The Cat Lady Returns – and other shocking developments

A few weeks ago we reported Irene’s once-in-a lifetime experience when a cat gave birth on her lap. 

And it has happened again (that’s twice in a lifetime).

The house cat has been pregnant and this week lay down on Irene’s lap. After a few minutes she started to strain and before long gave birth to the first of 4 kittens. I think we have found a new career for Irene as a birthing partner – but maybe it only works with cats!!

 

 In previous year’s we have talked about some of the eccentric electrical arrangements to be found in East Africa. Malcolm’s problem is he is too accustomed to the safety standards in Britain.

This week there was an electrical supply problem and one of our large carpentry machines was not working. When Malcolm inspected the plug there was what seemed to be a normal 13 amp fuse. Closer inspection revealed that the fuse was blown, and underneath was a spiral of wire. 

It seems that fuses are unnecessary parts of electrical equipment. Malcolm did try to buy spare fuses from a local electrical shop and the best hardware store in Iringa, but failed. Why use a fuse when a bit of wire will do?

 

To be fair plug fuses are a British ‘thing’ – 2 pin continental and American plugs do not use them. However, what was more worrying was that the main fuse protecting the building had also been replaced by a piece of copper wire. This is the large 100 amp fuse that in UK houses is sealed and should only be opened by someone from the electricity supplier.  This fuse is the last defence against a major electrical short circuit – or would be if it is in place.

But then, electrical problems don’t happen in Tanzania………………..

The final 'shocking' report is Malcolm's latest culinary disaster. You would think even he could manage to use an automatic bread maker. And yes, it tasted as bad as it looks!!

Call the Midwife (or Wanawake Paka)

Part of the wildlife here is a semi tame cat. It is often outside our house but is too timid to come in – that is until last Friday. To our surprise ‘outside cat’s fear seemed to have disappeared, and Irene was very pleased when the cat settled down on her lap.

However, this was not for a sleep. Suddenly the ‘outside cat’ started to strain and slowly gave birth to a solitary kitten. We think she decided Irene was the cat equivalent of a birthing pool.

 

As a result ‘outside cat’ temporarily become ‘inside cat’ in our house, and is just about tolerated by the pet cat, Tika, that lives here.

There is other wildlife that is not so welcome in the house. Snails here are larger than we have in the UK. This one was slithering up a child’s bike. To guage its size, the large tyre is from a 4 wheel driver land cruiser.

Life in Iringa is interesting and colourful. It is unusual to find carpets here. Most houses have bare floors with occasional rugs. On Sunday, on one of the town’s main streets, a local shop was measuring out a length of carpet. They were lucky no car drivers came and decided to park on it.

The Town’s Law Courts are located near Neema Crafts. One day we heard a marching band which was part of a parade of judges, lawyers and other dignatories making their way to the Court buildings. We are still not too sure why.

 

As for ‘Wanawake Paka’?  That means the Cat Lady; Irene’s new career path, maybe.