Dear friends coming for dinner tomorrow…Plus, an 11:00 am dentist appointment…

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When we last visited in 2023, we called a starling Vega. They are commonly seen but iridescent and pretty.

We will have our first dinner guests tomorrow night since we returned to Marloth Park three weeks ago. First, we had to recover from the long travel days, and shortly thereafter, I started having allergies, including asthma, hay fever, and itchy eyes.

The new drug has controlled the asthma, but the hay fever and itchy eyes continue. As requested, I will call Doc Theo today to determine what to do next. Yesterday, the pharmacist in Komatipoort suggested 24-hour allergy eye drops, which I used, providing some relief last night. However, I must wait until tonight to take another drop in each eye.

I think this is a bush shrike, but I could be wrong.

This morning, I left Theo a WhatsApp message with the update he requested. By the end of the day, we’ll see what he recommends for the hay fever and proceed from there.

Since we have dentist appointments for teeth cleanings tomorrow morning, we’ll be busy in the afternoon when our dear friends Kathy and Don and her sister Connie arrive around 5:00 pm for sundowners, followed by dinner shortly thereafter.

This young female bushbuck visits daily.

On Friday, we’ll post the menu, which is light and casual since none of them are big eaters. They like small portions and have food restrictions, so I let Kathy help with menu suggestions. As a result, the prep for this simple meal will be easy. Having them here with us again will be wonderful after they’ve been away from Marloth Park for three years to deal with medical issues.

Their friendship is way more important than serving them food. Still, as we all know, socialization often centers around food and drink, especially in South Africa, along with lively conversation. Over the past years, they’ve been gone, most of which we also spent in the US and stayed in close touch.

Norman stops by almost every day. We are always thrilled to see him.

We even planned to return to Marloth Park at the same time to spend time together. We are fortunate to have many friends throughout the world, some Americans, some not. We love making memories with our friends and family members. (It’s hard to believe we’ll be back in the US 60 days from today. It feels as if we just got here.)

Today is an easy day, with a little prep for tomorrow. We’ve decided to go out to Giraffe Pub and Grill for dinner tonight. We haven’t been there yet. They have a few dishes I can eat, including a delicious salad, which I’ll most likely order. Tom will decide when he gets there.

The fine white hairs on his back stood up, and a large male animal was nearby. At this point, Big Daddy was standing outside the fence watching Norman.

A few days ago, I baked some Keto Lemon Poppyseed muffins, and tonight, when we head out, we’ll stop at Louise and Danie’s home to drop some off for them. They are keto-conscious like us.

We had a busy morning in the garden today, with at least six species visiting simultaneously. We tossed pellets, carrots, and apples to our animal friends, including Norman and his family. What a delight! Photos will follow in the next post.

That’s it for today, dear readers/friends! We’ll be back with more.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 26, 2015:

In Kauai, the colors in this scene took our breath away. For more photos, please click here.

Did an old friend find us!…Is it him?…

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Could this be our old friend Little, whom we haven’t seen in the past few years? He responded enthusiastically to my voice, as far as a warthog can be enthusiastic.

Often, tourists perceive negative thoughts about the safety of traveling to South Africa. Like any major city, the big cities in South Africa can be unsafe and rife with crime and corruption. We avoid spending time in big cities anywhere except for a few days to discover their wonders, culture, and history. From there, typically, we head to rural areas where we can embrace scenery, nature, and wildlife.

Tourism in South Africa is thriving in 2025, offering travelers a dynamic blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. This vast and diverse country continues to enchant visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich history. South Africa has positioned itself as a must-visit destination as the world embraces a new era of travel—one shaped by sustainability, digital convenience, and a desire for deeper, more meaningful experiences.

There are a few contortions for an itch.

Cape Town: A World-Class Destination

Cape Town remains one of the world’s most sought-after travel spots, and for good reason. The Mother City’s iconic Table Mountain is a silent guardian over a bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis where history and modernity intertwine. In 2025, Cape Town has expanded its reputation as a scenic retreat and a place where visitors can engage with local communities, explore world-class art galleries, and enjoy sustainable dining experiences.

One of the biggest tourism trends this year is the rise of immersive experiences. Tourists no longer just visit Cape Town—they become part of it. Walking tours through the historic Bo-Kaap neighborhood, with its candy-colored houses and rich Cape Malay heritage, offer insight into a community that is striving to preserve its identity amid increasing gentrification. Local guides share stories that go beyond the postcard-perfect facades, giving travelers a chance to understand the complexities of life in this historic quarter.

Three hungry zebras. Many zebras visit daily.

Another major draw is the city’s flourishing food scene. Sustainable and locally sourced cuisine is at the forefront, with restaurants emphasizing indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Just a short drive away, the Cape Winelands continue to lure wine enthusiasts with their exquisite vintages and picturesque settings. Franschhoek and Stellenbosch remain at the heart of South Africa’s wine industry, but newer, lesser-known regions are emerging, offering more intimate and off-the-beaten-path tasting experiences.

Safari Reinvented: Luxury Meets Conservation

No trip to South Africa is complete without a safari, and in 2025, wildlife tourism has evolved to focus even more on conservation and responsible travel. Uber’s latest innovation—Uber Safari—has made it easier than ever for travelers to experience the Big Five without the hassle of traditional bookings. Now, visitors in Cape Town can order a safari day trip through an app, seamlessly connecting them with game reserves just a few hours away.

Big Daddy jumped the little fence to stand on this mound by the pool.

More importantly, game reserves across South Africa are placing greater emphasis on ethical wildlife encounters. Gone are the days of large-scale, disruptive tours. Instead, smaller, more intimate game drives provide an immersive experience while ensuring minimal environmental impact. Places like the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Phinda Private Game Reserve lead the way, offering luxurious yet eco-friendly lodges that prioritize conservation efforts. Travelers witness Africa’s iconic wildlife and contribute to preserving these magnificent creatures.

Big Daddy is reaching for leaves on a tree.

Urban Adventures and Cultural Experiences

Johannesburg, often overshadowed by Cape Town, has firmly established itself as a cultural powerhouse in 2025. The city’s vibrant art scene, particularly in Maboneng and Braamfontein, showcases contemporary African creativity. Galleries, pop-up exhibitions, and street art tours offer visitors a deeper understanding of South Africa’s artistic evolution.

History lovers are drawn to the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, where the country’s complex past is explored with depth and honesty. But Johannesburg isn’t just about looking back—it’s about celebrating the future. Trendy rooftop bars, gourmet food markets, and music festivals make this city an exciting destination for young, curious travelers eager to engage with the heartbeat of modern South Africa.

Big Daddy, Hal (wildebeest) and a few warthogs.

The Balance of Tourism and Sustainability

While tourism brings undeniable economic benefits, it also presents challenges. For instance, Cape Town faces concerns over mass tourism’s impact on its delicate ecosystems and historic neighborhoods. Bo-Kaap residents are grappling with increased foot traffic, which brings both economic opportunities and the risk of cultural erosion.

To combat these issues, South Africa is pioneering sustainable tourism initiatives. The government and private sector have worked together to introduce limited-access permits for high-traffic areas, eco-friendly accommodation options, and conservation fees that directly support local communities. Travelers are encouraged to make responsible choices, from supporting locally owned businesses to participating in voluntourism efforts that contribute to community development.

Mac and Norman seemed to get along.

Why South Africa in 2025?

So, why choose South Africa in 2025? Because it offers more than just beautiful scenery—it provides depth. It’s a country where every journey tells a story, every landscape holds meaning, and every traveler can leave a positive impact. Whether sipping wine in the rolling vineyards of Stellenbosch, tracking lions in Kruger National Park, or engaging with the resilient communities of Johannesburg, visitors leave with more than just photographs. They leave with a sense of connection, an appreciation for history, and a longing to return.

In a constantly changing world, South Africa remains where adventure, culture, and conservation converge. In 2025, it will be one of the planet’s most exciting and meaningful destinations.

Bushbucks are gentle and calm animals.

There are many areas in South Africa we have yet to visit. But, with only 90-day visas, we love the bush so much that we can’t seem to drag ourselves away from Marloth Park. People often push us to explore South Africa rather than just the bush. But our answer is always the same…we are happy here…what more could we ask for?

Norman never fails to bring smiles to our faces.

And isn’t that what travel is about: visiting locations that bring you the most joy? Whether it be a tropical island, a resort in Dubai, a horseback ride on the Grand Canyon, or a cruise to Alaska, there are no rules on where our wanderlust takes us.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 25, 2015:

When we visited a cattle ranch in Kauai, we saw the Brangus cattle, who, like other breeds, are often curious when humans approach. For more photos, please click here.

Grocery prices in South Africa…

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This was our meat haul from The Butchery in Marloth Park at the Bush Centre. See below for details and cost.

We purchase most animal protein from The Butchery in the Bush Centre in Marloth Park instead of the SaveMor here or Spar Market in Komatipoort. We find their meats to be fresher and superior in quality and pricing, although the selection may be limited since they don’t handle large roasts, which we enjoy from time to time.

We’ve been shopping at The Butchery since 2013, when we first visited Marloth Park during the three months we were here. We didn’t return to South Africa for four years, and when we did, we continued to shop there, never disappointed in our purchases.

Alternate view of the protein sources.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t recall the individual prices on each item and hadn’t taken a receipt. These days, to save on clutter and needless paper use, we don’t ask for a receipt since we carefully watch the checkout process. We will provide a total for the meat purchases.

  • 4 packages of ground beef (referred to as mince in Africa)
  • 3 New York steaks
  • 1 1.26 kg, 2.78 lb, beef tenderloin (filet mignonon) at ZAR 199,99 per kg, US $10.36 per pound!
  • 2 packages of wild-caught hake (fish) with four large filets
  • 3 packages Texas spiced seasoned pork skewers (sugar-free)
  • 4 packages of chicken livers and chicken hearts
  • 1 800-gram, 1.7-pound bag of peeled, cleaned, deveined prawns at ZAR 249.95, US $13.74

Enough meat for meals for the three of us for nine dinners (when Lisa arrives next week)

Total ZAR 1415.07, US $77.79, at a daily cost of ZAR 157.20, US $8.64,  ZAR 50.79 US $2.79 per person per meal

Also included in the meat haul was this whole beef tenderloin. See details above.

Also, for the shown two large heads of cabbage and two heads of lettuce:

Total ZAR 104.61 US $5.75

There is no comparison to what we paid for similar items in the US over the past year in Minnesota, Ohio, and Nevada. Overall, I’d say the cost is 60% less than what we paid then.

Next, we headed to the Ingwe Market in the Marlothi Centre to buy cabbage and lettuce.

Undoubtedly, living costs are considerably lower in many African countries, including South Africa. What a nice perk, along with the joys of life in the bush with the fantastic animals and the people.

Hmm…Life is good.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 24, 2015:

Many of our photos were taken on Kauai at varying times of day with varying cloud cover. For more photos, please click here.

How to prepare to travel to Africa…

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Baby zebra feeding.

With our dear friend Lisa arriving in South Africa and staying with us for almost a month in Marloth Park, in a mere ten days, we’ve been talking to her about what to bring and what to expect for life in the bush.

After the meal, a little cuddling with Mom was on the agenda.

What a fantastic adventure for her! Preparing for a safari vacation in Africa requires practical planning, packing the right gear, and preparing mentally for an unforgettable experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare that we share with our readers to better inform you of what is required and essential to ensure a positive experience.

1. Choose Your Destination & Safari Type

Africa is vast, and different countries offer different safari experiences. Consider:

  • Kenya & Tanzania – Great Migration, Serengeti, Maasai Mara

  • South Africa – Kruger National Park, malaria-free reserves

  • Botswana – Luxury safaris, Okavango Delta

  • Namibia – Desert landscapes, Etosha National Park

  • Uganda & Rwanda – Gorilla trekking

Do you want a budget-friendly safari, a luxury lodge experience, or a walking safari? This will help you choose accommodations and activities.

Bossy never fails to let us know she is here.

2. Check Passport, Visa & Vaccination Requirements

  • Many African countries require visas (check online for each country’s specific rules).

  • Some require a yellow fever vaccine for entry.

  • Malaria prevention is key—talk to your doctor about prophylactic medication.

  • Other recommended vaccines are Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, tetanus, and rabies (if doing outdoor activities).

Hal stopped for a drink.

3. Plan the Best Time to Visit

  • The dry season (June–October) is best for game viewing because animals gather around waterholes.

  • Wet season (Nov–May) has fewer crowds, greener landscapes, and baby animals (but it can mean difficult
    Kudus were searching for pellets.

    travel conditions).

4. Book Flights & Accommodations in Advance

Safari lodges and tours book up quickly, especially in peak season. Decide:

  • Lodge vs. tented camp vs. budget safari

  • Self-drive vs. guided safari

  • Consider internal flights to avoid long road journeys.

More animals joined in on the pellets.

5. Pack Smart: Safari Essentials

  • Neutral-colored clothing (beige, khaki, olive—no bright colors or black/blue, which attract tsetse flies).

  • Layers (mornings are cold, afternoons can be hot).

  • Comfortable hiking shoes and sandals.

  • Binoculars (essential for spotting wildlife).

  • High-quality camera (or a good zoom lens for your phone).

  • Hat, sunglasses, & sunscreen (sun protection is crucial).

  • Insect repellent with DEET.

  • Small daypack for essentials on game drives.

  • Reusable water bottle (many lodges have refill stations).

Zebras, wildebeest, and warthogs stopped by.

6. Prepare for Safari Logistics

  • Game drives: Expect early mornings (often 5–6 AM wake-ups).

  • No WiFi in some areas: Download maps, books, and offline content.

  • Cash vs. card: Bring some USD or local currency for tips and small purchases.

  • Tipping culture: Guides, drivers, and lodge staff often rely on tips ($5–$20 per day).

  • After tossing a batch of pellets, all heads were on the ground, scarfing them up.

7. Stay Safe & Respect Wildlife

  • Follow your guide’s instructions—animals are unpredictable.

  • Never stand up or make loud noises in a safari vehicle.

  • Don’t feed or approach animals.

  • Be cautious about food & water safety—stick to bottled or filtered water.

Wildebeests entered the scene.

8. Cultural Considerations & Local Etiquette

  • Learn a few local phrases (e.g., Swahili: “Jambo” = hello).

  • Dress modestly in villages or religious areas.

  • Be mindful when taking photos of people—always ask first.

  • Finally, they were off.

9. Prepare for Unpredictability

  • African time is real—things may not always run on schedule.

  • Embrace the unexpected—some game drives may not yield big animal sightings, but the experience is always memorable.

  • Go with a sense of adventure—the landscapes, people, and wildlife will make it unforgettable!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 23, 2015:

At the Princeville Artisan Fair, I was fascinated with this handloom this vendor used to make scarfs, shawls, and wraps. It looked like a fun activity I’d have enjoyed in my old life. Unfortunately, I’d never have room for such a loom in my luggage. The quality of the work was exceptional. For more photos, please click here.

Buying hearing aids at Costco…The process, details and pricing below…

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This monitor lizard found himself in the veranda rafters. Tom helped him jump down uninjured.

Note: The content of our posts often has little to do with the photos we add. This way, we can continue to share pictures of our surroundings.

Our long-time dear reader Pam wrote requesting details about Tom’s experience buying hearing aids at Costco. Other readers have written in the past inquiring about this topic, but with many worldwide readers without a Costco store, I hesitated to share the detailed story.

However, when Pam wrote an email yesterday requesting information on the Costco procee, I decided it was time to delve into it. What do hearing aids have to do with world travel? Quite a lot based on Tom’s experiences since we began traveling in 2012. Here are some reasons why those with hearing loss may benefit from hearing aids after struggling to hear for years.

Five zebras stopped for a treat.

Senior travelers with hearing loss need hearing aids to stay connected, safe, and fully engaged in their experiences. Traveling—solo or with companions—relies heavily on communication, environmental awareness, and adapting to new situations. Hearing aids can make a significant difference in several ways:

1. Enhanced Ability to Communicate

Travel often involves talking with locals, fellow travelers, hotel staff, and tour guides. Without a hearing aid, conversations can become frustrating, leading to misunderstandings or missed opportunities to connect with others. Being able to hear allows senior travelers to immerse themselves in their journey without constantly asking people to repeat themselves.

Oh, oh, a few pellets fell to the veranda floor.

2. Safety and Awareness of Surroundings

Hearing loss can pose serious safety risks, from crossing busy streets to navigating unfamiliar train stations. Announcements in airports, train stations, or buses often include crucial information about gate changes, boarding times, and delays. With a hearing aid, travelers can hear these updates clearly, reducing stress and the risk of missing important details.

3. Hearing the Sounds 

Traveling is about experiencing the world—whether it’s the sound of waves crashing on a secluded beach, a tour guide explaining ancient ruins, or a street musician’s performance in a bustling city square. Hearing aids help senior travelers fully absorb these moments rather than feeling disconnected from their surroundings.

Hal was contemplating approaching the veranda railing.

4. Reduction of Travel Stresses

Travel can be overwhelming, especially in noisy environments like crowded airports or foreign cities with unfamiliar languages. Struggling to hear can add to the stress and fatigue. Modern hearing aids with noise reduction features help filter background noise, making it easier to focus on essential sounds.

5. Maintaining Independence and Self-Confidence

Many seniors value their independence, and hearing loss can make them feel reliant on others to repeat information or assist in understanding what’s happening. Wearing hearing aids allows them to maintain confidence while navigating new places, ordering food, or asking for directions.

Mongoose scrambling for bits of paloney.

6. Communicating with Travel Companions

If traveling with family or friends, being unable to hear correctly can create a sense of isolation. Conversations during meals, long road trips, or sightseeing become more challenging. Hearing aids ensure senior travelers remain active in the group rather than feeling left out.

Hearing aids aren’t just a convenience for senior travelers—they are essential for making the most of every adventure. They allow people to connect, stay safe, and enjoy the world in all its richness. For those who love to travel, investing in good hearing aids means fewer limitations and more unforgettable experiences.

Mongoose preparing to tackle an egg.

Over the past twenty years, Tom’s hearing has gradually worsened from 42½ years of working on the railroad, mainly from being in the locomotive’s cab up to 16 hours a day, eventually 12 hours a day, from the diesel power plant’s steady roar. The railroad provided many hearing tests to determine his hearing loss over the years.

Since we’ve been traveling, his hearing loss seems to have escalated, and I often repeat myself in a loud tone for him to hear what I am saying. He struggles to listen to conversations in social settings, especially when there is background noise, but he learned to read lips proficiently.

Norman and a piglet. Right now, Norman stops by daily. We are always happy to see him, as he seems so glad to see us.

He was stubborn and refused to consider it for years when I suggested the prospect of him buying the devices. Hearing loss and blindness are hereditary in his family, and he didn’t like the prospect of wearing clunky-looking hearing aids and dealing with batteries while we’re traveling.

When COVID-19 hit, he struggled even more with everyone wearing masks. It was at this time that he came to realize how severe his hearing loss had become.

Norman and Mom with two piglets.

While we were in Minnesota last May, he finally bought hearing aids after many expressed satisfaction with Costco’s service, process, and pricing. We made the appointment after being Costco members for many years and happy with their products and services.

Once he made the appointment, he received an email stating he needed to stop by the store to determine the amount of wax in his ears, if any, since a doctor would have to remove it before taking the hearing test. This made sense. He has no wax and is waiting for his hearing test, which was a few weeks later.

Little Daddy snapped his neck to check out a sound.

The test took less than an hour, and when he came out of the hearing aid area in the store, where I waited for him, he immediately told me how impressed he was with the audiologist’s skill and the detail and complexity of the test, more than any test he had in the past.

After the hearing aid test, he was presented with two brand options for the hearing aids: Phillips and Jabra. They were almost equally priced and could be operated by an app on one’s phone. He chose the Phillips. It took about a month for his order to arrive at the store, and he immediately made an appointment for the fitting that he’d made earlier.

The fitting appointment lasted about 30 minutes, during which the audiologist made adjustments and set up the app on his phone, which he’s been using ever since.

Either brand of hearing aids does not require batteries. They are charged daily by an included electric plug and an easy-to-use charging station. The charge usually lasts all day and evening, so he recharges them during the night.

\He makes any necessary adjustments while wearing the hearing aids using the app on his phone. There are options for different environments.

The total cost for the Phillips product was US $1700, ZAR 30995.27, and, according to Tom, was a worthwhile investment. He did not have health insurance that paid any portion of this. We charged the cost on our Costo Citibank Visa card, for which we got reward points. He was given the necessary easy-to-use cleaning supplies, which he’ll replenish when we return to the US in May/June.

He’s thrilled. I’m thrilled he can now hear, and our lives of world travel have been enhanced.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 22, 2015:

Cloudy days have a certain appeal in Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

Are you considering a holiday/vacation in magical Marloth Park, South Africa?…Check out this house!…

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What a beautiful veranda at Tarentaal Cottage!
Braai seating area.
The pool is larger than most splash pools in Marloth Park.

Yesterday at noon, Louise took us to see a lovely home, Tarentaal Cottage, that Danie built about three years ago for a couple in Germany who visit periodically.

FOR MORE PHOTOS, VISIT LOUISE’S WEBSITE HERE FOR THIS LOVELY HOUSE AND OTHER PROPERTIES IN MARLOTH PARK.

The lovely and inviting lounge room overlooks the exceptional pool, veranda, and wildlife-visiting areas.
Alternate seating area in the lounge room.
Dining area.
Well-stocked and appointed kitchen with separate scullery.

It’s always interesting for us to see the holiday rentals Louise owns and manages in Marloth Park since we’d never consider renting from anyone but her. As we’ve mentioned many times in the past, no one we’ve ever met is as attentive, kind, and helpful to all of her holiday/vacation rental clients.

Primary bedroom.
Soaking tub in the ensuite bathroom.

She is truly the queen of hospitality. With her diligence and her husband Danie’s building skills as a professional builder, there’s no waiting to get things done when something unanticipated goes wrong.

Her houses are impeccable and well-appointed with every possible amenity, and many have alternate power sources to supplement during load-shedding (power outages).

The second bedroom has an ensuite bathroom and outdoor shower.

Her prices are reasonably priced for holidaymakers and include optional reasonably priced cleaning services, utilities, laundry service as needed, Wi-Fi, and purified water.

Here is Louise’s description of  the Tarentaal Cottage on her website here:

“Tarentaal Cottage

Tarentaal Cottage is a brand new, lovely, and modern cottage with two bedrooms en suite and air conditioning in both rooms.

The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, and there is a lovely indoor relaxing area with a huge glass window that looks outside for animal visitors. 

Outside is a vast furnished veranda with a pool and braai area.

All linen and towels are provided. Please bring your own swimming towels. Daily cleaning services are available on request and it cost extra.

The cottage offers free Wi-Fi and backup power to make your life easier during load shedding.”

Outdoor shower of ensuite bathroom in second bedroom.

The nightly rate for Tarentaal Cottage in ZAR 2000 is US $109.84, which is undoubtedly reasonable for the exceptional experiences travelers can anticipate in the unique surroundings of the exquisite Marloth Park Conservancy. If you are a nature lover and decide to visit Marloth Park, we’d be happy to assist you in answering any questions, even on a free WhatsApp call.

Outdoor dining area.

We’ve done this many times for countless readers who’ve decided to come here for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Of course, one must possess a passion for wildlife and nature. Kruger National Park is a 20-minute drive from the property, where you can see the Big Five and much more.

It’s a cozy spot for morning coffee.

Make Marloth Park your next holiday adventure!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 21, 2015:

Oh, sun, what you do to us in our perpetual pursuit of the perfect sunset. This photo was taken in Kauai, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

The vernal equinox…Fantastic evening with friends…A five year anniversary of a memorable event…

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Bossy was looking for me through the kitchen window while I was cutting carrots and apples.

Fall is finally here in the Southern Hemisphere. As we enter the season, the temperatures will drop and be cool and comfortable in about a month. Over the next five days, the weather is expected to be as high as a hot 96F, 36C. Regardless of the weather, we’ll still sit outdoors all day and part of the evening.

“The March equinox marks the beginning of autumn – and a shift toward winter – in the Southern Hemisphere. When is it? The sun crosses the celestial equator – a line directly above Earth’s equator – at 9:01 UTC on March 20, 2025 (4:01 a.m. CDT).”

A few nights ago, the garden was filled with over 20 animals, including seven species.

Last evening, we joined friends Roz and Les for dinner at their lovely home a few kilometers from us. We arrived at 5:00 pm and didn’t return to our house until after 10:00 pm. We had a fantastic time with this lovely couple. Seeing their house’s beautiful decor and design with modern attention to detail was fun.

We cooked delicious filet mignons on the braai and had salads on the side. Tom expertly made my thick cut of the meat perfectly, as rare as possible, after searing the exterior. It was fantastic. I can’t wait to have it again. Surely, we’ll buy more filets next time we go to the Butchery in the Bush Center. The 800-gram, 28-ounce chunk of tenderloin we’d brought and shared between us was only ZAR 186, only US $10.24. Unreal.

It was delightful to see so many animals visiting the garden.

The conversation was engaging as we discussed world affairs, travel, politics, and life in the bush. They are leaving soon for the UK, where their daughter is graduating from chiropractic school, and will return about the same time as we return to Marloth Park after our granddaughter Maise’s graduation.

Back at the house, we stayed up until after 11:00 pm and finally drifted off. I am still waking up in the middle of the night but able to go back to sleep within 30 minutes or so.

We couldn’t keep up with feeding them pellets. There were too many, and we didn’t want to see them head-butting one another.

Much to my relief, the medication Doc Theo prescribed is working. The side effects have abated, and I can breathe easily; the hay fever is under control, and my eyes aren’t itching. No words can describe how relieved I am. I will continue to take low-dose Prednisone for about ten more days and then reduce the dose further to stop it entirely. We’ll see how it goes, but I am hopeful.

Today is the fifth anniversary of the night in Mumbai, India, when we went to the airport at 3:00 am to board a plane to South Africa to escape COVID-19. While waiting to check in for the flight, after waiting for over an hour, we were informed that South Africa’s airports were closing. Here is our link to the post about when the ten-month stretch in a hotel room during lockdown in Mumbai began. What an experience!

The various herds stayed together while they grazed.

Louise will pick us up in about an hour to show us a house Danie built a few years ago. We will take photos to share tomorrow and include the rental fees should any more of our readers like to visit Marloth Park, based on the extraordinary experience we’ve continued to enjoy over the years.

Two wildebeests at the railing with Mac in the distance.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 20, 2015:

The sun attempted to peek out between the cloud cover in Princeville Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

It’s a beautiful morning in the bush…We’re busy with bookings!…

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Note: Due to WiFi issues, we are having spacing problems we cannot repair..

Crooked Face returned to see us! He had a little trouble grabbing this carrot.

It couldn’t be a more perfect day. The weather is comfortable at 74F 23C, the sky is overcast, and the wildlife is abundant. We couldn’t ask for more, especially when Norman arrived again this morning. He stayed for over an hour, enjoying carrots, apples, and pellets. Annoyed with all the Big Daddies hovering, he finally took off.

The only thing annoying us is the sound of someone in the area using a generator as the sound wafts through the bush. We love the quiet sounds of the animals and the birds. Hopefully, soon, the noise will end.

Zebras don’t try to get too close to us. They need to get close to humans only for food, while many other animals seek to enjoy human interactions.

Living in the bush, one’s senses are acute. Every moment and every sound attracts our attention, and we never know what to expect when we hear new sounds. It’s terrific that Tom now wears hearing aids and can listen to the magical sounds of nature.

Zebras visit every day.

This morning, we had to get to work booking all the rental cars we’ll need while here, when we arrive in Minnesota at the end of May, and when we return to Marloth Park in June. We have locked in some fantastic pricing in South Africa, as low as US $400, ZAR 7308 a month, which is at least four times higher in the US.

Not Big Daddy, but whom we call “Medium Daddy,” who has some growing up to do to reach Big Daddy status.

Also, we arranged the picking up and dropping off time when our friend Lasa arrives on April 2 and leaves on May 1—booking three cars and coordinating the pickup and return dates is time-consuming, especially when we only book them for a maximum of 30 days with our credit card, covering the insurance for only the first 30 days.

Big Daddy kudu.

After all, we don’t have a car and subsequent insurance as an adjunct to renting rental vehicles. We figured out this workaround, but it requires returning the cars every 30 days and a long round-trip drive to the airport.

Also, today, Tom is booking cars for our final three months here, from June to September. We’ve yet to book a place to stay in Spain in September before our four cruises, but we have plenty of time. We’ll get to work on that sometime in the next 60 days.

Checking out the birdseed on the hanging rack.

We are going to a braai at friends Roz and Les’s home, a few kilometers from here. Soon, I’ll make a salad to bring and prepare our filet mignon to cook at their home. They offered to provide all the food, but we suggested bringing our meat and a salad. Few people eat such good-sized portions of meat or use homemade salad dressing as we do.

It’s too much work to ask the hosts to prepare anything special for us. In South Africa, it’s not uncommon for guests to bring their meat to a braai and a side dish to share. As always, guests bring their drinks, whether alcoholic or not. Tom will bring Lion beer, and I’ll bring a bottle of my low-alcohol red wine and some pre-made Crystal Light lemonade. I only drink two 5 oz glasses of the light wine and then switch to Crystal Light.

Drinking from the birdbath.

Today is the first day since I reduced the dose of Prednisone from 20 mg to 10 mg; after adding the new medication, I can breathe a little better. Last night was challenging. Hopefully, the new drug, Mont-Air, is kicking in and will prevent me from having asthma.

That’s our day, folks. We’ll be back with more tomorrow.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 19, 2015:

Tom and our dear friend Richard, who’s since passed away, toasting on St. Patrick’s Day in Kauai, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

It happened!…

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After a fitful night’s sleep, Tom woke me up at 6:15 am when Norman arrived in the garden. I couldn’t get up quickly enough to see him.

What a morning. Last night, after taking the new asthma medication Doc Theo prescribed yesterday (see details below), I hadn’t slept more than a few hours, tossing around. Today will be a good day for a mid-afternoon nap.

When I walked outdoors in my pajamas after slipping on my shoes, I was thrilled to see him at our vacation/holiday home for the first time since we arrived 15 days ago. We’d seen him in Louise and Danie’s garden on Saturday, but it wasn’t the same. Now I know he’ll return frequently when he responds so animatedly to my voice and our iced cold apples and carrots.

Could he be any more regal?

His ears flipped back and forth, listening to me even when pellets were on the ground. Of course, once I cut up a plateful of carrots and apples, he knew he was in the right place.

So be it if carrots and apples are needed to entice him to visit. I can live with that reality. After all, he’s a wild animal, always searching for sustenance. Although there is plenty of green vegetation, the plants and trees the animals eat have been stripped bare after a dry season. Rain is badly needed.

I took many more photos but decided on the few shown today.

While Norman was here, warthogs, kudus, impalas, mongooses, bushbucks, zebras, and wildebeests were present simultaneously—seven species in total! However, I was preoccupied with Norman and couldn’t take my eyes off him.

He stayed for over an hour and finally headed out. We didn’t see Nina and the kids, but we surely will one day soon. He often grazes with his family. We’ll keep you posted.

He started fluffing his mane when a Bog Daddy jumped the fence.

As for what transpired at Doc Theo’s office yesterday, I am hopeful his asthma/allergy treatment plan will be successful and that I can get off Prednisone within a week or two. He prescribed a drug called Mont-Air, which has many side effects but can eliminate asthma, hay fever, and itchy eyes caused by allergens in the environment.

I took the first dose last night, which is recommended since It can cause sleepiness but also can cause restlessness and anxiety in some patients. I ended up with restlessness, feeling like I had a motor running in my body. I hardly slept all night. However, as the morning wore on, I felt better.

His ears flipped back and forth when I spoke to him.

Theo told me to take the new drug, use my regular inhaler and nasal spray, and continue the low-dose Prednisone for one week. After a week, I’ll cut the Prednisone in half and continue that for another week, all the while continuing with the new drug. Hopefully, when the Prednisone is out of my system, I’ll have the full effect of the new drug and be asthma-free.

Having severe asthma attacks is dangerous at any age, but even more so for heart patients and the elderly. I guess at 77, I am considered elderly. Good grief.

Notice his left ear flipped back when I talked to him.

With this new plan, I am my usual cheerful self and continue enjoying the wildlife, surroundings, and wonderful people we know.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 18, 2015:

A visitor was killed on this beach at the end of Anina Beach, in Kauai, a desirable beach only 15 minutes from Princeville. This was sad to see. For more photos, please click here.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to those who celebrate…Off to Komati to see Doc Theo for the first time in two years…

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What a beautiful animal!

Ah, it’s a beautiful morning. The sun is shining. There’s no breeze and the temperature at 10:00 am is 78F, 26C with an expected high today of 85F, 29C. The humidity is always high here, but it’s at a meager 60% with a dew point of 63, which is quite tolerable.

Wildebeest Hal and friends.

The wildlife is visiting, and often I am up and down, filling the 4-cup plastic measuring cup to the brim to feed them pellets. To keep the animals off the grass, which Louise is trying to grow inside the little fence, we’re trying to feed the animals at the railing/bench, as shown in the photos.

There are several calves in his herd of 12 who visit often.

But, they are persistent and used to walking right up to us on the veranda. They are bright and they will learn. The exception is the mongoose who seems to persist in coming up close and personal to ask for paloney. But they don’t eat grass since they are carnivores, and most animals are herbivores, only consuming vegetation.

Big Daddy kudu.

In about 90 minutes, we’ll leave for my appointment with Doc Theo to address my allergy issues. I’m still on a low dose of Prednisone to get me through until I see him. I will report what he’s suggested in tomorrow’s post. It will also be wonderful to see this dear man we’ve become close to over the years. He’s the only primary care physician we’ve had in 12½ years.

They are constantly scouring their surroundings for danger or food. Kudua are herbivores, only eating vegetation.

The Cleveland Clinic doctors suggested we get a primary care physician in the US, but now that we’re on the move again, it makes no sense when we’ll only spend a few weeks in the US every year. Neither of us cares to go to a doctor unless we need immediate treatment.

Wildebeest drinking from the pool after eating pellets.

After the appointment, we’ll go to the pharmacy to fill prescriptions while we shop for some odds and ends at the Spar market. The new SaveMor market here is good, but they don’t have many products we regularly use, such as sour cream, cream cheese, and various hard cheeses.

Today, we’ll purchase more carrots and some apples, hoping that Norman and his family will stop by. If he doesn’t, we’ll dole them out to the other animals, who love the ice-cold carrots and apples. We use a small amount of carrots in our salads, but neither eats apples or fruit other than occasional berries.

Mr. Bushbuck jumped the little fence to let us know he was hungry.

With our weight loss goals in mind, we avoid fruit, grains, and starches, except for a bit of almond or coconut flour required in specific recipes. Tom gave up eating rice for the time being since it prevented him from losing weight. Since he stopped eating it several days ago, he’s lost several pounds/kilos.

When Vusi washed many of our clothes we’d left behind, neatly folding each item, I was shocked to see how much more clothing we each left behind. Many of these items fit me since I gained weight after heart surgery in 2019. I’ve tried losing it many times but I’d lose a little and gain more, mainly due to medications I no longer take.

A mating pair of duikers. It’s that time of year.

I don’t overeat, snack, or eat unhealthy foods. It has been so frustrating not to fit into my clothes. Less than two weeks later, I am fitting into jeans I’ve never worn from the batch Vusi washed and dried. It’s as if I have a new wardrobe. Over the years of world travel, I’ve paid little attention to clothing besides trying to look put-together. Now, I have a renewed interest.

Once we get to the US in June, we’ll need to purchase some items for the upcoming four cruises. Who knew we’d ever have the opportunity to think about clothes for cruises. We are very grateful.

Our first sighting of a cute little male duiker.

Thanks to our many readers who write to us regularly, including Nicole, Thelma May, Gini, and many more. Your communication means the world to us. It’s always comforting to have friends from afar.

That’s my news for today.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 17, 2015:

Plumeria growing on the sparse tree in Kauai. Spring is in the air. For more photos, please click here.