Whew!

I don't think the boys can remember such an extended period of hot weather during their 11 years here.  Trying to stay cool means that Fergus got a bit of shade by standing in the shadow of the photographer! Shearing is scheduled for next weekend so that can't come quickly enough for the fleecy boys.

The boys have been getting their under-parts hosed every day, sometimes twice a day, there are three water trays and three water troughs being frequently replenished and they make use of them all.  The field shelter is used frequently too, to shade the sun and keep the flying 'beasties' away!  From the left, Fidget, Fergus and Fyta.

Friends Claire and Mike brought their friend Nicki to see the boys on Wednesday.   Nicki is on holidays from the US so the weather has been perfect for visitors.  Claire takes the 'happy-snap' and Nicki introduces herself to Faro.

Despite the boys being wet from their morning hosing session they were quite happy to hang around for photos.  Fergus can stand all of this fussing!

Fergus (front) and Fyta are keen to get to know Nicki whilst Faro in the backgroud carried on grazing!  Hope you'll come back and see us all next time you are in the Highlands, Nicki - enjoy the rest of your trip.

Fidget can only take so much attention and adulation during visits, preferring to lie down in a fairly shaded area and chew his hay!  Interestingly, Nicki wasn't the only visitor we had this week when on Friday three Argentinian tourists came to see the boys. Friday morning was very misty initially, the boys were soaking and had been rolling in field shelter dust so we're not sure exactly what the tourists thought of the very dirty looking boys - but they took plenty of photos!

And finally - the Grumpy Gardener has a smile on his face (at last) as all the 'Red Hot Pokers' (Kniphofia) have burst into flower and are attracting plenty of bees and birds.