Monday, October 26, 2009

Water - a story.

Yesterday we were without water again. For the entire day. And on Saturday the water was cut off for half a day as well. My mood was not good. Although we have become used to water problems in our area (something to do with an old system of pipes that cannot handle the load), this was the longest we have been without water. We ranted and railed. Not being able to shower and wash my hair puts me in a vile mood. L'Usband felt there was not enough Information about the problem given through to us. Information! he grumbled, Information! At about 9 pm we got a call from the technical services department. With Information. Sorry, the problem persists, they are sending out a water tanker to the neighbourhood with water. By this time I had accepted the waterless day and my grubby state. Actually, I was beginning to see it all as an adventure (a bit late in the day, I admit). We took our three pails and marched up the hill in a roaring wind and pitch darkness - our area does not have street lights - to find the tanker. And two very friendly gentlemen to help us.

L'Usband shivering in the wind, waiting for the pails to be filled ...

... and the two very helpful council workers. Full of smiles. I was beginning to feel quite bad about my attitude. For one day I felt what millions of South Africans without running water in their homes experience every day.

We struggled home with our three pails of precious water. Against what seemed to be a gale force wind. When we got home, the water was on. Yes, the water was running through the pipes. And a little later there was thunder and almighty lightning flashes and the water came pouring down from the heavens, I kid you not.

I did not know what to make of all of this. I still don't know. But this morning, as I was clearing out my bookshelves to make space for new books, I came upon a book by Beverley Nichols called Merry Hall. I got it a few months ago at a car boot sale and I just bought it for the cover which has a lovely illustration (by William McClaren). I have never opened this book. I opened it. It fell open at this page -

I kid you not.

16 comments:

svetlana said...

Here is Svetlana with the No 1 comment. What a life you have in Africa. Very exciting. In Birsk it is also exciting when all the pipes do burst and we wash our hair with the snow. The good thing is that the nice man Mr L'Usband did not fall down and break his crown. (This is the little joke).

anonymouse said...

Scary indeed. I mean the bit where you opened the book. Is the little fella on top of the fountain doing the last trumpet call?
Hope your water woes are over.

Linda Sue said...

we're MELTING! OMG so much water here and there is more on the way in between drizzle- STORMS! so it goes- Our house is full of water, The dog and I are camped out on the living room fold out... and will be for THE REST OF OUR LIVES!!! I am sure of it - not boohoo-ing...expecially after reading Kendalee's post - her stellar attitude! No, this a test, merely a test...I still have my fingers so it can not be all bad....I am amazed at the picture that fell out of your book- water, indeed!

Deniz said...

i am sorry to hear about your water! i wasn't aware that there is a water shortage on your side of the mountain.
we do too often forget how precious water is and take it for granted. Thank you for reminding me!

Candace said...

Goodness, so so sorry, and hope all will be well soon. Over here, we are terribly spoiled, I'm afraid. One day without anything and the whole of Western civilization threatens to unravel.

Take care.
Candace

Anonymous said...

We take so much for granted - but then something happens to remind us of the comfort of our world compared to many others. Hope your water problems get sorted out - perhaps you should stock up on 'baby wipes' for grubby days!!

Shannon said...

I like how you were able to see the water problems as an adventure. It seems like when you made that shift, and looked at your day from a place of gratitude, you were rewarded with great abundance!

Hope you feel amazing after a fresh shower and clean hair. Ahhh...thanks for the reminders that there truly is so much to be grateful for.

Leenie said...

So sorry. Also ironic with hauling the buckets and the water there when you got back. Makes you appreciate. Our elctricity went off the other day and we almost panicked. We are so dependent on convenience. Loved Svetlana's joke above about L'Usband not falling down to break his crown.:D The book illustration was spooky.

nathalie et cetera said...

No! that illustration and the rain, I can't believe it! What an irony! It's when something becomes unavailable that we understand how much we need it. I could go for days without electricity, but not without water.
Good luck for the future...

Esti said...

Well, yes, pretty unbelievable. I'm sorry to hear about your water. And as someone posted above, we take so many things for granted...

at swim-two-birds said...

i love your water story, here in Belgium nobody is giving it a moment's thought what a luxury it is to open the tap, choose wether you want it hot or cold, stay under the shower as long as you like etc...
it is so obvious.

Denise Kiggan said...

No water! That's just NOT funny! But love the story that has surrounded it in your life of late!

Le 'usband said...

Aaah! Fame at last!

evencleveland said...

I love L'usband's comment.

What a story - and how funny that that illustration should pop up just then.

(PS - I like your new header, too.)

kat said...

Great sum up of your water woes! Hope all back to normal!

Anonymous said...

that is crazy.
i love that you bought a book just for the cover illustration. i would do that too.
but this day you had, pure crazy.
i'm always grateful for moments where i have the privilege of stepping out of my regular ways to gain some perspective that i can try to hold on to for a little while when my regular ways resume.