Most days I drive to Leradale to give the dogs a good run.

The grass is not too high and they love it there.

Suddenly it feels like autumn is on its way, which is a bit early in my book.

It’s the colour – there has been a subtle change.  It’s definitely there.

Still, there are lots of flowers around (immediately grabs book for identification).

So here goes….. and, remember, tell me when I’m wrong, please.

Ragged-robin

Hawkweed

Someone asked if the heather smells lovely and the answer is a unanimous YES!

It is incredible.  In the field there is a huge aroma of the best honey in the world especially when walking through it all.  It is intoxicatingly wonderful and I am always amazed.

Heather

Cotton-grass

Marsh willowherb

Grass of Parnassus

Marsh Lousewort

Red clover

Marsh thistle

Devil’s-bit Scabious

Devil’s-bit Scabious

Round-leaved Sundew

Eyebright

And, lastly, Pepper prefers to paddle in every stream….

…. while Ted prefers to keep his feet dry and likes to cross the ditch via the bridge!  I’m with Ted on this.

Today I had a day off from being me.

After doing the animals, changing/washing all water and food buckets (because it’s Wednesday) and walking the dogs, I had a long rest to try and make up for the fact that I hadn’t managed the statutory post-procedure 24 hours bedrest. My back was also twingey.

Later I drove into town to see the Barbie movie, which was great.  I’ve just done the animals again (bedtime), and now I am going back to bed.

More properly tomorrow.  Sorry xx 💖

Bibble was going on the boat south tonight for his chemotherapy and lazer surgery treatment so he had a good breakfast.

And I left him to enjoy the grass in the field for as long as possible.

Meanwhile, my post-procedure instructions were to rest for 24 hours but that was impossible for many reasons.

I did my very best, though.

After lunch, I went to fetch Bibble down.

I even gave him a brush – mane and tail – because everyone knows that you have to look smart when you go out.

He even put on his Brave Pants (just because).

A friend kindly came with me to help with the heavy horse-ramp and moral support and we drove Bibble into town.  The stevedores were waiting for their very important cargo.

I spoke to someone who responsible for animal freight during the sailing and had a panicky conversation about everything trying to impress just how important it all is. I hope they understood.

And so we left Bibble who was looking rather bemused about his new scenery.

He has loads of hay, a huge livestock pen and I can only pray he gets south happy and relaxed.  The sailing will be calm, at least I know that.  An animal transporter is collecting him once he arrives in Aberdeen tomorrow morning and will drive him straight to the veterinary surgery (20 minutes away) ready to start treatment on Thursday.

When we came home, Kolka and Haakon were still waiting for their friend and whinnying while I am worrying and trying not to cry.  This is the first time Bibble has ever been by himself

I have spent my afternoon at the Pain Clinic in town, at our local hospital, and so have nothing to say about life apart from that if I ever mention going again, please remind me not to.  I have no words for the misery it was.  I cried on the theatre table.

As I had an inkling that I would be incapable of much afterwards, I asked my friend, Mandy, if I could show you her film that she took on her way home from work.  I think it is brilliant.

And now I am going back to live under my rock. Normal service will be resumed shortly.  I need a pet crow.  Think how useful it could be.

This lot were found this afternoon loitering with intent.  Waffle had been dancing in the water bucket.

And I am surprised, because I have been incredibly generous and given them the other part of their race-track to eat down.

The Minions have to come back to bed in the evening.  12 hours on and 12 hours off – them’s the rules.

And sometimes they have treats. Celery is a firm favourite.

This afternoon has been hot, by Shetland standards.  So, after finding Waffle had desecrated the water bucket, I threw the remainder over him. Of course he loved it!

And then I told them to all go and get a job.  Preferably one that didn’t involve the water bucket.

Note Storm’s bouncy bottooom!

And they rushed off giggling, while I knew they would be back to undo all the good things I had done for them.

*** sigh ***.

This is their 12 hours off bedroom.  Every evening I fill up the boxes with soaked hay. Surprisingly, they are always very happy to come “home” in the evening.

“In a Field Far, Far Away” …… is what I thought.