OH had returned from a tortuous time in Lerwick at the Dentist so, out of sympathy, I offered to walk the dogs for him.

And, of course, I took my camera with me too!

This time of year, the bird population starts increasing – the lapwings were flying around bickering with each other, probably about their nesting rights.

The weather was fast and furious.  One minute the sun was shining, the sky was a gorgeous blue and then the next, it would darken over ominously and start something different.

In Shetland hailstones are called “Haily-Puckles”.  I never knew this but I think it is an excellent onomatopoeic word and we were all covered in them.  Luckily they were not the stingy type.  I hate it when they hurt like needles.

I strode on with the belief that there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes and walked the boundary of my croft, trying to stay out of the bogs.

This is a typical Thordale field gate.  It is called the “coathanger gate” because I think we once tied it up with a wire coat-hanger!  It is at the furthest end of my property and I know my horses can be opportunists given any chance at all.  I try and keep a piece of string in my coat pocket just in case!

It made me think of this!

Both the dogs enjoyed themselves – BeAnne occasionally putting up the rabbits (she mostly walks blindly into them and then surprises herself) and Loki chasing them to ground.  He sometimes reappears having caught one.

A few more photos from our walk.

This morning Storm refused to get out of bed. He was in the stable by himself (door open) and would not budge. He said he hated the weather and the deep mud – he wanted a duvet day.  So, being a nice caring parent, I fed him his Speshul Soldier food in the stable, added his little friend and another bucket and left them together while I went for my flute lesson.  The rest went out into the field.

I got home a few hours later to see a little tufty black forelock over this wall.  I thought “Oh, I suppose OH has let them out” but no, Storm had walked into the tiny gap between two fences, followed determinedly by Tiddles and they were stuck because Tids then forgot how to reverse (the electric fence was not on).

Luckily OH managed to pull them both backwards by their rugs and set them free.

They are not the brightest stars in my firmament.

Storm then said he had changed his mind about his duvet day so I let them both out into the field to join the others.

Storm galloped hysterically off silly-billy-bucking and screaming like a stuck pig for his friends while Tiddles managed a cursory backward glance at me.  Probably because he could hear me laughing at them both.

I’m not sure whose turn it is today to have the brain!

My jury is still out.

BeAnne and I went on a road-trip this morning down to Sandwick, the South end of the island.  I had seen some baled hay being advertised at a very reasonable price and so we went to buy because I am terrified it is about to snow.

(This afternoon’s offering – I am never going to say I think Spring is here ever again.  I was shocked!)

As we arrived, two miniature Shetland ponies (Hans and Tiba) were being led towards us into the garden for their breakfast and a lovely Nova Scotla Duck Tolling Retriever puppy galloped about “helping”, as puppies always do.

BeAnne liked Lace, the puppy.  She also appreciated the fact that these ponies were used to dogs and was very happy to introduce herself to everyone.

As you can see, these ponies are allowed in the garden and I thoroughly approve of this.  I am very jealous and wish mine were allowed the same privileges!  But sadly, it is not to be. Not now, not never apparently.

There was much playing, much delicious apricot and banana cake and a much needed cup of coffee.

Tiba and Hans sported excellent hair styles and had impeccable manners.  In the future, I was told they would be participating in Shetland Pony Agility.  I think this might be something my little lot could be interested in.  I shall investigate further.

It was a lovely morning and I enjoyed meeting everyone.  I expect one small person might be missing BeAnne, though.

Spring may or may not have finally arrived (although I thought I saw snow this morning).

All the horses and ponies immediately galloped down to the bottom field for the new grass this morning after their breakfast.

The ground is still very wet and every time I think the mud is drying up, we have a torrential downpour and go quickly back to square one.

On a good note, though, I saw my first wild primrose flower.  They grow on either side of the stream in huge banks and their arrival shows me there is a way forward out of Winter.

I know the ponies are getting under one of the fences but I was not sure where until I went down to the bottom of the field.   I am not surprised but a little disappointed they took advantage after the floods.  One fence to mend.

The gap is only 2 foot high!  Do they crawl on their knees?  

I enjoyed pottering around the fields.  It was nice to be outside but there is another gale on its way tonight.  Here we go again.

But I am very relieved to see the grass finally trying to make an appearance.  I was getting to that point when I start to think nothing will ever grow again.

BeAnne was on fine form too and went swimming.  She is a very keen swimmer any time of the year.

Tiddles is a very contented little chap.  He has his routines, knows how to behave, including leading and standing still for his rug change.  He does love his rug when the weather is vile.  He has changed hugely since he arrived and is a confident boy now.

Tiddles and Storm are the best of friends.  Storm goes nowhere without Tiddles diligently following, albeit fairly slowly.  They are both not brilliant on their legs so manage to keep up with each other.

Storm loves having a disciple.  He has purpose and meaning now and thinks he is obviously a Very Important Pony as he has an entourage (albeit only a small fluffy one).

When everyone else used to escape under the fence, they would leave a miserable Storm on his own but now he has Tiddles to keep him company.  They do everything together.  You have one, and then you have the other always close by.  This is just what I wanted for Storm.

Tiddles still loves his cuddles though.  He is always going to be a Mummy’s boy.  Storm thinks he is above all that but needs me when things are bad just to tell him he is my Best Soldier.

They are both funny little lads.  I couldn’t be without them.