Windy days

The sun continues to shine in its autumn way, having lost the scorch of summer, but not quite finished with us yet. A brisk southeaster, which failed to materialise last summer, has now settled in for a while and is bringing the rain that was so desperately needed over the rest of the country. They are getting heavy downpours that will go a long way in filling the dams and refreshing the parched earth, but too late for the crops of the season. This is the cycle of life.
The flamingoes are back in the Kom and it was really funny to see them standing at high tide with the water having risen right up to their bodies, but they were still standing firmly on two legs. They must have calculated how far from the shore to stand so that it would appear they were floating. Such beautiful birds.
Cleo seems to have slowed down in her growth. It will be so interesting to see her final 'look'. Estimates of parentage are mixture of border collie, terrier and chihuahua - cannot see that bit but definitely the other two. She is like greased lightning and I am sure she would love a free run in a field or on the beach, but I am still worried she may run off. Our old Monty was always a great escaper and would disappear for two hours before finally finding his way back to the gate - a source of great stress and fortunately he is too old now! The shredding of my limbs has abated as Cleo becomes older, or perhaps as I learn to control her better. Clothing still suffers a little, with holes in many items carelessly left within reach. The answer is to keep her: 1. Fed, 2. Entertained for half an hour on waking. After her initial burst of energy first thing in the morning, she is content to chew on her toys and chase the cats. A real treasure.