I awoke late having turned over earlier at the pattering of rain on the roof. It had been a long day yesterday, with exhibitions to visit, the Eagle and Child, and finally the Ashmolean Museum's fine rooftop restaurant. All that on account of being about to turn forty-seven.
The rain cleared away by early afternoon leaving a clear blue sky. It was time to head out. I may be under medical orders only to walk, not trot or canter, but we could still go out.
Brena, newly adjusted by the chiropractor, was full of life. Beneath me she strode out, keen to go forward. It would have taken little persuasion for her to have cantered or galloped. But I followed instructions, not least because back and hip were sore even at a walk.
It's clear enough how my imbalance has had a deleterious effect on Brena. She's spent months compensating for me. I need to get my body sorted out for her sake as well as for mine. Well, I'm seeing the hip specialist tomorrow, which will tell me how one part of the problem will be solved. The other part will be advanced by a bone scan on Thursday.
It's clear enough from how I feel today that surgery will be needed. I'll be happy for it to take place as soon as possible. I've had enough of feeling physically compromised, broken and unable to go out and do the things that I enjoy.
I bought myself a new camera for my birthday. It's another miniature digital camera, but with a better quality lens, a 12x optical zoom, and image stabilisation. I'm pleased. It takes sharper pictures than my old camera, even crisp images on full magnification from the saddle.
Back at the barn these quail ran along the track to the field. They are strange birds, running ahead before me rather than turning to left or right to seek refuge in the undergrowth. I felt as if, were I so inclined, it would have been possible to run ahead and grab one of these silly creatures.
Being set in four hundred acres of farmland surrounded by roads, the farm where the barn stands is something of an oasis. As well as quail, there are deer and hares. Dense belts of woodland provide havens for shy creatures. Red Kites, which are not at all shy, wheel above seeking the small and unwary. Crows scavenge in flocks, and one evening I saw an owl swoop low over the grey meadow. Yes, the farm is home to quite a collection of wildlife.
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