I am not one to do New Years resolutions. I find I just break my own promise within a few days or weeks anyway, so why start out with a lie to myself! Rather, I have evolved over time to live each day to its fullest and take each day as it comes. After all,…

Leaving Pilanesberg was bitter sweet. We had a lovely send off, with staff and management waving goodbye from the front steps. Even though this exit was customary, it somehow felt personal – like they really did care about us and were sad to see us leave. It was a nice sendoff to an outstanding visit.…

Another early morning – another bus ride, this time to Victoria Falls airport, compliments of our driver, the affable Edifile (Eddie) Nyati. We were now on our way back to South Africa and Pilanesberg National Park. After saying goodbye to Eddie and paying our $150 USD fee (per couple) – in crisp new bills (as…

Unfinished Business In my previous post, I neglected to discuss our stop at a local home for a home cooked lunch, allowing us the opportunity to sample local cuisine. Our host, Stella, was very gracious, though shy and deferential. The meal was preceded by Stella kneeling in front of each guest, washing our hands in…

I have always been fascinated by the idea of Africa. Africa, the continent. Africa bearing the stain of Apartheid. Africa, the continent of mystical and mythical animals, roaming the untamed savannah. Africa, where survival is often based on either eating, or being eaten. Various authors have fed this craving, such as Bryce Courtney and Wilbur…

Translated: Shine Collette Shine!!! An homage to our tour operator. This was the daily greeting of our South African guide each day as she navigated us through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana on our trip of a lifetime to a continent I had always hoped to experience – it did not disappoint! The inimitable Lomkhosi (Khosi)…

Some things are simply irreplaceable. It’s funny how something so innocuous as a set of wrenches can mean so much. Of all my father’s worldly possessions, his old wrenches mean more to me than any other possession I have inherited of his. I would be devasted if something were to happen to them. When I…

When in Rome, do as the Roman’s do. Well, our Roman Murray Wolfe arrived 3 weeks early on April 8, 2025, but otherwise a healthy 6 pounds 2 ounces. He had a couple minor setbacks, but arrived home on April 20 – a day of joy for all of us. Handsome like his Papa! Welcome…

Ahh, the joys of aging. If you are a man, you will know what I am talking about. You suddenly discover a 2 inch hair growing out of your nose. Where did that come from? It wasn’t there yesterday! Oh and that eyebrow hair that is wrapped around your glasses? That happened overnight. How does…

It was 1980 and I was newly married and living in Lindsay Ontario. It had been a long year and many life changing adjustments were underway. Aylmer and Malahide Telephone Company (later Amtelecom, and later yet, Eastlink), had bought Cambray Telephone Company, just a few kilometres north of Lindsay. Cambray was the last “common battery”…