Goudgeel Kappertjies, Ela Spence

Sixty five years ago, in February of 1957, my Mom was the winner of a general knowledge quiz competition (on the local radio, Springbok Broadcasting Service to be exact!) 

I was ten year old at the time, we lived on a farm far away from the city, and the only means of social media during those years were mostly books, early telephones, newspapers, the radio. No TV yet. 

The fact that my Mom had an outstanding storage and an ability re general knowledge, came about  her search and eagerness to acquire knowledge: she loved fact. 
During the early years of her life,1921, books were scarce, battles (WWII, 1945) were still fresh in the memory, and information played a big role in their lives.

The prize for winning the competion, was a fully paid, three week overseas trip to Londen and Paris. Being in March, it meant summertime in the southern hemisphere, but in Londen and Paris it could mean extreme cold.

Living in sunny Africa, the winters were much milder, and it became clear that a fur coat would be the appropriate item to take along to face whatever may lie ahead! 
Through the help of friends, my Mom made contact with a well known South African author of the time, Ela Spence, and she kindly offered her beautiful fur coat to make the trip less daunting. (To borrow!)

Ela Spence was a writer of light reading material, love stories, in fact. One of her most popular books of those early years, was Goudgeel Kappertjies, (Golden yellow Nasturtiums).

This morning as I looked through the kitchen window, I saw these golden yellow nasturtiums, and I could not help to think back on those years . .  now not significant any more . . yet, it was a time of unforgettable occasions and prospects.

Mom and Dad went on their overseas trip, and while crossing Africa, the Vickers VC 1 Viscount touched down for lunch, fuel and places where the passengers slept over like Entebbe, Khartoum . . . . they spent a wonderful three weeks abroad, and later included Germany (Düsseldorf) in their itenerary. 

Ela Spence died in her old age in 1997, and Mom passed away six years ago. 

So, with these yellow nasturtiums I pay tribute to a knowledgeable and wise mother whose thirst for knowledge could never be quenched. Also to the kindness of a lovely lady for providing warmth against the harsh European winter.

To Mom and Ela Spence.