I said to myself over the weekend that if my back didn’t show signs of improving, I would go to see my doctor.

So this morning, Daisy kindly drove me to see my GP, after an initial telephone consultation.  She gave me a thorough examination and sent me to the Accident and Emergency Department at our local hospital – a 45 minute drive away – in Lerwick. And Daisy again kindly drove me straight there.

A bit of waiting, not much really and I was seen, examined again thoroughly including pins stuck in me, etc.

Five hours later and home now. I am waiting for the details of my blood analysis, a physio appointment, and when I will go south for an MRI scan.

Things are not looking (or feeling) particularly good at present.

When the weather is nice, Monster follows us around the croft.

He is very hard to spot (not).

If Monster had an Indigenous People of America name, it would probably be Runs with Sheep

Always blending in. Always one of the guys.

Look at him go!

He’s a funny boy and I may have taken many mind-altering painkillers!

I had an inkling that I might be in trouble when I went to bed last night. My back was horrible and by this morning, I could hardly move, let alone walk.  I haven’t felt this bad for a while.  My back screamed every time I breathed.

So I took a double dose of Tramadol and TurmOil and set my Painpod belt on full volume zapping with massage (electric muscle stimulation), waited 30 minutes in bed and then got up and dressed.  The girls kindly did my morning chores while I limped about uselessly outside with a walking stick to keep me upright.

Gradually I could feel the benefits of gentle exercise so after breakfast, I caught Haakon, left the walking stick behind, hung onto his neck and we went for a walk along the road.  Nice and flat, no tripping and hopefully manageable.

It was a beautiful morning and the girls wanted to come too.

Daisy appeared on Taktur.

I let the boys introduce themselves.

And they went on with their ride, leaving us behind.

Haakon made an excellent walking aid.  He always knows when I am not well and I can rely on him to support and look after me.  He knows his job well.  Hanging onto his mane and neck made walking much easier.

We went along at a good pace, enjoying the lovely view.  The fact that Haakon was supporting me, while also pulling me along meant my legs had to walk to keep up but it was less effort.

In return for his help, I let Haakon stop to eat the thistle flowers. He loves them.  Spikey but delicious.

We did our usual walk and turned around to go home, seeing Daisy and Taktur coming down the other road.

The walk did good.  My legs went on working better but I have been circling the planet incoherently for the rest of the day – that’s what huge doses of Tramadol does to me.  The pinching agony every time I breathe is more manageable but comes back if I lower the dose.

Let’s hope this is just a blip. Too much to do for my malfunctioning back to get in the way.

I was busy in my shed making a sheeple for the shops when Daisy popped her head in and said “I am doing something with Lilja…. can you give me a hand for a few minutes?”. I finished my sheeple, while she put Taktur (Lilja’s Dad) back into his field and we met up with Daisy leading Lilja out of her field ready for work.

Tied up, a quick brush and then Daisy sorted out her saddle.  Lilja watched, interested.

Saddlecloth on.

(Lilja is a beautiful mare – so like her Dad).

Next the saddle on.

More gorgeousness.

Then Daisy led her around the school with the saddle on so she could get reacquainted with the feeling of it on her back with the girth done up.

This is to see and train Lilja to stand still – yes, she does, like a rock.

Well done, Lilja.  A carroty reward facing forwards and not asking.

Then Daisy bounced up and down each side.  There was absolutely no reaction.

Flapping about on each side – again, nothing.

Hat on and then Daisy lay across the saddle from each side and then slipped her leg over and got on.

Meanwhile, I am holding the lead-rope and giving Lilja a small pieces of carrot as a reward for each specific desired behaviour.

So, that’s Lilja lightly backed then. What a good girl – totally calm, listening and interested. Perfect.  I do like this mare.

Me: Haakon, where’s your forelock?

Does anyone know where it’s gone?

This is awful – Haakon’s forelock has just vanished (possibly overnight) while other’s remain silly and frilly!   I am very jealous now on his behalf.

I found Daisy brushing Iacs’ mane and tail so afterwards I picked up the brush and did Lilja’s mane and tail. She was a good girl and just stood there.

And then Sóley, who also was much calmer about it all. Last time, a few months’ back, it had been a bit of a fight.

Living with the old men has done Sóley the world of good.

And lastly Klængur.

Afterwards, Sóley helped Daisy clean out the water buckets.

As did Lilja. They are both very nosey girls.

I am not sure about Haakon without his forelock. He looks a bit Przewalski-ish.

But he’s still my handsome boy, though and looking good this summer.