Author Archives: puppy1952

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About puppy1952

I am making the most of the South African Lifestyle and hope with my blog to share some of the adventures my husband and I are having in our retirement. We live at the Southern Tip of Africa in the small coastal town of Struisbaai. Earl and I have a Gecko off-road caravan and we travel around South Africa frequently. We are bird and wildlife enthusiasts so are often in game reserves.

Just Jot It January and Stream of Consciousness 13 January 2024

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Today Stream of Consciousness Saturday is combined with Just Jot It January and the prompt is Close-up or Close Up.

I enjoy taking photographs but I am really of the aim and shoot variety. Reasonable memory shots are usually the result of my efforts and I have an archive full of photographs from many years of recording just about anything since digital photography became a thing.

I received my first digital camera on my fiftieth birthday – twenty-one years ago. I guess it’s time my photography skills came of age! That little camera had a three times optical zoom and cost R7 000 if I remember correctly. At the time I owned a video camera which was my pride and joy but it was not digital. My camera did not have a video function so I still had to use both of them. 

My next digital camera came a few years later and I paid R 6 000 for a 12x optical zoom camera – Wow – was I thrilled with that. I could not believe that a camera so superior to my previous one cost R1000 less. And it had a video function so the video camera went into a junk cupboard and stayed there for many years before giving it away for nothing! 

But now to the point of the prompt – close-up. Well with my new digital camera, I discovered that close-ups were quite easy and great fun too. As technology improved I moved along with it by purchasing the newest in digital zoom cameras until at last I got one with a 65x optical zoom. My brand of choice was and still is Canon, and their PowerShot range is superb.  Each time I bought a new camera the price was less than the time before until the latest one.  Cameras now cost twice as much as what I paid before the one I have now – a Canon PowerShot SX70HS. I have to take great care of this one because it will cost too much to replace. My previous cameras have all been given to members of my family who coveted them!

Camera technology today is amazing. Who would have imagined twenty years ago that a phone would double as a camera? In fact, the cell phone is even more than that, and what a difference that has made to modern life!

Let me now close up this post with a few favourite close-up photographs. The Earl is in fact the best close-up photographer so I have also chosen from his folder too. He uses a Panasonic Lumex 60X with 60x optical zoom.

Giraffeclose-up by The Earl
Lion close-up by The Earl
Zebra close-up by me.

JusJoJan – Pastime Tuesday 9 January 2024

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The prompt word for today’s JusJoJan is ‘Pastime“ and it comes from Di at pensitivity101

A pastime is something you do that is enjoyable and helps to pass the time pleasantly. This I guess is opposed to something we do that is necessary for earning a living, duty, or survival. We actually spend more time doing things we have to do rather than doing something for pleasure but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy those tasks that are so essential in our everyday lives. 

To live we have to eat and to eat somebody has to cook. Isn’t it strange that when you have to do something you tend to enjoy it less? When it is a chore that simply has to be done we tend to dislike it. Now that the pressure is off, cooking has become more of a pastime than a chore. Admittedly I am lucky enough to have a husband who also enjoys cooking and now that we’re retired we argue about who is going to have the pleasure of cooking the evening meal! 

“Don’t worry, Darling.” I’ll say, ”I’ll cook tonight.” 

“Oh no, you won’t. I’m sure it’s my turn and I really want to try this new recipe!” will come the reply.

Isn’t life tough!

Then on the other hand pastimes that gave pleasure no longer do because of the limitations of old age. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. One remembers enjoying a long hike up a mountain but despite the enthusiasm, keeping up with the younger members of the family is a challenge and not quite as enjoyable as ten years ago! Hubby still thinks he can go out ski-boat fishing, a lifetime passion but although he goes from time to time the recovery time afterward makes it less enjoyable.

The trick, now, is to find a pastime that is enjoyable and does not strain the old body. Or rather to still do those things from the past at a slower pace! 

These days my favourite pastimes are, learning Italian on Duo Lingo, blogging, reading, listening to podcasts, and gentle exercise like walking and yoga. I also like playing word and number games on my phone. Hubby says it’s a total waste of time but I believe such games keep the brain functioning! 

I find that the wonderful thing about being retired is that there is nothing that needs to be done urgently. There is no rush so everything one does whether it is an essential task or a hobby is a pleasure. Things I used to dislike doing when the pressure was on is no longer a hassle. I like cleaning my house. I like pottering in the garden – although I won’t do anything back-breaking – I have a gardener for that. I like going out to do the shopping in an unrushed manner. Thinking back to the days of having a full-time career, running a household, taking care of my husband and kids, and still finding time for socialising, exercise, and hobbies, I wonder how I coped. But of course I did and I loved my life. I certainly love it still and am grateful for those active, busy days but there’s no wish to go back as my relaxed lifestyle now is just as enjoyable.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

The above verse is basically saying that everything is temporary and things are constantly changing, so we should therefore, move with the times, adapt and adjust to every situation, live one moment at a time, and choose to be happy doing what needs to be done as well as the chosen, amusing pastimes.

JusJoJan Gratitude Monday 8 January 2024

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Today’s prompt for JusJoJan is Gratitude. Thank you Sadjie for this word.

It is so easy to go through life taking things for granted. It seems that the more fortunate we are the less grateful we are for what we have. I have so often heard people say, “I got to where I am by myself through sheer hard work.” And although this might be true it wouldn’t hurt to show some gratitude for the opportunities that presented themselves or the people who helped make things happen along the way. I don’t believe we can take credit for everything we have achieved or obtained in our lives. Of course, it is important to be self-reliant but I have yet to meet a happy person who has not shown some gratitude to others for helping them along their way.

I also believe it is very important to express gratitude to people who provide services for us. Are we grateful to our employees? Do we thank the petrol jockey for filling up our vehicles and washing our windscreens? Yes, they get paid for it but does it hurt to just say thank you? 

My greatest joy was when my grandson thanked me for the part I played in his life. I did not expect gratitude nor even thought about it but when he expressed it so eloquently in his own words it was better than receiving a diamond ring! 

In my experience showing gratitude to a shop assistant, a cashier, grumpy passport control guy makes all the difference to the service you will receive. While waiting in a queue to check in at a game reserve rest camp, I have seen people with long faces become irritated that they have to wait to be processed. This causes stress to the poor receptionists too. How much better to greet the overworked soul with a “Good Afternoon, Boy am I glad to be here in this beautiful park at last. I’ve looked forward to this all year.” Immediately you will get a smile back and cheerful service as they process you. The trick is to think of the other person first. What kind of day is he/she having. Of course, they should leave their problems at home but we’re all human. Let’s be kind to each other, treat each other with tolerance and thank those who serve us with a smile and friendly word. 

Gratitude is good for your health and your soul.

Share Your World Monday 8 January 2024

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Here are my answers to this week’s questions from pensitivity101

1.  When you look out of your kitchen window, what do you see?

I don’t have a great view outside my kitchen window. It looks onto the side yard where the washline is. There is also a great big Cape Gooseberry bush that just appeared one day. I did not plant it so it must have come from a pip. It’s really in the wrong place as it is right next to the side door of the garage. I pulled it out and tried to get it to grow in the vegetable patch – but it didn’t. However, another one sprang up in its place – perhaps it migrated back from the veggie patch (LOL) Anyway, I’ve just left it and kept it trimmed. It grows really quickly and bears lots of berries so I shouldn’t complain!

You can see the caravan in the garage, the gas cupboard on the left, the Cape Gooseberry Bush which needs a trim and the retractible washline, 


2.  When was the last time you used public transport?

Ha! Good question! Public transport where I live is non-existent. The last time I used public transport was in London. I am over 60 but not a British citizen and yet I had an amazing experience. I didn’t realize that my travel card (Oyster Card, I think it’s called) had run out of funds. I hopped on a bus and swiped it only to be informed by the driver that it was empty. So I started digging in my purse to pay but he said, “Don’t worry – just take a seat.” I’m sure it was because of my age as local oldies travel free on the busses.
3.  Do you prefer cut flowers or a potted plant?

Cut flowers are indeed lovely but I seldom have them in my home. I don’t have many potted plants either as we are away so often and they need attention. Despite neglect, they have survived!

Vetplante thrive on neglect
I’m afraid this one did not do well while we were away – it needs a block of ice once a week which my tenants gave it but perhaps it needed a bit more?


4.   Do you believe in Karma?

The way I understand Karma is that it is the epitome of cause and effect so it sounds so smug to say, “Yes, I believe in Karma.” It’s as if people who exude goodness will have goodness visited upon them while those who don’t have awful things happen to them and that is not always true is it? And yet so often I see kindness is rewarded with kindness and those with positive attitudes tend to have happier lives. I do believe that Karma will ensure that evil people will get their just deserts in the end and that even if someone seems blameless and experiences bad luck it doesn’t mean things won’t eventually turn out well. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad. It’s not really for us to judge.


Gratitude:

I am grateful to be back home safely after travelling on the roads during the silliest of seasons. Good Karma? 
I am also grateful for my amazing children who ensured we all had a relaxed and enjoyable holiday together. Three generations together isn’t always easy but we have had so much practice that I think we’ve got it right :-) 

I know things are going to change now that the grandkids are all grown up but we have been so privileged to have had such a close relationship with them all these years that we can cope with whatever happens from here on. I believe that the future years still hold much joy for us all.

JusJoJan – Curious 7 January 2024

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Today’s prompt word for JusJoJan is ‘Curious’

We have two very curious cats that visit us daily. They are interested in absolutely everything around them. If we have the gardener here they won’t leave him alone. They sniff at his tools and inspect the area he is weeding. Recently we had solar panels installed and the cats were all around the technicians examining their work and making sure they were doing a good job. The workers were incredibly patient with the felines and managed not to trip over them – they do like to get in the way and then object if you accidentally step on them! These cats are such happy little creatures and I’m sure it’s because they are curious about the world they live in and find great joy in what they find even if it’s just some affection from the people they are pestering with their inquisitiveness.

Because of the idiom – Curiosity killed the cat – it comes across that curiosity is a bad thing. 

But of course, nothing can be further from the truth. I suppose curiosity can get one into trouble but imagine if one ignored one’s instinct to find out about things that interested one. No new discoveries would be made. We would not have the wheel. Man would not have landed on the moon. The telephone would not have been invented. We would not have computers, the internet, and all the other wonderful modern technology that both complicates and simplifies our lives!

In my opinion, people who are not curious are boring and usually miserable too. When a person is curious, they explore their world and are filled with awe when they discover what is out there. When we experience awe we also experience clear thinking, good health, and relate better to other people. 

So get out there and be curious. 

JusJoJan/Stream of Consciousness Saturday 6 January 2024

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Today’s prompt for JusJoJan is the same as for Stream of Consciousness Saturday and the prompt is Just Do It.

I love today’s prompt because it is something that I say quite often. Don’t dilly-dally. Don’t argue. Don’t overthink it. Make a decision and Just Do It! 

There are a few people in my life who just can’t make decisions about what they should do, when they should do it, how they should do it or whether they should do it. I try to be supportive and to give advice and encouragement about choosing the right path. But, seriously, you cannot decide for somebody else. The final decision must be theirs. 

Should you or should you not jump off a high cliff into a deep river? Do it if you’re young and adventurous. Don’t if it might give you a heart attack! Believe me, if you’re young and fit you will not regret it even if you are terrified to do it in the first place! I am speaking both literally and figuratively here. Many decisions about what to do can be like jumping off a cliff. But think of the exhilarating feeling you will get and the adventures you will have if you just take a chance and go for it!

Don’t make an excuse not to do something, just in case it might go wrong. Seriously it might go very right but you’ll never know unless you just do it. If it goes wrong you will have learned from an adventure along the path of life. 

Looking back on my life, I am glad for the Just Do It decisions I made. I have no regrets – some of those things were very wrong but most were just perfect. 

JusJoJan – Captivating 4 January 2024

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Today’s prompt for JusJoJan is captivating.

The word captivating means ‘capable of attracting and holding interest’. Other similar words that come to mind are enchanting, fascinating and engaging. How wonderful it is when we find something or someone captivating. I love this word as it conjures up images of curiosity, fun and delight.

What do I find captivating? The first thing that comes to mind – birds. They are such fascinating little creatures. I can sit at the window facing my garden and watch them for hours. If the sprinkler is on it is fun to watch the different groups coming and going, The sugarbirds, weavers, sparrows and witogies are the most common but others often join it too. Sometimes there will be a mix of species but usually, they take turns. When one decides to leave the scene the others follow and then they return in waves. 

I love to watch them at the birdbath too. The same seems to happen here with the different species taking turns. There is of course always the bully who chases his subordinates away.  Hereunder is a selection of visitors on sprinkler day. Click on each to enlarge.

Weaver waits while sparrow drinks
Double collared sunbird shouts for a turn
Orange-breasted sunbird
A wet Fiscal Flycatcher
Sugarbirds really enjoying the spray
Our favourite wagtail takes a dip

JusJoJan 2024 #2 Gregorian

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Here I go with the second day of JusJoJan. Thank you Willow for today’s prompt – Gregorian.

When I hear the word Gregorian I think of the chanting of monks as they worship at chapel. But it is not only Christian monks who chant prayers or hymns. In almost every religion it seems that the worshippers will chant at some stage or another. Deep down I understand this because the sound is beautiful and perhaps that is the point. It evokes a feeling of peace and of wonder. Perhaps, too, it helps the worshipper to concentrate on what he is saying. Children seem to learn when they chant, rap, sing or recite in rhyme. Does chanting do something to our brain waves? I taught at a school where we were encouraged to use music, singing, chanting and movement in our lessons. It seems that such activities calm children and give them a sense of well-being so that the learning process is stimulated. I certainly found that when my small learners became restless an action song would do wonders to get them back on track.

Another thought evoked from the word Gregorian was that of our modern-day calendar. It has only been used since October 1582 and some days in some months had to be lost when it first replaced the Julian calendar which was similar but not as accurate. One wonders what kind of disruption this caused especially when it came to celebrating birthdays. Imagine being told – sorry your birthday is not on the calendar this year! Well, of course, this happens to those born on the 29 February as they only get their actual birthdate every four years! But at least they know this in advance.

So thank you Pope Gregory XIII – we have a calendar that is used in most parts of the world and is pretty accurate as far the solar year is concerned because at the turn of a century, you don’t have a leap year unless the year is divisible by 400. Thus,1700, 1800, and 1900 were not leap years but 1600 and 2000 were.