A Coalition of Cheetah and a Poesy of Parks’

My husband reminded me that after I posted about the 5 cheetah we saw in The Kruger, I never came back to tell you what a group of male cheetah are called. A “coalition.” A coalition of cheetah. When I first heard the word, I thought our heavily accented guide was saying “a collision of … More A Coalition of Cheetah and a Poesy of Parks’

The Lion at Our Window

Yesterday marked one year since we arrived in South Africa, and we have not had a single visitor. I do understand the travel distance and flight cost. It’s an epic vacation, for sure, even once-in-a-lifetime. We still ask ourselves how we ended up living here, and having these insane adventures, like this latest Kruger trip … More The Lion at Our Window

What Kind of Hero(ine) Are You?

I had a minor “Manuscript Monday” epiphany while in the Maldives. Okay, maybe not so much epiphany as another mini-insight. (I think epiphanies are for people who overlook all the minor revelations on a regular basis.) It was the last morning before catching our plane back to reality. I woke early to watch the sunrise … More What Kind of Hero(ine) Are You?

Mourning a Man Who is Not Mine to Grieve: Africa’s Mandela

Though his death was no surprise, I was surprised by how much it hurt to read this morning. My heart has been tumbling over itself with emotion. I learned the news from my nephew in America. Here in South Africa I woke with Kurt around 4:45. The first thing I do each morning is check … More Mourning a Man Who is Not Mine to Grieve: Africa’s Mandela

Fighting a Veld Fire (by Kurt Druzgal)

If you would have asked me 10 years ago where I would be today, the answer definitely would not have been South Africa.  But once again I would like to thank my wonderful wife and BV for expanding my horizons to an amazing experience. Special thanks to Heather Salgot for many of the incredible veld … More Fighting a Veld Fire (by Kurt Druzgal)

Attack of the Terrapins

If you ask my nephew, turtles are freakin’ creepy. I never saw them that way, until our recent trip to Kruger. South Africans call turtles “terrapins” which is also what the British call them, according to Wikitardia. Driving a back road from Olifants Rest Camp to the overlook, we stopped while crossing a little pond. … More Attack of the Terrapins

I Don’t Know Much…But I Know I Love You

Shaggy was put to sleep last week. He developed a fast-growing cancer under his tongue, and the veterinarian pulled no punches in saying he shouldn’t be allowed to suffer with that type of cancer. Even when treated it’s a miserable treatment process, and the location of the tumor, which was already open and festering, makes … More I Don’t Know Much…But I Know I Love You