5 April 2014 There are signs of Winter already in the air, with the mornings becoming colder and colder every day. Appu finds refuge under the lemon tree in the cold mornings. His resting place has a dual purpose; it's a hideout from my grandchildren Alyssa ( 6), twins Marissa and Chrissa (6),whose hilarious outbursts and acrobatics have scared him. Appu has misinterpreted the children's excitement to make friendship with him as hostile actions. Whenever the children extend their hands of friendship, he is sceptical and runs away. As for Ram, the yellow weaver bird, he is packing up for departure , after a stay of 8 months. After months of hard labour, he is leaving behind a worthless skeleton of an unfinished nest, which is seen on a palm tree as a metaphor of stupidity. I felt it appropriate to send him off with some nice words. Kuri How are you gentlemen, after all these days? Appu and Ram Very well, what about you ? Kuri Everything is going