Monarch of the Glen by Sir Edwin Landseer (the artist who created the lions who sit at the base of Nelson’s column in Trafalgar Square, London) is a well known picture in my life. It resides at the National Gallery, London if you happen to be in the area and well worth a look. A real classic.

Sir Edwin Landseer

Anywho, sometimes we have a “Monarch of the Glen” moment. Today it was in the form of Waffle who was on his own

But then, of course, he was joined by his friend in “the glen” (though we don’t have glens in Shetland) – Albert Potato.

Plus Tiddles.  It doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it? – Tiddles of the Glen (that-we-don’t-have-in-Shetland and I’m pretty sure Sir Edwin Landseer would not be hot-footing it to our non-existent glen to paint him.

Ok, moving swiftly on, what about Newt-of-the-Glen?  Again, no. I dont think so.

“Carrots at nine o’clock, chaps!”

I refuse to give up.  What about Silver of the Glen?  So beautiful, so he deserves the title.

Perhaps I need to get out more!

Sorted out all of these guys and the smaller versions as well, before heading off into town with Floss – she had an appointment.

Yup, you guessed, the Lerwick was not very busy – I have had to import Floss to be a crowd!

It is sad really as we are all being encouraged to shop local which is a bit difficult when there are very few shops actually open or shelves filled.

Still, there were some good windows to look in and one charity shop was open (huzzah!) – where I bought a Fair Isle hat for £3.

We bought fish and chips (at least the chip shop was open) and went to our favourite spot – note my new hat on the dashboard.  It is a grey and white Fair Isle beanie made, I think, from lambswool so it is nice and soft.

It is standard practice here to eat lunch sitting in the car looking at the sea.  We were not alone.

More car views while we ate the best lunch.  Hmmmmm local fish and chips – it’s been too long!

We still had lots of messages to do, some achieved, many sadly not and then home.  I hate shopping on t’net but I am left with little choice what with Mother’s Day on the horizon plus an important birthday or two.

Ok, here is my Official First Sign of Spring (apart from the snowdrops, which don’t really count in my book as they were planted) – a shalder (oyster-catcher). This means we are coming out of winter and nothing can stop us.  At last!

Meanwhile, at home, Daisy was trying to take photos of Kappi’s back as she needs a new saddle.

Floss was on the front end.

Obviously there was help in the form of Idiot-Efstur.

A dear boy in his Muzzah’s (Daisy’s) eyes.

Never fear, Kappi has not been replaced . He just has to work harder if he wants to get near Daisy again.  Efstur is coming up the ranks.

Chores done and I took BeAnne for her daily walk and yes, there was company.

Does my life seem odd to you?

Today has not been the easiest. My back is on its way out along with our internet, I wonder if they are related.

Anywho, no photos from me but I managed to blag some off Flossie who sits on the sofa in prime position watching Monster in all his glory.

Enjoy,

I am going to bed to lie on my bed of nails (acupressure mat).  I don’t need any of this.

This time of year does not bring out the best in Newt.  He is a little demon.

He is utterly vile, despite looking enchanting as a small, if enraged, hairy yak.  To be fair, though, we have never been caught in the crossfire.  He’s not that stupid.

Today was lovely.  The calm before the storm – in so many ways. Tomorrow is a gale and rain.

Newt’s row started with Waffle and ended with Tiddles.

All Waffle wanted a quiet life and he was enjoying the rare sunshine and almost no wind.

Floss and I often remark how we wish everyone could be like Waffle – so kind and easy.

Floss and I fed those that needed their food and then we let everyone “wash up” afterwards.

It’s a Minion skill.  Please note Storm is so fat that he has a wee gutter in his back!

Albie is, after Waffle, of course another version of perfection.

I love the way he comes over to me.  Such a sweet boy.

We left everyone enjoying the lovely weather.

I dropped Floss off at home before driving onto Lerwick for some hay.

This should keep (those that need it) very happy.  It never lasts long though.