In answer to your first question, the answer is nope, nada, nuffink, not a dicky bird though Edna keeps taking herself off and then Madge shouts for her to come back and being a good mum, she does.

On a different note, I saw a lovely clump of dog-violets today on my daily walk.

And yesterday we saw some Whooper swans (apparently a rare breeding bird for the UK – I did not know this) on the loch as we drove to see the Icelandic mares.

All the horses and ponies are fine and enjoying the slightly warmer weather, losing their coats.  Hair is everywhere.

In other news, I am still making sheep-that-no-one-wants.  I put them in groups this afternoon.

And added the next line.

And the next.

I think, if I count correctly, I have made 25.

And then I made another one.

It is my therapy.  Most days, after lunch, I walk BeAnne in a field and then we go to my shed.  BeAnne has a good sleep and I make a sheep listening to something good like a podcast or  radio play or an audiobook.

When Her Maj wakes up and tells me she wants to go inside, we then go and check the sheep – ie walk down the hill and back up again, which means she is hungry for her tea.

It may seem very boring but that’s how we are rolling in our Shire these days.  It is enough excitement for me.  Now all we need is for this lamb to appear……

Still no lamb.  Every morning I ask OH, when he feeds the ducks and chucks, if there is an extra little lambie around and the answer is always no.

We are all waiting.

I think Edna has changed shape now.

Things have slipped downwards and she walks with a distinct waddle, holding her tail slightly outwards.

I check her every ruddy minute. Oh the worry, I can tell you. Despite my best efforts to keep the Girlzens around the house, Edna wants to be with her “flock” and so I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that it is better for her to be calm and happy and where she wants to be rather than cooped up and agitated.

And, of course, she insists on resting, sitting, and probably giving birth, beside the stream.  My greatest fear.

We have had a discussion about this and she assured me all will be fine.  I tell myself (as does the family) that Edna is an old and experienced ewe so she knows what she is doing.

Madge is possible evidence of this theory (doesn’t she look good now?)

The Boyzens are about.  ‘Bert told me he was fat and not about to give birth.

He did say that with a lovely smile.

Lambie refused to talk.  He was bissy stuffing his face.

And ‘Ster continues his mission of just looking gorgeous all the time.  It’s 24/7.

And so we wait and check and wait and check ad infinitum.

I almost put money that today was the day but, so far, it isn’t.

I will keep you posted.

I took my big camera into the Minion field today.

First up was Waffle who was doing his leg-in-each-corner impression.  Well, at least he wasn’t swimming around the water buckets.  It makes a nice change.

I asked him if he was a Reformed Character.  He remained mysteriously silent.

And then it was Newt’s turn.  He was nearby.

And it was most odd, but I found next to him a tiny strip of paper.  So I picked it up and read it.

Is this Newt’s fortune cookie, or a motivational message he keeps with him for times of uncertainty (possibly due to his lack of height or his rescue history)?  Who knows and who gave it to him?

Sóley was in the distance.  She suits the landscape.

Next up, Silver.  Always beautiful.  It’s the eyes and his expression.

Albie – maybe Newt was looking after his “motivational message”?  It could easily be his.  He has low self-esteem issues at times, when things change. He hates change.

Tiddles – looking particularly grubby – it is raining on and off.

Storm was pulling a face – of course, he was!

Lilja gave me her full-on stare of seriousness.

Another one far away – Fivla.  She had just had her TurmerAid so she didn’t need to talk.

And lastly Vitamin who, although is looking greyer, she is one of those old ladies who is 100% on the ball, going to have the last biscuit and would elbow you out of the queue for the bus!

And so we left them to it still wondering who owns the piece of paper. Most odd.

Daisy and I walked over the hill to my other croft, Clothie, which I can see from the house – where the old men and Klængur (I refuse to call him old because he isn’t. He is only 17) live.  Iacs is 25.

and Haakon is 26.  Iacs and Haakon are cousins.  You can sort of tell.

Her Maj came too.  There was enthusiasm and delightful running with a hint of bounce over the tussocks.

Daisy brought carrots and some cauliflower stalks (Haakon and Iacs’ favourite) – and there was more enthusiasm for them too.

BeAnne asked if could continue our walk and, as we are close to lambing time now (I won’t take her on the hill or the road) we went through the garden and down to another field.

There’s a bit of colour just starting in the garden and OH did his first grass mow of the year.  He needs to let me put the ponies in. That would save him the effort. Sadly, he does not see it like this.

And down to the stream to check on the wild primroses which are in full bloom now.

So that was us.  Tomorrow is rain but I tell myself it will make the grass grow.  We haven’t had proper rain for a while.  I almost miss it!

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day. Today less so.  Still no lamb.

Edna came to sit beside me and chew her cud.  We had a long discussion about potential motherhood, ie not leaving me in the lurch, not walking into the burn with wee-lamb upon arrival (apparently lambing is thirsty work and the ewes do this afterwards, drowning offspring as they go) being nice once wee-lamb arrives and other general stuff.  Edna is a dear sweet girl – she really is and I am so pleased she is with us, even for her last years.

Madge looked on from a safe distance.  Probably wise but she edged nearer and sat down.

Everyone is much more relaxed about BeAnne too, which is good.  We have had words about being mean and not giving her a bunt at the front door.

After sitting together and having our good long chat about potential motherhood, I went to the burn to see if the marsh marigolds were flowering.

I am always pleased to see them. They are such a vibrant colour.

BeAnne had a little potter too. She has good days and bad. This was not a particularly good day for her. She was very tired and vacant.  Some days I really wonder if we are doing the right thing.

But she perked up after a nice roll in some duck poo.

And so I sat by the stream and filmed it. I hope you enjoy it. This is my favourite spot.  The place I go to in my dreams when I just want to relax.