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My Shetland

@thordale.bsky.social
2.2K followers 236 following 3K posts

Crofter, animal rescuer/collector and retirement home in Shetland. Daily blogger sometimes with half way decent photos of my life in Shetland. Spinal surgery failure x 3. Mother of Muscovy ducks. Animals in my house. Insomniac.

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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 13h
myshetland.co.uk/a-huddle-of-... A break in the weather, so I gave the Shetland ponies a treat - all their hay out of the haynets to munch. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandpony #treats #treattime #icelandichorses #winteriscoming
myshetland.co.uk
A Huddle of Horses and Ponies
Today was much calmer, weather-wise.  Phew. It makes a huge difference to everyone when the weather is nice. Everyone can regroup from the past few days. I was on dog-walking duty this morning, so …
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/its-blowing-... hoolie = fierce wind, gale (so a pretty normal autumn day in Shetland then). #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandpony #icelandichorses #oldage #healing #breakfast
myshetland.co.uk
It’s Blowing a Hoolie
It’s been blowing a hoolie all day (hoolie = fierce wind, gale).  Tis the season now and the autumn equinox. As it was so blowy, I decided that I would put all horse/pony food out in their fl…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/a-true-tale/ Sheep are not stupid. Proof = this is a true story and it happened a few days ago. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandsheep #petsheep #clever #helpful #animals
myshetland.co.uk
A True Tale
This is a true story. It happened two days’ ago. There has been a stray hill sheep in the back field that can’t get out and desperately wants to be reunited with its mother – she …
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/scunnered-3/ Making hand-felted sheep and then making more hand-felted sheep. I'm struggling to keep up with demand. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandsheep #handmade #crafts #felting #shetlandsheep #shetlandwool
myshetland.co.uk
Scunnered
At the moment, my whole day is spent in my shed with Pepper making hand-felted Shetland wool sheep to sell. All my current stock has been bought and I am meeting myself coming back while trying to …
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/the-weather-... Putting out the haynets for the Shetland ponies early as the weather is not very nice. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandpony #shetlandponies #hay #track #laminitis #rescueanimals #autumn #badweather
myshetland.co.uk
The Weather Deteriorated
As flute duets were over by three, I went out early this afternoon.  Another reason was because the weather was deteriorating (rain and a fierce wind) and the little ponies were all waiting for me …
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/back-to-a-no... My Saturdays are back to normal now. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #vegetables #icelandichorses #shetlandpony #growyourownveggies #autumn
myshetland.co.uk
Back to a Normal Saturday
I took this panoramic photo to show where everyone eats their breakfast. From right to left, which is also the order I feed them:- Kolka in the corner, with a touch more food than everyone else so …
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/a-special-pl... I did something dreadful. I cut a large chunk of Silver's mane off. I had no choice. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandpony #shetlandislands #WitchesKnot #nochoice #wrong
myshetland.co.uk
A Special Place in Hell Waiting
There is a special place in Hell waiting for me. I did something you should never do. In fairness, I had no choice. I cut some of Silver’s mane off.  Ok, it was actually a large chunk. But in…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/a-pensive-po... There were sheep being sold at the Marts today. It made me think (and a bit sad). #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandsheep #Market #tomarket #sheep #farming #agriculture
myshetland.co.uk
A Pensive Post
Apologies if this angers some but I just wanted to put my thoughts down because I am feeling rather pensive after a trip to town. I fed all the animals, made a quick hand-felted sheep for Jamieson&…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/cat-rules/ Just Monster being a monster. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #breakfast #breakfastime #whitecatsociety #Rules #whitecatsociety #peaceandquiet
myshetland.co.uk
Cat Rules
It all started at breakfast. After feeding evryone and doing my morning chores, I came inside and made myself my usual bowl of porridge and a large mug of tea.  At last, my breakfast. And toay Mons…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/setter-farm-... Off to see Setter Farm this afternoon. Britain's most northerly Dairy Farm. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandsheep #cow #dairyfarming #dairy #dairyfarm #interestingfacts
myshetland.co.uk
Setter Farm Trip
A friend of mine, who is here in Shetland for Wool Week, won a Facebook Like-And-Share “raffle” for a tour of Setter Farm.  She asked if anyone would like to accompany her (this was a f…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/moved-them-a... All change (please). #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandpony #icelandichorses #grazing #grass #fields
myshetland.co.uk
Moved Them (again)
After writing my blog, I sent Kolka’s vet the photos of her scar. She told me to stop the painkillers now and I realised that there was no reason to keep this herd in the winter field, eating…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/a-windy-week... It's been a windy weekend. Kolka is still healing well but drugged up to her eyeballs! #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandpony #icelandichorses #painkiller #horses #pony #oldage
myshetland.co.uk
A Windy Weekend
It’s been a very windy weekend and everyone is feeling a bit blown about. (though, it hasn’t stopped anyone eating). Today was much nicer than yesterday which was interspersed by occasi…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/the-many-fac... Food is all everyone ever wants. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandsheep #whitecat #terrier #food #iwantfood #begging #animalcrackers #biscuits #biscuitlovers
myshetland.co.uk
The Many Faces of Want
Everyone always wants something.  Everywhere I go.  Want, want, want. Monster ⬇️ – he wanted my last night’s pre-supper snack (mini cheesey biccies) accompanying my zero alcohol lager w…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/the-vegetabl... I don't why, but I feel exhausted. I would like to stop now, please. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #exhausted #volunteering #volunteer #vegetables #whitecat #iwantmybed
myshetland.co.uk
The Vegetables
A short blog because I am exhausted. Again, my Saturday was my Friday and I went to Turriefield to weigh, pack and label vegetables for distribution. I find it a bit discombobulating when I swap da…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/sheep-sheep-... Bert takes up residence in the wee shed and Lambie now wants to move in. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #sheep #petsheep #sheds #ShedLife #rain #comeinside
myshetland.co.uk
Sheep, Sheep and More Sheep
After their breakfast, I put all the sheep out into their field for the day.  It was a nice bright start and so Bert went straight to “his” shed. Yes, that’s right, it’s Ber…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/my-perfect-d... This is my perfect day. Well, almost. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandsheep #wool #crafts #craft #makingthings #whitecat
myshetland.co.uk
My Perfect Day
At las, my perfect day when absolutely nothing happened that was out of the ordinary or stressful.  My kind of heaven. I have had enough drama recently to last me a lifetime.  It’s all been a…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/the-kolka-th... This is what we think happened to Kolka. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #icelandichorses #accident #PanicAttacks
Horses eating
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/its-got-a-fu... The sheep refuse to go into their shed because the horses have been in it and now it's different. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandsheep #different #sheds #ShedLife
myshetland.co.uk
“It’s Got a Funny Taste”
Because I let the old Icleandic horses have the stable for one whole night, the sheep refuse to ever go in it ever again. “It’s got a funny taste” (our family saying for anything …
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/no-idea-what... Still none the wiser about Kolka. I am watching her like a hawk, though. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #notonmywatch #icelandichorses #shetlandpony #oldhorse
myshetland.co.uk
No Idea What is Going On
I went out early worried at what I might find in the stable but Kolka, Iacs and Haakon were fine and wanting to leave. I gave them their breakfast and everyone was totally normal. Next I led Fivla …
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/kolka-again/ I have no idea what is going on but Kolka has had another terrible accident. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #icelandichorses #oldhorse #accident #vet #BigDecision
myshetland.co.uk
Kolka (again)
Oh crikey – where to begin. Floss and I got up very early and fed all the animals 2 hours before their usual time (I was driving her to the airport).  It was just getting light but we could s…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/quirky-sheep... Sheep are all individual characters. ❤️🐑 #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandsheep #lovesheep #sheep #petsheep
myshetland.co.uk
Quirky Sheepies
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 …
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/me-me-me/ One annoying white cat in a basket. Enjoy. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #snugfit #whitecats #luckycat #annoying
myshetland.co.uk
Me, Me, Me!
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 w…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/feeling-sorr... I am feeling sorry for the Shetland ponies who are on a permanent diet. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #hay #shetlandponies #shetlandpony #laminitis #tracksystem #diet
Shetland ponies
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/sorlandet-ol... Sørlandet, the oldest tall ship in the world. Truly beautiful. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #lerwick #tallships #sørlandet #ships #harbour
Sørlandet - the world's oldest tall ship
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/outside-all-... We moved Haakon, Kolka and Iacs to a new field. Safest place for the old fogies. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandpony #icelandichorses #oldies #greengrass #longgrass #grazing
myshetland.co.uk
Outside. All of You!
The horses had their breakfast and then they just stood there in their shed not going anywhere like outside. Plus some chickens arrived. By 10.30 it was quite a nice day outside.  The back door was…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/kolka-update/ Kolka update today. She is getting better. Not out of the woods yet, but certainly enjoying the scenery. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #icelandichorses #accident #oldage #shetlandsheep #shetlandpony
myshetland.co.uk
Kolka Update
Kolka seems a lot more like her strong 32 year old self today. She is alert, interested and eating better, although still stiff when she walks but there is more range of movement in her hind legs. …
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/live-please-... A terrible, terrible day. Thoughts and prayers for Kolka, please. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #icelandichorses #accident #thoughtsandprayers #doingourbest
myshetland.co.uk
Live, Please Live!
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 he…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/gussie-and-s... A day of nothing and then drama - thank you to Gussie and 'Ster. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandsheep #whitecat #shetlandpony #argument
myshetland.co.uk
Gussie and ‘Ster
I would be lying if I said it’s been a busy day. The same old, same old – just as I like it. That was until the sheep came home. It started with Maggie wanting in the house for a biscui…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/a-day-of-two... Rain this morning. Sun by the afternoon. The sheep refused to go out! #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandsheep #weather #rainorshine #wetweather #sunnyafternoon #shetlandpony
myshetland.co.uk
A Day of Two Halves
It was chucking it down this morning and so the sheep, after their breakfast in the shed, went on strike refusing to go into their field for the day. In return I refused to give them haynets becaus…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/poor-gussie/ Gussie and Iacs' comic strip. Enjoy. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #comicstrip #shetlandsheep #icelandichorses
myshetland.co.uk
Poor Gussie
Poor Gussie.
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
myshetland.co.uk/asking-alway... Everyone in this house always wants something. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #whitecat #begging #shetlandsheep
myshetland.co.uk
Asking, Always Asking
I took this photo on Sunday evening after we had finished supper. Nothing is ever wasted here, and OH was busy stripping the roast chicken joint for any meat before the bones were made into stock, …
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
myshetland.co.uk/sands-of-sou... Floss and I went on an expedition to fill in time (an hour early for hospital apppointment) #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #sheep #expedition #beach #sandybeach #lerwick #calmsea
myshetland.co.uk
Sands of Sound
Floss and I were an hour early for my hospital appointment yesterday (yes, on a Sunday) so, to fill in time, we went on an expedition. I have always known there was a small beach in Lerwick but hav…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
myshetland.co.uk/rabbit-rescu... I'm telling myself the baby rabbit I rescued from Pepper, the Patterdale terrier, is now tucked up in bed by his mother drinking chamomile tea. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #babybunny #babyrabbits #rabbits #rabbitlife #terrier #rescueanimals
myshetland.co.uk
Rabbit Rescue
We were doing the chores this morning when Pepper arrived with a baby rabbit in her mouth that looked very dead.  I told her the command “dead” and she immediately (if grudgingly) dropp…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
My friendship rose #thoughtsandprayers
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
@germa9.bsky.social I told Lambie this afternoon. He says thank you and did his best to be English, debonaire while suave and sophisticated. (he may be work-in-progress) But at least he tried.
Lambie
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
myshetland.co.uk/shed-blocking/ Kolka has to rule the world but it is difficult when there is a shed involved. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandpony #icelandichorses #shed #takingupspace #oldhorse
myshetland.co.uk
Shed Blocking
Breakfast this morning involved all the big ones outside the wee shed….. ….. while Fivla and Vitamin had taken up residence so I put their buckets in with them and they shared their spa…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
myshetland.co.uk/summer-was-b... Rain clouds have rolled in now. Lambie went to bed. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandpony #icelandichorses #rain #bedtime #shetlandsheep
myshetland.co.uk
Summer Was Brief
The rain clouds were coming in thick and fast this morning and by lunchtime it was pouring down. Obviously there is the world’s smallest shed for everyone to pile into but of course this lot …
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
myshetland.co.uk/an-indian-su... Another lovely Autumn day. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandpony #shetlandislands #icelandichorses #indiansummer #fieldflowers
myshetland.co.uk
An Indian Summer
I’m running late today with writing the blog. Apologies, but I was talking to two friends overseas – (they know who they are but it’s my fault for not being more organised). Anywh…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
myshetland.co.uk/a-brief-nip-... To town. Now a headache. Pepper found another polecat. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandpony #cruiseship #lerwick
myshetland.co.uk
A Brief Nip to Town
I made a brief nip into town (Lerwick) to pay a bill (hay), drop off more sheep, buy horse/chicken/sheep food and then round Tesco’s for some human food too. It was a lovely day and there wer…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
myshetland.co.uk/today-i-want... Polecat 1. Dogs 0 but the smell..... I want to move house. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #movehouse #polecat #terrier #whitecat #badsmell
myshetland.co.uk
Today I Want to Move House
This morning started as it always does – feeding all the animals.  In the distance, Flossie and I could hear some sharp barking, so assumed that Pepper and Ted had found someone to hassle tha…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
myshetland.co.uk/too-early/ A perfect Shetland view. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #westsideisthebestside #shetlandpony #shetlandsheep #PerfectView #friends
myshetland.co.uk
Too Early
I mis-read my appointment time for a routine check-up at the Doctor’s so I had 40 minutes to waste.  There was not enough time to go back home, and not enough time to go and do anything usefu…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
myshetland.co.uk/going-out-2/ Everyone went out into the big hill field after breakfast. Sheep, horses, ponies. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandpony #icelandichorses #shetlandsheep #goingout #field #washingup
myshetland.co.uk
Going Out
There was a weird eerie light this morning, when I went to fetch the buckets in to wash before putting them away. The “big” horses had let themselves out and looked very picturesque in …
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Spending my morning transcribing 1955 diaries listening to @vermontpublic.org saying to myself "I bet this is [insert composer]". Just guessed Rachmaninov and then Bach and feeling rather smug that I was right! diariesofauntkate.com
diariesofauntkate.com
The Diaries of my Great-Great-Aunt Kate
Visit the post for more.
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
I don't want my taxes to pay for Prince Harry and his family's private personal protection. Harry receives no public funding from the British monarchy's Sovereign Grant since stepping back from active royal duties. He has a net worth of £45 million so pay for yourselves. Not me.
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
In honour of @classicfm.com not playing Gilbert and Sullivan, I am indulging in a whole evening of G&S' wonderful Overtures and have also permanently moved over to @vermontpublic.org instead.
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
myshetland.co.uk/celery-for-a... The sheep discover Flossie. Celery for all the Shetland ponies. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandsheep #celery #shetlandpony #Diet #friends
myshetland.co.uk
Celery For All!
Lambie et al have just discovered that Flossie is here now and that she isn’t Daisy!  I mean who knew? Honestly, I do sometimes wonder at the size of brain for an average sheep who should kno…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
myshetland.co.uk/we-are-absol... Friends not food, Pepper. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #patterdaleterrier #shetlandpony #muscovyducklings #muscovyducks #terrier #friendsnotfood
myshetland.co.uk
We Are Absolutely Not Talking To…..
We are absolutely not talking to Pepper today.  She has disgraced herself beyond redemption. She was found with a baby Muscovy duckling hanging out of her mouth – tragically, dead.  I am pret…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
myshetland.co.uk/goodbye-daisy/ Daisy has gone back now, but she has handed her bucket/gloves/shovel to Flossie. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #help #daughters #poopscoop #sumburghairport
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
myshetland.co.uk/bloody-ragwo... Pulling ragwort in the field. A job that has to be done. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #ragwort #flowers #summerflowers #field #Crofting
myshetland.co.uk
Bloody Ragwort
It’s not all hugging ponies and sheep around here.  Sometimes we have to do real work. And today it was pulling ragwort, a job I loathe because it hurts my back. I have been putting it off al…
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My Shetland @thordale.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
myshetland.co.uk/resentment-a... To town, to hospital (appointment), and then home. #myshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandsheep #winningsmile #handmade #shetlandwool #lerwick
myshetland.co.uk
Resentment and Winning Smiles
Today I went to town to do everything as quickly as possibly so I could get home again and not have to go back for a while.  Well, that’s how I feel about going to town.  I also had a hospita…
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