Rhiannon Bosma, me, Ali Pettit enjoying NYC Christmas decorations
I'm writing this from a Dodge truck dealership while they assess my current Ford truck for a trade in. I have already seen the mechanic giggling with the salesman so I'm not sure if I'm going to get a good deal or not! They may have seen the small dent in the front where I gently bumped into a tree whilst attempting to avoid an imaginary deer (as prevalent as kangaroos and look the same except their front legs are longer). Anyhow that's what this time of the year is all about, catching up on the neglected small errands from during the year, e.g. getting a new truck. With a four week break from training and competing I try to find as many inside jobs to do to in an effort to avoid the cold.
In addition to truck shopping my to-do list also contains packing my house for Aiken, 2011 taxes, packing my barn for Aiken, 2012 taxes, packing the trailer for Aiken and getting a new hairstyle. It's now three and a half weeks into my break and all I've achieved so far is the new hairstyle! It's going to be a busy next couple of days.
Thanksgiving celebrations at the Macleod residence
However it's not like I have been sitting around on my bottom, there's been Thanksgiving: the greatest American holiday of all! Thanksgiving is a joyous, food and alcohol based, occasion that is spent with family and friends. The goal (much like boxing day) is to eat and drink as much as you possibly can and STILL be able to win a game of darts! It's much more difficult than one would imagine getting to alcohol:food ratio just right! Too much food and you're too sleepy, too much alcohol and someone's bound to get a miss thrown dart in the eye! Fortunately I got my ratio right this year winning the first two matches and retiring as leader. My generous hosts are the Macleod family, who have welcomed me as part of their family since I moved here. Also keeping me busy are various Christmas parties, a little trip to New York City and a quick shipping trip to the outlets.
Mickey mouse and I in time square
For me the only thing missing from this December is a trip home, which is super sad for me as it's been too long since my last real sausage roll and Oak Chocolate milk. I'd also kill for a normal ‘bacon and egg sanga’ and some KFC chips.
On the horse front, the competition horses are all back in work and slowly building up in preparation of the 2013 winter season. With a strong team of horses and some great results this year, I'm really excited by what is to come.
Rhiannon schooling one of the babies
My first event is toward the end of January in South Carolina although I may try to get to a show jumping competition before that. That's my favourite part of this time of year, the build up and anticipation of the coming winter season! It's about to get super hectic and really really busy and I can't wait!
Merry Christmas to everyone
Kate
