A year ago, I stood on the top of the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing at the rim of the crater, I gasped for every difficult breath of scarce oxygen so desperately needed by my exhausted and shattered body.  I had reached my goal, I had climbed this mountain of my dreams.
My reasons for climbing this magnificent mountain had been many. This was not a ‘tick’ off my bucket list, this was my tribute to a few of the many inspirational people who had enriched my life.

As a little girl, I listened enthralled when my father spoke with awe of this part of Africa, of the plains teeming with animals and of the majestic snow capped mountain towering above. During many of the difficult hours, alone with my thoughts, I tried to understand his anguish and his pain during the last desperate days of his life.  As I struggled for air with every step, I thought of my mother’s constant battle for oxygen into her tiny frail body when her lungs failed her.

Each day on the mountain was filled with simple rituals. Eat, breathe, walk, sleep. I became enclosed in my own cocoon and I had the rare privilege of clearing my mind and my body of every unnecessary thought and action.
My strongest motivator had been to use this journey as a celebration of my health, and as a tribute to the strength of my body and mind. I had much to be thankful for - people dear to me no longer had the luxury of mobility of their body, or of clear thought of their minds. The talented, fearless young friend in a wheel chair, the brilliant intellect of a friend forever altered by a tumour.  These brave people are my heroes, and my journey was a tribute to them.

Our lives are short, our health is precious. Make the most of what you have been blessed with and share it with others who have nothing. Set your sights on the summit of your own mountain.

The Heritage Day long weekend at the end of September sees thousands of eager whale watchers  embark on a pilgrimage to Hermanus - the land based whale watching capital of the world.

Here, they eagerly jostle along the cliff paths with binoculars and long lenses, pointing and oooohing as these great beasts leap and splash their gigantic bodies out of the clear blue sea to breach and fluke and lobtail and skyhop. These massive mammals intrigue and fascinate us with their haunting calls and immense power.

But here’s the thing………..whales are very intelligent, but they can’t read calendars so they just loll about in the bay EVERY weekend in September, and October, and even in November before their babies get big enough to swim all the way down to the Antarctic where supplies of krill are more prolific.

So pay us a visit any time between now and the end of the whale season, and you will be rewarded by their evocative calls and jaw dropping displays as they leap out of the water in playful glee. You may not get the music and concerts, the fun and the games but you’ll still get the whales, without the crowds!

Today is the day we have all been waiting for, when our team runs onto the pitch at the magnificent showcase of soccer in Soweto. We have listened to the countdown from 1000 days ago, we have worn our yellow jerseys on ‘Football Fridays’, we have watched with trepidation as construction crews ripped apart our road system and dug great gouges in the earth, we have cheered in the streets as our boys have driven past, we have been whisked to the airport on the mighty Gautrain and now we smile with pride as we drive through the sleepy early morning streets with our beautiful flag flapping from our car. Today is the day.

Today is not just the day our national team plays the opening game against Mexico, its the day where we can look back on all that has been achieved, we can hold our heads high as the world looks on, impressed. We can believe in our future, we can revel in the unity of our nation. Once again, we can dream of a wonderful future for our land.

Good luck Bafana Bafana, good luck. Ke nako

This quiet part of heaven always manages to lift my spirits and heal my soul. Driving over the mountain from Cape Town into a misty, wet afternoon I watched grey clouds hanging over the mountains and expected a cold and miserable week ahead. I was delighted by the glimpses of autumn shades on the orchards as I sped by and I looked forward to lighting a comforting log fire on arrival. A snug night, bundled up warmly, and deep restful sleep prepared me for any kind of day. Waking to a crisp blue sky with no trace of the grey mood was an unexpected  treat and I celebrated the sunshine with the brilliant sunbirds in the garden. A late afternoon walk through the quiet and gentle streets, bathed in golden fading light rewarded my senses again. I stayed out until the last traces of pink over the mountain had deepened to deep charcoal and drank in the peace and quiet and contentment. This village is a special place.

The annual Boxing Day Cricket fundraiser was held on the hallowed grounds of the Stanford Cricket Ground, otherwise known as the Market Square . The 12 illustrious teams battled it out in the hot sun, gallantly defending their pride. Delicious smells from the potjies wafted across the pitch, while families enjoyed the entertainment. The children had their very own cricket corner . This wonderful village event has been on the local calendar every year for the past 10 years. It started as a challenge from the locals to the weekend visitors, and now attracts a host of celebrity sportsman.  Jake White, Schalk Burger and Peter Grant were spotted patiently signing autographs.  The funds raised are for the local Animal Welfare charity and the Okkie Smuts ‘koshuis’ children. Make plans to be there for Boxing Day 2010 and be part of the fun!