A horrible day outside and I honestly have done nothing useful today that is worth mentioning so I took photos of Monster instead.

A little known fact (well, I didn’t know this), “white cats symbolise positivity, purity, and happiness. The color white generally was linked to positive energy, prosperity, and good luck.”

But then I also read this, whilst doing my extensive research on white cats – “In some countries, especially around the United Kingdom, it’s believed you will live in poverty and lose all of your money if you own a white cat.”

I read this last bit out loud and OH replied “well, that’s about right!”

I think we are lucky to have Monster and I also think Pepper is very lucky to still be alive. They play some fearsome games together but remain the best of friends.  Ted and Monster have reached an understanding.

I wish we knew anything about Monster’s background.  We know his original name but were asked to change it by the SSCPA when he was rehomed with us.  I like to imagine the little kitten Monsters all over East Scotland as he was a tomcat for many years! I bet they were all enchanting too, like their dear old dad.

Ted’s last appointment with the dog groomers was six months ago.

He is now revolting.

So today was the day – I have had this appointment booked for six months.

Ted travelled well – a few whinges but he soon settled – and I let him out for a pee before he went in.

Ted was away for just over 2 hours and I went into town and trawled around Tesco’s, Commercial Street for messages and chips and then back to collect a now-gorgeous and better-smelling Ted.

Short back and sides, please and are you going anywhere nice for your holidays?!

And now we all love Ted again because he doesn’t look like a health hazard.

He has been transformed to be all sleek and shiny.

So handsome (I think he can wear his red coat outside, though) and I’ve booked him back in for 3 months’ time as 6 months is just too long an interval.

Apparently Pepper really missed her friend today. She almost didn’t want to go on a dog walk. Almost.

A new bed arrived yesterday.  OH and I needed to move it as well as rearrange the entire room (Flossie’s).

We had help.

Whether we wanted it or not.

Always there.

Always helping.

Because that is what a small inquisitive Patterdale terrier does, as well as get in the way….. a lot.

Lambie is a mysogynist.

There, I’ve said it.

He’s not being very nice to Maggie, deliberately targetting her – head butting and running at her – not letting her into the flock.  I’ve had words about this.

Everyone else is fine and not displaying this bullying behaviour.

Yes, bullying, Lambie. Never a nice trait in anyone.

Edna is being her usual sweet self.

Harrel is oblivious to anything except where his next meal could possibly come from.

When I put the sheep out in their two fields this morning, everyone went down to the second field except for Madge and Maggie, who was also unsure and hanging around.

I went and got Maggie a large bowl of food with a good dose of TurmerAid, in case anything is going on.  She ate it up happily and I kept Madge diverted with some cereal, hoping it wasn’t too fattening.

And then I remembered……. Maggie is in estrus (seeking a ram – which Lambie is most definitely not!)

He had been “interested” in Maggie a few days back.

‘Bert confirmed that Maggie is wonderful.

That is one creepy smile.  Hopefully, though, ‘Bert will look after Maggie.

I wonder why Lambie is being nasty.  So unlike him but he has always been a bit strange.

It was cold last night but outside it was very still and very clear.

After supper, whilst lying on the sofa putting a month (September, 1931) of Aunt Kate’s diaries onto the website, I received a message from a friend saying “Aurora good here now!” I struggled to my feet – it is so comfortable on lying on the sofa – and peered outside my back door.

Oh yes, there was definitely something going on.

The “Merrie Dancers” came and went a bit, nothing much and then they started revving up.

I was not wearing any shoes and so I was standing on cold concrete taking photos (and I think I learned my lesson!)

It was truly beautiful.  I called OH out to come and have a look too.  All these photos were taken with my iPhone. There are no filters used and I had to stand very still for the 3 second exposure.

When it started to cloud over, I left and went to have a warm bath to thaw my feet.

This morning’s sunrise.

And tonight’s sunset. Now I have set up my big camera ready for action if the aurora makes an appearance tonight and OH has also put two nails on the back of the house which I can use as a fixed stand for my iPhone.

I am pleased with the results even if I have chilblains for the rest of winter.