I decided that this week I was going to try to be positive, no matter what the week threw at me. Much like an HIV or TB test, the COVID-19 test is one that you want to pass, but in a negative way. It sounds counter-intuitive, but if you are negative then it is positive. I also made a conscious decision that I would be on the lookout for memes that made me smile and I have been utilizing those as motivation to help me get through the mental aspects of the continuous lockdown that is still in place. Being a country music specialist, this particular graph made me smile, hence it is heading the posting this week.
I first met Allan Heyl several years ago, when he had just been released from prison here in South Africa and was starting out on the motivational speaking circuit. I interviewed him for a radio show that I was presenting at the time and I was immediately taken by his manner and his willingness to share his story with me. Years past and we sort of lost touch, occasionally bumping into each other and we always took the time to catch up. He was not having the best of times and it seems that many in similar circumstances to his, find themselves broke at the end of their career in crime. We met again when I asked him to be a guest speaker for a radio class that I was teaching and then our final meeting to chat about the book. He and I shared breakfast that morning and it was shortly thereafter he called to tell me that the book had been accepted for publication. I know that he blew through the advance the publishers gave him…because he told me. He even sent me a text saying that he was contemplating going back to robbing banks. But that did not happen. Allan died earlier this year at a public hospital. His passing was noted in social media and he was mourned by many. Unfortunately, the book only landed on my desk this week, too late for me to chat with him about certain aspects that he would not tell me when he was alive.
A COVID-19 posting would NOT be complete without a passing mention of what our Government is doing. This week seems to be focussing on rooting out SOME of the wrongdoers who are allegedly stealing money that was earmarked for relief funds and feeding schemes. Those who have either stepped aside or been asked to take a leave of absence do so on full pay! While many citizens sit at home with no work and no money, allegedly corrupt officials get to languish at home on full salary, all the while hanging onto the money that they allegedly stole. In my opinion, those officials should be home with NO pay and that might make them more remorseful for what they may/may not have done. All of a sudden is the ANC REALLY cleaning house or is it more smoke and mirrors to keep our eyes of what is really afoot…corruption and skullduggery at a variety of levels.
How do you stab someone with a squirrel? Was it frozen? I so wanted to know more about this incident. However, it did take my mind off the fact that I have been battling to remember what day of the week it is. I mean, I have woken up almost every day this past week thinking it was Saturday. And I am certain that I am not the only one.
This headline was merely click-bait. The real story is not really as newsworthy as this headline makes it seem. This is what actually happened ” A 44-year-old woman allegedly beat and stabbed her husband with a ceramic squirrel on Christmas Eve – because she was furious that he returned home without beer“.
I spent some time this week writing articles for an online wildlife magazine. The editor had asked me to supply him with a particular image for the anecdote and while searching I found THIS. It not only made me relive the incident that occurred, but it took me back to a pre-lockdown time that will take a while to recreate.
This Saturday(08/08) is the first Global Sleep under the Stars night. Even though it is cold, there is nothing stopping those who can from getting out and looking up. Realizing that we are but a speck in the firmament and that although we might like to believe that we are special we are but a minuscule part of the whole. Be in awe of what is above you and take a moment to contemplate and be grateful for what you have. I know that I certainly will.
Aside from high temperature and various other symptoms, two of the most easily recognizable symptoms are a loss of smell and taste. To this end, I have devised my own (fail-proof) test. I have taken to burping and farting A LOT. If I can ‘taste’ what I burp and smell when I fart, I know that I am OK. I am not certain if I would want to this in a public space, but it sure beats having a swab stuck up your nose and almost out of your ear.
What a high my week ended on! An unexpected self-drive visit to not one but two Parks near Johannesburg. I have driven past the Lion and Safari Park on many occasions without visiting, but this morning I spent 3 hours driving through the various predator enclosures and all in the safety of my own vehicle. No interaction with anyone else and not time limit of the actual drive. I discovered that this wild dog was ‘fishing’ for meat that had been tossed into the water the afternoon before my visit. This property is less than 30 minutes from my house and given the reduced lockdown traffic, the drive was a pleasure.
It was a full day of work for me. I was in my car from 08h00 to 17h00…not that I am complaining. My car was my office for the day. A safe and secure mobile workspace where I could take pictures or just sit and watch the wildlife. It has been several years since I last visited the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve and they are currently working on some major renovations and upgrades which will take place over the next few months.
Goodbye July and hello AUGUST! Where has the time gone? This month sees the celebration of Women’s Month and more specifically Women’s Day(10/08). Much like the anti-vaxxers, there are now those who are anti-mask. I wonder if those who say that masks are an invasion of their Constitutional Rights are wearing seatbelts or for that matter obey any of the other enforced rules and regulations. If YOU are one of those, then I would rather NOT be in your company as I do not wish to place either myself or those that I love in danger. And I ask that I be respected for my decisions.
Until next week, stay safe, stay healthy and be aware.
South African Depression and Anxiety Group.
011 234 4837
LifeLine Connect number.
011 728 1347
