Spring in the Southern Hemisphere

Having spent most of the week alone in Khartoum, while my husband worked down in the south of the country, I was a bit drained by time Friday arrived. It was the second week since I’d arrived in North Africa and I was feeling homesick for my cool and lush garden at home. I don’t even want to mention my family, grandchildren and pets back there in South Africa.

As I often do when I’m feeling a less than cheerful and positive, which is not often, I browse through my photographs. Imagine the nostalgia that was brought to the fore when I came across images I’d taken in the garden only days before I flew out of the country.

There was the young wild plum (Prunus cerasifera) which had shot up in closely beside my Japanese Snowball Bush. (Viburnum plicatum). Earlier this year, John and I chopped it out as best we could without hurting the Snowball Bush. Obviously it is more tenacious than we thought, so here it was growing again.

It was therapeutic to allow myself to "wallow" a little. I also I marvelled at the fragility and beauty of nature.

Stop press: Thank you to everyone of my fellow bloggers who blostered my courage by commenting and e-mailing me. It was heartwarming to have so many people out there who care.

My darling husband arrived home safely on Thursday evening. The nightwatchman has not yet returned to work. However, the power is still on. Praise God!