The Spectacular Shetland Scenery

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To town for two hospital out-patients appointments.  I was in and out in under half an hour so rather than pootle about, I got straight back in the car and drove home. I just couldn’t be bothered with being around folk, etc. and there was a cruise ship moored in the harbour so I knew the Street would be humming.  I hope someone bought a sheep or ten.  That would be helpful.

But, on my home, I did take the time to stop off at a couple of viewing spots to get out of the car and take photos of the marvellous view.

This is Weisdale Voe.  Apparently (according to Wikipedia) it is 4 1/2 miles end to end and contains several small islands and islets – Greena, Flotta, Hoy, North Havra, Junk and the Hoggs of Hoy.  I cannot tell you which is which as I have only just found out their names.

Still it is a breathtaking view and I always maintain that when I am bored of this view, I will be bored of Shetland and must leave. But here, there is beautiful jaw-dropping scenery around every corner and I never cease to be amazed by it.

Another Voe, sitting just next to Weisdale Voe is Whiteness Voe. This is one of my lunchtime parking spots and also where all the cruise-ship coaches patiently wait so folk can get out and take photos of their fleeting time in Shetland before being whisked off to see another pile of historical rocks.

It was almost hot today (11°C) so I didnt take Pepper, much to her rage.  She and Ted had already been brought back home this morning by a rather furious OH who was on his way to work.

Obviously, I got the pathetic face treatment so I would feel guilty about leaving them all to fend for themselves.

But they got their tea instead so I am now forgiven.

Glorious Spring Day

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It’s been a glorious spring day.  Seeing the sun shine and beautiful blue sky really lifted my spirits. I think we can all agree, it has been a long difficult winter and it is a good feeling to be finally coming out of it.

The dogs and I all appreciated the fine weather as we went on our daily walk around the fields.

I saw my very first “Blugga flooer” (marsh marigold or kingcup) and soon the wet bits in my fields will be carpeted in them. They are quite a determined plant here and no one seems to eat them.

As I wanted to make the most of the sunshine, I went into the sheep’s field to sit down on a rock.  Pepper immediately jumped on my lap and Gussie wandered up for a chat.

It must be coming up to Gussie’s birthday too (well, in fact everyone’s birthdays).  The only date I actually know is Lambie’s.  Gussie is 2 years old now and probably the biggest sheep we have.  Not fat, just tall. There is a lot of Gussie.

He is one big sheep and for a sheep born on the hill, he is the tamest.

And when I went inside, I got shouted at. Monster could’ve come too, I told him.  Maybe next time.

Track Life

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Not much happening today.

Just the usual – Monster decided he wanted to rule the world so he sat on Donald Trump.

I am considering selling some of the Muscovy ducks.  We just have so many (mostly boys) and all the girls are wandering around looking for places to nest so there are bound to be more.

I shall be sad to see them go but needs must. I never wanted a large flock.

The Shetland ponies are all doing well.  Track life seems to have been an easy change for them and it suits them. They run up and down from one end to the other, galloping up the hills, giggling and having lots of fun.  I think it also helps that the weather has been quite nice recently.

Of course, I gave in and they now get hay in the evening out of the very-difficult-to-eat haynets (doubles, ie two together with tiny holes) and this a) slows them down and b) gives the grass a bit of a chance to grow.  I don’t see anyone getting fat on this regime but I worry about stomach ulcers, and am trying to keep the intake trickling in.

Anyway, the ponies are getting lots of exercise on the track, which is ideal.  However the constant poo-picking is very boring except I am currently listening to LOTR (onto the 3rd book now), so feel like a miserable put-upon hobbit while I traipse around the track.

A Wander Around

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There were some very noticeable signs of spring when I went for my wander around with the dogs this morning.

The green leaves by the burn (stream) will soon turn into yellow flag irises, which grow wild all over Shetland – they are known locally as “seggies”.

Disappointingly, it’s not our best wall of primroses this year.  Maybe, as the warm weather gets going, they might make a better effort.  There are usually many more and look like scrambled egg.

Still, the celandine are appearing in force now. A sure sign the weather is warming up and winter is well and truly over (I may regret saying that).

As it is nearly Lambie’s 11th birthday (25th April, thank you for asking – obviously he will be having a big party, so please bring cake or chocolate and absolutely no veggies), I went to see how he was doing.

Aww, my little boy will be 11 years old.  Who’da thunk it?  Lambie’s main aim from Day 1 has always been to die…… at me.  Anyway, I asked him for a pre-birthday smile and this is what I got and then he followed me around, trying to stand next to me at all times, while I tried to photograph the others.  I think he knows it is nearly birthday time so he’s hedging all his bets and sucking up.

Lambie is not a natural charmer, like Gus-Gus.

Or Maggie, who is an optimist about everything (I have no idea why she looks like she’s swallowed a button!)

Even ‘Ster found his inner cheesey grin.

I also found these three in the far reaches of the sheep field.  It was funny to think that this time last year, they didn’t even exist (well, mum-duck did, obviously).  So I told them this and was duly ignored for my efforts.

They go Lickety-Split!

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A little known fact, but when my mother was pregnant with me, she read a children’s book called “Susannah of the Mounties” by Muriel Denison.  This book was first published in 1936 and funnily enough, my Great Great Aunt Kate was also reading it in 1950.

Anyway, my middle name is Susannah because of this book and, of course, I have the family copy. The film was not what I imagined, though.

So, when the Shetland ponies trotted and cantered past me on my poo-picking walk this afternoon, the word that instantly came to mind was “lickety-split” – the first time I had ever heard it used was in “Susannah of the Mounties”.

I was being followed on my poo-picking rounds.

And then one by one, with Silver first, each pony went past lickety-split.

(though Newt threw in a little canter as well – he would)

Tiddles went lickety-split ….. (because he is a good boy)

And Albie…..

Then lastly Waffle.

And then Waffle and Albie had a bit of a tussle….. because they are typical little boys who cannot just trot down a corridor without pushing and shoving each other.

Anyway, it is funny where my memory can take me when I am walking around a track with rubber gloves and bucket.  I never read the book sequels, though.  I wonder if I should (edited to say, I just looked it up and there are three!  Who knew?)