With our impending adventure, folk have been wondering what will happen to the menagerie in our absence.

Colin is very excited to be heading back to Mahuika Animal and Plant Care, down the road in Greendale, and is looking forward to showing Shirley all the cool things Lucy and her family have for their canine visitors. Colin had a ball last time he stayed but was also flatteringly happy to see us which is, in my opinion, the best of both worlds.

As for the cats, chickens, goats, sheep and guinea pigs (and the garden watering too), that baton has been picked up by our part time paddock resident, the camera shy Cousin Lucas.

Working, as he now does, with The Engineer it made perfect sense that he spend his weeknights in the recently relocated sleepout rather than trundle 45 km each morning and evening. After four or so months, we are all well used to seeing him about the place and , more importantly, he knows the Homestead drill. That he would happily fill the position of house sitter/animal wrangler/onsite security while we are away is perfect.

It’s twenty days until lift-off and we can now leave sure the Homestead and it’s inhabitants will be in good hands. Yay Cousin Lucas!