The sheep have many strings to their bows, one of course being  their extensive Icelandic horse training skills which have been honed over the years from watching our horses.

Or it could be that they are sheep have snuck in to eat the dropped hay left from when the bales were moved from the back of the van to the stable?

Daisy and Efstur were also using the school.

I had popped in to say I was off to see the Minions, but Daisy asked me to stay and just take some quick films of Efstur in tölt so she could see his progress afterwards on screen. A useful training tool.

Meanwhile there were also sheep everywhere which Efstur did his very best to avoid or ignore but to meet Lambie as he went around the corner can be a bit of a surprise for everyone.

Lambie of course was on great form.

While Maggie preferred to stay outside today.

Training was intense and everyone worked hard.  The sheep know their stuff and put Efstur and Daisy through the paces.  No slackers here!

Job done and we all went home.  Daisy and Efstur better for the expert knowledge of sheep.

I was just nipping down to get something out of the big chest freezer that lives in OH’s shed at the bottom of the garden when I saw this lot hanging around.

I stopped for a quick chat trying hard not be diverted.

Today was not a day for diversions.

I had far too much to do.

But, but, but… they are all so gorgeous.

So I contented myself with Christmas noses over the garden gate and went back to my work.

Once all the chores were done, it was time for morning champagne and to open our Christmas presents.

The whole family was involved.  A lot.

After lunch, half the family took Pepper out for a walk, while we took Ted out separately on a lead.

It was very clear and very cold.  That is Fair Isle on the horizon. A rare sighting for us.

And a beautiful sunset to the finish a lovely day.

Merry Christmas everyone xx

Dear Little Lambie – always there with his Winning Smile.  It makes my day.

I think he is hopeful for a biccie.

And here is the “Faithful-sort-of” very mischievous Pepper with her butter-wouldn’t-melt and possibly hard-done-by face.

Pepper is a busy little girl – always on a mission, looking for things.  She rarely stops still long enough for me to take a photo.  I was lucky today.

This morning I dodged the weather and drove around the westside of Shetland distributing Christmas presents and cards, while having some wonderful time to myself.

It was very beautiful.

Once home, I found Daisy finishing the decorating of our very small tree.

The tree has to be small because Pepper would eat it all.  Even she can’t reach it….. yet.

We are going down the “Scandi” route. When we were visiting Norway a few years back, I saw a decorated branch hanging in a conservatory. In that house, it was obviously tastefully created and arranged and I thought the same might work for us.

Those that can’t hang any longer have become Christmas ornaments – this is my most favourite for obvious reasons.

Yesterday was the Winter Solstice – our shortest day and longest night.  Now it all turns back for the better.  Spring will be here one day.

Sunrise – 09.10
Sunset – 14.59

Daisy has come home for Christmas. She “did the hay” with me today for those that get hay – the old men and the girls.  They are the only ones so far.

Iacs was pleased to see Daisy (we all are, especially Efstur).

And Daisy said everyone was looking very well.  She even thought Klængur had lost weight! Imagine that.

I am always glad of a second knowledgeable (based on science) opinion. Daisy is studying for her PhD in Vet Science.

Yup, science, Haakon. She will be Dr Daisy!

Iacs frisked Daisy just in case, you know, she was carrying chocolate cake about her person.

This lot get daily hay as there isn’t much grass in their field.

No one is complaining.  We will move them around again soon.