Category Archives: MyShetland

Next One Arrives

I’m feeling exhausted so I will keep this brief.

This morning, I drove to Sumburgh airport to collect Daisy.

Flossie is going back home tomorrow and Daisy is taking over from her.  I am very lucky to have them.

Obviously, I was thrilled to see Daisy and so was Monster – Daisy is his No. 1 favourite human in the world, except during potential meal-times when it is OH’s turn.  Floss and I don’t get much of a look-in.

Meanwhile, Bed Wars continue mostly between Pepper and Ted.

Note how Ted can do the whole King-of-the-Castle without leaving the bed once despite Pepper’s best efforts to tempt him.

She did win later.

(I’m sorry this is so short)

Bed Wars (2)

The arguments continue and I am supposedly the referee – albeit an unwilling one.

Monster decided that all this arguing was beneath him and he will take over the world at a later date.  This morning, he contented himself with lying on the kitchen table (behaviour I try not to condone) while I made inedible soup for lunch.

This left Ted to reclaim his rightful bed.  Ted’s bed – look, it even rhymes beautifully.

Ted settled himself down for the day (you can almost hear him praying to his Gods that no one wants to take him on a dog walk but they did).

Later Monster continued to plot from his Fortress of Solitude located under the piano – he already has quite the property portfolio.

After lunch, Pepper decided enough was enough.  Having not ever been near the bed since its arrival, she picked it up and moved it around the room, like a professional Feng Shui Master trying to harmonize Chi for our improved health, prosperity, and well-being.

So the bed now has a new location – in front of the sofa, next to OH’s spot and Ted is very happy with this (mostly because he quickly reclaimed it) – and he’s even brought his much-beloved Christmas present too.  Love, indeed.

New problem, though, because now Pepper, having dragged the bed around the room, quite fancies it too,

And every time I look at this bed, I seriously wonder how it would fit a Border collie – the original intended recipient.

(Goes off to look at website wondering if I must seriously buy two more.)

Not Talking To….

We are not talking to Pepper today.  This morning she went a-murdering – two poor pigeons who were doing nothing awful apart from being in the chicken/duck shed probably stealing food.

We told Pepper that she has to think about her crime.

And she did try to.

And now I feel awful that I am cross with her.

Apparently I can apologise for being angry to Pepper whenever I want.  *** sigh *** (oh, that face, that little murdering face).

Always Fair

I left my pit to pop down to see how the little boys were fairing in this cold weather (wind chill today of at least -5℃).  It was the sort of freezing cold wind that makes your eyebrows hurt.

Anyway, everyone was surprisingly perky – I think it’s because they’re in their new-to-them field and they love it there.  They can also see the others too, which they like (not that the others care or want to be near them).

I had in my pocketses five Pasture Cookies, which I had brought thinking they could have one each as a very special treat.

I fed one to each of them and of course they loved them.

One for you, I said and a kiss on the nosey…

And you….. and you and kept going….

… until I reached Silver. I put my hand in my pocket expecting to find the last carefully counted out treat but nothing! I felt awful.  What to do?  I could leave Silver feeling a bit out of sorts with me and go back to the warmth of the house (my poor hurty eyebrows by now).  But no, I am not that person. Life should never be unfair and I would’ve laid awake all night knowing I had created an injustice. So of course I climbed back up the hill, telling myself all exercise is good exercise, found the errant Pasture Cookie and took it back to feed Silver.  Fairness for all!

Sheep, “Fit the Second”

Last night after supper, I went back to the sheep shed in the pitch dark (I am scared of the dark) and quickly checked there was no more fighting.  Everyone was peaceful.

This morning the weather remained truly revolting.  Not to be trifled with.  Floss and I threw food at everyone and ran back indoors as fast we could.  We did the whole lot in under 3/4 of an hour, which is quite an achievement.

Later, I went out again.

Even though I had left the field gate propped open, the sheep hadn’t gone out, preferring their shed along with three full haynets, and two lick buckets.

They were happy and calm, so I found myself a spot and sat down on the straw.

(Even Barrel was behaving himself).

First up were the new double-act – Maggie and Gussie.  They are the best of friends.

Lambie is in love with Dahlia, who is not in love with Lambie…..

… even though he is an obvious catch.

And this was as near Madge got to me.  The words “Hell freezes over” sound familiar.

But Gussie was surprisingly chatty.

And this is as near as Lambie got to me today.

Maggie was also demanding attention.  She smiled so sweetly, it was hard not to be her friend.

Bert snuggled up on my left side.  I gave him many hugs, pleased to see he was feeling happier.

….. while these two were on my right.


And then Gussie plonked himself down and settled into the task of chewing his cud.

And then Bert plonked himself down on my left and was very settled too.

Lots of cuddles and stroking.

I stayed for an hour, playing classical music on my phone so we could relax.  I always enjoy being with the sheep like this.  So peaceful, even though it was raging outside.  The gap between Gussie and Bert was where I was sitting, propped up against the wall.