Number Seventeen 7.12.2022

Hymie Marnewick yesterday in Rivonia While I was standing in a very long, slow moving, lethargic queue at the ATM, I met a girl with lively big brown eyes, looking very inquisitively at me. We are also in a queue waiting for Christmas to appear and to give out gifts - and the people look tired and irritated. Nothing exciting is going on in their lives. That is how I see them. “Hallo, young one.” I said to her. Life still holds lots of secrets, mysteries...

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Number 16 6.12.2022

  Yesterday, besides the violent weather, someone cut the cables in our street and there is now no internet connection. Early morning everything was fine, up and working. I went to art class – the last for 2022 and had a good time there. Once again it was a show and tuition and I was certainly not disappointed. That is the reason why I haven’t posted my write up yesterday. I was running around to get a place with internet services, found...

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Number fifteen 5 December 2022

FRANK MCCOURTFrank McCourt’s ANGELA’S ASHES is a modern-day classic with more than 70 re-prints. He is from Irish-descent who was born in the USA and that was where he spent more than 30 years teaching children. Angela’s Ashes is a sad, sombre piece of literature. He describes the death of his baby sister, Margaret’s death in short, staccato sentences and the finishing grace was when he wrote: “She’s gone.” He grew up hungry. His siblings grew...

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Number Fourteen 4 December 2022

 Guinea Fowl - courtesy the internetWe will be living in Rivonia [not too far from Lilies Leaf Farm] for just on a year and what a blessing we’ve experienced. The “new” home is well kept and fully operational without needing repairs at all; we even have a working irrigation system going. Listening to some of the horrible stories’ friends tell us about their relocating to a “new” home, we are really and truly blessed. The garden is 70% smaller...

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Number Thirteen 3 December 2022

 Life-long learning! I asked a Refugee client of mine what does that mean? His first reaction was: “I don’t know.” “Ahgh!! I don’t buy that story. Think!” And then he gave me a wonderful answer. I asked my gardener this morning: “What does LIFE LONG LEARNING mean?” Initial reaction: “I don’t know.” Me: “Common!!! Think!” And think he did. And gave an answer that is spot on. Back to the Rwandan refugee – he is a very young man [22x] and...

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NUMBER TWELVE 2.12.2022

 Culinary apple We are on our way to Culinary Equipment Company. It is a place to wander through, to admire and to have something to eat. Take your time and enjoy the second-hand cook books, the cooking equipment; just feel the passion of the owner not only for food, but for the interior of his emporium! It is not a business. It is an emporium. Yes, get something to eat. The menu is something else. And the food is specially prepared for each...

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Number Eleven 2 December 2022

Art class: my cat [just a sketch because I don't have a cat]I am guilty! I didn't publish my daily write up! Yet, I will tell you what happened yesterday.My spoon - the fruit of yesterday's classA short resume about yesterday: High speed car chase late at night [that stands out for the day] Art class – gaiety and laughter Serious discussions about Princess Diana. Butter Beans from Malawi Groundnuts from Malawi Friends for coffee and...

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