There was a thud on a window downstairs.  We all looked at each other – the dogs and I – and then we thought we ought to investigate.

I was lucky because, for once, the dogs didn’t bark to repel borders.  The one time ever.

I was amazed to see a sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) (pretty sure that is what it is) eating its prey – a starling, I think.  I have never seen one before let alone so close to the house.

I was fascinated and the dogs followed me while I crept round the house trying to find my big camera, put in a memory card and find a place to take photos where the raptor (right lingo!) wouldn’t see or hear me.

I stayed indoors and luckily took some close-up photos, though that window needs a good clean.

If it isn’t a sparrowhawk, please let me know.

You may be interested to know that the Shetland dialect word for sparrowhawk is actually sparrowhawk.  I have this on the best authority.  Ditto for starling.

I am going to clean that window tomorrow.  I bet I never see another exciting bird out of it again.

Addendum:  Female sparrowhawk and male blackbird, I have been told by those that know!

I have fallen in the mud every day this week.  I have run out of trousers and almost went to town to do my messages in my Minion pyjama bottoms! (luckily found a pair of jeans that if I wear thermal leggings underneath do not show the “wear and tear” or as Madonna calls it, fashion).

Anywho, I went off to town to get horse food and some essentials (ok, gin and Quavers) leaving everyone fast asleep in the winter sun.

Brá is wearing a rainsheet because her coat is falling out in handfuls.  I tried a medium-weight turnout rug but found she was very hot underneath (apparently not good for a horse).  Our Brá is made of tough stuff and I am glad she is more integrated with the herd.  She is in her routine of two feeds a day and is easy  to work with.  Hjalti had the day off today to think about his training.  I don’t want to overload his pea-like brain.

Bimble (aka Iacs) is doing well on his Danilon-a-day régime.  I am hoping for a 100% recovery but only time will tell.

Despite being freezing cold, the plants in the garden think it could possibly be Spring.

The snow at the door this morning was depressing to see.  I hadn’t expected that.  The dogs were horrified and Wu went into a decline.

Right, well that gin is calling and I am sure Quavers have most of the food groups included.

This is our lovely sitting room door – yes, it is a majestic shade of purple and gold.  OH painted that.

Note-to-self, I must repaint that wall and make that cable a bit more inconspicuous.

Oooh, look my post is sitting on the heater.  I mustn’t forget to open it and those Blundstone slippers could do with a polish.

I wonder if I should swap that side light for something more useful.

My sitting room is not looking to bad.  Almost clean.

Here is a close up of the sofa and bookcase.  By the way, that dragon came from Nepal.  Yes, very interesting, I know.

(I might have had to evict some visitors)

Meanwhile, say nothing – need-to-know basis only!

So OH has gone south and I am all on my own.

I thought today would be wonderful.

On the way home from my weekly flute lesson, there was a rainbow on my house.

Surely, that means good things? (don’t call me Shirley)  Good Karma.

I got home, had lunch and then went out to talk to little Himself, aka Hjalti (the Man from the North).  Ok, he was easy to catch but a complete berk to work with.  I was very disappointed with my little foalio.  Hjalti refused to listen or cooperate. I put it down to the fact the indoor school was very noisy with the northerly wind making it shake and rattle.  A Hjalti tantrum consists of rearing about 4″ off the ground and stamping his feet. Quite funny the first time but irksome after a while.

At the end of Hjalti’s short training session (leading nicely, picking up each hoof without an issue) I led him to the gate to put him back with his mother.

Nope, Hjalti does not walk through gates.   He planted and was obtuse to the point of irritation.   So, after some words, we worked on this special skill.  Walking in and out of the gate until it was achieved without a silly fuss.

The words we had, however, meant Hjalti sulked.  This is his father’s temperament coming out.

So Hetja (his mother) and I told him to stop being so silly.

And I hope we finished as friends.

I will keep working with Hjalti on a daily basis and I may have a t-shirt printed that says “THIS IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE!) to remind me that leading nicely and picking up each hoof is entirely possible.

Hjalti was not put on this earth to be an ornament despite what he might think.

Poor old Iacs.  It has been confirmed.  He has done something to his shoulder and is now on Danilon (anti-inflammatory painkiller) for a month and minimal exercise – that should be easy – he barely  moves on a good day!  I think it was during the ice period in our lives a few weeks back.  He may have hurt himself.  Everyone found it torturous to walk on.

Iacs feels that healing will only take place if he lives on, in and by the bale of silage.

This is Iacs using the Power of his Mind.  I can hear every word.

(I am also ignoring every word and he is sticking his tongue out in revenge)

So, as poor Iacs is suffering, he has to eat the gate.

Iacs stands for I Am Completely Stupid, by the way.

❤ 🐾 ❤ 🐾 ❤ 🐾 ❤ 🐾 ❤ 🐾 ❤ 🐾 ❤ 🐾 ❤ 🐾 ❤ 🐾 ❤ 🐾 ❤ 🐾 ❤ 🐾 ❤ 🐾 ❤ 🐾 ❤ 🐾

Anywho, today, I am not talking to Lambie.

I found him bouncing around the house with sheer joy and happiness.  Stupidly, and it is all my fault, I left the front door open by a miniscule and he managed to squoze himself in.   He was so happy, I felt mean evicting him but evict him I did.  OH has a serious sense of humour failure when it comes to Lambie’s idea of living arrangements.

Ster was a good boy and remained outside, but telling tales!

Oh well, tomorrow, OH goes south for a few days so bring on the coriander, cheese, fish and salad!  I will miss him, of course, desperately as it is bin-day on Thursday!   Why, hello Lambie!