Blog 10 - Grand National

Did anyone have a bet on this virtual race yesterday? My family ran a sweepstake and the horses were shared out. I had a private side bet on a horse named Storyteller at 40 to 1. It's a pity it didn't have a very great rider who insisted on borrowing my scarf of the day and my hat.

The scarf is no great quality, not silk, but it looks rich and my hat has a nice hand-crafted leather brooch which picks up the scarf colours. I wore both not to Aintree, but Ascot two years ago. One of my granddaughters was celebrating a big birthday and treated us all to an extravagant day in a private box with all the trimmings. I didn't have too much luck that day on the flat racing either. At least my scarf looked good.

Let me tell you about this fabulous gee-gee featured today. You will know by now that I am the champion charity shopper. I was in my local Oxfam when I was stopped in my tracks by the sound of a pony neighing and snorting. I couldn't believe my eyes. There was this life size Shetland pony at the back of the shop tossing its mane, swishing a long tail, rolling long provocative eyelashes and stopping everyone in their tracks. I forgot my search for a scarf and rushed towards him. Was he for sale! He had just been donated. At that time, I had a little great grandson who had to wear a plastic helmet most of his day and night to correct his skull shape. I wanted this pony for him. Another woman came forward and tried to hustle me off the purchase, but I stuck to my guns and I came out triumphant. But how to get him home? The following day I had to enlist the help of my brother in law with a versatile car boot to collect my purchase. A what? he asked.....yes, a life size pony!

He is now in the Jungle Room high in my house and  has given pleasure to several children, including a young girl named Amber. I hope her granny who reads my blog will show Amber the photo. She spent a happy morning grooming him. If only she had taught him to jump!

More tomorrow.

Busy Bee, Scarf Face!

Blog 10