25th December 2023
Christmas day means exactly 6 months from and to my birthday. I had to say it somewhere, lol. It was a thing for me when growing up, I was guaranteed presents at least every 6 months. Today Johannesburg was presented with a whole day of constant rain and much cooler temperatures. Yes, the city needed it but as my sister lamented 'why on her holiday leave?'
The goodwill of the season is something I've always loved. But with the internet it's become even greater with people sending best wishes to acquaintances, as well as friends across the globe. Even if it's an 'accidental' wish, it still manages to spread good cheer everywhere and that's a great thing. Strangers smile at each other while walking their dogs, and the best wishes are spread around the shops. Even if you don't personally send one virtual message, if you look online or watch TV, or listen to the radio, the collective goodwill is there.
My day was mellow and pleasant and I realised that I didn't have to run the dog, but I could watch him run while I walk. My legs told me this morning that they were tired, so walking the loop around the estate was calm and relaxed. Rusty got his long stretches of sprints in the dog park chasing the birds. I know that sounds cruel but my new friend, local resident, Elni, said the birds need to stretch their wings too. The birds get their revenge by swooping down at me, and I had a goosebump moment as it took me back to Alfred Hitchcock's horror movie 'The Birds' from last century. I had a brainwave of walking with my umbrella up this afternoon, even though it had stopped raining to prevent the birds from scratching my eyes out, haha. It worked, I felt much safer.
Tomorrow is another public holiday in South Africa being 'the day of goodwill'. It used to be known as Boxing Day. I'm looking forward to the continuation of the flow of goodwill.
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