Several of our friends have reported they cannot find any available supplies of dust mite spray or treatment. The entire country has been bombarded with dust mites, and my current situation is not unique. The heavy rains and humidity over the past few months most certainly contributed to the proliferation of these invisible pests, causing havoc for those with allergies and sensitivity to their presence.
Not only did Louise and Danie use the “bombs” to fumigate the house, but Vusi and Zef aired out the house to reduce the smell, which was mostly gone by the time we returned yesterday around noon. While airing the house with all the doors and windows open, they did a deep spring cleaning. There wasn’t a speck of dust or insects to be found anywhere.
Last night, I slept better when I wasn’t itching as much all night as I had on other nights. I still have the old itchy spots all over my body, but in time, they will heal, and I should be able to sleep through the night. The itching has been going on for the past two months. It will be a welcome relief to be free of it.
This morning, Zef and Vusu delivered a heavy stone birdbath fixture, as shown in the primary photo, that Danie offered to us after he said it would look more appropriate in Greece than in the African bush. We agreed with him but jumped at the chance to have this garden adornment in our garden, perhaps encouraging birds to stop for a drink, and thus, we can take photos of our feathered friends.
They placed the statue, or birdbath, within reach of the garden hose, enabling us to add fresh water daily. No doubt, the animals that can reach the water will regularly stop for a drink as well. The lower section would be adequate for the warthogs to drink, but Tom insisted we put water in the lower area.
Warthogs, bless their hearts, are like “bulls-in-a-China-shop. (Hmm, that’s the second time I’ve used that expression regarding warthogs in the past week). There is no doubt they’d knock the thing over if they started drinking out of it, regardless of how heavy it is. There are plenty of water holes and cement ponds in Marloth Park, where the warthogs drink and roll in the mud.
I thought about a birdbath when we’d seen Frank and the Misses sipping water from the condensation drip hose on the outside of the house from the air conditioner in our bedroom over the past several days. In the morning, after the air-con was on all night, a decent amount of water drips from that hose, and Frank and his Family enjoy drinking from it. It makes us laugh out loud.
Francolins are territorial and seldom leave their chosen location, even to find water. Francolins don’t fly much (they can fly), preferring to walk fast, run, run, run. Having this birdbath may inspire them to fly up for a drink. Oh, how easily we are entertained! It will be fun to watch what happens.
I’m sure many of our readers have birdbaths in their gardens and don’t give it much of a thought other than occasionally observing birds partaking in the water. Ah, the simple things become profound and fascinating while living in the bush, such a glorious place filled with wonders.
Tonight, we’ll cook a well-seasoned beef roast on the braai and once again enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal. Today, the high will be 92F, 33C with the usual high humidity. Although this temperature doesn’t sound that high, sitting outdoors on the veranda certainly leaves us hot and sweaty. But, over time, we’ve become more used to it, especially when there is a slight breeze.
May your day be sunny and bright!
Photo from one year ago today, March 17, 2020:
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| The leading cremation site on the Ganges River, seen while on an old wood rowboat on the river during the early morning ceremonies. For more photos, please click here. |