Well, it’s come around again. The air smells of Christmas, the menagerie are just a little jumpy and the we’re once again all squared up.

Yep, it’s time for the shelterbelt’s annual tidy up, courtesy of Andy from RGH Trimming. Having our road-front all precise and pristine again makes me smile.

That, every year, there are less clippings to rake up makes my smile even wider.

Earlier in the year, our smiles were a little strained when the paddock next to us went on the market. There’s been a lot of residential development out our way and the thought of the possibility of multiple homes where once there was only the occasional flock of sheep was not a cheery one. Thankfully, our new neighbours are likeminded folk who are working towards turning pthe paddock into their own lifestyle block (Phew!) and recently they inquired as to whom we utilise for our annual hedge trim.

Andy from RGH Trimming smiled about that.

How smart does our little neighbourhood look right now. Both inside

and out.

This last picture was taken as I ferried Farm Girl home from her final exam for NCEA Level 2; Physics. Her smile was the widest of all.