Floss and I went to feed carrots to the two herds that live outwith Thordale, our croft.

Lilja, our Icelandic filly, was very happy to see us.  She left what she was doing (chatting to the Minions) and happily  followed the bag of carrots Flossie was carrying.

The Shetland ponies were all lined up at the fence trying to look either thin or hungry.

From the left – Waffle, Storm, Newt, Tiddles, Vitamin, Albie, Fivla and Silver.

Carrots were for the Icelandic mares first.  Floss was on carrot duty.  I had the camera.

All eyes were on the Keeper of the Carrots.

After the Icelandics, it was the Shetland ponies’ turn.  I told Floss that I wanted them away from the adjoining fence.  It is Lilja’s spell once again.  She is always trying to hang around with the Minions and keep them close so they don’t go and eat.

Floss was sensible and walked with her bribery into the hill and everyone duly followed.

They have to cross a little stream – this is the best place.

And Floss walked and they cantered beside her to keep up.

They walked high up into the hill.

They did stop eventually and were given their share of carrots and then Floss walked down the hill, leaving them in a nice place to graze.

Of course, the ponies were watched very carefully and no doubt Lilja started shouting to them and no doubt they all came straight back the minute we had gone.  They do that.

But Lilja is very magical and special.  I can see why.  We are all under her spell.

When I did the blog post about klibbers (the traditional Shetland wooden pack saddle), some readers admired the kishies (the traditional Shetland woven baskets worn by women (eek) and ponies).

The Shetland Klibber

Anywho, I dug my two out as the ones in the photos have mysteriously disappeared.

I have had these two for years and they are original and old.

If you want to learn more I also found this very useful page which tells of the kishie’s history and even how to make one.

Sadly, I cannot find anyone in Shetland, let alone the UK, who will have a stab at making a kishie which is very sad.  I have contacted many weavers in and outwith Shetland with no success.  So if you find someone, please let me know. I would love to see their efforts.

I asked Flossie (youngest daughter), who is always very thorough, to measure ours to give you an idea of the kishies’ dimensions.

Firstly the “Red” one. 

This is the older of the two kishies and belonged to my neighbour.  He kindly gifted it to me and I think all the mending that’s been done over the years adds to its charm.

Then there is this one that is in slightly better condition and also has a separate handle.

Each kishie is slightly different in design and size but not enough to mean they can’t be used together.

They really are beautiful pieces of traditional craftsmanship.  I would love to be able to supply kishies with the klibbers.  Maybe you know someone who could make one.  Let me know.

I mentioned yesterday that Monster was quite taken with the BBC Wild Shetland programme. As I had not seen his original reaction, I popped on iPlayer and streamed it onto the sitting room television to see for myself what he would do.

Monster was fast asleep but when the bit with the birds started, he got out of his “wee nook” and took an interest.

He was fascinated – this was the otter eating a fish.

At one stage we did wonder if it was Ewan McGregor’s commentary or the stirring music.

Monster lost interest when the seals were being stalked and eaten by orcas.  It was then BeAnne snuck in and stole the wee nook.  Possibly in a rage that all the attention was on him.  I love their two faces.  Speaks volumes.   Also that is not a bed designed for a fat determined, if resentful, little Patterdale terrier.  It was a very tight squeeze for Her Maj.

Then the bird porn arrived and Monster was back to watching again.  BeAnne had vacated the wee nook having possibly achieved maximum revenge smells.  Gassed herself out, more like.

He moves!

Monster really is a funny chap.  This is the trip to Mousa broch where the storm petrels nest.

I think Monster would love to visit.  Possibly the storm petrels would not be too thrilled, though.

By now BeAnne was enjoying a full sulk and had gone to lie in front of the fire.

I was minded of the family threat that I would get “square eyes” from sitting too close to the television. Anyway, we thoroughly recommend BBC Wild Shetland if it comes to a television near you.  Your cat might like it too!

We’ve had some gorgeous sunsets recently.  The benefits of winter.  This was yesterday’s looking over to Foula from Watsness.

Today, having done all my chores, I took Haakon out for a ride, avoiding the ice which appeared again overnight.  Haakon is pretty sensible so I put my trust in him and my hands in my pockets because it was very cold.

Daisy came too on Kappi, who has started being ridden again after his holiday.  He is not very fit which suits Haakon fine.  We had a lovely ride.  Very easy going.  I can take photos when I ride Haakon.

The skyline was looking very beautiful.

After that calm ride, Daisy and I saddled up again.  I rode Klængur (pronounced prat).

And Daisy rode Taktur, her stallion who behaved like a dream. We, on the other hoof, spooked, rushed off and in the end I got off and walked home because ice + spooking = potentially me falling off. Never a good ending for anyone when that happens, Haakon will tell you.  Taktur was a donkey, almost fast asleep.

I think I will to do some work with Klængur to get him listening.  He needs to remember that I like bending, stopping and manners not vanishing off into the sunset at a break-neck speed.

Oh well, Monster is very calm.

He loved the BBC Wild Shetland tv programme last night and tried to climb into the television.  Most odd. He has never done that before.

Before the snow melted, it was beautiful – now we are back to the mud with some added sleet.  Nice (said sarcastically).

Everyone looked clean and floofy.

Newt looked particularly gorgeous.

We had a special chat about his wonderful Newtiness.

And he agreed with me that he was doing his very best.

(When I think of this time last year when Vitamin was being a total biatch and attacking Newt and Albie non-stop, trying to drive them from “her” field, resulting in them coming home when I found them shivering in the middle of the bog.)

I Hate Bullies

Anyway all is calm and peaceful now. They are one happy little herd without an independant thought between them.  After the brief Appreciation of Being Newt Society meeting, they rushed off to watch some children sledging down a hill in the next door field.

The ponies stood transfixed, totally mesmerised and also possibly thinking they would like to have a shot themselves.

Now, feeling totally ignored, I continued with my chilly walk.

I am not complaining. I am pleased all is well with the little ones.  This is what I wanted – exactly how it should be.