Take Me Out To The Ball Park...

He's on old man now. In his eighties. But once, a long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, he was an avid sportsman with one great love in his life - rugby. There is no gridiron football in South Africa - only rugby: our national sport and, indeed, our national religion. The World Cup of Rugby was held in France last year and we won it - we are the reigning world champions of this great game. The game is as important to the average South African as his other two great social loves...beer and barbecue. "He" is my father-in-law - Ken - and he can't play the sport anymore and, indeed, is too frail to travel regularly to our local stadium to watch the big matches. But not long ago, as a special treat, we took him to Durban's giant Absa Stadium (named after the local team's sponsoring bank) - although locals still refer to it by the name it always had...King's Park. It holds 70 000 fans (small fry, I realise, by American and European standards). We got permission to let him wander around the stands, to relive his memories and even to walk upon the hallowed turf where many great victories have been won by our provinicial (state) side - the Natal Sharks. This wasn't my gig: the whole thing was arranged by Ken's daughter Anne (my sister-in-law) for an assignment she'd been given by her photography class. I just went along for the ride. I normally tag any pictures I've manipulated, but in this case I haven't bothered because I reckon the shots that have been doctored are pretty self evident!

said DaveMullany 2 months 28 days ago

Dave, what a treat this must have been for your father-in-law! I`ve always fantasized about going to Yankee Stadium with bat in hand and hitting a few balls out into the field. Joanie

said clover218 2 months 28 days ago

Looks like someone was having a little fun!

said ckpiros 2 months 5 days ago

Dave, I have left you a message. Not sure if I posted the previous comment. Faul

said arsfb 2 months 5 days ago

Hey! Durbs, I'm still waiting for the ball game man.. Will have to come back to see if it's started. later gmmmppphhh. Will have to go and get my umbrella. Storm clouds are coming up too. Love the Kapenaar.

said FaithOosthuizen 21 days ago

Haven't seen any activity from you recently. Are you numbed by the performance of the Stormers or the wedding. Faul

said arsfb 12 days ago