Up here, in Shetland, we have not had a horrid weather day for a while.  In fact, Shetland has had a “sunnier July than Cornwall“, according to the BBC so it must be true.

Today is an indoor day and I really don’t mind.  There is always lots to do.

On these kind of days, BeAnne adopts a supportive role.  It is what she does best.

Loki just went with disinterested – he had a walk this afternoon with OH in the rain.

There was stuff to do – creating different things.

Even Wu, in his own special way!

Bardy just shouted at me – all day, every day.  I must admit I have times when I feel a bit frazzled.

Anywho, this afternoon, as it is a Thursday, I was working for Transition Turriefield packing vegetables for the veg boxes and shops.  It is an much-needed interlude.

Work Benefit:  I had a kitten break!  Every work environment should have Kitten Break!

I came home late this afternoon to be shouted at again by Bardy. Yes, now he is sitting in a bag around my neck, while I post beef mince avec vitamin drops down him!

Sometimes I think I have no life.

Our visitors’ last request, before they went on the ferry back to Scotland tonight, was to meet the Shetland-Ponies-in-Sweaters who, a few years back, were an viral internet sensation.

So, in a convoy, we drove over to Sandness to see Les Girls.

Formal introductions were made.

And friendships were forged.

We pointed out the famous ones.

And, of course, they worked their superstar magic.

Lyra, being Lyra, even though she is not one of the Shetland-ponies-in-sweaters combo, made sure she was part of the whole meet and greet experience.

Bless, her, even Delia got in on the act.

I think we can truthfully say our visitors enjoyed meeting our little superstars.

Funnily enough, I was told about folk who had met our Shetland-ponies-in-sweaters down the south end of the island.  Allegedly some random Shetland ponies are pointed out as my two girls.

My two live on the Westside and, to my knowledge, they are not on the tourist route.  So the black Shetland pony and white Shetland pony, who had their photos taken and feature in holiday snaps, are not actually the originals but just lookey-likeys!

Sorry!

Bardy had a terrible fall a few days back.  All my fault and I continue to feel totally to blame.

The upshot is that Bardy’s development has been delayed and we have spent the last few days just getting back to where we once were.

Obviously, we went to the vet who said she thought no bones were broken and Bardy had bruising.  He needed tlc and rest and hopefully, fingers crossed, he would get back to normal.

So, Bardy lives in his cage on the windowsill sitting in the sun listening to classical music.

Today, I went for my weekly flute lesson and Bardy came too.  Interestingly, when we played our duets, Bardy stopped chirping and listened.  When we stopped to talk and discuss the music, Bardy started to chat away.  He recognises music and enjoys it.

Anywho, it is just an observation and we are promoting Bardy’s independence. A few days back, Floss and I put him and his cage outside.  I went back 30 minutes later to find Bardy hysterical with fury, shouting his head off, apoplectic with rage demanding to go back indoors.  He hated it.  This outside scenario would never catch on and I was never to do that again.

So, here are some films from yesterday of the puffins at Sumburgh Head.

Well, our visitors arrived hot off the ferry this morning.

A full English breakfast and then off to meet the ponios.

Yes, The Minions are trained to do selfies!

Then, off a-sight-seeing.

First off, down to Jarlshof – a prehistoric archaeological site described as “one of the most remarkable archaeological sites ever excavated in the British Isles”.

Everyone was suitable impressed and used words like “awesome”!

Afterwards, we went up to Sumburgh Head and, guess what, the puffins were still in residence, which was good as I thought they may have gone back out to sea by now.

I may have slightly gone over-board on the puffin photography.

I think we blew our visitors’ minds with the airport and the driving-over-the-runway scenario!

It is wonderful (and incredible) to meet folk who read the blog and came to Shetland because of it!

Bright and early our visitors arrive fresh off the boat tomorrow morning. The house is immaculate and I have cooked 3 different curries and a very British cake (Mary Berry’s Victoria sponge) – Floss did the icing.

As a reward for all our efforts, and because they must be checked daily, Flossie and I went to see the ladies at Sandness for some time out and relaxation.  We deserve this.

(you could eat your bloody supper of the floor if you wanted to – please don’t)

Fivla is looking very well.

Flossie checked her for “wellness”.  Fivla is Floss’ childhood pony (ride and drive) so now in my book Fivla is what is known as an SEP – Someone Else’s Problem – Flossie’s!

Lyra is also very “well” or well-rounded.

Lyra has given up her usual Summer feral behaviour, which is always tiresome, and now embraces life and anyone who turns up.

We don’t take carrots so this is a genuine happy-to-see you hug.

The old ladies could be found a little way up the huge field.

Vitamin has put on weight since being released from her enforced diet lifestyle with Fivla.

And I think it suits her. Being on a permanent diet to accompany her best friend, Fivla, has no doubt helped Vitamin but she is allowed to put on weight in the Summer. Everyone else does.

Delia is looking wonderful.

She is an old lady and Summer makes her happy.  That is all that matters.  She walks very freely and there is no stiffness.

We are all keeping a very close eye on Fivla and her weight.

It is a fine line and I can see that.

Come the winter, Fivla will have nothing extra but the contents of her hill field at Lyradale and she will have to share it with The Minions.