Poor ‘Ster has pink-eye or snow-blindness or Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis.

We have been treating ‘Ster for a couple of days now once I noticed his right eye was opaque but sadly it has spread to his other eye and he is finding it difficult to see, let alone get around.

Today he was utterly miserable and keeping apart from the others, preferring to be on his own.

When I found him by himself (and more than a little hysterical – he is prone to the vapours), I moved him into the little paddock behind the house, where I can see him from the kitchen, opened up the shed for his bedroom and gave him ‘Bert as his seeing-eye sheep companion. My fear is that he would fall into a ditch and not be able to get up.  It is better to keep him where I can see him.  I am not sure how much actual vision he has.

Hopefully ‘Ster’s eyesight will return but it can be a long process with treatment (so far we’ve tried ointment, an injection and now spray). The weather is to blame. It is just one of those things.  ‘Ster is feeling very sorry for himself today.  I am feeding him regularly too – so he can easily find food.  Sheep are a constant worry, as are ponies, dogs, children, cats……

I shall just leave this here with you.

It is titled “The Struggle is Real”……

’nuff said, I think.

(Floss took the video – Monster will be suing her for defamation)

Floss and I got up half an hour early (it is getting lighter now in the mornings) as we had lots to do. Everyone fed, and we drove into Lerwick to get supplies, and for me to see the dentist – a routine appointment.

After a very nice lunch – our reward for the dentist and all Floss’ hard work while she is here – we went to the street.

I needed to deliver some sheep, ready for any tourists that will come for Lerwick’s Up Helly Aa.

The town is getting all geared up for this annual fire festival.

It was a beautiful calm day and both Floss and I enjoyed our day of “freedom”.  Tomorrow it is back to the grind stone.

I’m feeling slightly smug here – we’ve got it down to a fine art, this breakfast thing.

Today, Floss was in charge of Iacs, Klaengur and Kolka…..

…. while I had Haakon.

The sun was rising but it was freezing and then it started to rain.  Thanks a lot.

I have eyes like a hawk on all of them but I think they are keeping the weight on despite my no rugging rule.  A second opinion?  Anyone?  They are well-covered and I can’t feel ribs.

Kolka is doing very well. She has fitted right in, and turns up every evening on her own for Bucket No 2.  What I like most about her is that she organises the old men. They don’t stand around waiting endlessly for food like they want to. Oh no, once Kolka’s eaten she marches off over the horizon dragging them all with her.  Perfect.  Even Iacs has got the plot and that is quite an achievement!

Floss and I spent our morning moving the Minions back to Leradale. The snow has gone now, the roads are fine to drive, there is plenty grass in the field and they don’t need to be home anymore.

They were pleased to be “home” except for Newt, who wanted to come back as he had got used to his life of luxury at Thordale, where I wait on him hand and hoof.

Despite his lovely little smile (yes, that’s a Newt winning smile – it’s just different), I said no.  Enjoy Leradale.

So he went off to join his friends. Waffle was with them too.  I have hardened my heart and decided he is better of in this field. If he shivers, then he might lose weight and if it gets really bad, I can rug him.  The others are ok with him in a rug.

Meanwhile, back at home, I was about as popular as a turd in a swimming pool.

I just can’t bring myself to let these three go too. Our farrier put the fear of God into me last time he visited and I need his opinion on the state of their feet and laminitis before they can rejoin their friends.

I know, I know – they all loved being together during the snow but I just have to remain tough.

It is for their own good.  So they are back to being “vampire ponies” again. Out at night but in during the day and I feel like the nastiest person on this earth.