By the way...

I'm going on a trip today.

In preparation for this trip, here at Critter Farm....

I built a small cage, separate from my main chicken flock, to keep wandering Honey safe while I'm gone:

She hates it :

and looks at me mournfully when I walk by to check on her:

The donkeys got their feet trimmed. Chester was feeling especially helpful that day and assisted Justin, my farrier, while he worked on Beau's feet:

And speaking of Beau, would you just look at my boy! Gone are the days of sedation, bags of bribery carrots, and me standing by his side for comfort during his trims. He is such a star:

The chickens got a pre-trip treat of overripe tomato, apricot and raspberries:

And had fresh hay spread in their run:

My girl, Skippy, seems to be now fully recovered from whatever was ailing her a few weeks ago, and is laying about five eggs a week again. Impressive for a 3 1/2 year old hen:

The goats got a pedicure:

Pete and Reggie fought over who got to go first:

Pete won:

Then it was Reggie's turn:

I do get nervous when I leave the farm for any length of time. So, I always ask the animals to pitch in and do their part to keep things running smoothly.

Kai and Chester promised to stay vigilant while on cougar-watch:

Clyde told me he'd keep an eye on Honey whenever she was "out and about":

And George said he'd keep an eye on overall farm management. He's helpful like that:

Guess where I'm going?

Color me happy.