Monday 26 January 2015

Only in Africa!

I can't help posting what I found today in our letter box!  It is just another reason why living in Africa is so interesting!  If anyone of you needs help..............................




Thursday 22 January 2015

Whales!

We were sitting having lunch on our pool deck when I suddenly spotted some activity in the ocean.  Chris rushed to get the binoculars and we could not believe what we saw.  Two Southern Right Whales!  Their distinctive V-shaped blow due to their two blow holes makes it easy to identify them from afar.  They  were milling around quite close to the shore showing their flippers and tails without any particular hurry.  It was such a surprise and lovely to watch.  Their usual time in our waters is from May to November when they move back into the Antarctic where they feed on krill.  They do not feed in our waters at all, they come to our coasts to mate and to calve.  They were called the Right Whale by the early whalers as they have so much blubber that they could float for a long time in the sea after being harpooned. When industrial whaling started in the early 20th century huge numbers were taken annually and levels were so low that hunting Right Whales was banned as early as 1937.  Since the ban numbers have increased and it looks as things are looking up for these gentle giants.  Seeing endangered species making progress makes me optimistic for the future of this wonderful planet.

Sunday 18 January 2015

Ageing with difficulty

One positive thing about aging is that you are meant to become more tolerant, wiser and careful.  But it does not always work that way.  Running up and down tiled wet stairs is a case in point.  Which ended in a spectacular fall landing hard on my posterior and being quite painful.  All this because we were looking after our grandchildren - not that they are to blame - it is just that I find it difficult not to run or do things that maybe I should no longer do.
Every time somebody mentions the "Golden Years" which are a way your later years in life seem to be described I want to scream.  Waking up with little aches and pains here and there, slowing down, not being able to do as much as you would like to do, is that so great?  I ask you.  Looking after the grandchildren is a wonderful experience and I would not miss it, but afterwards I am exhausted.  Nobody prepares you for this. 
Looking around me when I go shopping I see a lot of elderly people and I am terrified to start looking that way.  They seem to be so resigned, so slow, bent backs, shuffling, hearing aids, walking sticks, not that there is anything wrong with that in your old age, but how can I escape that?  Any suggestions?  Apart from a glass or two of wine which seems to help us!

Wednesday 7 January 2015

Monty

Just to let you know that Monty visited his favourite Vet yesterday and is a much happier dog today! He is putting all 4 paws dawn, although still limping a little bit, but with a smile on his face.

Friday 2 January 2015

Happy New Year

New Year's Eve was an absolutely beautiful day with high temperatures and no wind.  Chris and I sat on our pool deck until dark, not sure whether to stay up until midnight or go to bed, when we suddenly decided to take a walk down to the beach and see what is going on.
It was such a wonderful idea, the beach was perfect!  People had brought candles, some had made light circles around their group, some let fireworks off, some had the paper bag/ballon candles that we first saw in Thailand and that drifted into the dark sky, it was magical.
All the restaurants were packed and in most of them people were dancing the night away.  Party buses came through with revellers, everybody cheered and there were lots of Happy New Year greetings.  It was peaceful, joyful, happy, no drunkenness, no violence, a lot of goodwill by all.
We made no resolutions, we just enjoyed the beautiful morning of the New Year and hope that all our family, friends and guests had a good start as well!



New Year's Eve
and
Happy New Year