It Happened in Italy – Not part of the plan

2016-11-11 | puppy1952

The Earl was still not feeling great and did not feel up to doing much the day after the Castle Excursion. Lady Helen thought he needed to at least take a short walk out and encouraged him to come with her to get a coffee and croissant for breakfast.

The coffee shop was a mere 200 metres from the apartment but by the time they got there The Earl was breathless and complained that his chest hurt. He swallowed a black Americana and ate his croissant but then held onto his wife’s shoulder as they made their way back home. Lady Helen walked slowly. “Go faster,” he urged. So she sped up a little – “NOT THAT FAST” – he gasped. “Shall I get the ambulance?” she asked. “No, just get me home. I’m obviously not taking enough of the medication – Google my symptoms and see how much you need to up the dose!”

Dr Google? Really!

That short distance seemed to take forever, The Earl’s chest hurt, he was breathless and he wanted to vomit. They made it to the lift and as they entered the apartment she yelled to The Captain to get the paramedics. He and The Admiral took off like hurricanes and returned running ahead of the ambulance as they were not allowed to ride in it. Lady Helen feared that they too would collapse with heart attacks. Three paramedics took immediate action, took the Earl’s blood pressure and stuck a drip in his arm. They put him into a special chair and got him into the lift and once again he was rushed off in the ambulance and back to San Leonardo. Much to The Admiral’s horror they would not allow Her Ladyship to accompany him this time. “But she’s his wife,” she implored. “She must go with him.” But her words fell on deaf ears or ones that did not interpret the English tongue and they shrieked off at breakneck speed.

“My Earlie,” freaked The Admiral “How could they just take him off like that”

Lady Helen comforted her – “It will be fine – it’s an easy ride by train – we can go a little later. In any case they won’t allow us in while they’re treating him and we’d be left fretting in a waiting room where no one speaks English. It’s best we fret here instead!”

keep-calm

It was a 15 minute walk from the apartment to the station and a pleasant 20 minute ride by train to Stadio Arechi. The trains ran every 25 minutes so getting to the hospital was not too dreadful an ordeal. After calming down to panic and gathering a few things together the three friends set off with high hopes that The Earl would return with them.

But this was not to be. The Captain and The Admiral were not allowed in to see the invalid and Lady Helen was given just a short time. The young lady doctor in attendance spoke to her in imperfect English but it was enough to ensure that she understood that her husband’s blood pressure was dangerously high, they needed to find out why and he would have to remain in hospital for at least 24 hours. He was on blood thinners and they were doing tests. “He will stay here until I can get him a bed in the ward. I want to keep him for at least three days,”she explained.

The Earl was smiling and looked perfectly comfortable. His chest pain had gone and he was breathing normally. “Don’t worry,”he said “I’m quite happy here. Give the others my love and come see me tomorrow.”

“He’ll be fine,” Lady Helen assured Captain Ray and Perci. “A few days rest and we’ll have him back better than before.”

But it was rather a subdued ride back to Salerno – Lady Helen tried to remain upbeat but her companions took a more realistic view of the situation.

It Happened in Italy – Castello di Arechi

2016-11-10 | puppy1952

After The Earl’s episode he and Lady Helen decided to take things easy and while the Captain and his Admiral went to do some chores in town they took a slow walk to a nearby pharmacy to get blood pressure medication which the Earl promised to take for the rest of his life!

The following day The Earl was still not feeling up to anything strenuous because on top of everything he’d bruised his foot and found it painful to walk. Also his medication made him drowsy and he just wanted to sleep. He insisted the rest of the group do a trip to the castle without him. “Take lots of photographs,” he commanded.

This required that they take a bus so they set off reasonable early, stopped at a popular coffee shop and had coffee and chocolate croissants for breakfast and then waited – and waited – and waited. Three hours later the bus arrived! The castle is atop a very high hill and they would have walked but were advised against it as the road was quite dangerous.

The bus was full of Italians who soon picked up that the Inglese were headed for the only tourist attraction en route. And when they approached many voices called out – Castello – Castello – otherwise they would have missed their stop and been taken heaven knows where!

The Arechi Castle dates back, according to some scholars to the third century AD, while others believe the earliest parts were only built in the sixth century. It is situated at a height of about 300 meters above sea level. It has breathtaking views over the city and the Gulf of Salerno. The castle assumed great military importance in the eighteenth century, with the Longobard Prince Arechi II who, although didn’t introduce major changes to the fort, made it the cornerstone of the defense system of the city.

They enjoyed exploring and taking photographs and really wanted to walk back home but fear of the dodgy road made them wait another couple of hours for a bus. However, the time was spent beneath the shady pines relaxing and chatting to other tourists. Meeting people on vacation is also part of the fun.

The most exciting part of the excursion was the bus trip home – the road was steep and narrow and hair raising to travel in the hands of the crazy Italian Driver who had no fear! It was better than a roller coaster ride!

It Happened in Italy – A Scary Incident

2016-11-09 | puppy1952

The Earl was delighted to have his Lady safely back with him. He bragged about his improved fitness telling her, “I’ve been walking up the hill without having to stop and rest. I think I’m Italy Fit now.”

Lady Helen was delighted to hear it but on their first long walk together she noted that he could no quite keep up with her. “I really was better,” he said “It’s just that you’re walking too fast!” And so she slowed down – she slowed down a lot!

On her third day back they set off to visit the Medieval Gardens. The Admiral and The Captain did not accompany them as they’d done it on their own on a previous excursion. They hadn’t gone far when the Earl had to stop. “I have a chest pain,”he gasped. Let’s rest a while. “I just need a few minutes” But the pain did not subside. Lady Helen began to worry. “This is worse than before,” she said. “I’m taking you to the doctor.”

“No!” He said. “I’ll be fine. Just walk slowly.” But even at a snail’s pace he could not cope so Lady Helen insisted they go to the emergency room. “There must be one where we see those ambulances parked just around the corner.” It was a minute away from where they were. The minute they arrived she rushed into the building and said to the first person she saw – “Mio Marito ha male petto” “My husband has sore chest” A woman who must have been a nursing sister was called and immediately ushered ithem nto a small room and indicated for The Earl to lie on the bed. A doctor appeared out of nowhere. He took his blood pressure and attached a heart monitor to his chest.

Lady Helen began to explain that she didn’t have their passports or medical insurance on her but she couldn’t quickly run home to get them. The nurse shook her head and just wrote down The Earl’s name. “No passaporto – no pagare” No passport – no pay” Was Lady Helen understanding correctly? She didn’t think so.

Then some paramedics appeared and started wheeling the bed out to the street. Lady Helen did not know what was going on. They prattled away in Italian to her and all she picked up was “ospedale” “ambulanza”

“You’re taking him to the hospital in an ambulance? But it’s just a chest pain!” They ignored her and indicated that she should sit up front next to the driver while a doctor and paramedic accompanied The Earl in the back.

Lady Helen had never been in an ambulance before and now she was screaming down the streets of Salerno on the wrong side of the road!

The Earl was in good hands

As they screamed down the busy streets of Salerno, Lady Helen gazed in awe as the cars made way for the speeding ambulance. “How many euros is this going to set us back?” she wondered. She had no idea where they were going not how they were to get back. It was a 15 minute ride before they arrived at outpatients, The Earl was wheeled out and Lady Helen followed but was barred at the big red door and told – “Solo pazienti – aspettare qui” “Only patients – wait here.” She stared at the red door for a full minute before coming to her senses. She must phone The Captain. After two rings he answered, “Hello – Lady Helen – talk to me” But the words wouldn’t come – finally she managed to stutter out the story and he asked, “What’s the name of the hospital” “I don’t know,” Lady Helen cried.

Then held up her phone and called out to those in the waiting room – “Ospedele – nome – per favore” hospital – name – please” A young man approached and said, “San Leonardo”

“I don’t know how to explain how to get here,” said Lady Helen “But it’s not far by ambulance.”

“Don’t worry, ” said The Captain “We’ll Google it. Keep us informed.”

Lady Helen waited anxiously for half an hour but nobody came to give her any news about her husband’s condition. Finally she could handle it no longer and went to reception. The receptionist could not speak English. “Voglio vedere mio marito” “I want to see my husband” The receptionist sighed, picked up a phone, prattled a few words in Italian and then pointed to the big, red door. Lady Helen approached the door which was soon opened by a man who spoke excellent English. He allowed Lady Helen in and took her to The Earl. There he was looking perfectly comfortable and pleased with himself.

“There are some very pretty nurses here,” he said

His pain had gone, he was on a drip and he was feeling on top of the world. They’d taken blood and were monitoring his blood pressure and heart. “We have to keep him for a few hours and then we will discharge him.” said the man. “There’s no need for you to stay. Come fetch him later on.”

“Where do I pay?” asked Lady Helen. The man looked surprised. “Nothing to pay.” he said.

Lady Helen couldn’t believe it – they were not Italian citizens or even members of the EU yet as tourists the emergency treatment was free of charge. It gave her a warm, fuzzy feeling and a sense of relief that her Euros were safe!

Now she had to find her way home. She approached an ambulance driver and in her best Italian asked directions to the bus stop. He wanted to know where she was going and when she said The Lungomare, Salerno, he suggested the train instead. The station was a minute away and the ride there only 20 minutes. Nervously she found her way there, got help from Tren Italia personal how to use the ticket machine and then hopped onto the train. It was not necessary for The Captain and The Admiral to come to her rescue after all.

They did not discharge The Earl that day but kept him overnight. He caught a taxi home early the next morning and declared that all was well! It was just high blood pressure (200 over 100) and he needed to get his cardiologist at home to send him a script for the medication that he was supposed to be taking but wasn’t!

It Happened in Italy -An interlude in Engand

2016-11-08 | puppy1952

Lady Helen left her travelling companions for a few days and flew to England to spend time with her dearest friend Jennifer.

On Wednesday when she arrived they went straight to the garden centre where they enjoyed a delicious baked potato stuffed with tuna.

That first day it was a tad chilly but the rest of the time was warmish.
On Thursday Jen had to work so Lady Helen spent a chilled day alone at her house, reading and watching British TV!
On the Friday it was a half-day for Jen so she went with her and walked around the town
taking photos and enjoying the canal with its barges, shady trees and water birds.

Wow – a Post Box!

Telephone booth – in 2016 – Really?

High Street shop

One of the many colourful doors seen

She had breakfast at a wonderful coffee shop called Epicurus. She told the owner that he was better than Starbucks. This flattered him no end as he’d worked at Starbucks a few years back and was delightful that she appreciated proper coffee.

When Jen knocked off they went shopping at Milton Keynes. Lady Helen wanted to buy three pairs of denims at Marks and Spencer – black, white and blue – as they
sell them at the correct leg length. She also wanted a white shirt and was convinced she would have no trouble getting them there but Jen said. “No way – they’re not as good as they used to be. Everyone’s complaining and shopping elsewhere these days!”

But she did manage to get one pair of perfectly fitting blue denims but no white shirt! So they checked out a few other stores. Just as they were about to give up Lady Helen spotted a shop that looked like it specialised in men’s shirts but the window poster was of women in shirts too.

The shop was staffed with a few very dapper young men who assured them that they did indeed stock lady’s shirts in this speciality store. The range of shirts was awesome and the quality fabulous so Lady Helen ended up spending a good deal of her budget on three well fitting, button up, long sleeved shirts in white, blue and pink and white stripe. But because she bought three she got one free! So instead of three pairs of denims and one shirt she got one pair of denims and three shirts. She could live with that!
On the Saturday they had the most beautiful walk at a nearby wetland – not many birds on that day but the wild flowers were beautiful.

One cannot visit England without enjoying at least one pub lunch so on their last day together they headed to they headed to a stunning place next to the canal. The weather was pleasant so they started with drinks outside before moving to their indoor table.

Lady Helen ordered sausage and mash and veggies and it was really good. The New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was excellent too.

In the evening Jen drove her to her “luxury” airport hotel. As it turned out the Quality Skyline Hotel was miles from the airport and required a taxi ride to get to it! The quality bit was also a misnomer. The hotel was shabby and the bathroom tiles were cracked. The place was in a dodgy part of town and its restaurant wasn’t open because it was Sunday!
Thank Goodness she’d had a good lunch because there was no way she could risk life and limb by venturing out in search of an eatery.
But on the positive side it was clean and the TV worked. The staff were kind and woke her in time to get a taxi to the airport for her early flight back to Naples.

She was in good time for her flight and enjoyed an excellent coffee and croissant at Jimmy and Bennie’s.
Lady Helen had caught a bus from Salerno straight to Capodichino Airport in Naples but upon arriving back she found that there was no bus for several hours and her next option would be to take a train. Not having her darling husband’s travel panic to deal with she managed to find where to catch a bus to Napoli Centrale – a most uncomfortable ride as it was so full. This bus dropped her off quite far from the actual station and so Lady Helen
followed a guy who looked like he knew where he was going and 5 minutes
later found herself in the right place. Now to get a ticket – She joined a queue where she met two young, Spanish girls. They told her that the ticket cost 17 Euros. That didn’t sound right so she went in search for a cheaper fare and after asking a few people found the machine for Tren Italia.

She looked blankly at the machine, turned to someone next to her to ask for help but was met with a blank stare! “No Inglese” Suddenly a youth appeared at her elbow and in clear English offered to help. He showed her exactly what to do and directed her to the correct platform. She thanked him profusely. And then he very politely asked if she could spare him some cash. He looked so neat and tidy she couldn’t believe he was a beggar – he was not Italian. She handed over a few euro with a smile on her face. He’d certainly earned it!

Lady Helen now had the right ticket, knew where to get her train and could relax for an hour before departure. She returned to the Spanish girls and gave them instruction on how to get a cheaper ticket – only four Euros! They were most grateful.
She then parked off on a bench to drink a refreshing sparkling mineral water and got into conversation with two American woman of her around her own age. They’d just been on a cruise and now wanted to go to Rome for two days and then fly to Barcelona. They were
trying to go online to book flights but the ‘free’ wifi was not working. Lady Helen had data on her phone so searched for them and gave them all the details. This had taken some time and suddenly she realised she had 5 minutes to catch her train, bade them farewell and dashed to her platform. Once settled she read her Kindle and became so absorbed that she forgot to check the stations but something told her it was time to look up and as they pulled into a station she was surprised to see it was Salerno! Then as she stepped out of the carriage the Earl was right there to meet her! What a look of relief registered on his face. His wife was safe!

It Happened in Italy – A visit to Pompeii

2016-11-07 | puppy1952

One reads about it, one sees it on TV and in movies. One knows bits and pieces of its history and one’s heard everyone else’s stories about what it is like. But only when one is there and experiences it for oneself does it sink in that this all happened in 79 AD. And it’s all so amazingly well preserved that one is transported back to that age and sanding at the foot of Vesuvius one almost understands the enormity of what happened that fateful day.
Lady Helen was about 10 years old when she first heard about Pompeii. Her school reading book – Wide Range Reader – had many stories of historic interest and each of them had left a lasting impression on her and the one about Pompeii was particularly fascinating. And now here she was more than fifty years later seeing it all for herself.

The admiral and the captain had done Pompeii on a previous visit so The Earl and Lady Helen took the 30 minute train ride and met their host, Roberto who is an archeologist and a tour guide. One probably needs two days to see all of Pompeii but in the heat of an Italian Summer that would be suicide. Roberto showed them the most interesting parts in their two-hours spent there.

Roberto waxes lyrical about the secrets of Pompeii

Cement was invented way back then in Italy

The image of the Goddess who protected the actors

The amphitheatre

A row of shops

The streets doubled as a sewage and draining system so the stepping blocks were there for safe crossing. The spaces between the blocks allowed the chariots to pass through.

An original Pizza Oven!

A Roman Bath

Pictures advertising the wares of the prostitutes

A bed in a whorehouse

Mount Vesuvius in the background

The ruins of Pompeii

During early excavations of the site, occasional voids in the ash layer had been found that contained human remains. These were spaces left by the decomposed bodies and so plaster was injected into them to recreate the forms of Vesuvius’s victims.

Remains of one of the victims

He covered his nose but was overcome by the fumes

Remains of a dog

It was a very informative and interesting visit and when they were done, Roberto kindly drove them home.

It Happened in Italy -Life in Salerno

2016-11-06 | puppy1952

The First Earl and Lady Helen along with The Captain and his Admiral were to reside in Italy for two months – a month in Salerno from where they would take day trips to surrounding places of interest and then a month in Diamante where they would relax and enjoy the seaside and simple lifestyle and get to know the local folk. So there was plenty of time to settle in and explore Salerno. Their accommodation, Via Centola Giovanni 33, on the fourth floor was comfortable providing them with a double room for each couple, a shared bathroom and a reasonably equipped kitchen.

Neat kitchen

The Noble Suite

View from Kitchen Balcony

It was a narrow street and one felt that one could lean out of the window and the touch the neighbours across the way. In fact many conversation could be had from one balcony to another. Although the four foreigners were used to private gardens and wide open spaces they found this type of living rather fun and giggled when they hung their washing on a line attached to the balcony rail!

One’s laundry hung for all to see!

For the next week the four walked the city flat, shopped where the locals shopped and found wonderful restaurants and bars to snack and dine at.

Lady Helen had tried to get The Earl fit for walking before leaving the Fiefdom of Struisbaai and the failure of this venture was evident when he needed to rest frequently on the uphill route back to the apartment. The Captain and The Admiral were very patient and didn’t mind going at a slower pace. Lady Helen, however, tended to walk on ahead at what she thought was a slower pace but was not slow enough for His Lordship. And he didn’t like her not to be right by his side where he could be sure she was safe and sound. So at a very slow pace she had to learn to walk!

All Italians wear hats and sensible shoes. The Earl therefore had to get himself a hat to make him blend in with the rest.

The Earl trying to look Italian

Nothing like cooling off with an Italian Gelato after a morning of exploring

Saturday Farmers’Markets were amazing

Aqueducts still standing after many centuries

The Castle dates back to the sixth century

Often seen – groups of men meeting for a chat, a game of checkers or cards and a coffee

A typical street scene in Salerno

A delightful place, hidden in a narrow street – excellent for pizza

His Lordship was reluctant to part with too many Euros, fearing that they would not have enough for their extended holiday. But Lady Helen was determined to buy at least one dress Made in Italy. And all the shops were having amazing sales – up to 75% off. What serious shopper could resist such a bargain! So one day while they were out on their own Her Ladyship could no longer resist temptation and dragged her reluctant husband into an exclusive little boutique. Of course when he saw the love of his life in the pretty little dress he forked out the cash with not a murmur of complaint.

Lady Helen in the doorway of Only Up

The lovely assistant could speak a little English

Made in Italy – the dress not the lady.

Share your world Week 44

2016-11-04 | puppy1952

Sorry that I haven’t participated for a while – have not read or written blogs for a few months due to travel and other time consuming stuff. I am now trying to get back into it.

What was your favorite subject in school?

I loved English – even Grammar which seemed to be a problem for most kids but I found it quite logical.

If you could have a servant come to your house every day for two hours, what would you have them do?

I am used to help in the home but since retiring I’ve taken to doing my own housework. Cleaning windows is the worst chore so that is what I’d want done at least once a month. Other chores would include cleaning the bathroom and kitchen and and mopping my tiled floors.

Where did you live when you were in the third grade of school? Is it the same place or town you live now?

I lived in a delightful suburb of Cape Town called Fish Hoek and I lived there or not far from there for most of my life. In those early days it was a sleepy seaside village when children were free to play unsupervised and the beach and the mountain were our playgrounds. It is still a delightful place but more built up and the traffic is a nightmare.

And now I live in another sleepy seaside place at the southern tip of Africa. It is called Struisbaai and I love it.

Fish Hoek Beach in the sixties

The beach is still there! This is the upgraded Jager’s Walk

In your opinion, list some places that are great for shopping?

Paris of course. But seriously when I am in Cape Town I head straight to Woolworths. At home in Struisbaai I love the little shops we have in our tiny mall and our main business area. In spite of it being a small town most of our needs are met and we like to support local business where possible. And then there’s Bredasdorp 30km away. Once again you are assured of friendly and helpful service from the owners of the stores themselves.

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 husband is returning to good health.

I look forward to finishing packing up the Cape Town home we’ve just sold.

It Happened in Italy – Getting There

2016-11-04 | puppy1952

I have had a long break from blogging due to travel and other things that have claimed my undivided attention. To get back into it, I am pledging to try to write one post a day for the rest of November. In most of these posts I will write about what happened during the holiday my husband and I took in Italy. To make it more fun, I am fictionalising it slightly and changing names to protect both the innocent and the guilty.

How it all began

Back in May 2016, at Milkwood Manor, the First Earl and his wife were chatting to their friend, affectionately known as ‘The Admiral.

“The Captain,”she said, “has in his wisdom booked flights to Italy – leaving 1 August and returning 29 September! We love Italy but 2 months is rather long and yes, he’s used his air-miles for the tickets but we still have to find a place to stay!”

“Sounds fab,”said the Earl. “Why don’t we join you – and share expense.”

“We can’t,” declared her ladyship. “We’re going to The Kruger National Park. And anyway – you don’t like travelling in Europe!”

“Of course I do,” came the indignant reply. “It’s England I dislike! And we’ll be back in time for Kruger!”

Yes they would be; with barely a week to spare. Lady Helen looked at her husband in disbelief but not wanting to miss an opportunity for an adventure she agreed and The Admiral insisted that The Captain, who was completing his time skippering a boat in the Middle East, would be delighted to have them as travelling companions. And so the rush to get the bookings co-ordinated, sort out visas and find accommodation began.

The Earl although an active man and fit for activities like fishing, was not too keen on walking. And walking long distances would be a requirement on this type of holiday. Her ladyship tried to encourage him to get walking fit and he accompanied her on a few excursions but complained that it hurt to walk and his chest didn’t like it. Feeling concerned, they decided to visit the cardiologist in Cape Town a few weeks before departure. After an hour’s consultation he was pronounced fit enough to travel. “Take your blood pressure medication and you will be fine,”said the good doctor.

And so full of confidence and excitement the foursome set off on their adventure on 1 August 2016. Air Emirates were the privileged airline to be transporting the gentry on their journey. A lovely airline indeed but even though of noble birth, first class seats were not within the limits of the budget!

The plane that took them to Dubai

In the middle of the night at Dubai Airport

Her Ladyship was recovering from Diverticulitis and not feeling quite her usual chirpy self. She was worried about the food on the flight but all turned out well with the bland meal she’d ordered. Well done to Emirates. Two flights and 20 hours later they arrived in Rome and made their way to the city of Salerno.

The noble millions had dwindled over the centuries so although the Earl and the Captain fancied themselves as Lords they did not have the funds to carry it off in style. So instead of being transported to their lodgings in a carriage or a taxi they decided to save money, hoist packs on their backs, drag their trolley luggage and walk. The season was summer; it was hot, they were tired and they didn’t know the language or the way! And to add to their dillema the cell phone batteries failed one after the other making Google Maps no help at all. Getting directions to the apartment became a tad nightmarish. After stopping many well-meaning and kind Italians and who helpfully gesticulated and prattled incomprehensibly and drew maps that were impossible to interpret they finally made it to their apartment. “Getting lost is all part of the adventure!” declared her ladyship cheerfully as everybody collapsed in a sweaty heap. Nobody else was in the least bit amused.

However, after unpacking and cooling off they cheered up and set off to explore and get something to eat.

The only place open during Siesta Time

They shared two Margaritas and drank some refreshing beers.

And yes it was HOT

Later in the cool of the evening they set off to the Lungomare for a delicious Italian Meal.

The Lord and Lady enjoying pre-dinner snacks and sundowners

Love in Italy – The Captain with his Admiral

Delicious Italian Pasta

More of the Italian Adventure tomorrow.

Share Your World #29

2016-07-21 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to this week’s share your world

What is the perfect pizza?

My favourite pizza is never on the menu of most pizza places but I’ve seldom had a problem having them make it up for me. I call it a Greek Pizza – the toppings are fetta, olives, spinach and avo – delicious.

What is your favorite time of day?

I am a morning person but now that I’m retired I don’t get up early in winter! Summer is a different story – I love an early morning walk and swim on the beach.

When in the bush mornings are the best time to get those stunning sunrises and to catch the early activity of the birds and game.

Show us two of your favorites photographs? The photos can be from anytime in your life span. Explain why they are your favorite.

The first photograph is precious because it shows all four grandkids really enjoying each other’s company. It was taken in 2014 when we were all together in Struisbaai.

The next one is special for a similar reason but here they are under the milkwood tree with their precious grandfather – and they’re all smiling at the same time!

Complete this sentence: I’m looking forward to….

our trip to Italy!

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

It was wonderful having my grandson, Jay and his friends stay with us for a few days and I’m grateful that he doesn’t think he is too old to show affection to his gran in front of his mates.

The boys dwarfing Granny!

I have come down with diverticulitis this week and look forward to getting over it quickly!

Share your World #28

2016-07-12 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to this week’s Share your World questions.

What is your earliest memory?

I am always intrigued by what sticks in my mind and what doesn’t. I forget what I did yesterday but my memories from before I was four are still there! In my earliest memory I am three years old. Big Brother is already at school. He is six. I am holding Mommy’s hand and she is pushing Little Sister in her push chair. She is one. We are meeting Big Brother who is walking home from school. I have no idea why this memory sticks – nothing significant happens but I remember my brother looking very pleased with himself while I feel a tad jealous that I am not big enough to be at this important place called school. Other memories from this time in the southern suburbs of Johannesburg are vivid. Sitting on the pavement with our nanny Siena – she chatted to other nannies while we played with their young charges. The gold mine dump near our house, the
“bumpy” road we took as a shortcut to the main road that took us to wherever we were going, our enormous garden with its very long driveway and extremely tall trees – my first bird call memory is of the turtle doves calling at sunset. We left this house to live in Cape Town when I was five. I returned with my brother when we were in our thirties. He had not been there since he was 8 but he found the house without a hiccup. I couldn’t believe how the garden, trees and driveway had shrunk over the years!

I do remember one significant thing – I am standing in the dark street with my father (and mom and siblings) He is pointing to a moving star in the Sky- “That’s Sputnik,” – he said, “One day they’ll put a man into space!” That would have been in October 1957 and I was not yet five years old.

What was the last photo you took with your phone?

I don’t often take photos with my phone but if I see something interesting on my walk I like to show my hubby a proof shot. The last one was of a pair of rock kestrels but they’re too blurred to show here. Instead I will post one of harbour. I can never resist photographing it.

Struisbaai on a still, winter’s day.

Have you ever danced in the rain?

I can’t believe I haven’t because I have danced in the oddest places at inappropriate times but I don’t remember any dancing in the rain incidents.

What is the longest you have gone without sleep?

More than 24 hours. It was the last day of college. I was in a residence called Lincoln at Grahamstown Training College. We came from all over the country and had been together for three years. Now we were dispersing to different parts of the country and didn’t know when or if we would ever see each other again. We stayed up all night to get the very last of each other. The next day there was a final chapel service and we sang, “God be with you till we meet again” Well, the refrain, “till we meet at Jesus Feet” set me off and I couldn’t stop crying. A fellow student gave me a lift from Grahamstown to Port Elizabeth where I boarded a plane to Cape Town and I cried all the way in the car and on the plane. Of course, it was the lack of sleep the amplified all this emotion. I had just calmed down before deplaning and was ready to meet my father with a smile – but as soon as I saw him – I burst into tears again! However, it didn’t take long for me to get over it and enjoy the next phase of my life!

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 the cupboards are complete, the workshop is painted, the bunk room is tidy, the burglar alarm is installed and all that is left is for the burglar bars to be fitted.

I am looking forward to my grandson and three of his friends arriving tomorrow for a five-day visit. We used to bring the boys and their friends for holidays to Struisbaai when they were kids – now they’re old enough to drive themselves here!

Share your world #26

2016-07-02 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to this week’s share your world questions

What’s your most memorable (good or bad) airplane flight?

I was 7 months pregnant and flying from Durban to Cape Town when suddenly we hit some horrific turbulence. The seat belt lights went on and the aircraft made the most frightening noises as it adjusted the pressure in the cabin. It felt like the plane was dropping thousands of metres then rising up again. I was terrified. Everybody on the plane remained uncanningly calm. My friend, Peggy, was with me and she agreed that she’d never had such a scary flight before. Luckily nothing happened but for many years after that I was terrified of flying. Years later I found myself stuck at the top of the Alps in a ski lift. The view was amazing and I didn’t have the slightest fear – although my legs were dangling thousands of metres above the ground with only a bar across my middle to protect me from falling out. Why then was I afraid of of flying? It put things in perspective and I was less nervous on an aircraft after that.

Recently I was once again on a scary flight. This time it was from Cape Town to Durban when we ran into a storm. It was dark and the sky was split with lightning. The plane shook and I turned to my husband and said, “I’m not scared – if we die now it will be okay – I’ve lived a good life!” The whole plane was restless and children were crying. The pilot had to land in this treacherous weather and it turned out to be the smoothest landing I’ve ever experienced. As we touched down the whole plane broke into spontaneous applause.

The flight attendant came over the speaker with the words, “Give that man a Bells”

(This is a quote from a commercial for Bell’s Whisky. When a heroic deed is done the punch line is – “Give that man a Bells.”)

How many bones, if any, have you broken?

I broke my foot by landing badly doing high jump in Grade 8. Got me out of athletics for the rest of the year.

When I was 19 I worked as a volunteer camp counsellor. There were strict rules about leaving the camp at night but some of the other counsellors and I snuck out for coffee at a nearby restaurant. On our way back some boys bothered us so we ran – I fell down an embankment and broke my leg. My friends helped me back to camp and we snuck back in. I spent the night in pain but had to confess the next morning. The leader was more sympathetic than angry and I was dispatched to the hospital to have it set. It ruined the rest of my summer holiday!

If you had your own talk show, who would your first three guests be? (guest can be dead, alive, famous or someone you just know)

Helen Keller – She was deaf and blind but could talk – I find her story fascinating.

The late Duchess of Windsor – What was her secret? How did she captivate a king so much that he gave up the throne for her?

Barbara Streisand – my favourite female singer and actress. Just love her music and her movies.

Make a Currently List: What are you reading, watching, listening to, eating, needing, wanting, and missing right now?

Reading: The Cleaner of Chartres by Salley Vickers

Watching: Tennis at Wimbledon

Listening To: Cape Talk – now that I can get it on DSTV

Eating: Soups and stews in this cold wintry weather – Oxtail cooked by Hubby – delicious. Breakfasts at Shipwreck Cafe at least once a week!

Needing: I’m presently living a charmed life -so don’t really need anything.

Wanting: I want a new pair of jeans – actually three pairs – black, blue and white. But I don’t need them! Also a white shirt. I’m planning to shop in London in August.

Missing: I miss my mother. She often turns up in my dreams and I will miss her forever.

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

The weather here has been freezing so I am grateful for the gas heater.

I am looking forward to spending this weekend with my kids who turned up to surprise Dad/Grandpa for his birthday today.