Tag Archives: Family

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.

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.

Share Your World 31 August 2025 – The Changing Seasons

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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 2025/08/04 Growing Up in a Large Family: Chaos and Gratitude

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

Would you like to relive parts of your childhood?
There are aspects of my childhood that I have a better understanding of now that I am an adult, but going back to relive it and behave differently would not work – I was a child and acted like a child so why go back and be grown-up about it? Lessons have been learned and that’s as it should be.

 Did you believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy?
Absolutely. I was a wide-eyed dreamer, completely immersed in a world of magic and make-believe. For the first eight years of my life, those delightful myths were part of my reality—until curiosity got the better of me. I asked my grandmother for the truth, and oh, the heartbreak! Her gentle confession shattered the illusion, and I realized I’d been playfully deceived all along.

Was there a childhood habit you never grew out of?
No, I don’t think so. I used to be a notoriously picky eater, and some might say I still am—but that’s not quite true. These days, it’s more about making mindful choices for my health. If I could indulge freely, I absolutely would!


Were you part of a large family or an only child?
I’m the second-born in a pack of four siblings: one older brother to blaze the trail, and two younger ones—my sister and brother—to follow in delightful chaos. But for a while there was more! At one point, we had three families living in what I considered perfect harmony in a seven-bedroom penthouse on top of a block of flats. My grandfather had died and the two married sons, my dad and his older brother, returned from afar to sort out the family business. Our grandmother still had two younger sons at home and Dad and his brother brought wives and three kids each! (In the end only one of the sons ended up running the business!) But the point of this story is that there was riotous chaos, which we kids thought was wonderful, while the parents sorted out the finer details.

Eventually, we graduated to a downstairs flat—still close enough to the cousins upstairs to keep the fun alive. Then, just as my younger brother made his grand entrance into the world, we levelled up again to a house of our own. And by the time he was six and I was thirteen, we were living in a mountainside haven each with a room of our own. The cousins moved on too,but we remained close right into our teens.

Little Sister, Me, Big Brother, with two of the three cousins, Louis (RIP) and Philip (RIP), we shared a home with. The other one, Costa (RIP) was older and wasn’t with us as much but we hero-worshipped him!

Gratitude:

When I was growing up, there were times when I thought I had a tough life compared to my friends. However, in retrospect, I realise I had the most amazing childhood and would not change a thing about it. My parents were kind and loving people who welcomed everybody into their home and always stretched dinner to include an unexpected guest. Perhaps they set me too good an example because I find it hard to say no to extra people in my home or to drop everything to help others. I vowed to have only one child and ended up raising five – only one of which I gave birth to! Regrets? Absolutely none! Life has certainly had its ups and downs but I have survived every hiccup along the way and thrived in the good times. My family have always been supportive and I have enjoyed every stage of my life. For this, I am extremely grateful.

    Family is Everything

    Share Your World 7 July 2025 – Dealing with Power Cuts

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

    Are you prepared for a power cut?
    Yes absolutely. In South Africa we regularly have periods of Loadshedding.
    Loadshedding is a planned and controlled way of turning off electricity in certain areas for a few hours at a time. It’s done to prevent the entire power grid from collapsing when there’s not enough electricity to meet demand. This is because many of South Africa’s power stations are old and prone to breakdowns and Eskom often can’t produce enough electricity to meet the demand. The demand for more electricity has increased but the supply has not kept up with this demand.
    South Africans are known for their resilience and ingenuity. When public services fall short, we find creative ways to fill the gap ourselves. Those who are able to, invest in solutions like solar panels, inverters, or generators to keep the lights on during outages.
    I’m fortunate to have both solar and an inverter system installed-so—so when load-shedding strikes, the inverter seamlessly takes over, and life carries on with minimal disruption. We also use gas for hot water and cooking. More and more people in South Africa and going ‘off grid’ and creating eco-friendly homes and gardens which can only be a good thing for the planet as a whole.

    Do you prefer candles or torches when there is no electricity?
    While up and about I would use candles to light a room (if there is no inverter or generator) but when going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I would use a torch – or to be more accurate the torch on my cell phone if it hasn’t run out of power!

    Do you use scented candles or wax melts?
    I have lots of scented candles – mostly gifts over the years – and these are what I use if I need to.

    Do you find a meal by candlelight romantic?
    I do find dinner by candlelight in a restaurant is very romantic, but it’s not something I have done very often at home.

      Gratitude:-

      This was the meme for today’s gratitude and it really resonates with me. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to leave footprints and take pictures in the most beautiful places in South Africa.

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

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      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

      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.

      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!

      AI Generated

      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.

      AI generated

      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!

      That’s my grandson on the left.

      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 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 3 February2025

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      Here are my answers to this week’s SYW Challenge from Di
      What can you remember about your last day at school/college?
      I don’t recall my last day of school, but I vividly remember the final day of college. After three years of community living, were about to scatter across the country and the world, embarking on new careers, getting married, and starting families. On our last night, we pulled an all-nighter, and no one was allowed to sleep! By morning, we were all in high spirits, excited that it was over and eager to head home. Our college had a beautiful chapel where we attended a service every morning before classes. On this final day, there was a farewell service, and it was incredibly emotional. The last hymn was “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” (Jeremiah Eames Ranking). In our sleep-deprived and emotional state, it moved us all to tears. After the chapel service, we wept in each other’s arms before climbing into parents cars or rushing to the train station. Because it was my last term, my dad had bought me an air-ticket home – a rare treat in those days. Someone’s dad gave me a lift from college to the airport and it was all I could do to control my sniffles as we drove the 120 km. He must have breathed a sigh of relief when he dropped my off still red-eyed and teary.

      Our Chapel

      I had gained a lot of weight during my three years at college but lost it all during the last term. To complete my new look I’d had my hair cut short and wore a cute new mini-dress on the plane home. It had been six months since I’d last seen my family. When I deplaned and walked toward my father who was there to meet me, he did not recognize me until I said, “Hi Dad” His look of amazement set me off in tears again. He thought that I was upset that he hadn’t recognized his own daughter! This got me giggling hysterically. I think it was the lack of sleep, emotional parting from my college friends and surprising my family with my new look that was just too much for me! However, I got over it!

      Before and After – AI generated picture

      Were you close enough to walk to school or did you need transport?
      I walked for most of my school career. My last two years were at a school that required me to go by train but I walked from the station to home.

      Did you have a favorite teacher
      I did not like my first teacher but I was only with her for a few months. We then moved to another province and my new teacher was amazing. She remained my favourite forever. I completed my primary school career in that school and she taught me other subjects like Art and Needlework in the higher grades.
      I was perfectly happy with all my other teachers even the one I punched in the stomach when he got me in a headlock. He never touched me again! In those days we did not complain to our parents about unkind teachers but my mother taught me to fight back if anybody tried to hurt me even if he/she was an adult.

      Would you like to go back to school?
      No – not that I didn’t like it but it’s a part of life that is over.
      When I retired from teaching I missed it and would have gone back to do relief/supply teaching had I remained in my hometown near schools that I’d previously taught at. But now that I’m used to my freedom I have absolutely no desire to put my foot back into the classroom!

      My Classroom back in the day!

      Gratitude:

      I love today’s Gratitude Quote

      Yes – that is true. I have many happy memories of years gone by and I am still happy with the way life is treating me now.

      Share Your World Monay 13 January 2025

      6 Replies

      Here are my answers to this week’s Share Your World

      1. Of all the household chores (laundry, dusting, hoovering, washing up, cooking etc) which is your least favourite?
      I can’t say that I am particularly fond of any household chore but I don’t mind doing the general tidying and cleaning up. I have a dishwasher and other labour-saving devices as well as a weekly helper to do the major cleaning so I can’t complain. Perhaps the least favourite chore is dusting which is a thankless task when the wind blows constantly.

      2.  With food prices going up all the time, do you buy less, find substitutes, or don’t buy at all?
      I often face challenges regarding my food choices. I have a health problem which requires that I avoid certain foods. Maintaining a healthy diet is important to me, so I prioritize purchasing foods that I believe are best for my well-being. I don’t include pasta, rice, breakfast cereals or other processed foods on my shopping list. Additionally, I avoid junk food entirely—I don’t buy biscuits, baked goods, chips, or fizzy drinks.

      When responding to my critics, who tell me they cannot afford to eat my way, I ask them to consider how much they spend on rusks, biscuits, Coke, and flour for baking and desserts. What I save by not buying junk food I choose to spend on more expensive fruits and vegetables.

      3.  Do you enjoy meals with leftovers?
      We often have leftovers, and I ‘recycle’ them. Recently, I cooked a leg of lamb for six people. There was enough left over to heat up in a pan and serve again the next evening. I served it with stir-fried cabbage, roast potatoes, and salad. Our guests brought 3 mini Eisbeins which we divided up to add to the dinner. There was still too much for six of us to finish so the following day I minced it all together and made a moussaka which served three of us. Thus a 1.7 kg leg of lamb which cost about R 320 (14 pounds) went quite a long way.

      4. Do you prefer bagels, crusty bread, or toast?
      Bread and baked goods are rare in my home. However, I find it hard to resist croissants and will have one occasionally. (I am not such a goody two-shoes!)

      Gratitude:
      I am grateful for the abundance in my life—delicious food, wonderful friends and family, and the good health to enjoy it all. Since returning from a holiday with my family, our home at the tip of Africa has been filled with visitors. How lucky I am!

      Share Your World Monday 06 January 2025

      5 Replies

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

      1.  What is the weather like today where you are?
      Today is Tuesday 7 January 2025 – I am answering a day after the challenge was posted. I live at the southern tip of Africa. If we’re lucky our mornings will be windless. However, it will blow in the afternoons! So today started slightly overcast with no wind, but now it is hot and windy. Yesterday was also hot and windy. Tomorrow will be hot an windy!

      No complaints from the kite surfers!

      2.  Have you booked your annual vacation yet?
      We take multiple vacations each year and have just returned from our summer stay in Plettenberg Bay, where we spent time with our daughter. All three of our daughters and two of our grandchildren were also there. After that, we spent a week in Cape Town with another of our daughters. We haven’t booked our next vacation yet. We tend to do things spur of the moment. However, traveling internationally with a South African passport requires careful planning, as most countries require SA tourists to obtain visas. The process of applying for these visas can be both costly and time-consuming. Since we plan to cruise later this year, it’s time to start our preparations.

      3.  Do you have a passport, and when does it expire?
      I do. It expires next month which means I need to go to Home Affairs to renew it next week! In the city this would mean queues hours long. But where I live, it won’t take long.

      Taken from the internet – no queues but that’s unusual in most places!

      4. When was the last (or first) time you went abroad?
      The first time I embarked on an international journey was back in 1988. At thirty-six, I had my adventurous 9-year-old daughter by my side. Our destination? London, to visit my younger brother who resided there. We spent an entire month soaking in the city’s charm. We explored every nook and cranny of London, and the excitement of navigating the tube trains and London buses was an experience my daughter cherished deeply. She fell head over heels for London, later working there for two years in her twenties. To this day, she seizes any opportunity to return.

      Christmas in London 1988 – Paddington Bear was a gift from her uncle.

      The last time I traveled abroad was in June 2024. My husband, our London-loving daughter, and I spent two weeks exploring London. Afterwards, we joined another daughter for a 10-day Adriatic cruise.

      Gratitude:
      I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to travel both within my own country and abroad. Some of my best travel adventures have been right here in South Africa, where I have explored every province and visited nearly every national park our country has to offer.