As a youngster I was fortunate enough to sometimes spend the winter holidays with family in the Karoo, either in the small town or out on the farm at the foot of the majestic Swartberg Mountains. In those days life moved in a different way, without the distractions of TV or IT and of an evening round the fireside or the kitchen table, one of the main pastimes was story-telling. From this early beginning I developed a love for the subtle art of relating a good story and a passion to one day contribute in some way. I have since over the years told many a tale myself round the fireside, leading eventually to my writing of short stories, some of which are contained in this volume.