Rains and bicycles

December 7/8, 2011

Short rainy season is upon us.  We had a little flooding in the house last night when the rains come down with wind. This morning we woke up to something hitting the screens. I first thought that it was raining again. A lot of bird chatter was happening. When I looked out in the dawn light, I could see something flying by with a bird chasing it. More hits on the screen. I realized that the rains had stirred up an amazing amount of Katydids. They were landing on the house and screens to avoid being caught by the birds.

They were tan and green, 1inch to three inches, and at least 40 if not more on one window. We have perhaps 25 windows, consequently there were many on just our house.  The swarm is something that the locals are exceedingly happy and thankful about.  The insects(wadudu) are a source of food that comes only a few times a year. Dan has heard of a recipe if we want to try them. And we don't have to catch them, only go to buy them in the market.  Or maybe ask the watoto (children) around here to catch them for us!!

We did have another swarm a few weeks ago, but were left with only wings on the ground around the house.  Not the same insect, but I'm guessing that those were flying ants.  They are edible, too! No photos of the tan wings which were a good inch long. I am thinking that these rains will bring more mosquitoes if water stands around. The night of the 8th brought a swarm of bees losing their wings. We wait with baited breath to see what flies tonight!!

Usually there are three rocks to hop across

Thankfully, most of the rain runs off or evaporates with the intense solar power of the sun. The path that we take to the campus is across the stream that was a flash flood last night.

This place has only a one hop crossing

  It roared and sounded like a waterfall which it was for a time. Of course, Richard took photos. By this morning it was down enough to make big, careful hops across it.

There haven't been any big trips or safaris lately, only classes at Tumaini, English or Swahili lessons,  an occasional dinner at a restaurant, and shopping for groceries. I have some photos of the work that needs to be accomplished so we can ride in the car to buy that food at the market or in a store.

Downhill ride

Uphill push

These are only a few of the bicycles that we see as we drive on the road and pass them. God bless them for all their hard pedaling and for the dangerous roads they travel on. Notice the edges of the pavement and all the traffic. It is the way to make a living.

 Many people don't have even have bicycles to ride. They carry their packages on their heads.  The riders I see are mostly men and older boys. In fact I have only seen one young lady riding a bike. At that time I didn't have a camera to ask to take her photo.

An almost unmanageable load of charcoal 

Other photos we have missed include pigs and chickens in baskets, long lumber pieces, stacks of baskets, even a small refrigerator. The people seem to have great ingenuity when it comes to transporting  purchases and items for sale.

These red hibiscus hide a bird by the lower one, click to see!

I am looking forward to this week-end because there is a Christmas Fair on Saturday. Perhaps it will feel more like home to be in such a colorful and busy situation. The scenery has become green since the rains started in the last month's time. Flowers in the garden continue to bloom. Insects, birds, and even lizards are colorful. The Creator has provided a tapestry of colors and it is a masterpiece!