Cee’s Share your World 17 April 2017

2017-04-22 | puppy1952

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

When writing by hand do you prefer to use a pencil or pen?

Ah writing! The only time I pick up a writing implement is to jot down a shopping list or to do a crossword puzzle or Sudoku. And then it’s usually a pencil.
The best thing I learned at school besides Reading – was typing. I have always found handwriting a struggle. My fine-motor co-ordination is not good!

In my early days of teaching filling in the attendance register – and balancing it at the end of each term, writing reports and keeping records accurately was a nightmare – I always had to rewrite things – no tippex was allowed. I was the first person at my school to start doing it all on the computer. Yay for technology – I embrace it passionately. It certainly made my life a lot easier.

Having said all this – I did learn Italic – and loved it. But writing by hand is a struggle for me and I very much prefer my devices.

Would you rather be an amazing dancer or an amazing singer?

I would love to be both but am not talented in either in the least. Much to my children’s dismay I break into song at the drop of a hat and Hubby and I are always the first on the dance floor.

If you were on a debate team, what subject would you relish debating?

I would love to debate anything about Education – like – to give homework or not to give homework.

What are you a “natural” at doing?

I guess I will have to answer that I’m natural at working very hard at anything I tackle because I have no talent for anything! When I tell people I have no talents they respond with – nonsense – everybody has a talent but they can’t come up with a good one for me. I will tell you, however, what I love doing. Teaching, writing (creatively and factually), doing stuff on a computer or electronic device – and showing others how to do it.

Optional Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

Easter brought home to me how lucky I am to have such an amazing extended family and even though I don’t see all of them all that often I’m grateful that they’re in my life.

No plans for the next week but I’m sure something interesting will happen.

Share Your World 3 April 2017

2017-04-04 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to this week’s Share Your World 3 April 2017

What’s something you like to do the old-fashioned way?

I am a total techno freak and believe in moving with the times. I no longer write letters by hand – why would I when email and texting is so quick. I rely on a calculator to work out sums, go online to do banking and do a variety of things on the computer.

So there are very few things I do the old fashioned way. But here are a few things left over from the dark ages

knitting and crochet
walking whenever possible – hardly ever drive my car
wash dishes in the sink – don’t have a dishwasher
grow vegetables in the garden

What’s your favorite genre of book or movie?

Generally I avoid watching or reading books and movies with graphic violence. However, I did enjoy all The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo books. They were intriguing and well written.

Crime is also not my first choice but I will read David Balducchi and Deon Meyer. I didn’t enjoy the first few Deon Meyers. The stories were good but I didn’t enjoy the style in which they were written. Somebody suggested I read them in Afrikaans. And that made a huge difference – They’re brilliant in the vernacular.

Jewish stories – Favourite author Chaim Potok

Other favourite authors – Anne Tyler, Kate Atkins, Joanna Trollop, Maeve Binchy, Bryce Courtney, Mavis Cheek, Penelope Lively,

Anything with South African content attracts me. I have read some excellent books by South African authors. Michiel Heyns, Pamela Jooste, Rayda Jacobs, Andre Brink to name but a few.

My favourite movies are – Yentl (Barbara Streisand). 84 Charring Cross Road ( I read the book first and the movie was just as good.) Miss Potter ( I saw it five times)

At the moment I am watching Grace and Frankie on Netflix and loving it.

How often do you people watch?

I enjoy watching people and try to guess what their relationship is to the people they’re with. Mostly I enjoy actually talking to people I meet. I am not too shy to strike up a conversation with complete strangers.

What have you only recently formed an opinion about?

I can’t think of anything that I’ve formed an opinion about recently. But my opinions have changed in my old age. I am more tolerant than I was before.

Optional Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I am always grateful for the great time I had at Rosendal Spa last week and I am looking forward to friends coming to stay this weekend. Life is Good.

Share Your World 27 March 2017

2017-03-31 | puppy1952

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

Does your first or middle name have any significance (or were you named after another family member)?

I was the firstborn granddaughter and according to Greek tradition I should have been named after my paternal grandmother. My mother who was not Greek compromised by allowing me to given an Anglicised version of Maria, so my second name is Mary. Mother also did not want to hurt the feelings of my maternal grandmother so I have a third name – Edwina. As a child I was hugely embarrassed by my extremely long and difficult to pronounce surname made worse by a string of Christian names! But now it no longer bothers me.

Music or silence while working?

It depends what I am doing. I like the radio on if I’m doing something mindless like housework. Music is okay if I’m working on the computer. I don’t like being alone in the house without something playing on the radio.

If you had a special place for your three most special possessions (not including photos, electronics, people or animals), what would they be?

My special possessions are my electronic devices I’m afraid. I also love my books and I have a bookshelf for them. My favourite paintings hang on the walls and my jewellery has a secure hiding place.

The Never List: What are things you know you never will do?

I will never bungee jump, sky dive or chip the ice to go for a swim.

Optional Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I am grateful for the wonderful mid-week break we had at Rosendal Spa in Robertson. The weather was perfect, our room opened onto the pool area and we enjoyed the most relaxing treatments at the salon. I will probably write a blog about it soon.

I don’t know what the next week holds do us but I’m sure I will enjoy its surprises.

Share Your World 13 March 2017

2017-03-14 | puppy1952

Here are my answers t0 this weeks Cee’s Share Your World Challenge

Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?

Where I live there are no elevators but when I’m in a place where there is one I only press once. If it takes too long I use the stairs. It’s usually quicker to use the stairs and as I use a step counting watch it helps my totals. But there are times when going up and down stairs with packages or luggage is not very practical so the lift I will use. I have a friend who avoids lifts at all costs as she is terrified of them. This is phobia that started when we were kids after watching a movie with a scary lift scene in it.

Do you plan out things usually or do you do them more spontaneous (for example if you are visiting a big city you don’t know?)

I do the initial planning for our major holidays – where we will stay, for how long and more or less what we would like to do while there. But we are both spontaneous and would change plans at the drop of a hat. Some of our local trips are decided today, leaving tomorrow. Trips abroad can never be last minute as it takes time to get Visas and most countries require South Africans to have visitors’ visas before entering their borders. This takes time and is fairly expensive – so yes – planning is required well in advance.

Describe yourself in at least four uplifting words.

Loyal, Entertaining, Adventurous, Fun.

If you had a choice which would be your preference salt water beaches, fresh water lakes, ocean cruise, hot tub, ski resort or desert?

All of the above. I have lived near the sea most of my life and can’t imagine my permanent residence being anywhere else. I go to the beach almost daily, my hubby has a fishing boat, we like fresh fish – no – we could not live inland.

Kiora is his pride and joy

Our holiday destinations often include a stay next to fresh water lakes or dams – you’ve guessed it – for freshwater fishing. There is something about being next to a calm body of water that is calming – and I love it.

Sani Valley Lodge at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains

Pictured above is our favourite Freshwater venue – and there you might also find a hot tub!

This one was meant for Granny and Grandpa but the kids decided it was theirs!

I went on a skiing holiday more than 20 years ago and loved it but it’s not top of my list anymore.

The Earl and me about to embark on our first ski lesson – ski instructor on left

I’ve been on two short ocean cruises and thoroughly enjoyed them – but haven’t been tempted to make a habit of it – but now that I’m older I think it might be the best way to see Europe and so a big one is on our bucket list.

On board the Achille Lauro – a four day cruise from Durban to Bazaruto Island and back.

The desert certainly has its own appeal – done it got the photos but not rushing to do it again. However, I would encourage everyone to visit a desert at least once in their lives. Our desert of choice is The Namib and it is awesome.

Climbing a red dune is compulsory

The one thing not on this list is actually at the top of mine – The Bush! I will never grow tired of visiting the wildest parts of Africa. We had to cancel our Kruger National Park trip because the Earl was still recovering from surgery but it won’t be long before we’re back!

Nothing beats coming across a scene like this

or spending a few hours watching birds at Lake Panic

Optional Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I am always grateful that I live where I do. The weather is changing – it’s cooler in the mornings but I know we will never get the freezing temperatures I have read other bloggers write about. Most are welcoming the Spring and looking forward to being able to go into their gardens! How lucky am I that this is possible for me throughofut the year. I love Winter because the wind seldom blows and that when it’s not raining the days are sunny. I can still walk on the beach and only need to put on a fleece or a jacket.

I am looking forward to having friends to stay this weekend. Next week there is another fishing competition in Struisbaai – The Bottom Fish Nationals – and The Earl and I will be taking photographs for that.

Have a good week everyone.

Share your world 27 February 2017

2017-03-03 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to this weeks Cee’s Share your world

Ever ran out of gas in your vehicle?

I can’t remember ever having run out of fuel in my vehicle. But it’s been close. Sometimes we travel long distances on roads that seem to go on forever but we make sure that we fuel when we can. We have been in wild places where we’ve had to take in our own fuel. That was fun!

Which are better: black or green olives?

I am of Mediterranean ancestry so olives are very important to me. I always have black olives of various types in the fridge but I also like green olives.

If you were a great explorer, what would you explore?

I love exploring and have been to some pretty awesome places. There is nothing I enjoy more than getting close and personal with African wildlife.

001-giraffe-in-the-sunrise-namutoni-etosha

Sunrise in Africa

This Etosha Elephant tried to charge us

I imagine, though, that a great explorer is someone who goes where no man has gone before. Well – I can’t identify with that – I have no desire to go to Mars or the arse end of the world where conditions are inhospitably hot or cold. I don’t mind roughing it but there’s a limit. So I think for this one I’d say anywhere exotic that I’ve never been before so long as I do not have to risk life or limb. And when I’m there I’d like to meet the local people, learn about their lifestyles and explore their fauna and flora.

Quotes List: At least three of your favorite quotes?

I often go on about attitude being the most important thing to get you through life.

This one is probably my favourite because I have had so many moments like that have taken my breath away.

Then there are the more flippant ones that make me laugh

The last one comes from my brother – “I’d rather be rich and miserable than poor and miserable!”

Optional Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

On Monday The Earl had to go to the dentist as he’d lost a tooth while biting into his spare ribs. (He never did find said tooth!) She referred him to a periodontist in Somerset West – two hours drive from home. He was lucky enough to get an appointment the following day. Fortunately I went along with him as during the hour and a half procedure he was given a sedative and wasn’t allowed to drive back! We were grateful that he was able to get everything done in one session so we don’t have to return. However, the price has been a lot of post procedure pain! We went back to the dentist in Bredasdorp today and she has given him more antibiotic and pain medication. Thankfully he is feeling much better now.

I am looking forward to this weekend as my daughter will be visiting. She is bringing friends too which will be fun.

Share your World 13 February

2017-02-14 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to this weeks questions in Cee’s Share Your World

Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
I have a fitted sheet over the mattress and a duvet on top – no top sheet – so no tucked in sheets or blankets. In the summer I usually sleep, wrapped in a sarong, on top of the duvet. Sometimes when caravanning in the Kgalagadi or Kruger I wet the sarong, lay a towel on the bed and sleep with the wrung out sarong wrapped around me. It’s the only way to keep cool. In winter I sleep in warm pyjamas and have an extra rug on the bed.

Have you stolen a street sign before?
I have no idea how you can steal a street sign.

Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
I have done in the past thinking that I might use them. I realised early on in life that I’m not that thrifty. I forget the coupons are there and just buy as I need. I am not a bargain hunter and hate sales. I just don’t like rummaging through a mess of products trying to find something cheaper than usual. Presentation is important for me. If I spot something I like on a shelf or rail then I buy it if I want it. I never go looking for stuff to buy just because it’s cheap. Black Friday doesn’t do it for me.

Do you have freckles?
There are some brown speckles on my arms and legs and just two that I can see on my face. But mainly I see laughter lines and wrinkles.

Optional Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I am grateful for the rain that has fallen giving some relief to the drought. We need more so bring it on.

I am looking forward to The Marlin Competition which started yesterday and goes on until the end of this weekend. There are 27 boats, some independent and some from different clubs competing. They are creating quite a vibe here in Struisbaai.

This is how men like to be “@Work”

Share your world 6 February 2017

2017-02-06 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to Cee’s Share Your World 6 February 2017

Regarding your fridge, is it organized or a mess inside?

Funny you should ask because if I’d read this question this morning my answer might have been quite different.

Of course I like my fridge to be neat and organized but for the past few days it has been in a bit of a state so today I sorted out the chaos! I threw out left over food from last Monday’s anniversary party, poured mayonnaise from an almost empty jar into an almost full one, checked to see that the milk wasn’t past its use by date and put veggies into containers instead of leaving them in their punnets and plastic wrappings. I didn’t know this was going to be a question today so don’t have a before photograph – but here is what my refrigerator looks like after its clean out this morning!

Well the above is how my fridge looked when I started this post but then my adopted grandson, Sam and his friend, Daniel who are staying with us for a few days, came back from a night time fishing trip with four geelbek and a skipjack so they now have pride of place till tomorrow morning when they can be cleaned. Guess what we will be having for dinner tomorrow!

Sam (left) and Daniel had a great evening out on Sam’s boat Red Head

Lovely fresh fish

Do you prefer your food separated or mixed together?

Depending on what the meal is – I like each vegetable to have its own place on the plate but I eat them together with the meat or fish – a bit of fish and a bit of veggie on one fork is the proper way to eat isn’t it? I do not eat one food group at a time – first the peas, then the carrots and leave the best till last – that’s crazy. I like mixing the flavours.

Sushi of course is fish, vegetable and rice rolled together in a sheet of seaweed and I love that.

Do you prefer reading coffee table books (picture), biographies, fiction, non-fiction, educational?

If it is printed I read it. But if the first few pages don’t grab me I have no qualms about setting it aside. I like well written fiction. My favourite authors are Anne Tyler, Chaim Potok, Bryce Courtenay, Barbara Trapido, Mavis Cheek,Maeve Binchy, Anita Shreve. I also love books by South African authors about South African life. Michael Heyns, Rayda Jacobs, Pamela Jooste and Maire Fischer have written some amazing fiction. I am reading a book by Deon Meyer’s Icarus at the moment.

I have/had a huge collection of coffee table/reference books. I had to give most of them away when we sold our big house in Cape Town – it broke my heart but there’s no room for them in Struisbaai. I still have too many.

Close your eyes. Listen to your body. What part of your body is seeking attention? What is it telling you?

I’m thirsty – time to have a lovely cold glass of water. If I don’t drink enough water my blood pressure drops and then I wonder why I’m so exhausted.

Share Your World 30 January

2017-01-31 | puppy1952

Here are my answer’s to Cee’s Share your world 30 January 2017

What is the most incredible natural venue that you’ve ever seen in person?

I am privileged enough to be able to visit many incredible natural venues in my own country and neighbouring African countries. It’s the birds and wildlife that attract us to visit over and over again. But the most unusual natural venue I visited in 2015 was Sossusvlei which is a salt and clay pan surrounded by high red dunes, located in the southern part of the Namib Desert, in the Namib-Naukluft National Park of Namibia. Those magnificent Red Dune are mind boggling.

We climbed to the top of this one

We took an hour and a half flight over the dunes and looked down on our lodgings – our hut is the first one in the row this side of the main buildings.

How many siblings do you have? What’s your birth order?

I have two brothers and a sister. I am number two. Big Brother is three years older than I am. My sister is two years younger and Baby Brother is seven years younger than I.

If you were a shoe, what kind would you be and why?

Well I would not choose to be a shoe! But I love boots – so that’s what I’ll choose as long as they’re made from real leather and don’t have killer heels.

What is the strangest/weirdest thing you have ever eaten?

Several years ago we stayed at Lokotula Lodge, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe – another phenomenal natural venue.

Earl and Me with The Victoria Falls thundering behind us – September 2002.

On our first evening we ate at The Boma which is an area enclosing guests under the glittering African sky. There were sumptuous braaied (barbequed) meats to choose from the buffet and we tried a whole variety including warthog – you can read my story about that here.

As we were wandering around choosing our dishes one of the servers said, “Would you like some mopani worm?” “No thank you,” I replied. “But you must,”he insisted and not wanting to offend him both my hubby and I swallowed one each. It really wasn’t bad but not something I’d rush back to have any time soon! Well, we continued with our meal and when one of the hostesses came to enquire how we’d enjoyed the food, we told her that it had all been delicious. “Did you have mopani worms?”she asked. We replied proudly that we had and she promptly wrote out a certificate for each of us. So we have proof!

Optional Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

This week I am grateful for my precious husband, the wonderful friends we have made in our new home, Struisbaai and of course for the family and friends in Cape Town and the rest of the world too.

Young and in love – On our Wedding Day – 1987-01-30

Still in love thirty years later – 2017-01-30

We don’t have many friends in Struisbaai but last night we invited them all to help us celebrate our thirtieth wedding anniversary. Looking back on our years together brought home to us how much we have survived and how much we have been blessed. They have certainly been dramatic, exciting and adventurous years and we would not have changed a thing.

We don’t plan ahead so I am just looking forward to the surprises that are bound to happen in the coming week.

Share your world 23 January 2017

2017-01-26 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to Cee’s Share Your World 23 January 2017

Do you prefer juice or fruit?

Fruit – I have always loved all kinds of fruit. My grandparents had a lovely garden with a variety of fruit trees in it and we were free to pick as much as we liked. Perhaps that is why I love fruit so much. I don’t drink much fruit juice or any sweet drinks but if I do guava is my juice of choice.

Did you grow up in a small or big town? Did you like it?

The city of Cape Town was an hour’s train ride from the small seaside village where I grew up and what was there not to love? We had the beach, the mountain and the safety of the times.We had freedom – we’d walk or ride bikes everywhere on our own, play unsupervised on the beach and climb the mountain in kids only groups. It was an idyllic place to grow up.

Fish Hoek – where I grew up

If you were to paint a picture of your childhood, what colors would you use?

Bright and beautiful ones -blinding white for the sea-sand, sparkling blue for the sky, emerald green for the grass and trees. The sun shone a lot – but of course there were the grey, rainy days but they were filled with siblings and cousins playing board games and joining the dogs in front of a roaring log fire at Granny’s house

Ways to Relax List: Make a list of what relaxes you and helps you feel calm.

Taking a long walk on the beach
Reading a good book
Journalling
Doing a crossword or Sudoku
Having a good coffee with hubby or friend at a friendly coffee shop.

Optional Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I am grateful that Earl has been feeling well this week. I am looking forward to entertaining friends next week.

Share your world 2017 #1

2017-01-08 | puppy1952

Each week Cee is once again challenging us to answer some interesting questions Here are my answers

Would you prefer to receive a unicycle, bicycle, tricycle or motorcycle?

I have a bicycle which I used to ride regularly when my grandsons were in Primary School. The traffic where I lived was scary so I gave up fighting with busses and trucks for fear of coming to a sticky end. But now I live in a quieter place and plan to start again – but perhaps a tricycle would be better at my age – I have this fear of falling off!

When we were all a lot younger in 2006!

What is one thing you’d like to accomplish this year?

I have stopped trying to accomplish things. I just want to be able to get through and cope with the challenges that life keeps throwing my way. Hopefully there won’t be too much drama this year.

What was one of the highlights of 2016 for you?

Getting through the Drama of my hubby’s hospitalization in Italy!

Would you prefer to fly a kite or fly in a hot air balloon?

I would prefer to fly a kite because then my feet will be firmly on the ground. I don’t like flying – in anything. Having said that if the opportunity presented itself I would probably get into that darn balloon. I have FOMO!(fear of missing out!)

Optional Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I am grateful that my grandsons, aged 18 and 19, while travelling abroad for the first time, on their own, coped well with delayed flights and missed connecting flights when wifi and contact with home was non-existent or very limited. They made it from Cape Town to Las Vegas and enjoyed the adventure from beginning to end.

I am looking forward to getting back to Struisbaai after an very eventful three weeks in KZN.