Category Archives: Share Your World

Share Your World 2 February 2025 – Animal Memories and Adventures

Here are my answers to this week’s SYW questions from Di

1. Are you a dog or cat person, or do you prefer no pets, or are you unable to have one for some reason?
I’ve always been an animal person. Every creature has been welcome in our home. Throughout the years of raising our children and grandchildren, we always had pets — dogs, cats, hamsters and often all three at the same time.
When we retired and moved to Struisbaai, we still had three cats in the family. They stayed with our daughter, who is very much a cat person, and we’ve love that we can to visit them regularly.
Because of our gypsey lifestyle when we retired, we decided not to take on pets of our own. Even so, as I’ve mentioned on my blog before, we have four neighbourhood cats who visit us regularly — and we adore every one of them. Mike and Alan live next door. Mimi lives over the road, and Charlie comes from a house in a street parallel to ours. When the cats decide to visit at the same time there can be chaos. Alan won’t tolerate competition. He and Mike think they own our house as they were the first to claim our affections. Mike is more tolerant of the others but he has to be loyal to his brother! Mimi is a little more tolerated than Charlie so if the going gets really tough, we gently ask Charlie to leave. He obliges but only after he’s given Alan a playful smack!
Their parents worry that they might decide to stay permanently, but we won’t allow that to happen and they seem to know when it’s home time and usually don’t have to be sent home at the end of a visit.

2. Did you have a pet as a child?
My first pet memories are of the animals my grandparents had. We lived in a flat and no pets were allowed. Granny and Grandpa had a very big garden and lots of pets. The two dogs were fox terriers named Sparky and Atom. Atom was Sparky’s puppy and we thought he was the cleverest dog in the world. There were also the cats, Kitsy, Sylvester and Tibby. Kitsy and Silvester were white. Tibby was a tortoiseshell.

I only remember having one cat, and after he died, my mother refused to let me have another. She was convinced I was allergic to cats, and to be fair, there were times when my eyes streamed whenever I was near them. These days, my allergies are clearly seasonal, so I often wonder whether I was truly allergic to cats back then or whether it was just an unfortunate coincidence. None of my own cats in later years has affected me much at all.

I also remember getting a dog when we finally moved into a house after spending the first few years of my life in a flat. He was a little pavement special named Buster — a big name for a small dog — but he was feisty and fiercely protective of the people he loved. His one great flaw was his obsession with chasing bicycles. We got Buster when I was about nine, and he stayed with us until I was in my early twenties.
The best dog I ever owned was a medium-sized black mongrel hat looked like it could have had some labrador and spaniel ancestry. Her name was Tammy and she loved to go running with me. I had to be careful not to mention the words, run, takkies, beach, or Chantal (my running partner) until I was absolutely ready to leave or she would go crazy with excitement!

Chantal’s youngest, Beth, teaching Tammy to beg.

3. Have you ever ridden a horse?
Yes, I have ridden a horse. Growing up, I had a horse‑mad friend who lived on a smallholding and always had a few horses ready to go. She was a fearless, tomboyish sort who thought nothing of taking me bareback at full speed through tree‑lined paths where you had to duck unless you fancied losing your head. It was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying.

As an adult, I married a man with two horse‑mad daughters, and every year we holidayed on their uncle’s farm in KZN. Their cousins were just as besotted with horses, and they insisted I join them on their rides. I did—right up until the day the supposedly “gentle” pony bucked me off and left me with a very unhappy back. I declared “never again” with great conviction.

But, of course, many years later, another horse‑crazy friend talked me into a long beach ride on the Wild Coast. And it was fun. She was thoroughly impressed that, after years out of the saddle and at the age of 50, I galloped along like I actually knew what I was doing. And that was definitely the end of my horse-riding days!

4. What was your favourite animal in either a zoo or circus?
I live in Africa, so you won’t catch me dead in a zoo or a circus. The idea of animals in captivity just doesn’t sit comfortably with me. That said, I do understand that many wildlife sanctuaries — the genuine ones, not the tourist traps — do important work. They’re educational, and for some people, they’re the only chance they’ll ever have to see a wild animal up close.

I, on the other hand, count myself lucky to have seen so many creatures in their natural habitat. The SANParks reserves are extraordinary, and nothing compares to watching wildlife where it truly belongs.

Choosing a favourite animal is nearly impossible, but the giraffe comes very close. There’s something so elegant and unmistakably African about them. It is breathtaking seeing them decorate the African landscape. And when one looks you straight in the eye, it’s almost a spiritual moment — as if they’re quietly evaluating your soul.

I could go on for pages about the wild animals I love, but I’ve already poured all of that into my travel blogs, and I’ll spare you the full version today.

Gratitude:

Today’s questions have allowed me to reflect on some great things in my early life as well as the privileges I have had as an adult. There have certainly been some tough things to deal with over the years but altogether Life has treated me well even if I haven’t always paused to appreciate that fact. Now that I am in my golden years I am so grateful for the pets that have enriched my life, the fun and freedom I had as a child and the joy that my adult adventures have brought me.
Recently I received the heartbreaking news that a very dear friend is terminally ill and I am grateful for the role that she has played in my life and the gentle friendship that has lasted between us since our college days.

Share You World Monday 19 January 2026 – Dreaming of Private Jets and Luxury Travel

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Here are my answers to this week’s fun questions from Di

Would you like to have your own private jet?
I was absolutely meant to have my own private jet but unfortunately, something went wrong and I have found myself travelling steerage along with the lesser mortals of this world. I have not even had the good luck to be upgraded for no reason whatsoever like a few of my luckier friends who tell me it was an awesome experience. If I had my own jet as the gods intended, it would be on standby to take me on urgent missions like seeking out where hostages are hidden and rescuing them from their evil captors!

Would you like a chauffeur to drive you everywhere?
Oh, without hesitation. I want a chauffeur who glides through traffic like a Zen master. Someone who can reverse‑park into a space the size of a shoebox while I sit in the back pretending to be extremely important. Ideally, the car would also have heated seats, a bottomless supply of biltong and champagne, and the ability to magically avoid every pothole on the South African roads.

Would you like to live on your own desert island?
A desert island? Absolutely not. I’ve seen enough survival shows to know I’d last about 14 minutes before trying to befriend a coconut. But a tropical island with warm breezes, turquoise water, and luxury accommodation — now that I could work with. I wouldn’t want to live there alone, though. I’d bring the people I love, plus a small staff who’d be treated like royalty and get plenty of time off to enjoy the island, too.

Have you ever had anything made to measure (suit, dress, shoes etc)
Oh yes — growing up, my mother made most of my clothes. She could look at a pattern, raise one eyebrow, and somehow produce a perfectly fitted outfit as if by sorcery. Later on, I made clothes for myself and my children, following the pattern instructions to the letter. I even made my middle daughter’s matric dance dress – with my mother’s expert guidance! I no longer do dress making!

In 1996, I paid a professional dressmaker R600 (£26) to custom-make a green silk dress for my daughter’s wedding. I have worn it to many glamorous functions, the latest being at my granddaughter’s wedding in 2024. To put things in perspective, today the same dress would cost R2700 (£120). Considering that I have had this dress for 30 years, I’d say I got my money’s worth!

And here are The Earl and me looking like we belong in the world of private jets and chauffeur-driven limousines. But really, we’re just guests at our granddaughter’s wedding!

Gratitude: One from Carolyn this week.

It was fun to fantasise about a different world this week but I love this meme above. It is the little things that matter and make one grateful.

Share Your World Monday 5 January 2026 Striding into 2026

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

The illustrations in this post are AI-generated

1. How long did it take you to get back into the normal swing of things after the holidays?
It took me a little while to get back into the normal swing of things. We let our house out on Airbnb over the holidays, which meant quite a bit of preparation beforehand and then just as much sorting out afterwards. My cleaner came in the day before we returned, so we walked into a lovely clean house, but there was still plenty to do. The beds had been remade, but all the used linen still needed washing and ironing. Things we’d packed away for guests had to be unpacked again, sorted, and put back in their proper places.
All those little chores added up, but today I’m happy to say the house is finally back to normal — and I feel like I’m back in my routine again.

2. Are you looking forward to 2026 with
optimism?
I usually look on the bright side, so yes — I am optimistic about 2026. There will be quite a few changes to our lifestyle, and some of them have already begun. Our camping days are behind us now, and we won’t be doing any major travelling anymore. But there are new projects on the horizon, and I’m hopeful that I’ll find real fulfilment in those. It feels like a different season of life, but a good one.

3. Are you taking part in any of the January WP challenges/prompts?
I hadn’t planned to, but maybe I will change my mind.

4.

If I could wish one thing for 2026, it would be that everything works out well for each member of our family. Everyone seems to be facing some kind of change this year. Our oldest daughter is in a new relationship, the youngest is navigating changes at work, and the middle one is adjusting to an empty nest while her youngest steps into new career plans. One grandson is preparing to leave the country, while his brother abroad is planning a move to yet another foreign destination. Our married granddaughter has just completed her teaching degree, and although she’s currently working in her husband’s family business, she may decide to pursue a teaching post.
So yes — 2026 is shaping up to be an interesting year, and my wish is simply that each of them finds stability, happiness, and a sense of direction in all these new beginnings.

Gratitude:

I am grateful that everyone in my family is in good health and ready to embrace 2026 with optimism and hope.

Share Your World 24 November 2025 – Keepsakes, Smiling, Sleeping and Hosting

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Here are my answers to this week’s SYW from Di

Do you have a keepsake box (where you retain special cards, pictures, letters, things that are special to you)?
Yes, I have a few keepsake boxes, though I haven’t added to them recently. Inside are cards our children gave to my husband and me, which are such fun to revisit and relive the cuteness of those moments. I’ve also kept photos, cards, and mementos from my teaching days. More than any gift, I truly treasure the heartfelt messages I’ve received.

2. What has made you smile lately?
There’s been plenty to smile about lately. I Airbnb my spare rooms, and November has been my busiest month since I started three years ago—that alone made me smile. But even more so, the guests themselves have brought joy. It’s been wonderful meeting such a variety of people: a cyclist from Switzerland, a biker from Nelspruit, an ex-Gautenger who has just moved to the Cape and is finding it’s like another planet, a quiet yet adventurous German girl who now calls Grahamstown home, and an expat South African from Luxembourg who is building a holiday home here in Struisbaai. On top of that, I’ve had a long-term guest (Skiboat Mobile Man) who is like a brother to me. He has just returned to England, though he’ll be back in January.

The Earl and The Radio Man – At Arniston Western Cape

3. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I used to be a morning person when I was working and raising kids. My husband and I were perfectly in sync with our routines—early to rise and early to bed. These days, though, I’m not quite sure what I am. I don’t mind waking up early, but in winter I tend to linger, and I rarely go to sleep before 11 p.m. or later. I often wake during the night and end up reading or playing games on my phone until fatigue finally wins.

Still, I’m content with the arrangement because when I do sleep, it feels refreshing, and I don’t walk around exhausted. That said, I suspect I average less than six hours of sleep in a 24-hour period—unless I’m unwell, in which case I sleep endlessly! My husband, on the other hand, has no trouble at all drifting off. He’s in bed early, sleeps late, and even manages two naps a day.

4. Do you prefer to be hosts or guests at a dinner party or family event?
I’ve definitely hosted more dinner parties and gatherings than I’ve ever attended as a guest. Luckily, my hubby and I both enjoy cooking, so the kitchen duties are always a team effort. They still are, but I tend to do more now that he is getting older. I have in the past been very spoilt, and I appreciate just what an amazing man I married.

Now, don’t get the wrong idea—this isn’t MasterChef territory. At my place, it’s potluck style: take it or leave it! Nothing fancy, no exotic ingredients, and you won’t find fine china anywhere near the table. What you will find is wholesome, tasty food—because if you’re looking for junk, you’ve knocked on the wrong door. I’m a bit of a health nut, so everything is free of additives and sugar.

But don’t worry, dessert is still on the menu. It’ll be sugar-free, gluten-free, and if you’re very lucky, there might even be ice cream… served with something virtuous like strawberries, just to keep me honest!

Share Your World Monday 17 November 2025 -Reflecting on Books and Movies

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Here are my answers to this week’s SYW from Di

What was the last book you read?
My goal at the beginning of this year was to read 40 books and what a great year it has been. Almost all have been excellent reads. I am currently on number 38 – The Precipice by Robert Harris.
I have just finished reading Ancestry by Simon Mawer which is a historical novel where he uses facts from his research about his ancestors and blends it with what he imagines might have happened in their lives. It follows figures like Abrahm Block, a very poor farm boy who leaves home at 15 to go to sea, and George Mawer a soldier in the Crimean War but the focus is really on the very strong and resilient women who were left, without compensation from the army or merchant navy to take care of their families.

Do you think movies are better or worse than the books they are based on?
I prefer to read the book before watching its film adaptation. While it frustrates me when a movie strays too far from the original story, I usually enjoy the film version too. I never imagined that 84 Charing Cross Road, a collection of letters between a London book dealer and an American rare book collector, could translate well to the screen. Yet the adaptation was brilliant, and I ended up loving both the book and the movie equally.

What is the most memorable movie soundtrack or theme to you?
I was about twelve or thirteen when I first watched The Sound of Music, and it has never lost its magic. Even now, I could happily sit down and watch it all over again. Who could ever forget that opening line — “The hills are alive with the sound of music”? Another song that has stayed close to my heart is Fill the World with Love from Goodbye, Mr. Chips. As someone who has taught small children, its message resonates deeply with me.

Did you enjoy the old musicals (Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Howard Keel, Doris Day etc)
In my twenties, I found endless joy in the reruns of old musicals. Among them, one that has never left my heart is the 1936 classic Rose Marie, with Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald. Their duet, Indian Love Call, still echoes in my memory — a hauntingly beautiful song that carries the romance of voices reaching across the distance, as timeless today as it was then.

Gratitude
Everything worked out well for me this past week and for that I am truly grateful.

Share Your World Monday 27 October 2025 – Salaries, Chickens and the Price of Eggs

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Here are my answers to this week’s SYW questions from Di

Can you remember your first wage packet? Was it cash, a cheque or paid directly into your bank account?
I seem to remember it was a cheque for which I had to sign.

Do you prefer to shop with cash or card?
I’ve relied on credit cards, debit cards, and EFT for years now. Here in South Africa, carrying cash just isn’t safe, so we avoid it entirely.

Do you know the price of half a dozen eggs?
I must admit, I’m not one to track the price of every item so I had to consult my till slip to answer this one. Just yesterday, I picked up three half-dozen boxes of free-range eggs from Woolworths (our local equivalent of Marks & Spencer). They were priced at R31,99 each, but thanks to a promotion, I received a R10,66 discount per box. With the exchange rate sitting at roughly £1 = R23, that works out to about £0.92 for each half dozen.
A little digging revealed that Pick n Pay currently offers free-range eggs for just R18,33 (£0,80) per half dozen.
I’m curious to see how these prices compare with what fellow bloggers are paying in their own corners of the world.

Have you ever kept chickens?
No, I have never kept chickens, but I have a young great-nephew who lives on a farm in another province, and he has been keeping chickens since he was in primary school. (He is now 19 years old) I have sampled his free-range eggs, and they are excellent!

Gratitude
There’s much I’m thankful for these days. Even if I may have overpaid for my last batch of eggs, I’m fortunate to be able to afford them without worry.
This past Saturday brought a joyful moment—I joined my “adopted grandchild” for a fun run/walk at the local school. I’m deeply grateful that I’m still fit enough to take part in such simple pleasures.
Long-time readers will know we parted ways with our caravan earlier this year, which meant we no longer needed the Ford Everest for towing. I was never quite at ease behind the wheel of that large vehicle, and after a minor gear mishap, we decided it was time for a change. I’m now the proud owner of a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid—a more manageable ride that suits me perfectly. And for that, too, I’m grateful.

Share Your World 6 October 2025 – Changing Seasons and Traditions

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Here are my answers to this week’s SYW from Di

1. The clocks go back at the end of October here in the UK. Does your country do the same?
Here in South Africa, our clocks stay put all year round. We do not spring ahead in Spring or fall behind in Autumn (Fall)
I live in Struisbaai in The Western Cape, which sits farther south—closer to the 35°S latitude—which means it experiences more pronounced seasonal shifts in daylight when the sun rises earlier and sets later in the warmer months. On the Summer Solstice (21 December), we enjoy 14 hours and 32 minutes of daylight, with the sun rising at 05:00 and setting at 19:32. First light tiptoes in around 04:30, and full darkness settles by 20:30.
In contrast, the Winter Solstice (21 June) brings a more modest 9 hours and 50 minutes of daylight. The sun rises at 07:46, sets at 17:36, and true darkness arrives by 19:00.
Inland and northern regions like Pretoria or Limpopo are closer to the equator, so their daylight hours stay more consistent year-round.
South African Standard Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

2. Do you enjoy Halloween?
In Struisbaai, where I live, they haven’t a clue about Halloween. Most of the permanent residents are retirees, and our local shops will not be stocking broomsticks, witches’ hats, or bat-shaped biscuits. Nor will giant pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns decorate the front gardens of our neighbours’ homes.
In the ten years that I’ve lived here, no scary creature has threatened me with trick or treat.
My first inkling that Halloween had crept into South Africa was in the early 2000s when my grandson was just four years old. I’d picked him up from pre-school and he’d solemnly declared:
“Granny—if a monster comes to the door, don’t worry, I will protect you.”
Clearly, something spooky had been discussed at preschool. And sure enough, at 5 PM, a witch knocked. Did my brave protector leap into action? Not quite—he clung to my knees with a terrified look in his eyes.
A year or two later, all fear of monsters disappeared, and he and his brother joined the goblins and fairies who would trawl the neighbourhood in supervised groups, knocking on doors and demanding sugar in exchange for cuteness.

These days, Halloween parties are popping up here and there. But in Struisbaai, it’s still just another day. I do keep a jar of sweeties on standby. The local kid count is rising, and it’s only a matter of time before they realise they’re missing out on a perfectly good excuse to dress up and get free sweets!

3. Dare I ask if you are preparing for Christmas? If you do not celebrate it in your country, do you have any December traditions?
Christmas is all about family for us. Each year, our three daughters, son-in-law, and four grandchildren gather for two blissful weeks at our second-born’s home in Plettenberg Bay. Now that the “kids” are older, we’ve embraced the simplicity of Secret Santa—just one thoughtful gift each, which keeps the pressure low and the laughter high. Our money is better spent on outings, adventures and memory-making experiences.
When it comes to Christmas dinner, it’s a team effort. Everyone pitches in, and I usually take the reins on the Leg of Lamb and Greek Salad—my festive specialties. The day itself? Always fabulous. Full of food, fun, and the kind of togetherness that makes the season truly sparkle.

4. Are you likely to have snow anytime soon?
Not very likely in the Western Cape but snow can fall in the Drakensberg Mountains at any time of the year, though it is less likely in the summer months.

Santa on Struisbaai Beach – Look guys, no snow!

Gratitude

I am certainly grateful that the cold of winter is retreating in favour of Spring sunshine and warmer day, Although, having expressed that, it is blowing a gale and raining here today. No complaints about the rain – it is always welcome.
Our car is in need of a service and repair to the automatic gearbox – it refused to go into reverse the other day. I’m grateful that it did come right but we haven’t driven the car since for fear it will happen again.
I am grateful that we have a car and that it will just take a tweak to get it back to full, reliable working order again. Imagine if it had happened in the bush with an elephant charging toward us!

Reverse Grandpa, Reverse! – shouted the grandkids

Share Your World 22 Sepetmeber 2025 – The Joy of Photography Through the Years

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Here are my SYW answers to this week’s questions from Di

Do you like having your photograph taken?
I used to dislike being photographed, convinced that I wasn’t photogenic. But stepping behind the lens changed everything. I’ve learned how to coax hesitant subjects into engaging with the camera. When you shrink from the moment, the photo reflects that hesitation. But the instant you lean in, and let a little joy shine through, the results can be flattering. These days, I follow my own advice—and I’m pleasantly surprised by what I see.

**Speak** to the camera! (*Grandsons and friends – Koppie Alleen, De Hoop Nature Reserve 2010)*

Did you have a school photograph taken every year?
We had class photos taken every year at the schools I attended but very few are in my photo collection. Either my parents didn’t order them each year, or they have been lost over the years. I have all the school photographs taken of my own kids.

A nursery school photo of my grandson aged 4.

Do you take photographs using a phone or stand alone camera?
My bridge camera—specifically the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS— lives in my handbag, and I use it often. Bridge cameras are a happy medium between point-and-shoots and DSLRs, offering generous zoom and manual controls without the fuss of interchangeable lenses. I occasionally reach for my phone camera too, especially when spontaneity calls.

Latest photo taken with my Canon – My gardener after enlarging and planting a flower bed.

Are you any good at taking photographs?
I wouldn’t call myself a photography expert but I am an obsessive documenter. I record life as I live it both in words and images. The point of taking photographs is to capture the beauty I observe in nature and to record experiences with friends and family.
My photographs are filed in date order, with subject titles. All my favorites are in PowerPoint Presentations. My children and grandchildren know who to come to when they’re looking for a photograph from any past occasion!
Looking back at old photographs gives me great pleasure.

One of my favourite photos of Grandpa with all four grandchildren – December 2014 Struisbaai

Gratitude:
Today’s meme resonates with me.

I’m fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful friends and family whose presence brings joy and meaning to my life. I’m deeply grateful for each of them.

Share Your World 15 September 2025 – Personal Reflections on School Uniforms and Colors

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Here are my answers to this week’s SWY from DI

What colour was your school uniform (if you had one)?
Absolutely—government schools in South Africa have always required students to wear uniforms, and we wore ours with pride. I began school in the late 1950s and completed my education in 1970. While the style of the uniform evolved over time, the signature colour remained consistent.

During summer, girls wore a red tunic layered over a short-sleeved white shirt, paired with a red cardigan and red blazer. Footwear consisted of black lace-up shoes or Mary-Janes with white ankle socks. Topping it off was the mandatory white Panama hat, secured with an elastic under the chin to prevent it from blowing away. A red headband featuring the school badge completed the look.

Boys wore grey shorts with a white open-neck shirt and a cap, which they were expected to raise when greeting adults. Their uniform also included a red V-neck pullover and a red blazer.

In winter, boys continued wearing grey shorts, but switched to long-sleeved shirts and added red-and-white striped ties.

Girls’ winter attire featured navy blue tunics with a red girdle over a long-sleeved white shirt, complemented by a school tie. We wore long grey socks with either Mary-Jane buckle shoes or lace-ups, and our winter hats were made of felt.

By the end of primary school, the uniform transitioned to a cotton red-and-white check dress for summer, and a grey skirt for winter.

Only black and white school photos in 1965 – some of the girls were already in skirts, while the rest of us outgrew our tunics. I am behind the seated row with the teachers, third from the left

The school attended by my grandsons and where I taught for a few years had a sensible, child-friendly uniform – shorts and a golf shirt for both boys and girls, a white golf shirt for smart occasions, navy for everyday wear, and a red t-shirt for sports. Track suits for winter. Footwear: flip-flops, Crocs, or sneakers. If so desired, you could even come barefoot!

When working, did you have to wear a uniform or dress colour code?

As a teacher, I didn’t wear a uniform, but there was definitely a clear dress code. Back in college, the rules were quite strict—open-backed shoes were off-limits during summer, though slingbacks were permitted. In winter, stockings were mandatory, and trousers were completely forbidden.

I was stunned when my daughter went off to college wearing shorts—it was such a contrast to what I had known! In the early years of my teaching career, the idea of wearing trousers to school was merely a dream. Eventually, trouser suits became acceptable, and by the time I retired, even denim was allowed.

Me on my last day as a teacher – still wearing a dress to school!

What is your favourite colour to wear?
Red is my favourite colour.
I would always go dinner-dancing with my hubby in a red outfit. Our song is, “Lady in Red!”
The fact that my school colour was red has nothing to do with this choice! I didn’t much like red as a child.

What colour would you never wear unless there was no alternative?
Ever since I was a child, I disliked wearing green but I will wear it on the odd occasion now.

Gratitude
Looking back on the years in which I grew up with rules, dress codes and pride in your appearance, I am grateful for the values I learned. I also appreciate that times change and rules evolve accordingly. During my teaching career I had to adapt to the different approaches to learning, discipline and teaching creatively. I loved it all and am grateful that many of the new approaches have saved children who learn ‘differently’ from having a miserable school career.

SYW 8 September 2025 Reflections on 16 Years of Blogging

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Here are my answers to this week’s SYW hosted by Di

Do you revisit or reblog some of your earlier posts?
I’ve only re-shared two posts I think. One was a guide with tips for booking and visiting the Sanparks Game Reserves. The other was in response to a challenge to repost something written on a particular date in the past. I don’t remember what that was about. That said, I often revisit my older blog entries. They serve as a memory box and a lovely extension of my personal diary. My husband frequently asks me to pull up posts from our past travels and adventures, and each one brings back such joyful memories.

One of the memories – Elephant at Punda Maria Waterhole, Kruger National Park

Do you have a favourite post/posts?
One that stands out is the series titled Taking the Kids to Kruger. Back in 2012, we took all four of our grandchildren—then aged 15, 14, 10, and 7—to the Kruger National Park. Three boys and one girl, all packed into a Volkswagen Caravelle for ten days. I expected chaos, but it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable trips we’ve ever had. The two older boys took the lead, organizing spotting competitions for animals and birds, and everyone had an absolute blast. Grandpa and I got to experience the park through their fresh, excited eyes—and we simply relaxed and soaked it all in.

My oldest grandson happily braaing in the rain

How long have you been blogging?
I’ve been blogging for 16 years now! I believe I first started out on MySpace, and eventually transitioned everything over to WordPress.

Me at the computer -probably blogging – many years ago!

Do you have another blog elsewhere?
I currently manage three blogs on WordPress. When I ran out of free space on my first, I launched a second—only to eventually reach the limit there as well, which led me to start paying an annual fee. Both of those blogs are still active. The third is dedicated to the Grahamstown Training College Old Girls Guild, where I share member-submitted articles and updates from OGG meetings and reunions.

Gratitude
For the past two weeks The Earl and I have been in Cape Town with a two-day break to the West Coast. It has been a whirlwind of catching up with friends and family, exploring nature reserves, attending doctors’ appointments, and meeting with our financial adviser. I am grateful for all that we have achieved and experienced.

I had a colonoscopy, which was a breeze and the doctor assured me that surgery was not necessary and that although my Diverticulosis Colon, still had its pouches, it was looking good.

And then it all went pear-shaped! On the last day of our wonderful visit to The West Coast, I came down with my third diverticulitis attack in nine months! This meant an extended stay at our daughter’s to recover.

So here’s to the humble broth, the mashed banana, the applesauce that asks nothing of me but patience. My insides may be tender, but they’re still hanging in there—and for that, I’m grateful.

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