Today, as it was non-stop rain, I spent in the house doing “stuff”.

I tried resting – I want to get rid of my cold which is refusing to budge – but ended up discovering a steam cleaner I didn’t know about, blasting the kitchen, tripping over its electric cord, breaking my new-to-me equipment (twice).  I gave up my cleaning endeavours and baked a cake.

The cake is for Flossie, my youngest daughter, to celebrate passing her finals – she will graduate at the end of September.

Meanwhile, the horses and ponies have been entertaining themselves in the rain.  I think that is Albie and Efstur having a very good game together.  I love the way Efstur just sits on Albie at the end!

I can vaguely see them in the never-ending drizzle.

But rain is good – the grass is really growing now and we are now at the stage where I have to be careful where I put the animals.  It really is a juggling act all year round.  Too fat, too thin, nursing a foal, running up and down the fence shouting at the ladies, in training, not in training…… all reasons for grass or no grass.

Meanwhile, during my abscence my vegetables have done about as badly as they can.  The rocket has gone to seed having had no leaves, the peas are dying and the only things making an effort, that I can see, are the carrots, beetroot and lettuce.

I am learning.

Still, lots to do and when the rain stops, I might even ride a horse!

Yup, you guessed it, first one through the door.

My darling boy.

Some hard work – building another electric fence field for Fivla and Vitamin, checking Lyra and Delia, over to Lyradale to look at the grass growing (lots ready for winter) and then home.

After all that Floss and I went to say hello to everyone.

Hetja and Lilja were pleased to see us.

My little foalios have grown so much.  I had to reintroduce myself.

It didn’t take long – I had carrots.

Once hugged and carroted, I went into the Boys Field.

You have no idea how much I have missed my little boys.

I happily sat down and was hugged.

All the Minions came up.

Little Newt had the last of his foal fur hanging on so I spent a while gently pulling it off, especially that bit between his front legs.

But I successfully managed to turn him into a Little Handsome Prince.

Dearest Albie is fantastic.  I am so proud of him.  Such a loving little chap with superb attitude and manners.  He is growing up to be a real sweetie of a pony.

Happily rounded in every way, this little orphan is also a fully paid up member of the Minions.

Watching him initiate playing with his bigger Minions gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.

They all adore him.  Sitting with my little boys is my idea of heaven. I have missed this.

BeAnne is not letting me out of her sight, even if it means being Minioned too.

Happy, happy, happy.

I am off back home to Shetland tomorrow.  One taxi, two flights and Daisy has promised to meet my plane to drive me home.

I will miss so much.  A different life.  My old one.

Yesterday, it rained most of the day and all of last night.

Mum’s garden was hugely grateful, despite my constant daily watering.  Rain is so much better than standing with a garden hose.

The flowers are very happy and everything is making a huge effort.  As I walk around the garden in the evening, we are bombarded by the divine different scents – stocks, lilies, roses, honeysuckle.  All amazing.

Meanwhile, while the Catalpa bignonioides ‘Aurea’ (Golden Indian Bean Tree) blossomed.

It was magnificent.

And then the rain it rained and all the blossoms fell off overnight and now sit on the lawn like old wedding confetti.

So, there may not be a blog tomorrow.  I will be travelling north (all 800 miles) and then there will be my ponies, sheeples, dogs, daughters and OH waiting for me – not necessarily in that order, but you know what I mean.

Pip and I were going on the daily early morning dog walk, as per our now well established and usual routine.  I had my camera with me just in case something caught my eye.

Othe home stretch, while Pip was dreaming of the soon-to-be-his breakfast, I thought I saw a large brown chicken and a magpie in front of us.

Of course, the chuck took flight and went up into the branches of the nearby oak tree.

So, Pip and I followed the bird to see if I could take more pictures.  Pip was very good and kindly forwent his breakfast dream to come with me.

I quickly identified the bird as a Red Kite.  They have recently arrived in our neck of the woods (the last 10 years) having been re-established in 1994  on Christmas Common in the Chilterns 25 miles away.

I had never seen a Kite before – I’ve heard about them, but never seen one flying above me.

I was very impressed.  It soared beautifully.

I am now looking up information – Kites have a wing span of more than six feet.

They are considered scavengers.

From Wikipedia – “The red kite (Milvus milvus) is a medium-large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers.”

From the RSPB – “The red kite is subject to the longest continuous conservation project in the world.”

It eventually flew away so Pip and I went home for our breakfast.

Me (on the phone to Daisy):  So how are Delia and Lyra getting on?

Me:  Is Delia ok? (I am always worrying about her and thinking this will be her last summer).

Me:  Is she managing to eat ok and keeping on the weight? (still worrying).

Daisy:  Oh yes!  She nearly flattens me for her carrot when I visit every day!

Me:  And Lyra?  How is she?

Daisy:  She’s fine

Daisy:  Looking very good.  Perhaps a bit too good.

Daisy:  And Lyra is still very friendly, which is lovely (some summers Lyra has been known to turn a tad feral which is just plain boring).

The Shetland girls are both in Sandness, four miles down the road, happily sharing a field with two of Bjørn’s Shetland ponies.  They are all checked regularly.

Meanwhile, back at Thordale, ‘Ster has been busy making friends with Dreki.

From the photo, I think Lilja wants nothing to do with sheep.  She is practising being pretty.

Soon, I will be home and can get to know my foals who are growing like weeds.

Today, I met this little deer in a neighbour’s garden.

A memorable moment (I would love a pet deer……… though I think Lambie et al would have the most monumental tantrum!)