I Had a Dream of Africa
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2013 11:42 PM
To: Friends & Family
Subject: I had a dream... of Africa
The wind is pushing hard off the water this morning, waves from the river are slapping at the shore in a chaotic rhythm. It is still dark outside, the hour is early and Alan and pup are still in bed, sleeping. The rig is swaying slightly, humming as the air is being pushed around us. The rocking sensation is not unlike being in the air on a transcontinental flight…. I am momentarily transported… was I really there? Did I just complete a two-week trip to South Africa…. or was it perhaps all just a dream?
The sky has a bleakness, a blanket of clouds is dampening the early morning sun… can rain look cold? Patterns of houses, buildings, green grass and concrete drag by as we make our decent… I shiver slightly and sink deeper into my down jacket. We are suddenly landed, exited free of the temporary quarters provided by Virgin Atlantic. 7hrs of confinement, the first leg is done. It is cold, blustery, a grey day. UK… have I ever seen sun in the UK? I can’t recall. John picks me up. “Howzit man, how was the trip? Geeezzz it’s been a long time hey, 7 years…. Captain America has been tracking you the whole way, been getting texts from him through the night...” I smile, John chuckles… so damn cute my husband…such a nerd, he must have found an ‘app’ to track my flight… I wonder if he got any sleep, I certainly didn’t. Trip was bumpy as hell.
Hot shower, coffee and big hugs from my sister Faye, a moment to collect before the extended family arrive. “Hullo Aunty…. hullo hullo… Geeezzz it’s been a long time hey” more hugs, more kisses…. the little people scramble in behind their parents. This is our first meeting… not sure that they quite comprehend my place in the family but they seem willing to accept my presence. I brought presents. Lunch is served, roast chicken, like only my sister can make. The remains of the day spent in recollection and familiar chatter, the surroundings are comfortable and cozy, time whirls by… I close my eyes…
I waken from a restless uncomfortable sleep… the plane is practically empty, it is New Year’s Eve… the cabin is dark, the engines humming… the crew are quietly walking the isle offering juice and water… they see I am awake… she leans over and whispers… “Happy New year…would you like some juice?”… “No thanks … but can you tell me how much longer before we land?… another 9 hours?... 9?... Really? UGH!” I shift restlessly in my seat, my tail bone is burning, my stomach, churning. My body doesn’t like to fly… my mind likes it even less.
Cape Town, one of the most stunningly beautiful places on this planet…even the New York times agree: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/01/10/travel/2014-places-to-go.html?_r=0 . We have started our decent, Table Mountain is a sight for tired eyes… we ease down, roll to a gentle stop... decent flight all in all… no bumps. Paula and Ty are waiting to greet me… hugs and kisses abound… “Hullo Aunty…. hullo hullo… Geeezzz it’s been a long time hey … where’s your bag Aunty?”…. “it’s on my back Ty”… my sister chimes in… “see I told you she travels light… carry-on only”.
The drive is a familiar one, sights and sounds of Southern Africa present… rundown shanty towns give way to middle-class suburban neighborhoods… the beautiful houses now hidden behind high fencing, some fortified with electric wiring atop; such a shame, but it is unfortunately the way of Africa these days. We arrive. The house is alive and overflowing… my brother Colin and his wife May run a B&B out of their home. It is a lovely place, the open floor plan flows easily to the outside; inviting outdoor seating areas are tucked into the manicured yard and there is little ‘dipping’ pool, where one can cool off from the heat of the African sun. Today the rooms are filled with family… siblings, nephews, nieces, in-laws…. grand babies. Like me, they have all come in for the occasion of my niece’s wedding. “Hullo Aunty…. hullo Annie….hullo hullo… Geeezzz it’s been a long time hey” More hugs and kisses abound. I meet the son-in-law to be. He is a nice chap, with an easy manner and a sense of humor, tall, broad shouldered, he has kind eyes and a gentle way with my niece. I watch them interact and see how happy she is. I am glad to have made the trip. The warmth and joy of being in the company of my extended family envelops, being with my siblings is particularly sweet. It HAS been a long time… 7 years… too long to be apart… I have missed them. Only one thing takes away from this moment… I have only just landed and already I miss Alan and the pup; am wishing they could both be with me. The back bedroom offers a quiet place in the house, a moment is taken to give him a call… “Hello my Love… yes, I am here… safe and sound… yes, yes, lovely see everyone… but I already miss you…“
Napa and Sonoma Valley have nothing on the wine valleys of the Cape. The Wellington valley is host to the wedding, an afternoon occasion that flows deep into the night. It is 2am before we are lights out and in bed. What a wonderful day it was… such a happy occasion. Lisa and David have a strong circle of family and friends that surround them and all were there to help celebrate their marriage. My brother holds steady, no tears, only smiles, busting with pride as he walks Lisa down the aisle. Lisa is stunning, glowing, an absolute vision. She has planned the activities of this day well and it is spectacular. The party that followed was as one might say in South Africa ‘hectic’. Colin and May have out done themselves.
The remainder of my stay is filled with the sights and sounds of the Cape. Some quiet moments at the house, enjoying time with family, visiting with old friends. A trip through Chapman’s Peak drive, dinner at ‘the club’, lunch by the sea… I also had the honor and pleasure of being invited to join May and Colin and May’s sister Carol and husband Robin on a quick trip to Franschoek, my most favorite wine valley in Southern Africa. I had rooms at a wonderfully quaint B&B, nestled deep amongst the vineyards, Colin and May were hosted with Carol and Robin at a historic gracious old estate, with rooms in the Manor House. We were also VIP guests on a wine tour of Boshendal, the farm is part of a two thousand two hundred hectare holding and is the second oldest vineyard in Southern Africa…1685.. Groot Constantia is the oldest. A relaxing couple days, such a special treat. Thank you Robin… a card with proper thanks is on the way.
There is so much one can share about experiencing Cape Town but this note has turned out to be quite lengthy so I will end now; will leave you with some wonderful colloquialisms learned / re-learned while in Africa…
“Man Down” …for someone who has disappeared off to bed
“Rat Arsed”…. very drunk
‘Done and Dusted’…. finished, complete, no going back
“Give it horns” … meaning have a big party… go big
And a personal favorite “Waxes Lyrical” …. talking about something in an enthusiastic manner or with a lot of interest or zeal.
I had a dream, a dream that had me travelling long distances to the island of the UK… the shores of southern Africa … family hugged and kissed, husband and puppy sorely missed…. I had a dream … but dreams must come to an end as we awaken to a new dawn breaking… the wind is still pushing hard off the water, waves from the river are still slapping at the shore in a chaotic rhythm. The sun has come out against a brilliant blue sky… I am happy for both the dream and the new day dawned. Normal life resumes… my thirst for family time with siblings momentarily quenched.
I am home, Alan and pup are by my side… I am content.
Love and hugs to all
Ann
Some websites of interest should you ever get the urge to travel to South Africa
Colin & May’s B&B: http://www.fiveonorchard.co.za/
The hotel where we stayed in Wellington: http://www.vdcwines.com/
The B&B in Franschoek: http://www.kleinwaterval.co.za/
The Franschoek estate where Colin and May and Robin stayed: http://www.bellingham.co.za/
The Boschendal Wine Farm: http://www.boschendal.com/content/about
Franschoek: http://franschhoek.org.za/
Chapmans Peak: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapman's_Peak
Seapoint: https://www.google.com/search?q=seapoint+cape+town&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=DPDXUtHkG4bLsQSI44LwCQ&sqi=2&ved=0CCsQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=712
The Eve and Christmas Day
Sent: Wednesday, December 25, 2013 8:00 PM
To: Friends & Family
Subject: The Eve and Christmas Day
The Eve and Christmas Day
A hot sticky night in the tropics, the air scented with a touch of salt… excitement is hardly contained… special time with family… siblings still trying to convince that yes… that shooting star IS Father Christmas in his sleigh, travelling high across the sky… but there is no convincing….
Midnight Mass … a ritual
Fitful sleep, waiting in anticipation … the day dawns…
Tinsel, glitter ornaments, the Angel on top the tree in her pretty yellow gown trimmed in silver and gold… colorful tree lights that flicker and twinkle, the gifts, wrapped, waiting to surprise. Friends and family gather to celebrate… an explosion of sharing, giving, hugging and kisses… so good to see all the happy faces… the kids run wild… joyous abandon, sporting their new swimsuit, sword … Barbie doll and other assorted toys
There is a smell of turkey slow roasting in the oven… the table is overflowing… Food, Wine, Champagne… Christmas Crackers .. POP, CRACK… BANG!!!! Silly jokes, sillier hats… the token cracker gifts tumble out onto the floor… kids scramble to claim.
Aunty Con’s Plum Pudding and Mom’s Brandy Butter… Dad playing Bing Crosby’s “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”…
Such wonderful memories… we lived at 27 Hudd Road, the year was 1973… I was 10
************
Military aircraft lay quiet on the landing strip behind us… ocean and river collide nearby, the smell of salt thick in the air… it is a cool, surprisingly windy night…
Santa stops by bearing gifts or trinkets and candy
Anticipation builds for an evening to be spent with new friends, in a town we have never been, the week at Disney just a day left behind.
What to wear?
We met Dan and Sherry while in Asheville, camped high on the same hill over-looking the French Broad.. Florida is home
Trees, yes multiple, beautifully decorated, each ornament holding memories of Christmases past… their house is a home, warm, inviting … smells like Christmas
Dixie pup bounds over… is the first to greet …
We meet the ‘double ‘J’s, (we are the double ‘A’s)…they are neighbors and good friends with our hosts
Much love and care has gone into the making of dinner, a splendid feast to behold…
Christmas Crackers and South African wine, a fabulous Crown Roast… Cherry Pie! My favorite.
We eat, we share, telling stories and tall tales, we laugh… relax… and bask in the glow of a warm log fire… my face aches from all the smiling.
Such a special evening… a wonderful new memory
Christmas dawn brings brought warmth and sunshine… the breezy night air has laid down
The morning, slow and gentle… quiet…. we take a walk along the water, the river-side, we all three fall comfortably in step.
Relaxed, secure, happy… puppy bounces, our easy chatter fills the air… it is a beautiful day
The best gift I have today, in fact, every day… is to be in the company of my two great loves…
Alan and of course the Muffin Pup
Merry Christmas Sweetheart, Merry Christmas Pup, my heart is overflowing with the love I feel for you today… every day.
My Christmas memories may be a little different today but I am still one lucky little South African girl… (well maybe not so little any more…. ;-))
We are parked in our RV on the east coast of Florida, today we live at Patrick AFB, the year is 2013 and I am … well a lady never tells her age… you figure it out!
Merry Christmas to all our Friends and Family and Happy New Year…. May 2014 be your best year yet.
Much Love, Big Hugs
Ann, Alan and Muffin Pup
www.twobyroad.com
Some pictures from Disney and our quiet time on Christmas Day
A Land of Enchantment
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 11:47 PM
To: Friends & Family
Subject: A Land of Enchantment, Mermaids and 'Dragons'
They live underground, and far out to sea, and there is a big one rumored to be coming in soon from the north… the ‘Dragons’… they are monstrous… they swallow one whole, they rip and tear and thrash they tails, bearing water and waste to the lands that lay in their path…
They are sleeping now, the dragons, today they are just stories of distant past and future fears that collect dust as more time passes without their immediate presence… today, this is simply a land of enchantment, a place where the bay waters shimmer in rainbows of emerald green and aquamarine, the sun climbs high in the winter sky and the warm sea breeze gently kisses the shore. Quaint, delightful, welcoming … affordable… this little gulf coast village of the name Dunedin, offers a strong sense and feeling of ‘coming home’.
It is a place that envelops like a warm familiar embrace; the mood is gentle, the townspeople… open and friendly. Restaurants with outdoor seating abound; dogs are welcome. Downtown on Main is dressed for the holidays with tinsel wrapped street lamps adding flash and sparkle amongst the abundant flora; interesting, weird and wonderful offerings entice one to linger in front of store windows… I step into the first… a calmness takes over… it is a vintage store with linens, china, jewelry, books, hats and scarves… I have stepped back in time into my mother’s home… I move onto the next and am struck by the menagerie of …. well… the exotic…. mermaids in particular… lots and lots of mermaids… made of glass, clay, some made with tin, many are painted, in pictures, on calendars or take form as a stuffed toy…
We explore the side streets and discover small cottages hug the village lanes that surround Main. A few larger homes are to be found but they don’t dominate. These mostly modest homes are well kept, their gardens perfectly manicured… there is an obvious pride of ownership exhibited. It sparks a thread of envy… desire… oh to be the person who lives there….
We have spent considerable time walking this little village, following brick roads through the surrounding neighborhoods… strolling the shoreline, stumbling upon brewpubs and the most wonderful fruit and vegetable stand. We discovered the marina at the end of Main which serves as an anchor to the little downtown, providing safe harbor to an assortment of sail boats and yachts… we have enjoyed ‘brekkies’ at an authentic British café and delighted in finding authentic ‘colonial’ fare at the grocery store… birds custard, HP and chutney, PeriPeri condiments, curry sauces and English tea and chocolate covered biscuits. There are islands here too, Honeymoon and Caladesi … we have yet to explore them… tomorrow maybe. The town is infused with a Scottish heritage, the founders being of Scottish decent; the school band is a pipe band and there is an annual Highland Gathering… 
I am struck by how familiar this town feels, so different and yet oh so similar to the coastal towns where I grew up… I think I could live here… I really think I could live here… except…. except for those ‘Dragons’… the Sink Holes come with little or no warning, they are sudden and all consuming… the Hurricanes… well at least there is always news of their impending arrival… one has time to plan… and then there is the threat of floods… and the insurance that one must pay to protect. Our Congress up north has recently given passage to an exorbitant and potentially devastating increase in the rates… it is the biggest dragon of all, threatening the very existence of coastal towns all across America… They live underground, and far out to sea, and there is a big one rumored to be coming in soon from the north… the ‘Dragons’… they are monstrous… they swallow one whole, they rip and tear and thrash they tails, bearing water and waste to the lands that lay in their path… Tis these ‘Dragons’ that give me pause.
Dunedin is a small village on the gulf coast of Florida, she has cast a spell on me and I find I am being drawn into her enchantment… I think Alan is falling in too. We are scheduled to leave here Monday but have already made plans to return… who knows… maybe we can find a way to slay the Dragons… maybe we can find our ‘happy ever after’ in this quaint little village, this land of enchantment that we have found by the side of the sea.
We are off to Disney next … so very excited to let the inner child in me out to play. Wishing all a wonderfully festive holiday season… Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
A special call out to my niece, the most wonderful and beautiful Lisa Ann Patterson, all the best for a fantastic and memorable wedding day sweetie… so very sorry we could not make it over … I know it will be a lovely occasion and I look forward to seeing the pictures.
Love and hugs
Ann Morrison
Hallowed Ground
Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2013 7:40 PM
To: Friends & Family
Subject: Hallowed Ground
It started as we drove back on base after visiting the commissary at Corry Station yesterday, something started tickling the back of my brain… little visual cues that didn’t quite register to a full thought but kept pulling at my attention… green… a deep green… dotted with rows of white…. and the flutter of red, white and blue… lots of it, in a place I typically didn’t remember it being; We have driven through this intersection several times since arriving at NAS Pensacola…. but something was different…
‘Alan, would you slowdown a little please….’
‘Why… I’m not speeding… something wrong?’
‘No, no…. it’s just that… could you turn around … could you go back please… will you… … go back to the intersection…. Ah… there it is…. stop, stop… can you find a place to stop please Love.’
‘What here? I can’t park here… authorized vehicles only…’
‘Yea… maybe go around the corner … there, there… turn into that driveway… ‘
We pulled in slowly and stopped…and then I realized what had pulled at me…. Alan saw it too… we both were struck by the reverence invoked at the sight.
Fields and fields of neatly rowed white headstones, all exactly the same size and shape, the grass reflected a bright green as the sunshine bathed the area; a light breeze was giving flight to numerous American Flags adorning the cemetery. It was the flags that had caught my attention, I had seen them as we drove by, not recognizing what I was seeing through the gap between the hedge and the canopy of trees. NAS Pensacola is home to one of Americas many National cemeteries; this is hallowed ground, when one steps onto the lawn, it is natural to tread lightly, carefully, so as not to disturb.
I started to ask the question…
‘why do you suppose…. …ah… of course, Monday is November 11th , Veterans Day…. the reason for the flags’
On November 11, 1918, an armistice ending World War I went into effect. In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…". Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but after World War II and the many subsequent wars that took the lives of many Americans, the word "Armistice" was replaced with the word “Veterans"; on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
My heart becomes heavy when looking out across the field before me, so many men and women, each headstone a reminder of the many who have served in defense of this great nation; their time on this earth now done.
As we slowly make our way back to the car my thoughts turn to my father; this not a uniquely American holiday, while more often now referred to as “Remembrance Day” this is a day still recognized across many Commonwealth nations. I carry faint memories from my childhood, of every November travelling to the center of Durban, South Africa for the parade; my father and Uncle Ron were both veterans of WWII. Images slip together in my mind, my mom, aunt and siblings gathered on the sidewalk to watch these ‘Men of the Tin Hat (MOTHS)’ marching in formation down the main street of the city; the air seeped in solemnness and reverence as wreaths are lain at the foot of the WWI & II memorials…. bright red poppies peek out from the lapels of men’s jackets… a distant bugle plays ‘The Last Post’ signaling the end of the day, a call to those who are still out and wounded or separated that the fighting is done, to follow the sound of the call to find safety and rest… with the setting sun, flags are slowly lowered.
As I mentioned in my last note, NAS Pensacola is also the home of the Blue Angels. Their 2013 season was cancelled under the government sequester but funds have recently been made available to support a 2014 season. As luck would have it, on this same day, the day of our visit to the cemetery, they are scheduled to initiate their first practice as a team since being grounded… and we have front row seats. Their jet engines roar to life, they take flight and soar to the skies in precision formation. It is a strangely emotional moment for me… watching them, I am overwhelmed in my feelings of thanks and gratitude. Our visit to the cemetery provided an appropriate sojourn of remembrance but the living are also to be honored and remembered this holiday weekend. Active, retired, they do and have done their part to protect us, they are and have always been our frontline to national safety and security. To borrow a line from a well-known movie “they stand on a wall, and they say 'nothing is going to hurt you tonight, not on my watch'… and for that I am eternally grateful.
The Angels do a last fly-by and start their turn to land and return to the ramp… it was time for us to head back to camp. Yes, hallowed ground… this is indeed hallowed ground…
To Alan Morrison, my ‘many zippered flying god’, to the men of VMA331, to the Flying Razorbacks, past and present, to all those service men and women who I know personally who have, who are today, who have children who are serving or have served in our armed forces… you have my respect, you have my appreciation and gratitude… and most importantly, you have my thanks…. thank you, thank you so very much….
Hugs to you all
AM
P.S. Happy Birthday USMC!
Painted Skies
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 10:38 PM
To: Friends & Family
Subject: Painted Skies
So…. when was the last time you took time to step outside, found a place to sit still, relax and take in your surroundings; where you let the noise of the day simmer to a light hum and you stopped moving, long enough at least to breath deep and look up at the sky? In the busy busy world of family, work and organized play it is sometimes easy to forget to take a time out, to indulge the senses, to appreciate this wondrous, vibrant, vastness of space that we live… to let our minds flow free.
I am one of the lucky ones, in recent months I’ve had the chance to step away from the noise, the typical day-to-day responsibilities of life in the fast lane and spend a little more time than most contemplating my surroundings; but it has me wondering, why didn’t I do this more often? It only takes a moment and if one surrenders oneself completely, the effect is often one of awe, serenity, a momentary calmness and tranquility of mind and soul; even in the most tussled of days when the wind blows strong and the earth shudders as she gives way to energies being spent from the sky.
Today it is a Fall sky that presents; I find myself marveling at the effects of the waning sun; the hues match the season, ribbons of red, yellow and gold painted in dramatic staging across the horizon, silver lined clouds lend texture to the visual as colors are reflected and bounced off the sand and sea beneath. The effect on my mood is tangible… I feel a lightness and warmth grow within and I am suddenly overcome with a desire to hug those close to me and tell them how much I love and appreciate them. You should try it… you might be surprised at the perspective found by taking a few moments to indulge in those things that typically add only a backdrop to your day. The earth has her moods to be sure but the sky is our first clue on how our day will be influenced. Today, for me, the fullness and splendor of color was a reminder of the harvest life has bestowed on me, friends, family and fortune … all very appropriate to consider I guess given November brings us a day of Thanksgiving.

Life stays busy on the road. We are currently parked at NAS Pensacola… one of my favorite RV locations given we are literally steps from the beach. This is also the home of the National Museum of Naval Aviation, the Blue Angels and the Pensacola Lighthouse. We visited many lighthouses on the west coast but this one is the first that affords the opportunity to step outside onto the narrow overhang surrounding the light, offering a view from 177 (see through) steps high above the ground. Pensacola’s historic downtown is an interesting visit too… love the old Floridian style homes, the waterfront restaurants and let’s not forget the Pensacola Brewery. We plan to tarry here a while.
Alan, pup and I have recently returned from a quick (car) road trip to Texas (TX). It was a USMC reunion that pulled us to San Antonio but it also provided opportunity for a quick visit with son John and his fiancé Cynthia in the small southern TX town of Beeville. Time with family is a rare treat. So looking forward to Thanksgiving when all the ‘boys’ will be here together in Pensacola. San Antonio is familiar to us, we have visited many times before, but the opportunity to catch up with the VMA 331 group is always special. Never get tired of hearing those stories… young fighter pilots… the adventures… the imprudence of youth, the bravery… and the ‘I’d rather be lucky than good’ on any day landing on the Indy. Such fun! Special wishes of a speedy recovery and well-being to you Mike. We missed you at the reunion.
Well, dinner is almost ready, the nighttime is settling in … time to refocus on the day-to-day.
Love and hugs to all. May you all take time to enjoy your own painted sky sometime soon. Happy Thanksgiving… by the way.
Ann