Skills Test results

My results for Term 3 Skills Test were mostly a big improvement. My low scores in Tech 3 and Tech 1 were mostly a matter of speed - or a lack of it - and I'd never nailed together a mitre joint before (Tech 3), let alone four of them to make a box/frame; most of my marks were for measuring and sawing the pieces.

T3 = 34 (Rather a come-down from the previous term's 75.)
T2 = 79 (That's the first time I've completed the wirework, but my Tex Brown knot wasn't actually a Tex Brown, so the tutor couldn't mark it.)
T1 = 64 (First time I've put a line post in completely by myself, but I didn't finish nailing all three battens.)
Sheep = 89 !!! (Top girl in this, and only three boys were higher: 94, 91, & 91!!!)
Lectures = 84
Ag. = 75 (Second equal in this with two others; top was 94)

Total: 425/600

Doggy update

Bess, the 2-year-old heading dog I bought in July this year, is shaping up well. These pictures were taken at home during my 2-week break from study at Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre. To see them in proper sequence, start at the night picture of the campus hostel and work upwards. Sometimes the responsibilities of dog ownership (such as exercising in foul weather) can be irksome, but the joys far outweigh these. And getting a leg hug from an adoring dog is really quite heart-warming!

The doghouse - actually, it's the woodshed, but what difference? It's only for the holidays, and she can't complain of lack of room!

The lead attaching Bess to the post is just long enough for her to go around one of the trees on the left...but she hasn't figured out how to go back again!

Now the other side... How about a profile shot this time?

Like my coat? Shiny, eh! You should see me on the move with all the muscles rippling underneath...

Portrait time...

Waiting for that word "release"...

The "in-behind" position. Either side will do, and behind me out of my line of sight (until I turn my head) is even better. Sometimes Bess changes sides a little too close to me, banging her shoulder on my legs.

Want to blow the whistle?

I'm a silent (usually) heading dog - but sometimes I whisper...

Haha! Whoops! The hug slipped!

How about a leg hug?

The mutual admiration society...

Waiting patiently, right where I left her. Good dog!

A dark, wet evening in the hostel quad. Follow the path of light on the left to get to the dining room/lounge - but please go around that very soggy grass.