I sat in the back yard to read and noticed that the wind had changed directions and was blowing warm and easy, rather than sharp and cool. So, yes, it is true - summer is right around the corner. (I'm afraid spring weather doesn't last long... maybe just a few days!) Then I started thinking about rain, and how lovely it would be if the heavens just opened up and poured it down. I think our last rainfall was in March, if I'm remembering correctly, and yet, it could be months before Francistown sees rain again. I had almost forgotten how dry everything gets at this time of year... how thick the dust lies, everywhere!
I'm now at two weeks from my departure, and I'm starting to go through the piles to sort and pack up. This is an interesting process, as I still find it hard to believe that I have accumulated so much stuff in just two years. But really, when it comes down to it, it's not all that much - there are just several bulky or fragile items that are going to be interesting to pack, and then a lot of little things spread out all over the house.
I'm coming down to another series of 'lasts' in my life. It's hard not to want this time to be over... knowing the departure date is looming makes me want to just speed past everything and get there already. Not that I'm very anxious to leave; I just hate this in-between time. You may have noticed that patience is not my strongest quality. :)
Mom's birthday was this past week, and we celebrated the way we always do for all birthdays and holidays - with lots of good food. Good food must be the love language of Hammetts. :)
So how about some more pictures? It's been a couple weeks since I've done this, and there's a nice menagerie to share.
First, some Namibia flashbacks...
 Poolside sunset |  Fish River Canyon |
 Coming in to the coastal town of Luderitz - this was one of my most favorite days |  And back home again, across the Central Kalahari |
 Sulking |  The hazards of having a fat nose |
Third, good food and other stuff...
 The Pioneer Woman Cooks is one of my favorite cookbooks, a gift from a good friend... and my kitchen is always a disaster after I've been using it, a very good sign |  Sweet Orange Rolls.... from that very good cookbook :) |
 The power went out on one of the coldest nights this winter - but I love our fire place! |  My orchid is so close to blooming out again... think I'll be here to see it? |
 White Chicken Enchiladas for Mom's birthday |  And apple pie, per her request |
The day before Mom's birthday, we went to a nearby lodge to watch the sun set over a watering hole. It was so beautiful, and not very far from our house! As it got darker, we couldn't see the animals coming to drink (kudu and waterbok, mostly) except for their silhouettes in the reflected last rays of sun. Very cool...
And just because... one last picture to make you smile.
This was our rebel coconut...
