Perhaps it will miss us

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It is just a selection of photos from today, really. Sorry.

I am now definitely never talking to Pepper.  She let herself out again last night, despite all our efforts to contain her.

And then, just now after tea, I heard the cat-flap go and realised Pepper had left again. I found her running down our track.  So Plan B will have to be implemented – she will sleep in the sitting-room with the door shut.

However, I am loathe to shut the cat-flap as Monster is an in-and-out kind of cat especially at night.  Ted can choose where he wants to sleep but there will be no wandering around anymore.

The dogs had three walks today and on one I took my big camera with me specifically to see the oldies.  They are currently all close by as it was easier to throw them into a nearby field after the farrier visit yesterday.

 

Winter is apparently coming back tomorrow so rugs on for those that need it.  *** sigh *** – what a bore.  We have snow forecast for Tuesday, fer cryin’ out loud!

Still, everyone has the spring grass (read rocket fuel) to eat, which should keep them going.

I think Vitamin was looking especially good.

She has those gorgeous “teddy-bear” ears.

And, for once, I am pleased with her weight too.

Fivla remains our magical little fairy pony.

And Kolka was feeling itchy.

I refuse to groom anyone yet especially if winter hasn’t really left us.

Iacs was miles away so I left him.

So, little Miss Pepper would you like to explain yourself?

Them bunny rabbitses talk to us.

I am very depressed about the return of the snow next week.

I shall keep saying to myself “perhaps it will miss us”, though it is not looking very likely.

New Farrier Day

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We were very busy this morning.  There was much to do and get ready.

We had our new farrier coming.

First, I got the old horses and ponies back home from their field across the hill by leading Haakon with all the rest following like the good horses and ponies they are.  Breakfast buckets were waiting as the incentive.

The two old ladies were hidden around the corner so, for once, they could eat a peaceful breakfast.

The sheep didn’t need asking twice to go into their field.  They ran past the horses and ponies (Lambie had his eyes closed) just wanting to stay out of this.

While we waited for the farrier, I let the old ones mooch around eating grass by the house.

Jay was pleasantly early, which I took as a good sign.

Pepper was her usual helpful self – getting in the way over and over again. Next time I might put her in the house.  She was beyond annoying.

Some horses didn’t get trimmed because they didn’t need it and, at one stage, a friend arrived so I threw Haakon’s rope over his neck, left him telling him not to move and to be a good boy for me (Haakon, not the farrier!)

I asked Jay to give me his opinion on each horse and pony as there are times when I honestly wonder if what I am doing is right.

He said no one was fat, all looked good, and best of all absolutely no sign of laminitis.  Newt was the fattest, condition-wise, and Haakon and Iacs were an ok weight coming into spring/summer.

He also commented that everyone was very calm and easy to work.

So I am feeling much happier and thinking this is the way to go.

Spring Day

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This is the usual start to my morning.  Breakfast was over and Monster doesn’t like the word “no”.

When he sat on my iPad, I had to make sure he didn’t fall off (note the widge hanging over the table – not pretty).

Then I went around the Shetland pony track with my bucket and gloves to clear up. I am just coming to the end of Lord of the Rings – the ring is in Mount Doom with Gollum and the hobbits are just traipsing back to find Bilbo who is waiting for Frodo at the Grey Havens.  It’s been a long haul, I won’t deny it, but still it’s a good book to listen to while poo-picking.  One of the greats.

Anyway, I deserved a reward and the weather was nice, so I sat down on a rock and waited to see who wanted to chat.

Waffle

Tiddles close by

For a second, I thought Silver would come up but ….

Tiddles said he couldn’t.

Albie snuck around behind and gave me a kiss.

While Newt was far away and not in a chatty mood.

The ground is finally beginning to dry up.  We haven’t had proper rain for a while and the weather is very spring-like now.

I went into my shed after lunch and there was meowing outside so I let Monster in and, again, he made himself comfortable exactly where I wanted to work.  Of course.

Sometimes things are never easy.  I ended up picking him up and putting him outside.

Pepper is now grounded forever. She has taken to going out in the middle of the night to go hunting probably with Monster.  We have resorted to desperate measures and hopefully we can get break this habit.

Spring!  It has its good and bad sides.  Lovely flowers and bunny rabbits everywhere.

Things I Love

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If I was to say there are two things I always want and never say no to, if offered…..

The first is shelves.  I love shelves and I always need shelves.  I actually think you can’t have too many shelves (that, and electric socket points – there are never enough).

Today, I was given two shelf units and I know they will be very useful. As quickly as the first one was put up, I filled it.  I am seeing if I need the two extra shelves, which are easy enough to add.  I think I probably will.

The second unit went into the stable where I store the remainder of my extensive rug library – some might say I have an addiction and I refute that theory but I will admit to not being very good at storing them properly.

I know that this is not an ideal method and I am determined to make it a) easier to find the necessary rug and b) store them better.

I have just ordered lots of those zip-up storage bags and will then sort, itemize, label and store each rug according to size and fill in my new easy-to-find method.  I have great plans now I have these great shelves.

Oh, and the second thing is buckets – I can never have too many buckets.  Ever.

As I write, I am feeling very smug about my shelves and will admit that when I had fed the ducks, I went back into the sheds to gaze at each unit lovingly!  Huge thanks to my giver of shelves.  You know who you are and this is a wonderful present.

 

Spring Birds

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This time of year, the Dawn Chorus is very loud and tuneful.  So, I did a little experiment today – I decided to record all the birds I could hear in my garden by putting my phone on the bird table and leaving it there for 15 minutes.  Usually when I try to record and identify every bird, they all vanish, hence leaving the phone on the bird-table and walking away (hiding).

My first attempt I have decided to ignore on the grounds of a carrion crow being in Shetland are pretty much nil.  They are rare (and I would love one).

Screenshot

Screenshot

We do try to encourage birds in our garden. There is also a massive bird table above.

But there is also a massive cat below, though to be fair, I have never seen him bother with a bird – he prefers bigger prey like whitterit (stoats), rabbits and our neighbours (who I, funnily enough, haven’t seen recently).

I had a wander around the garden to admire plants actually growing.  A wonderful sight after such a god-awful winter.  We favour the wild garden look rather than cultivation.

After my wander on this gorgeous calm spring day, I had another shot at trying to record the birds.

With 12 breed of birds in just the garden and its environs, you can see why our Dawn Chorus is a loud experience, with everyone shouting their heads off trying to be heard!  It is very beautiful, though.

(is it just me, or do these two pigeons look like they are walking to work!)