We went back down to the south end yesterday to drop Anna off at her hotel – she was staying one night at The Sumburgh Hotel as she was up at the crack of sparrows (early) leaving on the first flight.

Obviously we had to hike up to the Lighthouse to show Anna the abundance of puffins that flit everywhere and are almost so close you can pick them up.  Look, look!

We searched everywhere for ages – even taking photos of other nesting birds, mostly out of boredom.

Despite the obvious dearth of Fratercula arctica, the sea-pinks were amazing. They carpeted the cliffs and that was an incredible sight just on its own.

When suddenly a singular puffin dropped out of the sky in front of us.  Brilliant.

And then he vanished into his burrow but one is better than none.

And that was it.  We were on a schedule, so we walked down the hill again to the car, stopping off to look for more birds.

At the other cliff edge, there was some guillemots (according to Daisy who did a project in Primary School).  I will take her word for it as every child in Shetland does a project in Primary School about nesting seabirds apparently and she studies Biology at university so she knows everything (again, apparently!)

We saw a nesting JCB.  Does that count?  I skilfully identified this.

My new camera is fabulous and I had great fun “playing” with all the buttons.

I have decided the best way to learn how something works is to use it and find out like that.  I can’t RTFM. It bores me.

  

So off to dinner at The Spiggie Hotel, which was delicious – the way forward is Scotch eggs made out of blackpudding and haggis and yes, I will be having a go at that.

And then we dropped Anna off at her hotel, and we said our goodbyes.  Apparently she wants to come back!

 

I was told there was thunder outside so I went out into the garden, in the wrong shoes of course, to investigate.  There giggling were Bozz-Bozz and his half-brother, Arcturus, happily playing tag.

  

These two small little boys were having the time of their lives galloping after each other and biting legs around their 25 acre Shetland hill park.

The grown-ups stood by the gate looking on disapprovingly until they were unceremoniously buzzed too.

Back and forth the yearling colts went.

Sometimes they would annoy Hammy enough so he would chase them away which added to their fun even more.

  

Hammy moved beautifully.  Galloping is obviously his forte.

The chasing, annoying and giggling went on for the morning but I have to be careful about walking on any uneven surfaces at the moment, so I just took the photos from afar (which you can tell).  It was lovely to watch them, though.  The boys were having the best time.  Soon they will be split up and go their separate ways to opposite ends of the UK.   Both are sold.  I am sure they will always remember their time growing up together.

I have a feeling Taktur and Klængur won’t miss them even slightly.

You could see them thinking “bloody kids!”

Anna here. I am being trusted to write the blog solo, as this is my last night with Frances, Daisy, Richard, dogs, horses, and chickens. I have had such an amazing time here in Shetland. It was the best 4 weeks of my life and I have made friends I will keep in touch with forever.

Today was a bit rainy, but Daisy and I still went for a hack down to Watsness, which was fun. Otherwise during this grey day we have been eating delicious Richard-bagels and relaxing. A good day for that. Yesterday we went for a drive with Fivla, which is what I shall blog about today.

We started by getting Fivla’s adorable little red road cart.

 

We then got Fivla harnessed up.

 

 

and put to…

 

 

 

 

Daisy is shown here modelling the newest reflective safety gear. It is very in fashion this season and it likely to cause others to notice you, which is a very good thing when you are driving or riding a pony (in real life it was originally a small dog coat!)

 

 

Even our road cart is wearing Hi-Viz- Jo’s jacket.

 

We went down to the school and back with Fivla. Many tourists stopped to take photos of her adorableness. You can see why…  she should have her own princess-style coach.

 

 

 

I gave Daisy the reins for the last stretch of the drive. It was very scary…

 

Just kidding. She did a very nice job.

 

 

We got home safely and had a wonderful time.

 

I am sad to leave, but must now go back home to my parents, my dogs, my American miniature horse and the Fell pony I ride. I hope to come back and visit my family here again soon. I have gained an extra mom and sister and that is a wonderful thing. I am also so appreciative to Jo for her guidance, help, and wonderful personality. I would like to thank Bjørn for his amazing riding instruction and for doing our hair and Tore for his waffles.  Everyone was so generous, nice, and awesome (Frances must excuse my use of this word). Off to Sumburgh lighthouse tomorrow for Puffin watching, a hotel at night, then a really early flight on Thursday. Thanks everybody and have a great Summer!!! Keep reading Frances’ blog…

The other night, we had a girlie night in.  Bjørn came round, Eurovision 2013 was blaring on the laptop and these were the two willing models.

 

First request:  That they were waiting in dressing gowns with hair washed

I will admit that both Anna and Daisy were a tad nervous but Bjørn knew what he was doing and I had in mind what I wanted to achieve.  Using only what we had – ok, I had bought in hair spray, mousse and some pins – Bjørn went to work on Anna first.

Sadly, BeAnne turned into BitchAnne by taking the best bed in the house.

Rather than offering her guest, Amina, the best seat in the house, she told her to stay under the table. I was ashamed.

 

So Amina fell in love with Jack instead who felt a tad nervous.  He did not want a paternity test or maintenance responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Bjørn worked his magic on Anna and Daisy and then I took over and did their make up.  We used my jewellery and other pieces.  I am not very good at make-up but I had a go.

After that came the hard work for the girls.  Wow!  That is the only word really.

  

So, while I was taking photos of Anna with and without her mask, Bjørn worked his magic on Daisy.

Again, same drill, mousse, hairdryer, makeup and jewellery that I already had.  I cry when I see these photos but that is because I am her mother so I am allowed to.

    

I also loved the girls both together like two princesses about to be sold to the highest bidder, in the Royal Family.  This was pure make believe with dressing-up.

Ok, so I was learning how the camera(s) worked, how to use a tripod for this sort of thing, the best lighting, trying not to shake at the amazing results and watch Eurovision at the same time.  This is the reality, between scenes.  Daisy had socks on, as well as wearing one of Floss’ dresses (as was Anna), BitchAnne and Jack at their feet, perched on the sofa trying not to giggle at the whole fantasy of the evening plus the “ridiculous” behind the scenes.

The girls laughed so much too, which was very healthy as we were just experimenting in looks, different worlds and having fun!

(someone felt a little left out – but she is always a supermodel to me!)

Anyway, back for the second go was Anna.  A completely different look for her and it was an incredible transformation again. The girls did their own make-up this time.

  

Wow, oh wow!  I just kept snapping. I had given up being any influence.

Bjørn worked hard too in the kitchen ….

And these are Daisy’s second photoshoot photos ….

   

Wow!  I can’t find words for these incredible transformations.  The girls are so beautiful.  I always knew that. I say it to them all the time but, of course, being a mother, they never believe me because that is what mothers always say.  The camera, however, never lies.

What can I say?  Well, really a huge enormous thank you to Bjørn for helping two teenage girls see their potential, their beauty and their awesome power.  We had the best night and it was life-changing for us all.

And this is the morning after! A duvet day for the supermodels.  They deserved it.

The girls, Anna and Daisy have been busy, doing “stuff”.  All will hopefully be revealed later.  I am still very worried about Jack. He is not his little grumbly Victor Meldrew self and now he has gone off his food (never a good sign for Jack-et Potato – he lives for food).

So I have been spending time on my own on the croft.  Today, I discovered my first proper orchid had blossomed.  I love Shetland orchids.  I would like to be able to say this is Shetlandus Orchidus but I am not that clever.  I recognise them and see them for their beauty but I do not know the official name of this orchid.  They do, however, carpet my steps to the chicken shed and I adore them just for the fact that the rest of the world does not have this beautiful walk to their chicken shed.

Of course, Taktur still thinks he should be fed daily, despite Bjørn’s orders that he does not need it.  You try telling him.  Taktur still comes to the gate and loiters about looking hopefully in my direction. I have tried to ignore his devilishly handsome good looks but I always end up giving in and finding something.  Today was broccoli stalks.

I

Luckily there is an ever-ready picket line of moral support in the form of Bozz-Bozz and Arcturus who fully support Taktur’s need to be fed every day.

It’s like WHAT DO WE WANT? WHEN DO WE WANT IT? …….now, if you don’t mind, thank you very much!

Though Taktur does get a little annoyed by the small people and there can be arguments in the picket line.

But all is happy in this little herd and Les Boys get on perfectly well.  I love them all. They make me smile which is always good (and they all have beautiful smiles too) when Taktur tells them to.

So, I gave in, and opened the gate because Arcturus was trying hard to make his point….

And so did Bozz-Bozz.

They are persistent, I will give them that and I suppose because of their efforts, Taktur achieved what he wanted, ie to be in the small paddock with little or no grass waiting for me to feed him, which didn’t happen so I explained this to him, kissed his nosey and called him a Mummy’s Boy, which was not good enough but was all I had.

Still, I always have my orchids on the way to the chicken shed.