A change of shelter

Every couple of months we move the boys to a different overnight field shelter and this was the week that the latest change took place.  Here they are, waiting outside the shelter waiting for the human to get the inside organised.

As soon as the gates are removed, the boys go in and explore, usually rolling about for a while before settling down.

The moving-in routine is interrupted by the arrival of our neighbour's cat, 'Pike' on the hunt as always for rabbits! Faro is in front looking macho with Fyta and Fergus still in the shelter.  The hay buckets weren't in the shelter at this stage but the boys had managed to tip them up and spill the hay. 

Here they are, looking as if butter wouldn't melt..........!  Fidget is lying down at the back with Fyta in front of him, Fergus is in the doorway and Faro is at the front.

Some days were hot this week and the boys like to go in the sandpit then.  This is a long range shot of them all in the sandpit at once!

On Friday we had a visit from three lady tourists who had been staying locally and who had seen the boys from the nearby road.  This photo is for you ladies - hope you enjoyed your holiday in the Highlands.

And finally.................. the Cardiocrinum Giganteum (Giant Himalayan Lily) is growing strongly again this season.  It is now nearly seven feet tall, it can grow to nine feet,  and we've had to secure it to the fence during recent high winds.  The growth of this plant is quite amazing considering that during the winter none of the plant shows above ground level.  We are keeping our fingers crossed that once again we'll have the 'trumpet' flowers on top later.

Another day, another route march!

We've often mentioned that the boys take their time in getting organised for a new day.  Fidget more than the others likes to wait until the last minute before he gets going.

The morning procedure remains the same, the gate is opened between the overnight paddocks and the other paddocks and the boys line up waiting for the order from Faro in the front, to advance! Fidget is 'at ease' in the background!

Fyta (left) and Fergus look a bit fed up waiting around for Faro to get going at the front of the file - but they do eventually move.

'The leader of the pack' - Faro gets himself organised to give the order to move.  If you magnify the picture you will see that he has a clover leaf sticking out of his mouth - funny!

Fyta sees some fresh grass over the fence in a part of the paddocks they are not allowed to enter.  Whilst having a chat with Fyta, his pal Faro gets jealous and decides to come and find out what is happening.

The Grumpy Gardener had the Grillo mower out this week.  He says that it's a beast of a machine but does the job on the sloping paddocks, with forward and reverse gears to drive it.  We try and keep some of the paddock uncut as the boys like a bit of long grass.  Fyta and Fergus are in the distance.

Here's what the uncut strips look like in the near paddock and the further away one.  On the next cut, this strip will be cut and a new strip left uncut.

And finally................adding a lovely splash of colour are these Irises with the Gunnera now beginning to spread it's leaves in the background.

Still sweating!

Fergus amongst the buttercups!  It's been another very hot week with a heavy shower of rain yesterday afternoon - the first rain for weeks.

It's been some years since we've experienced prolonged periods of sunshine in this part of the world, so we're appreciating it.  Fergus (left), Faro and Fyta are pictured here.

 

In the next paddock is Fidget, enjoying the sand pit as always. All the boys enjoy lying in the sand during very hot weather.

Find one - and you'll find the other!  Faro (right) and his pal Fyta.  We're pleased that Faro is eating much better these days and he is looking much better for it.  They have had their Verm-X granules in their food this week.

Fyta (left), Faro and Fergus posing in front of the 'homestead' which is looking trim as all the grass was cut this week.

And finally............ this 'Rodgersia' plant is growing  very well in the garden and since this photo was taken, the leaes have changed colour to a deep bronze.

Wow - it's been hot!

This has been a week of lying about for the boys, preferably near the water trays.   We've had excellent weather and experienced none of the thunderstorms or downpours that have been so common elsewhere.  But it's been hot!!

The heat does take its toll on the boys and it is still several weeks before shearing.  So frequent use of the hose is called for.  Fidget (front) spends long periods lying in the water trays as can be seen by his wet chin and undercarriage.  Faro (left) prefers to be close to the water trough into which he dunks his head from time to time!

This week has also been a time of mega-grass cutting across all the paddocks and garden.  The boys are totally unconcerned by the noise of the tractor mower, strimmers or hand mowers around them.

Fidget (right) has his feet in the tray and all the boys hang around the humans hoping that the hose will be brought out once again - it was!

And here are a couple of happy bunnies in the sand pit, Fyta (left) and Fergus trying to stay cool.  It's quite common for three of the boys to be in the pit at the same time and very occasionally, all four.

And finally......................all the young apple trees are covered in blossom this year, no late frosts for a change so we are hoping for a good harvest later.