Last evening it rained heavily again in the Sun
City, making it two days in a row. I am sure the farmers would have tilled the
land by now. It is time to sow their crop. Rain is the mainstay in the deserts
for any crop. Hope the Rain God showers his blessings through this rainy season
upon them.
Rain meant another no watering day. This no
watering business could extend for another few days if the weather remains
overcast and cloudy. Chances are, that we shall receive some more today.
This gave me some more time for preparation of
pots for the new arrivals. The seller has confirmed the dispatch of the plants.
In a couple of days, I would have a lot of work in the garden at my hands. Mentally,
I have already planned how I shall go about planting these darlings. Physically, all the ingredients are
ready. It is the wait that is killing.
The rains are an indication to the rain lilies
as their name suggests to get into blooming mode. As I walked out of the house,
my first visit was to the rain lily pots. They are all showing signs of growth
as some leaves have already sprouted. What I was interested in
discovering was whether they truly lived up to their name.
One had to sit down on his haunches and scan
each pot one by one. There had to be a few pots with buds. They didn’t
disappoint me. In one pot I spotted two buds, then one in another and another.
My heart swelled with joy and I smiled ear to ear. My hard work had
finally paid off. The
disappointment of losing a few hybrid rain lily bulbs while hoeing just
vanished. Welcome buds, keep budding through the season, I whispered to them.
A bright red hibiscus flower
seemed to overlook the proceedings. I smiled as it posed for me.
Now that I was armed with my camera, I thought
of taking a walk in the common garden infront of the house. Rain droplets were
sticking to the grass in the lawn as if thousands of pearls had been strung
across. Birds were sipping from the blades and I left them alone to enjoy their
energy drink.
A little ahead, a Sunbird kept calling me. She
was performing on the stage and I was the audience. I took this opportunity to
film her as she sang exclusively for me. Her other partners were singing in a
little distance. I left them to croon and fill the atmosphere with their unique
music.
The peafowl were calling aloud at a distance.
My footsteps increased pace to approach the boundary wall across which they
were exchanging notes. A majestic male sat atop an electric pole grooming
itself and calling his partner. To photograph them through the wire mesh was
very difficult but missing that chance would not have given me a story to
write.
Another male perched on the
boundary wall of the shamshan (open-air crematorium). As I took a pull up with one hand and holding
the camera in the other hand, it reminded me of climbing the seventh heaven in
NDA. With age the strength in the arms has reduced but the pull to take a good
photograph gave me the strength to hold on to the wire strands even
though they hurt my fingers.. Mission
was successful.
A few photographs and a peahen took flight from
the roof of the shamshan and joined its partner who was sitting all alone till
now. I left them to continue their love talks. They looked at me and ignored
me. Obviously, their priorities were very different from mine.
With fingers hurting, it was time to move back
home and recollect on what a beautiful Sunday morning had offered to start the
day. Fish were waiting for their feed. I apologised for the delay and explained
to them the reason too. They understood.
With the weatherman sounding another mild
thunder storm warning, I got indoors to pen my thoughts.
Is there a better way to start a day? I
wonder!!!!!!
JAI HIND
© ® NOEL
ELLIS
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