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.

Efstur and Daisy’s training is going well.  We have gone down the bitless bridle route, for the time being, as Efstur fussed and was distracted with a bit in his mouth and it wasn’t working well for him.

Although apprehensive about starting Efstur bitless (new territory for us) we realise that if that is what he likes and goes well with, then let’s see.  Daisy did her research and bought one that “hugs the head” – a cross-under one.

So, we started on the lead-rein, with me walking alongside and have migrated now onto a lunge line.

Up until recently, Daisy has just kept Efstur in walk so he can get used to the aids as well as  weight distribution with a rider onboard.  He is actually very balanced and apart from always (absolutely always) looking back at Daisy’s feet – each one – when she mounts, he hasn’t really said anything.  He has a huge amount of wanting to do the right thing, which is always helpful.

Efstur’s trot is sometime tölt but he is going forwards and listening, so who cares.

And today was the first day Efstur and Daisy went solo around the edge of the school – so many firsts – the track in both directions (some days he is forgets how, no lead-rein, no lunge, bitless…)

Training is coming along well. We go slowly because that is what works best for Efstur.  His sunny sensitive nature doesn’t like rushing and in return he takes it all in, listens and learns.

These two are very good together.  I would watch this space.