Look, look, look…….. the crocuses have arrived and the daffs are on their way. Happy days.

It has been (and probably still will continue to be) a long hard winter this year so to see these stalwarts is proof we are progressing nearer to the mud drying up and warmer temperatures, possibly even sunshine we can sit out in.  I might take off my Norwegian sweater in favour of my fisherman’s canvas top (steady now, let’s not be too hasty!)  I’m still wearing a thermal underlayer, though.  Maybe June for that radical stage.

Taktur and his son, Dreki, were having a little play as I crept up on them with my camera.

I didn’t actually know a horse’s head could turn at that angle!

And then they spied me and so of course immediately stopped, never to play again.

Dreki did go on to have what we call a “what-the-curtains” moment!

To explain, this is a popular quote in our house….
King of Swamp Castle: One day, lad, all this will be yours.
Prince Herbert: What, the curtains?

And BeAnne’s jacket has proved a God-send.

Meh!

Why did I not think of this sooner?

It is perfect.

All I have to say now is “but I can see you BeAnne” and she comes running home knowing the game is well and truly up!

And there is even an elephant of enthusiasm too!

Spring approacheth.  Bet the snow returns next week then.

It was a lovely afternoon – the sun went behind the hill at around 17.30 – a gorgeous gentle light.

The Old Men were slowly meandering their way down to their night-time field – it has more shelter and the stream.  It’s their choice. We leave the gate open so they can come and go as they please and they are usually back up by morning.

Haakon spied me and my camera.

He is doing very well this winter and I am pleased, as well as relieved.

His morning bucket feed with TurmerAid has kept him looking and moving well.

26 years old.  I can’t believe it.  Haakon’s birthday is 10th May (born 1994).  I bought him after a phone call and seeing one photo when he was 2 years old.  I backed and trained him myself, having never done anything like that before but it seemed like a good idea at the time.  We have had our moments. He was never easy but we trust each other, which I think has got us this far.  For a long time, I think he thought his name was “get a grip!”

I understand how he thinks.  Some might say we are like an old married couple!

I talk to Haakon a lot. I always have.  He is a good listener and, when we go for walks, he touches my hand with his nose so I know he is there. He is definitely not a huggy horse. He would hate that but he does always communicate in his way.

It’s funny what your best friend looks like.  Haakon is very handsome.  I always love being with him.

Monarch of the Glen by Sir Edwin Landseer (the artist who created the lions who sit at the base of Nelson’s column in Trafalgar Square, London) is a well known picture in my life. It resides at the National Gallery, London if you happen to be in the area and well worth a look. A real classic.

Sir Edwin Landseer

Anywho, sometimes we have a “Monarch of the Glen” moment. Today it was in the form of Waffle who was on his own

But then, of course, he was joined by his friend in “the glen” (though we don’t have glens in Shetland) – Albert Potato.

Plus Tiddles.  It doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it? – Tiddles of the Glen (that-we-don’t-have-in-Shetland and I’m pretty sure Sir Edwin Landseer would not be hot-footing it to our non-existent glen to paint him.

Ok, moving swiftly on, what about Newt-of-the-Glen?  Again, no. I dont think so.

“Carrots at nine o’clock, chaps!”

I refuse to give up.  What about Silver of the Glen?  So beautiful, so he deserves the title.

Perhaps I need to get out more!

Sorted out all of these guys and the smaller versions as well, before heading off into town with Floss – she had an appointment.

Yup, you guessed, the Lerwick was not very busy – I have had to import Floss to be a crowd!

It is sad really as we are all being encouraged to shop local which is a bit difficult when there are very few shops actually open or shelves filled.

Still, there were some good windows to look in and one charity shop was open (huzzah!) – where I bought a Fair Isle hat for £3.

We bought fish and chips (at least the chip shop was open) and went to our favourite spot – note my new hat on the dashboard.  It is a grey and white Fair Isle beanie made, I think, from lambswool so it is nice and soft.

It is standard practice here to eat lunch sitting in the car looking at the sea.  We were not alone.

More car views while we ate the best lunch.  Hmmmmm local fish and chips – it’s been too long!

We still had lots of messages to do, some achieved, many sadly not and then home.  I hate shopping on t’net but I am left with little choice what with Mother’s Day on the horizon plus an important birthday or two.

Ok, here is my Official First Sign of Spring (apart from the snowdrops, which don’t really count in my book as they were planted) – a shalder (oyster-catcher). This means we are coming out of winter and nothing can stop us.  At last!

Meanwhile, at home, Daisy was trying to take photos of Kappi’s back as she needs a new saddle.

Floss was on the front end.

Obviously there was help in the form of Idiot-Efstur.

A dear boy in his Muzzah’s (Daisy’s) eyes.

Never fear, Kappi has not been replaced . He just has to work harder if he wants to get near Daisy again.  Efstur is coming up the ranks.

Chores done and I took BeAnne for her daily walk and yes, there was company.

Does my life seem odd to you?