Zambia World Wide

Conclusion

Enjoying your retirement years can cost you nothing

Today at the age of 78yrs I have retired in Villiersdorp. It is also known as the Pearl of the Overberg. It is a tranquil town graced by Oak trees and surrounded by fruit and wine orchids. Its geographical coordinates are 35 59’ 0” South, 19 17’0”East. Here the air is still sweet and smog free.

In the Summer I enjoy my breakfast outside under the grape vine pergola. Here I have a front row seat to best performers free of charge. It is a full program with live music, unrehearsed spectacular acts and entertainment.

My garden is a bird’s paradise with approximately 20 different varieties. The sounds of loud music can originate from the haunting cries of the Hadedas or the screeching of the Guinea Fowl and of course the Weavers. The softer sounds needless to say come from the Turtle Dove species.

The entertainment comes from the Olive Thrush, the Cape Robin and the Fiscal Flycatcher as they go about finding their worms. Then there are the different Sunbirds that simulate the helicopter with its controlled backward and stationary flight beating their wings at eighty strokes per second while their long beaks suck out the nectar.

At times there are the side shows where I can look up into the grape vine and watch how the Doves rear their young or at the Squirrels that perform some amazing acts as they leap from branch to the branch in the Oak tree. During the breeding season of the Weavers you can watch these Do-it-yourself artists, which are rarely surpassed as they go about building and designing their nests. Their patience, ingenuity and skills are remarkable. To think that the survival of the animal life is based purely on instinct, one can’t help but envy them.

When having lunch outside we always have the company of a Cape Robin who collects his share from the table. When digging in the garden you are never alone. The Cape Robin, Olive thrush and Fiscal Fly catcher are always present knowing that they will get a worm or two.

Sadly to say there are times when you are faced with live drama performances, which fortunately only takes place for a few days in the year. When the chicks of the Weavers are hatched the Gymnogene Hawk will make its appearance. The Hawk although a beautiful specimen, normally only spells drama when it’s around. It will remove the Weaver chicks from their nest and perch close by where you can only sadly watch as it tears the young live chicks apart as it devours them.

We have our share of Garter Snakes, which to us, is a huge benefit as they eat the snails and slugs. To watch them go into the shell with their mouth open as they slowly swallow the snail is unbelievable. At times you get the impression that the snake has become wedged in the shell and it must surely die of suffocation but somehow it survives They do such a good job in keeping the snails at bay that they are a pleasure to have in your garden.

Have you ever asked yourself why birdsongs are a delight to the human ear and yet they are often a repeat of the same phrase.

For those who disagree as they find the crowing of a cock or the screaming of owls unpleasant don’t despair as nature will provide you with some other entertainment that you will find entertaining.

The happiest people do not necessary have the best of all. They simply appreciate what they find on their way.