Yule Greetings from Hjaltland

The lengendary Socks was the special guest at the Shetland pony riding school Christmas party held last
Sunday.

A week ago today we helped our friends Barbara and George with their pony riding school Christmas party. It was a very breezy afternoon and pretty chilly. Our duties were to provide soup and hot drinks to the guests. We really had a good time, albiet a chilly one, and It was great to meet new people. 

Socks, the moon walking Shetland pony, was the special guest. He was a bit petulant, I guess the pressure of TV and big screen fame is a difficult thing to bear.

Socks waiting with Elaine (his trainer) for his next adoring fan to say Merry Christmas

Father Odin came to provide gifts for the children. (Unfortuantely, Sleipnir was not well, so one of the ponies graciously took his place). 

Rae's Christmas making, its amazing what you can do with old beer bottle tops! Beautiful aren't they.

As you can see Rae has been busy making Christmas cards and decorations which are lovely. 

Rae's gorgious cards!

The trees on these cards are made from wall paper samples!

Note the caulking mallet, a useful stamping implement.

Winter Solstice sushi night. 

 Last night we had some friends over for suchi which was great. It was a hands on make your own suchi party but unfortunately we forgot to take any photos.

Cosy.

The stripy couple wishing you a very happy yule.

Merry Christmas from us in Shetland.

Gales & Snow.

The Storm last Thursday.

Well, we survived last weeks storm, albeit we were a bit chilly at times, the wind found its way in, under the eaves and past the odd window frame. Still we layered-up kept the fires stoked, stuffed hot water bottles up our jumpers and we were fine.

The extreme weather was exciting, mainly because we were ok. We were very aware that there were many people down the east coast of Scotland and England who were not so fortunate and who have suffered damage and some who have lost their homes which is awful.  

There are lots of photos in this post. I hope you like them. 

We felt very sorry for the ponies seen here huddled behind the old van.

We felt sorry for the ponies who at times huddled behind the old van for shelter. Rae was getting a bit freaked 'cos, for a while, they were all stood looking at her through the kitchen window. Happily, Rae did not invite them in for a warm and a cup of tea.

A leaden sky.

Very pretty.

Then the weather really closed-in on Friday morning.

Happily Defiant survived on her strapped down on the trailer. Just kept her bow to the wind.

Friday afternoon the weather cleared and we had a walk to check on Zephon.
Note the ice on the windward side of this loch.

Me wrapped-up warm.

One of Zephon's stern lines had come loose and a chap called Dewie (sorry if the spelling is wrong)
kindly re-tied it, thank you!

Walking home.

Love the light in this photo.

Saturday morning and snow.

Me enjoying the snow.

Snow on the beach.

Rae made me chuckle, she has a thing about the seals. The seals are very inquisitive even though they don't like people coming near them. First sign of a person approaching and they are straight into the sea. Once in the sea, they will bob-up and stare at you, to see if you are posing a threat. Rae, at this point starts chatting to them, as if they can understand her. Strangely enough, they seem to actually listen! Weird I know. So, Rae's new name is 'Seal Whisperer'.  When I look at the seals it makes me think about the old tales of seals being the reincarnations of drowned sailors. 

Cosy home, well actually, bloody chilly during the height of the gale!

Gorgeous, Seal Whisperer.

We love the tough ponies!