I spent my day spent changing routers so we are now using mobile wifi. In some ways, we are much better off by having faster internet speeds, but there is a downside too – we have now lost our ability to use Mail (Apple) so no emails.
GIVE ME STRENGTH!
So, I have no words and I feel like taking up smoking again – I gave up in 1993.
(photos from yesterday – taken with the big camera, which I lugged over to the old horses and ponies’ new field.)
I decided that no one really needed to be in the “storm field” and I want to save that for when the weather is revolting so the old horses and ponies have access to the best shelter and grass.
So, I moved everyone. First I gave them all their breakfast and then I led Haakon and Kolka, while Iacs followed behind across the hill to Clothie.
And then I took Fivla and Vitamin over. Everyone was very pleased to be in their new field so I am glad I made that decision for them.
Obviously the big shed is ready for when we need it but I don’t want to shove them inside for every bit of bad weather, especially when it has not got that cold yet.
It was interesting that none of them were asking to come inside during our most recent storm and were very happy out and about so I am listening to them and watching. Obviously, if they were struggling outside, it is easy enough to get them in or put a rug on. I am saying all this because the bush telegraph is buzzing about the way I keep my old horses and ponies.
Apparently I should be rugging and/or getting them inside. Not yet, not if they don’t need it. They all have a good coverage of fat and a thick coat. They are built for this and when they start to show that they are not, then obviously I will do something about it. Now I hope that ends all the speculation that is apparently doing the rounds in Shetland.
(lots of photos – sorry!)
I was just heading upstairs to bed last night when I thought to myself “I wonder if the Merrie Dancers are out?”
So out I trudged outside and looked north. There was a definite glow.
But it was very cold, so rather than freeze, I went and ran my bath, which takes ages. While I was waiting, I turned off the bathroom light and opened the north facing window to see what I could see.
Yup, much better and less cold. At least the bathroom is warm, even hanging out of the open window.
This morning was beautiful too.
Off to work at Turriefield packing veg and the rain poured down outside. But a good almost double rainbow, though.
As I had more chores to do when I got back home, I didn’t go into my shed to make a sheep. I spent my afternoon cleaning out the water troughs/buckets in Clothie, ready for the horses and ponies when I move them over.
I used “the Eggbox” and in full four-wheel drive we trundled over the hill backwards and forwards four times with the very full and heavy water containers.
It saved my poor screaming back.
I say “we” because of course little Miss Pepperpot came too and every time I got back in the car, and put my seatbelt on, she would lick my nose!
Once done, I put Eggbox away and got Skippy out to take my final load of water to the Shetland ponies’ track.
It is almost dark outside now and I think the Merrie Dancers are forecast again so I will probably spend my evening popping in and out of the backdoor (or the bathroom) checking to see if they are dancing.
We had our farrier, Stephen, coming at 10 o’clock this morning so I had everyone up in their paddocks and ready.
Breakfast first, though, obviously. Priorities.
I told myself that Haakon does not eat like a giraffe. Well, not very much.
The little ones were desperate to be in with the big ones and for a second I thought it might be a great idea.
And then I remembered it would probably result in all out war and lots of mud churned up so I kept that gate shut.
As none of the oldies eats hay these days, I gave them a good bucket of Fast Fibre hay replacer so their tummies wouldn’t mind that they weren’t grazing while they waited. The Shetlands got a haynet to share which they weren’t interested in at all – too busy gazing at the others.
Pepper and I waited in the car as it was warm and got us out of the north wind. She was so happy to see Stephen’s van.
Only four out of ten had their feet done – in winter hooves grow slower apparently.
So we were done by lunchtime which was convenient. All in all it was a very good morning and no signs of laminitis on anyone – huzzah! Onwards, ever onwards.
My wifi/broadband ordeal continues. Part the Two now it is Monday. I spent most of my morning talking to BT, who were actually incredibly helpful so a big thank you to Dylan who did his absolute best for me and completely understood my predicament, though by the end he did go into Full Sales Pitch mode which I found a little unnecessary.
So, afterwards, feeling a huge need for some fresh air and sanity, I took the dogs out for a walk over in my little 5 acre croft, Clothie.
I wanted to see the state of the grazing as I will be putting the old horses and ponies in there soon for as much of their winter as I can.
The grass was looking very good but amongst it were a good variety of toadstools, which I decided to identify to see if any were edible.
The short answer is no! The whole lot are murderous but they do have some great names.
Anyway, I learned a lot today – not just about broadband and mobile phone packages.
Back home and the ponies were waiting for me.
I kissed a few noses and filled up their water (they do get through it so obviously haven’t found the stream in the corner of the field). This was my sanity.
After lunch, I started all over again with Plusnet (my broadband provider), who again were remarkably helpful and I think I have changed over to wifi mobile broadband but, knowing me, I may have got in a muddle and just made things twice as expensive! I am easily talked into things, I think.
