Gypsy and Gina have been with us for eight days (remember we picked them up last Friday from Yell on behalf of the SSPCA?)

Yesterday, the vet came to microchip them, look at their teeth (rasping was necessary) and generally give them an “MOT and service”.

It all went fine and I let the girls stay around the house afterwards to enjoy the brief winter sun on their backs.

As I write this, I am not sure of Gina and Gypsy’s future.  I am only looking after them on behalf of the SSPCA while the important decisions are being made.  They are not Thordale ponies.

They are easy enough to have around.  Nice girls.  Gina is fed twice a day and mostly has a rug on (if weather dictates) while Gypsy gets silage.  Every day I work on her catching and leading skills.  It didn’t take long for her to learn and now I can go up to her in the field with a carrot and put on a headcollar so that is all positive.

We will see what happens.  I am not making the decisions.

The sun is shining!  I know, sit down, recover – there is a bright thing in the sky!

I came across this little family enjoying the better weather.  Ok, it was windy, but no one minded.

I think Albie and Newt are good friends now.

Newt has his uses.  He makes a good wind break!

I am so pleased they have sorted out their differences and actually like each other now.  I was worried for a while.

Newt is the boss of Albie.

Newt, for all of his lack of size, is a very determined little chap.  Nothing gets in his way.

Albie is very happy to let Newt make all the decisions.

25 whole inches of ruling the world, or at least Albie.

Zzzzz……

Tor is teaching her boys well and we love her for that.

I went to Liradale to check the other reprobates and upon my return, I found this little pile of ponies.

I crept round with my camera to take better photos but Albie had stood up by the time I reached them.

I think these two will be ok together.  They have a bond and they will have it forever.  I just hope it is strong enough for Albie because Tor will have to leave in the Spring.

Yes, I lie awake at night and worry about that too.

Daisy wanted to see Lyra yesterday so she joined me when I drove to Liradale with my bag of apples.

I gave my apple share to the preggie ladies – Brá and Hetja.

Brá was adopting the need to stand like a wonky-donkey because she was feeling very pregnant that day.

Hetja is now eating for two (hundred or thousand?).  She is one solid lady. The word fat is not used during pregnancy.

While I was with the Icelandic mares, Daisy led the Shetland ponies up the hill with her magic bag of apples.

Everyone followed except, of course, for Vitamin.  She refused to get her feet wet – we were wondering whether it is since Tiddles’ horrible accident in the sinkhole.  I don’t know.  I expect we are anthropomorphising.  She probably just doesn’t like getting her hooves wet.

Anywho, the little ones were very pleased to see Daisy and her apples.

By the time I arrived, they were sitting happily on a rock in the hill waiting for Vitamin.

Daisy was kind and had saved a piece of apple for Vitamin until she had huffed and puffed her way to the top of the field.

Vitamin knew there would be a piece saved for her and demanded it, with menaces. Others were just plain optimistic.

As a herd, they all like to be close and rarely split up.  Vitamin thinks she rules them but they will always follow one of us to new ground and she then has to run to catch up.  Fivla is not interested in world domination. It has never been her style.

However, Lyra is learning independent thought and doesn’t wait for her mother anymore.

Yes, she still loves her Daisy.  We are all just extras.

This is my three year anniversary for taking on the original Minions – Storm, Waffle and Silver.  (Tiddles arrived nine months later under different circumstances.)

It was the day after Up Helly Aa – I will never forget.  A memorable day for me.

This is the Blog I wrote on that day – The Rescuers – the day when we first brought the Minions home.  The fourth pony in the group (far left) went back to his breeder.

Taking on the original Minions was the start of some major changes in my life.  I look at the world very differently now.

Anywho, that was then…..

And this is now.

They are all fat and happy little Minions.  I may have changed their lives but they have enriched mine far more.

For me, a day of reflection on all that has happened since their arrival.

After meeting these little guys, my life has never been the same!

Tuesday = flute lesson = Mozart weeping in his unmarked grave.

Hey ho.  So, afterwards, Daisy and I drove to Lerwick for our messages.  These days, I have a very routine life – a narrow comfort zone.  Needs must.

The Up Helly Aa galley had been paraded earlier down the street with the Jarl Squad (the main Viking squad) and was sitting waiting to go again this evening down to the park to be burned.

I have never been near the galley to examine it so I used the opportunity to take a few snaps.

And there was the statutory hand cut off at the wrist, ready to be thrown onto the Shetland shore.

It was an amazing boat.  So much craftmanship.

It seems a pity they are going to burn it.

The street was buzzing.  Folk were wandering around in knitted Viking hats.  This afternoon, the Jarl Squad in full kit were busy visiting Primary Schools, Hospitals and eventide homes as well as the Museum.  They appear again at 19:00 for the torchlight procession with the boat as well all the other squads (approximately 30, I think, don’t quote me!).

The Bill is placed at the Market Cross.

It is a proclamation specific for 2017 and for the Jarl Squad.

And still, we featured in teatowel form, as well as a jigsaw puzzle!

It was lovely to see the street alive with people.

Once our messages were done, Daisy and I had to rush home because the vet and SSPCA were visiting to check over the latest additions – Gina and Gypsy.

Ponies before people.

If you want to watch it – Live Web Stream – kick off is at 19:00.  It is a tad feisty out (howling gale and rain) so enjoy Shetland’s most amazing festival from the warmth and comfort of your own home.