We will be living in Rivonia [not too far from Lilies Leaf Farm] for just on a year and what a blessing we’ve experienced. The “new” home is well kept and fully operational without needing repairs at all; we even have a working irrigation system going. Listening to some of the horrible stories’ friends tell us about their relocating to a “new” home, we are really and truly blessed. The garden is 70% smaller than the previous home and we get the opportunity to spend more time with our plants. I have such a lot of seedlings growing in my maternity ward.
Yesterday afternoon I had the most unique experience one can get while
living in the city. I met some of the guinea fowls living in our area which is
close by the Braamfontein Spruit. All of a sudden, we see an abundant bird life
exploding around us. We also have Rietfontein Nature Reserve close by with
porcupine, twisted and warped old trees; peace and tranquillity in the city. And
the birds. And some buck.
The other day my neighbour phoned me: “Neels, go outside and see guinea
fowls are walking on your side of the pavement.” That alone took me back many
years when I had guinea fowls in Morningside Sandton. I have lots of stories
about these fascinating creatures. I had a special relationship with one of the
males; we had shouting matches every other day; at times this got a bit noisy
while you and your wife are having coffee on the stoep.
And then he got killed. Well, that is a sad story for another day. I am in
no mood to tell that heart breaking story.
Yesterday was so special. It started a couple of days earlier on when I met
this couple [I think they were married because they are always together]. A male
guinea fowl and his female consort. Maybe she is the queens consort? I will ask
them when I see them again.
They were running up and down the road and grass sidewalk trying desperately
to enter through the palisade gate and fence. I greeted them and invited them
to climb through. Yes, they were welcome to come into the enclosure. But, no,
they wriggled to get through and eventually Madam made it. Hubbie became quite
agitated and there was, what I think some sort of angst: he the other
side of the palisade and she this side. I encouraged him and he squeezed
through.
We walked home; they were walking next to me but at a respectful
distance chatting to me as we go. We had a nice chat, while they were looking
for all sorts of invisible things amongst the plants and grass. It was time for
me to leave them and we said our good-byes. I left.
Yesterday, our visitors were on their way out when these two were on
their way up from the bottom of the street to us standing on top. And then Madam
saw me. She started to run. And I called her. Hubbie was not as keen to come;
he had enough stuff to discover all over the place and he did not come any
closer, keeping a keen eye on her. She ran towards me all the while talking to Hubbie
encouraging him to join her. At least, she said to him, I am an old acquaintance
of theirs, not so?
Eventually he came at bit closer. Reluctantly but he came. My friend
standing next to me froze; he did not move; not making any noise; tense as
tense can be; waiting and watching this lot unfolding in front of his eyes. There she was; at arm’s length from us. She
and I started chatting and he kept his distance. Eventually he joined the party
and we three kept the conversation going. We had a long chat; I am sorry if you
are unable to speak “Guinea Fowl” because you are losing out in life. Get a pair
of birds, get training and enjoy life with the birds. It is worthwhile.
Suddenly, they turned around walking off, still making soft soothing
noises as they took their leave of me and my friend.
Friend: “Oom Neels, do you do this every day?”
Me: “No. It was the very first time it happened.”
And I am longing for my guinea fowls of many years ago. They were
special. They were unique. They were mine. They were …
Please write me your story: neelscoertse@wirelessza.co.za
