Ewes know it

'It has been my life's work," I announced grandly and quite possibly pompously the other day to Greg, no other audience being available, "to advocate for the advancement of sheep." He pointed out that this was patently untrue. If it was true, he said annoyingly, although quite possibly reasonably, I'd have started my life's work a bit earlier, given that I had taken up this selfless work only seven years ago, the length of time we have been at Lush Places.

- Michele Hewitson

Nevertheless, I have now been awarded (by myself) the title of chairperson of the Brainy Association for the Advancement of Sheep, or BAAS for short.

People - you townies mostly, but not exclusively - believe that sheep are stupid. They are not. I once gave a speech on a topic of my choice to one of those service clubs which abound in rural parts.

There is a drink and a lunch and then a speech by a local luminary. It is not difficult to be a luminary in Masterton, but I was, still, delighted to have been regarded as one. Note that past tense; this reputation appears to have rather worn off a consequence, no doubt, of the sightings of me about town looking more like a sheep farmer in desperate need of a good shearing than a luminary. Also, I am a really rotten public speaker.