Getting organized…
Yes, Norman visited us, but it was last night in the dark, and I couldn’t manage to get a decent photo to share here today. Surely, he’ll return soon and we’ll be able to take pictures of “our boy.”
As much as I’d like to be done unpacking, I have yet to unpack my suitcase completely. Although we very much like this holiday home, it doesn’t have a lot of storage space. Then again, we’ve found that few holiday homes outside the US have adequate storage space for long-term travelers who may have more “stuff” than those staying for weeks as opposed to months, like us.
When these homes are built or remodeled for rental purposes, spending on extra cupboards and closets is not a priority. Of course, we’ll admit we’ve acquired more stuff while spending so much time here in the past nearly 13 years. Now, as I unpack my one bag, I’ll be making piles of clothing that have been replaced by newer items we recently purchased in the USA.
Most likely, I’ll offer some of the items in better shape to Vusi or Zef for their family members. I didn’t want to offend them by offering used clothing, but Louise assured me they are grateful. Zef has two wives, which is culturally accepted in South Africa, and surely his wives, his daughters, or other family members, can use the clothing.
This morning, after another good night’s sleep, I awoke to find Tom already out of bed. I’d slept for a solid seven hours, and he said he’s been awake since 2:00 am. He’ll try to avoid taking a nap today so he can sleep better, since both of us nodded off repeatedly while attempting to watch a few streamed shows last night.
We finally gave up trying to watch anything and turned off the laptop before 9:00 pm. By 10:00 pm, he was fast asleep, while I stayed awake until midnight. When I didn’t feel sleepy, I started streaming a boring show on my phone. Without Tom wearing his hearing aids at night, he couldn’t hear the sound of the show. I prefer not to use earbuds when trying to fall asleep.
This worked for me, and finally I drifted off, not awakening until 7:30 refreshed and ready to start my day. It was a night filled with realistic and wild dreams, but sound REM sleep is vital after such a long travel time. Hopefully, tonight, Tom will get at least seven or eight hours of sleep.
Yesterday, we shopped at Spar in Komatipoort, spending US $330, ZAR 5963, restocking many of our usual items for meals, except for meat. The only meat we purchased was paloney for the mongoose. Once I upload today’s post, we’ll head to The Butchery for meat to last until we shop again just before Karen and Rich arrive in nine days.
Also, we’ll make the short trip to Daisy’s Den to pick up pellets, birdseeds, and pay in advance for lucerne to be delivered once a week for the next month. The animals are hungry, and anything we can do to feed them, we will do. We purchased two 5 kg (11-pound) bags of carrots and one large bag of small apples. The total cost for these three bags was under US $5.00, ZAR 90, a bargain compared to what we’d have paid for these items in the US.
As soon as Zef or Vusi arrive here and make the bed, I’ll have Tom toss my suitcase on the bed, and I’ll get to work on putting everything away.
That’s it for today, folks.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, June 19, 2015:
We’re baaaaaaaaaaaack in the bush…No jet lag!…
After we arrived in Marloth Park, around 4:30 pm, we stopped at Louise and Danie’s to pick up the keys to the house. It was fantastic to see them both again, as well as Louise’s lovely parents from Cape Town, Estelle and Johan, whom we’ve come to know and adore over the years.
We were too exhausted to join them for sundowners, but we stayed for about 30 minutes, enjoying lively conversation and looking forward to more in the next few days before they return home over the weekend. Louise and Danie’s birthdays are coming up next week, and we’re insisting on taking the four of them out to dinner tomorrow night to celebrate.
While we were away, Zef and Vusi did a complete spring clean of the house, and every corner of the house was clean, dust-free, and organized. We are so grateful.
This morning, at 7:30, after waking up after sleeping through the night, I became blissfully aware that I had no jet lag whatsoever. Also, I couldn’t wait to look through the glass doors to the veranda to see who’d come to call. I wasn’t disappointed.
There were at least eight bushbucks, two male kudus, three impalas, four warthogs, and a dozen helmeted guineafowl. (Sounds like “partridge in a pear tree”). I didnt turn off the security alarm since I didn’t want to wake Tom, who was still sound asleep.
I decided to take another shower, after doing so less than ten hours earlier, get dressed, and get ready for the day. Since the timing was off due to the time difference, I skipped my usual morning pills yesterday to get back on track with morning dosing, considering the time difference.
Now, as I sit at my usual spot at the table on the veranda, the joyful feeling of being surrounded by nature overwhelms me, along with a profound sense of “being back at home”.
The long 42-plus-hour travel time was worth every moment, although the nine-hour layover in London was tough when we hadn’t slept in 24 hours. On the later second flight from London to Johannesburg, I think I slept for about 20 minutes while Tom didn’t do much better.
The flights weren’t too bad, with little turbulence, but the food was awful, so neither of us ate much. We went to lunch at a restaurant in Heathrow, and the food wasn’t much better.
Fortunately, we had left some homemade frozen leftovers, so by 6:00 pm, exhausted and out of sorts, we put together a decent plate of food for each of us and then headed to the bedroom to shower, relax, and see if we could wind down, streaming a show.
Neither of us got through the single episode without nodding off several times, desperately trying to stay awake until at least 10:30 pm. We each took an over-the-counter sleeping pill, and by midnight, we’d both managed to drift off, miraculously both sleeping through the night.
That’s all it took for us to awaken refreshed and alert, with the brain fog gone. For us, a single good night’s sleep is all it takes to get us back on track after a long trip.
As soon as we upload this post, we’ll head to Komatipoort to buy groceries and a few other items. When we return and put the groceries away, I’ll finish my unpacking, and by this evening, our lives in the bush for these remaining three months until we depart for Spain, will be in order.
Today’s photos were all taken this morning. Enjoy them, along with us.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, June 18, 2015:
Happy Father’s Day to our sons, friends and all the dads out there…Travel day today…
What a busy few days we’ve had! We made several purchases while here to restock clothes, shoes, and miscellaneous items that seemed to make us overweight for the two large suitcases we’d brought with us. We spent the entire morning rearranging items to keep the weight of each of the two large bags within the 23 kg, or 50-pound limit.
With the 5 kg, 11 pounds of jelly candies Tammy gave Tom for Father’s Day, we had a real dilemma. We couldn’t fit it into either of our large bags without incurring an extra US $100 overweight fee. We’d purchased one small carry-on bag, which we ended up using for the candy. Goodness!
At the moment, we think we have it all covered, and the weight of our bags shouldn’t require any extra fees. Fortunately, as always, we have our bathroom scale with us, which makes this process manageable instead of waiting until we reach the check-in desk, where the bags are weighed, and we receive our boarding passes.
Traveling on international flights generally allows for more checked baggage. We always check online to see what limitations we have to deal with. Additionally, checking in at a check-in station doesn’t work as easily as it does for domestic flights.
Greg, Heather, and the kids asked us to join them for brunch at a restaurant today, but that would have been while we were trying to figure things out. If we needed to go out to purchase an extra bag, our minds wouldn’t have been at ease to dine out. Now, we can relax and know we’re in good shape.
Since our flight isn’t until almost 11:00 pm tonight, and we’re out of food, Tom will head out at around 4:00 pm to go to Jimmy John’s for unwiches, which don’t leave us feeling overly full and uncomfortable. We’d considered ordering Chinese food, but the salty food isn’t good, which could result in swelling in our feet.
Both of us will be wearing compression socks, which we’ll put on shortly before the first flight boards. We won’t take them off for the nine-hour layover in London, where we’ll be tomorrow during the day. Most likely, we’ll wear them until we arrive at the house in Marloth Park in the afternoon, around 5:00 pm.
We have delicious homemade tuna patties in the freezer at the house, which we can have for dinner when we arrive, along with homemade keto blueberry muffins. The following day, depending on how we feel, we’ll head to Komatipoort to stock up on items we’ll need to restock.
If we’re still too tired to drive that far, we can go to the little SavMore market located in Marloth Park. No doubt, it’ll take a few days to recover from the long journey, but we’ll be so happy to return; we’ll manage just fine.
Happy Father’s Day to our wonderful sons and all the dads in the world on this special day.
We’ll “see” you next on the other side of the world!
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, June 15, 2015:
Why don’t we fly Business Class for these long flights?…One day and counting…Packing almost done..
Note: Due to WiFi issues, we are unable to format the paragraphs in today’s post properly.
We are often asked why we don’t fly Business Class when flying to and from South Africa. Below, I’ve posted the best price I could find for the itinerary, per person, one way from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Nelspruit, South Africa. These prices were obtained from Expedia.com, representing today’s prices for a date further into the future, as short-notice flights can be higher priced.
“Minneapolis (MSP) – Mbombela (MQP)
Multiple airlines operated by Discover Airlines, Lufthansa, and Airlink
41h 50m • 2 stops
14h 15m in FRA • 7h 20m in JNB
Photo from ten years ago today, June 14, 2015:
Packing day…Last night out with my side of the family…Tonight, Tom’s family…Two days and counting…
We had another fantastic evening last night at dinner with Greg, Maisie, and her boyfriend, Dakota, Miles, Madigan, Heather, and her daughter, Andi, at the same Mexican restaurant where we dined a year ago on our last night together.
Although the restaurant had changed hands in the past year, the food, ambiance, and service were all exemplary. But, most of all, being together one last time before we depart in two days was the most pleasing after many excellent get-togethers over the past three weeks since we arrived in Minnesota for Maisie’s graduation.
The kids have grown up so much, and we couldn’t have enjoyed them more. Each time we got together, the conversations and laughter flowed with ease, warming our hearts.
The same warm feelings were experienced with Tom’s adult kids and grandchildren on several occasions when we spent precious time with them.
Today will be the last time for happy hour and dinner at Billy’s Bar and Grill in Anoka with Tom’s siblings and some nieces and nephews. As much as I’d like to go and say goodbye to everyone, I think that today, I need a day to finish laundry and prepare for our upcoming extended journey back to South Africa on Sunday. Tom will pick up his sisters this afternoon and head to Billy’s.
I will stay behind, awaiting the arrival of our final few packages today and finalizing some of the packing. We’re in good shape, although we will be overweight in one of our two bags. We purchased a lot of clothes and supplies while we were here, and Tom got his dress suit from Greg, who had been storing it for him.
I purchased two pairs of shoes, Tom purchased one, but we have yet to discard the old shoes, figuring we’d wear them and the old clothes during our remaining three months in South Africa. Additionally, we needed to restock several supplements and health supplies that were taking up space and weight.
Additionally, Tom purchased enough Crystal Light Iced Tea to last a year, until our return to the US next year for Miles’ graduation, and I bought an equal-sized supply of Good Earth caffeine-free tea bags to make my healthy iced tea. Both of these options took up a lot of space, but neither of us is willing to drink endless bottles of water, which would further pollute the environment.
We use pitchers to make our respective iced teas and load our mugs for daily drinking, as well as when we go out and about. I never added up how many plastic water bottles we avoid using, but it’s in the thousands each year.
That’s it for today, folks. Thanks to our readers for hanging in there with us during this three-week family visit. We’ll be back to the bush in four days (including two travel days) and looking forward to seeing our animal and human friends soon.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, June 13, 2015:
Our fun, separate day with family…Three days and counting…Off we go, back to South Africa…
Yesterday, Tom joined his son, Tj, and grandson, Jayden, for a Minnesota Twins baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis. TJ was able to get tickets for the event that included “all-you-can-eat” snacks, including drinks, but not alcoholic beverages.
Tom, undoubtedly, was on Cloud 9 about the “free” snacks, most likely more so than the game itself. However, he was excited to go with the boys, including Jayden’s friend Thomas. They had a fun evening. It rained a little during the game, but not enough to make spectators uncomfortable or cancel the game.
When Tom returned to the hotel by 11:00 pm, he got a kick out of explaining to me what he ate, listed below, all of which is not shown in the photo below. (He didn’t eat the potato chips):
- 3 hotdogs
- 1 hamburger
- 2 large chicken filets
- 1 bag of popcorn
- 2 ice cream sandwiches
- 2 Pepsi
Only a small portion of what Tom ate yesterday was at the game.
But, even worse, was the fact that he walked in the door with a plastic bag, as shown in the photos below, which made me cringe… 11 pounds of his favorite jelly candies from Fleet Farm, as a Father’s Day gift from his daughter, Tammy. He’ll regain ten of the 15 pounds he’d lost when we were in South Africa.
He’s already gained a few pounds while here before eating this batch of candy. It’s so unhealthy for him to eat this, but as Food Police, I have to keep my mouth shut. However, with all the clothes, shoes, and items we purchased here, our two bags were maxed out at the allowable 23 kg, 50-pound limit each.
The 11 pounds of candy could require us to purchase another suitcase at around US $125 and pay an additional US $100 in extra baggage fees. The candy will have to be carried in a plastic bag as a carry-on item, and he’ll have to haul it through four airports, along with the two carry-on items we each have to haul with us. Oh, good grief.
“Zip it up!” I tell myself.
Nonetheless, he had a great time at the game, which was the last time he would see TJ and Jayden before we leave in three days.
As for my afternoon, my three grandchildren, Maisie (18), Miles (17), and Madighan (15), picked me up in Miles’ newly purchased used car, and we drove to the local AMC theater complex nearby to see the movie “Karate Kid: Legends.” I had pre-purchased the tickets in advance, and I got a kick out of paying for three adults and one senior! Gosh, they’ve grown up!
I had planned to spend a fortune on snacks in the theater inside the Eden Prairie Mall, but they were worth it. However, knowing how expensive the food is in the theater, they all suggested getting a bite to eat at the food court, which was about half the price of what I’d pay inside the theater. Once they finished eating, we headed inside the theater, and I suggested that they each order a beverage.
We had a great time! I love being with those kids! Our seats were the recliner-type with raised footrests. I had a bad night’s sleep and thought I might nod off during the movie, hoping the kids wouldn’t notice. But, as it turned out, the movie was so much fun, I never closed my eyes. We all loved it! I was so distracted by our good time that I forgot to take photos. Maybe I will tonight, when we all meet (including Greg and Heather) at a Mexican restaurant for dinner, our final time together before we go.
Back at the hotel, I spent time on the phone with my dear friend Karen, who, along with her husband Rich, will be arriving at Marloth Park to stay with us for a few weeks. We are all so excited for their visit, let alone our enthusiasm to return to the bush to see our animal and human friends.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, June 12, 2015:
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| The early morning lights of Luna Park, Sydney. For more photos, please click here. |
Part 2…Emergency evacuation off a cruise ship…What are the costs?…
In yesterday’s post, we covered the process of being airlifted off a cruise ship in the event of a medical emergency. Today, we’re covering the average costs of such an event.
The cost of a medical evacuation from a cruise ship can vary widely depending on several factors. Still, it is typically costly and is not usually covered by standard health insurance. Here’s a breakdown:
Typical Cost of Medical Evacuation from a Cruise Ship
Scenario Estimated Cost (USD)
Ship-to-shore via small boat $5,000 – $20,000
Helicopter airlift (within U.S.) $20,000 – $50,000+
International helicopter airlift $40,000 – $100,000+
Air ambulance to home country (ICU) $50,000 – $200,000+
Factors That Influence the Cost
Location of the ship (remote ocean = more expensive)
Type of evacuation (boat vs. helicopter vs. jet)
Distance to nearest hospital or mainland
Level of medical care needed (ICU setup, doctor/nurse escort)
Whether multiple transfers are required
Local laws and coordination with foreign emergency services
Travel Insurance Is Essential
Most cruise lines and governments strongly recommend or require travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage for this reason. Good policies usually cover:
Evacuation costs
Medical care abroad
Repatriation to your home country
Travel with a companion or family member
A policy with $250,000+ in emergency medical evacuation coverage is often recommended for cruise travelers.
Real-Life Examples
A traveler airlifted from a Caribbean cruise to Miami due to a heart attack reportedly incurred $85,000 in helicopter and hospital bills.
A couple without insurance was airlifted from the Pacific and had to raise over $180,000 online to cover costs.
Purchasing adequate travel insurance can put travelers’ minds at ease. Additionally, it is advisable to check with your medical professionals regarding the safety of embarking on a cruise with your current medical condition, especially when traveling outside your home country.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, June 11, 2015:
Part 1…Emergency evacuation off a cruise ship…
On numerous cruises, a seriously ill patient has been evacuated by a medical helicopter and transported to the closest medical facility for treatment. It’s terrifying to even think of such a scenario. In today’s and tomorrow’s posts, we’re sharing details of what occurs in these dreadful situations.
We ask the question, “When is a passenger’s health too precarious to embark on a cruise?”
Only each traveler, their travel companion (if one), and their doctor can answer that question. But, often medical emergencies occur that a passenger could not have predicted in advance. However, many diseases and illnesses are more likely to cause an emergent situation and should be carefully considered before booking a cruise.
Here’s a general overview of what usually happens in those situations, along with some guidance:
What Happens When You’re Airlifted Off a Cruise Ship
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Medical Emergency Identified
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The ship’s medical team assesses the situation.
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If the illness is life-threatening or cannot be managed on board, the ship’s doctor contacts the Coast Guard or local authorities for a medevac (medical evacuation).
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Coordination with Authorities
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The ship coordinates with the nearest country’s coast guard or emergency services.
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Depending on the location, a helicopter or rescue vessel is dispatched.
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Airlift Procedure
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The ship alters course or slows down to accommodate the airlift.
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The patient is stabilized as much as possible before being winched or transferred.
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Transfer to Hospital
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The patient is taken to the nearest hospital with appropriate facilities, often in the closest port or coastal city.
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Care is handed over to the land-based medical team.
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Notification and Next Steps
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Cruise lines typically contact the person’s emergency contact.
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Travel insurance providers (if applicable) are also notified.
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What to Do If This Happened to You or a Loved One
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Medical Care: Focus on stabilizing the patient. Hospitals will prioritize care, especially in emergencies.
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Travel Insurance: Contact your travel insurance company immediately. They can help cover:
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Emergency evacuation
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Medical bills
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Lodging for companions
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Return travel
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Cruise Line Contact: Maintain communication with the cruise line. They can assist with logistics, personal belongings, and sometimes advocate for you.
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Documentation: Keep all medical records, evacuation paperwork, and communication logs.
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Aftercare: Once stabilized, talk to doctors about when and how it’s safe to return home. The insurance company may arrange a medical escort flight.
Being airlifted off a cruise can be terrifying and disorienting, not only for the patient but also for loved ones. It’s not just a health scare; it’s an upheaval of plans, privacy, and peace of mind.
We’ve been on several cruises where this has transpired. Rumors of the cause of the medical evacuation and potential costs circulate throughout the ship. We’ve never heard the outcome of an emergency evacuation, but always hope and pray that the patient was well-served and survived.
For the costs associated with the necessity of medical evacuation, please check back tomorrow for Part 2.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, June 10, 2015:
Here’s what the Midwest is all about for many!….Unbelievable photo…
Last weekend, Tom’s nephew Kevin joined five of his buddies for a fishing trip on the Missouri River in South Dakota. Here are details about the Missouri River in that location.
We were in awe when we saw the above photo, which reminded us of our time living in Minnesota on a lake and frequently fishing from the dock at our property, never catching many walleye, as Kevin and his friends did. If we caught one walleye while out for the day, we’d have been thrilled.
A catch like this appears to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Still, devoted fishing aficionados might disagree, having been fortunate and skilled enough to have a few days like these.
Fishing on the Missouri River in South Dakota is a beloved tradition for locals and a bucket-list destination for anglers across the U.S. With its long stretch of scenic water, four major reservoirs (Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark Lake), and an abundance of fish species, it offers something for every level of fisherman—from beginners to seasoned pros.
Popular Fish Species
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Walleye – The top draw. South Dakota is known for some of the best walleye fishing in the country, especially in Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe.
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Northern Pike – Aggressive and fun to catch, found especially in weedy shallows.
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Smallmouth Bass – Especially strong populations in Lake Sharpe and Francis Case.
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Catfish – Channel catfish are plentiful, with some flathead catfish as well.
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Chinook Salmon – Unusual for a Midwestern river, but Lake Oahe is one of the few inland reservoirs stocked with them.
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White Bass and Crappie – Seasonal favorites for light-tackle anglers.
Where to Fish
Lake Oahe (Pierre to North Dakota border)
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Best for: Walleye, salmon
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Features: Deep, cold water, ideal for trolling and boat fishing
Lake Sharpe (just below Oahe Dam)
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Best for: Smallmouth bass, walleye
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Known for: Clearer water and structure-rich fishing conditions
Lake Francis Case (from Fort Randall Dam to Big Bend)
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Best for: Walleye, catfish
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Often warmer, great for summer fishing from shore or boat
Lewis and Clark Lake (near Yankton)
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Best for: White bass, crappie, and panfish
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Family-friendly access and less wind exposure
Tips and Techniques
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Spring and Fall are ideal for walleye—use jigs and minnows early in the year; transition to spinners and bottom bouncers in summer.
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Trolling is popular on the big reservoirs, especially for covering water to locate schools of fish.
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Shore fishing is possible near dams and boat ramps, especially productive in spring.
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Ice fishing is common in winter, particularly for perch and walleye.
Licenses and Regulations
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A South Dakota fishing license is required for residents and non-residents (daily and seasonal options available).
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Special regulations may apply to certain areas and species—check South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks for updates.
Camping and Lodging
Most major fishing areas have nearby:
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Campgrounds (some with electric/water hookups)
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Fishing lodges or cabins
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Boat ramps and cleaning stations
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Guided fishing services
Whether you’re fly fishing near a dam, trolling for salmon in the deep waters of Oahe, or pulling in walleye at dawn from a quiet cove, the Missouri River system in South Dakota offers a memorable experience. Many who fish here return year after year—it’s that good.
We are excited for Kevin, who had this extraordinary experience while visiting family in Minnesota with his dear wife Kristi. They spend time with family and friends in the summer in Minnesota. A few years ago, they built a lovely home in Florida for the remainder of the year. We always enjoy spending time with them when they visit.
Kristi has a successful organic bakery company, One More Bite Organic Desserts, which can be found at this link. They ship anywhere in the US. Their treats are stupendous!
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, June 9, 2015:
