Category Archives: Share Your World

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

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

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

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.

I

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.

Looks pretty – Not worth much!


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.

Thank You Chickens

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.

It’s like a mini-spaceship!

Share Your World 6 October 2025 – Changing Seasons and Traditions

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.

Not in South Africa

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.

Dracula

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.

Our Christmas Table

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

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

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.

I got married in red!

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.

Me on a rare occasion I wore green!

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

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.

Grahamstown Training College Chapel

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.

Share Your World 31 August 2025 – The Changing Seasons

Here are my answers to this weeks SYW from Di

Is your home heated by radiators, underfloor heating or an open fire?
We have a portable gas heater that can be placed in any room. In our lounge we have a wood-burning stove.


What is a comfortable temperature in the colder months for your home?
Setting a comfortable temperature in our home is not possible – no air-con – no central heating. If it’s too hot, an inadequate fan tries valiantly to cool us, but otherwise it’s down to wearing light clothing, drinking iced drinks and heading to the beach for a swim.
If it’s too cold we light the fire or add layers of clothing.

Our grandchildren keeping cool in Struisbaai!

What is more appealing, a mug of hot coffee or tea, a bowl of warming soup, or stew and dumplings?
Coffee is my beverage of choice, but in the cold weather, I love a warming bowl of soup. Biltong soup is my favourite. I buy it ready-made from a Checkers or OK Foods. It’s made with finely chopped biltong—South Africa’s beloved dried meat—milk, cream, cheddar cheese and beef stock. The spices include coriander, nutmeg, and pepper. It’s like a hug in a bowl, with a bit of a protein punch and a whole lot of local pride.


Would you prefer to share the dawning of a new day or a beautiful sunset?
Early mornings are the best time of the day in the bush, and I am always thrilled to see the sun rise during a game drive. At home, I seldom rise early enough to enjoy a sunrise, but sunsets are stunning.

Sunrise in Kruger National Park

Gratitude:
We’re back in Cape Town for a visit—a city that once held our nine-to-five lives before we swapped it for the slower rhythms of Struisbaai. It’s been a heartwarming reunion tour, catching up with old friends and beloved family, and I’m deeply grateful to each one who carved out time for us. One of the most meaningful moments was celebrating what would have been my father’s 100th birthday with my siblings. We gathered for breakfast at a beautiful restaurant tucked into a golf estate. I remain profoundly thankful for the gift of a father who was always loving and supportive to his children and who adored his grandchildren,

Dad with five of his beloved grandchildren – November 2002

Spring has arrived in the southern hemisphere, and on this first day of September, the skies are clear and the air is soft enough to shed a jacket. Soup will be replaced with salads, and hopefully, sunrise drives will feature in the near future.
During the past cold months, we often entertained our friends in front of log fires and indoor braais, but now we look forward to sunshine, beach walks, outdoor braais, and trips to nature parks.
It is in the laughter of old friends, the legacy of a loving father, and the quiet joy of being exactly where we’re meant to be that gives me joy.

Share Your World 25 August 2025 Exploring Personal Creativity and Courage

Here my answers to this week’s SYW from Di

Would you consider yourself creative (writing, projects, hobbies etc)]
I’d say I’m creative in my own way. Those right/left brain tests show my hemispheres are fairly balanced, though they do tip slightly toward the creative side. I’m not what you’d call artistic—I can’t paint or sketch to save my life—but I do enjoy knitting and sewing. Admittedly, those weren’t skills I picked up effortlessly; I got there thanks to my knack for following instructions to the letter.

My creativity tends to shine more in writing, where I can play with ideas and language freely. I also don’t shy away from speaking off the cuff in public—thinking on my feet feels natural, and it’s where my creative mind gets to stretch a little.

What is the ‘bravest’ thing you think you have ever done (faced a fear, stood up for someone/something, etc)
Looking back, some of the things I’ve done that might seem brave could just as easily have ended in disaster. At the time, though, I wasn’t thinking in terms of courage—I was simply acting on instinct. Like when I left my first husband with a two-year-old in tow, a temporary job I hoped would become permanent, and no real plan. I stayed with my parents for two weeks, then moved into a flat, still unsure how long my job would last. Thankfully, it all worked out. Even when I was unemployed for three months between jobs, I managed to keep things afloat.

I’ve pulled off other brave—or perhaps foolish—moves that somehow ended well. I seem to have a personality that skips the whole “weighing consequences” step. I leap first, think later. Case in point: when my granddaughter slipped on a wet slipway, I dashed after her without a second thought—only to slip and fall myself. She bounced back like rubber; I, on the other hand, spent weeks nursing a bruised hand and back.

(AI-generated image) SuperGran to the Rescue!

If you were to come into a substantial amount of money, what would you do with it?
In my imagination, I’m a millionaire on a mission. I’d buy a home for my domestic worker, set up an education fund for her children, and keep adding to a growing list of ways to uplift those who’ve had fewer opportunities than I have. Naturally, I’d be discerning about who I choose to support. Instead of donating to a charity, I’d prefer to help individuals directly—those I know personally or whose stories I’m familiar with, people whose need is genuine and whose lives could be truly changed by a helping hand.

Of course, I wouldn’t mind indulging myself too – A first-class World Cruise would be just the thing, I think!

(AI-generated Image)

If you could change something that has been annoying you, what would that be?
The South African Government. The current leadership in South Africa is deeply frustrating. It’s hard to accept that those entrusted with power continue to govern despite widespread corruption and the steady collapse of our infrastructure. A well-run country would benefit everyone—including those in office—but the solutions that could turn things around are consistently ignored. It’s not that answers don’t exist; it’s that those in power refuse to act on them.

(AI-generated image) Chaos Rules The Land

Gratitude:

    I’m grateful for the life I lead, even as the political circus plays out around me. I’m grateful that I can still offer help to those who need it, even if my reach doesn’t stretch as far as my heart would like. And I’m especially grateful that my mind continues to surprise me—perhaps more creative now that logic has packed its bags and fled the scene. It comes down to finding the light in what you have and making the most of it. No matter how tough things feel, there’s always someone facing even greater challenges.

    Share Your World 18 Auguast 2025 – Coffee, Cubs, and Chaos: My World in Four Questions

    Di asks some interesting questions and here are my answers.

    What is more tantalising on your taste buds:
    frying bacon, freshly baked bread, fresh coffee, apple pie.
    Wake up and smell the coffee! Whether it comes from an Italian Moca Pot or is poured from a plunger, it is pure enchantment!

    (AI-generated image) Aaaah- First cup of the morning – the best!

    What is the most unpleasant to you:
    onions, garlic, the smell of the country, and personal hygiene.

    Many years ago, when I was just a child strolling through a bustling city with my gran, we crossed paths with a person with very poor personal hygiene. Ever since that olfactory ambush, I’ve had a lifelong aversion to bodily odours.

    (AI-generated Image) A lesson learned on the need for good personal hygiene

    What is the most annoying:
    a continuously barking dog, whiny bratty children, loud music, bad language.
    I am reasonably tolerant of noise and am quite good at switching off. Whiny kids can be annoying, but I usually try to distract them or make them laugh. Usually it works, but sometimes not.

    (AI-generated image) The Neighbourhood Watch – In charge of security, sanity and sleep schedules!

    What is most likely to make you smile:
    kittens/puppies, toddlers splashing in puddles, a baby’s smile, an elderly couple holding hands.
    All of the above —and so much more. Life always finds a way to hand us a reason to smile. And when it comes to babies? Irresistible. But wild babies? Nothing lifts my spirits quite like a fuzzy, feathered, or furry youngster doing its thing in the great outdoors.

    Lion cubs – Kgalagadi National Park

    Gratitude:
    I love today’s meme

    Life’s little joys—whether brewed, barked, or born in the wild—remind me that retirement is anything but dull, and for this I am truly grateful.