Unabridged Opinions

Things I learned while in London last time: First off, Catherine Parr was absolutely gorgeous, if her portrait is anything to go by. Poor woman. Especially as I had just run across her as a character in the Shardlake series of mysteries, so seeing her portrait was a bit of an “ah-ha, that’s what all the fuss was about” moment. Second, the Oyster card is a genius idea, and I’m sure it will never happen in Manchester (what with our private companies all vying for passengers and being unwilling to invest as a group in anything, and the whole “charge different rates depending on where you’re going” complication), but it was so easy to get from place to place on whatever mode of transport was nearest  (trains! tube! bus!), and I loved just swiping the card and not digging for change.

It was fun to hit up the National Portrait Gallery, and even more fun to go out to a BookGeeks night out.  So much fun, in fact.  Especially because I managed to snag a seat near enough to the food to make sure that any stray potato wedges were alllll taken care of.  I’m sure the rest of the attendees appreciated it. There were a number of the other reviewers there, and we all had a fun time putting a face to the reviews we’d read.  I was slightly jealous that so many of the reviewers managed to have book oriented jobs AND write for BookGeeks. Of course, most of them live in and around London, and I’m not really sure I’m ready for that sort of move, let alone, for example, changing jobs.

It was a nice way to wrap up my November though, before the madness that was the holidays (and what was the best week ever in Wales. If you haaaave to be ill with the flu, and you have to also rent a house for the week with a group of awesome people, I recommend Wales.) I managed to read about 15 books during the two weeks of holiday, and now that I’m better and back at work I’m looking on catching up on the reviews. One of the best bits of the holiday was that I brought an assortment of books to loan out as well and dropped them off with friends throughout the two weeks, I felt like some sort of amazing book fairy. It was excellent.

The best books I read over the two weeks were probably: The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff (young adult) and The Dragon’s Apprentice by James A. Owen (also young adult).  In terms of plot and characters, they were easily the most engrossing, and I’ve been a fan of the “Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica” series for ages (the Yovanoff was a debut novel). I’ve now finally gotten around to “Dr. Yes” which is part of Colin Bateman’s “Mystery Man” series, and hilarious, so at least I’ve got something fun to look forward to after work (besides, obviously, riding. Moss is still lovely.)

I’ve settled into Cheshire Riding School nicely, partially because they have lessons that run into the early evening, so I can ride even if I don’t get off work until after 5pm. I started out with one group lesson and have managed to worm my way into a private and a loan (the titular walnut brain), so I’m quite pleased.  The vibe at the riding school is good so far, less tense than many places I’ve been, and I will admit to being a bit starry eyed over the all-weather gallops they have.  Between that and the the gorgeous TB stride that Moss showed off on a hack, I was easily convinced to loan him. And, because he doesn’t jump, it means I still get to ride other horses when we jump in lessons, something I really enjoy.

The loan started two weeks ago, so I’ve been riding five times a week (instead of the three I usually did).  The two rides on my own in the arena were only okay (I am certainly out of practice in the riding without instruction thing!), but the hack was…genius. I went  before work, so the yard was suuuuper quiet, and we had the farm ride all to ourselves.  Moss doesn’t get to go out often ( I don’t think he’s been out on a hack without me riding him in months), and he absolutely loves it. Steps out with ears straight ahead and absolutely flings himself into a trot that I think is actually impossible to sit. It’s nearly impossible to post! He was on the buckle about 90% of the time, and for a supposedly flighty TB, he really showed himself to be a solid citizen. We are certainly doing that at least once a week! Weather allowing, I suppose. (Especially as today it is freezing. I am crossing my fingers for Tuesday morning being the one “nice” morning we have this week. Although as long as the sun is out like it is today, I’m sure it will go well.) Continue reading

The view through what may be the draftiest window in the building. Luckily for me, the view is right next to my desk. Unluckily, that also means the draft is a constant tickle on the back of my neck, but at some point you have to take what you can get. And look at the sun!

Life here is good. Work is insane. Getting people organized into meetings is something like herding squirrels.  You can tempt them with nuts, but I’m pretty sure you really need to let some kind of cat loose behind them to really get it moving.

I’ve started loaning a horse.  More time to ride! Hacks in the morning! As soon as I get the 17h boy to stand still for more than two seconds there will be both a picture and a post.  For now, let’s all just enjoy the sun.