The weapon of choice for psychologists is ‘the couch’ with probing questions. Here a shot of gin and some manioc crisps loosens the body and mind – should

a smidgen of tension have snuck in – a falling coconut close by perhaps. Suitably slung after work one day I witnessed the daughter of a neighbour entertaining her little brothers – what fun not to have a telly to dull the senses! A rustic sight that seemed worthy of a click – photo on left.

Goat Under Frangipani Tree

This same family are the proud owners of Whisky, the goat. The effects of the drought meant that his normal set of circular domains, roped to various trees around their house, were getting bare so they popped him under our Frangipani tree. Although dry, there is a bit of vegetation to keep Whisky fed for a week or so – and he doesn’t take water with it. If you zoom in you’ll see him more clearly and beyond, the pale yellow fields that were lush and green only a month ago. More on this troubling drought on the next brief piece.