I was just nipping down to get something out of the big chest freezer that lives in OH’s shed at the bottom of the garden when I saw this lot hanging around.

I stopped for a quick chat trying hard not be diverted.

Today was not a day for diversions.

I had far too much to do.

But, but, but… they are all so gorgeous.

So I contented myself with Christmas noses over the garden gate and went back to my work.

Once all the chores were done, it was time for morning champagne and to open our Christmas presents.

The whole family was involved.  A lot.

After lunch, half the family took Pepper out for a walk, while we took Ted out separately on a lead.

It was very clear and very cold.  That is Fair Isle on the horizon. A rare sighting for us.

And a beautiful sunset to the finish a lovely day.

Merry Christmas everyone xx

Dear Little Lambie – always there with his Winning Smile.  It makes my day.

I think he is hopeful for a biccie.

And here is the “Faithful-sort-of” very mischievous Pepper with her butter-wouldn’t-melt and possibly hard-done-by face.

Pepper is a busy little girl – always on a mission, looking for things.  She rarely stops still long enough for me to take a photo.  I was lucky today.

This morning I dodged the weather and drove around the westside of Shetland distributing Christmas presents and cards, while having some wonderful time to myself.

It was very beautiful.

Once home, I found Daisy finishing the decorating of our very small tree.

The tree has to be small because Pepper would eat it all.  Even she can’t reach it….. yet.

We are going down the “Scandi” route. When we were visiting Norway a few years back, I saw a decorated branch hanging in a conservatory. In that house, it was obviously tastefully created and arranged and I thought the same might work for us.

Those that can’t hang any longer have become Christmas ornaments – this is my most favourite for obvious reasons.

Yesterday was the Winter Solstice – our shortest day and longest night.  Now it all turns back for the better.  Spring will be here one day.

Sunrise – 09.10
Sunset – 14.59

Daisy has come home for Christmas. She “did the hay” with me today for those that get hay – the old men and the girls.  They are the only ones so far.

Iacs was pleased to see Daisy (we all are, especially Efstur).

And Daisy said everyone was looking very well.  She even thought Klængur had lost weight! Imagine that.

I am always glad of a second knowledgeable (based on science) opinion. Daisy is studying for her PhD in Vet Science.

Yup, science, Haakon. She will be Dr Daisy!

Iacs frisked Daisy just in case, you know, she was carrying chocolate cake about her person.

This lot get daily hay as there isn’t much grass in their field.

No one is complaining.  We will move them around again soon.

It has been remarked on possibly more than one occasion by those that know and understand that two terriers together is not an easy combination.  I won’t lie, we are struggling.  Pepper is wilful and difficult while Ted has the recall of someone who absolutely not recall at all and then Pepper follows and runs off if she can.  In the house, they are both of course perfect (ish) but outside is a different matter.

Today I bought cocktail frankfurters at our local shop to see if I can use them as temptation and as a way into two badly-behaved terriers’ brains via their tummies.  I am at my wits’ end.  I think it is because I have been away and I am trying to claw back my position as top dog and leader.

After I wanted to strangle the pair of them, I took myself out of the situation and drove over to see the Minions who were far away. I shouted and they all came over.

Of course Albie came running up first – so sweet and lovely to have someone run to me when I call!

I needed the healing powers of a kiss from Tiddles.

The peace of Leradale is healing.

Maybe I should live there – just me and my Minions. At least they come when they’re called.

Daisy has just reminded me that a certain BeAnne Duvet was no angel. Obviously I had forgotten this. She was always perfect apart from the times when she wasn’t.