In this instance the “Worshipful Master” is none other than our friend Roland (who is a tad macho or bossy, if you prefer) and the “small Mason” is his adorable two-year old grandson (who is always charming and agreeable – in spite of his difficult age). They came to visit on Coochiemudlo Island yesterday and Mason helped me feed the many animals on Hayley’s property (while his Worshipful Master looked on).

Lollipop, the clever donkey, behaved disgracefully; she managed to let herself into the chook enclosure and ate all the grain I had put out especially for the birds. She was adamant that she was a chook! And who could prevent a chook of such proportions from doing exactly as she wants? Not me or little Mason. No amount of pushing from behind or brushing with the yard broom would stop her. At length we just stood there and tutted; and later, when the giant chook opened the bolted and roped door that leads to Hayley’s private garden, Mason cried with alarm; and brave little Cheese Cake gave chase (as did I with another broom)… all to no avail.

While the Worshipful Master rested in the cool of indoors Mason and I cut a basket of seedy grass which we fed to the guinea pigs. But as the day drew on and we were out for a walk around the island (in temperatures of about thirty-five degrees) I noticed that the Master turned the stroller to face away from sun and, instead of pushing it, he pulled it behind him… very caringly.