A shitty day, a really shitty day. The wind hasn’t stopped blowing and the final straw was hail alongside a 75 mph blast.  Floss and I struggled to get the hay nets (No 2 of the day) out while being attacked by fire ants on a mission. It hurt. We were unhappy as the wind picked us up and pushed us along – it was quite scary at times.

I alternate between feeling really sorry for the horses – this is mostly when I am indoors and it looks awful outside – and then thinking they are all fine, as we lug another hay net out to them all while they are busy playing. No one is shivering or cold. Yes, wet and fed up but I honestly think they would hate to be inside far more. They get very panicky if they are in for a long time. It does no one any favours and they are built for this.  I reminded myself of this all day.

When I went over to check, the Minions were having a lovely game so I threw  carrots at them. Arguing obviously keeps them warm. They have plenty of shelter and food so no worries there.

We’ve all battened down the hatches and now we have a power cut – I have given up for the evening.

Floss and I cooked supper (a Korean chicken thing with homemade kimchi) in almost pitch dark with head torches – I mean who chooses the most complicated recipe to prepare ?- well, that would be me then! I never learn.

The lights have just come back on and all we can think is the hydro folk are incredible – out in a Force 11/12 trying to get our electricity back.  It is not nice out there.

I’m going to bed now – ok, it is 7pm but I don’t care – like I said, I’ve had enough of today.

The weather is deteriorating today ready for full scale war overnight and tomorrow – rain and a serious storm are forecast.

But it is warm – double figures so no rugs.

“Yes, Haakon, no rug because you know what happens when you wear one. You just stop moving and that is never good for you.”

Meanwhile the sheep have all hunkered down.

They all know where they want to be.

And Madge is not stupid.  She has all she needs.

In the house, the fire is lit, I have a nice large cup of tea and I think I will update the Thordale website and the Cast List to this blog as it is very out-of-date.

Wish us luck for tomorrow. It’s not looking nice – gusting 75 mph winds.

Today was one of those days – the if it could wrong, it would go wrong day. So it did.

The horsevan wouldn’t start. It very convincingly died.

I will admit I shouted at those who didn’t need shouting at (but fer cryin’ out loud, Edna, please stop ramming the front door after your biccy ration in the hope you will get more).

In a furious temper, leaving the van which had now immobilised itself, in the capable hands of my OH, I drove over to check the Minions. They did their best to cheer me up and tried so hard. There were moments when I forgot my van problems.

On my way out having resigned myself to driving to Lerwick in the car and putting 6 bales of hay in it (resulting in a huge mess), I phoned OH to say please put the spare battery on charge and we could have another shot at de-immobilising the van, when he said it was now running.  Feeling a bit more cheered but nervous, I went home, collected the van and drove to Lerwick to collect hay.

I didn’t turn the engine off all day!  I just didn’t dare.  The van goes to the garage (if we can start it) on Monday.

Once home, I said my sorries.  I doubt I will ever be forgiven though.

Hi guys. How’s things?

Could I take a “family” photo, please?

Could you open your eyes, please, Efstur?  Guys, guys, look this way.

At me.  Yes, at me.

Perfect.  Well done!

Cupboard Love – [British] the insincere affection shown by children or animals towards someone who they think will give them something that they want. – Collins Dictionary.

When I arrived at the Minion’s field, I found little ears sticking up over the drystone wall.

I knew what they wanted.

They made it very obvious.

Something to do with the contents of my pocketses.

And so I duly distributed kissing smiley noses as I went (I adore Waffle’s cheesey grin!)

It was the same when I got home too.  This time I was collecting the haynets and filling them.  I was shouted at by Sóley while I was in the stable. I told her to wait until after lunch – when we put out their second haynet.

Meanwhile, indoors, these two have not stopped all morning.  I look on benignly saying things like “they will sleep well tonight”!

Please come back if the film hasn’t loaded – we just have very slow broadband (sorry).