Here are my answers to this week’s questions from pensitivity101
1. Do you like snow? As a snow-deprived South African, I find snow fascinating and love it when I find myself in a snowy environment. But I wouldn’t like to live in a frigid climate. 2. Did you build a snowman as a child and dress it with coal eyes, a carrot nose etc? I have never built a snowman in my life. 3. Did you have snowball fights? Nope – never. We played dodge-ball – does that count? 4. Did you have a sleigh? Once again – no. But I have skied in Verbier, Switzerland,.
1993 – 40-year old me experiencing the slopes of The Alps,
Rain, Wind, Hail, Snow – South Africans will still ‘braai’ Verbier 1993
Gratitude The novelty of snow is exciting and I am grateful that I have some snowy experiences. But I am grateful that I don’t live in extremely cold conditions. I love Africa!
1. What brings you the most comfort: food, friends, a good movie, pets, a walk on the beach/in the park, or something else When I enter a game reserve, I breathe more deeply and feel almost euphoric. I also enjoy a lovely long walk on the beach.
Me in the Kruger National Park – Don’t worry – I was with a guide – and this was allowed!
2. Most of us love our food. Is there something you like but know you shouldn’t have it? I follow a healthy diet but I don’t believe there is any food that you ‘shouldn’t’ eat. The odd treat now and then is good for you! My guilty pleasure – croissants – any style! I have recently been introduced to the almond variety and oh my word they are delicious! This morning I was determined to have a ‘proper’ breakfast as if I eat too much ‘junk’ food I am in danger of getting diverticulitis which is not pleasant. But we went to “OppieStoep” in Bredasdorp after doing our shopping, and they had a special – Bacon, Avocado, and Feta on a fresh croissant! I could not resist!
3. Do you prefer a garden of flowers or growing vegetables, or do you not have a garden? I possess a wild garden! I’m not adept at gardening; my plants either perish or burgeon into a jungle. Most of my plants are indigenous but I also try to cultivate vegetables which is difficult because of the amount of time I spend away from home!
Veggies trying hard to growOne side of the back gardenThe other side of the back garden
4. Would you like to be rich, I mean REALLY rich? Of course, I would like to be really rich. I consider myself privileged but not rich but as my brother says, “I would rather be rich and miserable than poor and miserable.” My opinion on wealth is not a popular one. Without the rich, the economy would collapse. Wealthy people are entrepreneurial, have great ideas, create amazing things, and take risks. They also create jobs and provide opportunities for people to follow their career choices. While they spend extravagantly they are paying other people for those extravagances. When eating in fancy restaurants they are providing opportunities for chefs to create fabulous dishes. They reside in mansions designed by architects and built by artisans who value the work. Consider the funds they donate to charity, even if it serves as a tax avoidance strategy—it’s preferable to aid those in need than to enrich greedy politicians.
Remember, when a rich man fails and loses his millions those in his employ lose heavily too. With great privilege comes great responsibility.
Gratitude: Last week, I posted a photo of the elusive Klaas’s Cuckoo, a bird I frequently hear in my garden but rarely see clearly enough to photograph. Throughout my time in Struisbaai, I had never encountered a similar bird, the Diederik’s Cuckoo. To my delight, I heard its loud call in my garden a few days ago and, despite the quality of my photos, I succeeded in capturing it on two separate occasions. I am immensely thankful for the birds that grace my garden!
Here are my answers to this week’s questions from Pensitivity101
1. If reincarnation exists, would you like to return as a domestic pet or a wild animal? I would choose to come back as an elephant. Elephants are a matriarchal society and I identify with that. Also, you and you can eat and drink as much as you like and nobody cares how fat you are! Elephants command respect even from the king of the jungle the lion!
2. Do you think Zoos are a good idea? I do not like zoos. I know some good ones can be educational, but I prefer to see wild animals in their natural habitat. I dislike the idea of polar bears being in a zoo in a tropical climate!
3. Have you ever been to a safari park? While safari parks are generally better than traditional zoos, the animals are still kept in captivity and are fed by the rangers. I believe that animals should not be removed from their natural habitats, but we do not live in a perfect world. These parks can be educational and provide people with the opportunity to see wild animals without having to spend a fortune on an actual safari holiday. To answer the question directly: No, I have never been to a safari park. However, I am fortunate enough to have visited several game reserves where animals live in the wild without human intervention.
4. Have you visited an oceanarium? Indeed I have. Similar to zoos and safari parks, they provide education, conservation, and awareness. The animals are well cared for, yet one might wonder if they would be better off in the vast, wild ocean.
Grandpa explaining the mysteries of the ocean to his fascinated grandsons
Gratitude:
II am thankful for all the wildlife holidays I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing. I’m also thankful for the birds in my garden, especially for the beautiful Klaas’s Cuckoo that posed for me a few days ago. I often hear him but rarely see him.
Adventuring into Retirement 
