Handsome woodpecker tapping on the trunk of the avocado tree. Not the Ground Woodpecker so common to this area, one of only three Ground Woodpecker varieties in the world, but the Goldentailed Woodpecker, Isibaqwebe, Campethera abingoni. A lover of woodlands from Tanzania to Angola, with a barbed tongue for finding insects and quite distinctive markings.
It was such a good, relaxing weekend — friends popping and out, plenty of hugs, sweet ripe strawberries and cream, books to read, walks down country lanes.
An acquaintance from a neighbouring village came around to borrow some books I have on the theologian Dietrich Bonheoffer and we sat outside talking about Bonhoeffer’s life and ideas. Woodpecker busy in an overhead tree. Buddleia, Deutzia and Polygala all in flower. The big dog ambled out and lay down on the grass, indulged himself in the sin of onanism as we were chatting.
Theological acquaintance (incredulous): What is that dog doing?
Mary (mildly): Stop it Satchi, be a good boy and go to sleep.
Dog: Self-love! May I recommend it?
Smile..;)
I had a wonderful week end also. The simple joys!
Good to hear it Lou!
As my brother said:
“Do you know why the dog does that?”
me: “no”
Brother: “Because he can!”
With luck the dog can be neutered soon and polite conversation might be possible again.
Nice. I do love how dogs can simply languish. Always say that we need to be more like our dogs.
We forget we’re animals too, we forget how to just relax and enjoy ourselves.
He’s beautiful. We have a couple different kinds of woodpeckers around here, and flickers, which I love. Self-love, indeed.