Whenever I feel stressed I do not leap for my "Rescue Drops" or "Anxiety Drops" as do so
many of my friends these days. instead I turn off every single appliance, radio, TV , hair
dryer and floor polisher.... .
...... and listen for the sound of the red eyed turtle dove.
He has single handedly calmed me for virtually my whole life!!
When we lived in Leander Avenue and used to play in an old helicopter that had crashed
during the war, he would gently lull us and tell us that school really was not so bad after
all.
When sabres were rattling, bullets thudding around us and tanks were pounding down the
road past our house in 1980, he tut tutted melodiously and did not miss a beat.
When I comforted my babes in the heat of the day, head nodding drowsily, he kept in time
with the gentle gurgles from my sweet offspring.
I have nearly always lived in Suburbs , and Mr Red Eye Turtle Dove has constantly warbled
to me every day of my life...... it would just not be the same without him.
The Brown Hooded Kingfisher has his place in our lives but his is not a calming sound,
rather he can get one's nerve ends on edge, as his call signals the end of another long
exhausting day, and there is still so much to be done !!
The Hammerkops' noises too have become part of our lives and I have noticed the
strangest antics from them recently.
For most of the year there is just one pair.... Hammer and Kop we call them and we know
them both intimately.
They work equally as hard as each other gathering gathering gathering, sticks, grass and
objet's d'art to decorate their gigantic home way up in the tallest tree in Bulawayo.
Last week though, there were several pairs milling around the canopy, and their familiar
sounds became totally different. More demanding, insistent even, we thought Kop might
be laying her eggs the sound was so urgent.
But no ... bad birds. they were having a Hammerkop mating dance frenzy... ssssh (a kind
of tree top feathered avian orgy !! )
The Jacksonville Zoo has studied Hammerkops in captivity and they report that
Hammerkops have been observed in "group ceremonies", usually near a nest.
As many as 10 birds may call loudly while running around each other in circles, a male
sometimes mounting a crouching female and pretending to copulate. Crests are raised,
wings fluttered, and a chorus of cries continues for several minutes.
True mating is usually done in the privacy of individual nest sites, and may be preceded
with displays similar to those observed during "group ceremonies".
Now Hammer and Kop did not undertake these rather risqué actions last time they built a
nest in our Faraway Tree, but then they did not breed that year, so lets hope this courtship
ritual signals that we might have some baby Hammerkops in the spring, and at long last I
will become a Granny !!
Passed away peacefully in Bulawayo on 14th February 2008 after a bravely fought battle
against cancer.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be forever with us. His courage and
optimism were an example to us all. He made us so proud.
Rest in peace Dad. We love you so much and will keep the barstool warm for you.
Cathy & Alli, Chris & Lizzie, Harry & Angus.
MOON MITCH
Our sincere condolences to Cathy, Audrey, Allison, Chris, Lizzie, Harry and Angus
on the sad passing of a very great friend who will be greatly missed.
Barry Adrienne Elaine Mike and Michelle
MITCH MOON passed away on 14 February 2008. Our deepest sympathy to Cathy Alison
and Chris.
much love
Rick and Maggie
JAMES COWDEN, PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY ON 16TH FEB.
LIFELONG FRIEND OF TREVOR & YVETTE
Joy Gavin, formerly of Bulawayo, passed away suddenly in the Chipinge Clinic in the early
hours of Friday morning, February 8, 2008, aged 81. She is survived by her husband Bill,
daughters Colleen Lang and Bernice Hotter and their respective families. She was the most
wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, and will be sorely missed by all who knew and
loved her.. She however will be rejoicing, safe in the arms of her beloved Lord.
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR ANNETTE BOWES
There will be a memorial service to be held at the Church of Ascension, LEANDER Ave,
Hillside, on Wednesday 20th February at 3.00 p.m.for Annette Bowes.
Would all friends of Annette please accept this invitation.
Tea will be served after the service.
OUR SNCERE SYMPATHY IS SENT TO ANNE FERGUSON ON THE PASSING OF HER DAD FROM
ALL AT EDITH DULY NURSING HOME
We can all be angels to one another. We can choose to obey the still small stirring within,
the little whisper that says, Go. Ask. Reach out. Be an answer to someone's plea. You have
a part to play. Have faith. --Joan Wester Anderson
God puts a tear in your eye
...so that you can see a rainbow.
-Author Unknown-
15) TIDBITS
Wishing you strength from strength,
Go placid amidst the angels,
"ALL GLORY COMES FROM DARING TO BEGIN"
Eugene F. Ware
You know that children are growing up when they start asking questions that have
answers. --John J. Plomp
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