Chomp's Medical Check-Up

Chomp had a thorough check-up last night. Darren B (here seen cradling Chomp in his lap) and Darren W checked him out properly. Luckily they didn't find any external wounds, bleading, etc but it was very clear that Chomp has a bad case of lice and he didn't mind sharing them with Darren and Darren. So, if you see Darren and Darren going around scratching, you know why.

House Guest

This little cutie has made himself at home on the outside of our verandah. He is tiny (I guess about 2cm long) and very colourful. I contacted Dr Alan Channing of the Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Department at the University of the Western Cape. He confirmed that it is a painted reed-frog (rietpadda in Afrikaans). They come in various colour patterns and are not poisonous. More information on these can be found in his book "Amphibians of Central and Southern Africa, Alan Channing, 2001. Many of the photos in the book were taken by Dr Channing during time spent in Mwinilunga (just further north from where we are). The book is available at www.amazon.com.

Checking out the Neighbours?

Each house has an enclosed verandah where we often enjoy a sundowner or dinner and of course check out the neighbours. At the moment though, it also does duty as the storeroom but hopefully we'll soon have a shed or something where we can store the beer cases, bicycles and garden tools.