Chelonia 2007

Mark and I spent the day with ICS staff on Chelonia. We went out to Castle Harbour where we swam (for the first time in over a year), had some lovely beef and fish and then travelled all the way back via Dockyard. So we literally did the length of the island in a day. The only regret - that it took us so long to get to Castle Harbour that by the time we got there, we only had enough time for one swim and lunch before we had to head back to Hamilton.

Oh well, there is always the weekend we rent a boat and take the folks out.

They arrive here in two weeks' time.

My favourite South African author

"I have no conscience, none," she added; "but I would not like to bring a soul into this world. When it sinned and when it suffered something like a dead hand would fall on me --'You did it, you, for your own pleasure you created this thing! See your work!' If it lived to be eighty it would always hang like a millstone round my neck, have the right to demand good from me, and curse me for its sorrow. A parent is only like to God - if his work turns out bad, so much the worse for him; he dare not wash his hands of it. Time and years can never bring the day when you can say to your child: 'Soul, what have I to do with you?'"
(Olivia Schreiner, The Story of an African Farm)

Time is running out... Thank goodness

Only three more weeks until my folks arrive in Bermuda. Yiphee!!!

It suddenly occured to me that this will be the first time - ever - that my parents have visited me since I left home.

Ok, so mom did come up to Pretoria when I had my tonsels/wisdom teeth out. My fault for leaving it so late, but that was the one and only time. Come to think of it, I can't remember if she actually crashed at my place... mmmm

Anyway this revelation made me realise that my parents have no idea who I am - you know... the whole identity thing. You never stay the same person you were in high school. I don't dress the same, I don't look the same (thanks to great food), I don't listen to the same music, read the same type of books. In fact, I don't even have the same hobbies anymore.

It should be an interesting holiday. I wonder if they realise I can cook? (chuckle) What a wonderful discovery this will be. I'm 36 years old and my parents are coming to stay.

Yes, I have the spare room all spick and span. The gifts have been purchased, the mints are ready for their pillows at night, the travel guide to Bermuda is waiting - all brand new and untouched and the fridge is loaded with diet drinks, steaks the size of a VW convertable and the beach towels and snorkel gear is clean, packed and ready.

So come on over folks. The water is fine and your daughter is incredibly nervous about opening up her life to you - but then you're never too old to discover the changes in those closest to you. I am ready --- bring it on...