You South Africa 06 May 2021

As a 70-something I’m excited to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. For more than a year, like most people my age, I’ve been cooped up inside my home. Finally there’s a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. I know the vaccine is not a cure and that things won’t be the same. So many lives lost, so many celebrations missed, so many hugs not given. Still, there is much to look forward to as normalcy edges its way back into our lives – like seeing my friends, eating inside a restaurant, and cooking for someone besides my husband. Not so long ago, these things were unremarkable events. But after this pandemic it’s a big deal to feel that life is almost normal again. The future lies ahead. JO, EMAIL…

WHAT delightful news from Hollywood that SA documentary My Octopus Teacher had won an Oscar! At the best of times that would’ve been reason to celebrate but in these days where it feels like good news is being rationed, it feels like it deserves an extra toast or two. The remarkable relationship between filmmaker Craig Foster and the octopus he says became his mentor has captured the global imagination. Yet for Craig, his family and his team there’s something more important than the awards it’s nabbed: they’re thrilled by the fact that people are taking note of what animals can do and the role humans can play in maintaining the delicate natural balance. On page 18, Craig tells us how his relationships with other people – including his teenage son – changed as his…

I just heard of the death of Prince Philip and feel very sad for the queen, especially after what Harry and Meghan did to her. She’s lost her greatest support and it seems at the moment her problems are never-ending but she’s a strong woman and we can learn from her strength. It’s a pity Philip couldn’t make it to his 100th birthday but I guess he was close enough. May he rest in peace. He certainly earned it. SUE GLAISTER, EMAIL I watched the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral and it struck me how sad and lonely the Queen was on her own. For the life of me I can’t understand why one of her sons did not walk with her and give her an arm to lean on as a couple…

I have just had the best laugh since the pandemic began! My thanks to Nik Rabinowitz for his tales of family life in lock-down (YOU, 15 April). You do realise that doctors will be inundated with folks suffering from sore ribs now due to “cracking up” with laughter! SHEILA, EMAIL Never mind Earth Hour, the whole world should have an Earth Year. For a whole year every country should place a moratorium on births. No babies for one year. The world is overpopulated. JEANETTE, EMAIL Covid-19 came as a blow to all of us. I had a small shuttle service business, but it was swept away by the pandemic. I was left feeling frustrated with no hope for the future. But then I came up with an idea to sell spices and herbs, and…

Journals are a great tool whether you want to track daily occurrences or need a little help remembering important things. Every page of YOU Quick Puzzles Journal features a beautiful design to make jotting down your to-do list or mapping a project plan a pleasure. This hardcover planner features fabulous games such as crosswords, codebreakers, word search and sudoku. It will make a wonderful gift for a puzzle fan’s birthday. Order your copy online at youstore.co.za or contact Johan Terblanche on 021-406-4962 or johan.terblanche@media24.com. See your writing or news tips in print! Here are the email addresses you need for submitting material for publication. News ideas news@you.co.za Fiction stories@you.co.za Personal stories web@you.co.za Original jokes chuckles@you.co.za Recipes recipes@you.co.za…

IT’S easy to recall why there was so much excitement 10 years ago when they walked out of Westminster Abbey, smiling in the sunshine as two billion people watched worldwide. Diana’s son and his gorgeous bride had captured the global imagination and there they were, striding down the steps and into the future. Not since Charles married Diana all those years ago had a royal wedding created so much hype and hysteria. William and Kate were different from the start. Unlike with Charles, the queen didn’t need to approve William’s choice of partner. The prince chose his bride himself – and he chose wisely. The Cambridges can give themselves a pat on the back as they toast their 10-year anniversary. In the first decade of their marriage, they’ve grown in every way –…