I’ve been counting down for a while now. I’ve been planning, prepping and trying to maintain a normal routine. I’ve got up each morning and gone to work, I’ve looked after my animals, been to church on Sundays and carried on with all the about the house stuff. But from today it all changes …

I’m on holiday! Today is one of those spectacular days that appear during the winter, with blue skies, light wind and very fresh air. I’m really a summer person, but I do appreciate the colours of winter. This morning there was no alarm clock at 5:15 calling me to work and that alone set the tone for my day. There is quite a lot to do today, but hurry is not on my list.

The dogs and I set off for a walk down our track. Holly, the horse and the 7 goats are all on winter feed at the moment. That means that they are down in Rosie’s paddock and don’t get intensive care. My two milking goats are in kid and are  beginning to look pregnant through their thick and warm winter coats. None of animals particularly like being away from the house, but all the pasture up here needs a rest. Each morning, I feed the goats and Holly. Today the goats were bleating as soon as they heard my footsteps and Holly was neighing – maybe they don’t appreciate me being on holiday like I do!

The goats get nuts. I just spread them out on the ground. They argue between themselves, but are soon munching away. Once they are doing that I feed Holly. She gets a mixture of Lucerne chaff and horse feed. Once she’s eating, I spread out the hay that I have bought dow,  and phew,  it’s all done!

It’s time to head back home. I’ve got quite a lot to do this morning, and I need to get started. I’m not too busy, though, to listen to a small fantail chirrup away.

I’ve got to pack. Tomorrow I will say goodbye to my home for a month. It’s the longest I’ve been away from my nearest and dearest and all that is familiar to me. However, adventure awaits. Tomorrow, I leave for Christchurch and will spend the night with one of my lovely cousins. Sunday is to the airport, and I begin the long Haul to Barcelona. I haven’t been to Europe before, so I’m pretty excited. My sister boards the plane in Sydney and we are going to travel together for a month; Spain, France and Italy. I’ll get to spend two weeks with our son, his wife, and two sons. Half of my suitcase is packed with goodies for my grandsons!!!

I’m going to keep a travel diary and will try and write at least every day … Come and share my adventures …