I went to town(s) today –  Scalloway for Ted’s hair appointment and then to Lerwick to buy some hay.

I don’t like leaving home.  I like my routine.  These days I struggle with little things like this.

Going anywhere is out of my comfort zone.  I need to stop over-thinking things.

Anyway, while Ted was at the dog-groomers, I went and bought some hay and decided to see how we would all get on with a round bale (something I haven’t bought for years). They are cheaper but unhelpful.  We will see.

I filled up the hours and got Ted back looking beautiful.

He is much better for his superb hair cut.

Such a difference.

And Pepper and Monster were fine by themselves all afternoon, though I asked OH to come home early to give them their tea on time as I knew Ted and I wouldn’t be home by then.

I booked another appointment for three months’ time.  A beautiful Ted is a loved Ted.

A little known fact – Ted goes more to the hairdresser than me!

Ted is off to the hairdresser tomorrow so I thought I would do some “before” photos.

He is just reaching that skanky stage when I am glad we have an appointment tomorrow, ie he can’t see out.

Last year, I left it too long between appointments so from henceforth Ted’s hairdressing will be every three months for the perfect result and dog.

The boy is doing well here.

He and Pepper are great friends.

They argue about everything and both suffer from huge and constant jealousy, which makes for them always being together.  I use this all to my advantage.  Wherever Pepper is, Ted will not be far behind.

Pepper is running off to visit the neighbours less, though every time I write this she goes off the next day a-visiting so I am not holding my breath that she is cured of this embarrassing habit.

But she is very sweet and has grown up a lot these past months.  She is not yet two years old (4th July).

This is her sensible I-am-listening-to-you face.  She is an intelligent little doglet.

So all well here.

Ted will lose his coat just in time for the snow that is forecast next week!

These two were my morning duty today.  Haakon and Iacs – the cousins (they share the same set of grandparents).

The family resemblance is pretty obvious in both looks and character.  Camster horses are the absolute best.

They are both the same, really.

(though I have always thought Haakon was the prettier of the two with the Limahl highlights in his mane. Iacs’ silly frilly is fine, if you like that sort of thing).

Today, though, Haakon wasn’t trying his charming best.

…. while Iacs was working the camera with his yellow turmeric tache!

Still, they make me laugh and I adore these guys.

I have officially given up trying to show the sloths, aka my Shetland ponies where the grass is in their field.

They are all determined to spend their days standing on their rock.

So I have decided to leave them there.

Enjoy it, I told them, as I walked away to take the dogs on their walk.

See if I care.

I, tried, I failed and I now give up.  I can do no more.

Maybe the Old Ladies will take pity on the boys and take them on a wander of the huge field that is their home.

To be perfectly honest, when I was walking the dogs this morning, I found evidence of pony poo around, so I think they are actually leaving their rock when I have gone home.  I just don’t see them move.

And, as I want them to lose weight, I guess they will all slim down very quickly just staying where they are.

When the other sheep decide they want to go into the “middle” field, ‘Ster just can’t work out how they get there (btw, they go under the fence).

So he comes and finds me in the hope that I will sort it out for him.

He always asks very politely and of course I don’t mind leaving whatever I am doing to help him.  It’s my job.

‘Ster knows the drill. He has to follow me.

And I have to take him through the garden (without OH knowing).  We have to leave no trace.

And ‘Ster knows The Rules (no eating or touching absolutely anything) and, surprisingly, he is very good about this, never lingering to eat a tree or flower.

I open the gate from the garden to the field and ‘Ster dutifully goes out, happy to be rejoining his flock.

So of course they all see me and come running.

However, if I am lucky, they usually stay in their field, not coming straight out to beg at the front door.

Anywho, this is the method of getting through the fence. Big enough for a sheep, but not a horse or pony.  I like it that the sheep have a way to “escape” if anyone is being mean and chasing.

It’s not pretty, but it’s effective, apart for ‘Ster who can come home but, for some reason, can never go the other way, ie, out.

Even Lambie can work it out.

And he really is not the brightest star in our firmament!

No, Lambie, you’re not ❤️.