Day of rest

The global coronavirus infection rate passes 16 million. The US rate passes 4 million. South Africa heads toward half a million.
Overwhelming.

News blues…

As he presented his adjusted budget to parliament on Friday, Police minister Bheki Cele said gender-based violence (GBV), political killings and farm murders were some of the most stubborn crimes plaguing [South Africa].

… “There are far too many women killed in South Africa, many by people known to them. The accelerating scourge of GBV is affecting everyone, both young and old. We should all agree this is a societal challenge that needs all of us to deal with it decisively. It cannot be police alone,” said Bheki Cele.
Speaking about the impact of Covid-19 on the police service, Cele said 10,077 officers had been infected with the virus, and more than 95 officers had died. "When the whole world pressed the reset button, policing continued. When world economies collapsed, policing continued. When businesses closed down, policing continued. When everyone was locked down in their homes, policing continued. When news of police officers who were arrested for wrongdoing made headlines, policing continued. When statistics of the Covid-19 infections skyrocketed to alarming figures, policing continued.

Not to dampen Police minister Bheki Cele’s support for his police force, but what sort of policing continued?
This is not a rhetorical question.
Last week, two clerks at the veterinary clinic recognized me as the author of an article in the local weekly, “Village Talk.” (Justice, South African Style )
Both clerks thanked me profusely for sharing my experience on local policing efforts. One said, “Many share similar experiences of police doing nothing, but few write about it. We expect little from the police and that’s what we get.”
I felt disoriented by the experience of 1) being recognized in a small town where I know few people, 2) supported in my point of view and, 3) pleased by both.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

I take heart in the wonderfully sunny winter days in the Midlands. Very different to cold, wet, dark winters in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Despite the morning frost and ice, gardening under these conditions is a pleasure.
Nevertheless, a welcome sign that spring is on its way:
Last month, June 26, the sun rose at 6:52 am and set at 5:08 pm
Today, July 26, the sun rose at 6:45 am and set at 5:23 pm.
Harbinger of spring.