You’re not breathing! — “But I am,” I thought. “Can’t you hear me breathing?” I was drifting in a glorious Valium-induced cloud. Rainbow-hued fairies flitted through my mind. Fat fluffy clouds wobbled along on a stiff breeze. Tiny pink pigs with curly tails resembling my dogs’ toys trotted along, squeaking. I hummed in contentment…

In my defense, I’m retired, aka old — Going shopping I needed new garden shears. My rambling creeper needed taming; my overgrown plumbago and lantanas needed trimming; just about every shrub required some attention. Let it be known that I’m not too fond of shopping unless it’s for books or plants. A new pair of garden shears do not fall…

Doodles are dime a dozen in shelters and rescues How it all began The man responsible for the “Doodle” mania is Wally Conran. He created the Labrador-Poodle hybrid in 1989 and now, in his own words, says - “I opened a Pandora’s box and released a Frankenstein’s monster.” It all started well. Mr. Conran…

It’s over. So sorry. 8.29 am — And just like that, a life well-lived ended. Expected, but still a shock. For nights I slept restlessly, phone at a fingertip, and wide awake every time it made a sound. The merriment of Christmas flows around me. As it should. It’s time for families to get together. I don’t…

It is acutely traumatic every time — “Go buy a new jacket. And some turtleneck shirts. “ My husband was adamant. The impatience in his voice lent impetus to the gravity of the situation. The dreaded shopping specter had its clammy hands around my neck, pointy fingernails digging in. I gulped and looked down at my much-maligned…

Like I used to make forty-plus years ago — A confection of custard, brown sugar, and cinnamon swimming in butter. Called – Vla Sponskluitjies Translated — Custard Dumplings. I knew the exact recipe I needed. It was in a book my mother gave me many years ago when she realized I didn’t know how to boil water. …

Not easy, but oh, so worth it.

And I never argue with an introvert on a roll — On Thanksgiving, my decision was reinforced by the situation that played out around the dinner table. We have a lovely neighbor. Divorced, living alone, quiet, soft-spoken, and all-around adorable. My dogs worship him, and it doesn’t get better than that. So, I told my husband I was inviting him for…

Liver-spotted hands battle to reach a stretch of 12 notes. — She hears the music in her mind. Soft at first, then a tiny crescendo increasing with the tempo. A glorious burst of joy before subsiding poco a poco to reach a perfect dolce. A small smile creases the corner of her mouth. Yes, she can hear it. In another lifetime…