Well, that’s Daisy gone south now.  She flew off today and, I won’t lie, I’m going to miss her hugely.  It was brief but lovely to see her.  A few days is better than no days.

And life goes on and, while Daisy was here, I had a wee holiday too by which I mean I completely neglected to make any sheep, transcribe the diaries or learn Latin for the few days she was here.

I know everyone will miss Daisy very much.  Both Pepper and Monster made it their mission to wake her up every morning.

Poor Daisy – I asked her a million questions about the horses and ponies’ care.  One thing she did mention was to keep the Shetland ponies in the little paddock for 12 hours, where there is hay and water so they don’t gorge on the new-to-them grass that we opened up yesterday.  That made good sense to me so that’s what I’ve done.

However, I wouldn’t say I am very popular for it but I must stay firm.

And the fact that, by this afternoon, the ponies still hadn’t really finished their hay just proves there are pickings out there and they don’t need anything else for 12 hours of the day.

Stay tough, Frances, stay tough – Mantra “Shetland ponies live off fresh air”.

Daisy and I decided to open up a bit more of the track for the Minions – just some rough grass on a corner part.  So now the ponies are skirting this bit while eyeing it suspiciously.

Daisy even returned later on to show them the new grass but they didn’t believe her.  Methinks the zappy fence has been working its charm.

Anyway, after being generous, Daisy and I sat on the side of the hill to see if anyone wanted to talk.

It didn’t take long. First up was Tiddles.

And Daisy was bounced on by the dogs.

Later Waffle pitched up.

He was gently intrigued by the “corpse” on the ground.

I took this photo when he wandered over to speak to me.

Such a photogenic boy.

And then, lastly, it was Albie’s turn.

One of my most favourite pastimes is sitting in the sun with the ponies for company.  A great way to pass the time.

First game of the day – Spot the Lambie.

Of course, I was immediately captured by his Winning Smile!  What’s not to love?

Daisy and I went on a good dog walk, without Monster, and afterwards left for town to buy Lovely Things.  We haven’t had one of those days for ages.

Lerwick’s unique charm is that there are very few chain-store shops, so the independant shops can really shine with Lovely Things you don’t usually find.

So I managed to dent the bank account fairly well and Daisy will go back south with lots of lovely New Things – it’s her birthday soon so this a good excuse for me to splurge on her.  She deserves it.

Guess which local shop this is an advert for?

The local opticians!

Obviously there was some evidence of sulking when we got home – something about “why didn’t you take me?”, and “but, I always go with you!”

I tried to explain but it fell on deaf ears.  And Pepper would’ve been very hot in the car and it was probably better she was safe and cooler at home.  Anyway, OH came home early and took them all for a second dog-walk so that was fun.

Apparently……

This is what I saw, while I was feeding the ponies…..

And then this…..

After breakfast, Daisy and I went out with the intention of brushing the Ancients as they haven’t been touched probably since the last time Daisy was here.  I am not very hot on brushing at the best of times.

First, we brushed Kolka and Haakon and then moved onto Iacs who was having a snooze in the morning sunshine and refused to get up.  So Daisy, who trusts her horse and knows how to read the signs, brushed him in situ.  I don’t advocate this as half a tonne of horse getting up is quite an explosion.

We also had the dogs with us as we planned to go on a walk afterwards.

Pepper likes the horses and she enjoys sitting with them and they don’t mind her either.

Pepper secretly wants to lick their noses.  Iacs was not so keen on this but he tolerated her attention.

This was a cheeky lick!  Poor Iacs. His face!

And with that he “passed out”.

So I put Pepper on Haakon’s back for a little sit and to give Iacs a rest.

Once Iacs had regained consciousness, Daisy went on with brushing his forelock.

So that was our morning. It was nice to see Pepper on horseback again.  It is always more difficult in the summer as there is less coat which ensures a securer seat.

Guess who has come home for a few days?

Daisy.  I fetched her from the airport this morning and, after lunch, we took the dogs out for a walk around the fields.

Iacs was thrilled to see his best friend.

And then Daisy kindly checked over the Minions for me, which was kind as I sometimes struggle to know whether I am doing the right thing for them.  Too fat, always too fat.

But of course it was Lambie who ran from the far end of the field to be with his most favouritist person of all times (apart from Flossie who he also adores).  He never see him like this with me.

Again, I took up my role of She Who is Chopped Liver.  I honestly don’t know why I bother.

Hey ho, still, it is lovely to have Daisy home.  Now, to put her to work……. as well as being Lambie’s slave 24/7.