Today has been a dreich day, totally uninspiring and I am typing this drinking a not-so-wee dram of Talisker happy in the knowledge I achieved the bare minimum today.

After walking Vitamin and her retinue over to the other side of their field (again – it is a daily task), I came home and, while still light, took these photos of my new she-shed, studio, shu-dio….. whatever.  The builder has been and gone so it is our turn now.  When I say “our”, I really mean OH’s who is very nifty at DIY.  I will watch enthusiastically.

There are a few things to do before my shudio habitable.

We have to insulate and line the walls and ceiling.

This is my wonderful view.

Oh yes, the electrics. It definitely needs electrics.  I nearly forgot them.

I am very pleased with this new little space.  It is my space.  No one else’s.

Obviously the first item to go in will be Her Maj’s second-best bed. That goes without saying.

Meanwhile I am deciding on the decor.  Chabby-chic or Medieval Renaissance?  Minimalist Japanese or all my much-loved stuff that has sat in boxes under the bed for many years?

There is much to think about and plan.  This is my Pinterest board of things I desire, can’t have but none-the-less want very much.  Exciting times ahead.

If anyone has a Louis XVI chaise longue going spare, give me a shout. I really fancy one or shelves.  I need shelves.

I am fed up with seeing the old bags (Fivla and Vitamin) stopping the young Minions from exploring their 40 acre field and having fun.

So, armed with two headcollars, OH and Flossie, we showed the Shetland ponies the whole of their ginormous field.

When we got to the top of the last hill, the old ladies were let go and everyone happily galloped off.

The traditional Boxing Day walk.

Along with excellent views.

Storm even managed to have an argument about the headcollar that he wanted.

And so today  I went back to Leradale for the daily check only to find everyone back in their original spot.  The one by the Icelandic ladies where the grass is becoming worn down, shat upon and eaten.

This timed, armed with only a bag of chopped carrots (we are running short now), I was followed by Storm, Tiddles, Albie and Newt leaving Silver, Waffle, Fivla and Vitamin behind.

I walked my four Good Boys across the small streams and into a lovely ungrazed part of their field and then returned for Vitamin (who I know is the ring-leader).  I had no headcollar so I grabbed her extensive chin hairs and determinedly walked her to join the others while her followers followed.

And, of course, everyone was thrilled to be together again and off they galloped.

I think Lilja may be one of the problems.  She stands by the fence and shouts for her Minions to come back to her.

We had words about this.  She can’t keep doing this.

Henceforth I am going to keep a Vitamin-sized headcollar in my car so I can move her on a regular basis.  The others will follow and soon get bored of hanging around the fence next to Lilja.

We tacked up our horses and went out for a ride today.

There is nothing better than a Boxing Day ride.

Ok, the weather was not brilliant.

At one stage it rained a bit but we didn’t melt and it was good to get out.

I love riding with my two daughters. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside.

Haakon was his usual self so I didn’t bother with the reins.  I didn’t need to.  We have an understanding that has evolved from many years together.

Daisy and Taktur set off up the canter track.

And then Flossie and Klængur flew off.

Meanwhile at Ground Control, Haakon put on the brakes and watched while eating a carrot that happened about my person.  These days if he doesn’t feel like it, we don’t do it.  He is an old man.

While he munched contentedly, the girls and their horses walked back down the hill to join me.

We went on for a little while longer and turned round at a suitable passing place on the single track road.  There was little traffic around.

Like I said, there is nothing better than a Boxing Day ride.

Home now to eat Floss’ excellent Yule Log (decorated by OH and Daisy).

Obviously, I bought sheep.

Can you see Fivla and Vitamin on the far side of the field?  Well, they wouldn’t follow me like the others did when I was walking in Leradale.

I crossed the small burn that runs through the field and everyone was coming too so I thought I would show the herd that there is more grass to eat as they always seemed to be in the same place when I visit.

Tiddles had divided loyalties and so turned round to go back to Fivla and Vitamin who refused to move from their spot.  The one where they tell Brá and Hetja about just how bad pregnancy and foal-birth can be.

But the rest of my Minions wanted to come with me.

Then Silver went cantering back to the old ladies who were now shouting unhelpfully.

Sadly Albie and Waffle cantered off too.

Leaving me with Newt and Storm (yes, they are related).

And on we went around the field.

Suddenly Albie returned, having changed his mind – stay with the boring old ladies or go on a big adventure.  No contest.

So off we went again.

I was pleased with my three little lads for coming with me and I had no calorific incentives with me so I told them they were all very intrepid.

Then we had walked the full circle and were homeward bound.

The herd joined up again and next time, I decided, I am taking a headcollar so that Vitamin will not hold them back.  I am taking her with me.  Fivla will follow.

It was a good walk.  Gallopy, gallopy, giggle, giggle.