(and thank you to everyone for all your help, support and advice xx)

First thing, I go out to the field that the three oldies, (Haakon, Iacs and Klængur) and shout!

Did you see Haakon bucking, right at the beginning?  I love this. It makes me smile and realise that Haakon, although perhaps never going to be ridden again, is happy and pain-free in his retirement and that is all I want for him.

(the morning sun just beginning to make an appearance on the horizon – it is about 08.45)

Iacs of course is not helpful.  That’s not his way. It’s like the scene with the elephants in the Jungle Book.

My buckets were duly distributed and yes, Iacs and Klængur swapped, argued and then tried to get Haakon’s.  They pretty much get the same food but Haakon has TurmerAid and Devil’s Claw which, as you can see, is doing much good.  Boing, boing!

Daisy (home for Christmas) was on guard and the double-prong attack stood no chance.  There were words!

And then we put out their piles of hay which they stood in a polite row and ate until Iacs walked through, threatening to pee in it. He likes to do that *** sigh ***.  More words, now shouted from over the fence.  He is such a gallumph.

This is the sunset a few nights ago.

Shetland is very beautiful this time of year.

I went for a ride later on in the morning. It was fabulous.  All is good.

Today is the shortest day or the longest night, depending on your perspective.  The Winter Solstice. Apparently, and I did not know this, today is when the North pole has its maximum tilt away from the Sun.

I am cheered to think that we are now on our way to longer days. Currently the sunrises at 09.10 and sets at 14.58 and there is not nearly enough daylight to achieve anything much.  This time of year, I am chasing my tail as I hate trudging about trying to feed animals in the dark.

Though, this is probably the last time we will see the sun in all its glory for a while.  Winter is seriously on its way.  From January to March or April or even May (it has been known to snow) it can get a bit full-on weather-wise so here’s hoping for a peaceful Winter.

Anywho, bring it on because I have my family home for Christmas and all is good.

And I also have seven packets of ginger biccies in the porch!  The Boyzenberry ration is two each per day.  Anything more and ‘Bert gets a gippy tummy though I do sometimes give Lambie extra when no one is looking.

So that’s us.  Bring on Summer then! Quickly please.

I went out a few days back with my big camera to snap away at the Minions.  They can be very photogenic when they want to be.

Little Newt – he has a Russian accent – he just does.  When you meet him, it fits.

He also has a very distinguished profile.

Special Silver – always standing a little bit away but never forgotten. To be loved by Silver, means you need him and he understands this.

All-Grown-Up Albie – he is my special boy.  I am his Mum (and so is Flossie). He follows us everywhere asking if we could hug him, please.

Wonderful Vitamin – a grande dame and the matriarch mare of the herd.  They follow and listen to her wisdom.

And that is one beautiful beard for an old lady!

She has a lovely glint in her eyes too.

Storm has his Suspicious-Aloysius face today!  Who knows what goes on in that pea-sized brain of his. Very little probably or world domination plans. You guess.

Flossie’s darling Fivla, also known as Fivvie Chicken, who is also an old lady now.  She has been practising to be an old lady ever since she was young.  She has one speed – slow or stop.

And lastly our Tiddles – who is the best kisser ever.  His nosey is very sweet.  Actually all of Tiddles is incredibly sweet.

Waffle had his own page a few blogs back.