May 07
When the farmer was afflicted with a cold, instead of dosing up on vitamin C and its ilk he decided to take a Maori bush remedy, having recently caught up with a visiting member of the local iwi who was collecting leaves on the roadside. “Steep a handful in water and drink the brew,” the …
May 05
The hippos lolling on a sandbank in Chobe River could have been mistaken for boulders – until our boat got stuck beside them. After tolerating our vessel’s roaring outboards for several minutes, they headed into the water. Some emerged nearby, only their eyes and ears to be seen. When Moffat, our boat captain, said he’d …
Apr 30
The farmer and I thank visiting family and friends for coping with cold showers, collapsing chairs and curious possums. About a year ago we bought eight new deck chairs which, as three hapless guests have taught us, have a design fault. So far three chairs have cracked in the same place taking three different guests …
Apr 23
When the farmer pops his head in the door and yells “As quick as you can,” I know he needs help – and fast. The expression was coined by his old friend and stock agent Goldie Rossiter. It’s best used when you want the other person to do something A) you don’t want to do, …
Apr 17
Obviously one of our cats is really a dog because she prefers dog food and she follows. When we set off on foot to move cattle it’s like being in a B-grade version of the movie, The Incredible Journey, where two dogs and a cat trek to wherever it was. It’s B-grade because the farm …
Apr 13
Dogs must get so exasperated with humans – we expect them to be obedient, but don’t take nearly enough notice of their instructions. I’ve recently attended four human obedience classes and now know that when a dog acts in an unusual fashion I need to respond. Lesson One happened when Kate, a smarter-than-average dog, rushed …
Feb 28
If car chasing’s your game, allow me to recommend Batley. It’s car chasing heaven or so close to it, you won’t know the difference. No more standing for hours by your garden gate only to have cars zoom by and leave you in the dust. Batley’s a dead end so your victims start slowly and …
