I am not a huge cake-maker. It is a rare event at best but once in a blue moon, I feel the urge and today, I created this creation.  My strawberries-and-cream cake.

As we are now in Level 0, we had some friends around for supper.  I also spent the day cooking.

When there was a brief interlude, I snuck around the house with my camera.

Her Maj was her usual unhelpful self.

I don’t actually think Monster moved all day. I must prod him to see if he is still alive.

And Maggie and Harry want to come and live in the house. I said no and sent them away with a biccie. Animal Crackers are just the right size for Harrel the Barrel.

Inside my flowers are doing their best. For the first time, I am growing sunflowers.

And, as usual, cornflowers.

Meanwhile, in horse-world, Daisy did something pretty amazing.  She took Lilja into the little paddock on her own.

Sóley hovered around outside.

Interestingly Lilja didn’t mind leaving Sóley one bit. All good practice.

She was very cool about everything – so that’s the saddle on for the first time with just slight interest and barely a reaction.

So, back to that cake then.  Time to celebrate!

I am trying very hard to get to grips with my new camera and it is not all that easy, but Chapter III was hopefully mastered (or at least watched) today.

Afterwards, using my new skills, I tried to take photos of Monster and BeAnne.

BeAnne was not very helpful.  She has an aversion to being photographed and, no, she doesn’t even remotely fit into Monster’s bed but she gave it her best.

So me and my camera went over to Clothie to see what we could photograph.

Cuckooflower, also commonly known as ‘Lady’s-smock’.

The marsh marigolds are everywhere.  In Shetland dialect it is ‘blugga’.

The “red” campion is just starting to arrive now.  More pink, really but very pretty.

I enjoyed wandering around. I really need to watch Chapter IV and maybe find a mentor to guide me.

Afterwards, on my way home, I hopped over the fence to go and talk to Harry.

He has developed a new skill – he eats everything!  Those little teeth never stop. We had words about biting me.  Not good. Not nice.  He was very cross with me and sulked.

He has changed shape too.  Growing up far too fast.

Harry was such a sweet little lamb and now he is a determined thug!

Chores done and my neighbour and I drove off to see puffins!

My annual pilgrimage to Sumburgh Head. I like to see them every year.

The flowers are wonderful now.

Sea birds on a rock.

We wandered around not seeing very much in the way of puffins, but taking photos none the less.  I had my new camera with me as well as the big one (for any potential close ups of puffinery).

We made the obligatory trip up to Sumburgh lighthouse complete with foghorn – built by Robert Stevenson in 1821 and is the oldest lighthouse in Shetland.

And a good wander about.

And then I found a singular puffin. Huzzah!

We walked a long a bit and found more.  Apparently a group is known as a colony, a puffinry….

a circus….

a burrow, a gathering, or an improbability!  You can sort of see why.

I desperately wanted to take some photos of puffins coming into land or taking off.  While their flying skills are dubious at best, it is their landing and take off that is even worse.  They land as if they never expected the cliff ahead, and take off just by falling and looking hopeful!

These shots were all I could manage.  Blink and you miss them.

But I do love a puffin.  They always make me laugh when I see them.

And then to town for lunch (this is our lunchtime view)…. and messages.

They were filming “Shetland” in Lerwick.

A fake shop front.

Film kit everywhere.

Home now. It was a superb day. I am exhausted.  Definitely worth it for the puffins, though.

Floss and I spent the morning brushing every Minion’s mane and tail.

There was no point doing bodies – ok, we couldn’t be arsed. I admit it but we worked hard on our designated areas of brushing.  Afterwards, we sat down on the grass for a rest and I took photos (with new camera).

Tiddles went ker-poof!

Vitamin looked regal.

(such a dear sweet old lady)

And Fivla was a fairy pony powder-puff.

They scrub up well.

Newt remained Newt and wanted a hug afterwards to get over the trauma of being brushed.

Waffle, of course, was lovely.

It was hard work, but someone has to do it!

Yesterday, when we were “doing feet”, I noticed some of the Minions with white bits were looking a bit sunburnt and frazzled.

So, today, when I was checking the Minions, I brought the sunscreen with me.

“Filtabac – a protective barrier antibacterial cream.  A complete protective antibacterial, sunblock cream that acts as a totally natural second skin”

I caught the two (Tiddles and Storm) who suffer terribly in the sun and duly smeared it on their noseys.

I should’ve done it sooner but it was a case of “does anyone know where the sunscreen is?” and then it was always in the wrong car.

The minute Storm saw me massaging sunscreen on Tiddles’ nose, he was off. Oh yes. So I lured him with a carrot, put on his headcollar and then smeared the gloop onto his nosey too.  Everyone looked much better afterwards.

Albie, of course, was deperate to have some too.

He has a teensy-tinesy little white spot on his nosey which he swears will burn to a crisp. I duly applied and he was happy.

No one else needed sunscreen. They never do but they liked the idea of the carrots I had brought with me.

And then I thought I would sit with them for a while for hugs and perhaps I could take photos with my new camera (these are my ancient iPhone).  But no – my hands were covered in sunscreen and it is very persistent!

Afterwards, I sat with them for a while and Storm rubbed his nose covering off on my coat!  Why I bother.