100 things about me

1. I was born in South Africa
2. I have one younger sister
3. We spent 3 months travelling around Europe when I was 12
4. I fell in love with Switzerland
5. I have been in a gondola
6. And to an opera in Paris
7. And Covent Garden to see the Royal Ballet
8. And climbed the leaning tower of pisa (twice)
9. I hate wearing shoes
10. I nearly lost my big toe playing barefoot in the drive
11. I had 2 ops to try and fix it
12. They didn't work
13. I still have my toe
14. I hated gym at school
15. I couldn't climb ropes
16. I remember listening to the Voice of America announcement of Pres Kennedy's death
17. My sister was a genius
18. So I looked dumb
19. But was not really
20. My Mum has a Masters degree in English and was a SAHM
21. My Dad also had his Masters and was a civil engineer
22. I taught myself how to play the guitar
23. I taped out a badminton court in the hall at school because I wanted to play
24. Our church was the centre of our social life while I was growing up
25. I wrote and produced a dance drama of the Crucifixion while at school
26. We toured local churches with it
27. I was 20 before I went up Table Mountain, and we lived on the slopes of it
28. I have a BA in History from UCT
29. I played in the university badminton team
30. I was on the Rag Committee for 3 years
31. I rode on the back of a motorbike at unspeakeble speeds wearing a long dress
32. And no helmet
33. My first car was a mini called Arabella
34. I rolled it on a country road
35. I loved diving for crayfish and I love the sea
36. I met my husband while he was on officer in the Royal Fleet Aux, on the Beira patrol
37. He was English
38. We got engaged in England while I was on holiday
39. Married in SA when I was 21
40. I moved to England in 1976
41. Back to SA when I was expecting my first son
42. I missed my family
43. We went for 4 years
44. And stayed 14
45. He stayed in the merchant navy and was away from home 9 months of each year
46. He was in Norway when Andrew was born
47. I drove myself to the hospital
48. Spent a month in France with babe and husband while new ship being built
49. We spent a year at sea with him when Andrew was 2
50. Started playing squash
51. Then Diana was born
52. Bought my first house when I was 23
53. Travelled back to England most years
54. Started playing tennis
55. Made amazing friends along the way
56. I still have great friends I was at school with
57. My house was always full of kids and people
58. Especially for Guy Fawkes nights and brunches and holidays
59. I love baking
60. And reading
61. Diana nearly drowned in the pool when she was 3. Andrew saved her
62. I watched so many friends emigrate
63. My generation has all scattered to the 4 corners of the earth
64. My best friend lives in New Zealand
65. Took my family on a real holiday to Europe (in a plane!)
66. Surprise baby number 3 when the older ones were 12 and 8
67. Moved back to England (see 44) when husband said "remember those 4 years? They are now 14". I packed
68. Came to a village in middle England
69. Made more great friends
70. Husband still away at sea
71. Parents came to visit, and my father had just been diagnosed with Diffuse Lewey body disease, and could not go home, as he was so bad
72. I flew back and forth to SA to sort out their affairs
73. He died 2 years later
74. Mother still here
75. My sister and her husband live in Switzerland
76. I am still in love with the place
77. Andrew married Ann there in 2003(oops, I said 1993. Am losing it!)
78. Diana now lives in New Zealand, working for a church in Wellington
79. Both my older 2 have graduated
80. I worked in an oriental rug shop for a while
81. I invigilated for our local college exams
82. I have run a dolls house shop
83. I quilt
84. And scrapbook
85. My friends gave me a scrollsaw for my 50th birthday
86. I had an amazing party
87. I have had 3 dogs, Misty, Bobby and Bailey
88. Geoff came home from sea 3 years ago
89. And died 3 months ago
90. That was not supposed to happen
91. I love gardening
92. I have masses of roses
93. Did I mention my wonderful friends?
94. I have been in a hot air balloon
95. I went to Paris with a friend for our 40th birthdays
96. I love walking in the Alps
97. I have so many dreams
98. My faith sustains me
99. So do my children
100. I am very very blessed