And finally.... VIDEO!

I finally have my new computer set up, and my favorite part of that experience is the ability it has to capture and edit video.

And so, having spoken to you so often before about the geese at the small pond around the corner, and our various expeditions to feed them, I can finally share with you a little bit of that experience.

I hope you enjoy!

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!

Taking the time to feed the Geese

We found, quite by accident really, that there is a lovely large pond, or small dam, just around the corner from Ulricha's home. A quiet oasis of calm, amidst the bustle of a busy little suburb.

And so earlier this week, armed with our 3 pieces of white bread, we headed down there to enjoy the late afternoon and feed the geese.

Well the geese needed no second invitation, and in typical "Goose like fashion" imposed themselves upon us, bustling around us as if we were the first people to visit them this year, and greedily gulping down whole chunks of bread while noisily fending off other geese from their precious morsels of food.

But amidst all this flapping of wings and fussing over the smallest crumb, what an absolute joy to relax and unwind in a small bit of natural splendour, tucked quietly away in a busy Johannesburg suburb.

Sometimes we really do need to take time of our our busy days to feed the geese!