Happy Spring Day for those of us in the Southern Hemisphere!

orchids

Where did August go? I don’t know – do you?

The last several days have been sunny and hot, unseasonably so.  For some, it’s a ritual to have a swim on the first day of September even though it may be freezing cold; the ritual is performed as a way of greeting the official first day of Spring. Though I heard that from Thursday we’ll have a cold spell with temperatures halving, lasting a while.

There’s a lot of green on the trees and colour on the winter blooms but I’m glad that the jacaranda trees have shed their leaves and they look stark and bare as they should. They usually blossom in their full glory by mid October – they are truly an extraordinarily beautiful sight – I know I’ve posted pics before – probably last year October or November.

My purply-pink orchids on the patio have died down, already a while ago.The beautiful white ones are in full bloom! Photo at top. I’m so tempted to cut a few stems and bring them into our home – but they look so glorious where they are. The azaleas are blossoming (though two other azaleas in another part of the garden look as if they’re gasping their last breath); the clivias are also blooming.. The primulas in front of the azaleas are still looking very pretty and gay.

azaleas

I’ve added two photos I took recently when I was down in Natal to see my brother. My sister flew to Durban from Cape Town so we were all together for several days. Natal is always lush and green – these photos are from my cell phone outside his home. I plucked some branches and brought them home and put in a vase in the entrance where they looked so beautiful.

christopher's home3

christopher's home

The week finally arrived – i.e. this week, yesterday. It’s when I had to realise that this Friday I leave for Turkey. Am I organised? Am I calm? Half-organised in answer to first question. Answer to second one? I’m trying to be – though I am agitated at some real level. Perhaps I’m just being alert to the reality that while I’m busy making proper plans, something can come along and tip the cart. So, where I can prepare, this is what I’m doing. Tomorrow will be a busy day. Today has been seriously busy.  Am making lists of things still to be done – the list grows longer –  

Changing seasons, changing world. Soon, the equinox on the 21st September. The days and the nights will be of equal length a moment before they begin their tilt. The spring gardens here will be in full bloom. There are already early signs of it – jasmine – wafting her delicious scent. And the yesterday, today and tomorrow – strong, delicious, delightful fragrance –

I leave on Friday night, return Johannesburg 16th Sept. Susan Schwartz from Phoenix Az. and I will meet Saturday morning in Istanbul. We’re on a tour – a tour being a first for the both of us. I still have to check quite where we are touring … and to print out the much edited book that we’ve collaborated on over the months and the airwaves: ‘Aging & Becoming’. It’s about 115 pages, we may do more deleting, more adding and amending.

This blog post is my first in many weeks – and it is really just to keep in touch. We’re very aware not only of the changing seasons but also of the worrying times around the world. Fires, droughts, economic concerns, terrorism, the plight of the migrants escaping from war torn countries – the list is endless. 

Keep safe, and be well.

45 Comments on Spring is Sprung

  1. I’m just in touch after you’re already away and back in touch. I look forward to all the wonderful things you experienced in Turkey, land of Ishtar. I don’t know if her stories are the same as my favorite Inanna, but I think so. You can tell me. The flowers are beautiful, and I’ll enjoy images of summer there while winter is upon us here. Right now, on another spectacular clear warm day, it feels that winter will never come. But we know otherwise.

    • Thank you Elaine! I’ll let you know re: Ishtar and Inanna – will have to brush up. Enjoy your Fall days … such a beautiful time of year. I’m back as you know and it is so hot but all is green and lovely. Awaiting the rains … usually first week of October. Have a lovely weekend 🙂

  2. I absolutely loved Turkey when I visited Istanbul back in the ’90s. So much history and amazing culture. Hope you return with plenty of photos. 🙂
    Here, we’re getting ready for fall (although not much of it will be visiting Southern California.)
    Gorgeous photos. Enjoy your time and the new season.

    • Thanks for coming by Silvia! Enjoy your FAll .. I spoke too soon about rain coming in October – it’s been pouring here in Johannesburg and it’s cold! Rain v welcome though .. nearly off to airport. Have a lovely weekend!

  3. Beautiful pictures! Autumn is just showing up here in Sweden, which makes me happy because I love autumn (and spring too!). Best of luck to you on your trip and your tour. I will be hoping it goes splendidly for you and you have a wonderful time. 🙂

    • Lovely to see you here Sara thank you so much for coming by! Those signs of autumn are so subtle, though sometimes sudden – I noticed one day green leaves on the oak trees, next day nothing … Thank you for your good wishes re the trip, so appreciate them!

  4. Susan, I’m so happy to hear from you and see your lovely flowers. If I have to give up my short-lived spring and summer, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather give them to than you! Have a wonderful, safe journey in Turkey with your friend, savoring every flavor, scent and sound.

    • Sammy D thank you for your lovely comment! Wonderful to see you here thank you again! I always so enjoy your posts though have been a bit slack in commenting because of my running hither and thither, over and yon … I see you’ve just put one up now (just got back to my desk after being out all morning) and will check it out soon! Thank you for your good wishes re Turkey – oy vey, tomorrow! 🙂

  5. What a fabulous post, Susan. Thank you for keeping in touch this way. Your post felt fragrant. I can almost smell jasmine here 🙂 It’s strange to read about spring when I can detect autumnal colours here. It’s cold and rainy and I look forward to escaping to sunny Azerbaijan later this month to visit my family. Enjoy Turkey! Istanbul is amazing. Look forward to your updates. I hope the tour goes well.

    • Thanks so much Gulara! I was thinking of you the other day and your visit coming up to your home (even though the UK is now home). A few have said about autumn being very evident in the northern climes … something rather special about autumn when all goes to rest.
      I hope your trip goes fabulously well, enjoy! 🙂

  6. Hi Susan – I thought you might be there .. but no – you’re still looking forward – have fun – it’ll be so amazing to hear your thoughts on your return. Then that collaboration sounds a good one.

    Visiting family – and Durban is so lush … love the photos .. and we’re winding down to oranges and russets – could do with a few more end of summer days!

    The world is in a very difficult place right now … life is not easy for so many … enjoy that trip and sharing those times with Susan – all the very best – cheers Hilary

    • Thanks muchly for coming by Hilary, lovely to hear from you! Oranges and russets sound lovely too …
      I took my visiting son from Cape Town for a walk this afternoon pointing out to him the beautiful buds. Actually that reminds me that at school this morning I pointed out to my young pupil Zaine, a Xhosa boy, the buds that were showing and we felt the different leaves which was such a new experience for him. He was wide eyed … 🙂 (I volunteer at a school for reading for those who are not up to par)
      Thank you for your good wishes – the time crunch is here!
      Susan

  8. Hi Susan, so nice to be in touch; its been a long time, since I read your post. Now I am glad to wish you happy spring season, as you welcome the spring… I welcomed rainy season here in my place Telengana, India but sad there are no rains … except for a few showers now and then. The weather is still hot, feels like summer. I loved the pictures you posted, they are beautiful. wish you a happy trip and hope to hear more from your experiences of travel.

    • Thank you Genevive! May more rains come your way. They’re so refreshing. Ours come only in October by which time we are YEARNING for them. I’ve been known to do a rain dance in the garden – to beg them to come.
      Thank you for your good wishes re travel. I hope to post a photograph or more while away ..

  9. Dear Susan;
    Preparations for trip, spring, here fall, life and all ready but undone also. That leaves room for the surprise…

    • Singapore sounds like Durban climate wise Damyanti. In summer it’s very hot and humid on the Indian Ocean. Up here on the highveld 6000 ft (Johannesburg, where I live about 600 kms away) the climate is quite different.

  11. Spring offers hope and invites us to be sensitive to all tiny good things that come our way.

    I am happy that to you and Susan of Phoenix will be traveling to Turkey! Leaving aside the struggles of the world that pass throughout that area, you will be very close to the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea. Close to the country of Greece and history of mythology.

    Let your imaginations roam!

  12. So lovely Heaven is at hand!

    Re: Wars. I’m furious! A refrigerated chicken truck, was found abandoned and parked off on the borders of a European country. The adverts read They taste so good ‘cos they eat so good! Authorities opened the doors and discovered packed together decaying human corpses. Once living refugees fleeing the Syrian war. This is the latest phase of penetrating Europe by what is called the Black Route and buying out churches for Mosques. They will flee their countries but not their faith. What’s wrong with Christianity? They taste so good ”cos they eat so good! Money at any price! Link in Web page facebook, Joanna Muscat. No woman risks her children on water unless they are unsafe on land! Thanks Susan for a piece of Heaven but we need a new El Cid and Emperor Constantine to defend it! Istanbul means to eat Europe!

    • ‘No woman risks her children on water unless they are unsafe on land’ … true words which we need to keep in mind. If only the countries people flee from were stable – maybe this will be the next step.
      Thanks Gillian.

  13. It seems so strange to me that you enter Spring as we enter Autumn. This year’s drought makes the trees look lifeless. I’m surprised at how brown the leaves have already become. Yet the beauty of your world is just starting to awaken. Then as Patricia says, Christmas will be here before we know it.

    I do envy your trip to Turkey. Seeing the history there should be phenomenal… however, with all that is taking place in the world, be safe!! Have a wonderful trip! Take TONS of pictures. We’ll be sitting at home awaiting your stories! Have a fascinating time!

    • Thanks dear Gwynn! You too keep safe and watch out for falling dry as match stick branches.
      I hope to take pictures though my cell phone is causing me grief in spite of new battery and new charger. May have to resort to using Ipad – 🙂

  14. Summer is winding down here–not the actual heat because it’s quite hot here now–but the sun coming up later and setting earlier, and the teachers and students going back to school. Enjoy your trip and getting together with your friend. I am at the beginning stages of co-editing a book with a Turkish scholar. We’ve only communicated through e-mail.
    You are correct that these are worrying times. I hope you have a wonderful adventure.

    • I also notice the later sunset earlier sunrise Merrill. Thanks for coming by and good luck with ongoing co-editing with your Turkish scholar. Thank you for the good wishes for the adventure!

  15. I am looking forward to hearing about Turkey. I’ve never been there, but I’m sure I’m missing out. I’m a whoos about safety, but truly, it’s probably safer there than in some of America’s big cities.

    • Thanks Jacqui! It’s also my first visit – I hope to keep you in the loop. Things are scary here in South Africa too, armed robberies in shopping malls et al … we live on the edge most times!

  16. Dear Susan,

    Safe travels. I know Carol will be envying your trip, she loves all things Orhan Pumuck.

    I have been swimming here in the Atlantic every day with the opposite of changing seasons. The ocean has been a warm, velvety, salined delight.

    Cheers,

    Robert

    • Hi Robert – I hope to see Orhan Pumuck’s ‘Museum of Innocence’ .

      How lovely to swim every day in your ocean so beautifully described. Keep it up and go down sometimes …

      Susan xx

  17. It is reassuring to know you are still in the blogospere. Thank you for gracing us with your lovely photos, plans for travel, etc.

    How odd to think/know that we are enjoying opposite seasons simultaneously. But that’s how the world turns. All the best in the adventure ahead. Savor the whole wild ride, Susan.

    • Thanks Marian! The whole wild ride … 2 days to go, 3 including this one. I hope to be able to post some photos of Turkey while there. Also to check in some of my favourite blogs i.e yours and a few others.

  19. Spring is always my favorite part of the year, filled with promises. Did you know I once dreamed of the Green Man and the Goddess of Spring? They were about to get married and I was invited. Needless to say it was one of my fav dreams ever.
    Traveling can be as exciting as nerverecking. But you will come back filled with new experiences.

    • What a wonderful dream Susanne! I would be dancing for a very long time!
      Yes, true what you say about exciting AND nerve-wracking .. but I am looking forward to the experience …

  20. Hi My Dear,
    Yes, time is moving quickly. Before we know it, Christmas will be here, we’ll be marching over into a new year. I love the pictures of your garden. The flowers are beautiful. The colors signify life, happiness and hope for things that come.
    As you get ready to go on your first tour (I’m assuming it is a book tour) make sure you take enough books. I am quite sure you will enjoy Turkey.
    All the best and have a safe trip.
    Shalom,
    Patricia

    • Thanks Patricia … I agree now September’s here time will rush even faster. And always time to enjoy the change of seasons ..
      No way is this a book tour! The book is not complete by any stretch of the imagination! Nice thought though! You would be the first to know if a book tour was underway!
      Thank you for your good wishes, and Shalom to you too,
      Susan

  22. Travel safely and have fun Susan! John and I are also away – this weekend to the Drakensberg and then next weekend we leave for Zimbabwe and Gonarehou for a few weeks! I love your blogs! My garden too is full of life energy – How do the, the plants, trees, bulbs,…. know it is time???? with best wishes Pam

    • Thanks Pam! You and John have a wonderful time too! I wish we were like the plants and bloom in all weathers! The life energy is always there though – in us too … 🙂

Comments are closed.