Shout Out to UK Friends!

There isn't a lot to report, but I couldn't let too much time pass without a big shout out for the appropriate welcome the UK gave to our supreme leader. It was absolutely amazing, and my thought was "the whole world can't  be wrong"! His interaction with the Queen summed up his character, and his intelligence (lack thereof) has never even been up for debate! The whole Putin thing has just been amazing. They are meeting PRIVATELY as I write and our Congress has said not one word to prevent it from happening - not one! Other than Russia's assistance with the election, I think Trump wanted the same thing as Kim Jong Un - a photo! Kim wanted it to add North Korea to the Big Boys' Club. Trump wanted it for his ego. Cheryl and I, Eileen and I, and Jenny, Jacqui and I traded some of the best signs and videos of the protest via Messenger and snide remarks on Facebook. I also received a frantic email from Jan asking me to apologize to all of you for the way trump treated Prime Minister May! So, your efforts were acknowledged far and wide! It was wonderful reinforcement for the Resistance and the great part is that it followed him to Scotland and Helsinki! We are also hopeful that the big balloon will come here. He would hate that! SO, from the reasonable people on this side of the pond, a big THANK YOU!! 

On the subject of politics, I have to confess that I have truly gone to the dark side! I'm now on Twitter. I avoided it for such a long time and whenever I checked it out, it never seemed to make sense. Then, one night last week I logged on  and it all came together. SO, my future is as a political hermit, totally consumed by MSNBC, FB, Twitter, phone calls and faxes to my reps!  It's a sad life!!

As I'm writing this note, I'm also working on my first newsletter for Liberal Ladies of the Lowcountry. This is the waiting part as people edit articles, niggle over details, etc. While it is not yet finalized, you can check out the first issue HERE.  I enjoy fiddling with this kind of thing and I hope it helps out the group. You might be surprised to read that we have 424 members here in this little corner of SC!!

No, we don't feed raccoons!
The raccoon is eating leftovers and George is drinking water.

Those of you who have visited have probably met George, one of the feral cats that I've been feeding for a long time. He lives right outside our back gate. Sadly, Georgie has not been doing well lately. He has lost lots of weight, does not eat well and has a cough. One of the other feeders has had him at her house over the weekend and will take him to the vet today. When I fed him on Friday, he didn't come out, but there was a car parked close by and I assumed that was the problem. So I ran an errand and came back when the car had gone. I tooted my horn several times (usually not required) and had almost given up when he finally came out. He got some loving, but didn't eat anything.....and once I leave, the food will not longer be available to him for obvious reasons! Georgie is much older that I realized. Joe, the organizer of our group, said that he has been feeding George for 9 years and he wasn't a kitten when he started, so he is old enough for bad things to happen. I'm waiting to hear from the vet report. My guess/fear is that if it is anything serious, he will be euthanized.  He is such a sweet, loving cat. If anything happens, I will really miss him.

Reyna and Chili Rellenos

My new friend and neighbor, Reyna, is a delightful, young woman who has a lot on her shoulders - four children, 2 live-in elderly people for whom she gives full time care, a live-in boyfriend, and works nights 2-3 times per week. Even so, she continues to check on me almost daily via text, phone or stopping in after her run (yes, she manages to run, too) or as she comes and goes in her daily life. Last week she invited me over for Chili Rellenos the way her mother taught her to make them. Wow, they were delicious - and she spent hours cooking the night before! As I said last time, she seems thrilled to have someone to talk to and socialize with a bit, and it is quite reassuring for someone to check on me. It isn't something I think about often, but you never know when something might happen. I also think she's lined me up to replace one of her tenants should anything happen to them, though I hope it's way too early for that!!  We're having brunch today. I'm taking over a salad and she's doing omelets!  She also likes tasting my vegetarian grub, which is not the case with everyone - though I have to say, most of my friends don't seem to mind and many of them are already vegetarian or almost.

Another bud of mine, Tippy, just had shoulder surgery on Monday. She's at home now and had several rough nights. I think she sees the doctor again today and finds out about physical therapy......OUCH!  I do hope things go wall as I like keeping my partners-in-crime fit and at the ready!

trump is making his statement after meeting with his hero. If there is anything worse that listening to him spout off, it is listening to him trying to read!!  His speech writers must be challenged to make someone with a 4th grade vocabulary sound even reasonably adult and intelligent. 

Joe just called and Georgie is gone. He had advanced feline leukemia, the same thing that killed Zorro a few years back.  I often felt that George wanted the loving and petting as much as the food, and the last day I was with him, he proved that. He was such a loving and pretty kitty - reminded me a lot of Gabby!. Many people in our community will miss seeing him as they drive out our back gate. So sad!!

I've been trying to incorporate a Comment Box that is easy to use and this is the best I've found. However, it seems to come with some fairly disgusting ads, with which I'm not so happy. I have tested it, but sometimes things work because I'me signed in to the blog. So, I hope you will give it a try so that I know whether or not it works AND so that I hear from you!

It's Summer in the South!

Yes, it's been hot...and humid. Stay in the house kind of weather. Even with her cooling jacket, Rosie has been cutting our afternoon walk short and on most days I take her to an area in the community that has a shaded walkway. This morning, however, was wonderful. It was cooler, not humidity and with a nice breeze. Such a welcomed change!

I'm sure you know about our terrible political situation that just seems to go from bad to worse....every single day!!  On June 30th there was a nationwide rally in support of the

immigrants who are being treated so shamefully at our border. Our little town of Bluffton in a deep, red state had a great turnout. Rose, the organizer and my neighbor, was fearful that there would be a small turnout based on responses she had gotten. Needless to say, she was pleased with the result. I went over the day before and loaded my car with various items needed for the rally and took it over around 8AM the next day, before the rally began at 9:30. I also took Rosie and gave her a walk while I waited for others to arrive. Then I dropped off Rosie and picked up Rhonda and Chris for the rally. It was a fun morning and we were surprised to get some positive reactions.

The rally was a nice diversion from all of the calling, faxing, letter writing, etc. that we've been doing on a daily basis. Last week was so brutal - the travel ban upheld AND the possibility of trump appointing another Supreme Court judge (and something else that is escaping me at the moment)!!  I had to take some time off and get away from it, so I spent a few days reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which was excellent and a page turner.  I have the second in the trilogy ready to go but had to use it as a bribe to get caught up on some things, including this blog. Once I've completed my "To Do" list I will take a few days for reading.....unless something abominable happens!!

I have to say I am surprised that the Queen has agreed to see trump! I love the story of the giant balloon of baby trump and it looks like it has scared him away from London. Feel free to get out there and protest him. The Resister Sisters will be glad to offer any advice needed.

My friend Tippy is back in town and we met for brunch last Tuesday. About 6-8 weeks ago she went to be with her sister, who was going into the hospital. She went for 3 days and stayed until last weekend.  Her sister was found to have stage 4 cancer and Tippy stayed with her from that point on, only coming home twice for a couple of days. Her sister passed away surrounded by family and Tippy was there until the end. She's one of our Resister Sisters and it's good to have her home.

Melodee and I went to see Becoming Harriet Tubman, a one-person play by Natalie Daise. Natalie and her husband did the children's program 20+ years ago on Nickelodeon called Gullah Gullah Island. They now live in Beaufort and she is obviously a very talented and creative person on many levels. They raffled two of her prints, which I had seen online and liked. This one is called The Collard Queen.  Well, Melodee won it and gave it to me!  Melodee will be selling her house soon and moving back to St. Louis, where her daughter lives. So, she is downsizing rather than adding-to, which was my good fortune.

My only other news is that last week I did something to my back. At first I thought it might be a UTI since that is the only time I've had pain in my lower back. I went to the doctor right away and that was ruled out. She prescribed Tylenol and ice packs. Slowly but surely it has almost gone away. I have absolutely no idea how or when I injured it but am just glad it's almost gone. Getting old is not for the weak!! 

This is Miss Rosie rather immodestly cooling off after our evening walk. She is directly under the fan. She also does this when she wants to play. Her toy basket is nearby and, if I get up to play, she will hop up and pick a squeaky toy to be tossed!  She has also acquired a new nighttime activity. For a long time she was not allowed in the sun-room because it was dedicated to Mama Mia (and seeing that she got her medication in her water without Rosie drinking it.) Mama has gotten so good at taking her meds that the sun-room can be open again. Rosie has discovered that if she sits out there at night, something with come up for her to bark at. I've seen deer, but most of the time whatever it is has vanished before I get there. I usually go in, point my finger at her and shoo her to bed. She sheepishly puts her ears back and trots off.....so funny!

Eileen's Visit

Eileen arrived on June 2nd and we had a great visit. I was hoping the cooler weather would hold through her visit, but it was not to be. By the time she left, we were firmly in the 90s and this coming week we are moving up to the mid-90s. Summer is here.

For those who have visited, you will remember many of the places we visited:

• A day on the island and a day in Bluffton, covering thrift shops in both. It was market day in Bluffton, so we browsed around there before checking out the neighborhood . We also had a surprise tour of one of the houses on Calhoun Street that is being renovated. As it turns out, the house is owned by the church beside it and will be a parsonage. The only workman around asked if we'd like to see inside, and it was wonderful. It is near completion and fully furnished. It was so tastefully done in an understated fashion. The interior was in keeping with the exterior, but it was more spacious than expected. Baths, kitchen and laundry room were huge. It was just a real treat to get to walk through it and we were appreciative to be invited to do so. We thanked him as we left and he said he enjoyed working on the project and "I thought you ladies might enjoy seeing it".   
• We were also pleased with out thrift shop finds. Eileen found some shorts and pants that fit perfectly. I found a great summer jacket/wrap and a purse/backpack. I hadn't checked out the shops in a long time and I definitely know which ones I would visit again. It was fun.
• We also had a day of local shopping, winding up at Palmetto Bluff in late afternoon
• We went to the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, which I'd not visited before so it was something new for me, too. Obviously the best time to visit would be the spring, but it was still pretty and we enjoy strolling around and seeing it. I took my new camera and played around with it a bit, with moderate success.
• Eileen joined me for our monthly Liberal Ladies meeting. She was probably inundated with American politics, but I feel that I have a witness to the insanity that is going on here. She said they weren't hearing half of what is going on. So, while I've always been a bit of a news/politics junkie, she can testify that I haven't completely lost it! For most people here, it is like everything is upside down.
• That afternoon we went to Bluffton Sunset Party at a local park. The rain held up long enough for us to have a glass of wine and enjoy a little music.
• We had a day in Beaufort with Melodee, who gave us the grand tour. It was rainy so we didn't get to sit out at Hunting Island or visit the animal farm as we'd hoped, but we saw as much as we could.
• Another treat was Street Music in Port Royal, which we really didn't get to see, Melodee's friend Julia invited us to join their regular group (liberals) for drinks and snacks before the concert. She had a wonderful screened in porch and it was soothing to listen to the rain on the roof and leaves.....I could have slept there! The people were friendly and jovial; we thoroughly enjoyed it. The music had to be moved inside, so the time for it to start came and went and no one made a move! Now that's the sign of a successful gathering!! We were actually the first to leave as I wanted to drive home in daylight (after lots of rain) and get home in time to take Rosie out.
• The day after Eileen's arrival and the day before she left were beach days. The first day we just sat out, but the second time we went in, which felt great, though there were no big waves, just swells. It was lots of fun and I don't know why I don't do it more often.

It was a great visit and I hope Eileen enjoyed it. She certainly got to meet lots of my neighbors and friends I mention here frequently. The only mishap was that she lost her camera. Neither of us are sure how it happened and I keep hoping I will just discover it somewhere here in the house. So far, no luck.

Eileen also got to meet my new friend in the neighborhood. Reyna is of Mexican descent and in her early 40s. She has 4 children and cares for two elder people in her home, both of whom she has a longstanding relationship. She also works 2-4 nights per week at Bloom, where my mother was. She is as sweet as can be and I hear from her almost every day, either by text or dropping by for a few minutes during her run. While I am much older than she, I think she is just happy to have someone to talk to, and I'm happy to be that friend. She, Eileen went out for a delicious Mexican dinner one night, which we really enjoyed and I found great Mexican food! We were chatting here one afternoon and I, knowing that she has two sisters here in the area, I asked if they all came together. She said she remembered holding her son in her arms and the bus arriving. She had to give her son to her mother and get on the bus, crying the whole way. At that point, she burst into tears. It took her six years to be able to bring her son here. She came alone and came to this area because she had a name and number of someone who would help. She called the number and there was no answer. She spoke no English and took and job she could get....dish-washing, cleaning houses, etc. It just broke our hearts. She has gone through a version of what is happening at our border today except she was able to leave her son with her mother. 

One afternoon she brought her daughters over and it was like Disneyland for Rosie. She didn't know whom to play with first!! The girls are smart and fun to be around....and they get a 'reminder' in Spanish if they get out of hand. I was going to take Reyna and Alex, her son, to vote but Reyna was in bed with strep throat so it was only Alex. So, I feel like I did my part in the primaries and we're lined up for the general election.

Since Eileen's visit, I've resumed my hospice visits and feral cat routines. Janeen and I had lunch last week and plan to see The Book Club this afternoon. Last night I went on island to see a special showing of Notorious RBG by the Democratic Club. It was outstanding. The only problem was that I left home at 6PM for a 7PM start, thinking I would get there in time for easy parking and might even have time for a quick browse through Chico's. Not to be! Traffic was backed up way before the bridge, then again at the toll booths on the cross island parkway and then again at the traffic circle. I actually parked (after trolling the parking lot 3 times) at 7PM. Note to self: NEVER go on island on Saturday evening during the summer!!

I've also volunteered to work for Joe Cunningham, Democrat running for Congress. Sanford is already out...yippee! Now we just have to be sure he is replaced by a Democrat!! I've volunteered to help  with set up and clean up at a fundraiser here in Bluffton.

Let me share a political experience I had this week: I was so tickled off and appalled at the atrocities happening at the border that I decided to call Ryan and McConnell's DC officer. Ryan was called first and I was given 5 options to listen to Speaker Ryan's views on various issues. Option 6 was to leave a message......in about 15 seconds. I had hardly given my name and location when my time was up. Then I was given the option to review, delete or re-record my message. You can imagine the message he got at that point!  McConnell office just had a message that due to the excessive number of calls they were unable to take my call......not even an option to leave a voice message!!  That is our government. On Monday they can expect a fax, where I will have lots of space to express my views!  Resist. Persist.

My only other realization is that I'm going to have to be mean to myself. I'm either going to have to lose some weight or buy new clothes, which I refuse to do. I officially have a fully inflated spare tire, which I can't ignore because my arms keep nudging it!! Not a happy thought!!

May in the Lowcountry

It's a dark, drizzly day here so I'm using it to catch up on long overdue emails, update this and just generally try to get caught up. It was suppose to rain most of the week, and I had made my peace with that, but we haven't gotten as much as expected, and we really do need it. Yards are suffering and lagoons are way down, so I hope we get more.

My major accomplishment is that I've finished our vacation video after three revisions. After I posted the original, I knew there were things I wanted to re-visit and I also received some wonderful shots from real photographers who were with us, people with real cameras! Then, I was sitting outside with Rosie one Friday and Tippy, who went with me, called to say that she had friends in town and they had decided to have pizza and watch the video that evening. She asked if I wanted to come over, which I did. By the time I got there, neighbors had joined the party so we declared it the Lowcountry Premier!! Everyone seemed to enjoy it but thought I should slow it down a bit (though I was trying to keep it short so as not to become boring). Anyway, I slowed it a little, included the great photos, as well as a video of the staff saying goodbye to us at Mbugani Camp, and a surprise bonus at the end. It is now 25 minutes long, but shorter if you don't watch the bonus.....but I think you will want to see and hear it! Anyway, I could work on it forever but this is officially the final copy! When you have the time, you can see it here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SaI4jsMJCBNZljD2UJs4aL-c705rmLdK/view?usp=sharing
So, pour yourself a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy! Both Tippy and I continue to marvel at the awesomeness of it all!

One advantage of fiddling with the video much longer than I should is that it took my mind off politics and the misery many of us feel. That proved to be temporary!! One week I went to Drinking Liberally on Wednesday, Surf the Blue Wave Rally on Thursday, and Liberal Ladies of the Lowcountry on Friday!! The Africa trip was a wonderful escape on so many levels, but with all the heinous crap happening on a daily basis, it's difficult to pull back. I am thankful for having liberal friends with whom to commiserate and vent, otherwise it would be unbearable!

Tippy, Kieran and I went to the Bluffton Mayfest last weekend. I had not been in years and really had no plans to go until Tippy texted. I was so conflicted and couldn't make up my mind, finally asking her to text again when they were leaving home. I ultimately decided to join them and am glad I did. The fairs are all  much the same, but we enjoyed it and had a fun time.....and a nice lunch! I've asked them to put the Bluffton Christmas Parade on their calendar as it is always quirky and fun......and I also haven't been in ages, so it's time to go again!

Am looking forward to a visit from Eileen in early June. I'm doing a little cooking and freezing, as well as keeping a list of whatever is happening during her stay, so we can take it easy and enjoy ourselves.The weather is not yet too hot and I'm hoping it lasts through her visit. Eileen will just need to brace herself for all the loving she's going to get from Rosie!!

Speaking of Rosie....I bought her a little cooling vest for the heat of summer. 

I know! Don't say it......BUT, with her short legs, she gets the heat from the sidewalk....and won't walk on the grass (which is for pooping!). She is also black on top and has very compact hair!! I think the vest will work if I can get her accustomed to it. I moisten it with cool water and wring it out well.  It does keep her body cool, but she has been cutting our walks short when wearing it. I'm hoping that in the real heat of summer she will appreciate it. You can tell by her stance and ears that she isn't a happy camper!

Was just reminded of this boy in the top photo who was found by one of the ladies (Dawn) who saved Rosie. His name is Reeve and his story is different in that his injuries happened a while back and has begun healing incorrectly. Dawn is trying to raise money for his care and recalled Rosie's story on Facebook. She posted these photos,  which reminded me of how hurt and frightened Rosie (Baby Ruth then) was. Look at that sad, pained face and those akimbo ears! But look at her now!!! I do hope sweet Reeve has the same results. He certainly has the right people on his team! He has had two surgeries and things are looking better. Think good thoughts for him.

Getting Back to Real Life

It has taken awhile, but I'm slowly coming back to reality after our fabulous trip. Believe me, I really resisted!!  Every time Tippy and I get together we talk about it and recall our favorite moments. Needless to say, it has really given me the travel bug.

I was nudged our of my reverie by the March for Our Lives on March 24. Surprisingly, for South Carolina, about 400-500 people showed up. The students did a great job and the older attendees were very supportive of them. As you can see, the march was quite impressive (for this area) and we got a lot of honks from passing traffic. In addition to it being a beautiful day, it was uplifting. The couple in the last photo are Lynn and Tom, my neighbors and parents of Rosie's favorite friend Bogie. Lynn and I were polite dog walkers who only knew our dogs' names until we ran into each other at a Liberal Ladies Cocktail Party. The exchange was, "Rosie's mom!!" - "Bogie's Mom!!" We then introduced ourselves and have become friends. I enjoy running into them on our walk so we can talk all things liberal!



The march kind of got me back into the swing, but I didn't get serious until several weekends ago when I spent a Sunday afternoon crafting a fax to all my congressmen. By Wednesday I had gotten a call from Sanford's office and a email from Graham....so I guess I'm back into the Resistance!

On the Saturday of Easter weekend I drove up to NC and back for the funeral of my cousin. She was always a kind soul and sometimes when my mother was having sun-downers, she would think I was "Sister", which is what everyone called her. I think I was a teenager before I ever knew what her real name was - Mary Elizabeth. I had planned to stay overnight but the cousin I was to stay with also became ill. It worked out well anyway. I got to see lots of cousins, check on the one that was ill, and get home before dark. On Sunday I never got out of my PJs. Rosie had to make do with backyard time!

At the end of that week,, I had lunch with Chris (whom some of you have met) and had a new friend Sally (from Drinking Liberally) over to see my Africa photos, which gave me an excuse to see them again! She is seriously considering a trip and I thought we could talk about it, answer questions, and so on. I also shared Erich's website - erichschultz.photo - with her. He is a serious photographer and his shots more reflect the awesomeness, beauty and spirit of the area. She was blown away by his photos and I think they clinched it for her.

The following week, Melodee and I went to see the Goodbye Girls at the Savannah Music Festival. They are a very good bluegrass band from Boston. It's members are from the US, Canada and Sweden, which I find interesting and unusual The guitarists was the first woman to win the IBMA (no idea what that is) Guitarist of the Year in 2017. I mention that only to confirm that they knew what they were doing and the music was good. The room was very charming and intimate. Tables in front of the stage, rows of seats behind the tables, and high tables surrounding everything. We got a high table with an open view, which was nice. After the show we had a late lunch at the Fox and Fig, which we both enjoyed. The weather was perfect so it made for a very nice afternoon.

Not to skip over the crappy part of life - for about a week I had wax impacted in my ear, BECAUSE I did exactly what you're not supposed to do - I used a Q-tip! I was fully aware of the moment I lost the hearing in that ear!  I spent days trying to dislodge it with OTC drops, peroxide, etc. Nothing! So, finally went to the doctor on Tuesday. They flushed it and flushed it but still couldn't get all of it out. Then they moved to a glass-looking probe with a light on the end (pretty cool). That was not pleasant. By that time, my ear was bleeding, so they stopped with that. Not everything was removed but I have most of my hearing back. She prescribed drops, which my drug plan won't cover! Still working on all of that.

File this under Quirky! I was making toast one morning this week and opening a new loaf of bread. When I took out the heel, I noticed that it looked pinched together. I kind of pulled it apart a little and realized I was looking at toothprints - someone had opened the loaf and taken a huge bite out of it!!  I almost threw it away and used the next slice when I thought that if someone had done that, who knows what else they did to the loaf. So, I took it back to the grocery store as I thought they should know.. I always wondered why some breads were double-wrapped. Well, now I know!!  Be aware of those weird people in the bread aisle!!

I've also volunteered to do the newsletter for Liberal Ladies of the Lowcountry, along with another lady. Lynn, my neighbor mentioned above and next year's chairperson of the group, sent out an email asking for volunteers before our trip. I sent a short email saying that if no one volunteered by the time I got back, I would do it. Someone else did volunteer, but I'm still in the mix as they thought it good to have backups. The newsletter was one thing I liked when I was at the synagogue, but this I can do at home in my PJs without having to keep other balls in the air. Am hoping it will be fun!

While there is nothing exciting on my agenda, there is something fun to anticipate. Eileen is coming for a visit in early June. It will be good to catch up and I'm sure we can find things to keep us busy.  Miss Rosie is delighted!!

Some of the serious photographers on our trip inspired me to be better prepared for my next trip.....so, I bought a new camera. It is very similar to one Jane had on our trip. Some of them had lenses as long as my arm, but her camera was lightweight and not a lot bulkier that my point and shoot; however, it had a great zoom lens. She got a terrific shot of a leopard sleeping on a rock when I could only get the fact that something was on the rock!!  Anyway, I've been playing with that and plan to join the photography club. The zoom is definitely tricky!!

And, of course, Miss Rosie is a constant model, though you might gather from some expressions that she isn't fully delighted about it!!

A Wonderful Trip to Kenya and Tanzania

Tippy and I have been home long enough to be back to our usual sleeping patterns and other routines.  We went to a March for Our LIves rally today and discovered that we both have spent a lot of time working on photos and thinking back over the trip....and realizing just how wonderful it was. We each had expectations of what we would see and how our time would be spent, but it exceeded anything we could have imagined. Our first really moving moment came in Amboseli when we looked over a large plain full of animals - zebras, elephants, wildebeest, baboons, etc. - and it was totally quiet and peaceful! The silence spread to our group. We took photos and then just stood and absorbed it all. It was a peace and a beauty beyond description, and it was the beginning of more magic moments to come. There were parades of elephants passing by at their unhurried pace and almost close enough to touch. There were pools of hippos (70+), playing and lounging. There were groups (Congresses!) of baboons busy grooming, frolicking, and cavorting!  There were the indomitable warthogs, who had more personality than we ever expected and made us smile with delight.There was time at the Giraffe Center where we could feed them, touch them, and feel small in their presence. This center is devoted to saving the Rothschild giraffes, who were almost brought to extinction by Edi Amin, who used them for target practice! 

Each day we usually had one long game drive or two shorter ones  Invariably, at dinner someone would say some version of "this has to be the high point. It can't get much better than this". Then we would go out the next day and be wowed again!  We saw all of the animals you would expect, but we also saw many we had never heard of, as well as many species of colorful birds! As if that isn't enough, one evening we were having dinner and three giraffes come wandering down the hill toward our camp!  It can't get any better than that! In addition to animal viewing, we also spent a morning in a Maasai village. They dressed us in their clothing, We danced with them. We helped cover a house with cow dung - yes, dung! We talked privately with the women and they had very pointed questions! We visited their school and were impressed with their students. We then visited the Hadzabe Bushmen, who are hunters and gathers and live as they did 10,000 years ago. While we were there, a hunter came in with a beautiful, bird on an arrow.  He took the bird off the arrow, bit the bird in the neck (why? I don't know - I thought he was going to bite the head off!!), and threw it in the fire. The bird writhed around, so he took it out of the fire and thwacked it three times on the ground! End of bird! They cooked it and offered us some. Only one person took them up on it. They then showed us how to use the bow and arrow. They played their musical instrument and we joined them in a dance. As we were leaving their camp, we ran into a hunting party and stopped to visit with them.  They were near a huge baobab tree, which they climbed and got done into.....and totally disappeared. They, too, sang a song, which seems to be a welcoming and joyous part of their culture.

Our accommodations were great, as was the food! Each successive lodging was better than the last, and the staff at the Mbugani Camp won our hearts. When we left, they came out and did a wonderful farewell song. One of our fellow travelers recorded it but, when I downloaded it, the audio was missing. I would like to have it as a culminating memory. They were wonderful! Being vegetarian, I though I might be spending the trip eating baked potatoes and salad. Boy, was I wrong! There were usually 2 protein entrees (beef, chicken, fish, lamb) and then 3-4 vegetarian casseroles, plus salads, etc. I had NO problem finding delicious food.

The only unfortunate thing was that I came down with a cold on the second day of our trip. I didn't miss anything during the day, but at the end of the day I was exhausted. I also coughed a lot at night and I know it was a pain for Tippy. I had taken some cold meds with me but I went through them quickly. Members of our group where great to share and help when they could. About 5 or 6 days in, I had a coughing episode at night, finding it difficult to catch my breath. Then I heard a voice from the next tent say....."I have NyQuil!". Lucy brought it over and it got me through the night. That was the breaking point for the cold and I referred to is as the exorcism!! From that point on, I felt better and better.

Both Tippy and I agreed that there is no way we can adequately describe our experience, but I hope my slideshow will convey it in some way. Personally, I feel very fortunate to have taken three trips since last August, with each of them being special in their own way. My trip to the UK for Katie and Adrian's wedding was special because of the many long-time friends I was able to see.  Panama was fun and informative as far as my consideration of leaving the US. And this trip was so very different, positive, inspiring and close to nature. The benefit is best illustrated by my physical! This past Tuesday I went for my physical and my blood pressure was the best it's been in years - 116 over 60! and I thought to myself, "Yep, a three week vacation in Africa (away from the chaos of our life and lifestyle) is the key"!

I hope my slideshow will express some of the delight and pleasure of this trip. I know I will think of other things I should have shared, and I welcome comments or questions.....but it really is difficult to express the wonder of it all. I apologize in advance for the length of the video (15 minutes), but that is one minute for every day we were there.....all we saw and all we did!! I hope you enjoy it.