We started out this morning with a plan, which unusually came together beautifully.

It was the usual goose, fox and bag of beans scenario but surprisingly everyone was easily caught, loaded nicely and led beautifully.  That is not like us.

The plan started by catching Fivla and then Lilja.  Lilja loaded like royalty, (if royalty go in and out of vans) and we drove them home.  Fivla’s role was company for Lilja who would be very distressed to be by herself.  We put them in next door stables so they could see but not upset each other.

Then we went back, caught and loaded Brá and Hetja.  We brought them over to Thordale and walked them to their pre-birthing field, Clothie.

Then we led Lilja to Clothie to go back in with the pregnant ladies, loaded Fivla into the van and drove her back to Leradale to rejoin the Minions.  We also opened the gates of Leradale and let the Minions have access to the rest of the field – the Icelandic ladies’ part.  There is more green grass and they can just finish it off and make a clean plate.  They didn’t need asking twice and cantered happily around the new-to-them bit of the field.

Phew!  So that’s done then.

I went to see them later with a pile of carrots that need eating quickly.

Mum and daughter together.

Now we start Bewb-Watch.

Tomorrow, all being well, the pregnant Icelandic mares and Lilja (non pregnant Icelandic filly) will move home to get ready for their big event – foaling.  We still have a few weeks to go but now is a good time to return and we can start monitoring them better.

All the internal gates will be opened and the Minions will then have the run of the whole croft, about 40 acres to themselves.  This will include the ladies’ winter field which still has grass in it and more than enough for eight (*** cough ***) fat little Shetland ponies.

This weekend ee also have possibly our first Minion visitor so we are preparing to meet our public.  Taking two brushes with me this morning, Floss and I set about making everyone a bit more presentable.

Everyone loves being brushed now.  Albie is particularly keen and follows us everywhere trying to push the brush under himself.

And no one escaped our ministrations and beautification. Please note Newt’s fabularse bouffant, darling!

As a reward for our hardwork which consisted of mostly removing small helpers, we had a bit of a sit down.  It is that dry now so no wet bottoms.

Despite being still in their winter floof, the Minions are looking particular handsome.  I hope our visitors think the same.

I took advantage of the fact that Fivla was close by.  We had a lovely chat.  Just like the old days.

Fivla has possibly the softest nose in the world.  She always has.

I think we can safely say that we are ready and waiting – so bring on the tourist season.  Let’s hope it goes well.

This is a total experiment.  If no one wants to meet the chaps, then we won’t do it again.

Pray for good weather, good behaviour and good publicity, please. x

You know about my obsession with the weather.  These days it is really all I can talk about – that, and Lambie of course.  I can bore for Britain about him.

Anywho, the wind has been blowing for quite a few days now, enough to dry up all the mud and the days are warming up.

We are still feeding the chaps twice a day as the grass, although it is trying, it is not trying hard enough.

Every morning Haakon and Iacs stand about looking like a spare p**** at a wedding.  They have refused point-blank to eat the silage we put out so they come out of the field and have a haynet each to themselves.

They then spend the day in the yard that surrounds the house grazing with free access to hay as well.  Yes, I am indulging them but they are both old men (like Statler and Waldorf, they have opinions and watch everyone who comes and goes) and I think they deserve a bit of spoiling.  They go out with the lads at night so I am not that nice.

Winter coats are falling out and if ridden, brushed out too.

And now I want some rain to kick start the proper grass.  It would be helpful.

And then hopefully everyone will stop needing the extra hay and/or silage.

I am very pleased it is getting warmer now.  My thermals have almost been packed away.  Almost…… I don’t want to peak too early.

I came outside, on my way to “do the Minions”, as it is known in this house, to find everyone fast a-bye-byes.

Well, everyone except for Kappi who was awake and guarding against marauding tigers, or whatever it is they think will get them.  Good luck with that because if a tiger came along with a Krispy Kreme donut, Kappi would be the first to leave and cosy up to the enemy.

The boys were fat out – sorry, flat out.  My bad.

Waving them goodbye while leaving them to their snoring, I drove off down the road (2 miles) to check on the Icelandic ladies (all well there) and to throw cauliflower stalks at the Minions.

I had an enthusiastic reception from the Shetland pony tribe.

So I sat on a rock for a little while and watched them trying to find the spring grass that is beginning to appear.

This was a lovely panoramic photograph that has been squished and compressed into eight pony-like blobs on a hil, if you can see them at all.

Oh yes, before I forget, I made this little chap. I will include him on the Heart❤️Felt page.

Every evening I repair to my shed to create needle-felted little animals and birds.

These are my recent creations and, if you are interested, they are for sale.  I have built a Heart❤️Felt For Sale page. First come, first served.

Heart❤️Felt For Sale

I happily work with donations but felt it might be better to put prices on each creation based on the UK hourly national living wage rate.  Money is a difficult word to us English but I thought it might be easier if I did.

I am very happy to post anyone anywhere in the world.  Being made purely of wool (and my ❤️) the little chaps are light and so far, have not cost a huge amount to send.

So, there you are. Please don’t feel obliged to buy but if you are grabbed by a wee small blue bird or a sheep, let me know.  If they are already sold, I can make similar.  I will keep making these little friends as my muse takes me and every so often, I will add them to my shop page.  They will also probably travel to a Lerwick shop – in discussion.

All moneys go towards the animals but mostly to the Minions who live their life of rescue Shetland pony luxury.  I will also replenish my wool stocks and equipment with money made.