It's been a busy few days. But when written down it doesn't appear so.
Thursday was (yet another) public holiday and the start of half term.
Rhiannon had her first riding lesson and Tim had the day off.
I had to drive here for the first time as I need to take Rhiannon riding next week by myself. And I really have to get self-reliant as soon as possible to prevent falling into the trailing spouse culture shock depression. It makes sense to make my first attempt while Tim is next to me.
Driving wasn't too bad. Perhaps it was easier because we have a right hand drive car so the layout is familiar to me. Anyway, I did it!
We dropped Rhiannon off for her lesson and drove back to a garden centre nearby, which was actually open on a public holiday. And it was very well stocked too. However, it was only plants that were available for buying, everything else was cordoned off - so you can buy plants, but not tools, earth but not cat litter.
I treated myself to a couple of beautiful Acers to help create a little Japanese garden and two Buddleias for a little easy-growing colour. Digging the holes for them was nigh on impossible though. The ground is incredibly hard having never been looked after. The soil is very sandy and will need a lot of help.
After a delicious and much needed cup of coffee, we went back to collect Rhiannon who was grooming "her" pony and putting away the tack. She declared her first lesson "the best thing she has ever done".
Good, so that's a success. I shall wave goodbye to my Saturdays for the next few years then.
On Friday, Tim took a day's holiday and Rhiannon had another riding lesson. So the same procedure was performed. At the garden centre this time I just bought pet stuff. Although I am pondering getting some rose bushes. I am a bit of a rose addict, so am currently unwilling to embark on this hobby as it will get expensive. Also, the ground needs sorting out first.
I also adore bonsai, but have a poor record at keeping them alive. So I just gazed and wished. I may cave another day as they had a fabulous little Ginko tree.
Rhiannon had a sleepover at a new friend's home right in the city centre, so we dropped her off there then headed into a supermarket to get some goodies for dinner. And visited a DIY store to get more storage for the bathroom.
Then we had a nice, quiet evening.
Today we had been instructed to collect Rhiannon at 10am but were then persuaded by two enthusiastic 9 year olds to bring her new friend back with us. So today has been fairly restful too.
This will all change after this friend has been collected in a couple of hours though.
I suppose I should tidy the house up a bit!