Geckos or Why my Mom wouldn't like Uganda

The houses here are not built very "tight." When there's a breeze it ruffles curtains--and that's with the windows closed. There are additional screens above the windows. These screens do not have any glass behind them. While it's not that hot here--despite being on the Equator--neither does it get very cold. It never gets below sweatshirt weather.

Not only is the weather pleasant for humans, it's also pleasant for insects and animals.The great variety of birds in the area is amazing and several other critters make their homes here as well. One reptile that makes its way into the house at night is the gecko. My theory of insects and animals is that if it's not poisonous and it eats mosquitoes, it's my friend. I hate mosquitoes and they like me, not a good combination. The geckos are harmless. They hang out up near the ceiling and don't bother us in the least.

My Mom does not like reptiles in any form, so she would not like it here. In our family lizards and snakes and such are usually associated with my brother, Bob. Bob would catch salamanders and name them Ralph. Inevitably they would escape and find their way to the bathroom where Mom would find them. I don't know why it was always Mom who found them, but it sure seemed that way. The result was not pretty. Mom would not like the gecko factor about Uganda.

I had seen geckos on a couple of occasions in the hallway, but kept my mouth shut, hoping Bry'Chell wouldn't notice. When Bry'Chell first saw one it was in the bathroom. One night she went in and flew out dancing (the pee-pee dance) to find me. When I went in the bathroom it was gone so she could go back in without fear. Since then she's become used to them. I think it's reassuring to her that she sleeps under a mosquito net carefully tucked in around the mattress. She figures it provides some barrier against the outside world.

I've been having email trouble lately. Actually, I've been having internet problems as well. I've been trying to post on my blog for over a week and this is my first time making the connection. My CSU email hasn't been receiving mail since September 14, so anyone who wants to reach me should try my new UMU email at jbirgen@umu.ac.ug.

Well, the library is closing for lunch, so I have to go. Hopefully, I'll be able to get my next post up fairly soon.