I left London first thing on Thursday morning. Door to door on the way back it took me over 14 hours – because Loganair’s Edinburgh to Sumburgh “went technical” and I had to fly home via Orkney. A stressful day because the cancellation wasn’t mentioned on any airport flight departure board until the gate (that was never called) was closing…. and I had to make a run for it. So I am rather thankful to be home again away from everyone and everything. It was a good holiday but one week is enough. And I also have a very large order of sheep to fulfill. So it is back to the grindstone with my usual help. The Shetland ponies are now officially off their summer track and on their winter grazing. It is the field that has been eaten all spring and summer by the others so perfect for them. They are currently sharing with the sheep who are not impressed but coping….. so far (remember, Lambie hates the Shetland ponies – they chased him (hereinafter known as “The Incident”) many years back when he was a little lamb). As for the old horses and ponies, Flossie and I spent the morning lugging 20 litre containers of water over in the Eggbox and filling all their troughs. Plus we left full ones by the gate for later. It took 3 trips. Then we led the Icelandic horses (Haakon, Kolka and Iacs) while the Shetland ponies (Fivla and Vitamin) followed along nicely – they trotted enthusiastically in through the gate. I doubt anyone has lifted their heads yet. There is grass enough for all, at the moment. Meanwhile, Lambie would like it to be known that he is not that happy with this new plan. He has not forgotten The Incident. ### Share this: * * * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Tweet * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * ### Like this: Like Loading… * * * ### Discover more from My Shetland Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe

On one of my many travels around London, I visited James Smith & Sons, a beautiful old-fashioned shop in New Oxford Street – a stone’s throw from Tottenham Court Road tube station. James Smith & Sons, New Oxford Street I needed a new walking stick. One I could love. James Smith & Sons, New Oxford Street I tried a few and was beginning to think I would never find “my stick”, when I was handed an elegant derby handled town stick made with a stained birch handle mounted on a lacquered maple wood stick and finished with a gilt spacer. Perfect – this was mine and it felt just right. And so to The British Museum to see the famous Bayeux Tapestry that is in London on loan. My sister and I went early as we knew if we went anywhere else we would be exhausted before we’d got there. The British Museum, London I said I wanted to see the treasure from Sutton Hoo and we went up to the first floor to wander through the rooms. The British Museum, London I’ve been to The British Museum many times over the years but I can’t remember finding my mother’s favourite piece – The Dunstable Swan (a late-medieval gold and white-and-black enamel brooch). Of course it was the first thing my sister found and suddenly the room felt very spooky, like Mum was there too! Most odd. There was definitely a vibe. The Dunstable Swan, The British Museum, London More wandering and I went to look for a bust of Marcus Aurelius who is a hero of mine. Marcus Aurelius, The British Museum I could spend many days just pottering and looking. But soon it was our turn to go and see the Bayeux Tapestry. Luckily all the queueing problems had mostly been resolved. There was a slight problem with the audio description being out of sync with the tapestry itself so the description rarely matched what we were looking at and I found that frustrating. But overall, the tapesty was beautifully presented and we enjoyed the whole experience very much. ### Share this: * * * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Tweet * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * ### Like this: Like Loading… * * * ### Discover more from My Shetland Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe

Following her national victory at The Big Bang Competition earlier this year, Year 12 student Tadiwa Nyikadzino has been invited to present her award-winning engineering project to MPs and industry leaders at the House of Commons in London. Tadiwa, who now studies Biology, Chemistry and Maths A Levels at Outwood Post 16 Centre Worksop, won the Network Rail Innovation in Transport Award for her project, titled 'Generation hybrid cargo ship', back in June and will now head to a special 'Big Bang at Parliament' event on Monday, 16 November, hosted in the Terrace Pavilion at the House of Commons. The event also marks the 25th anniversary of EngineeringUK. The 'Generation hybrid cargo ship' produces its own clean hydrogen fuel while travelling. The design was inspired after Tadiwa learned that cargo ships contribute significantly to global pollution, and she identified a need for cleaner transport solutions. By generating fuel on board using wind and hydro energy, the design avoids reliance on hydrogen refuelling ports and supports more sustainable global shipping. The event invitation offers Tadiwa the unique opportunity to showcase her project directly to Members of Parliament, key policy-makers, and top engineering employers, highlighting the vital role of youth innovation in green transport and sustainability. Speaking about the upcoming parliamentary showcase, Tadiwa said: > “I am delighted to have the opportunity to showcase my project at the House of Commons. It is a privilege to represent my school and demonstrate how young people can contribute to tackling environmental challenges through innovation.” Paul Sims, teacher of Technology at Outwood Academy Valley, where Tadiwa previously studied, added: > “Watching Tadiwa’s journey unfold, from research and development of the initial idea to winning the Network Rail Innovation in Transport Award at the NEC, and now taking her project to the House of Commons, has been an absolute privilege. > > “Her project is proof of what happens when genuine talent meets determination and creative problem-solving. To see a school student representing the future of green transport innovation on a national political stage in front of MPs and leading engineers is extraordinary. Tadiwa continues to inspire the school community; we could not be prouder of her as she takes this next step.” The Big Bang at Parliament celebrates the impact of The Big Bang Programme, which inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers across the United Kingdom.

South Grand Prairie ISD canceled the musical citing an anti-drag law that has already been struck down in court

[Image: Pop up protest outside the pro hunt Bower House restaurant]

The Daily Mail turned a Christian company’s dubious claims about Turkey’s Durupınar Formation into a wildly misleading story

Dr Jo with a Commoner’s Muck bookclub post, and we set out to follow our rivers.

Officials still investigating death of Tasia Fortune, a Black woman, a day after man’s arrest in relation to killing

The regime can’t stop losing

Alexandra Hall Hall examines how, in the race to make huge sums of money, US sports are becoming joyless, ruthless, and exploitative, crushing the spirits of many young players

Another quiet day in my life, which is perfect. Drama and me don’t mix. So here are some quirky photos of the sheep. All of them except for Dahlia, who wouldn’t come home, preferring to spend her evening/night with Fivla and Vitamin, my two ancient Shetland ponies. First there is Harrel the Barrel, who has grown up into a big boy. Equal thug and charmer when he wants something. He always wants something. ‘Ster, who is quite aged now – around 11 years old. He likes a quiet life, enjoys his extra breakfast and doesn’t want hassle. Madge (you remember, Edna’s daughter) – I am still determined to tame down. One of these days she will talk to me but that day has not occurred yet and Hell has not frozen over. I remain the optimist. My beloved ‘Bert. Another old gentleman. One of the original three with ‘Ster and Lambie. He is a dear boy and an old soul. Gussie has also grown up into a solid chap. He is my right hand man, quite literally, if he is around he is always next to my hand so I know he’s there. I like that. Dear little Maggie, Harrel’s mother and such a sweetie. She is always torn between being Dahlia’s best friend or Gussie’s girlfriend. She likes attention and food, in that order. And lastly, of course, there is a very long-in-the-tooth Lambie who has teeth like a pirate nowadays. But he is old and I forgive him everything. Much as I would love to say he is always next to me, he mostly isn’t as I threaten to hug him a lot. And whose your favourite? ❤️ ### Share this: * * * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Tweet * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * ### Like this: Like Loading… * * * ### Discover more from My Shetland Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe

It is always me, me, me with Monster. Never anyone else. He was on full annoying-cat mode yesterday afternoon while I was trying to work. He got in the way, he wanted attention, he wanted what I was working on and he wanted to take up as much space as possible and I wanted him to stop. “Am I in your way?” “Yes you are, mate!” So, realising he wasn’t going to stop or go away, I cleared a space at the end of my table (which is not easy) and encouraged Monster to go and look out of the window. He shuffled off grudgingly. And eventually Monster settled and I thought that was it and got on with my work, again. But Monster wasn’t going to enjoy himself, (as long as I knew) or settle. He had other plans for me. After a bit more annoying, and getting in the way, I evicted Monster from my work table telling him it was his basket or nothing now. I could take no more. Yes, I could’ve let him out but Pepper was itching to follow and run away. So, Monster grudgingly (again – he does a good grudge) chose the basket. It was a snug fit but at least he gave me some much needed peace and quiet. Next time I’m not opening the door to my shed. I am too nice. ### Share this: * * * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Tweet * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * ### Like this: Like Loading… * * * ### Discover more from My Shetland Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe

With the cub hunting season having recently started, one of the Warwickshire Hunts first cub hunting meets was the recent meet at Little Hill Farm in Wellesbourne, owned by the pro hunt Hutsby Family.

Oh, crikey, where to start. This morning , no Kolka appeared for her breakfast. Haakon and friends denied all knowledge (useless lot). So Floss and I set off with Kolka’s bucket and found her lying down, motionless tangled up miles away in the back fence. She had been there some time and was slowly giving up. We tried to untangle the fence, but it was no good – her hoof was stuck tightly in the wire. I told Floss to go back and get some fence-wire cutters. It was a long wait – it’s a long way, and I stayed with Kolka telling her we would do this and she must keep going and live. (Flossie sensibly asked OH for the right wire-cutters and brought them back to me.) Once we had cut all the wire around and free’ed Kolka’s back hooves, Floss and I tried to get her up but she couldn’t. She had dug a hole with the fronts, was exhausted and now starting to leave us – shaking and her eyes were dull. Floss went back (and it’s a very long walk) to get some rope and OH. While Floss was gone, I moved Kolka’s back legs to prove to her that they were free and then I had an idea – to put Kolka’s bucket in front of her for inspiration. That did it and after many, many attempts she weakly stood up. Her last bit of effort. I held Kolka’s bucket and she ate unsteadily while the Cavalry (OH and Floss) arrived. We let Kolka get her bearings, settle and think. She was still very unsteady but she had a determination I knew was still in there. We walked slowly over the hill, through the back gate and into the field. The long walk actually did Kolka good and she got used to her legs working. She also did two poo’s which was encouraging. The others came to meet her. Useless lot, I told them, again. Once home, painkillers, anti-inflammatories, another bucket and I washed Kolka’s legs, examined them and sprayed with antibiotic spray. I also put a rug on her as she was still shaking. She spent her morning around the house, resting and eating with Haakon and Iacs for company. Monika from Sandness Equine Services kindly visited for Jin Shin Jyutsu healing (a huge thank you). This afternoon, I dithered, worried and decided to put the horses in the shed – it was raining sporadically. I wanted Kolka to rest as much as possible. The boys had to go too, for company. I had been to the vet and got antibiotic injections too and more painkillers. He is very aware of the situation. The haynets are not really being touched, but I am giving the horses fibre-block every 2 hours to keep their guts going and Kolka will get another painkiller and a probiotic tonight too. The next few days will be worrying. Kolka is stiff, sore and really feeling it. The possibility of colic is not ruled out either so thoughts and prayers for Kolka, please. Everything you’ve got. (The nursing staff are also on-call – ready and waiting.) ### Share this: * * * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Tweet * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * ### Like this: Like Loading… * * * ### Discover more from My Shetland Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe

Students won. Trump lost again. Ohio got its vote. Five more wins inside.