I’ve worked extremely hard today, and in my non-existent spare time, kept busy writing stories about the new Koos Roets movie focusing on the life of legendary boxer Gerrie Coetzee. 

But, I promise you, not even Mohammad Ali’s Rumble in the Jungle could make anyone as aggressive as I feel today.

Day 3 of not having a cigarette, or “kameeldrol”, as dad called it, is driving me to drink. And I wish I had access to stronger nerve suppressants. 

At this very moment, 30 minutes past 18:00 in the evening, I feel totally deprived. If it wasn’t for a strong gin and tonic, I would have lit a stompie (sorry Winnie – now I know what happened) that a friend left in my treasured ashtray this afternoon. (See photo!).

If you phone, or text, or mail me about anything that annoyed you in any of our six publications – whether online or in print – please just weather (stormy weather) my response or postpone your gripe for at least 2 weeks.

For the first time in 40 years I am honestly NOT a happie chappie. The accompanying pic was taken when I was still a very contented smoker. Mama, tell your children…

Going to bed early again tonight as I am really turning into a nasty “Tannie van George”. Will hopefully be better tomorrow. After all, Day Four starts with an F.

PHOTO: Former happie chappie Ilse, in front with boyfriend Cor Swanepoel, before quitting cigarettes, with, from left: smoker, Petrus Badenhorst; smoker, Jeannie Oosthuizen; ex- smoker Corné Oosthuizen; and pipe smoker, Anton Marais.