We’ve had some fairly spectacular skies recently.  Although usual for this time of year, I do love the beautiful expanse of Shetland sky and, you know me, I am always on the look out for a good photo.

This is the sunrise from my bedroom window this morning 07:45.

Then around two o’clock this afternoon.

And the last glimpse of the sun (a few nights back).  Shetland is breath-taking.

Meanwhile, the view from the backdoor two night’s ago.

Not bad, eh?

(though I realised the trees have grown a bit this year so I had to go and find a better spot in front of them.  Obviously I trudged out in my bedroom slippers, of course. I did regret that choice).

And then there was an immense green glow around West North West.

Once they had died down, I went to run my bath and off the Mirrie Dancers (Shetland dialect for Northern Lights) went again.

So this is the view from the bathroom window!

Apparently they may appear tonight so I am planning to get my real Northern Light watching kit together – wellies, fingerless gloves, warm coat and a proper camera on a tripod.  All these photos are with my phone perched on a fence-post, which is not ideal.

On Friday evening I went with OH to the 2023 Shetland Craft Fair at the Clickimin Leisure Complex.  I had a quick perusal but left without buying much – mostly because I could not do my shopping in secret and OH is not an enthusiastic shopper.

So, this morning, hoping the fair would be fairly empty, I returned with all the time in the world and two like-minded friends.

The annual Craft Fair is organised by Shetland Arts & Crafts Association – showcasing “unique woodcraft, knitwear, textiles, fine art and more. Inspired by Shetland’s dramatic scenery, heritage and culture, Shetland Arts and Crafts producers offer a unique and diverse range of crafts, from the islands’ traditional knitwear designs, handed down through generations, to more modern and highly original craft work.”

All I can say is wow, and I got much of my Christmas shopping done too but no, sadly, no one is receiving a beautifully crafted Hardanger fiddle this year!

I had to physically stop myself from buying Christmas presents for myself!

But I might have added to my “secret soap stash” just because lovely soap is my luxury and a necessity.

And, yes, I possibly got a few edible things for later.

I even found a well-made klibber so if you’re interested in buying one, let me know and I will pass your details onwards.

These are called “creepies” – a traditional milking stool or to creep nearer to the fire.

And of course Shetland Reel gin – free samples – and I might’ve had a few for my breakfast!

When I looked at my watch, I suddenly saw that we had been there three hours.  A perfect way to spend a Sunday morning, drinking free samples of gin and shopping!  My idea of heaven.

I think the quote ““Just because you can doesn’t mean you should” comes to mind.

So I did and Monster loved it…… (so, shoot me!)

Out and about my daily dog walk this morning, I decided to go and see the sheep in their natural habitat.  They come up for their breakfast in the shed and then return to whichever field they chose for the day.  That’s the routine.

Lambie first, as usual.

Lambie with his Hallowe’en face.  He is wierd.

‘Ster looking a bit gormless.

He really doesn’t photograph very well and he’s wearing shrubbery.

Maggie demanding whatever I had in my pocket – she knew there was a Pasture Cookie.

Yes, she found it.

(An Interlude – little Pepper with Ted in the distance.  While I talk to the sheep, they do their own thing.)

And, back we go to the sheep.

Harrel-the Barrel on his own.

He was quietly working on his Winning Smile.

And dear Edna

She may be ancient and have no teeth but she is looking so good now.

And this is usually as close as I ever get to Madge, these days.

However, she put on her Brave Pants (possibly size XXXXXXXXXL) to come and see what I had brought.

Once taken, off she went again.  This is my normal view of Madge.

And lastly, the luscious ‘Bert who, in this photo, doesnt look at all like my usual ‘Bert.

No, my bad, there he is!  Gorgeous, obviously.

So the dogs and I wandered the fields and the sun sort of shone on the sheep which proves they are all very special and I am very lucky.

I called the Minions down for their daily breakfast – they like to wait impatiently by the wrong gate and I have no idea why, but they do, so I shout and they arrive.

And they all find their buckets, beautifully laid out and filled by me, thank you very much.

And do they stand in a nice neat line?

Yes, they do. All except Newt.

He has to be different. There is always one and it is always Newt. Helpful, he is not.

And Fivla, who has to be special (because if she ate with the others, they would steal her bucket) – she holds the title of The World’s Slowest Eater!