I stepped out on the tarmac and felt this little burst of happiness. That should have surprised me because I really didn’t want to be there.

I have been so fortunate in having family and friends that have been in my life a long time, that have stayed close, became closer, became teachers and guides.

I have been cooking and reading and thinking and trying to make sense of what is happening in the world. Cooking and reading are the happy bits, the creative bits, the thinking is on a loop.

Why did we all love it so much? I think that for me being there simplified everything. All the complications of life fell away...

I have been out and about in the arid heart of my country in a vast area known as the Great Karoo. I was surprised, taken aback by the sense of isolation in the park...

Winter is making itself felt. The mornings are downright cold, leaves are falling, and the clouds are putting on more dramatic displays.

We met when I moved in next door. I cannot recall what brought about the actual meeting. There was no foretelling that this was to be a special friendship.

Isn’t food interesting? We all have food that defines high days and holidays. We have comfort food and healthy food, naughty food…well, I do!

I have found my own responses to the Russian invasion of Ukraine very interesting. As the rumblings began and grew louder, came closer...