The routine is the same. We go out early to walk the dog on the municipal golf course that surrounds the house.  The golfers arrive as the sun rises.

Still, the Autumn colours are beautiful and as we don’t have trees like this in Shetland, I do enjoy the walk.

There is such a glorious variety of hues.

Is it going to be a harsh winter?

I do hope not but I was brought up with the folklore that an abundance of holly berries is a definite sign.

So will there be snow?  Lots of it by the look of the berries.

We had a good breakfast (just the one today!), and into the shed I went.  Nothing scares me these days.  Mum wanted me to find a trunk of old family photos and another marked “diaries” so in I plunged.

Like Captain Oates…. I am just going outside (well, inside actually), I may be some time”

I came out with the wooden trunk of photos (Mum and I have been going through them ever since. It is fascinating) plus I rescued a box of china in which I found this curious ewer/jug/pitcher.

Mum wondered if it was a vinaigrette because it has a strainer on the spout.

With handpainted flowers, porcelain, 8″ high (approx), gilding and background are transfer print.  Probably 19th century.

No mark on the base, but a number – 7861

Sadly missing a lid.

So, if you have any ideas, please say.  It is very pretty.

A really good day looking at family stuff.

Up at the crack of sparrows this morning, I kissed Her Maj goodbye (plus everyone else) and drove down to our local airport for the first flight out to Aberdeen.

I was happily surprised with a nice easy flight. I think we had the wind behind us as it only took 40 minutes. It usually takes an hour.

On Loganair, you are offered a complementary hot beverage and a choice of biccie. Of course, I went for the Tunnocks Caramel Wafer.  I couldn’t pass that up. Never say no to a Tunnocks.

The Aberdeen coast soon hove into view and we had a good landing.   Thank you lady pilot.  Good job.

A little wait at Aberdeen airport and so I made good use of the shops buying some earplugs (mine died on the trip) and a sandwich for my second breakfast. I may secretly be a hobbit.

Again, the trip to deepest darkest Southshire was completely uneventful, quick and easy.  We landed, my taxi was waiting (always a huge relief) and I was at my Mum’s house within the hour.

So that’s me.  Here I am, south now, feeling rather tired despite possibly the easiest trip south ever (and I have experienced some travel Hell).

Thank you for your kind words yesterday. I sincerely appreciate them and you lifted my spirits.  My life and the blog goes on or “Illegitimi non carborundum” or even “Noli sinere pessimi nequissimique te tristificare” if you want to be more precise.   And, yes, I did have to look that up.

Anywho, I am fine so all is well.

Today, after finishing my work, I was on horse/pony checking.  I gave the ladies their daily grub.  They have created their own routine.

Basically all line up nicely and eat as fast as possible.

Lilja is kind and lets Sóley the Foalie share her bucket.

Meanwhile, no one, and I mean no one, disturbs Hetja who does not even come up for breath.

Lilja then moves in on Sóley’s food.

They are such sweet sisters together. Never a harsh word.

Then Sóley has a go at Lilja’s bowl.  Turn and turn around.

I am off south tomorrow at the crack of sparrows to see my mother for 9 days. I booked it ages ago with the full knowledge of the family and have their blessing.  I think they probably want me out of the way for their daily fried eggs and chip suppers that they know I disapprove of.

So when I checked my horses and ponies this afternoon, I said my goodbyes. I wish I could squish Sóley into my bag.

I am on horse and pony duty at the moment though Daisy sweetly took of Haakon’s rainsheet because the sun shone – if briefly.

I did the rounds before driving into Lerwick and gave the lady-girls some hardfeed as a) we need to finish it before it goes fusty and b) they have just been through 48 hours of weather related hell.

Sóley the Foalie has very quickly learned you don’t hang about with food.  Her mother’s daughter.

And then the heavens opened and I wetly sat in the car and watched.

Next, the Minions – I threw them a bag of carrots which were gratefully received –  and then onto “The Big L” as we affectionately call it.

Sadly, Da Street looked empty.  Not good. No high street in Britain should look like this on a Saturday lunchtime.

I ate fish and chips sitting in my car and then a quick recce of the carpark showed many boats sheltering from the weather, which had calmed down by now.

Whilst getting my messages, I came upon a remarkable antique.

A Roller Organ.  A Chautauqua Roller Organ to be precise.

Oh, what can I say?  These past few days, I have been feeling down and also like giving up the blog what with everything going on around me (read Shetland mafia) but, after listening to the wonderful tunes, I left the shop with a huge smile.  Music therapy of the best kind.

(ok, it is in need of some tlc, but you can definitely hear the melody)

The old men drove me crazy with their constant begging and generally getting in the way. They followed me everywhere.  Where are you going?  Who are you feeding?  Are you feeding us?  Is there any more?

In my head, I thought it was nice to have the lads around the house.  How wrong could I be.  After two full wheelbarrows of poo (are they shitting for the Olympics?), I threw them into a small paddock that has a shed.

They instantly took up residence.

And even managed to argue about it . Haakon won, obviously as he is the older of the two.  They are cousins and close friends so arguments are kept to the minimum.

With a good fence around them, the boys make better neighbours than actual family.

The others mooched about on the periphery.

This I can live with.  Begging at my front door, I cannot.

There.  I’ve said it.  Shoot me now but shovelling up two wheelbarrows a day for two horses is killing me.