It was raining outside or, as we say, “good weather for ducks” and Daisy wanted to ride. Luckily we have an indoor school.

So I watched and she did all the work.

First up was Taktur.

He is just so handsome *** swoon ***.

It was good to see how they were getting on and my job was to stand in the middle and take photos.

She schooled all the gaits on both reins.

They worked hard.

…. And long reins, stretch and rest.

And then it was Kappi’s turn.

Again, it was good to watch.

Afterwards, Daisy took off his bridle…..

… looked for a treat….

…. fed the treat…..

…. and Kappi followed Daisy to have his headcollar put on!

I really enjoyed watching them all work.  Most interesting.

I spent this afternoon changing my she-shed around. I have not been happy since I moved my work-table to the wall so the plants could have access to more light.  It felt all wrong.

Anyway, I was given this lovely make-your-own sheep garland which involved a certain amount of effort on my part, so I quickly delegated and asked the artistic one in the family (that would be Daisy) to create me something special.

And she did.  She made the Boyzen and Girlzenberries – twice!

Lambie, ‘Bert and ‘Ster…..

Edna, Madge and Missy.

There is even a Lambie with his yearly blue sprayed horns!

As well as a “normal” Lambie (I use the term “normal” in it’s loosest sense!)

As well as moving the tables around, I moved BeAnne’s bed and she seemed much happier.

I have hung up air plants in special glass holders that so far haven’t fallen on my head though I do bash into them every time I stand up!

I adore my shed now.  I have all my favourite things around me and everything is back where it should be.  I can see many happy hours ahead creating my creations.

This morning was endless rain.  I went to fill up the van with diesel. Boring but a necessity. We need the van to always be ready for any pony emergency.

This afternoon was spent packing veg for Transition Turriefield – an independent social enterprise scheme growing fruit and vegetables for the Shetland community.  Being this time of year, there was lots of fantastic veg and we kept going until it was done. As you can see, the fractal geometry of the beautiful romanesco was hypnotic.

A certain small person was very pleased to see us upon our return.  Her Maj, on her diet of antibiotics, heart pills, laxatives, liver supplements and steroids, is doing rather well. The appetite has improved – she unrepentantly scrounges and steals everything – and subsequently has now been re-classified as a “wee fatty” by the family.  I find it hard to say “no” having spent months watching her refuse to eat anything while fading away before my eyes.  The vet says I have to toughen up.  Wee Fatty now tips the scales at over 10kg.  I am saying nuffink and just thank the Gods we have been given this extra time (and possibly calories).  Now, I see this photo, I realise BeAnne is a little square!

Little Missy and her family often hang around the front door.  Ever optimistic.

Missy is still nursing (see the milk on her lips) but will soon be weaned. Edna is a fairly strong mother and has opinions as to when her little (ok, large) daughter can feed.  You see Edna is one tough Muvva.  I could take lessons from her.

I took this photo when I stood at the top of the hill (having been ragworting) a field that we used to rent out.  Yes, we live in the middle of nowhere.  It is perfect.

The flowers are still glorious though Autumn is on its way.

A glorious swathe of colour.

Upon reflecton of this post, I realise I need to be more like Edna and toughen up vis-a-vis BeAnne’s waistline!

Yesterday’s selection of piccies.

Everyone was a bit weird.

Sóley looking thoughful, even pensive.

Albie on a mission. He means business.

Vitamin – she is wonderful.

Silver has lost his forelock in a brushing frenzy. It makes him look permanently worried.

Storm – nuff said really.

Tiddles – he just makes me smile a lot because he smiles a lot.

Newt with Fivla looking benevolently on.

Newt’s extra speshul kiss-me face.

The darlingest Fivla or “Whiffy” as she is always known.

And back with Vitamin.

And once more.

She just has this look when she sees me and my camera.  In real life she is nothing like this.  Honestly.  May be she had been at the gin.

And back again to Tiddles who has been practising.

And lastly, but by no means leastly, Waffle channelling his inner James Bond.

Hope you liked that lot xx

I saw this large piece of something lying in the Minion’s field.  It had obviously been chewed (there were little bits of plastic lying around nearby) so I picked everything up and started dragging the plastic back to the road to put in my car to dispose of properly later.

En route through the field, I met a small but curious Newt.

He wanted to have a look.

When I turned back to continue my dragging, I saw everyone cantering excitedly towards me.

So I dropped the plastic and let them all have a poke about – get it out of their systems.

My reasoning was that it was good for potential riding horses to be afraid of nothing.

And also they could tell their friends too!

After a thorough investigation, no stone unturned, I picked up the plastic to drag it away. And still, I was followed.  Usually they give up by now.

Albie wanted the plastic.

And now I know who was ripping bits out of it previously!  Oh Albie *** sigh ***.

I lugged everything over the fence and went to kiss noseys and yes, Lilja and Sóley were still giving it their best.

Still, the nose kisseys were worth it. Mwah!