I have had this “new” camera now, I think, probably over a year and I struggle with it.  I have asked a user group for help and have decided that the problem is most definitely me.  I need to just get out more and use the ruddy thing so I can work out how best to get on with it.  Or sell it.

Last night, after transcribing my month (I am up to November 1929 now) of my Great-Great Aunt Kate’s diaries, I went outside with said camera to see who I could practice on.  ‘Ster was my willing volunteer.

He is such a dude.

I need more depth of field in this one.

Monster in his basket.

And this is from today on my travels to our village after feeding Vitamin – who is doing so much better now (picture with my phone camera, which I adore and get on very well with).

I had the road to myself so could stop and take photos as I went.

I am still not sure. My jury is out.  I will go back to the users forum and see what they suggest.  Looking at these photos, I may just cut my losses and sell.

Ok, well not quite on my own and this was a few days ago. Floss came too as my support, walking along, but Klængur and I felt confident to leave her behind, which is encouraging.

We had some good tölts together and it was fun. Klængur is desperately unfit so it will be a slow process for him.

Today, as I was on my own, I caught and tacked up Dreki.  This was our first “solo flight”. I had just mounted when Floss came in.  I asked her to stay but not to be in the school itself and Dreki and I went around by ourselves.  We have never done this before. Usually someone walks alongside.

I did not realise Floss was taking photos.

What can I say?  Dreki was hoof-perfect. He listened. He tried his hardest. He was calm. He walked, turned, stopped, started….. everything, all in walk.

We even did the cones!

(Cones were rather an issue when long-reining and we usually give up calling it bad job).

But no, cones are now our thing.

I loved riding Dreki. He is just like his Dad but more solid and bigger.  I dismounted with a huge grin on my face.  Dreki is teaching me just as much as I am teaching him.

About once a year, I take a really good photo.  So here it is.  Fivla at her most beautiful.  She is truly a fairy-tale pony.

Fivla of Finnister © Frances Taylor 2022

When I went up to see the Minions, I took Vitamin her daily bucket of food.  She needs the calories.

The Minions know they can’t have it. I have always made this perfectly clear.

Today’s hopefuls were Storm and his cousin, Newt – yes, they are related and sometimes I can really see the similarity. Those genes don’t stray far.

Storm was persistent.

He said he just happened to be in the area.

And could Vitamin please give him her bucket.

Asking for a starving friend.

I let Vitamin tell Storm what she thought of that idea.

And then, from another approach, Newt came to join in.  Poor Vitamin. I will have to be a better guard for her.

Ponies. They are very irritating. Both Vitamin and I agree on that point.