Bring on the Sun

It has been a drab, cold, raining week here in Mississippi. We have had some intermittent moments (like a nano-second or two) of sunshine, but they do not last long. I just bundled up to take the trash down the hill and it's dropping quickly out there, plus, more rain on the way tonight.

I am looking forward to spending 2 weeks in hot, sunny South Africa in just a couple of more weeks. This will be my first trip over there during their summer, and I am anticipating new experiences weather-wise, as well as the new organization I will visit and do some training with. Since it is summer, I will also get to visit Thelema Winery--one of the premier wineries in SA. It is always closed when I am there during the fall, as they sell out early in the spring. While there in the fall months, I have enjoyed a wine tasting many times sitting in front of one of the fireplaces in the tasting room, this will be a first to get to enjoy an outdoor tasting along the beautiful scenic routes. There are still so many vineyards I have not yet been able to visit, so I am awaiting that pleasure as well.

Also a nice bit of South Africa news is that the second review of my and my colleague's manuscript on child welfare in South Africa has gotten a favorable review. With making the revisions desired, it will move another step closer to publication.

And finally, one of my long-time favorite actors (Morgan Freeman) will be portraying one of my long-time revered political activists and leaders (Nelson Mandela) in Invictus. A colleague lent me the book on which the movie is based (Playing the Enemy) and I had planned to read it during my long flight to South Africa. Now I am torn; I want to see the movie, but don't want to see it prior to reading the book. As Cape Town will host the World Cup in 2010, I am also looking forward to seeing the new stadium being built and the construction that was promised in the townships in preparation for the many visitors who will be journeying to South Africa.

And finally among the new adventures for this trip, my long-time friend Jeanne, who now lives and works in South Africa, will take me to two new sites in the Western Cape. Always a new adventure!