There is a fresh tang in the air.
You step outside into a new day,  
With Orioles calling on a bright sunray.

To Ala’s restaurant in all it’s glory,
An exciting array of birds flock.
And at Matthew’s pond a squirrel perches on a rock.

The summer heat simmers in the air.
As the sun rises higher,
Water cascading into the pool cools the fire.

17 year old Tau, the lion, hunts the eternal grounds.
Alas, the King of the ‘Jungle’ is no more,
Leaving us to our heartsore.

The beginnings of a lifetime together:
The wedding bells for Lynda & Alex and Doris & Rainer pealed
And in our hearts the memory is sealed.

Isabella Emma Sussens is born to Chris and Vicky,
Immense joy starts out so small!
A heartfelt welcome from us all!

Lolly Sussens celebrates 85 years,
With strength and charm.
A legend not only on his farm.

Rest your eyes on the changes we have made.
Step back into your renovated room this afternoon;
And more changes are bound to follow soon.

Passion for the bush is a treat to experience.
Many a talented ranger has passed by this way,
Though some like Chris again to stray.

Jean has sadly returned to England.
In the office you will see a new face,
Where Marietha has found her place.

A welcome donation from the Barratt family,
For the Chobe the lion we did receive.
Was best honoured with a special plaque we believe.

Mike brings knowledge and enthusiasm
As he returns to the Tshukudu fold.
And together the team creates new stories to be told. 

Rains once again cool the parched earth.
 The heaven’s opened upon us
And we wonder what was all the fuss…

With the rain came days of gloom.
In the guests room Savannah’s long awaited cubs were stillborn
And she lay quietly resting and forlorn.

Patsy & Wendel, Tamryn and Damien move to Graskop.
Good luck in their future days,
We hope fate again will cross our ways.

A donation for the animals we received.
For this generous gesture from the heart
We in turn will fullfill our part.

In the rainy season babies are born.
Some that are dealt are harsh hand
We are raising and will return to the land.   

Life is not a ‘box of chocolates’
More like a deep puddle on a rainy way!
Yet the reward lies in the hope of the new day!

Sandy Dunbar 2008
         
Ala & Lolly Sussens and family &
all the staff of Tshukudu wish you many happy return!