The woodpecker might have to go

Can you imagine what could have happened if a pair of woodpeckers were to be allowed pecking away Noah’s Ark?

Poor analogy to what I am about to write.

But by the way, our house is like a birds’ sanctuary, with birds making precarious nests on palm leaves and low bushes, some amorous merboks sleeping overnight on top of our Chinese lantern in front, while some other birds like sparrows sleeping under the shelter of some awnings at the back. I suspect there are some swifts too judging from some of the nests between terrace roof tiles and zinc cover attached to the wall to prevent leaking. But with the current bird flu scare, at night, I had to use a water sprayer to disturb those birds at the back, which are just outside some bedrooms.

The other problem is a neighbour’s “yim kai” or eunuch chickens to me, which are kept nearer to our kitchen than theirs because of their long backyard. We cannot complain about these illegal chicken coops, as we are not on talking terms and any action will escalate into a war.

Already, any police raid on their mahjong sessions had been blamed on us even though we were innocent of complaining.

I realize that many people have problems with their neighbours. Just look around you.

The other day, my wife and I went for “ice kacang” at my favourite coffeeshop in Pusing. I asked if it was alright for it to be brought over and proprietress agreed. Little did I realize the antagonism between her and the other woman.

Even though I had told the latter that I have confirmed with boss, she replied, “Really? So good?”.

To play it safe, she decided on using disposable tubs and told me to throw them after use! I even asked boss if it was ok to throw them into her bin and she jokingly said “Cannot!”