It was windy today – a spring equinoctal gale, which apparently is not a thing but I can tell you it was very windy.  Along with my trusted companion (*** cough ***, yer right – tis the season for buggering off after rabbits when she thinks no one is watching), I struggled with my three buckets across the hill to feed the Icelandic horses.

I watched while “Trusted Companion” did her usual clearing up.

I decided to let everyone brave the gale and oncoming rain without rugs as they are all hairy and fat enough.  Even Iacs.

However, I did rug up Fivla and Vitamoobag because there is less shelter where they are and they get very miserable in bad weather.

Later on, when I was outside, I couldn’t find them anywhere and was pleased to see them in this paddock as so far they have refused to go near it.

The rain had started and it was unforgiving but the rugs did their job and when I brought the old ladies inside later in the afternoon, I found they were completely bone-dry underneath.  I also think that by rugging up Vitamin and Fivla they felt more like eating rather than standing around looking unhappy.

And it is nice and warm inside, apparently.

Pepper will talk to anyone.  She loves everyone.  No exception, though they might not love her.

Later on in the morning, I took the dogs out for a walk. It was very windy but sunny.

In the huge field, we found all the sheep sitting or grazing together.  All nine.

Of course Dahlia and Gus-Gus came racing over.

I found a suitable bottom-shaped rock and sat down to chat to anyone who wanted to come up.

Even Lambie came and talked to me (is it my birthday? I don’t think so).  I was very surprised.

Pepper was close by while Ted stayed a little way away.  He is sensible.

Dahlia was not kind to Pepper.

But I love this.  Pepper deliberately afterwards went to sit by Lambie – I think she felt safe next to him.

I love how Lambie doesn’t mind Pepper either and no, Lambie is not going to abort (a bloody miracle if he is in lamb), and yes, it is my land and yes, they are my sheep – if you are wondering and about to criticise me – the internet trolls, sorry experts, are out there, loud and proud.

Gussie, who always wears his food, followed us on this dogwalk.  Dahlia also came too.

It was nice to spend time with the sheep.  Winter prevents this as everything is too wet to sit on.

I am so fed up of trolls.  Perhaps they will stop guarding their rickety bridge.

Some days, and they are rare, I can’t think of anything to write.  This is one of them but here are today’s photos ….

Iacs eating his extra-special with added barley rings breakfast as I am worried about his weight.

Haakon eating his, complete with a small vacuum attachment.

I am not worried about Haakon one bit.

Today is the Spring Equinox.  My most favourite day in the calendar when I tell myself that things can only get better, i.e. warmer and lighter.  Roll on Spring and possibly even Summer, please.

Breakfast (theirs and mine) done and I went back into the field to poo-pick, which I hope is making a difference to the field.

Waffle had to investigate my poo-bucket.  Of course, he did.  That’s what Waffles do.

And then I found a duck on the outside table because that is what happens in my life.

A place where ducks live on tables.

And then indoors to see Monster doing that stretching toe thing.  Ooof.

I told you I had run out of words.

Today was Ted’s three monthly hair appointment but I had to go to Turriefield to pack vegetables so I asked OH if he minded taking Ted to Scalloway.

OH felt Ted needed a brush before he had his hair-do while I felt it was a bit like washing the dishes before you put them in the dish-washer.

But Pepper was very upset without Ted and desperately wanted to come too when I was leaving for Turriefield so I decided to take her, thinking it would be good practice for her to learn to stay quietly in the car by herself.

Before I started work, we went for a lovely walk on Sandness beach.

We had it completely to ourselves, which was perfect.

Pepper ran up and down exploring everything.

And I took photos.

And then I drove up to Turriefield, cracked the windows and told Pepper to stay quietly and be a good girl.  She also had her car harness on so couldn’t go anywhere.

I packed vegetables for two hours, constantly popping outside to check on Pepper.

She was ok, enjoying looking out, sometimes resting, mostly not but safe.

And once we had finished, I asked if anyone minded if I let Pepper out of the car. She had a quick mooch around and then we went home.

Ted was already home complete with his new “do”.  Ever so smart.

And Pepper spent her afternoon spark out while I stabbed away at felting a sheep for the shops.  I must say that I was very impressed with Pepper.  She behaved beautifully all day and I am really glad I took her with me.  My perfect companion.

Wherever I am, I can see Fivla and Vitamin.  They are always close by and they travel in pairs.

I don’t really mind because they tend to keep themselves to themselves except when they don’t and then we have words about stealing food.

Vitamin has decided on her routine – she and Fivla go out in the morning after a huge breakfast, mooch around for the day eating grass and then at around 4 p.m. I give them a huger tea.  More mooching and then they go inside at 6 p.m. for another big supper bucket and half a soaked fibre block each.   I don’t know how much grass they manage to eat (there is quidding) but something must be going in.

According to Vitamin, I am very well trained.

Fivla is kinder to me.  She just whiffles her nosey whenever she sees me and looks hopeful.

Today they got celery, as did the other ponies.  Everyone loves celery.

But Vitamin was around when I fed Edna (sheep) her supper, watching, always watching.

And Fivla swiftly arrived too.

Like I said, I don’t mind as long as they don’t steal anyone else’s food. I have rules and they must stick to them.   With the evenings getting longer, I am eventually aiming for Fivla and Vitamin to stay outside during the summer/warmer months, though I will have to negotiate this with Vitamin who does like her bedroom.

As does Fivla.  They can’t go to bed fast enough at the moment. I am convincing them to stay outside longer.