While I still managed an art shop at a shopping center in the Valley several years ago now, when my friends, Charmaine and Colette took a smoke break on the veranda I (a non-smoker) would join them. We'd sit on the step in the sunshine and chat and locals passing on the road below tooted and waved.
Charmaine, Jo and Colette sunning themselves on the steps
One morning as a visitor's vehicle parked below, I noticed the registration plate and told the ladies that I knew the owners. Charmaine looked at me in disbelief. I approached the people in the SUV, who were two youngsters and said I knew Bernard Hageman, who had this number plate. The young lady said, yes that was her dad and they were all staying at Champagne Sports resort for the week.
A few hours later Bernard and Ruth arrived at the shop to see me. You can read about this here https://memorablemeanders.blogspot.com/2018/07/meeting-old-friends-on-veranda.html
Last week as I got into my vehicle after delivering Avon to Thulie (my rep at Valley Laundry), I noticed an elderly gentleman loading groceries into his vehicle. He had his back to me and bore an uncanny resemblance to my husband, the late Grant. I said to Thandiwe in Zulu, I know that kulu (granddad) and she, like Charmaine many years ago, looked at me in disbelief. I got out of my car and as I approached the man, he turned and saw me and said Hello Jo! And just then, a lady came down the steps from the supermarket; he said: Look who is here.
It was old Zululand friends of ours, Brian and Brenda Harrison. And Bernard (who'd visited me way back in 2018) is the younger brother of Brenda. So of course, it was reminiscing and enquiring after the others families and grandchildren.
On Sunday I woke to a WhatsApp message from my nephew, Bruce Hedges. He had been fishing at Cape Vidal with Bernard Hageman. Bruce sent me salaams from Bernard, a photo of him and Bernard ...
Bruce and Bernard
and the message below...
Very heartwarming! HAPPY TUESDAY TO YOU ALL!
