We’ll soon be packing our bags and heading back to the northern hemisphere—sunny Spain awaits! I’m quietly hoping this summer is a little kinder than last year’s scorcher. When temperatures creep past 40°C, “sun-seeking” quickly turns into “strategically hiding indoors with a cold drink.” Fingers crossed for a gentler season this time.

But enough about the weather—let’s get to the real stars of the show: the animals of Elliotts Farm.

First up, the kittens who were once abandoned by the side of the track. I’m happy to report they’ve all found loving homes and are now living their best, pampered lives. A very happy ending there.

Out in the fields, our determined Muscovy mum has been busy raising her rather large family of ducklings. Ten of the original brood remain—sadly, two fell victim to the ever-watchful swamp hawk—but overall, she’s done an incredible job keeping the rest safe. These days, the ducklings are a bit too big to squeeze under mum, so they huddle together while she keeps a watchful eye nearby.

Their daily routine has become quite the adventure. Starting with puddles, graduating to ditches, and now confidently trekking down to the stream, they spend their days splashing, dabbling, and learning the fine art of feeding. Watching them “tip up” to forage is pure comedy—more often than not they flip right over onto their backs, little feet in the air! Thankfully, their fluffy not-quite-feathers double as built-in floatation devices, so after a splash and a shake, they’re back upright with a beak full of weeds.

And finally, the great Highland calf mystery has been solved. It seems a neighbouring Galloway bull paid a brief but impactful visit, resulting in a rather handsome crossbreed. With his ginger coat, white belly, and the beginnings of telltale markings, he’s turning into quite the character.

Farm life: always full of surprises

As I love writing about our four and two legged friends, I’ve written a series called The Bronze-Age Series. Which follows a girl’s journey from tragedy to finding a new home, accompanied by her gorgeous horse, Roble. Plus the first in the series set in the times of the decline of the Roman Empire. I hope you enjoy reading about Amalie and Gelvira as much as I loved writing the books.