Category Archives: Share Your World

Share Your World 30 June 2025: A Personal Journey Through Six Months

Here are my answers to this week’s Share Your World questions from Di.

Half the year is now over.
Have you had any memorable highlights in the past six months?
Time certainly doesn’t dawdle, but I feel incredibly fortunate that each month delivered its own spark of joy. Here’s a peek at the highlights that made the first half of the year feel beautifully full:
January brought a flurry of familiar faces to our doorstep. Hosting dear friends and family at the southern tip of Africa is always a great start to the year.
February welcomed Andrew, whose stay stretched into May—He is an old friend of Hubby and was great company for him.
March swept us off to Cape Town for an “Old Salts” reunion at the Cape Boat and Ski-boat Club—reminiscing with long-lost companions over sea breezes and shared tales. We also stole away to the tranquil Warmwaterberg hot springs with Andrew and his brother, who had brought a group of teenagers from his school in America.
April wrapped us in family bliss with an Easter gathering in Plettenberg Bay—laughter, love, and togetherness. We also waved goodbye to our beloved Gecko caravan, turning a nostalgic page toward new adventures.
May offered another midweek pause at Warmwaterberg—this time with Andrew and his lovely girlfriend—where quiet dips and easy chatter did wonders.
June glowed with the sweet visit of our youngest daughter, filling the house with her sparkle. And to add a touch of flair, we dressed all the bedrooms in beautiful new duvet covers.

Catching up with friends at The Old Salts Reunion

What are you looking forward to in the coming six months?
More of the same! We started July with a visit to our kids in Plett and on Wednesday we celebrated Hubby’s 81st birthday,

**Breakfast at Beacon Island** with two daughters and a grandson

How do you keep cool on a hot day?
Wear light clothing, stay in the shade, splash in the sea.

Have you ever danced in the rain?
I’m sure I must have but nothing specific comes to mind. I have certainly jumped in puddles and dashed through downpours to get to my car or front door!

Gratitude:
Through all the ups and downs of life I have always been buoyed up by the love and laughter of my family. I am particularly grateful for the shared adventures, quite moments and shared experiences I have had with my amazing husband, who has held my hand through every phase. Life has been good and I don’t regret a single moment of it.

Preferred Vacation Styles – Share Your World 23 June 2024

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

When you go on vacation, do you like to sample the local cuisine, check out the sights, or laze on the beach?

When travelling I would certainly eat what the locals eat – sixty-one million Italians can’t be wrong. (in Zimbabwe, I even ate a Mopane worm!)

There is also no point going to new places if all you’re going to do is laze on the beach. I can do that at home, so I would definitely explore and experience everything I could about an exotic place.

While on a coach tour with my daughter, we chose to eat Italian in Italy – mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil pesto for me – An Italian salad for her.

Have you ever been away on a vacation with friends rather than family?

We have often been on vacation with friends, especially when visiting game reserves. Many of these trips have been organised by us but all expenses have been shared and they have all worked out extremely well. Because we love the bush and have some knowledge of birds and wildlife we enjoy being the ‘guides’ for first-time visitors to the parks.

Australian friends at a stop-over in Windhoek on our way to Etosha National Park,

Would you prefer a cruise or coach tour holiday?

I have experienced both and at my age, I prefer cruising. It is an awesome way to travel as you blend relaxing with exploring and you can choose how much of each to do. It is amazingly convenient not to have to pack and unpack as you move to each new destination. Your floating hotel effortless takes you there while you enjoy having all your accommodation and catering needs included in your fare. Even the entertainment and most activities are free. You can choose to go on excursions at port stops or to do your own thing. It’s win-win all the way.

Self-catering, or full board where all meals are included/provided?

My other type of vacation is visiting game reserves in South Africa. Although I have enjoyed many different types of travel and vacation, trekking into the bush is my ultimate choice and something my hubby and I have been doing every year since the 1990s. We have explored almost all the parks in South Africa, as well as some in Namibia and Botswana. Our adventures have taken many different forms – rondawels, roof-top tenting, and caravanning. Now that we’ve embraced our golden years and parted ways with the caravan, it’s time to return to the charm of self-catering bungalows.

In most of the South African National Parks, you might find excellent restaurants in the rest camps and picnic sites. So if you are not in the mood to braai, you have the option to eat out!

Self-catering in the bush – Watch out for hyenas and please don’t feed them!

Gratitude:
It is mid-winter in South Africa, but I am most grateful that on Saturday the weather was calm and sunny, if a tad chilly in the early morning, as The NSRI’s was holding a Winter Solstice Swim at Struisbaai’s harbour beach. My friend, Michele, braved the icy waters along with a dozen or so others who all declared that it was ‘warm once you’re in’ and all splashed about for half an hour! Well done to all of them. I was wrapped in my boots and jacket as I took the photos!

Today we have rain, but during a break in the weather, I was thankful that the birds were enjoying the winter flora along the Struisbaai coastal road.

SYW 26 May 2025 Navigating Educational Challenges: Insights from South Africa

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Here are my answers to this week’s questions from pensensitivity101

It’s the second May Bank Holiday here in the UK and the kids are on half term break. In your country, do schools have a ‘Half Term’ break?
I’m not familiar with the concept of a half-term break. In South Africa, the school year is divided into four terms, each lasting approximately 9 to 12 weeks.

After the first summer term, students get a break of 10 days to two weeks, depending on whether it aligns with the Easter weekend. The second term (Autumn) concludes with a three-week winter holiday, spanning the last week of June and the first two weeks of July. The third term (Winter) is followed by a 10-day spring break.

The final term (Spring/Summer) runs from late September to mid-December, after which schools close for a six-week summer holiday. The academic year officially begins in mid-January.

Education methods have changed a lot since I left school in 1972.
Would you like to be learning in a classroom of today?
Teaching methods in this country have evolved significantly, though some changes can be frustrating for traditional educators. The quality of government schools varies widely—some maintain strong standards, while others, particularly township schools, face severe challenges. Access to quality education often depends on geographical location, with disparities rooted in insufficient government support, undervaluing of teachers, and high student-to-teacher ratios.

Imagine the difficulties of teaching in an under-resourced township school, where classrooms hold 50 to 60 students and children share desks designed for two. I have witnessed schools where students squeezed in four to a single desk—an unfortunate reality in many areas.

I would have loved to teach in a school like the one my grandchildren attended, where I also once taught. It was truly child-centered, providing a safe and nurturing environment where every student felt valued and heard. Seeing my grandchildren thrive in such a setting brought me immense joy.

Did you leave school as soon as you could, or did you go on to study for a degree or other higher education?
Looking back, I didn’t fully grasp how fortunate I was. I attended a prestigious Teacher Training College for three years, followed by an additional year at a university where I specialised in the education of children with speech and hearing impairments.

When you entered the working world, did your job require ‘qualifications’ or did you learn on the job?
My training was exceptional, equipping me with a clear understanding of workplace expectations from the start. Naturally, I continued to learn and grow, and the support of incredible colleagues played a key role in refining my teaching skills.

I was fortunate to work at an excellent institution that embraced modern educational practices and regularly conducted workshops to enhance staff proficiency.

As my experience deepened, I had the privilege of mentoring younger colleagues later in my career, helping to guide and support their professional development.

I started a job at a mirror factory today – I have no experience but I can see myself learning on the job! ( AI Generated}

Gratitude

My hubby and I have both worked hard at careers that we loved. We supported each other and together overcame glitches along the way. Now in our retirement, we are grateful to embrace our golden years with relative comfort and good health, even though it’s with less financial security than we would have liked. But, hey, enough is a good as a feast!

Overcoming Diet Challenges: My Personal Secrets SYW 19 May 2025

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

Do you exercise regularly?
Over the years, my approach to staying active has evolved and I have adapted my routine according to my changing circumstances. At one point, I ran regularly with a friend, but when our schedules no longer aligned, I continued running on my own. Eventually, when running was no longer an option, I transitioned to aerobics and walking. There have been times when I made excuses to skip exercise, but I always found my way back after a few months.
Now, in my later years, I maintain a balanced routine of yoga, aerobics, and walking.
I follow Yoga with Adrienne for yoga sessions Walk at Home for an active aerobic workout.

Have you ever belonged to/visited a gym?
For years, I was a member of a gym, though I rarely joined the group classes. Instead, I followed my own personalized routine, focusing on the treadmill, rowing machine, and weight training circuit.
A decade before relocating to Struisbaai, I experienced a slipped disc—an injury that nearly required surgery. Thankfully, it didn’t come to that. Instead weeks of rest and then working with a personal trainer twice a week, played a significant role in my recovery. I continued training with him until we moved.

When it comes to diet, what is your greatest weakness?
Well – food in general. When I am hungry, I tend to grab anything that’s easy to get down my throat. In the bad old days when I was on a yet another miracle weight reducing diet, I would endure the hunger until the deliciousness that surrounded me could not be resisted and binge on chocolate!
I used to have huge problems sticking to diets. They all made me hungry. But then I discovered Banting and I have not looked back. I have maintained my perfect weight for ten years.
Some people believe that if you exercise sufficiently, you will not gain weight. This is not true. You can be fat and fit. However, even if you don’t exercise, you will maintain a healthy weight if you eat correctly. Yes, exercise helps, but the most important thing is to watch what you put in your mouth.

Do you know your waist size?
I do not know the exact measurement. I could check but then I would have to find a tape measure!

Gratitude

Once again, Di’s Meme resonated with me this week. I have recently been taking a moment to drink in my surroundings and really feel the appreciation for them. It is so easy to take the beauty of the southern tip of Africa for granted.

Appreciating a Cape Bulbul enjoying the view.

Celebrating Birthdays: A Personal Reflection

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It is Di’s birthday, so this week’s questions revolve around this theme. Here are my answers to the Share Your World Challenge of 12 May 2025.

Do you celebrate your birthday, or is it just another day?
Not celebrate my birthday – no chance of getting away with that where I live. My dear friends would insist we party! And really – why not? Life is short and people care so go ahead and celebrate! Gifts are not compulsory – The real gift is another trip around the sun, surrounded by laughter, good company, and a proper excuse to eat cake!

Did you have birthday parties as a child?
Oh, birthdays back in the day were a well-oiled machine, weren’t they? A strict guest limit, identical party setups, and a very structured sugar rush—jelly first, then an array of cupcakes, sweets, and fizzy drinks. The candles would twinkle, we’d huff and puff them out, and then the classic birthday anthem would commence—sometimes with the alternative zoo-themed remix Happy Birthday to you, You were born in the zoo, You look like a monkey and act like one too!
Games, ice cream, a slice of cake, and a balloon to take home rounded off the festivities—simple, predictable, and absolutely unforgettable.

Were there any special ‘traditions’ for the birthday person in your household?
Not really. Usually, the birthday kid would wake everyone up at ridiculous o’clock and then the present opening would be done in pajamas on Granny and Grandpa’s bed!

Birthday Boy (6) on the left – Big Brother (7) just as excited. (2004)

Of course, there would be a celebration but not like the ones I enjoyed as a child. We helped raise our oldest daughter’s two boys, and they would choose what type of celebration they would like. There was that one time when a sake-man showed up, bringing along a collection of wriggling reptiles. The little boys were absolutely thrilled—but Gran? She wisely maintained a safe distance from all the slithering excitement!

What was the worst birthday you had?
Turning 70 was a rollercoaster! First, a fantastic surprise weekend away with the whole family—ten of us celebrating properly a month early, which turned out to be a good thing because a week before my actual birthday, I ended up in the hospital while visiting our kids in Plettenberg Bay,
Back home for the big day, the grand home celebration had to be scaled down, but we still managed a lovely gathering at the Harbour Café for drinks and snacks, so not all was lost! And while my much-anticipated breakfast with my girlfriends in Cape Town had to take a little rain check, it eventually happened two months later. So, have I had a worst birthday? Not a chance! Every celebration was brilliant—even if some came a little late!

My three grandsons helping me celebrate! (2022)

Gratitude:
The same thing that landed me in the hospital just before my 70th decided to pay me yet another visit. I am grateful that this attack of Diverticulitis did not mean a trip to the hospital but it’s not fun, especially when the last attack was just four months ago! But I am grateful that I do not suffer from anything terminal and that I am well on the way to recovery,

I just love Di’s Gratitude Meme for this week because it really resonates with me.

Share Your World 28 April – Exploring Seasons in the Southern Hemisphere

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

What season are you in where you live, and what time is it?
Down here in the Southern Hemisphere, we’re basking in the golden glow of Autumn. In the Western Cape, South Africa, it’s affectionately known as the Secret Season—a time when the weather seems to strike a perfect balance. No scorching heat, no icy chills, the winds take a well-earned break, and the rains aren’t quite ready to make an entrance.
Unlike some parts of the world, daylight saving doesn’t exist in the South African Standard Time (SAST) zone. With our clocks fixed two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), I find myself happily typing away as the clock strikes 16:00—right in the heart of a secret-season afternoon!

Autumn Sunset after a balmy day in Struisbaai yesterday.

What is your favourite season of the year?
Autumn/Fall/Secret Season is my favourite time of year. See above.

Autumn is my favourite season (AI generated)

Can you ski or ice skate?
Back in 1993, Verbier welcomed me to the snowy slopes of the Alps. Skiing was fun and we had a good instructor but I was not exactly the most graceful lady on skis. I was the one careening out of control down the slopes. It’s a small miracle I emerged without a collection of casts and crutches!
Ice skating, on the other hand, was a breeze. Having spent my childhood zooming around on roller skates, gliding across the ice felt like second nature—though thankfully with fewer driveway tumbles!

January 1993 – Our patient instructor, Me, The Earl on the slopes of the Alps in Verbier, Switzerland.

When was the last time you built a snowman?
I’ve never had the pleasure of building a snowman—South Africa’s general shortage of snowflakes is the reason for this! My grandchildren, on the other hand, got lucky. Kokstad, where they grew up, occasionally served up some snowfall as a rare treat. I visited Kokstad a few times during winter but never when the snow decided to bless the kids with a day or two off from school!

My granddaughter with her little snowman – Kokstad 2004

Gratitude

As a snow-starved South African, in my youth I imagined snow to be nothing but fun! Now that I am older and wiser, I am ever so grateful to be blessed to live in a warmer climate where the hazards of extreme weather are things I only read about! I can’t imagine having to get a kid into layers of clothing or a snowsuit before leaving the house. My grandsons would head off to school barefoot all year round. Their winter wardrobe was refreshingly simple: a fleece and tracksuit pants were all they needed to tackle the chilly mornings!

Share Your World Easter Monday

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

Have you had any Easter Eggs this weekend?
We are spending the Easter Weekend with our family in Plettenberg Bay—a lovely time, though these days we’ve traded egg hunts for a more laid-back celebration. Small children aren’t in the picture anymore, so no frenzied races for hidden treasures. Or so I thought.

Easter Sunday, bright and early, 7:30 a.m.—a casual bathroom trip turned into the ultimate plot twist: the bunny had struck! There, glistening in their glory, were two Lindt Easter Eggs just waiting to be discovered. I mean, avoiding chocolate is one thing, but on Easter Sunday? That’s sacrilege.

Is today a holiday in your country?
Yes, Easter Monday is now called ‘Family Day’. This change was made in 1994 to create a more inclusive holiday that could be celebrated by everyone, regardless of religious beliefs

Are you familiar with Cadbury Creme Eggs, and if so, which is your favourite?
These eggs are available in South Africa, and although I would kill to try them, they do not make their way into my shopping basket. I am a recovering chocoholic so I limit myself to Lindt dark chocolate only. My favourite flavours are ‘touch of salt, ‘chilly’ and ‘mint’.

Do you prefer a bar of chocolate, a box of chocolates, or something with chocolate flavouring (ice cream, cake, etc).
All of the above in my chocoholic days. Breakfast? That was often a slab of chocolate, paired with coffee for balance. Bad day? Chocolate to the rescue! Hungry? Chocolate! Not hungry? Still chocolate. Supermarket queues were a nightmare with those chocolates begging to be popped into the shopping basket. Many a time I couldn’t resist and one would be half-eaten by the time I reached the check-out.

Chocolate-coated peanuts became my therapist—every packet a session, every bite a revelation. And when I found myself neck-deep in peanuts for three months, I decided drastic action was required. I quit my job. A bold move, but hey, a chocoholic knows when to take a stand (and when to sit back with some chocolate cake).

Now that I am older, wiser, and digestively humbled my chocolate cravings have been tamed. I now enjoy petite, polite portions of dark Lindt chocolate —just a square or two to enjoy with that cup of Nespresso. This maintains a semblance of sanity and provides a sweeter life without overdoing the sweetness.

Gratitude:-

On this Family Day, I am grateful that I am part of an awesome extended family. Even though we are scattered around the country and the world, we are always there for each other and always have a fabulous time when we are together.

Enjoying Braaied Yellow-tail with our Plett Family

Share Your World Monday 24 March 2025 – Ticklish Memories and the Joy of Eyewear.

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It’s been a while since I’ve participated in this challenge, but today, I am jumping back in to join Di’s Share Your World.

Are you ticklish?
Yes, I am.When we were kids, my siblings and I absolutely adored tickle-time with Dad. We’d try our best to tickle him back, but it was no use—he wasn’t the slightest bit ticklish!

What colour are your eyes?
Hazel/green

Do you wear glasses/contact lenses?
I’m 72 years old and I have been seeing the world through lenses since my early 40s. Back in my teaching days, my little learners would excitedly shove their work right up to my nose. I couldn’t fathom why they all thought I needed such an up-close inspection! Naturally, I’d grab the book and extend it out to arm’s length, marveling at the newfound clarity—until the day my arms officially ran out of real estate. That’s when the penny (and the specs) dropped. At first, it was just a cozy relationship with reading glasses. But by 45, I was introduced to the marvel of varifocals, and oh, what a game-changer! No more juggling frames like a magician with a clumsy assistant—my glasses stayed put, and life came back into focus. Finally, the age of short arms was over! From that point onward, I actually started enjoying wearing glasses. They cater to all my needs—long distance, middle distance, and close-up. Plus, they’re coated for everything: working on the computer, braving the sunshine, and even night driving. I have no idea how one pair of specs manages to do it all, but I absolutely adore them!

Gratitude:

This is the Meme that Di posted for this week’s SYW

This is exactly how I feel about my life.

SYW 10 February 2025 Exploring Collectibles: Personal Items That Tell Our Stories

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Here are my answers to this week’s Share Your World from Di at pensitivity101

Do/did you collect anything (stamps, cards, action figures, etc) now or as a child?
I am not a collector. My younger brother is. His home is like a mini museum and his collectibles bring him great pleasure. And if you were to visit him you would be fascinated by his collections too. Click on the link to see what I mean!

I don’t collect things but I do have a huge collection of diaries and photographs – mostly on my computer but some from the distant past, in hard copy too.

What is the silliest thing you’ve ever bought?
Probably a pair of zebra-striped braces. I liked them but only wore them once when I taught a lesson on patterns in nature.

When it comes to jewellery, do you prefer gold, silver, or gemstones?
I love jewellery – gold, silver, diamonds, pearls – all of it. I even like ‘junk’ jewellery. I own a few good pieces but usually only wear my wedding and engagement rings, pearl earrings and gold bangles regularly. I have two strings of pearls but they both need re-stringing – I will get them done soon!

Do you know what your birthstone is?
I had to look it up. Topaz is my birthstone and I don’t own anything made from it. This is what I found out.

Topaz is a birthstone. Its name comes from the Greek word Topazios, which means “to search.” It says, “In my life, I find what I need.” It’s a charm that can help you get good ideas or information. It’s also a good idea if you want to get your confidence and likeability back.

Topaz can be blue, light blue, yellow, orange, or pink. All of these colors are beautiful. No matter what color you use, you will get Topaz’s power.

This sounds like a very good stone – I think I might invest in one!

Gratitude:
Today I am feeling both bereft and grateful. I am bereft because I sold my Gecko caravan. I am grateful because of all the exciting and happy adventures I have had in this fantastic home on wheels.
Our holidays from now on will be different but I am grateful that we are still in good health and able to have many more adventures even if it means doing it differently.

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