For two decades, the Two Oceans Marlin Tournament has stood as one of Struisbaai’s most cherished annual events. What began as a small, passionate initiative has grown into a milestone tournament that brings together anglers from across South Africa. And it is the sponsors that are the power behind its long-running success.
Year after year, these incredible businesses have fuelled the heart of the tournament. Many have stood with us since the very beginning, believing in what the tournament represents—community, integrity, sportsmanship, and the preservation of big‑game angling in the Agulhas waters. Their loyalty is not just appreciated; it is foundational to the event’s sustainability and spirit.
Mercury Representative Gareth Dreyer and his wife Delicia at one of our functions Suidpunt Marine are our local Mercury agentsGrant Creighton from Airmar – a loyal sponsor at one of our functions,
A competition of this scale simply cannot happen without sponsors. Their contributions support everything from logistics, safety, and infrastructure to prizes, hospitality, and the overall experience that anglers look forward to every February/March. Today, we proudly acknowledge and thank the businesses who have walked this 20‑year journey with us—some since the very first marlin was measured and released.
To every sponsor listed here: thank you. Your belief in this tournament, your steady support, and your contribution to Struisbaai’s angling community have helped shape twenty years of unforgettable moments on and off the water. Apologies if I have left any sponsor out. You are all truly appreciated.
AARBEIDSVREUGD AQUILA GAME RESERVE ADDIS AIRMAR AIRWISE ANCHOR BOAT SHOP ANDREW VAN ZYL ARNISTON HOTEL BALLYHOO MARINE BILTONG & JAVA BIG CATCH BIG T LURES BLENCO B&D TEGNIESE DIENSTE BON COURAGE WINES BRECO SEAFOODS BUFFELSFONTEIN/HALEWOOD BUILT IT FRANSCHOEK COFFEE. (FULL STOP) FISH & MORE CEMSTONE CENTRAL FORKLIFT CERTAINTY CHARTERS CHAS EVERITT CAPE AGULHAS (Previously Realty 1) CORNELIS HAM DIRK ODENDAAL DISTELL ELIZNA EN JOHAN THEUNISSEN FIREBUSTER FPM SUPPLIERS GARMIN SA GLENWOOD WINES GRAHAM BECK WINES GREENFISH HEINEKEN HEINRICH TRIPS JACITA TACKLE & OUTDOOR JEBO CONNECT HENK AGGENBACH KIDO STAAL LOURENS ODENDAAL MALAGAS HOTEL NICO ALBERTS INTERIORS NINA’S DELI OK GROCER, STRUISBAAI PAUL DRYER PENINSULA BEVERAGES PENN FISHING PICK N PAY STRUISBAAI PULSATOR LURES RAYMARINE AVION ROBERTSON TOYOTA RUTHERFORD / MERCURY M‑RAD / SIMRAD SEAPORT SUPPLIES SKI‑BOAT MAGAZINE SOUTH AFRICAN BREWERIES SOUTH SEA SUZUKI SPRINGFIELD WINES STRUISBAAI HENGELWINKEL STRUISBAAI SPECIALIST ANGLING SUIDPUNT SECURITY SUIDPUNT MARINE TILETORIA VAN LOVEREN FAMILY WINES VILJOENSDRIFT WINES WALKER BAY FIRE ENGINEERING ZULU OVERLAND
Here’s to the next twenty—and to the partners who help make it all possible.
As mentioned in our introductory post, The Two Oceans Marlin Competition splashed into life back in February 2007 with just seven brave boats on the starting line. One name has been there from the very beginning — Gawie Bruwer — who has shown up every single year, rain, shine, or sea spray.
Gawie has always skippered a boat named Indigo, even though this name has gone through three incarnations. And in 2009, Indigo took first prize in the tournament.
While many people contributed to the early vision, it was Gawie who drove the practical organisation that transformed the idea into the first official tournament. When others were still talking about possibilities, Gawie stepped up and turned the tournament from an idea into a reality. He crafted the very first credo, laid the foundation for how the tournament would run, and set the standard that is still followed today.
The thing everyone should know about Gawie Bruwer is that this isn’t just someone who excels as an angler and skipper — this is someone who makes big things happen. We are genuinely grateful for everything he has done for TOMT.
A Recent IndigoGawie Bruwer, Skipper of Indigo – Winner in 2009
Other legendary skippers are Andrew van Zyl (Gwaza) who has participated in 18 tournaments, (A Legendery Story about their win will appear in a later post this week) Rikus de Beer (Marco Polo) also has 18 under the belt, Mike Broderick (first with Makaira and later Bad Company) has done 15.
Gwaza Winner in 2013Winner in 2014
Another amazing legend is Andrew Perrins, who wasn’t just part of the team that kicked off the competition, but ever since day one, he has been the voice over the radio waves, keeping everyone afloat both navigationally and emotionally. At sea, his steady stream of witty commentary has done more for morale than calm waters and good weather combined. Andrew lives and works in the United Kingdom, where, even while there under his call sign, Skiboat Mobile, he can do radio control for competitions back in South African waters. When Andrew returns to South Africa for R&R, he does not hesitate to dedicate his time to safety at sea, and TOMT is closest to his heart. Andrew, who speaks fluent Doganese, has always had a dog helping him keep things under control. For the 10th TOMT, Oak Valley wines created a Shanga Label and several bottles were auctioned at one of the evening functions.
Shanga – a legend in her own rightA rare vintage Later on, Marlin Control was ably assisted by Rue, the German Shepherd [RIP)
At the evening functions, he transforms into a master of ceremonies dishing out strafdoppe for nautical “misdemeanours,” or running fund‑raiser auctions with the flair of a show host. Andrew is the tournament’s unofficial entertainment department.
Entertaining at the evening function
In 2022, Gawie Bruwer, convinced that certain TOMT stalwarts deserved formal recognition for their contributions to the competition and to angling, introduced a special annual Appreciation Award. Since then, one has been presented at each tournament’s opening function.
2022 Johan van der Walt one of the initiators of TOMT2023 Over 80 years old and still fishing! Uncle Ted Horn who has fished many TOMTs on Mike Riley’s Cattitude 2024 Mike Broderick – involved since the early days of TOMT, Skippered the 2014 winner, Makaira2025 Koos Pretorius – a loyal supporter of TOMT, Skippered the winner Osprey in 2012
Safety at sea is of the utmost importance to Koos Pretorious, and it is thanks to his generous sponsorship of the current radio control system developed by Andrew Perrins, Trevor Brinch and Earl Fenwick that has resulted in VHD communications beyond our expectations. This ranges up to more than a 100 nautical mile radius. This system is owned by Suidpunt Diepseehengelklub and has a maritime coast station licence. The resident operator is Trever Brinch – call sign – Spotter One!
The system is linked via Zello, enabling backup to be done anywhere in the world, allowing Andrew Perrins to stand by Spotter One when needed to control operations from abroad. This is the first time this has been done in the world.
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This February, Struisbaai will once again host one of its most cherished traditions—the Two Oceans Marlin Tournament, now celebrating its 20th year! From 21 to 27 February, anglers from across South Africa will gather for a week of excitement, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments on the water.
What makes this tournament truly special is its independent spirit. Unlike most competitions, the Two Oceans Marlin Tournament is not affiliated with Western Province or SADSSA. Instead, it’s run by the anglers themselves, with rules and decisions shaped by those who participate year after year. This unique approach has fostered a close-knit community, with many of the same boats and teams returning annually, building friendships and traditions that last well beyond the final function.
The tournament’s roots trace back to the late Meirion Williams of Huckfin fame, who, inspired by a conversation with local fisherman Trail Whitthuhn, envisioned an event to study and celebrate the marlin population in the Agulhas area. Thanks to the dedication of contributors like Gawie Bruwer, Hannes Schreuder, Gerard De Kock, Johan Jooste, Andrew Perrins and Johan van der Walt, the idea became a reality. Safety has always been central to the event, with Andrew returning from the UK each year and working alongside local experts such as Trevor Brinch and Earl Fenwick to keep operations running smoothly and radio communications firmly under control.
Before a permanent aerial was installed on the high site, Realty 1 Agulhas (now Chas Everitt) sponsored a caravan on the Agulhas mountain, where Andrew managed the Marlin Control operations. Temporary aerials were used in the years that followed, but a permanent installation has now been in place for some time.
The original Marlin ControlAbdrew’s first sponsored vehicle 2007Andrew’s Second Sponsored Vehicle 20152017 Paul van Niekerk from Salti assisting with temporary aerial instalationJebo owner Willem Steenkamp (I think) helping with aerial installation of a permanent aerial – 2021The aerial High Site 2022Andrew @ WorkWith his dog Shanga lending a paw
The Two Oceans Marlin Tournament is an invitational, no-kill, measure-and-release event. Anglers present video evidence of their catches, and points are awarded. In 2021, there was a tie. The rule now states that if the points are even, the boat that catches the last marlin of the week will be declared the winner.
The first tournament was held in 2007 and began modestly with just seven boats taking part: Gawie Bruwer’s Indiogo, Andrew van Zyl’s Gwaza, Meirion Williams’s Huckfin, Hannes Schreider’s Jumbo-Jumbo, The Rawbone‑Viljoen brothers’ Midnight Blue, Johan Jooste’s Three Js, and Nico Schmidt’s Monique.
Fittingly, the inaugural winner was Huckfin, owned by the tournament’s founder, the late Meirion Williams. In 2009, Indigo claimed victory, and Gawie has entered the tournament every year since 2007. After the initial fleet of seven boats, entries jumped to 23 in 2008. Participation peaked at 39 boats in both 2011 and 2014, though most years see between 18 and 25 entrants. As we count down to this year’s milestone event, we’ll be sharing stories, photos, and memorable moments from the past two decades.
Meirion Williams (RIP)TOMT Shirts 2007 to 2017Four of the original founders of TOMT Hannes Schreider, Gawie Bruwer, Andrew Perrins, Johan van der Walt
Each year, Amanda Bruwer designs a playful TOMT flag, and the previous year’s flag is auctioned off to the highest bidder. Here are three examples from past tournaments.
This is the first in a series of posts counting down to this year’s tournament. The next instalment will appear on Monday, followed by daily posts until 21 February. After that, you can look forward to regular updates as the Twentieth Two Oceans Marlin Tournament unfolds.
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.
Alan keeping his distance from CharlieAlan and Mike coming over the fence from next doorAlan giving great pleasure to The EarlMimi hiding from Alan
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.
Sylvester and KitsyBig Brother with Atom
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.
AI Generated
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.
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.
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.
Looking forward to an interesting 2026
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.
Life was hectic through November and the start of December, and I fell behind on both reading and writing blogs. Thankfully, things have settled down a little, and I’m easing back into it again.
Did anyone read you bedtime stories as a child? My mother often read to my siblings and me, though not always at bedtime. I treasured those moments well into my older childhood, especially since I had a much younger brother. (I read to him too!) Winnie the Pooh, Beatrix Potter’s tales, and The Wind in the Willows were firm favourites.
Did you read bedtime stories to anyone? As a primary school teacher, I read to my classes regularly. I also read to my younger brother, my children, and later my grandchildren—though not always at bedtime.
Reading The Grinch who Stole Christmas to my grandchildren
Do you prefer books, ebooks, or audiobooks? My first choice will always be a proper book. That said, I’m not opposed to Kindle reading, and I also enjoy audiobooks. I usually have one on the go—they’re wonderful companions while walking, driving, or tackling household chores.
What is your favourite fairy tale? As a child, I disliked fairy tales, finding them cruel and frightening. Wicked stepmothers abandoning children in forests or poisoning stepdaughters with apples—those were the stuff of nightmares! But as a teenager, I began reading them for myself and grew to love them. I read them to my younger brother too, and he enjoyed them. My favourite is The Frog Prince. After all, don’t we all have to kiss a few frogs before finding our prince? Beyond that, the story’s moral about keeping promises is truly inspiring.
Gratitude I love the meme for this week’s SYW. I am truly thankful for my Fairytale life. I kissed the right frog and won my prince, I became a step-mother and didn’t abandon them in the woods, I got to live in a beautiful ‘castle’ with everything I needed, my ‘coach’ gets me to faraway places and I am surrounded by princes and princesses who bring us great joy.
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!
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.
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.
Adventuring into Retirement 