REFRESHED FROM A WEEK IN THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK.

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

There's a saying on a T-shirt here in South Africa;  it says:

"Stressed out?

Unwind in Kruger Park!"

This saying is so true!

(Above: Impalas 'for Africa'!)

Well, I am well and truly 'unwound'; relaxed, soul-restored, invigorated and revitalised.  Five days in the African bush always does this to me.  I'm happy to be home, but my soul has always belonged in the bush.  What a joy it was to have the opportunity, once again, to visit there.

(Above: Hippos in their pod)

We entered the park on Monday last week at Malelane Gate.  This entrance lies on the southern border of the park - about 4-5 hours drive from Johannesburg, along the N4 highway towards Mozambique.  I had my two beautiful daughters accompany me on this trip.  It was a happy, bonding time for the three of us.  Unfortunately we had to leave my a work-swamped husband behind in the city. 

(Above: herds of elephant huddle around their newborns: 
There is 'teeny-tot' amongst the legs of the elephants.  Can you find it?
 We reckon the little thing was hardly a week old ...beautiful!!!)

(Above: Same photo of the elephants, but enlarged for you to see the baby...)

The park is green and lush.  Animals are plump and in pristine condition.  Recent rains have seen some of the rivers burst their banks and some of the gravel roads closed, but there is wildlife wherever you look. The bush has come alive and there are young babies everywhere.  Elephant herds huddle around their little ones and all the species seem to be thriving.  It is a wonderful thing to behold.

Our five days in the park offered us cooler than usual weather too.  This brought along cooler temperatures - a great relief from the usual soaring highs at this time of the year.  The mosquitoes, too, haven't quite got their act together, so we were able to avoid the inevitable onslaught, and spend the week free from bites.

  (Above: Our bungalo at "Olifants" camp)

 (Olifants camp site is located on a hill overlooking a river.  It has exquisite views! One can sit and watch the river forever...there is always something to see.)

 (Above: The river below.  If you look carefully, you can see a hippo edging towards the water)

(Above: Sunrise over the river and the plains of the Kruger National Park)

  (Above: The bungalos are built high up along a hillside)

Our camp sites were comfortable although the recent strike did affect the shops and restaurants around the park.  Thankfully we were aware of this, so were able to take along our own more-than-adequate pantry.

Our trip comprised one night in the southern camp of 'Skukuza', three nights at the beautiful 'Olifants' camp (in the middle of the park), and one final night back in the south.  All-in-all we travelled about 500kms during the week and saw many, many animals.  The speed limits in the park are 50km/h on the tarred roads and 40km/h on the gravel roads.  Most often, however, our speed was much less, as we stopped to watch or search for animals.

I have hundreds of beautiful photos and it was hard to select some for this post.  I hope to include more later.  But here are some to whet your appetite....

 (Above: An elephant herd files across the river at mid-day)

 (Above: The colourful Crested Barbet searches for grubs from its pedistal)

 (Above: The ever-purposeful dung-beetle with its ball of dung)

 (The lilac-breasted-roller, one of the most beautiful birds of the park)

( Above: The 'Zebra crossing')

 (Above: the Sentinel male baboon, forever on the lookout)

 (Above: "Stripes for Africa")

 (Above: Giraffes peep over the tree tops)

 (Above: The yellow-billed-hornbill - their calls are indicative of the Lowveld)

 (Above: We came across a buffalo herd of approximately 200 animals.  It is quite disconcerting to be surrounded by these magnificent animals.  They are one of the 'Big 5' - one of the most dangerous animals when on foot)

(Above: The conical death trap of the Antlion - one of Africa's 'Little 5)

(Above: No visit to the Kruger Park is complete without spending some time watching 'Pumba' the warthog...and there are many of them!)

Finally, here is a video of our siting of the two bull elephants fighting.  

An incredible thing to witness:

We are really happy to be home. 

Thank you again to my daughters for a wonderful, happy holiday.

 I will cherish these memories forever.

Sending lotsaluv

Inspired beyond measure

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Dear friends!

In today's modern age, many of us are privileged to be able to witness, via the internet, the incredible achievements and talents of individuals around the world. We have news feeds, Podcasts, Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Pininterest, email, you name it! We listen, read and watch as people showcase their individuality and their dreams.  This is one of the wonders of our modern world.

 In our own lives, our souls soar when we bear witness to our children reaching their dreams and embracing their God-given future.  Today, my soul soars, for this child - as I get to witness the making of a star.

 I can only begin to imagine the pride that the parents and family of this eleven-year-old-wonder is feeling.  

Congratulations Botlhale Boikanyo (age 10)!


If this is the future for our nation, I am inspired beyond measure.
You simply HAVE to watch this video.

Sending lotsaluv

I GOT RID OF THEM CRITTERS! ...from my blog...BOL!

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

TOBY, the "Sweet Hooligan" here...

 Dear fur-buddies,

After much barking and canine negotiation, Maxmom finally relented.

Yep, I basically TOLD her:

"Please Maxmom, if you don't remove those piggies from my blog, I will!"

So there you have it, she has finally listened to me.  

A dog has to do what a dog has to do!

This blog is mainly a DOG-BLOG, with a bit of Maxmom thrown in at times.  I think I was doing us canine's an injustice by allowing those pesky critters to continue their antics on MY blog.

So, if you are really a GUINEA-PIG fan, or want to keep track of "TWIX and BONNY" then you can visit them by clicking 

HERE

BARK OUT LOUD!

I did what I had to do!

***Wags tail profusely***
Lotsalicks

GUINEA PIG FUN

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...

(Above: Twix in her comfy cave)

Okay, so you may think I am officially nuts!

Perhaps I am, but I have been so inspired by these little creatures called Guinea Pigs.  

So blame it on cute little Twix.  She is well and truly over her ordeal now and firmly on the road to recovery.  She is still small; weighing in at only 438g, but "Fatso" has put on 30g since her caesarian section.  I am overjoyed that she has survived and determined to give her the best life imaginable. She is a real little fighter - my miracle piggy!

So, the first thing has been to find her an companion.  As you know, Twix was spayed at the time of her operation, so it doesn't really matter if she has a 'boy' companion, or a 'girl' companion.  I've been putting out  my feelers - looking for a suitable mate.  

And .... (drum roll....)

it's really funny how life sometimes plays out.  

Twix's new companion is none other than one of "Mr T"s pups. (Remember him?  You can read about him HERE)  Apparently the little guy has been 'busy' since leaving our home.  He is now the proud father of two sweet puppies.  And yes, they are looking for homes. I was sent this picture via my blackberry and asked if I wanted one:

<<==========

Well, my mind is definitely made up.  I just have to have the one on the left.  "She" looks so much like  little Twix's own pup, "Stardust" who passed away - Black, white and a touch of brown.  Yes, thank you, I will take her!!!

(I just hope that I am not surprised by yet another  'already pregnant' piggy. Hopefully all will be good.)

Her name???.....(***smiling***)  It's a secret to be revealed...  

We are due to get the little one sometime later this week and I am so excited.

I've also put on my thinking cap and come up with a novel solution for pleasing accommodation for the two of them.  Up until now, Twix has been in a large cage, but it doesn't look aesthetically pleasing and I really want these two little piggies to take residence in my kitchen.  

Unfortunately, here in South Africa, we don't have the zillions of options that my international friends have. (You lucky guys!!!)  Whilst scouting the net, I fell in love with this beautiful crate kit  from "Guinea Pig Zone": (In the USA)

Unfortunately, it is far too expensive for me to ship it out to South Africa, so I decided to construct something myself instead:

  I purchased 3 large plastic crates, and one small one, and set about assembling them.  It was quite a tricky process, because I had to cut passages between the crates and seal up the sharp edges.  I also wanted to put a 'deck' up for Twix and her partner; with a little ramp, so that they could survey the scene whilst I am busy in my kitchen. ***smiling again*** 

 Well, this is the result.  

Am I crazy or what?!!!

 (Above: 3 adjacent crates with inter-leading doorways)

 (Above: The view from the front)

 (Above: Twix's view from inside)

 (Above: The ramp into the 'loft')

 (Above: A better view?)

 (Above: "Come Twix....come and try out your 'loft')

 (Below: Twix checking things out.)

(Below: "Time for meds....from the 'loft')

 Hopefully my two little piggies will be comfortable.  We'll see ...

(Below: Twix in her new 'comfy-cave'...and yes, I made it too, but I'll show you next time.)

Am I nuts, or what?!!!

Sending lotsaluv and

***Guineapig giggles***

LIVESTRONG DAY: The WEINERLEIN FAMILY ...

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

Caryl here...

(Above: Anthea, Trevor, Katie-Meg, Me and Amy)

Every year, on LIVESTRONG DAY, I try and put up a special blog post to to honour the amazing men, woman and animals who have fought, and still fight, the dreaded "Cancer".  This disease has affected my family too and I have lost loved ones in the process. This day has special meaning for me as I remember all the millions of people, around the world, who have walked this difficult path. Some have sadly lost their battle, whilst others fight on bravely. 

I honour and pay tribute to them.

This year, however, I am hoping that you will grant me a little flexibility as I reach a little further - to honour those who fight, so bravely, against other life-threatening illnesses and, in particular, JUVENILE ARTHRITIS.  I am doing this, because there is are some special and brave family members of mine who are currently fighting the fight of their lives..

. 

  Today, I would like to honour the

WEINERLEIN FAMILY

...in their current battle with JUVENILE ARTHRITIS - a disease which is affecting their two, beautiful, young daughters.

======================================================

 Here is their story...

Trevor (a Headmaster) and Anthea (a schoolteacher) are parents to daughters Katie-Meg (12) and Amy (10).  They are both dedicated High school teachers who never waver in their professionalism and their love for children as a whole. Their courage has been highlighted over the past two years as they have bravely fought the battle of their lives.

Some time ago, Katie-Meg (12) was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis.  Over the past 1-2 years she has deteriorated from being an enthusiastic athlete, sports person and high academic achiever , to a young girl who is now confined to a wheelchair  (at a time in her life when she should be embracing adolescence and all its challenges).   Despite this, her spirit is strong and her battle has inspired many young (and old) people around her. She is one of the most inspiring young women I have ever met!  She faces her plight bravely and gracefully, but sometimes the pain is just too much.

This disease has affected every joint of her body.  It means that she is in constant, excruciating pain and there is no letting up.  In fact the pain is increasing daily despite extensive physiotherapy and chemotherapy. She goes for physiotherapy and hydrotherapy every week to stop her muscles atrophying, but nothing seems to be helping. Even the small movements are intolerable. 

Trevor and Anthea have to get up every night, every two hours, to turn Katie in bed and try to alleviate her pain.  They are fatigued and sometimes despondent, but despite this they still try to hold down their full-time teaching jobs, and continue to search for an answer to this devastating illness.

As if this isn’t enough, Amy (10), Katie's younger sister, has also been diagnosed with the same illness. It’s effectively a double blow.  At this point there are no answers to overcoming this affliction.  Amy’s pain has only recently begun but there is inflammation in different areas of her body and it is starting to hamper her activity too.  Both girls are on chemotherapy injections/drips but there has been no improvement although, thankfully, Amy's pain seems to be under control. 

Doctors, too, are somewhat stumped as to how to help Katie with pain management.  She is on an 8-weekly Revelex drip which makes her extremely ill.  Nausea and fatigue are constants in her life and she is also on anti-depressants.

Despite all this the girls are still going to school and trying to retain normal lives.  Their parents are icons of strength.

====================================================================

I cannot begin to imagine the nightmare that this special family of mine is going through.  I spoke to Katie-Meg recently about what was the most difficult part of this disease.  Her answer was simple and unexpected:

"Aunty Caryl, it's the isolation.  I can't go out and I can't do what my friends are doing.  I sometimes feel so lonely."

This answer is what has prompted me to write about this today.  Katie's answer gives us all an opportunity to do something, It's small, but it is something, and that is simply to convey our support, empathy and encouragement . 

 I have set up a Facebook support group for the Weinerlein family - where friends and supporters can go and leave messages of encouragement for them.  

PLEASE CAN I ASK YOU, today, to take the time to leave messages of support for

 TREVOR, ANTHEA, KATIE-MEG and AMY WEINERLEIN?

  You can do this either in the comments section of this blog (and I will convey this to them), or you can visit their FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP and leave your message there.  I know that each comment and message, no matter how small, is a treasure for this family. Tell them where you live and tell them how you feel.

PLEASE, on this LIVESTRONG DAY, can you do this?

TREVOR, ANTHEA, KATIE-MEG and AMY, my beloved family:

I love you so, so much! I wish I could take this affliction away from you.  Please know that you are loved beyond measure.  I have no doubt that you will beat this disease. 

BE STRONG! BE COURAGEOUS! LIVE STRONG!  

You are a true inspiration to all of us.

With all my love to all those who suffer around the world.