We had our new farrier visit today so I got into the stable those that needed to see him – Haakon, (Iacs along for “the ride” so to speak) Klaengur, Taktur and Kappi.  We also ended up adding Efstur and Dreki to the mix as Efstur jumped over the fence and was running up and down the fence shouting that he had been abandoned (grrrr – bloody horse)!

First up was Klængur who was having a trim and new fronts put on.  Apart from locking his knees and refusing to bend them or help, he was fine.

Yup, then the Boyzenberries arrived on the scene.  Lambie cast his expert eye.

He has always taken an interest.

‘Bert was keener on standing on the bench and eating the hi-viz buckles. We had words. ‘Ster decided he was feral.

Next up was Taktur who was, of course, a gentleman…..

….though, there was a bit of pervy sniffing (I was shocked!).  Taktur and Kappi are having their shoes off, a slight trim and are now officially on their holidays for a while. Daisy is away.

And lastly, it was Haakon’s turn.  His abscesses are nearly out now and his hooves are starting to look normal in shape and, best of all, healthy.

So that was us.  A normal day. Perhaps not such a normal day for the farrier but that’s how we roll in our Shire!

I was pottering around in my kitchen this morning – making the traditional spagetti bolognaise for Floss’ return (she’s been away south).

Guess who appeared at the kitchen door?

Aww, my little boy, Lambie, complete with his lovely Winning Smile.

While I cooked the bolognaise, Lambie entertained himself by wandering around the house.

I don’t think Monster was too impressed.

He had been having a lovely uninterrupted morning snooze in one of his many beds.

Then ‘Ster got wind of Lambie’s travels and wanted into the house too.  Now ‘Ster is never allowed in the house. I know, I know…..one rule for Lambie and another for everyone else but that’s how it goes as Lambie is sort of vaguely housetrained (only a Muzzah knows).

So I said “All sheep have to go outside!” and went back to my cooking.  A while later, I popped my head outside to see a pathetic sight and of course my granite heart instantly melted.  (BeAnne can easily squoze herself backwards and forwards through the gate.)

So Lambie had a Secret Biccie instead!

He is a very special little sheep and he does ask so very nicely.

It is mind control.  Lambie looks at me and I am forced to open the biscuit tin.  A little known fact, certain sheeple now love Oreo’s!

I was stuck for photos for today’s blog so making the most of the beautiful late afternoon light, I went to photo the old boys in their field.

This made me smile – Haakon and his Fan Club!

Bibble was sporting a superb silly-frilly with an added look of eternal optimism.

Obviously, I had BeAnne with me, which goes without saying, but then I heard “wait for me” being called.

And then everywhere I went, I was followed.

…. With grim determination and I was not allowed out of Monster’s sights.

Where I went, he went too…… shouting all the time.

Her Maj was on top bouncy form so I decided we should go for a short walk in the hill as it was such a nice day.

I rallied my troops.

And they duly accepted Orders.

Even though the sun was setting, it was definitely worth it.

I had a lovely time playing “Cat? What cat! I see no cat!”

And we walked high up into the hill with me wondering whether I had a cat allocation in the scattald and also whether Monster would ever shut-the-f***-up!

And then, as the sun was setting, we came home.  I now know why I was being so faithfully followed.  It was an hour off Monster’s tea-time.  OH was out at work and my little white friend was worried I would forget so I was going to be reminded at all times!

Still, it was a nice, if noisy walk!

Well, I’ve started the 1895 Diary and I won’t lie to you, it is a bit of a struggle. This is the opening week for January.

Oh. My. Word. And each page is exactly 3″ by 2″. Yup, that’s inches. A whole year’s activities written in the Charles Letts’s Thin Waistcoat Pocket Diary – burgundy colour.

Anyway, I have done pretty well with this page but if anyone can tell me what Great Great Aunt Kate is singing about with Miss Tadema (mentioned twice below), please tell me. And it is NOT “snuggled’. Of that, I am sure. I think it begins gl___.

To get over trying to read almost illegible squishy ant-writing, I went out for a walk to clear my head, my thoughts, refocus my eyes and to have a change of scene.  I took Klængur with me for company and BeAnne, having said she hated walking on the road, came bouncing enthusiastically along too, which was most surprising and very nice.

Since getting back from Mum’s, I haven’t ridden Klængur as his feet are very long and Daisy, who kindly rode him in the school while I was away, said he was tripping. I am not good with tripping.

The farrier is coming this week and hopefully, once trimmed and shod, we can start going out again.

On the walk, I let Klængur do his own thing. He followed along in a relaxed head-on-the-floor way occasionally stopping for a thistle.

We had a good chat too about our future riding career together.

What is this thing about old thistles?

Klængur bites them off very carefully and even goes looking for them.

It was nice to get out with my Ginger Ninja even if it wasn’t about the riding this time.  I think he enjoyed it too.

It’s that time of year when the sky just looks beautiful no matter the weather.

This is the view over Sung loch at the bottom of our track where it meets the single track road (A971), a public highway.

And this is one of the many views of Foula that I see when I drive over to check on the Minions….

…. who are doing very well, thank you for asking.  There are eight of them (I’ve just counted).

And the view on the way home.  Not bad really.  I can’t complain.

It has been threatening rain all day but I find that the actual weather forecast has been lying through it’s teeth and but, despite some intimidating dark clouds, it never rained.

I hate days like this because I specifically got up early this morning to put a waterproof rug on Haakon.  I wonder if the weather forecasters actually know where Shetland is.  And then of course there is that old saying “be careful what you wish for”.

This afternoon has been spent in my shed writing out the next instalment – 1894 -Brussels – Help needed with this diary entry, pretty please.

But as an incentive, Kate learns to ride and I think it might be sidesaddle judging by her sketch.