A dentist appointment in town today meant we had to leave all the horses in Daisy’s capable hands.

I haven’t been to Lerwick for many weeks.  Truth be told is I can’t be arsed and so put off all my messages until the list is too long to ignore and the trip is worth the petrol.

One of the items on my list was more wool to felt with.

It is for needle-felting – a craft that I am trying to master.

And I found some – Messrs Jamieson & Smith Ltd, Shetland wool brokers.

The home of Shetland wool, indeed – natural combed tops (apparently – I am learning fast here).  I did ask if they had any dyed coloured ones but no, they don’t do that now which is a shame.  I would much rather buy local than hit the internet.

Every available wall had wool.  I could’ve spent a fortune in there and I don’t even knit!

For me, this is a different world but one I have a secret hankering for.  I think to myself “if only I could knit” but the realist in me remembers the hours of childhood knitting torture and so it is never going to happen. I have a panic-attack now just thinking about it.

But the needle-felting is my way forward.  I enjoy it very much and hopefully I will move on from bird/penguins to bigger beasties.

After my appallingly lazy behaviour yesterday, it was my turn to feed the horses.  Luckily, they know the drill.

I put the buckets out in their right place and then each horse leaves the field, through the gate and walks up to his own, and correct, bucket.

There is also a certain little helper lurking.  She gets told “no” and “to leave Taktur alone”.

So she ignores this and ends up being dribbled on by Taktur with sugar beet water which makes the top of her head all crunchy and sugary.

(Note – for those that come in without a headcollar, I lay one on their back while they are eating so I can put it on when to lead them back to their field – it saves looking and also wandering)

Then there are the clearing-up chickens too.  They are excellent at their job.  At times a little too enthusiastic, though.  Taktur is easily put off and wanders away from his food.

Mostly it is the same chicken too – we only have two white ones (as well as two black and three brown – numbers have dwindled due to the Polecat Massacre of 2018).

But the hens are useful as the horses are messy eaters.

Taktur slurps and Efstur just plays with his bucket.  This is Bucket Mark II as the last one was trashed.

Once finished, the chicken departs for better muck-heaps and the horses go back to their field hopefully feeling full.

As I write it down, our routine seems strange, but it works and that is all that matters.

On rare days, I am totally unmotivated to do anything.

Today, I could have cheerfully crawled back to bed and stayed there under the covers.

It was cold and raining outside and my bones ached. I could not get warm either.

I felt so meh, that I even asked Flossie to check the horses and ponies for me while I sat in the car.

Flossie is a nice person who walked miles to count them in the rain and made sure everyone was alright.

I hope I feel more motivated tomorrow.  I couldn’t have been less so today.  Just one of those days.

(sorry)

We did everything first thing this morning.  Bad weather was imminent so Floss and I fed and rugged those that needed, and dished out silage to those that didn’t.  A quick cup of tea and onwards to the Minion field to distribute the daily carrot.

Lots of rain was forecast.

More carrot  ….

Please …

Pretty please, so very hungry and small and cute. Don’t forget cute …….

This is my serious face and I know where you live.  Remember Newt’s Book of Revenge. Well, you’re in it if no carrot appears in 10 seconds.  10, 9, 8, 7 ……. I can wait all day if necessary.

The others were in a wonderful silly-billy mood.  They sniggered, farted and galloped about.

Bad weather means nothing to them.

I had a few nose kisseys as the Minions whizzed off.

There a lot of whizzing today.

Excuse me, still waiting – no pressure, just saying. I am going nowhere until the carrot appears.  You definitely have a spare in your pocket.  It is mine.

Haakon is 25 now.  I can see him ageing as I watch.  He is my friend and The One – my horse for lifetime.  We understand each other.

I try to ride Haakon at least once every other day to keep everything active.  He stiffens up if I don’t.

He also has a daily feed with old-age turmeric-based mineral additives for senior horses in his diet, plus a rug if it is raining and cold.   I am doing all I can to keep him going along.  Riding is also good for me too.

Haakon enjoys going out.  Some days are more active than others but exercise is important for his mental health, just as much as his physical health.

Mostly Daisy comes along too and, if she goes fast, vanishing over the horizon, then I pop some music on from my iphone and we listen as we plod home.  Haakon likes Al Stewart, whcih is lucky as I do too!

Meanwhile, back in the world of Monster.  I found these photos on my phone.

I think that sums him up really.

And so, life goes on.