What a strange recent week...

First, the horse show with its anticipated adrenaline rush was a wee bit of a disappointment.   Jeddien and I won one class with a poor (but deserved) score.   We won only because the others were having a worse day than us.   And I decided at the last minute to give the other horse and I time to solidify our partnership before making my advanced level debut.

While the Mayflower in New England becomes a new ski venue thanks to the big storms, we are still hoping to quickly sell our home in old England so we can finish the purchase of our dream property in New England.

In the meantime, maybe thanks to Global Dimming and Global Warming our house here will soon have flowers in the front garden which will add to the kerb appeal.   In Ascot, only a few miles from here, we saw daffodils along the road when we drove to the horse show on January 15th.   Not just leaves popping up through the dirt... but daffodils in full bloom!

Driving...   Don't get me started!   Now research is saying that the root cause of why women are worse drivers than men is directly linked to testosterone levels in the womb before birth.   Excuse me!?   When was it ever proven that women are worse drivers?   I'm an excellent driver.   The only testosterone that can take credit for that is my Dad!

After the disappointing competition from last week, Jeddien and I competed again Sunday the 23rd.   We practiced and trained throughout the week, and on the day, we produced the goods.   We won both classes with good scores and qualified for the Winter 2005 Southern England Regional Championships at Medium Level.   Way cool!   The championships in February will probably be our last big competition in the UK for many years.

My other half didn't get to see us compete as he was starting a business trip.   But, amazingly, he flew directly overhead in a Virgin Atlantic 747 just as we finished our 2nd ride.   He looked down and recognised the huge equestrian complex of Merrist Wood College.   When he landed 10 hours later, his mobile provided him the texted news of our success.

And finally, maybe the biggest news of all, Sunday Georg immigrated to the USA and received his Green Card!   Congratulations!   Now hurry up and come home!

I wonder what the week ahead will bring...?