When I did the blog post about klibbers (the traditional Shetland wooden pack saddle), some readers admired the kishies (the traditional Shetland woven baskets worn by women (eek) and ponies).

The Shetland Klibber

Anywho, I dug my two out as the ones in the photos have mysteriously disappeared.

I have had these two for years and they are original and old.

If you want to learn more I also found this very useful page which tells of the kishie’s history and even how to make one.

Sadly, I cannot find anyone in Shetland, let alone the UK, who will have a stab at making a kishie which is very sad.  I have contacted many weavers in and outwith Shetland with no success.  So if you find someone, please let me know. I would love to see their efforts.

I asked Flossie (youngest daughter), who is always very thorough, to measure ours to give you an idea of the kishies’ dimensions.

Firstly the “Red” one. 

This is the older of the two kishies and belonged to my neighbour.  He kindly gifted it to me and I think all the mending that’s been done over the years adds to its charm.

Then there is this one that is in slightly better condition and also has a separate handle.

Each kishie is slightly different in design and size but not enough to mean they can’t be used together.

They really are beautiful pieces of traditional craftsmanship.  I would love to be able to supply kishies with the klibbers.  Maybe you know someone who could make one.  Let me know.

I mentioned yesterday that Monster was quite taken with the BBC Wild Shetland programme. As I had not seen his original reaction, I popped on iPlayer and streamed it onto the sitting room television to see for myself what he would do.

Monster was fast asleep but when the bit with the birds started, he got out of his “wee nook” and took an interest.

He was fascinated – this was the otter eating a fish.

At one stage we did wonder if it was Ewan McGregor’s commentary or the stirring music.

Monster lost interest when the seals were being stalked and eaten by orcas.  It was then BeAnne snuck in and stole the wee nook.  Possibly in a rage that all the attention was on him.  I love their two faces.  Speaks volumes.   Also that is not a bed designed for a fat determined, if resentful, little Patterdale terrier.  It was a very tight squeeze for Her Maj.

Then the bird porn arrived and Monster was back to watching again.  BeAnne had vacated the wee nook having possibly achieved maximum revenge smells.  Gassed herself out, more like.

He moves!

Monster really is a funny chap.  This is the trip to Mousa broch where the storm petrels nest.

I think Monster would love to visit.  Possibly the storm petrels would not be too thrilled, though.

By now BeAnne was enjoying a full sulk and had gone to lie in front of the fire.

I was minded of the family threat that I would get “square eyes” from sitting too close to the television. Anyway, we thoroughly recommend BBC Wild Shetland if it comes to a television near you.  Your cat might like it too!

We’ve had some gorgeous sunsets recently.  The benefits of winter.  This was yesterday’s looking over to Foula from Watsness.

Today, having done all my chores, I took Haakon out for a ride, avoiding the ice which appeared again overnight.  Haakon is pretty sensible so I put my trust in him and my hands in my pockets because it was very cold.

Daisy came too on Kappi, who has started being ridden again after his holiday.  He is not very fit which suits Haakon fine.  We had a lovely ride.  Very easy going.  I can take photos when I ride Haakon.

The skyline was looking very beautiful.

After that calm ride, Daisy and I saddled up again.  I rode Klængur (pronounced prat).

And Daisy rode Taktur, her stallion who behaved like a dream. We, on the other hoof, spooked, rushed off and in the end I got off and walked home because ice + spooking = potentially me falling off. Never a good ending for anyone when that happens, Haakon will tell you.  Taktur was a donkey, almost fast asleep.

I think I will to do some work with Klængur to get him listening.  He needs to remember that I like bending, stopping and manners not vanishing off into the sunset at a break-neck speed.

Oh well, Monster is very calm.

He loved the BBC Wild Shetland tv programme last night and tried to climb into the television.  Most odd. He has never done that before.

Before the snow melted, it was beautiful – now we are back to the mud with some added sleet.  Nice (said sarcastically).

Everyone looked clean and floofy.

Newt looked particularly gorgeous.

We had a special chat about his wonderful Newtiness.

And he agreed with me that he was doing his very best.

(When I think of this time last year when Vitamin was being a total biatch and attacking Newt and Albie non-stop, trying to drive them from “her” field, resulting in them coming home when I found them shivering in the middle of the bog.)

I Hate Bullies

Anyway all is calm and peaceful now. They are one happy little herd without an independant thought between them.  After the brief Appreciation of Being Newt Society meeting, they rushed off to watch some children sledging down a hill in the next door field.

The ponies stood transfixed, totally mesmerised and also possibly thinking they would like to have a shot themselves.

Now, feeling totally ignored, I continued with my chilly walk.

I am not complaining. I am pleased all is well with the little ones.  This is what I wanted – exactly how it should be.

I am getting my arse into gear for potential Shetland visitors to meet the Minions and the “famous” ladies, Fivla and Vitamin – thems from the ad campaign when they wore those sweaters.

I have finally found a very reasonable insurance company who can offer public liability insurance for anyone who wants to come into the field or stand outwith, which is good news.

I have emailed all the Shetland tour companies with some enthusiastic results (and some ‘interesting’ ones too).  Anyway, I have decided to give it a year and see how we go.

I have to check the ponies daily and it is always lovely to introduce them to interested folk.

I am busy designing a DL sized leaflet to distribute to the tourist office and other places but I may have to actually kill someone now as I am fighting with f&*$-ing Photoshop Elephants due to the fact I never use it unless I have to so have forgotten how it works, even the basics.

Can I extend a background at the bottom or the top?  Can I?  Can I?  Can I hell……
Can I get the wording in a visible colour?  Can I?  Can I? Again, Can I hell……

I am becoming, or have become, hysterical and am beginning to hate the whole wretched idea.  I am now listening to Mahler.  Nuff said.

(if anyone has any expertise with Photoshop or similar and can help me, please let me know.  I will forever be in your debt and will happy send you a pony of your choice in the post by return in exchange).

Also, if you can think of better wording, please say.  I am losing the will to live over this.

(the reverse – which I like)

Also, will I be sued by Universal for using the word ‘Minion’?

Fer cryin’ out loud!  How difficult can it all be.