Sorting the details…They are all coming to say “goodbye”…Five days and counting…Today’s photos and more favorite photos

Yesterday, on Facebook, we saw a photo of Tusker taken many blocks from us. Basket had scared him off several times in the past months, and he finally gave up visiting us since Basket tends to come by several times a day.  

It’s good to see Basket being lovely to his girlfriend.  He’s quite the bully, but he certainly enjoys when I talk to him and, with those tiny beady eyes, looks intently into mine.  I often wonder what he’s thinking.

We couldn’t have been happier than to see nyala coming by one more time.

It’s arrogant of us humans to assume animals don’t think and purely react utilizing instinct. After spending almost two years (total) in Africa, most of our time watching wildlife behavior, we’re convinced that although they don’t speak (our language), they certainly know how to communicate with us.

Undoubtedly, such behavior requires a fraction of thinking, and we’re convinced that we aren’t superior to wildlife. We’re just different, and they have a right to be here on this earth as much as we do, if not more.  They were here long before us humans.

Friends have asked if it will be hard to leave here. Now with only five days remaining until we depart, I am feeling a bit of melancholy knowing we are leaving behind our animal and human friends. 

A male bushbuck was relaxing in the garden.

But, these past three months have been difficult, and I can’t help but associate this environment with the many challenges.  I’m sure, in no time at all, I’ll be longing to return as memories of the wildlife and our social life flood my mind.  

This morning at 9:00 am, we returned to the medical clinic for treatment on my leg. Doc Theo had left for a much-deserved 10 day holiday, and now we see Doc Phillip in his absence. Unexpectedly, there was a slight improvement in the size of the wound, maybe as much as 20%.

Although painful, I sincerely believe the walking has been instrumental in increasing the blood flow and thus aiding in the bit of healing. If this continues through the week, there is a slight chance we could avoid driving three hours a day, every other day, to a wound clinic in Galway.

This morning’s zebra visitors.

We could treat the wound at “home” wearing latex gloves, using the healing cream, and re-bandaging it every other day as is being done now. By the end of the week, we’ll forward the photos to Theo, and if he approves, we can bypass the necessity of the long drive.  

He insisted we stay in touch with him while he’s still on holiday and, after that, sending him photos each time we removed the bandages. In the interim, Doc Phillip is sending him photos every two days. He will assess the photos and determine if other professional care is necessary.

I’m not going to get overly enthusiastic yet. I’ve done this several times to be sorely disappointed when it took a turn for the worse a few days later. It’s been sweet when many of our readers have written to congratulate me on the improvement, only to find myself writhing in pain a day later. Tentatively, I mention this slight improvement.

This morning, I figured out how to use my new fitness watch, which Tom purchased for me while I was in hospital. It was highly motivating to see the results of my walking on the digital readout. My goal shortly will be 10,000 steps per day.

An elephant family was drinking from the sparse amounts of water in the river during the summer months.

From this site:  “How far are 10,000 steps? An average person has a stride length of approximately 2.1 to 2.5 feet. That means that it takes over 2,000 steps to walk one mile, and 10,000 steps would be almost 5 miles.”  

Of course, this will include general walking about the house, going outdoors, and performing usual household tasks, cooking, shopping, and the like. But, this goal of 10,000 steps per day will be good for my heart and as my legs continue to heal fully. Wearing this device is highly instrumental in motivating me.  

I’ll have completed half this amount since walking is still challenging and painful by the end of today.  Hopefully, by the end of the first month in Ireland, I’ll be able to fulfill my goal.  

They willingly share.

Today, we’re planning to return the walker to the kindly local homeowner who graciously offered it a no cost. Of course, we have a gift bag for her with many thanks and appreciation. 

I made a concerted effort not to use the walker over the weekend, and now, although I’m still limping, I can get around unassisted. It’s still difficult to stand from a sitting position or get out of bed when I only have the use of my arms to support me, but finally, they, too, are getting stronger.

I’ve completed more packing, organizing, and sorting at this point. If I had only an hour to get ready to go, I could pull it off. The task of scanning and logging receipts is completed.  

Ms. Toad, already fattening up for mating soon. We turn on the light each night to attract flying insects for her to eat.

Our paperwork for immigration is in an envelope, ready for their reviewal. A rental car has been booked at over twice the cost we paid in South Africa (we’re expecting everything to be more expensive in Ireland). 

The directions to the Connemara house have been printed, and a wheelchair has been arranged for me for all flight legs. All that is left is for Tom to pack and a few odds and ends for me. I’m at peace that I’ve done all I can at this point.

Mom is teaching her baby a little about headbutting.

We’ll be back with more tomorrow as we continue to count down the days until we leave Africa.

Be well, dear friends. Thank you for “hanging in there” with us!

Photo from one year ago today, May 6, 2018:

Although they all had their backs to us, it was great to see these elephants. For more photos, please click here.