We tried something completely new to us at the weekend. I’ve always wanted to go to a Polo match ever since I saw Pretty woman all those years ago.
Well this year is my Pretty Woman year, minus the prostitution of course. We stayed at The Beverly Wilshire in April which was truly mind blowing and then at the weekend we finally got round to going to watch Polo.
I have to say I’m the least sporty and least interested in sports person you’re ever going to meet. Sports and I are not friends...nothing to do with my colostomy, just complete and utter lack of ability has caused ingrained disinterest in all sport.
But something about Polo really grabbed my attention, in fairness watching any sport live and in the flesh is a far better experience than watching on the telly. But Polo is incredible, the skill involved is unbelievable and the element of danger is mind boggling.
And the sound of galloping hooves is always a pleasure.
We were in a hospitality tent very close up the action, very close when the horse comes out of the pitch, field, court? Actually, I don’t know what it’s called. But it’s pretty intense to be staring down the nostrils of a stallion as it hurtles towards you.
None of us had ever been before but we were pretty impressed. You don’t need to know all the rules really, it’s pretty easy to follow, hit ball, score goals.
Dress from Kate Spade, Shoes from Chloe, Bag from Gucci
I absolutely love this dress, it felt amazing on, it disguised my bag to perfection and as far as I’ve been told it looked lovely too.
For any on grass events, be it Henley Regatta, Polo or weddings you are far better off with a chunkier heel or wedge for ease of walking. That said the grass is so baked hard at the moment that thinner heels would cope ok.
You really are up close and personal with the match. I would recommend it to anyone, it’s not the genteel, la-di-da game that I had assumed it was, all cucumber sandwiches and cravats. Well, it is ridiculously posh but not genteel in any way shape or form. There were a few cravats on display and probably a monacle or two but it really is very exciting, does it matter what your fellow spectators are wearing? Hahahahaha
We watched England V USA, which was great! Nice to watch a sport where England not only won but dominated too!
And if you’ve ever watched Pretty Woman (where have you been if you haven’t?) you’ll remember the scene where the crowd is invited to reset the divots...it’s actually a real thing to do! :)
I absolutely loved it! As long as you don’t press down the steaming ‘divots’ you’re alright. Hahahahaha
Zara Tindall (The Queen’s granddaughter) flew in to present the trophies, which was nice, we had hoped for Harry and Meghan when we saw the helicopter arriving but it was lovely to see Zara nevertheless.
Photo by Matt Oates.
I’ve been looking online for more matches to go to. I really hope we manage at least one more this year, if not I can wait till next year...I’ve waited 45 after all.
Then Sunday we had a super chilled morning, then Chris went to work for a bit and I tidied up...we were meant to go rowing over in Debden, a very beautiful village on the Essex/Suffolk border but it rained! I haven’t been cold for 54 days and we haven’t seen rain since then either.
I liked the heatwave while it lasted, most people were getting fed up with it but I loved making plans and being able to stick to them. It’s such a treat in this country.
We decided to go for a roast dinner instead of rowing, we haven’t had a roast in as long as the heatwave has lasted, can’t think of anything I’d want less in the heat but with the rain thrashing down we headed to a great restaurant near by.
Top from Reiss, Jeans from Topshop, Shoes from Fendi
I risked the wrath of my stoma by wearing jeans for a big meal out. I discreetly undid the button to allow my stoma to flow freely. I know plenty of stoma-less people that do this at dinner too so I never feel self conscious about eating comfortably.
I was pursuing the Internet Sunday afternoon when we got back from lunch and thought I’d hit the jackpot! My disappointment was palpable but I’m so excited for people that this will help. I’m not even sure if it’s fully launched in the U.K. yet but this looks incredible and very exciting for future possibilities for all stomas. As much as I don’t mind having a colostomy, it’s an inconvenience yes, it certainly beats the alternative but I would like to be bag free. I really thought this was going to be for me and I was so excited. Alas it’s not to be for me..for now at least.
Can you imagine the bliss of having control again?
Don't get me wrong, I’m happy and at peace with having a Stoma. I’m incredibly lucky life worked out this way for me, after all that’s all it boils down to, luck of the draw. But to have full control and not to have to carry a bag of poo around?...well that would be lovely too.
I joke that I have bionic bowels but this new innovation is truly bionic and maybe the future for all of us bagged folk. I’d possibly even sell some of my beloved shoe collection if it was only available privately...hahahahaha, nahhhh, who am I kidding, maybe I’m not that keen but I do love the idea nonetheless. Hahahahaha
The future for stomas is bright. x