From our balcony there is a wide panoramic view of Sarangani Bay, the beach and coral reef below, and the mountains to the north, including our resident volcano, Mt. Matutum. I sit on the balcony every morning and evening watching the sun rise, and set. I can see the weather 20-30 miles away, and watch the action of the winds on the bay and the movement of the fishermen. The birds are on the move too, in a sort of feathery rush hour, going to their roosting places, or moving out for the new day's quest for food.

The winds have shifted from the southwest to the northeast, a sign of impending arrival of the dry monsoon. That was yesterday; today the winds have shifted back where they have been for months. It will vacillate this way for a week or two then settle down in the dry season mode.

Rivers will shrivel, wells will have less water, and some will become brackish from salt water intrusion. Many trees will shed foliage to reduce water loss. The coconut palms will produce fewer nuts, and copra prices will trend upward.

In May of the coming year, the prevailing winds will shift back to the wet monsoon, to everyone's relief - April and May are the summer months of the tropics in the northern hemisphere. In line with this, the school year ends in March, and begins in June.

Life goes on.

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