Lambie and Lambert (aka ‘Bert) go way back.  To June 13th, 2015 to be precise.  That was ‘Bert’s “Gotcha Day”.

I got ‘Bert from another local crofter to be a friend for Lambie who had rather outgrown his welcome living in our house (he had started to eat computer cables).

I was reminded that ‘Bert was No 2 of our flock when he wanted his breakfast with Lambie rather than with the rabble.

Lambie had eaten his first and so was sucking up to me while we waited for ‘Bert.

I could only think this must be my birthday (which it isn’t) for Lambie to be so nice to me.  ‘Bert is always nice to me.

‘Bert enjoyed his brekkie.  Today he wanted slushy mush so that’s what he had.

Anyway, I dug out some early photos of Lambie and ‘Bert from when they first met.

First night together in the stable and not in the house.

We used to call ‘Bert “Monkey” because he did look more like one than a wee lamb.

Lambie gazing at Bert. He had absolutely no idea what he was. Lambie still is doubtful he is actually a sheep.

And this was a few months’ on when they were now the best of friends.   So sweet.

And two little films, which always makes me smile.  Lambie was such a, well, Lambie! Of course he was.

And now I must dig out ‘Ster’s baby photos. He was gorgeous and looked like a baby badger!

So, yes, Bert and Lambie go way back.

We have a problem.  A duck problem.

Two of my Muscovy ladies are broody.  One is sitting happily in the henhouse on an old fish box having made a nest over a false egg (that I put in to promote laying).

This is Black Duckie and we only have one that colour so I can easily identify her.  I put six hopefully-fertilised real eggs next to her, she happily pushed them gently all under herself and settled in for the duration.  It was very sweet. I did wonder what she would do at the time and she did exactly the right thing so I am hopeful she might manage to produce some ducklings.

Meanwhile the other ladies look very similar and I am taking photos to try and identify who else is broody.

Today, I finally found out when this duck poked her head out from under the container where she is laying and starting to make her nest.

Such a ridiculous place to do this but there is no telling her.

Pepper has been known to nip in a steal and break an egg to eat.  Not good.

Today, I tried to catch broody duck No 2 but no luck. She was having none of it and went off to join her friends, furious at my pathetic attempt.

So, instead I took photos of her for future reference. I want to get her inside a quiet shed before she makes a proper feather-pulling-out nest.

Now, I know this duck. This is Penthesilea.

She has a totally white head so easy to know.

Meanwhile, I am trying to work out if it is Penthesilea’s Mum who is broody duck No 2. I’m pretty sure it is.  I shall stop worrying as much. She is a great Mum if we can just stop Pepper stealing the eggs.

(2021 duckies)

My Cunning Plan is working very well, she types smugly.  Klængur is nicely contained in his own personal little dining room….

… while everyone else is happily eating without argument, hassle or fuss. They all seemed remarkably relaxed about this arrangement, which is good.

While I was doing stuff with Haakon (spraying a hoof with ACV), Iacs came meandering down the hill towards me at a swift something, possibly a bibbly trot.

The buckets, that I had just lugged up halfway up the hill from the Minions’ field, were duly searched.

And washed up.  Thank you, Iacs.

We were also joined by Kolka who had given up on whispering sweet nothings through the bars at Klængur.

She briefly gave a thought to her incarcerated loved one …..

…. and swiftly moved on to see what lovely yummy things I might have.

Obviously Klængur was released and he does wait patiently, for which I thank him.

I am sure he doesn’t mind. I don’t even need a headcollar to lead him in – just chin hairs, so he has definitely got the plot.

Peace reigneth.  Hurrah.

The weather is pretty vile today.  Cold, wet and windy.

The old ladies had their buckets of chips, lard and éclairs – anything to keep the weight on.

Vitamin (known as Minnie-Moo) had already finished her’s and was just cleaning up.  She is tied to the fence so I can quickly rinse her mouth out (water – I take a small bottle down with me) and spray her hooves (ACV) before she runs away.

This diet seems to be working for Fivla and Vitamin and I am pleased as it means they can stay with their friends, who are not allowed anything fattening ever again.

The others get their scoopful of vitamins/minerals along with the slimming sludge (fast fibre and zero chaff).

The bowls were already wet as someone had been tipping them over (possible Tiddles and definitely Storm), so the food became sludge.

Wet sludge or not, it was quickly devoured.  Beggars can’t be choosers, I told them.

And then one by one, small horrible wet little ponies came to ask if there was any more?

It is lucky I don’t mind being dirty or wet.

Actually, I do.  Sorry guys.  I gathered my buckets and clambered over the fence.

The dog walk is daily.

And different folk join us depending on who is around.

Today it was Harrel-the-Barrel who jogged along behind.

And then Maggie, his mother, joined him.  They are a dear little team of two and I sat down on a dry rock for a hug from them both.

This was the view behind me…..

And the one in front.

Barrel was considering his mode d’emploi for going over the stream.

Everyone was enjoying themselves.

And then I was joined by Monster.

I love this photo. Another album cover, do you think?

And then we all joined up with ‘Bert who was sitting, peacefully chewing his cud, enjoying the rare Shetland spring sunshine.