Summer is here – because it is raining

It had finally happened – the Summer rains have arrived and on each of the two previous evenings we have enjoyed the spectacle of Highveld thunder storms, complete with magnificent lightning shows and rolling thunder that shakes you right down into your belly. And beautiful rain, lovely rain, quenching a very thirsty earth that has been crying out for some kind of moisture since I arrived back in South Africa in June.

Ulricha and I were sitting by the pool on Saturday morning just enjoying the sun, the water that is slowly becoming warmer, and more friendly for swimming, and the aftermath of the previous evenings storm. Somehow everything seemed cleaner, brighter, more alive. A small weaver bird was starting to build a nest in a palm tree, clearly eager to impress some young weaver female with his handiwork.

Actually, speaking of Weavers – I have found a very similar blog to my own – detailing the return to South Africa of an ex pat after a period in living in the UK – The Weavers Nest . In fact, our return is so close in terms of time, we may have been on the same plane! I am enjoying Kirsty’s honest and open writing as she tells how she and her family are getting back into South African life. If you have a chance, do go have a look and a read.

As for us – well we are having a quiet weekend, trying to still recover from our holiday last week. It’s ironic really how you can go on holiday and sometimes return more exhausted than when you left.

Another week in Africa

It’s been a long while since I last put finger to keyboard and wrote something here – but it has been a busy old time.

The weather continues to be glorious. The winter has been fine and crisp, and temperatures have been wonderfully warm. But the first small signs of spring are breaking through, like a lazy bear after a winter hibernation, spring is making its presence felt – but slowly and groggily. The winds have started to blow slightly more, and today we had a build up of thunder clouds that ultimately didn’t lead to rain, but looked like a perfect dress rehearsal for the summer thunderstorms that inevitably will follow soon.

Today started off glorious and warm – and Felix our cat took advantage of a lazy morning on the stones of the patio. And looking around the garden I noticed how the statue I had taken a photograph of just a few days ago, was now engulfed by a fury of little purple flowers – eager to secure her dignity.

The last week has involved several more visits to the geese at the large pond down the road. They appear to be getting used to us now, and are starting to recognise us. As soon as they see us arrive they start waddling hurriedly and noisily, soon breaking into a run, and almost beginning to fly toward us, eager to get their share of the bread we have. Most recently we were treated to a “naval attack” as they were all on the far side of the pond, and when they saw us began swimming and then flowing across the pond, coming to a halt with a splash of wings and skiing on their feet – like a living re-enactment of the Spruce Goose.

My car has been well utilised over the last two weeks. It is a pleasure to drive and really is comfortable and efficient.

Last week I went flying again for the first time in a very long time. The first ten minutes were very rusty, and despite actually being in command for the take off, I only really felt comfortable a few minutes into the flight. I am progressing well and will be “in the circuit” in a few lessons time. Having been more responsible for landing this last lesson than at any previous occasion, I think I am a bit concerned. But at the same time I am really excited – Mike the Pilot feels almost in touching distance now!