Morning Mirror 74 7th December 2003

In this edition

Deep Fried Turkey Anyone?

Smalls 74


CROWS REVISITED

I agree Byo crow problem is man-made, therefore it is us, man, who should get it into some kind of balance. How do we educate people the laws of nature and importance of the balance of our environment.  I guess through our young, who no doubt are guilty of litter on their playing fields.

This weekend, my long time healthy canine companion, (who has proved her worth over the last 9yrs, with many hours of training gone by) very near to death through eating some morsel dropped by crows who sit in the tree at my back door.  According to my vet it was a severe viral inflection which attacked her system. When I mentioned the rubbish from the crows, he through his hands up and expressed despair.  A heavy bill later and she is now out of the woods.  Who comes first a crow or a wonderful faithful companion?  If she had died I would have been left devastated.

After coming from a farm and able to make an comparison, I now live on the outskirts of Byo town and have a dreadful fly problem which we never encountered on our farm. The variety of bird life on the farm was abundant.  We saw many, many chameleons, lizards, dung beetles etc etc.  All there to do an important little job in keeping everything in balance. Where are they all here? 

All I have is flies.

Maybe if there wasn't the crows, there would be food for all the raked-looking dogs that run around Byo. Who can say.

All I can say is anything out of balance becomes a problem, and it is usually humans who have been the cause.

BS

I enjoy crows - each crow has a character unique to itself. I often watch them when I am on the verandah enjoying a cuppa.

I have watched the crows gather in a large group on trees situated close to each other - and when a youngish looking crow arrives and settle - a little distance from the rest - all the other crows start 'scolding' the new arrival, bobbing their heads up and down. Maybe I just imagine this - but it certainly sounds like someone is being reprimanded and scolded. The younger crow the flies off - without a show, or a roll, rather like someone who has been corrected, suitably chastised. The older crows become quiet and all exercise away rapidly.

Our crows also exercise our dogs, up and down the garden at full speed.

Also sitting in a tree out of my dogs reach, and making aargh sounds, which set my dogs off barking and leaping. Crows make excellent exercise machines.

Don't blame the crows for breeding and killing off other creatures. We humans are at fault if anyone has to be responsible - maybe we should clean up our city. The crows would soon leave!

Tish Di Prinzio


THOUGHTS FROM ABROAD

To let you know, all Zimbos, that you are all constantly in our  thoughts and prayers. Though we be so far away, our every thought is with you all in your trying times.

As the Irish say :

"May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine shine warm upon your face
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we met again
May God hold you deep within the hollow of His hand"

Miss you all. Never does a day go by that we do not think of you all and that incredible country we route for.

A blessed Christmas to you all, and wishing 100% of all you wish for in 2004.

Mary Cooper (nee Mc Manmon)
Orpington, Kent, UK
2 December 2003


CONGRATULATIONS

Kendall - to Al & Dean, a daughter - Amy Erin, born on 24th November.

Lots of love & congratulations to you both - may she bring you lots of joy, fun & laughter.

From all the very proud grandparents, aunts & uncles !


CONDOLENCES

The message I would like to send for Ronald Sargant.

Sincere condolences to the Sargant and Brebner families.Our heartfelt sympathy. Ronald may your heart be at peace.

Love Catherine Sargant, Craig and Damian


TIDBITS

And it's what we do in the present, that will make the future and write the past.

If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

' I am "white", I am African, I am Zimbabwean. I am Male and I am 25 years old.

I went to my roots in Ireland and I have returned home where I now know I belong. I feel the passion of my country more than ever and its need for me to work with my compatriots, of all backgrounds, in saving it. I believe in the future. I want to hand out red cards and commit myself to change.

Don't go elsewhere but stand firm with me and lets make our contribution to history by changing our country for the better, forever! It WILL happen. Be part of it!! '