Yep, new collie puppies and they’re SOOO sweet. We are still missing dear Milo, but Oatley isn’t right without a dog. So after our recent travels, we were ready to tie ourselves down again. Meet Jack (black and white) and Benji (blue merle), 3 month old bundles of fun! Brothers in arms, partners in crime.

Pups for Christmas. And for life. We brought them home the week before, from a lovely working farm up on the Mendips. The younger Awties helped us name them before present-opening. They need loads of exercise and I am hoping for a new, fit, sylph-like self.

We've had a long succession of collies, but it's 20 years since we had a puppy - Milo was a rescue dog,18 months old when he came to us, house-trained and past the chewing stage. We’d rather forgotten about the chaos. Entropy on eight legs! But determined to get the training right this time. Double Asbo's to be avoided. Classes start Monday.

Getting on well with the pruning and the pups are learning that their job is to stay and keep us company. Attention span short though. And they can’t really see the point if they’re not allowed to chew the vines.

Another Christmas treat was a trail cam (thank you Ned and Paula!), to photograph the vineyard wildlife. It has an infra red flash for night time. Still learning, but below are some of its captures so far.