Agriculture in Ethiopia

This photograph shows a farmer with his two sons threshing barley with a couple of oxen. This is a very common sight during harvest time, which depends on the crop. One may see barley, wheat, lentils and chick peas.

Agriculture in Ethiopia

Eighty percent of the population of Ethiopia are farmers. Methods have seen little change since time began. This farmer, with the help of his son, is preparing the soil to plant barley. As the seeds germinate and grow, weeding will be done by hand by the women in his family. Harvesting will also be by hand prior to threshing with oxen and cleaning with the help of wind, as will be shown over the next few days.
I have just returned from Ethiopia after a stay of nearly 3 months. It is the most fascinating country I've ever visited.

Tree of Africa

Lone Tree on the Prairies where Shadows reach the Horizon

I see this tree whenever I go to Eastend via Swift Current. It is different every time, but in the late fall it looks magnificent.

Red beech tree

Trees in the northern hemisphere, at this time of the year, show off their underlying splendour. This shot was taken at a park near Arundel, Sussex, England. It is a favourite of mine because the couple, out for their Sunday afternoon stroll, happened to be in sunlight just as I triggered the shutter. For the next few days, I'll feature trees from different parts of the world. You can see more great shots at Darren Rouse's website called Digital Photography School.

Betalehem

Let me introduce you to Betalehem. She is an orphan living in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. When my wife and I first met her in October '06, we thought she was about 6 yrs old, but she was 8. Her small size is possibly due to the fact that she has HIV/AIDS. It is hard to believe this beautiful 10-year old child has this life threatening disease, and it's been with her all of her life.
When I saw her again in October '07, I was somewhat concerned because parts of her hair had fallen out and her scalp was kind of scabby, and she didn't look very healthy. However, by January, '09, her scalp was looking just fine, and here is the photo I took then. Doesn't she just melt your heart? I'd love to bring her home, but I'm sure Canadian Immigration wouldn't let her into the country. They're heartless.
If you would like to help her, a little money would buy her clothes, a food treat, and a few school supplies. I've been told that she is getting medication.
On every trip to Ethiopia, when I visit her school, I'm scared she's not going to be there.

My favourite coffee hole

Jessica always has a smile whatever your order - coffee, tea, a sticky cinnamon bun, a wrap or a light meal. The hospitality at Shananigan's on the corner of 20th Street and 6th Ave W, Pr Albert, is always friendly, and manager Randy tells me their policy is to support Fair Trade suppliers. Naturally, my coffee order is always an Ethiopian tall.