Leftover Compost

It has been about three weeks since I saw my last cucaracha! I speculate that the cat lost interest in bringing those he killed to my attention, because  I have done nothing to assist in this happy disappearance. Mind you, I still check the shower before I step in, but not only roaches are on the wane; I see fewer mosquito bites, and the little beetles that alight on my reading tablet at night have all but vanished as well. Sadly, my morning butterflies are fewer and fewer. The so-called wet season has a couple more months to go. What is at work here? Did they all return to university?

A territorial dispute played out just steps from my veranda. Daily, a foot-long lizard appears from under the vegetation that hugs the low wall at the back of the property, and he climbs the little tree next to the porch. He goes all the way to the end of a slim branch and bobs up and down in the breeze.

Yesterday, when he spotted another lizard atop the side wall between this and the next property, he began furiously to nod his head, dewlap fully extended. The one on the wall did the same. The one in the tree leapt to the wall and was instantly rebuffed and fell off. He renewed his attack further down the wall, climbing up and falling again. The second lizard, presumably victorious, ran up and down the wall. They both disappeared. And... SCENE.

A pair of kiskadees live hereabouts. They have a lovely call in the alto recorder range, and have striking bandit masks. They are too small for me to capture with my camera, but here is an internet pic:

Below: This chap is a magpie jay, also a visitor to the garden.

The past week or so has seen a real hot spell prevail. It is impossible to keep cool, as even the fans blow hot air. I sit as quietly as  possible, and still the streams of perspiration trickle from every pore. I've taken to freezing wet dishtowels and draping them inelegantly over my head and arms. I also sit with my feet in a bucket of water and ice cubes. I imagine this is a zero-sum game, though, as the movement required to furnish these remedies just adds more heat to the quotient. But oh, how lovely to feel those frozen towels for a long minute...

There is an anomaly of sorts in Nicaragua, having to do with the vastly superior quality of fruits and vegetables in Managua, compared with that in more rural climes. In the States, it is often the case that the best apples, sweet corn, and fresh poultry are to be found closer to the source than in the city. Not so here; the fruit and veggie markets out in the country ship their produce from Managua, subtracting a day or more from the product's shelf life. There also is more diversity to Managua's offerings. I can never find the giant avocados or red onions or eggplant in Diriamba. If I do find avocados, they are already smooshy and turning black. I will say that the watermelon -- sandia -- is fantastic wherever I find it!  It has become a staple food in my kitchen. No seedless varieties here, but oh, boy, is it sweet and delish!