I have just read with growing concern, the latest crime statistics officially released by the Commissioner of Police. People whatsapp me videos purportedly of the recent xenophobic violence in Pretoria and it is really disturbing to watch. I receive SMS's and whatsapp's about our water supply - and it is distressing. You stand among people at braaivleis [barbecues in Afrikaans] fires and all they can discuss is either the lousy beer they are drinking or how horrible it is to live in South Africa - while their luxurious 4X4 vehicles and most expensive smart phones and receiving one message after the other. The only conclusion one can draw from this lot of negative messages is that South Africa is over the brink! There is no saving grace for us living here.
OR IS IT? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
I am still planting flowers and tending to my vegetable garden [I had some freshly cut asparagus this morning]; my 5 hens still produce 5 eggs per day.
I pray and don't do crime.
And I spread my message of hope. All it takes is one person to restore hope - and I am that one person. And you are with me - so we are more than one already.
My wife and I just spent the most wonderful weekend at a B&B MY HOUSY in Ladybrand, Free-state with like-minded photographers - have a look at our group photo below. We made a huge contribution towards a stable and peaceful country. Our hosts at MY HOUSY are Len and Liezel - for six years in a row they hosted us for our annual convention.
Back: Bruce Hepburn, Carel Van Heerden, Neels Coertse, Annemarié Coertse Sonja Grobler, Jeannette Van Heerden, Jen Kruger, Anne D'Oliveira, Corine Ross, Ria Katzke, John Arseniou, Len Cousins. Front: Jeff Morris [chairman] Judith Hodgson [Australia], John Hodgson [Australia] Eric Thorburn
I spent some time in the local supermarket and took this photo of the shop bursting at the seams.
Checkers in Ladybrand Free State
