Author Archives: Frances

Pastures New

I have figured why the Shetland ponies didn’t want to run around yesterday – they were depressed at their miserable living conditions. The track has become increasingly nastier by the day.

So I made a decision, one that I have been thinking about for a while. I caught four of the ponies (Tiddles, Silver, Albie and Waffle) while Newt followed like a good boy and led them all into the back field which has been grazed right down by everyone else first.

The transformation was immediate.

The ponies couldn’t believe their luck.

And off they rushed. Tiddles stopping first for a quick roll.

He quickly caught up with his friends.

And I left everyone to explore and graze praying to all the Gods that I’ve done the right thing.

Next it was the turn of the big ones. I decided that Iacs could follow and OH and I led the everyone over to Clothie, my 5 acre field. But Iacs had other ideas and buggered off at a stonking trot down our track heading for the road. OH offered to take everyone while I went after Iacs but I said (knowing his little ways) that he would soon be back and concentrated on getting Haakon, Kolka, Vitamoobag and Fivla into their field.

I was right. Iacs soon realised he was on his own and we heard the sound of galloping and he quickly appeared, putting himself through the field gate to rejoin the others.

Silly boy and stupid me for trusting him. I should’ve known better.

So this lot are all happy too.

Later, I returned to see how the Shetland ponies were getting on. I had a word with Tiddles about staying well this winter.

I also told them this was all they were getting (and their morning minerals/vitamins)

Tiddles said he would try to not to be ill again. I hope I haven’t made a huge mistake.

Move!

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Yesterday I said I would try and take more photos with my big camera, but this time of year it is very much weather-permitting.

However, today was a nice day and took my big camera out. I wanted to take photos of the Shetland ponies running around. They sometimes like to have a mad half hour in the mornings and it is very sweet to watch. Lots of bucking and farting.

I found everyone huddled in one corner.

When I mentioned the possibility of running around and looking wonderful, I was met with glazed expressions all round.

“You want me to do what?”

“Move? I think not”.

“Not for nobody”

So not feeling very encouraged, I made chivvying noises of encouragement and Silver helpfully took off.

Swiftly followed by Newt (like a baked bean shot out of a cannon!)

And then they ran back to their friends. Sigh.

More “move it” noises and off Silver and Newt went again…..

And Newt, suddenly realising he was leaving his friends behind, did “a dirty stop”, the sort of thing that if you sat onboard, would have resulted in you going straight over his head to land in the mud!

More “come on, guys, move!” from me.

And they eventually shuffled off with absolutely no enthusiasm, though Silver and Newt were slightly better.

Newt managed to have a nice little roll, probably in something unmentionable if he could.

I am sure he is a closet capybara.

But at least he is a moving capybara.

Seriously, guys. Come on!

Oh, at last! I was beginning they were glued to the spot.

2018 Photo Memories

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I promise I will try to get out with a camera tomorrow and take some photos of my more recent life. But I came across these in the Sort Out and smiled at each and every one of them….

Again, from 2018.

Floss and Lambie.

Her Maj with her two favourite toys – buzzy bee on the left (you can just see it) and lion. I think Loki and Wu had just died so we were attempting to cheer BeAnne up and failing. Hence our trip south to find Monster.

Day 1 when Daisy and I first met Monster at the SSPCA, Banchory. We were considered acceptable by himself and he came home that evening on the boat with us.

Lambie looking rather gorgeous.

Storm at the rocks at the Dale of Walls beach. Always good value during a storm.

Dear Klaengur. Taken too soon.

Kappi, now south with Daisy.

The two old men – Haakon and Iacs. Always together like Statler and Waldorf.

They still argue. Nothing has changed.

A snowy ‘Ster.

Floss with the best kisser on the Shetland Westside – Tiddles.

Newt when he first arrived – oof.

I promise I did not cut his hair! He came like that.

And a summer one to remember things are green and the flowers are beautiful. BeAnne was a great swimmer whenever she got the chance. Like an otter.

Little Ted

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These photos are from September 2017, so just a little over 8 years ago (I’ve done more sorting today).

Little Ted had his paws well and truly under Mum’s table.

But I won’t lie, Mum had a few problems with Ted. She got him as an adult dog and she gave him his third home.

Ted didn’t like men – and bit the postman. This resulted in him being given an ASBO (anti-social behavioural order) by two armed policemen. Mum was horrified.

He would also run away frequently if off the lead and so henceforth all dog-walks were on a lead. His recall was very selective, if at all.

Ted would also wreck things in the house if he didn’t get his own way and was a terrible conniving food thief.

As you may know, Mum’s final words to me were to look after Teddy so he came home with me to Shetland with the proviso that we would see how we got on.

(I think he was telling Mum he didn’t want to go……)

Moving swiftly forwards and Ted really is a different dog.

2017

2025

He’s stopped being a southern softie. He is off a lead for all walks, in fact all the time really, apart from when he goes to the groomers.

But best of all, he has a BFF and that is wonderful for him. Pepper has changed him.

And they never stop playing.

The thieving and wrecking has stopped too. Ted hasn’t bitten anyone since the first day (courier man who was very nice about it) and loves all men most in the world.

So, that’s Ted. He’s come a long way in his world.

More Photos From the Past

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Another trip down memory lane – sorry.

I found another stash of pics – 220gb on a disk that need to be reduced down to a manageable size. These are from around 2018.

So here goes….. (say if you get bored).

BeAnne and Haakon – this is one of my most favourite sights. The view from onboard of my best beloved two.

Dearest Storm. I miss him so much and expect to see him with the others all the time but he’s always out of my reach.

Daisy and Flossie riding out together. Daisy is on Kappi and Floss is riding Iacs. Those were great days. Floss had just learned to ride and Iacs was her trusted steed.