So, we had been in all the tents and sheds to look at the exhibits and now it was time for a wander around outside.

There was a huge sheep section – all different breeds – don’t ask me, because I know nothing.

All I do know, however, is that sheep breeding is taken very seriously up here.

By now, it was a hot afternoon and I wish someone had been round with a bucket of water for the sheep.  They did for the cows. I saw them.

This spectacular ram was having a lovely time chasing lady sheep around a large pen while the judges watched on.  I love the ram’s lecherous grin!

The vintage tractor display was splendid and had a flock of small children  You could see them playing “tractors”.  The ultimate dream at that age.

Over to the Shetland pony rings – two of them.   One for standards and one for miniatures with a judge in each.

Some had given up and were having a well deserved snooze.  It’s a very long day.

As we wandered around the judging was coming to an end and various champions were announced.

This is Wilbur.  He was in the Pet Section and we had a little chat.  The lovely bow tie was an inspiration (says she who is now busily searching the internet for some).

And I made a discovery – there are donkeys in Shetland!  You have no idea how fast I raced over to introduce myself.  There were two in a pen.  I asked the owner about how easy was it to keep donks in Shetland only to discover that I have been seriously misinformed and that, as a breed, they do fine up here.

If I had only known…….. just imagine what could’ve been.  I adore donkeys.  I smile inside when I see them.

“The Cunningsburgh Show is organised by the Cunningsburgh & Districts Agricultural Society and is the largest agricultural show held on Shetland. The show takes place every year on the second Wednesday of August.” – from their Facebook page.  The first show was in 1935 and this year was their 75th.

I love a good agricultural show and today’s was no exception.

The crafts were amazing. I was full of admiration.

Wow!

Huge and very beautiful.

And now as I am into felting, I could appreciate even more the skill and hard work that goes into every piece of work. I loved this.

And adored him.

There was the statutory Wall of Wool.

Incredible Fair Isle knitting – I love the colour combinations.

Some beautiful shawls.

Onto the Poultry Section.

It was a hot day and many animals were asleep.

Produce.  Now this is the right colour for a proper egg yolk.  Ours look like this.  No additives just nature.

It is all in the presentation.

Horse and Pony classes were going on in two separate rings at one end of the show field.

There were at least five Icelandic horses taking part.  Well done to all.  It was lovely to see.

The show ground was getting busy as the day went on.

We went into the flower shed.

More gorgeous colour.

And the smell of flowers was incredible.

On the opposite side of the flowers were the tatties.

Shetland Blacks

And even six cooked potatoes on a plate is a class on its own.

We loved this. As you can see “Carrots Three” is the class.  Sadly this entry did not win.

And you can sort of see why but a good effort none the less.

The cake section was innovative.  This represents the “Sooth-End Synchronised Swimming Team” – brilliant!

A superb display of vegetables.

Someone can grow fruit very well.

So, that’s the first part of the show. More tomorrow…… and yes, you guessed it, there were some fun Vegetable Creation entries.  An excellent day.

Yesterday, en route to the Minions, Floss and I dropped in on Brá and her field friends, Kolka and Harvey.

And Brá, without any of her usual hesitation or nervousness, walked up to the Flossie to say hello with ears forward and a lovely smiley face.  This is a first.  It has only taken 3 and a half years but it is a step forward and one I am very pleased with.  I honestly never thought I would see the day she did this.

It is all about trust with Brá.  She doesn’t give it easily, you have to work for it and she really has to think long and hard whether she can trust you at all even.  But yesterday she did and I think she liked the reward.  It wasn’t complicated for her.  Be nice and someone will be nice back.  I wish I had owned Brá earlier and had more of an input into the way she perceives people and life in general.  You just don’t know what she has seen that makes her how she is.

Harvey was the other side of the burn, by himself, looking rather gorgeous.

He is a very handsome lad.  (I may be secretly in love ❤️ with him)

The “Glorious Twelfth” is my birthday as well as being the day the red grouse shooting season starts (I do not approve).  To this day, I have always believed that the Glorious Twelfth was named in honour of my birthday. I have yet to be dissuaded of this fact.

So, to celebrate my Glorious Twelfth, Daisy and I went riding, twice. First up, I rode Klængur, while Daisy rode Kappi. It was lovely and Klængur behaved beautifully (I am wondering whether he has recently been taken over by aliens).  Next up, we went out on Iacs and Hjalti.  All good.  We came home with huge smiles.

After lunch Floss and I went to visit the Minions. I took my big camera and we sat down.  We didn’t have to wait very long.

Tiddles

While Flossie was being loved, I snapped away.

Fivla

Waffle

Newt and Tiddles

Newt

I was trying to take photos of Silver and Albie walking through the little purple flowers.

Silver

Albie

Albie likes to walk towards with me with his ears flat back.  I have no idea why he does this.  It makes him look like he is about to savage me but I know Albie wouldn’t.  It is just his way.

Albie

Vitamin

Storm

Storm

I took a few arty-farty shots as well.  I’m not sure which one I like best – smiling or not smiling?

Fivla

Fivla

Everyone was in a very huggy mood.

Newt

While I was lying down taking photos of Albie and Silver, I looked behind me to find Waffle looming with purpose!

Waffle

We drove home and apparently there is cake!

BeAnne Duvet Soufflé Princess Chantelle Shaznay du Mezzanine

We don’t need telling twice!

Monster

As you know, the best part of any agricultural show for me are the vegetable creations.  There are a number of classes for different aged children to enter.

So here you are.  The creations are all truly wonderful, innovative and artistic inspirations.

There are some great imaginations out there.

The lobster, for me, was utterly ingenious.

I adore the expressions so cleverly captured.

There were classes for every age (children) and maybe even a small bite out of the bread first!

And this is my personal clear winner.  I just love his face  Whoever made this Mr Evil Potato has a career ahead of them making vegetable creations and should study the art of animation!  I see a potential horror film here.

On Wednesday there is another Shetland agricultural show which I am hoping to get to so hopefully I will see if they can match our district’s creativity.  I can’t wait.