It’s been one of those weeks. You know, one where you’re busy doing lots of stuff, none of which is really that remarkable. Not enough to photograph anyway. Here on the Homestead, we’ve just been living our little lot under our stretch of big sky.

In the coop, the three chicks are getting on with the job of growing. Their fluff is starting to disappear and give a glimpse of their adult chicken livery. It appears we have one favouring the Sussex line while two lean more towards the New Hampshire Red. Time will tell; ditto re: gender.

This week, our patch o sky has been glorious and today is no exception. Both the sheep and goat flocks, with the exception of sun-worshipper, Sandra (on top of the platform), like to hide in the shade when the sun is at its zenith, but are quick to appear front-and-centre when there’s a chance of a treat or two. No prizes for guessing which species prefers a grass diet. It might be time to rotate the paddock inhabitants.

Because, suddenly, grass growth has taken off; both in places it’s welcome – like the pig pen and paddocks -and the roadside and driveway where it’s less popular.

Shirley began her stint at Puppy Preschool this week. I think it’s fair to say the biggest lesson learnt was how much more effortlessly social are Homestead animals than we humans. No-Smalltalk-Shirley had zero reservations when it came to running, roughhousing and rabble rousing with her classmates but because we are proud we are pretending she also learnt the commands sit, come, and stay.

Training pups is much easier when they’re all about treats and their big brother knows the drill.

It also helps to be fast with the shutter finger. It’s okay, Colin, you’ll still get your treat.

But without a doubt, the Big Deal of the Week was that it marked another trip around the sun for The Farmer, the final of his twenties. No photos exist of the Waffle Brunch Party at Chateau Kimberley nor of the celebratory dinner at local eatery, Thirsty Acres, on request of the birthday boy who feels his image has been bandied about all too often of late. I did snap an image of the restaurant as we left

which is not my best work, but I promise it was a lovely evening.

And look at that sky!