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.

This was yesterday.  A training milestone for Hjalti.

Iacs was brought in for moral support.

He took his job very seriously.

Zzzzz……

Firstly, Daisy and Hjalti went over a few basics in the indoor school.

Walk, trot and halt.

With some steering.

And then we went outside.

We had originally planned to go to the end of the track and home.

But as Hjalti was such a good boy – all interested but listening – we kept going.

Down the long and windy road (ok, this bit is straight but it winds later on).

I led Iacs so Hjalti didn’t feel he was alone in the Big Bad World.

We got as far as the first passing place, which is a good distance along entirely new territory for Hjalti.

And then we turned around to go home.  On our travels we met one car.  Daisy and Hjalti parked in a field gate entrance with me and Iacs between him and the car.  I signalled to the car to go about as slowly as it could and, luckily, the driver completely understood and crept passed (thank you to whoever you are.  I may actually ❤️ you and your comprehension of the situation).  Afterwards we shovelled carrots into Hjalti for being a good boy and yes, Iacs had his fair share for just, well, being there.

We pottered calmly home again.

So, well done Hjalti and Daisy (and possibly Iacs).

Hjalti was a very good boy and next time we shall go further.  Going outside, ridden, is a huge milestone in Hjalti’s training.

I might ride Iacs next time, though.