Of dyslexic dancing and quintuple hula hooping

Hi there, everyone. So what can I tell you? Not a lot really, but I’m sure to think of something.

On Friday night, we decided on the spur of the moment to go for dinner at the club, and were lucky enough to get a table for two. The food was wonderful as usual. I started with New England Clam chowder, and then had a really tasty Tagliatelle dish with Italian sausage, artichokes, tomatoes and a few other tasty ingredients which I can’t remember. There was hardly room for the apple crumble pie, but I did manage to make quite a dent in it. Our meal was interrupted by frequent visits from various other members, who couldn’t resist coming over to introduce themselves. They all seem to know that we’re “The South Africans,” and probably  just wanted to hear our accent. One elderly lady joked, “You’re really nice people, but you do talk funny.”  I think we’re quite the “exotic imports” to the club, as most people we’ve met here, live somewhere in America or Canada.

We went into our favourite furniture store at the weekend, and the assistant told us he used to lived in Durban North for years. He was flying to Johannesburg and Durban this very week on business. It’s a small world. Talking about small world, I found out yesterday that years ago, foot loose and I used to live only a few hundred metres away from one another. I must have driven past her house hundreds of times.

Last night, we went to Ballroom Dance class again, but I’m sad to report that hubby and I were really hopeless. We’ve missed three classes since December, and everyone else has been learning to samba, salsa, tango and swing. Last week, I really was getting quite into the swing of things, but this time, the instructor was going through the other dances they’d learned, and kept chopping and changing from one to the other. I can only cope with learning one thing at a time, and  was tripping over my own feet, whilst hubby was doing his own version. All the others seemed to be doing just famously. Anyway, I don’t think hubby and I will be appearing on “Dancing with the Stars” for quite some while yet. We seem to be slightly dyslexic, to say the least. We will however persevere, hoping the penny will eventually drop.

I was watching a couple of YouTube videos last night. One was a basic Salsa lesson, and the other one was of the 10 best Salsa dancing couples in the world. We have a long way to go. 

Ah well, at least I can hula hoop quite well, and if you don’t believe me, here’s a pic taken on holiday a couple of years ago when we went to Punta Cana. Tell me if this isn’t far more impressive than dancing the salsa?

Have a great day everyone. Chat again soon.

Side Views weekend challenge………….. Synchronicity

“We do not create our destiny; we participate in its unfolding. Synchronicity works as a catalyst toward the working out of that destiny” ? David Richo

This week, I didn’t find sidey’s challenge very easy, and started getting bogged down in all that Jungian stuff, about which I know very little. I did read however that one of Jung’s favourite quotes on synchronicity,  was from ‘Through the looking glass,’ when the White Queen says to Alice,

 

 

 

 

“It’s a poor sort of memory that only works backwards. The rule is, jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but never jam today.”

“It MUST come sometimes to jam to-day,”‘ Alice objected.

“No, it can’t,’ said the Queen. It’s jam every OTHER day: to-day isn’t any OTHER day, you know.”

”I don’t understand you,” said Alice. “It’s dreadfully confusing!”

“That’s the effect of living backwards”‘ the Queen said kindly: “it always makes one a little giddy at first.”

“I never heard of such a thing!’

“But there’s one great advantage in it, that one’s memory works both ways.”

‘I’m sure MINE only works one way,’ Alice remarked. ‘I can’t remember things before they happen.”

”It’s a poor sort of memory that only works backwards,’ the Queen remarked.”

Well, as if the idea of synchronicity wasn’t confusing enough already!

I do know that coincidences in my life seem to happen fairly frequently, although I’m not so sure that I would class them as being synchronistic. There is one incident which has really stayed in my mind, and made me believe that the idea of synchronicity has some validity. Many years ago, I felt the urge to phone my uncle in England. This was very strange, because although my aunt and uncle were very dear to me, we only had contact via the occasional letter, and then once a year when we went over to England, I always made a point of visiting them. When I got through to my aunt that day, she told me that my uncle was very sick and not expected to live for more than a few days. I spent a short while chatting to him, and about a week later, I got news in the post, that he had died that very same evening. I have often asked myself if it was just coincidence, or whether it was something  planned by unknown forces, linking us together on that particular day.

 

My interpretation of the theme wouldn’t really be complete without a song, would it? Here’s one from the 1983 Police album “Synchronicity 1.”

With one breath, with one flow
You will know
Synchronicity

A sleep trance, a dream dance
A shared romance
Synchronicity

A connecting principle
Linked to the invisible
Almost imperceptible
Something inexpressible
Science insusceptible
Logic so inflexible
Causally connectible
Yet nothing is invincible

If we share this nightmare
Then we can dream
Spiritus mundi

If you act, as you think
The missing link
Synchronicity

We know you, they know me
Extrasensory
Synchronicity

A star fall, a phone call
It joins all
Synchronicity

It’s so deep, it’s so wide
Your inside
Synchronicity

Effect without a cause
Sub-atomic laws, scientific pause
Synchronicity.

 

 

Hope you’re all having a great weekend. Chat again soon.

 

 

 

 

 

The white rabbit, the white dog, and Moses

Hello again, everyone. I’ve decided that I shouldn’t really say “Good morning,” as by the time I post this, those of you in South Africa are usually already well into the afternoon.

Yesterday at the gym, I was on the treadmill, walking briskly uphill to nowhere, at about 7 kms an hour.

My iPod was playing Josh Groban singing some really beautiful songs in Italian, but all I could hear in my mind, as I scurried along, was the White Rabbit’s song from Alice in Wonderland:

I’m late, I’m late for a very important date
No time to say “Hello”, “Goodbye”
I’m late, I’m late, I’m late, I’m late
And when I wave, I lose the time I save
My fuzzy ears and whiskers
Took me too much time to shave

I run and then I hop, hop, hop
I wish that I could fly
There’s danger if I dare to stop
And here’s the reason why
You see, I’m overdue, I’m in a rabbit stew
Can’t even say “Goodbye”, “Hello”
I’m late, I’m late, I’m late

It’s a good thing I managed to restrain myself from singing out loud, or they might have called the men in white coats to come and take me away, haha. Whatever song was playing on my iPod, I just couldn’t get this irritating singing rabbit out of my head.  The song then lodged itself firmly in my mind, popping up again at intervals right throughout the day. I’m sure it’s happened to you all on occasion. Such songs are really sent to torment us.

After all the exertion, I decided to go for a bit of pampering, so went off to the nail salon. Whilst I was waiting my turn, the bag under one of the women’s chairs suddenly fell over, came to life, and started shuffling towards me. “Mitzi, come here, its owner called,” and tiny Mitzi coyly peeped round at me, seeking approval. This cute little bundle of white fluff, obediently trotted back to her owner, who was trying to dry her nails under the machine, and I was left with the bag, which I was told was Mitzi’s airline travel bag. I asked a few questions of course, and found out that one is allowed to take small dogs on American local flights as long as they stay in the bag under the seat. Interesting, especially if they they need to use the toilet during the flight, but I didn’t get around to that question

All the manicurists were Vietnamese, both men and women. They chattered together incessantly in very musical, sing song voices. (I was just reading about their language, and found out that the sing song effect is because Vietnamese is basically a monosyllabic language having six tones, and the same word can be repeated with any one of six tones to indicate six different meanings.) My manicurist didn’t really speak English, but when she buffed my feet underneath, she said the word, “tickle,” and laughed even more than I did. “You want flower?” she asked, as she painted my toenails. “Why not?” I said, although I’ve never had a flower on my toenails before. It looks quite pretty, don’t you think?

Maybe for Valentine’s day, I’ll get a couple of hearts painted on, just for fun.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about Sarchasm,  and all the help he’s given us in the move to WordPress. I really appreciate his willingness to share what he’s learned with all of us. I was reminded of the Bible story about Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt, into the promised land.

It’s beginning to look as though Letterdash has abandoned us to wander in the wilderness of spam for the next forty years, so I suppose as the saying goes, “God helps those who help themselves.” Maybe I’ll be proved wrong and they’ll suddenly sputter into life again and do what they promised. What do you think?

Have a great weekend everyone. Chat again soon.

The absent father of the bride and AD gets a new toy

Hi again. Yesterday we had another delicious lunch, and on the table next to us was a party of six people. I learned that besides, “How ya dooin?” another popular  greeting here is, ” And how was your trip?” It seems that everyone is coming and going all the time. The “snowbirds” from up north keep popping back up there for a few days for family celebrations, and others go cruising on a regular basis. Travelling back and forth across the US is a very popular pastime.

This is why I found it quite surprising when we bumped into the guy with the SA anthropologist son-in-law again, and he told me that although his daughter had been married for over a year already, he had never met the new addition to the family. So my curiosity got the better of me this time, and I casually enquired, “So, you were’nt at their wedding then? Did they get married in South Africa?” “Oh no, it was in California, and I didn’t even know, until I got the call on Skype just as they were about to tie the knot. My daughter phoned me so that I could watch them say their vows.”  Apparently they had been going out together for five years before they got married, but had never visited the dad. I find that really weird, but obviously don’t know the circumstances. He just said that she’s very independent, whereas his other daughter is “more normal” and they see one other often. I joked with him then and said, “Well, maybe the next time you hear from her, it will be to tell you you’re a grandpa, and show you the baby on Skype.” He thought that was very funny, and replied, “I just hope it’s not from the labour room.” I do get into some strange conversations with people.

After lunch we went upstairs in the club house to explore, and found the library. I knew there was a place where people could donate books that they’d read, but had no idea that there were literally hundreds of bestsellers all lined up for the taking. They’re all neatly shelved in alphabetical order, and you just help yourself. Most of them are hardbacks too, not tatty old paperbacks. I shall take full advantage.

Yesterday the postman rang the bell, and there by the front door was a cardboard box containing my new toy. I have one in SA which I bought here, but like my piano, it’s a bit big to cart back and forth across the ocean, so I bought this lovely rainbow coloured one. I went out on the new patio to try it out.

 

 

It’s great exercise for the waistline, so every day, I shall do a few minutes with it, to music of course.

Now I must have breakfast and head off to the gym. Hope you’re all having a splendid day.
Have a great day everyone. Chat again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mid week catch up in my best South African accent. ;)

Good morning again. I do hope your week is going well so far. Last Saturday afternoon I went to check out the “Table Games” afternoon at the club. It was organised by a few women to encourage people to learn to play. I walked in and was accosted by a couple of friendly ladies who I’ve met before. I said that I needed them to point me to the easiest game, as I don’t know how to play Bridge or any other card game for that matter. The easiest game turned out to be ‘Mexican Train’ which is played with dominoes, and apparently as many people as you can fit around the table, can play at once.

It’s quite a fun game, but I got a bit mixed up with the terminology, and what was the difference between a private train, a public train, and a Mexican train. I also found it a bit disconcerting when people said “pass” after they’d actually made a move. In my book, “pass” means that you can’t go. They also didn’t understand me saying “paaas” instead of “pass.” Anyway, it wasn’t long before the game finished, and we all went off to sample the delicious snacks which had been set out. One could certainly put on a lot of weight living here full time. So many tempting little petits fours, cookies and meringues, just begging to be consumed. I’d had lunch, but just couldn’t help myself, so…….. I just helped myself.    I couldn’t really take a photo, with all those hungry women milling around, but got this one from Google, just in case you’re  feeling a bit peckish. Be my guest.

Our English/South African accent gets commented on all the time here. I’m sure that if I could work out a way to bottle it, it would sell like hot cakes. On Sunday, on the way back from the marina, we revisited some model homes, just to get a few ideas for our kitchen. There was no way we could have pretended that we were first time visitors. As soon as we walked through the agent’s office door, the woman on the reception desk recognised us, even though it’s been nine months since we were there. “Oh, you’re the South Africans. I remember you, and I  just lurv yur aaccent.” We had to admit that we’d already bought a house, and it wasn’t one of theirs, but no problem, she gave us brochures and we were allowed to wander, undisturbed, around the eight beautifully decorated show houses at our leisure. People are so friendly, and not pushy at all. This one quite took my fancy.

Yesterday morning, on our way to the gym, we went past the club reception to book for the Valentine’s dinner dance evening. The receptionist greeted us by name, even though she’s only met us a couple of times, and as we were walking away, a male voice called to us, “You’re from South Africa, aren’t you? I  heard you talking and recognised your accent. My daughter has just married a South African anthropologist. I haven’t met him yet, but I’ve spoken to him on Skype.” We then proceeded to have quite a long conversation with him, and although I was dying to ask him how come he hadn’t yet met his daughter’s husband since they are now living in California, I managed to curb my curiosity, but only just.

On Monday evening we finally remembered to go to the ballroom dancing class. We’ve missed out on   learning the tango, and were hopeless at trying to muddle through, but the hustle and the swing were such fun, and we didn’t do too badly under the scrutiny of our new instructor Daryl, a very earnest and suave young man, with a goatee beard and a bit of a mohawk down the back of his head. This pic is taken from his promo. website.

He’s a definite improvement on the last two instructors, and everyone was dancing up a storm by the end of the lesson. I’m hoping that hubby and I will be able to dance quite passably well at the Valentine dance in a couple of weeks time.

Well, it’s going to be another lovely day here in Palm Beach County, so we may go to the pool again and have a midweek lunch out on the terrace. May as well make the most of it whilst we’re here.

Have a great day everyone. Chat again soon.

Another day goes boat watching on a lovely sunny afternoon.

Last Sunday, we decided to go down to our local marina, to have a look at some of the boats on the intracoastal waterway. It was a beautiful warm, sunny day, and lots of people were out on the roads in their open topped sports cars. I saw a smart red Ferrari too, as well as dozens of couples out for a spin on their Harleys, with not a single crash helmet to be seen. Apparently it’s not the law here, and considered very uncool to wear one.

We found parking  and walked down to the path to the jetty, just in time to see a boat called “Pole Dancer” go whizzing past. We were too late to get a pic of it, but its female passenger would have required a very sturdy pole indeed.  Sunday afternoon was a busy time on the water, and we stood for quite a while watching the boats. I occasionally waved to the occupants, who sometimes waved back. Here are a few of the ones we saw.

This one’s just “Nuttin’ Fancy.”

Here are two quite modest little craft out for a Sunday afternoon jaunt.

This one was full of people with their fishing rods, on their way out to sea on a four hour excursion to do a bit of drift fishing. The crew will bait your hook and clean your catch for you too. The family who owns this boat have been in the business since the 1940’s.

Then the road bridge suddenly went up to allow a much bigger craft to pass through.

Make way, make way, for the “Lady Delray.” These passengers were on a luxury two hour, narrated cruise, complete with cocktails and snacks, to view the beautiful mansions along the waterway. I think we’ll also have to go on that trip one day.

After our bit of boat watching, we thought we’d drive a bit further on to have a look at the beach, but Sunday wasn’t a good day to have chosen. The two car parks were both full, and there are huge mansions built all the way along the beach road, so there’s no way one can even catch a glimpse of the sea. Hubby and I were wondering how one makes enough money to afford to buy one of these beach palaces, and the huge yachts which are moored In the waterway just across the road. I’m sure that the annual property tax alone is more than we would get for our beach house back in South Africa. We decided that we’d missed the plot somewhere along the way for sure, but then I suppose that there are people who look at our lifestyle and think the same thing. The homeless man I saw sitting on the Armco barrier at the traffic lights today, looking in his little hand mirror and trimming his moustache, whilst his dog guarded all his worldly possessions under a nearby tree, would probably think so.  However well off you are, there will always be others who have so much more, so it’s best just to be content with what you have.

Well, I must really get on with the cleaning and polishing now, and then I intend to sit and play my piano for an hour or so, before gracing the gym with my presence. 

Have a great day everyone. Chat again soon.

Another Day has a lovely lazy day

Good morning again. I expect you’re all probably just about to have lunch, whilst I eat my breakfast, so here’s a delicious sesame chicken salad just for you.

Yesterday was a lovely lazy day, spent by the pool, reading my Jodi Picoult novel. “Sing you home.” I’ve read almost all of her books, and love the way she writes, dealing usually with ethical issues from many different viewpoints. There weren’t many people when we first got to the pool area, and it’s so peaceful there under the shade of the huge umbrellas.

The only sound was the occasional passing golf cart on the other side of the fence.

I’m not a golfer, but I always thought that players walked around the golf course, so have been surprised to note that everyone rides from hole to hole. Hubby informed me that nowadays, it’s usually only in tournaments that the golfers walk the course. That seems really strange to me, because surely they’re missing out on all the exercise they should be getting. I’ve read that if you walk the 36 holes, you can burn around 3,000 calories, which can’t be bad. I find it really funny to see people riding around the place on these funny golf carts. We quite often have to stop to let them across the road when driving to the gym.

After lunch, we didn’t stay very long, as the sun was quite strong, and more people were arriving. If vitamin D is good for one, then the residents around were really getting a good dose of it. I think a lot of them meet up by the pool most afternoons, and it’s lovely to see what a friendly community there is here. We don’t know many people by name, but everyone greets us with a smile.

We had a bit of activity on the lake yesterday morning, and it wasn’t birdlife or even an alligator. It was two men in a boat, who rode right around the edge, with some sort of instrument. I have no idea what they were doing, but they certainly weren’t fishing.

Today we’re off to check out the cardio pump class. We haven’t tried this one before, so will go and suss it out before deciding if it’s strenuous enough for us. If not, we’ll just do our normal treadmill, weights and machines. Maybe I’ll get to chat to ‘Walter Matthau’ again. Last time, I told him that he reminded me of someone but I couldn’t think who. I said it was an actor, and he looked quite flattered and said, “Well think about it, and tell me next time you see me.” I hope he’s not expecting me to say, “Brad Pitt or George Clooney.”

Have a great day everyone. Chat again soon.

 

Mid week musings

Good morning again. Today is going to be much warmer, so we’re going to spend some time at the pool and then have lunch on the terrace. Doesn’t that sound grand? Anyway, we haven’t done that since our son and family were here in November. Today it will just be a ‘ménage à deux‘ instead of a ‘menagerie’ with three small children.  Just joking! They’re coming down to visit in a few weeks time, and we’re so looking forward to seeing them again. Baby Max will be turning one year old in February, and what a precious little chap he is. Just look at this photo of him. He’s such a smiley boy, just like his dad was, and still is. It must run in the family, as hubby’s nickname was “smiley” when he was a little boy.

I was chatting to my sister on Skype today. She always reads my blogs as she likes to keep abreast of what I’m up to. Her painting is going really well, and she’s sold a couple more. It’s hard to remember a time when she wasn’t into her painting, as it’s become quite an obsession. It’s really great when one discovers a hidden or dormant talent later on in life. It gives a person something to occupy themselves with, and also to take a pride in. I think people who have no hobbies and interests, age much faster than those who have a passion for something they love doing. I was chatting to an elderly man at the gym today, What a character he is; reminds me of Walter Matthau.

He said to me, “Look around this gym. Most of the folk are over 80, but they don’t look it, because they keep fit, play golf and tennis, and keep up with their friends. It’s also because they live here in Florida where the good weather is, because if you go up north to New York, you’ll find that people look so much older. The winters are so cold and miserable, and they can’t get out to do things, so they just sit around and wait to die.” I have to say that the lifestyle here is really amazing. A person couldn’t possible get bored, and I do like the idea of this anti-aging lifestyle.

Getting back to my sister again, I don’t know whether she got a bit worried when she read about that comedy ‘dive’ I went to on Saturday night, but she sent me this cartoon. I’m not sure if it’s a warning or a suggestion. What do you think?

Anyway, she needn’t worry as I’m not allowed to work here without having a ‘Green Card’.

Have a great day everyone. Chat again soon.