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!

A nice quiet dogwalk I told myself. That’s what I wanted. Only it wasn’t what I got.

Monster was determined to come too, despite me deciding to go and check the furthest gate at the furthest point of this 45 acre field.  It’s a long walk.

Here are the two dots – Pepper was way ahead.

It was a gorgeous clear day and the light was magical.

Monster was on top form.  I have never been this far away from home with him.

But he kept up, sort of – yes, I waited so he could always see me and shouted for him so he didn’t lose us.

He was quite easy to see, too, which helped.

I like to think everyone was wearing their Hi-Vis!

Once the gate had been checked – it has been known to open after a storm and everyone could go out into the hill if they could be arsed.

I checked the horses too.

And we finally reached the home field gate.  I knew Monster would struggle here, though he could’ve cheated and gone home via the garden, which would’ve been much drier.

He had a few “ew, mud” moments.

But he worked out the best route, like all of us do  – aim for the grassy tussocks and pray hard.

Someone will sleep well tonight.  That was a long walk for a cat.