oxfam shop where I found a new chip basket for £3. Just what I need for blanching vegetables to put in the freezer.

At home I got a Bara Brith into the oven before my shower and afterwards ironed the duvet cover I washed yesterday. Now all the outstanding jobs are done and I have the whole of tomorrow free to get on with my projects.