Contrasts

It's a gentle day in Kommetjie today. The slightest zephyr drifts in from the sea, bringing a welcome coolness to relieve the fierce heat of the sun. In the bay, a boat rises and falls at its mooring as the tide ebbs and flows.
Arctic terns alternate between high-flying random flocking and smooth sweeping flight about a foot above the water. Gulls abound on the rocky shoreline, and a pair of oystercatchers stand guard a distance away.

On the lawns, a group of local schoolchildren play games, a joy to see in these technological times, and all is serenely beautiful.

This contrasts somewhat with the frantic scenes playing out at home, where the outlet pipe for the dishwasher has come adrift under the kitchen sink, causing flooding in the cupboard and filling the dirtbin and every other receptacle except the kitchen sink. As luck would have it, my son went into the kitchen looking for sustenance and noticed the water pouring out onto the floor and, yes, yelled for me to get some towels while he continued to watch the waterfall. Having just washed the dog, we now have a surfeit of wet towels in the house. At least the weather is good and they will dry in no time.

But outside, it continues to be another magnificent day in our little piece of paradise.