Category Archives: Something different

More Rørosmartnan 2017

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I have a bit of a headache (probably from fighting with the weather this morning – I am just thawing and drying out now).

Anyway, I didn’t take any photos today as we were de-worming/fluking sheep and none of them helpful.

So, in the spirit of going through more of my photos from our trip to Norway in 2017, I found the bit where we travelled by horse-drawn sleigh from the encampment to the local village.

Upon arrival, we found all the horses were resting up after their hard work during the opening procession.  They had blankets on to keep them warm and were given food too.

      

We chatted, made friends, wandered about the camp and then it was time to go.

The horses were hitched up and our drivers made us very comfortable under huge sheepskin rugs and we sat in the back of the sleigh.

It was like travelling through Narnia or being the Snow Queen.  This was the home of every fairy tale.

We were accompanied by lots of singing, jingle bells and laughing.

  

I could not have loved this time more.  So beautiful and perfect.

After a while of sedate travel, we reached our destination.

The light was beginning to go by now and the horses had worked very hard.  It was time for their rest for the nigh. It was a memorable journey.

Looking Back at Rørosmartnan 2017

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Outside is revolting. It started with a nice but ominous sunrise (red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning) and the weather got worse from then on.

So, these photos are from February 2017 when Daisy and I went to Norway with a Norwegian friend to see the market and horse event at Rørosmartnan.

Obviously I took my camera and had a wonderful time indulging all my main interests – shopping, horses and taking photos.

“Røros is is a town in Trøndelag county, Norway, known for its historic copper mining, traditional wooden buildings, and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in the interior uplands of the country, it is one of Norway’s coldest places and has a rich history dating back to the 17th century.”

I can vouch that it was very cold but good clothing solves all problems and we came prepared.  We are from Shetland, after all.

It was a busy place but folk were friendly and helpful and we wandered around just looking at everything.

I loved it.  It was very pretty.

The horse bit of the festival was opened with traditional dancers – it was a winter painting by Pieter Breughel.

Next the reindeer arrived.

They were all very well behaved and I can’t begin to tell you just how much I wondered if I could bring one home.  Just a baby one. Who would even notice?

And then the horse driven sleighs came.  Around 80 horse-drawn sleds arrive with visitors from Sweden and the surrounding mountain villages and they paraded through the village while the crowds watch.

These are just a few photos from the thousands I took.

It was all beautiful.  I can still remember every minute of our fantastic trip to Norway and am now feeling very nostalgic. The photos are a good reminder of possibly one of my very best holidays.

Non Christmassy

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It has been a lovely day.  The light, peace, no wind….all glorious.

I fed the Shetland ponies who insisted on coming down afterwards into the little paddock, which was a bore because I wanted to get the sheep out while convincing them that they could all live together in perfect harmony.

Waffle was not helpful and insisted on stalking with a hint of chasing but I am hoping Gussie will stand his ground and make friends with them all and Waffle will give up.

The rest of the sheep are pretty scared of the ponies and rushed off into the bigger part of the field for the rest of the day.

I know Tiddles wouldn’t be horrid. It’s just Waffle. He can be difficult.  We’ll see how it goes. If the sheep refuse to go into the field tomorrow, then there are plenty of others to eat in.

And so to town for a spot of Christmas shopping.

I didn’t feel particularly Christmassy but I like to be organised and to know I have options.

Failing dismally, I went to see my sheep field.

I added more sheep and rearranged it a bit for good measure.

On my way home, the views were spectacular.  So good, in fact, that I stopped the car twice to take photos.

My spirit was soothed.  Now to find my Christmas one.

2018 Photo Memories

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I promise I will try to get out with a camera tomorrow and take some photos of my more recent life.  But I came across these in the Sort Out and smiled at each and every one of them….

Again, from 2018.

Floss and Lambie.

Her Maj with her two favourite toys – buzzy bee on the left (you can just see it) and lion.  I think Loki and Wu had just died so we were attempting to cheer BeAnne up and failing.  Hence our trip south to find Monster.

Day 1 when Daisy and I first met Monster at the SSPCA, Banchory.  We were considered acceptable by himself and he came home that evening on the boat with us.

Lambie looking rather gorgeous.

Storm at the rocks at the Dale of Walls beach.  Always good value during a storm.

Dear Klaengur.  Taken too soon.

Kappi, now south with Daisy.

The two old men – Haakon and Iacs. Always together like Statler and Waldorf.

They still argue.  Nothing has changed.

A snowy ‘Ster.

Floss with the best kisser on the Shetland Westside – Tiddles.

Newt when he first arrived – oof.

I promise I did not cut his hair!  He came like that.

And a summer one to remember things are green and the flowers are beautiful.  BeAnne was a great swimmer whenever she got the chance.  Like an otter.

Little Ted

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These photos are from September 2017, so just a little over 8 years ago (I’ve done more sorting today).

Little Ted had his paws well and truly under Mum’s table.

But I won’t lie, Mum had a few problems with Ted.  She got him as an adult dog and she gave him his third home.

Ted didn’t like men – and bit the postman. This resulted in him being given an ASBO (anti-social behavioural order) by two armed policemen.  Mum was horrified.

He would also run away frequently if off the lead and so henceforth all dog-walks were on a lead.  His recall was very selective, if at all.

Ted would also wreck things in the house if he didn’t get his own way and was a terrible conniving food thief.

As you may know, Mum’s final words to me were to look after Teddy so he came home with me to Shetland with the proviso that we would see how we got on.

(I think he was telling Mum he didn’t want to go……)

Moving swiftly forwards and Ted really is a different dog.

2017

2025

He’s stopped being a southern softie.  He is off a lead for all walks, in fact all the time really, apart from when he goes to the groomers.

But best of all, he has a BFF and that is wonderful for him.  Pepper has changed him.

And they never stop playing.

The thieving and wrecking has stopped too.  Ted hasn’t bitten anyone since the first day (courier man who was very nice about it) and loves all men most in the world.

So, that’s Ted.  He’s come a long way in his world.