Hundreds of flamingoes

The lagoon has been breached to the sea - it now is an extension to the ocean. The tides rush in twice a day as small waves. Hundreds of flamingos stand in the shallows as they filter the water for small morsels.

Scratch plate

Something must itch somewhere considering all the "scratch plates" affixed to parking payment stations at shopping malls. Could there be any scientific reason for scratching a coin before dropping it into a machine, or is this just another urban legend that went viral?

Echezeaux

One of the best Burgundy Grand Cru's is from a small patch called Echezeaux. Triggered by a shared love for Pinot Noir, I opened a bottle with Andre to complement the lamb-chops and sosaties. We talked till late.

Starwars

Why did it take me so long to watch a Starwars movie? I enjoyed seeing the old characters again when I watched Episode V on my laptop one evening.

My first home away from home

Trying to figure out how to live without a real cupboard and a place to keep my stuff. I am learning all kinds of things about myself as I am trying to find my feet amongst all the turmoil.

Annelie at Mediclinic

I sat next to her bed, watching the effects of the anesthesia wear off. The procedure was successful. I am acutely aware of how frail we are.

They have breached the lagoon

It was a big thing for me to be part of the process of breaching the lagoon. There were so many telephone calls and meetings, but in the end the beach was opened up mechanically. Was it the right thing or wasn't it? One will never know.

Johan and a perfect steak

There is so much about a perfect steak. Is it in the quality of the meat, or the marinade, or is it in the herbs and spices or the temperature of the grill, or the time before you turn it over, or all of the above? Johan got pretty close to the perfect steak one night.

Honey-sandwich

Why is it that over time, as we get more trained to be civilized, we cannot enjoy a honey-sandwich with the same gusto as a one-year old?

Video games

The old Wii games station became a big hit with Arden (our six year old grandson) during their stay with us. I supervised and played with him, but soon realised that in this new digital world, my almost-sixty year old reactions were no match for his.

Cardboard box

How easy is it to turn an old cardboard box into a brand new house - with a door and a window? How much joy it creates when occupied by the three grand-children when they occupy it?

My sons and their partners

My two sons and their beautiful wifes: I wish I had more time to listen to them, to hug them, to dream with them and to be with them.

Adri and Willie's wedding

Marriage is the joining of two different individuals into something much bigger. We witnessed this wonder again when we attended Adri and Willie's wedding. In addition it was also a special opportunity to see family and friends again.

Nostalgia

Hempies du Toit from Annandale made a limited edition wine with his late dad based on an old Cape style. He named it Nostalgia. It was appropriate for me and my two sons to open one of only 500 bottles and enjoy it with the family.