Category Archives: Crafts

No Electricity

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We had a planned power outage today – new power lines were being put up in our area, I think. We all knew it was coming weeks ago, but, still, it is never much fun.  I spent my day having those ridiculous quick thoughts like “well, I’ll just switch the light on” or “I’ll put a wash on” only to realise it was not possible so I vaguely polished furniture instead while OH went to town for supplies.

It was my turn to walk the dogs and the weather was not great – windy F8, a moderate gale.  I found all the horses and ponies in the sharp cut of the valley which has lots of shelter and grass.

Iacs thought I had brought carrots. I told him I had nothing and got this rather stern stare in response.

Vitamin was close-by too and I noticed she is suddenly looking even grayer. I guess it is her winter fur coming out and the new summer coat arriving with increasing white hairs.

I found a rock to sit on out of the wind – the dogs were happily doing their own thing – hoping Fivla would have a chat but she walked off.  Humph.

Fivla needs a good brush – they all do.  Maybe tomorrow – I have visitors coming over.

Bored with no electricity, I went into my shed with the now-hopefully-worn-out dogs to make a hand-felted Shetland sheep.

And the electric came back on, as they said it would, around tea-time.  It is amazing just how much we rely on it and now I can turn on lights, and put the washing on.

A Lovely Present

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This beautiful peg-loom rug arrived in the post today and I cried when I saw it.

Many years ago, 2020 to be precise, I sent Wendy Thompson from Maison d’Ouessant Style three fleeces – a selection of Lambie’s from a few years and one of ‘Bert, I think.

And the other day, when I mentioned that Lambie was getting old now, my friend offered to give me the peg-loom rug that she’d made from Lambie.  I couldn’t say no, it was such a generous offer and the rug is even more beautiful than I could’ve possibly imagined.

To celebrate this amazing gift, I went down to the bottom field armed with my big camera to take some photos of the sheep himself, who was snoozing about as far away as possible.

Lambie woke up when he heard me but he didn’t bother to get up.

However, he did manage one of his world famous “Winning Smiles” and that’s exactly how I feel about my rug too plus Wendy’s incredible talent and generosity.

You can find Wendy’s shop here – when you see her website, you will see she totally gets sheep.  She really does understand them (I love her photos).

Anyway, I’ve placed the rug by my bedside and can comfortably tread on Lambie every morning and evening.  I also sit on him every day too.

This wonderful seat saver was made for my birthday last year by Monika from Collaster Croft (we went to see the film together yesterday for obvious sheep reasons).  We even have one from the much-loved and missed Edna too.

And that’s the beauty of having wool presents that are created from sheep without hurting them, who are loved and have names, made by incredibly talented folk.

 

 

Not much today.  Yesterday was much nicer, weather-wise so I spent my morning waiting for a physio phone-appointment and trying to value stuff to put on Ebay.  I am finding that Google Image certainly has its limitations.

Anywho, I read somewhere that cats don’t see us as humans, but instead as a rather clumsy larger cats.  Knowing Monster very well, I can believe that.

I also often feel judged.

And yesterday Monster came on his first dog walk of 2026.  He is totally a fair-weather companion. He continued to shoud at everyone too.

And later, when I went into my shed, Monster turned up and paid me a visit, walking only on the path stepping stones, which I thought was rather clever of him.

After a lot of annoying, ie bothering me, deciding where best to sit, more bothering me, he settled in the spot I had made him by the window (mostly because I told him to sit down and shut up, because I had work to do).

I had to work around Monster. It seemed easier. Us clumsy humans have to adapt.

And then Monster found a better bed, which I wish he had found much earlier.

Later we all walked back together to the house for tea.  Another day, another dollar (or pound if we’re being pedantic).

(and Lambie turned up for his breakfast again).

Tricky

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As W. C. Fields used to say “Never work with children or animals”. Well, he was right.

Today’s breakfast was tricky.

Monster was absolutely no help at all and I failed dismally on the Connections puzzle (Wordle 6).

But Pepper had an eating-day, so that was encouraging.

The sunshine was also most welcome by everyone.  Animals sprawled everywhere inside and out.

The sheep are coming along well. I just need someone to buy one, two, three….. have a whole flock.

And the real thing were hanging around too.

After their supper, I tried to get Monster to pose nicely with Pepper.

She tried her best.

It just wasn’t a very good best.

And Monster quickly left.

Oh well, Pepper is still cute (and still eating) – oof, that little face ❤️

I’ve Done Too Much

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I think I’ve done too much today. My fault, of course. I never learn so now I am resting on my bed with a heat pad hoping tomorrow will be better.

In other news, Pepper’s bloods came back normal (one slightly elevated something, but nothing worthy of note), so that rules out any nasties going on and I am relieved.  I think we will stick to a dietary intolerance diagnosis.  Luckily Pepperlikes her Royal Canin diet and I am trying hard not to let her trawl any other outside food, like bird grain, duck poo, spilled sheep feed, anything she can find really.

I am having to be tough on Pepper, which I find extremely difficult.

I have never been tough with her, which may have been the problem – but that little face……. I always give in but have to think, no, this is hurting her little tummy despite what she says.

Skippy has been diagnosed now – apparently it is the throttle switch and cable so I need to find someone who speaks/reads German and order a new one.

I did my daily put-something-on-Ebay/Etsy listing – I can’t decide which is the better platform so am dividing the jewellery between both of them to see which one has the greater range.  Ebay is winning so far just in views and interest.

I made the chap on the left today too.

Maybe there’s a potential untapped market for Muscovy Duck photography.