Tag Archives: life

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.

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

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

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

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

Santa on Struisbaai Beach – Look guys, no snow!

Gratitude

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

Reverse Grandpa, Reverse! – shouted the grandkids

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

5 Replies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SYW 8 September 2025 Reflections on 16 Years of Blogging

9 Replies

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

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

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

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

My oldest grandson happily braaing in the rain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Share Your World 31 August 2025 – The Changing Seasons

5 Replies

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.

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

4 Replies

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!

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

7 Replies

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.

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

4 Replies

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

10 Replies

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.

Stream Of Conciousness Saturday 28 December 2024

6 Replies

I am participating in Stream of Consciousness for the first time in a while. The prompt is ‘My Year‘

2024 – A Year of Change

The post must be stream of consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write.

It can be long or short,one sentence or one thousand words, fact, fiction or poetry. Just let the words flow and stop when you’re done.

One thing is certain in life: Things will Change! No two years are ever the same. I have found this to be true throughout my life. Christmas as an adult was not the same as it was when I was a child. The way in which we have celebrated Christmas over the years has changed, too. It all depended on the age of the children/grandchildren and what had happened in everybody’s life during a particular life span. I tend to be one who goes with the flow and have welcomed and embraced the many phases that I have been through in life.

Looking back on my 2024 I realise that things have slowed down somewhat. We normally have a crazy year of travelling, visiting friends and family but this year has been different. Yes, of course, we have travelled but the pace has been so much slower. Ah yes, we are getting older! I am happy to say though, that we are in reasonable health. Neither hubby nor I have anything terminal! However, we have both made more trips to the doctor than in the past. I have had two attacks of diverticulitis this year, the most recent of which I am still recovering from. I also have some minor back issues but yoga is helping that. Hubby turned 80 in July so it is not surprising that he is slowing down a tad. Fortunately, he has no major medical issues but needs to take a few chronic medications.

It has also been a year of great change in the lives of our grandchildren. Grandson number two joined Youth with a Mission in Norway and has had some great adventures with them. Grandson number one has been living in Hungary for a year now and is doing well. Our granddaughter got married at Easter. Grandson number 3 had an amazing year at a post High School called Quest where he was physically, emotionally and spiritually challenged. During the course he travelled to different parts of the country, climbed mountains, forged rivers, captured wild animals for relocation, the list goes on. The experience matured him and in one year gave him invaluable life skills. Soon he will complete a deck-hand course and apply to work on super yachts. Oh to be young and adventurous again!

In June Hubby and I enjoyed a two-week trip to London and a 10-day Mediterranean cruise with two of our daughters. It was idyllic and travelling with our kids was a very pleasurable experience and something we would like to do more often.

Regular readers of my blog will know that for the past 10 years we have been on numerous caravanning holidays. The time has come now for us to sell our beloved Gecko and re-think how we will spend future holidays in game reserves. We could carry on a tad longer but on our last trip in August, I could see that Hubby was really struggling. I feel that he is doing it more for me than for himself and that he would be more comfortable with fresh linen and fluffy white towels. I would rather quit while we’re ahead than have something disastrous happen in the middle of the wilds where little help is available.

The little adjustments we have to make to cope with life as it progresses to different levels is all part of the journey. We will slow down but we will still have adventures and plenty of fun!

Share Your World – Monday 15 July 2o24

8 Replies

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

1. Do you have a bestie (ie. best friend)
I have four best friends each of whom has had a special effect on my life. I am still in close contact with each of them, although we don’t live in the same town anymore.

My BFF and I have been friends since we were seven years old. We are now seventy-one! We are true soulmates and can almost read each other’s minds. Often she comes to mind and then the phone rings and it’s her and vice versa. We just seem to know when the one needs the other.

The next best friend I met was when I was twenty-one. We are ‘buddies’ and have shared many life experiences together. She is the one I’ll call to meet for shopping and coffee excursions!

Then I have a best friend who is nine years younger than me. We became very close when we taught at the same school and then became close neighbours. She was also my ‘running mate’ and we would run together for many years. My house was her house and her house was my house.

I am very close to my fourth best friend who I met when I was 35 and she was 49. She was my mentor and made a huge impact on my teaching career. She also introduced me to birdwatching.

2. Do you have a lot of friends?
I don’t think I have a lot but I love the ones I do have. I have a group of friends who I’ve been friends with since my college days and when we lived in Cape Town we met once a month for breakfast. It was a great way to keep in touch and I still go to those breakfasts if I’m in town.

I also have friends who live abroad that I keep up with.

Here in our retirement town, we have made some very good friends and we socialise regularly with them.

3. Has a friend ever let you down to the extent that the friendship has died?
There is one person who turned out not to be quite as honest as I thought he was. His actions caused me to find out his true nature and that made it impossible to continue being his friend.

I tend to live and let live and consider myself tolerant. We all make mistakes and that’s fine, but when a relationship makes you feel uncomfortable it’s best to let it go. Both parties should just move on.

4. Are you more likely to confide in a friend rather than family?
It depends on what I need to confide. Generally, my life is an open book. I don’t have many secrets. I would probably tell my BFF before letting my family into what’s troubling me. My family is, however, very supportive so it wouldn’t be long before I let them know what was troubling me.

Gratitude:

I am truly grateful for all my amazing friends. Each one has a special place in my heart. I include my blogging friends in this number too.

Adventuring into Retirement

Making the most of The South African LIfestyle

Tag Archives: life

Stream Of Conciousness Saturday 28 December 2024

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: