Now that really IS cute :)

Be afraid, be very afraid!

Today an acquaintance's wife was rushed to hospital in South Africa with suspected RABIES! This made me rush off to my vet friend to discover more details about a truly terrifying disease that is rampant in Zambia and about which I discovered, I had insufficient knowledge. I've lived in Africa for most of my life and have been aware of rabies in animals but NEVER before had first hand knowledge of someone who may well be infected with the most horrible and untreatable ailment I have heard of!

The law in Zambia states that ALL dogs must be vaccinated against rabies annually. It doesn't enforce the vaccinating of other domestic animals like cats and horses, but most of us, being aware that ANY warm blooded animal can catch rabies and, hopefully being responsible owners, would vaccinate all our pets as a matter of course.

Firstly I discovered that the incubation period for rabies is 10 days, during which the animal shows no symptoms at all but is still highly infective! During this 10 day period you or a member of your family can be infected by something as simple as your dog licking you in a place where you might have even the tiniest open wound. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BITE YOU! Bear in mind that at this stage the animal is showing no signs of being ill in any way whatsoever! The rabies virus is ONLY passed through saliva. It lodges itself in the soft tissue around the wound and from here spreads into the nervous system and from there to the brain. By the time it gets into the nervous system, it is too late for the 'after bite' antidote to work, the disease will progress to its natural conclusion - DEATH - and there is no treatment available that can stop this!

Most humans would only rush off to the doctor for treatment if they had actually been bitten by an animal either showing signs of the disease or by one that had not had its annual vaccinations. As can be seen from the above, this may well be too late!

Does it not make sense then to VACCINATE your animals against this dread disease if only in the interest of protecting your family? Sadly it seems that some people work on the principle that it 'can't happen to me' and don't bother. Although it is a legal requirement here in Zambia and is available at a ridiculously low price (almost free in fact!), there are STILL some idiots who don't do it! Not because they can't afford it and not because they don't know about the existence of rabies but just because they can't be bothered and unless their dog actually bites someone, the law is unlikely to catch them!

It would seem that this is what has happened to this woman - by the time her dog was showing signs of possible rabies and proceeded to bite her, it is most likely that a good 15 days had passed from initial infection to bite. Although she went to the doctor and was given the 'after bite' treatment, it looks like it was already too late. From her symptoms, it seems most likely that she has developed the first stages of full blown rabies and can probably be expected to die a truly horrific death anywhere in the next three to seven days. There are no blood tests or brain scans that can show signs of rabies - the only way to absolutely diagnose the disease is after death when the brain has to be dissected and lesions are found! There is NO other way!

And all this could have been avoided by the initial vaccination of her dog - a 1ml injection at a cost of maybe 25c. Knowing how rampant rabies is in this country, how could ANYONE neglect to properly vaccinate their animals? How could anyone be so incredibly STUPID!!!

No coffee for me tonight - I think I need a stiff brandy!

My kingdom for a horse!

Today was a 'horsey' day. Big horses, fat horses, little horses and naughty horses. We own three horses. I use the term loosely here because in actuality, the girl child 'owns' three horses, her father and I just foot the bills! She has been riding since before she was born - really! When I discovered I was pregnant with her I was so annoyed since I'd just started getting back into my own riding that I refused to stop until it became obvious to everyone (myself included) that, at seven and a half months it was almost impossible to get OFF the horse. Getting on was a piece of cake, getting off required the services of two grooms and a husband and a great deal of patience from the horse, an elderly retired police horse who seemed to understand these things and would stand stock still while I descended in a heap, hanging round his neck with attending helpers balancing the front bit so I didn't fall on my face (gravity being generally towards the front by that stage!).

We've all heard the theories that playing Mozart to your unborn child gives you a good chance of having a future musical genius, so I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised when her first word was 'WORSE' and not the usual mummum or dada. As soon as she could stand she demanded her rights to ride and would sit on my horse in front of me while the groom led us down to the stables. At age three she had her first official riding lesson and by four did her first lead rein class in a proper show. And it was all downhill for her dad's cheque account from there!

Over the years she's had some very special ponies and horses - starting from a dinky little part shetland painted pony of 10 hands to the current favourite, another painted horses standing over 16 hands with a jump to match. Officially named Castle Rock, he rocks to the name of Elvis with a real rock star swagger. We also have a semi retired chestnut thoroughbred mare called Amanita who does stunning dressage but is a bit of a lunatic in the jumping arena and her last pony before she grew too tall, a super little Arab gelding that I bred myself and that is as much a part of the family as my children. His name is Al Lahab and there is still a special bond between the two of them. He was the one who taught her all the 'tricks' of riding (literally, he knew them all!) and made her into the tactful and thoughtful rider she is today.

As you can tell, I have a deep love for horses. It's very satisfying to see the girl child achieving in her riding what I was never talented enough to do myself. If I sound proud it's because I am!

Anyone for coffee?

And now for something completely different......

My apologies to Monty Python - I have ALWAYS wanted to use that line in print! It conjures up such interesting ideas and thoughts and brings to mind a parrot, a deceased parrot nailed to its perch! Sorry, I just can't help it - I was a huge Monty Python fan in their day and still appreciate and enjoy that ridiculous type of humour. It often gets me into trouble with the younger generation who, sadly, never had the opportunity to enjoy it and so look at me pityingly when I make an off the wall remark in response to a given situation. The girl child has taken to whispered asides to her friends of "Don't mind my mum, she thinks she's funny!" OUCH!

Today I discovered that I had made an astonishing breakthrough in educating the youth of today to the wonders of the 70's and its great musical talent! As I, once again, played taxi driver to a carload of giggling 17 year old girls, the girl child pushed a CD into the player and announced to her mates that this was really cool music. Knock me down with a feather duster - it was last years 'hated with a vengeance and complain loudly and at great length' Cat Stevens CD I bought for myself as a 'perk me up' gift! She and I then proceeded to astonish her friends as we sang 'I'm being followed by a moon shadow' in perfect harmony (well I like to think so!) on route to the chicken take away place. In fact they were so astonished, they all forgot to talk for a whole 5 minutes! Parents of teenage girls take note - Cat Stevens is a sure fire way to quell even the loudest teenager. This little gem of information may well save your sanity one day and then you'll all be rushing to my blog to post your thanks - lol

Do you ever have those 'moments' of absolute clarity where you're quite convinced that you have solved the mystery of the Universe? Or at least how to use the DVD player or found out how to put the TV back onto the movie channel after some silly fool has put it on the music channels and then buggered off? I had one of those EUREKA moments today! It was awesome as I finally felt in charge of at least one item of modern technology - the new fancy microwave that I have only been using to defrost things in this past six months. Sadly it was a necessary replacement for my much loved old faithful when a power surge blew all its innards and the Mr Fixit man insisted, very firmly, that it was beyond repair and not worth bothering with anyway. It was a sad day indeed as I unpacked the new one and discovered that, even with the manual written by a mad Japanese person, I had not a clue how to make it 'do' things! Today, I discovered how to set the timer! A little thing I hear you mumble - yes indeed, but a giant breakthrough in my ever continuing quest for supremacy in my kitchen. Hah! Take that Microwave - I have attacked the unknown and conquered! :)

And so with my newly acquired knowledge on heating a mug of water in the microwave,

Coffee anyone?

The TRUE meaning of life!

Yesterday I found myself discussing the meaning of life with a friend. Sitting here now, I can't think of a better subject for tonight's ponderings over a great cup of coffee!

So what is the meaning of life? How do we see ourselves in the greater scheme of things? Is it our desire to rise to the top of the corporate ladder or the amount of money that we can earn that gives meaning to our life? Is it family and friends that give us meaning and our sole reason for living? Is it the grand gestures or the small details? I think it is life itself and our ability to grab it with both hands, live it to the full and to appreciate and enjoy every precious moment!

Alternatively, the TRUE meaning of life could just be an onion! :)

Coffee anyone?

A day in the life.......

Now I must admit to feeling rather guilty about my poor blog. I've been dreadfully neglectful this past month! Time seems to fly by regardless, so here I am again - apologising to my readers for my lack of attention. Sorry :)

Life has become more complicated lately with the girl child's 'O' level exams upon us and a timetable designed by some mad person in Cambridge! I spend all my days running up and down between the house and the school with little respite. It had better be worth it - all As or nothing is my motto! LOL We did the art exam last month (see picture of one final piece inserted!). I am very proud of her work - sadly they don't get them returned to deepest, darkest Africa so a photo is all I get to keep. Oh well only three more weeks to go and we are FREE - halleluya!

I am planning our annual trip to civilisation! This is the highlight of the year and takes up a considerable amount of internet surfing time. The girl child has demanded a respite from Milton Keynes and is off to Rome with a few mates for a week. Hubby and I are thinking of a trip to Scotland to do a spot of Nessie spotting! All still in the planning stages but should be fun I think.

Winter is sneaking up on us at last! Positively chilly this morning, even the dogs didn't want to get up. The garden is looking lovely in its 'in-between' stage. After the rain and before the cold. I've been inspired to plant some petunias - the ginger cat immediately 'unplanted' them for me! So I planted them again :) And I am thinking 'water feature' again this year! Maybe! There are lots of birds in the garden making use of the bird bath - lovely to sit on the verandah and watch them twittering about.

So life is good!

Coffee anyone?

And here we are......back again!

It's been a frustrating couple of weeks to say the least. First my connection went on strike - my service provider still hasn't told me what the problem was and, to be quite honest, I am so fed up, I'm not sure I actually care any more!

Then I was struck down by the bite of one of the smallest yet most deadly creatures in Africa. The mosquito! A particularly nasty dose of malaria saw me in hospital for several days and, although technically now recovered, I am still feeling the after effects. Still, I am generally much improved from a week ago - I am grateful!

The horse competition season is starting again at last with our first show next weekend. Sadly the girl child is in the middle of her 'O' level exams so will be unable to ride but I shall be there cheering on the home side. I am actually quite relieved not to have to do all the horse moving and preparing that comes with attending horse shows. It will be good to sit back and watch everyone else panicking for a change!

So - anyone fancy a coffee?

Internet stalkers!

A subject that came up a while ago and sent me off on a voyage of discovery on the internet! I was seriously disturbed by what I learnt and feel the need to pass it on.

It would seem that 'stalkers' are all around us and come in all shapes and forms. We are all aware of the dangers to our children and most responsible parents keep an eye on these things but how aware are we of the stalkers who target the lonely and emotionaly vulnerable in our society?

Recently I became aware of a person that has manged to con three different women into developing a relationship with him, solely through the use of internet forums. It's scary to think that this person is still out there and while these women have fortunately discovered the truth in time, there are still others at risk.

The stalker generally develops a relationship in a chat room or forum. He seems a really great person and as the relationship begins to blossom, the victim begins to rely on his internet pressence and to see him as a friend and a shoulder to cry on - this is called 'grooming'. Eventually emails are exchanged and the relationship becomes more intense. The stalker will tell the victim anything she wants to hear and will become an extremely important part of her life. They might even make plans to meet and will probably make phone contact.

What does the stalker want? It is usually a power game. There are stories from conned women about suddenly receiving an email from a supposed 'relative' to say that the stalker has died. Then a whole new round of emotional abuse starts. Sometimes, it's about money but usually it is just about some warped sense of power to manipulate a fantasy world and to control the victim. It becomes an emotional roller coaster. It amuses the stalker to control the victim and to put them through the wringer. They are twisted people!

It's horiffic and it's up to us to protect ourselves from these stalkers. You need to remember that you have NO IDEA of who you're talking to on the internet. They can tell you anything! Don't give out your email unless you are ABSOLUTELY sure and NEVER give out personal details like your telephone number or address.

Please be sensible and be careful out there!

I am appalled!

I just received the most shocking and heartbreaking information from Zimbabwe that I want to share with you.

It would appear that the government run National Parks Department has decided to open a new commercial crocodile farm along the shores of the Kariba Dam. They plan, so I am informed, to start a 'cull' programme of the elephant population in order to feed these crocodiles. The numbers they have in mind are 50-100 elephants a YEAR! The letter I received states that the elephant population in Kariba can not support this sort of destruction.

I am appalled that these magnificent animals are being put under threat. They have occupied this area for centuries and have always been considered to be 'part of the family' by the residents of Kariba. They are used to tourists and residents and cause very little damage or harm to the human population of the area - almost being considered tame by the residents!

Are they to become yet another casualty of Robert Mugabe's money grabbing, tyranical dictatorship? With the 'muzzling' of the foreign press in Zimbabwe, this story will only find a voice if people like you, who are reading this, pass it on and use any contacts you have to alert the International Community to this disaster in the making!

Thank you for taking the time to care :)

My friends and other animals.

I confess, unashamedly, to being an animal lover of extreme proportions. Over the years I have come to realise that animals, in general, are far more predictable and loyal friends than their human counterparts. They are always pleased to see you no matter what the time of day and are happy just to be near you in companionable silence.

I have two cats and three dogs, all with their own special personalities, quirks and quidities. There is Mistress Purdee Tat, so called for her aloof disdain of 'things unimportant in a cat's life' and the faintly snooty look she can call up when the occasion calls for it. Her sometimes tolerated companion, Chuck Norris, is a rough and tumble young thug with serious ginger cat ATTITUDE. So named by the girl child for his perceived resemblance to the original, he is a rather clumsy young man who rugby tackles my pot plants and shreds the toilet rolls with gay abandon.

The 'grumpy old man' of the group is my Toy Pom, Dexter. Acquired as a minute puppy nine years ago, he believes that I am his personal property and wherever I am in the house, you can be sure he is somewhere close by. Surprisingly fierce for the smallest animal in the house, he keeps everyone in line and will even have a go at the Great Dane if he feels she has stepped into his 'personal space'. The amazing thing is that everyone keeps a respectful distance and a wary eye open!

Next in the pecking order is his son Pumba. Due to an unfortunate accident in his youth, Pumba has no tail. He is an adorable little teddy bear dog with huge appealing eyes. My husband calls him the 'diddums dog' because of his ability to make you feel sorry for him no matter what the situation. His favourite treat in the whole world is cashew nuts! He will sit at the side of your chair and WILL you to give him one - if he was a human, he would be one of the great hypnotists!

Clown of the house is the rescue Great Dane who came to live with us about 18 months ago. Starving both of food and affection, she came to us a skinny, neurotic wreck and is now a fat couch potato of note. Gemma is actually a very clever dog - she just hides it well! She has a food fixation disorder which manifests itself in displays of absolute nuttiness every time I stand up and even LOOK like I might be heading to the kitchen. She has 'clicker' trained herself to the sound of my laptop shutting at night, knowing that once I shut up shop for the night, more food will be forthcoming when I put her to bed. She can have every appearance of a dead dog until the click of the laptop shutting and then all hell breaks loose!

They are all my best buddies. They make me laugh with their antics and they keep me company when I'm down. Where else would you find such a fun bunch of 'people' to be with?