This is one of Lambie’s best photos from the other day when he came in the house.

It is a lovely picture, capturing everything – Lambie’s noble profile, his Garbo look whilst incorporating a bottle of Marc Jacobs’ Daisy perfume belonging to Daisy, coincidentally.

In a moment of madness, and possibly gin, I decided to take it further.  I mocked up a lovely advertisement, even finding their same font (Engravers Gothic, now you know).

I mean what is not to love?  It is perfection.

So I emailed my creation along with a little message to Marc Jacobs’ office explaining that if they were interested in using Lambie that he was very amenable and we could arrange something.

One hour later, I received their reply.

I have to wonder if they even looked at the photo.

(I am also quite depressed that they wrote “inquiry” (in this Shire, it starts with an e), “utilize” (z seriously?) and “modeling” (two l’s please) and their inappropriate, if random, use of an exclamation mark, capital letters and paragraphs – I am seriously tempted to mark their email and send it back to them. 

But, on the plus side, they did manage to spell my name correctly which is the first hurdle most folk fall at and I am not perfect.)

Lambie and I take rejection badly.

Very badly.

Soulless bunch.

I think Spring is just around the corner.

Earlier this week, from my car, I saw this little black and white pile.  It demanded some further investigation

Once I had confirmed its identity (exactly what I had hoped it was), – an oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) – I felt happy knowing winter is on its way out, albeit very slowly, and we probably still have some Arctic flurries to go.

But an oystercatcher is an oystercatcher.  The first one you see in the year is always the best one!

This morning, on my way home from Sumburgh airport (youngest off south), I drove past this amazing beach and I decided I should take some pics as the light was magical.

This is West Voe off Sumburgh Head – one of the four Shetland beaches that have won a Seaside Award from Keep Scotland Beautiful.

There was a very cold wind blowing.

The waves were huge and I felt very buffeted as I stood at the top of the sand dunes.

As you can see, it is very close to the airport!

The ruins are the prehistoric and Norse settlement, Jarslhof.

When I got home, I found the horses lying down out of the fierce wind, except for Efstur who immediately stood up when he realised I might be taking a photo.  He then decided to annoy his bestie, Hjalti.

Spring is called Voar here from Old Norse ‘var’.

Just around the corner.  I hope I am not being lulled into a false sense of security.

So I went and sat in Albie and Newt’s shed to see if they wanted to talk to me.  I haven’t done this with them before – I used to sit indoors with the other Minions but never Albie and Newt.  We were always outside.

It didn’t take long.

(I may have had carrots!)

I sat down on what-I-thought was a clean part of the floor

(I now have a brown patch on my bottom that was pointed out to me upon my return to the house!)

But who cares because the little chaps are lovely.

Mr Fuzzy Butt!

And his friend, Mr Other-Fuzzy-Butt.

The boys wanted to look outside but they didn’t leave me.

Oh, no – the wind was whistling outside.  It was not warm.

Newt decided he wanted to talk to me.

They came and went, taking it in turns to chat.

It was one of those special afternoons.

The little boys are very special.

While I sat on the stable floor, I was walked over a few times but no one trod on me.  I trust them and they trust me.

After an hour, I got up and left them to their own devices.

What better way to spend a Shetland winter afternoon?

Oh yes, changing my pants, trousers and thermals! Perhaps brown stained breeks are not acceptable for tonight’s community choir.

Today, we made a discovery.

For breakfast, Lambie likes Vegemite on buttered toast.

(look at his wonderful Winning Smile!)

He does not like Marmite on toast!  Who knew?

So, as Lambie was in the house and making himself rather comfortable, we decided that maybe a good way forward for this blog, while totally selling-out and hopefully getting freebies, is to do some Product Placement.

We went for the high end of the market, choosing luxury brands.  No cheap crap for us, please.

So, first up was Jo Malone – someone had given me a spray for the house (we may need it later!) I need to work on perspective.  Not moral, just camera!

Then there was Apple – Lambie’s image suits ALL Apple products.  Just say the word, and I will fly him to Cupertino.  They may have lost Steve Jobs, but they could gain Lambie.  He would be so up for it!

Getting into my stride now…..

Marc Jacobs’ Daisy……

Lambie was now perfecting his modelling skills.

I love this photo!

And I think this is the best ever.   They are made for each other.  Kaia Gerber move over, please!  Lambie is channelling his inner Garbo.

and, for the working sheep, there is nothing more useful than a vintage Mulberry handbag!

So, we’ve just missed London Fashion Week but, quite frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t make the runway next year.  Karma’s revenge for Anna Wintour’s faux pas (wearing her sunglasses while sitting next to Her Maj – so rude).

Just feed Lambie Vegemite, not Marmite.   Essential knowledge.

Haakon and Iacs are cousins.

Haakon’s grandmother, Jarpur, had two daughters and they are the mothers of Haakon and Iacs – so I think that makes them cousins of some description.  Different fathers, though.  1st cousins or 2nd – can you work it out because I can’t.

Anywho, Haakon is a year older, so he is the boss!

These boys have lived together for the last 20 years.  When they were first reunited, having not met for a few years, they instantly recognised each other, which was very sweet.

Haakon sees himself as Iacs’ minder or carer.

What I love best is that they still, after all these years, play together.

They are both old men – in their twenties!

Iacs, or Bimble, is remains the Master of the Silly-Frilly.

He is wintering well.

I have moved the two old men up to Clothie because Haakon is lame –  it is drier and quieter there.

Further up the hill, there are dry parts of the field – so they stand mostly in the boggy bit.

If you have ever wondered why you don’t see that many Icelandic horses on the show-jumping circuit, this is why. They don’t jump if they can either walk/climb over the obstacle or go round!

I mean, why would you?

I visit the two old men every day, bringing carrots in case they are starving.

I think not but I don’t want them to feel they are forgotten.