Father's Day game drive

What a great way to start the day with the husband of my children, on an early morning game drive in the Dinokeng Game Reserve. Time spent with one's loved ones is of vital importance in this busy world - away from the bustle of life and the electronic gadgets that command so much of our attention.
A game drive is an experience - every time you go out there. You always want to see the 'big guys'.
However, it's important to take the time to go slowly, look for the birds, identify the species, and your world opens up. Watching a little bird today at one of the picnic spots we stopped at was interesting. Scrounging for crumbs this busy little bird hopped around and graciously did so at a sedate pace so that my husband and youngest daughter could try and identify it from the bird book. Not so easy - the colours on birds especially the little ones that are quite common, is quite difficult.  Watching my daughter and her father try and identify this bird was a privilege. Soon the time will pass when my daughters leave home. This time is special and it's important to make the most of parent-child relationships, while you have the chance. In this global world, we are often torn apart by distance as children move on with their life.
My message today is making the time to spend the time with the children you have. You are investing in their training for how to be a good and attentive parent. Sharing life and its experiences is something that goes by in a flash, so make the most of it.

"It seems just the other day

when the doctor had to say

It's a girl and she's fine

and in record time

That look of love on your face

as you started to pace

with that bundle in your arm

To which no man could try to do harm

Love fills my heart

When I see the part

That you play in her life

Cuts sharp as a knife

Beautiful to behold

The way your lives unfold

With each passing year

I shed another tear

...of love"

(Alison)

Overture:.......
Its that time of the year when the veld is starting to dry out and the grass seems flatter than a few weeks ago. It's the time when everyone visiting the veld has to be careful of leaving a stray fire, dropping a cigarette or leaving a glass bottle behind. Veld fires start quickly. Important to keep a lookout for telltale signs of smoke in the bush. Be careful...... on your game drives and remember to enjoy the moments.