While everyone was eating their hay, I made the executive decision to open up a bit more of the track.

It is pretty bare now, and I am swithering about whether to send the ponies to another nearby croft to go onto that hill park (field).

Pros:  Endless grass which would be good for them and me – no more lugging haynets.
Cons:  I would have to drive there daily and put on/take off rugs as there is very little shelter.

I am not sure I want them away from home this time of year.

So my middle ground is to give the ponies a little more grazing so they have the benefits of the containers too, if they want them.  It’s easy enough to do – I just move the electric fence and cut the corners.

The “new” grass is not rich green grass so hopefully no laminitis.

And they all seemed very happy to be given it.

An afternoon spent making sheep.

And after tea, I went back to see if anyone had moved.

Apparently not and they had made quick work of it too. Locusts.

So, having written this all down and seen my arguments, I think for the time being I will keep the ponies on the track, opening up more as the winter goes along…. but this could all change.  You know me.  Nothing written in stone.

I’m feeling very slightly smug.

After breakfast (their’s, not mine), I put a headcollar on Albie, taking him away from his haynet-in-a-box over to the containers where Fivla was resting.

I asked Albie to walk into the container and he just walked straight in.   No reluctance, no refusal.

I was very happy with him and dished out carrots to say well done and thank you.  This was good.  No, it was great.  A huge Albie hurdle overcome.

And then there was the lingering capybara who had followed along possibly for the chance of a carrot.

Later on, in the morning, I noticed there were not many Shetland ponies around – just two cousins eating hay and no one else.

I found this lot in one of the containers.

They were packed like sardines.  It was snug but warm, possibly a bit close (stuffy).

Albie was happily in with his herd and seemed very relaxed.

The other container remained empty despite evidence of investigation.  And, interestingly, Albie and his friends spent all day in their container just chillin’.

I’ve just mucked out now.  There was a lot but it was easily swept out and taken away by Skippy (my BFF).

The containers are a huge hit with everyone.

Everyone except Albie who just won’t.  I have no idea why but he refuses to go in.  So today I decided was the day he would. I put a headcollar on him and sat with carrots in a container containing only Storm.

And so I sat trying to entice him in with the carrots.

Obviously, it became a family affair.

Certain helpers were only here for the carrots!

Delicious small Turriefield carrots, just right for enticement.

And then I quickly ran out of carrots and I will admit patience too so I tied Albie up to the container and went off to fetch some more.

A bit more encouragement, and a variety of methods used, and Albie eventually walked inside.

I made him walk in and out probably a billion times from every container and, once I was satisfied, I let him go so he could be with his friends.

Feeling pleased, I went back to get some more carrots and gave Albie the whole lot so he could see it was totally worth it.

The whole process took over an hour but we did it.  I’m not saying it was easy but I can sleep at night knowing that Albie can, if he wants, go into a container for shelter though I bet he still stays outside looking pathetic!

It is very autumnal now, damn near winter really – temperatures are low with a strong and biting north wind.  I might have to dig out my winter sweaters shortly.

But the sun was shining when I took the dogs out armed with carrots for the Ancients and it was nice to see everyone.  The old croft houses offer lots of shelter and they are all looking very *** cough *** well.

And then one more sheep made this afternoon and out I went with my constant companion to do the afternoon chores like feed the ducks/hens, going out with Skippy to clean up (I cannot tell you just how much it is a game-changer), and collect up empty haynets from the boxes refilling them ready for the evening when the ponies want to go into the containers.

Meanwhile, Pepper and I are very adept at waiting for everyone to finish their tea.

Sometimes the ducks have a conversation with Pepper – mostly telling her off, I think – but they honestly don’t mind and have known her since they, and she, were little.

I wonder if they see her as part of their flock!  Similar grubby plumage.

I was lying in bed last night after a lovely hot relaxing bath when I saw someone had posted a photo on social media of the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis or Mirrie Dancers, as they are called here.

So, feeling a bit nonplussed about the whole thing but thinking I should possibly make the effort, I struggled into my dressing gown, donned some wellies and went outside to see if I could see anything.

I couldn’t much (a slight green glow) but the camera picked it up beautifully.  I stuck the phone on the 6 inch nails banged into the side of the house and took a few snaps.

And then I realised that the willow trees around the back door have grown so tall, I couldn’t actually see everything that was going on, so I moved to a different spot – the compost heap, which was slightly better, if more precarious.

The clouds were not helpful or moving either.

While I was snapping away and freezing to death (it was very, very cold), I heard a rustling sound and then the tell-tale meow of Monster, who had surreptitiously snuck up unbeknownst to me.  I got quite the shock!

So, to a soundtrack of much whinging, the Northern Lights flickered away for my camera.

It’s not a bad view from the compost heap really!