The screeching of the grass

More like the effect very long grass had on the mower, but it's scythed for the rest of the year. No gang of field workers around to do it, and I managed without the vodka. Now the neighboring cats can roam through the side yard without getting lost, although I bet they liked that jungly effect.
So I did delve into that Murdoch novel, and in an odd way I'm appreciating it. There's a slew of strange characters, including a fellow who is described as when a child, having seen his father killed by a camel when they were in Egypt on a long-planned trip. He also saw the aftermath, when they shot the camel. His wife says it's always on his mind, and everyone around him tries to be careful about referring to camels, but of course, it's difficult to avoid thinking of them. At a dinner party, another character asks for a drink, saying he feels as dry as a camel. The poor camelphobe breaks down and flees from the scene. Twisted humor.