Greetings from Gauteng

Let's go Fishing!

2012-02-11T10:34:00.000+02:00

There are a WHOLE lot of things needed when one goes fishing! Starting with a good place to prepare and relax after a long day in the sun!

A sweet little Fisherman's cottage in the bushveld, A good place to rest, a

perfect place to prepare!

Of course all the preparations are no good unless there's a good dam nearby, and Roodeplaat Dam is a pretty good place to start! The water Hyacinth can prove to be a problem, especially when the wind blows and it floats across your line, but that just adds to the thrill of getting it right!

Fishing line and sinkers, tracers and hooks! Check each one carefully ...

neat little knots and we're almost ready to go!

Little bottles of tasty liquids to lure the fish, tempting them to take a bite - some of them sweet and some of them sour! Be careful to put the right combinations together, fish are cullinary experts don't forget!

Magic Mielies are a must! Complimenting each titbit! It must be their lucky day!

Look at the colours! Luminous pink - shines brightly under the water, giving the fish light! We wouldn't want them losing their way! No idea if they have a good sense of smell, but we do know they can see! Don't want to leave out any detail!

A willing assistant is always handy to have! I wonder how she feels about putting some squiggly worms on the end of that hook?

Strike! It's important to get the hook, line and sinker as far out as possible! We all know that deeper waters, yield bigger fish!

Nothing caught, but hey - we had fun and tired, smiling Fisherman are always happy ones! In case you're wondering, our Fisherman was sporting a moustache for MOVEMBER! In support of cancer survivors and sufferers men should always grow a moustache in the month of November!

Fishing isn’t a matter of life and death….

It’s much more important.

http://www.quotesquotations.com/funny/fishing-quotes.htm#ixzz1m3dMCOM2

Wii ii ii ii!

2012-02-02T11:20:00.001+02:00

All I have to say today is ….. I love Stacey's Wii!

My new evening routine – home, EXERCISE and half an hour's Wii Fit, then dinner, then house-work!

Oh boy!

Am I going to get fit as a fiddle!

Have a lovely day!

Sorting our Rubbish!

2012-01-31T14:34:00.001+02:00

The garbage system in Johannesburg is not very good! There are not many people who sort their rubbish and recycle in the same way that other cities encourage! For example, we only separate our paper from the rest of our rubbish. All paper products go into an orange bag and are left for collection by Ronnie every second Thursday. Ronnie ONLY takes paper / cardboard. The rest of our rubbish goes into black bags andinto wheelie bins, which are collected on Tuesday mornings. We're NOT conscious about sorting our rubbish, we don't have recycling rules to adhere to, so it's just not part of our routine. I must say that I am not proud of this fact, but it's the truth.
Coming to work this morning, I passed a complex of town houses where about 20 wheelie bins were standing on the pavement, waiting for collection. Amongst the bins, were two homeless men, going through the wheelie bins. Now normally, this would be annoying, because most of these people take out what they might find useful and make a mess of the rest. These two men, however, were carefully sorting out the rubbish – plastic in one pile, paper in another, glass bottles stacked neatly next to each other and general rubbish – back in the bag. Now, besides the fact that I could not believe my eyes, I do hope that these two homeless are rewarded for their work this morning! I hope they had to foresight to take their wares to a recycling company and perhaps, in this way, earn a small income. No matter how meagre it might be!
Countries like Japan have advanced systems when it comes to recycling, and I'm sure that no matter how difficult the procedure, all it takes is a little practice. And once you're used to it, it will be second nature and everyone will benefit. I guess there needs to be a monitoring program – if you don't sort your garbage, it won't be removed – shouldn't take too long for us to get the idea! What have we got to lose? But boy, we all have plenty to gain!

Blue for non-burnable, red for burnable and green for recyclable

Taken from - macinger84. (2010). Apple Bazaar Blog. Japan Garbage System. http://store.applebazaar.com/blog/2010/01/09/japan-garbage-system/

Singing in the Rain!

2012-01-30T13:28:00.001+02:00

I'm singing in the rain

Just singing in the rain

What a glorious feeling

I'm happy again

I'm laughing at the clouds

So dark up above,

The sun's in my heart

And I'm ready for love!

A rainy afternoon spent playing Bingo, reading Tom Sawyer and really missing being able to go down to the beach for an afternoon swim! Yummy pasta for dinner, waiting for the clouds to clear up! Not tonight they won't! So what's the next thing a girl's gotta do? Why, go singing in the rain of course!

Am I allowed to? Can I go out into the rain?

'Course you can! It's holiday time and you're with your favourite old aunt whose allowed to break some of the rules, some of the time. Long as you go off afterwards and have a nice warm bath, put on your jammies and climb into your warm bed with Tom Sawyer! Of course you can! J

Holidays are fun - you can do all sorts of things you can't do in term time!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-29T19:25:00.000+02:00

Oh my! I haven't been very good at this, have I? It's the end of January and here I am, wishing you a Happy New year!

It's hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone, as has our holiday! We had a lovely time with Rob and the girls. A well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of the big city. A cottage right on the beach, with the only sound being the crashing of the waves, and lots of laughter!

I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions, as I find they're so hard to keep, especially if one's spoken about them - there's so much pressure from all and sundry! So I prefer to keep a little list of things I HOPE to do, in the back of mind, ticking them off carefully, and hoping I achieve a lot! :)

My first task for the New Year has been done - and with it has come a lot of peace and closure! I've never been one to visit a grave site regularly. While I have not judged those who have, I just haven't found the need. That changed however, after Mum passed away. Although I know she's with me all the time, and that I don't NEED to go to her grave to be close to her, I find comfort in going and taking some of her favourite flowers! I cared about her when she was with us, I enjoy caring for her resting place now.

I want to share her resting place as this is part of who I am now! And one day, when I have my blog printed and bound, and my daughters share it with my grandchildren, I want them to see the whole of me! and without this part I am not complete.

Mum was cremated and her ashes buried along with her parents, my Grandad and "Gayva". We have had the gravestone updated and it was completed this week! P came and helped me plant two little white roses this afternoon! It was pouring with rain, and while we planted and cleaned up, we experienced a real Highveld Thunderstorm! The thunder belted out, and lightening crashed all around - the ancient oak trees shook and little drops of water fell, settling the dust. And yet amidst the noise and the rustling of the leaves, there was a sweet calmness, and when we were done - I felt some closure!

Mum's grave is at Westpark Cemetary in Northcliff. Her father, Cyril was buried there in 1956.

When her mother, our Gayva died, she was cremated and buried there too.

We have put a bench at the foot of the grave, and on there we will put Memorial plaques for Mum's two brothers, both of whom died when they were young. Peter at aged 21 and Robin aged 11 weeks.

There you see the two white roses we planted in the foot of the grave.

In loving memory of our sweet Mom and Nanna!'

"Many women do noble things but you surpass them all"

Proverbs 31:29

The Priceless Gift of Christmas!

2011-12-12T22:43:00.002+02:00

With thanks to Helen Steiner Rice

Now Christmas is a season for joy and merrymaking,

A time for gifts and presents, for giving and for taking,

A festive, friendly, happy time when everyone is gay -

But have we ever really felt the Greatness of the Day?

Just not too far from where we live is a house in Appelbaar Street - an ordinary house, in an ordinary suburb. South African homes are generally not decorated on the outside at Christmas time. But this house is transformed, every year, into a magical place - a mass of sparkling lights! A place where children are whisked away into a land of lights and laughter! A place that's bright and gleaming, bringing family and friends AND strangers together! A place where we freely enjoy priceless gifts - bonding, laughing, talking, singing - being together!

Merry, Merry Christmas, one and all!

Christmas Trees!

2011-12-11T12:49:00.001+02:00

I was reading an article in the Sunday Times this morning by Tina Weavind called "Tree Harder this season!" She said that with "... a little imagination and some retail assistance, you can leave tradition behind and grow your own Christmas!" I must be honest and say that I have seen some really crazy Christmas trees out there - why, I even have my own African tree, which I love, but it isn't as special, as our traditional Pine Tree, all laden with decorations, that have a special meaning! Treasured over the years, received as gifts, or carefully chosen to represent an important occasion or memorable holiday!

I decided to share some of my favourite decorations - each one for its own uniqueness or the thought that went behind it!

This sweet one, was a gift from my sister-in-law who lives in Melbourne, Australia! I just love the friendly faces, peeping out from Grandma's Feather bed (that's what I imagine it is!)

Low and behold, this year, she sent us a cozy fireplace, with stockings, waiting in anticipation for that long awaited for visit from Santa!

This is my latest addition, given to me by my dear friend Lesley! Santa is sitting on a little bell, which has the clearest ring!

My New York taxi, brought back from one of his trips to the States! My brother Rob always remembers to add something to our tree from one of his travels! I just love the way Santa and his little elf appear to be in a hurry as the taxi speeds along!

My little straw Angel! I bought this one when we spent our first White Christmas in Poland with Caroline and her family! What an amazing time we had - it also reminds me of my niece when she was a tiny girl! "I don't liiiiiiike it!" She said. "Why not?" I asked. "Because it isn't wearing any eyes!!"

Mum LOVED little birds on her tree and they always remind me of her! This year Rob went to London and he brought me 8, all sparkling and in different colours! They're keeping a beedy eye upon us all, so we'd best be on our best behaviour!

Even Raggedy Anne comes to visit in her little sleigh, with her Teddy and Reindeer friend!

I love everything about Christmas! The build up, the twinkling lights, the smell of gammon roasting in the oven and the rich smell of ginger while the cookies turn golden brown! I love to don my Christmas apron, get my hands stuck into shortcrust pastry and bake, while listening to Bing Crosby peel out in song, dreaming of a white Christmas, or taking a quiet moment as The John McCarthy Chorous sings "Silent Night!"

I am a sucker for a traditional Christmas! It's without a doubt, my favourite time of the year!

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord"

St Luke 2:11

Time to get blogging again!

2011-12-07T21:49:00.001+02:00

I've been out of sorts lately, but feel ready to get back into the swing of things!

I have missed my Blogging Friends - it's the season for reuniting!

Thanks to Mama Bear for the Inspiration!

Pop on over for some more interesting answers!

1. Will you be hosting any house guests between now and the end of December? Does that thought make you happy or crazy? Do you do anything special for your guests to make them feel at home? How long should a house guest stay? No overnight guests, but some dear friends coming for an early supper on Saturday! Going to be doing a Danish Christmas, so be sure to pop in to see what we get up to!

2. Walter Elias Disney was born this week (December 5) back in 1905 ...what's your all time favorite Disney movie? Here's a list in case you're struggling...and yes, you have to pick one. The Lion King! I love it's African feel and the richness of the characters! Didn't enjoy the live show as much, but the movie is really special!

3. What was the last thing you purchased that you realized was a mistake after the fact? A new blouse which I bought for a Christmas Party - it's a tad too big and I was silly not to return it! I wore it, nevertheless, and I did get some compliments! But I got really tired of adjusting the shoulders!

4. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done online? Absolutely none! I like to look and feel the gifts I buy. In saying that, if I tried it, it might be fun! What happens if it's not delivered on time though? Postal services in South Africa can be poor!

5. Amaryllis-snowdrop-poinsettia...your favorite winter blossom? Poinsettia for Christmas, without a doubt, even though it's summer here!

6. What is one thing on your personal Christmas wish list? I think we all want peace on earth so let's make this answer an actual item. Santa Claus the Movie DVD

7. If you could only use one word today what would it be? Thanks!

8. Insert your own random thought here. I'm thankful this year is almost over! Hopefully the New Year will bring job prospects for Mr P and Stacey! Oh! And how much I enjoy "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding!" I am fascinated!

Pop in to This Side of the Pond for a visit or to play, or just enjoy a fun read!

Starlight Starbright!

2011-09-12T21:18:00.001+02:00

Ancient old oak trees, rolling green lawns and a warm spring evening ...the quiet sound of instruments being tuned in the background and the chitter, chatter of excited guests as they spread out their checkered blankets and unfolded comfortable camping chairs. Baskets filled with Quiche Lorraine - little meat pies - balsamic soaked strawberries and feta on skewers - delicious strawberry filled tartlets! Chilled bottles of Sauvignon Blanc and Pierre Jourdaan Blush! Entertainment for the children ... laughs and happy bonding!

Everyone settles and the sun quietly slips behind the horizon - the full moon beaming through the leaves of the old oak trees and gently then stars begin to twinkle!

Friends get comfortable, chatting excitedly about what to expect! Talking about last years concert - and how it might be different!

The conductor, Richard Cock's loud voice booms over the microphone, introducing the acts and thanking the relevant parties for organizing - and the show begins!

In spectacular colour the Mzansi Youth Choir open the concert with our national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika (Lord bless Africa) and nothing disappointed from that moment on!

From Verdi's "Brindisi" to Rafferty's "Baker Street" - from Andrew Young, extremely talented saxophonist to the Limited Edition Drum Corps - a fusion of jazz, classic, rock and pure fun!

A sombre moment when candles were lit in memory of those who succumbed to the 9/11 attack - a touching moment!

With a group of special ladies, and one special guy - it was a night to remember!

Pluto once said, "Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and everything!"

Starlight Classics - a must on anyone's calendar!

Dedication!

2011-09-11T08:32:00.002+02:00

I dedicate my post today to all of those who lost their lives

in the attack on the World Trade Centre,

to the families whose hearts were broken,

to the American people who try so hard to be an example of freedom,

and to the World which will never be the same again!

Just a quick one ...

2011-09-06T20:52:00.000+02:00

... it's quiet and I'm ready for bed! I can hear the humming of my lap top and the sound of the telly chatting away in the background! Going through a tough time but hey! I have a wonderful family and the most awsome friends - my blogging friends are the "bestest!" Hope you all have a fabulous week! My man Mark stayed in Idols, so that's a good thing! :)

It's been a long time!

2011-09-04T20:57:00.000+02:00

Two months have flown by so quickly - I can't believe it's been so long since I last wrote on my blog! It's been so busy! So much to do and so little time! I have been able to read my fellow blogger's posts, but am not able to comment at work, so I guess it does seem as though I've fallen off the face of the earth! I haven't - I'm still here and hoping to get back into action!

Spring has sprung, and there is nothing nicer than the sweet smell of Jasmine filling the air! New green shoots appearing in otherwise dry, brown beds and a wonderfully warm sun beating down and thawing cold bones! Soft summer dresses in bright colours, and sandals! Of course with all of this comes new energy and what better way to use it up than spending a warm spring day with my favourite people!

Where do you go for a little spring in your step!

First you find a place wth a beautiful setting ...

Then you get your teams together ...

Find some brightly coloured balls ...

... and then you putt and putt!

I haven't played "Putt-Putt" or adventure golf in donkeys years and we had SUCH fun!

Thank you guys for such a cool idea! And thank you for ending off a fabulous day with Nachos lovingly prepared by Chris and Stacey! Looking forward to lots more sunny, smiling, happy days!

Just dropping

2011-06-20T19:10:00.004+02:00

... by with some news today

Someone special is having his birthday!

He's been around for quite a long time,

with his jokes, and his smile and his penchant for rhyme!

With his heart of gold and his love for all

He's certainly a special Father-in-law!"

Happy Birthday Cliff!

Looking forward to being together soon to celebrate your 80 years!

Book Club in Winter!

2011-06-18T11:17:00.000+02:00

Nothing better than Book Club on a Thursday night ... on the first REALLY cold Thursday of June ... with hot Gluwein ... and steaming bowls of butternut soup ...

... and PYJAMA'S! ~~Banana's~~ Girls in pyjamas, with their books!

Oh! And Fascinators! Move over Beatrice, here comes Phyllis - pretty smart!

And then it's down to business - serious business - choosing books!

... and having wine!

But then ... who needs books when you have such a wonderful story teller!

Rita had us in stitches with stories about the children she teaches! Funny little people!

The BBC - Best Book Club!

Can't wait for next month!

Schatzie, Watzie!

2011-06-10T14:06:00.001+02:00

Good-bye our Sweet Little Schatzie Watzie! You were such a little madam. Always the one in control, always the one to put Holly in her place. Our sweet little Schatzel who loved to roll over on her back, and have her funny tummy tickled, tickled. Our little Shatz, who loved her bones more than anything in the world, and who DIDN'T like to tugged and hugged! Our sweet little companion, our pet and loyal friend! Gone to the Rainbow Bridge, just this side of Heaven!

We miss you girly!

Waiting …

2011-06-08T15:16:00.001+02:00

… in anticipation, for the next few weeks to slip by! So much to look forward to! Special birthdays, and aeroplane trips and the best of all! A day at the races! Always a firm favourite, and one that I missed last year!

I am counting down the days!

Working on my outfit, and wondering whether to wear a hat or fascinator! The theme this year is "A Royal Affair". Got to be careful not to be dreary, but to choose something light and airy! Not too risqué, but elegant and stylish!

Comfortable shoes which won't pinch when I walk down to the parade ring to watch Rob's horse prepare to gallop down to the start!

My hat shouldn't be so big that it blocks the view of the people behind me, but then again, I'll be in the box, being indulging in French Champagne and tiny hors d'oeuvres!

Don't want to be weighed down with a handbag full of silly bits and pieces and perhaps a warm throw, in case it gets chilly when the sun goes down!

Oh my oh my! 3 weeks to go! Watch out Greyville – here I come!

Girls, Girls, Girls!

2011-06-06T21:12:00.000+02:00

God Blessed our family with girls! Not only do we have two beautiful daughters of our own ...

... but we were blessed with a whole bunch of nieces! Sarah-Jane and Megan live in Melbourne, Claire lives in Assegay and the others .... around the corner .... Thank God for fun days with our girls close by!

Erin, Keelan and Brittaney

Keelan and Brit doing the girl discussion over BlackBerry!

Sinead, our Shady Lady who has so much love and is SUCH a chatterbox!

... and Erin my God daughter and I!

Blessed beyond words!

MAYBE, I'll have a GrandSON one day - but who cares!

For now, we're just GIRLS!

The Board!

2011-06-05T20:55:00.001+02:00

Meeting had come to order!

The Board were meeting at the beautiful home of Tracey and John for a rugby clash!

Bulls against the Sharks!

The Agenda included the following:

Rugby of course ...

Jan

Jaco

Kath

Dimtri

Jude

Trace

Good Friends ...

Mama Ash Bash (follow her on Twitter - she's a treat!)

Lots of laughs!

Good Food with copious amounts of liquid refreshments!

... and payback time for a lost bet!

Sorry Sharks and sorry Mr P for your having to swim in an icy cold pool on a very cold night!

Memories are made of this!

6 Months ago …

2011-06-02T14:00:00.003+02:00

… I held her hand in mine for the last time.

6 Months ago today I said goodbye to my precious Mother - my friend and my confidante.

6 Months ago to-day my life changed forever. I don't know where the months have gone, they've flown. And yes, it does get easier – no less painful, but easier to cope with. I've become stronger. Although I miss her with all my heart, I know she is in a happier place.

I remember her smiles, I remember her voice, I remember her prayers! I remember the love she had for her family and how she always wanted us to be together! She was my truest friend, who loved unconditionally – who cried when I cried, who laughed with me when I laughed!

"Mother, the ribbons of your love are woven around my heart."

Author Unknown

Mom's Birthday Rose!

Winter Wardrobe

2011-05-30T13:42:00.001+02:00

So – although it's only officially winter on the 1^st June, freezing temperatures have hit us and it's COLD! It's also time for me to go through my wardrobe, and get rid of some of the old stuff, hanging there! Like the old brown jacket which I haven't worn in 3 seasons – what am I hanging onto it for? Sure, it was good in its day, but it's not all that warm anymore and if I haven't worn it in so long, when am I? And 4 pairs of black pants? I don't even remember where they came from and certainly don't wear them all – they're taking up space! Out!

There are some classic pieces which are great for work, but seriously – I'm tired of the "fuddy duddy" look – it's time to brighten up my wardrobe and pull out some of those pretty scarves I've been hiding – pull out the red handbag I wanted so badly and have NEVER used! I want a pinafore – and a new black belt! Need to get my winter shoes re-heeled and polish up those boots!

… I need to sort out my jewelry box, and clean up the old silver, antique rings given to me by my Grandmother! It's time to freshen up! It's time to step out there feeling confident and sassy! And I don't need to go out and buy a whole lot of stuff! I've just got to be creative! Hold thumbs for me! Let's see if I can do it!

It's a Beautiful Place ...

2011-05-28T20:56:00.000+02:00

Filled with ...

Insects ...

... and birds,

monkeys and

wild life ...

flora and fauna of ALL descriptions!

It's a beautiful place - Mabilingwe!

National Soup Day!

2011-05-26T13:48:00.001+02:00

Winter has finally arrived! The temperatures dropped drastically over-night and there is a bitter chill in the air. Must be snow on the mountain tops? Brrrrrrrr!

Getting out of bed this morning was a nightmare. It felt as though my cheeks were frozen, covered in little ice chrystals, stinging the soft skin! My nose felt as thought it was running and my poor legs, just couldn't bring themselves to move from under the warm blankets. I thanked God for my lambskin slippers and pulled on my fluffy, blue gown, snuggling, before running to the shower and turning on the hot water tap! Once I stood under the hot water, beating down on my cold skin, I could feel my bones thawing – and I fought with myself to get out and dry up!

Even my poor little car grunted and groaned a bit – "why are you taking my out of my warm garage!"

All I can think of now is going home and making a steaming pot of hot soup! Creamy Mushroom garnished with cream and crispy mushroom chips, or Butternut with a dash of cinnamon and topped with blended pickled peppers! Oh My Gosh! What about a Roasted Tomato and marscapone cheese with crunchy breadsticks – ha! And maybe a chocolate soup for dessert! J

Yum! It's time to don that big apron, pull out the pots and some extra large soup bowls!

Tasty Treat!

2011-05-19T18:42:00.000+02:00

Thought I would share my lemon meringue pie recipe with you! It's fool proof and DELISH!

3 tablespoons of butter

packet of Tennis biscuits

Melt the butter and crush the biscuits. Mix well and press into a pie dish. Keep your base

in the fridge while you make the filing!

3 Eggs

1/2 cup of lemon juice

1 tin condensed milk

Separate the eggs. Beat two yolks with the lemon juice until light and creamy.

Pour over your biscuit base

Beat 3 egg whites with 2 tablespoons of sugar until stiff

and spread over the lemon filling.

Bake in a pre-heated oven (160' C) until the meringue peaks turn golden!

It's quick, it's easy and it is just to die for!

Enjoy!

I could so ...

2011-05-17T09:18:00.000+02:00

... get used to staying at home! I took these two days off, tomorrow being a public holiday in South Africa (We're having our municipal voting). I want today to DRAG by! Yesterday was spent mainly in the kitchen - I had such fun! Made an awsome butternut soup, garnished with pickled peppers, a chicken casserole and my first ever Lemon Meringue Pie! Family were surprised - Monday night dinner?

Maybe it's a good thing I go back to work - wouldn't do the figures much good!

Today I'm meeting two sweet friends for lunch! Hmm! It just doesn't get better! Would I get bored? I don't think so!

Girls just Wanna have Fun!

2011-05-16T09:46:00.000+02:00

What could be nicer than a girls night out, in someones home (thank you Mel!) where the food is great and hospitality better! Then ... bring on the entertainment!

Move over Stevie Nix - here comes Chrissy!

Veronica knows how to rock that air guitar!

"Hey! I'm not only a great hostess, watch me Rock!"

"I'll be the judge of that! :)" Anne-Marie says smiling!

We really should do it more often! Reunited with old colleagues, laughs galore! What a fun night!

Oh My!

2011-05-15T16:20:00.001+02:00

I settled down this Sunday afternoon, frosty Mojito in hand, and guess what I found? My sweet friend, Melissa from http://glasseyedgradys.blogspot.com/, awarded me with TWO awards! Now this hasn't happened in a while - my heart pounded as I read her list of lucky bloggers - and my name was there! WHOO HOO! Thank you Melissa!

Now the conditions of these awards are, firstly to tell 7 things about yourself and then to award them to 10 - 15 bloggers who you think deserve them! Remember, if you're a lucky blogger, don't forget to thank the person who awarded you and link your post to their blog! Let's go!

I totally love my dry white wine, winter, autumn, summer or spring with LOADS of ice!
Although I grew up in a racing family with horses around me all the time, I am completely allergic to them and have never ridden one!
I hate vegetables - yes, I said that!! Raw or in a salad, ok, but cooked? Just not my best!
David Essex is and remains my favourite artist of all time! It horrifies me to see how many people have never heard of him :(
I am dreadfully short sighted and cannot go anywhere without my specs!
I am secretly a kareoke fan - I LOVE to sing along!
I am always fighting the battle of the bulge - got to lose 7kg's in time for the Durban July! The theme is a Royal Affair and I have the perfect dress and hat - just have to fit into it!

And now for these lucky bloggers who so deserve these awards:

http://adventuresofholly.com/

http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com/

http://livingandlovingeveryminuteofit.blogspot.com/

http://homewiththebears.blogspot.com/

http://judykschultz.blogspot.com

http://fireflyafrica.blogspot.com/

http://www.rebeccalouiselobb.com/

http://hayleymal.blogspot.com/

http://momsmeanderings.wordpress.com/

http://www.therealjenty.com/ - you also MUST have a look at Jenty's photographic blog - awsome! http://www.jeanetteverster.com/ - LOL! Only awarding you once J! :)

Happy Sunday All!

Introducing ...

2011-05-08T18:45:00.000+02:00

... Chris! The new man in Stacey's life! He's FULL of laughs and little surprises! He's teases and tickles and has brought giggles galore into our home! He's also turned my girl into a "WAG" - her days are filled with rugby practise and she's made loads of new friends! Why - we even went to watch his rugby game on Saturday!

Welcome to the team Chris - I have a feeling we're in for a lot of fun!

A Royal Affair!

2011-05-05T13:54:00.003+02:00

29^th July 1981 – I was doing my practical teaching at Christian Brother's College in Bloemfontein! We took 50 busy little boys aged between 6 and 9 and made them sit in the auditorium, and watch, as Diana Spencer married Prince Charles at St Paul's Cathedral! A bunch of busy little boys, far more interested in kicking a soccer ball around a dusty field than watching a young woman wearing a dress of crinkled taffeta and lace, walking down the aisle to meet her prince! Her prince, which, interestingly enough, she did not promise to "obey"! I remember loving every minute of the pomp and ceremony! Not wanting to admit that I was disappointed in her dress, or her hair – she was the ultimate princess and I was proud to be of English heritage!

29^th April 2011 – I was working – HARD! So hard in fact, that I did not have time to turn my eye towards the television and glimpse! I was disappointed in not being able to put my feet up and savor every minute! I couldn't wait to get home and watch the replays, which I did, and I was NOT disappointed. Catherine looked every bit the fairy tale princess. She looked so beautiful and so … happy! Although they looked so different, somehow her dress reminded me of the Queen's, whose dress was far more than just a fashion statement. That dress represented the hope of a nation after people had been destroyed by the war. I remember reading somewhere, that even the nationality of the silk worms who spun the silk, had to be politically correct!

On looking closer, they don't look the same – and yet I see a resemblance somehow – could it be the representation of renewed hope? Or could it just be the love that radiated from the brides, because I do believe, that this time around, there is a love that was perhaps missing at the last Royal Wedding.

Whatever we believe, it was a beautiful wedding. A glorious day that brought nations of the world together … we need a few more of those occasions!

Update on Modem!

2011-04-11T15:49:00.001+02:00

It hasn't been struck by lightning, but it is still under warranty, so MWEB will be delivering a new one sometime this week! In the mean time, I will keep reading and posting via Word, and will comment on yours as soon as we have the internet at home again! J I am SO glad we don't have to buy a new modem!

And it’s WHOSE fault?

2011-04-08T12:02:00.001+02:00

How are we expected to behave as citizens of our country? I guess that's not a difficult question … besides paying our taxes, contributing to the community, abiding by the law – you now, the normal "stuff"! What should WE as citizens expect? Well, one of the things I feel entitled to is my passport. I was born and bred in South Africa. I have a valid identity document and driver's license. I pay my taxes and have been in possession of a South African passport since my 16^th birthday. I have travelled abroad and been granted VISA's to visit faraway places, so it came as quite a huge shock to me, when, on applying for a new passport (my old one had expired) – I was politely informed that I couldn't have one!

WHAT? WHY?

"You have TWO identity numbers" was the response! After 47 years, "how can I have two identity numbers?" "We should be asking YOU that!" was the Home Affairs CLERK's response! Well, I lost it. My sense of humor as well as my patience with the idiot behind the counter! Demanding an appointment with the head of home affairs in Randburg, I was told not to worry! That there was clearly a filing error in Pretoria and that it would be sorted out – no problem! Hmmm – two years later!

Upon checking the information on the Home Affairs data base, there are 2 ID numbers reflected under my name!

"Kindly visit your nearest Home Affairs office and submit the following:

A full set of finger prints
Two recent photographs
A notice of birth application
An affidavit
A baptismal certificate or school letter
A copy of my ID book and drivers license
A renouncement letter
A copy of my marriage certificate
An affidavit that I am still alive
The identity number of my daughter

These documents will enable them to do an investigation to solve the duplication!

I have broken no law, I do not even have an outstanding traffic fine – some half wit in Pretoria, misfiled either my documents, or the poor woman whose ID number is linked to mine. Clearly she knows nothing about it yet – probably hasn't applied for a passport. It now becomes MY problem to prove that I am alive and entitled to my passport …

… And it's WHOSE fault?

I am pissed off really angry!

PS Have been able to read your blogs and post mine through Word, but our Firewall is blogging the comment facility – will get commenting as soon as my Modem at home is fixed – think it was struck by lightning!

Uninspired!

2011-04-07T13:03:00.001+02:00

I've been feeling uninspired! I miss blogging, but I just don't know what to write about anymore and I don't want to lose it completely, so I have been doing some thinking WRACKING MY BRAINS!

One of the things that I am really sorry about it, is that Mom never wrote down the memoirs she talked about. I have decided to do some research and once a week I am going to write a post called "Bring back the Past!" I want to document some of the things I remember in the hopes that the stories will live on. Mom's cousins Trish and Jeff, will be sure to have some stories to tell, so I might ask them to write a guest post for me now and again – to help keep the stories alive!

It's time for "new" I think – time to get rid of the old (we have a whole bunch of junk collected over the last 12 years) and bring in the new (house needs painting, and clutter needs changing)! There now – I'm feeling better already!

Now, let's see if this Windows 7 works, and if my blog can be posted!

Time Heals!

2011-03-09T22:36:00.000+02:00

They tell me time heals - and I know they are right! I have healed - a lot! Spending time in Mom's home over Christmas was very healing for me. Seeing her little things scattered around her house, her beloved Christmas tree blinking in the sunlight with decorations as old as I am! Her favourite bone-china coffee cups lovingly displayed on shelves in a busy kitchen. And pictures of us as kids, looking gangly, with old fashioned hair styles and big teeth that we hadn't grown into! Pictures that Mom loved, reminding her of happy days when we were all growing up together!

That's all she wanted really! Never one for materialistic stuff - never wanting fancy outfits and expensive perfumes! Happy always to settle for second best, with then smell of floury scones filling her little home!

I don't want to have a birthday without her. I worry that there is no-one around to remind my brothers and how will feel if they forget? I worry that it might slip Dad's mind - he has enough on it already without worrying about remembering that I am turning another year older! Mom was always there - and now she's not! I will go to the cemetery and share some flowers with her. I will tell her how much I miss her and I wish, just one more time, I could hear her voice. I will look at her old card and journals, and see that familiar script, preserved in ink forever. I will be reminded of her prayers that have always followed me!

I know she is with me always. In the chirping of the birds that she loved to watch .. in the warmth of the woolen scarf she kept around her shoulders and in the legacy she left in my daughter who loves and cares so much!

I love you Mommy! Always and forever!

O dear!

2011-02-20T22:26:00.000+02:00

We were visiting friends the other night and P was quick to remind me that I was about to become a "sports widow"! A "sports widow" you might ask ... and rightly so! Something that my friends and I are familiar with!

It happens when you wake up on a Saturday morning - it's still dark and the stars have not disappeared from the velvet sky! You turn over and stretch your hand across the bed - to find a cold, empty spot!
And then you close your eyes and listen, in the distance you hear the television is on, and there is light creeping down the passage towards your now, open door! That's when you realize the world cup cricket is on!

But that's not all ... no sooner have they finished a bunch of overs, he runs into the bedroom, changes his South African cricket shirt, pulls o a Sharks jersey, not stopping to comb his hair, grabs his "olde English rattle" and darts out to watch his beloved rugby team battle it out against some opposing side - screaming like a banshee! He SHOULD have been a rugby coach - wrong vocation buddy!

Comes home, cracks open a frosty and settles on the couch to watch yet ANOTHER Super 14 game - by which time I am so sick and tired of sport, that I go to our room with my new book, "The two Mrs Robinson's" by Donna Hay. Sleep comes quickly - until the next day! I know someone will be glued to the screen watching some crazy men hit a hard ball around a field with a wooden bat ....

Oh Dear!

Quiet!

2011-02-16T21:07:00.000+02:00

It's a quiet night ... P is in Durban, Stacey (having cooked me a delicious meal of pork fillets with mushroom sauce, potatoe wedges with olives, rosemary and feta and roasted veggies) has gone off as she is house-sitting for friends! Not a sound except for the hum of my laptop, the ticking of the cuckoo clock and the odd bark from Scahtzie who has been put to bed early, mind you - not impressed with me!

It's a quiet night!

After the excitement of the U2 concert which was awesome, spoiled only by the lack of organisation at the Northgate Park & Ride which was chaos!

It's a quiet night!

Alex is out of ICU and although she has a LONG road to recovery, is doing well! She's a brave girl - we're proud of her!

It's a quiet night and I am off to bed with a hot cup of honey and ginger tea!
We'll face tomorrow when it comes!

The entrance to Pop's garden - Mom loved it!

It's a Beautiful Day!

2011-02-13T12:37:00.000+02:00

In a Little While, Get on your Boots! We're going to Walk on By with an Unknown Caller to the City of Blinding Light. On Sunday Bludy Sunday we'll be Stuck in a Moment enjoying their Mysterious Ways. Magnificent!

In a couple of hours we're off to Soccer City to watch U2 360 World Tour!

It's a Beautiful Day!

Our Poor Girl!

2011-02-12T20:18:00.001+02:00

Our poor, sweet girl Alex, was involved in a nasty accident today! A woman jumped a red robot (traffic light) and hit her while she was crossing an intersection on her motor-bike! She has broken her ankle in two places and is undergoing surgery as we speak. Please pray for healing and peace of mind. It must be every parents nightmare - to receive a call - "Your daughter has been in an accident!"

She will be alright, thank God. It could have been worse! Being so far away has made it worse. P off to Durban to be with her tomorrow!

Blog Secret!

2011-02-12T07:48:00.000+02:00

My sweet blogging buddy Rebecca invited me to take part in the Blog Secret challenge being hosted by Holly! It sounded like a lot of fun and I am quite excited to be a part of this fun event! The secret post below is not mine, but that of a secret blogger. My secret will appear on someone else's blog - you will find the list of participants here! I welcome this Secret Blogger to my world ....

"I don’t think I’m fat. I’m okay with my current weight. But I’m ashamed because I feel like I disappointed my parents.

My mom is obese. She started out like a stick. She told me when I was younger that my metabolism would slow like hers when I got older. I didn’t particularly care.

My father told me once that he wished he would have known my mom would get fat when he married her. I don’t know if this would have changed his mind about marrying her—I don’t think so—but he said he was disappointed she was fat. He also tried to get me to exercise while younger. I resisted.

When I turned 18, I weighed 115lb. Several years later, I weigh 165. I don’t like being fat, but I’m okay with it. I’m actually healthier than when I was 18 because I’m more active and eat (somewhat) better. The weight is mostly just THERE.

My father, on the other hand, has made snide remarks about how I’m fat for years. He still is under the impression that I lead a sedentary and nutritionally-bereft lifestyle, and will take any opportunity to mention my new poundage.

So my secret is, even though I pretend not to care, I am deeply guilty that I have disappointed my father. Every time I look in the mirror I think about how disgusted he must be with me."

Sea Smells!

2011-02-02T21:02:00.001+02:00

I love going for a walk along the beach front, early in the morning as the warm sunshine strengthens, getting ready for eager sunbathers! To see the water crashing on the rocks, sending its salty spray high into the air, and to feel the sticky, warm drops land on my face. I lick my lips and taste the salt - it dries on my face - I watch and listen! Besides the sound of the sea, I hear a hungry sea gull, combing the beach for something to eat!

I breathe in. Long and hard. Until my lungs are so full I cannot take in any more! Out. And in and out!

What do I smell? It's certainly fishy ... and salty! Is it the sea or what's inside it?

What do YOU think gives the sea it's smell?

Photographs taken by myself in Port Elizabeth near the Sacramento Cannon

January 2011

Crazy Friday night!

2011-01-27T17:40:00.000+02:00

With a busy week behind me, the last thing I feel like doing on a Friday night is going out with friends - just in case it turns into a raucous party! You know, late night, that extra glass of wine that turns the roof of your mouth into a parched desert! I'd really rather just go home quietly and gather my brain together from the week gone by! Plan my week-end constructively and make a good effort to get lots done! It doesn't always turn out like that though!

Especially when Friday night happens to mean going to a little Chinese restaurant with special friends. A quiet dinner.

Just the 4 of us.

Catching up on news ... ordering that string of tasty tidbits, eating and chatting so intensely that the evening slips by in seconds, and so does that illustrious bottle of Sauvignon Blanc! No holds barred, we make friends with the couple sitting behind us and invite them home for a nightcap, not thinking for a second that they could be some crazy couple - we're brave!

And they're not (a crazy couple)! They have a lovely son who joins us! We laugh, we sing! Old songs of course! We strum on pretend guitars and sing with imaginary microphones! We sing with passion, hoping the neighbours don't mind some late night entertainment!

Suddenly there's a lull in the conversation, and in that quiet moment a birds chirps from a nearby Oak tree! It's almost time for the sun to come up! Oh dear! Time to go home and that is when you think being unenthusiastic would have been a better option!

Ha! Until the next time ... special times! Meeting new friends and keeping up old relationships that never die!

I'm looking forward to the next one!!

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-01-25T16:55:00.000+02:00

I haven't done one of these in a while! For more Wordless Wednesday participants have a look here!

Blog Secret!

2011-01-24T16:32:00.000+02:00

Mmmmm! Thank you to Rebecca for inviting me to join her and a bunch of other bloggers as we write a secret blog which is being hosted by a lovely young lady called Holly who lives in New Zealand.

The concept is very simple. You write a blog post about something secret. Something you would like the world to know but don’t feel like you can say on your own blog.

Email your post to Holly at adventuresofholly[at]gmail[dot]com. Please remember to include the name and URL of your blog. Please submit it by February 4th to allow Holly time to put everything together.

On February the 5th-6th she will send you an email with someone else’s post in it. This post will have all names, web addresses and other identifying information removed from it, so even the person posting your secret won’t know it belongs to you. The only person who sees everybody’s submissions will be Holly herself. This email will also tell you which blog you can expect to see your secret on.

On the February 12th, you will copy and paste the secret emailed to you into a blog post and publish on your blog. Feel free to write an introductory message explaining what you are doing, but please leave the actual secret exactly as it is. Please also enable comments on this post so the secret’s author can receive feedback.

I think this is an amazing idea! I have a secret I am dying to tell, and it's already all typed up and ready to go! Who knows what new friends we could meet! Looking forward to reading YOUR secret, are you ready to tell?

A special day In Africa!

2011-01-22T11:03:00.001+02:00

I can smell them.

Thick and musty. It takes my breath away.

The air outside is hot - a thick blanket of heat that smothers anyone who dares walk in it. Not a breath of air. Not a sound. But they're around.

I can smell them!

We get out of the car to observe the view at a view point. The sun beats down and the horizon looks hazy. No movement. Not a sound.

But I can smell them.

We slowly turn a corner, our eyes scanning the veld - and there they are!

Mothers and babies - tiny babies! Toddlers and tweenies rolling in a huge, wet, mud bath! Sticky brown water spraying in the air! Little ones nursing and nuzzling against their big brown Mommies - the mud encrusted on their backs protecting them from the hot sun!

We watch for ages - oohing and aahing - a social gathering. Adults grumble quietly to each other. Little ones playing - smacking each other with their strong trunks - what a game!

And then ...

... it was time to go! Time for the herd to move off to the opposite side of the road and make way for another family to enjoy the coolness of the wet mud. Slipping, sliding, struggling to get their big bodies out of the muddy pit. Pushing, guiding, protecting, the bigger ones help the tinies, and soon they are on solid ground.

A trumpet here, and a grumble there, a low, low sound - sometimes difficult to hear - they get their message across, and gently, silently, they amble across the dusty road to the open bush on th other side.

As if in slippers, their big heavy bodies move without a sound until we cannot see them anymore!

I can still smell them!

Photographs taken by P and myself at the Addo Elephant National Park on our visit there on Sunday, 16th January 2011 with our girls, Cliff and Beryl (P's parents) and Allen and Nancy Contival, our new American family! We had a wonderful day!

To have and to hold!

2011-01-20T20:15:00.000+02:00

Congratulations on your marriage, Brian and Nicky!

May your lives be filled with love and happiness!

Remember, the little things are the big things,

Don't take each other, or anyone else for granted!

Always have the capacity to forgive and forget

and remember that having the right partner,

means being the right partner!

We had a wonderful time and enjoyed meeting our new family, the Contivals!

Looking forward to many happy reunions!

The beginning ....

... of a happy new life together!

Stacey, Alexandra, Pop, Judy, Me,Philip, Evelien, Justina and Nanna!

This is not the end, it is only the beginning!

Our bags are packed ...

2011-01-12T21:59:00.001+02:00

... we're ready to go!

A plane is waiting at OR Tambo!

We cannot wait for that boarding time to come!

A wedding is happening,

a new family branch,

Our family is spreading,

Montana's the ranch!

How much we have looked forward to this day!

God Bless you Nicky and welcome Brian,

May you always be happy as your new love grows!

You've brought excitement and joy to the whole of our family!

We'll kiss you and smile with you,

Share the joy of exciting days

Thank you for bringing happiness into our lives!

I bid you farewell as we go to Port Elizabeth to witness the marriage of Nicola (P's sister) and Brian - who NEARLY didn't make it to South Africa on time, thanks to the Arctic Freeze! BUT, God had other plans - the groom is here, the bride is waiting! And we cannot wait to welcome Brian in real life (no more skype)! And look forward to a reason so visit the States ... sooooon!

Until next week ... cheerio!

Memories!

2011-01-11T17:11:00.000+02:00

What do you get when you take ...

... a collection of old photographs and souvenirs?

... a bottle of craft glue and some pages?

A beautiful scrapbook, lovingly put together as a Christmas gift for my two precious brothers.

A scrapbook made of our sweet Mom, documenting a small part of her special life!

A scrapbook that brought many tears, gave many memories and helped me feel so close to her. A healing experience.

A scrapbook that I am so proud of!

In Loving Memory of Mom!

Last Day!

2011-01-10T09:14:00.000+02:00

Hmmm!
Last day at home - back to the grindstone tomorrow!
Lot's to do!
Ironing - surely that can wait?
Clean the house - surely that can wait too!
Pack for our trip to PE this week - guess that's got to be done!
Couple of birthday presents to buy ...
Dinner to cook ...
Before I know it, I will be waking up to the dreaded alarm, face the traffic, and bang! I'll have forgotten I'd any time off at all. How I look forward to my retirement! Ha! Only 11 years to go!

Rain Falls - again!

2011-01-09T10:35:00.001+02:00

Rain falls to wash the earth

Rain falls so sad one's know they aren't alone

Rain falls to make us new

Rain falls to let us have fun frolicking

Rain falls so that we know we can have a fresh, clean, new start too

Rain falls so that we believe everyday can't be perfect

Rain falls

Bethany Unknown

Taken from our dining room window this morning!

It rains yet again!

Stable Visit!

2011-01-08T09:45:00.000+02:00

Whenever I went to visit the family in Assegay before we lost Mom, I did not spend time at the stables, preferring to stay at home with Mom, chatting and drinking copious amounts of tea! On this visit, I got to spend time with Colin and Dad, learning about their business and meeting the people that fill their world!

Welcome to

The racing colours on the left (black and white checks) belong to Robert, and those on the right (white circles) belong to Colin. They were my Father's colours for over 40 years, but when he retired, he gave them to Colin, as it seemed sad to lose them!

This is an inquisitive fellow, who continuously popped his head over the stable door, to see what we were up to! The weather had been very rainy, and so Colin was not able to work his horses, with the track being to wet. I learnt that in the UK, for example, they have all weather tracks, which allows the trainers to work their horses despite the weather conditions. Not so here, which proves to be frustrating for both the trainers and owners! Not to mention the horses, who build up all that energy!

Muzi Yeni is Colin's stable jockey! Would you believe, that he weighs less than 49 kilos? And would you believe that he has a daughter of his own? I always tease him and say I would love to be on the back seat of the car, when the metro police pull him over and ask for his licence! I would LOVE to see their faces, when they realise that he IS old enough to drive! He looks as though he is twelve!

... and here is Pop (my Dad) doing what he loves best! Checking on "Fourth Estate" as they prepare her for the track, the day before she was racing at Greyville! When I asked the grooms what her name was, I thought they said "PHOTOSTAT"! What a stupid name for a horse, I said. The groom then proceeded to take me through the breeding line! Pop laughed, because he realised then, that Ace's accent had proved the problem! "Fourth Estate" NOT "Photostat"! Not such a bad name after all!

We enjoyed our visit to Summerveld and look forward to visiting EARLY in the morning next time, so that I can watch the horses work! It's a whole new world!

New Beginnings ...

2011-01-07T13:11:00.002+02:00

2011 - Been waiting for you for months now! A New Year with promises of exciting changes, things to look forward to, and hopefully happier days!

In the immediate future, a wedding! My dear sister-in-law Nicky, will be marrying her American fiance, Brian in Port Elizabeth next Friday! Stacey will be graduating on the 26th February and starts her new year at the University of Johannesburg at the end of this month!

I have enjoyed some time off work and look forward to starting again on the 11th after a well-deserved break!

We spent a wonderful Christmas in Assegay with my Dad and two brothers. A sad time for us, but one filled with precious memories of our beloved Mom who we miss so much!

A hopeful start, a sweet start and many Blessings to everyone, who have supported and loved so much!
Thank you!

Prouder than proud!

2010-12-15T16:27:00.001+02:00

My beautiful daughter is the proud owner of ...

..........

her B.Comm Marketing and Business Management DEGREE!

Our rainbow after the storm!

I love you so much Stacey, and and am so very, very proud of you!

After everything we have been through, and right in the middle of her exams!

Nanna is looking down from heaven with a BIG smile on her face! I know she's very proud too!

Our own Angel!

2010-11-02T21:33:00.002+02:00

My precious Mom passed away so peacefully this afternoon. We have our own special Angel in Heaven!

I love you Mommy - I'll meet you in my dreams. Always and forever - I love you!

Blog Challenge!

2010-11-01T18:10:00.000+02:00

I see that a couple of my "blogging buddies" are doing blog challenges! I have been so bad at blogging lately - I just don't seem to have the time between work, nursing, running up and down to the Morningside Clinic, but this one, on Rebecca's blog seems fun enough, so I have decided to take up the challenge and give it a go!

30 Day Blog Challenge

Your favourite song
The Meaning behind your blog name
Your favourite television programme
Favourite book
Favourite Quote and why
List 20 of you favourite things
Favourite films
Talk about a great place you have travelled to
Share a photo of your friends
Share something you're afraid of
A recent photo you took
What do you believe?
Your life goals
A picture you love
Your dream house
Share something you're OCD about
What are you really looking forward to
Your wedding / future wedding / wedding you have attended
What do you miss
Nicknames you have
Favourite food
A website you enjoy or care deeply about
A video you have made or enjoy watching
The town you live in
Put you i-pod on shuffle - what are the first 10 songs
Plans for the week-end ahead
Your pets
What's in your handbag
Favourite show / concert you have been to
What do you love about you life right now

Right, there we go, 30 days - let's see if I can do this! After ~~many~~ a few weeks of writer's block, I'm going to try ;)

Day 1 - Your favourite Song

"Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with string,

These are a few of my favourite things!"

My favourite song and it comes from "The Sound of Music". Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved this song and I used to sing it to Stacey when she was little. As soon as I am feeling unhappy or frightened, or even when I hear the rumbling thunder during our famous summer storms, I hum this song to myself and it makes me feel so much better!

When things are glum and I'm feeling sad, I "simply remember my favourite things and then I don't feel, so bad!"

Another Rollercoaster Day!

2010-10-26T17:59:00.000+02:00

It's like being on a rollercoaster, without the fun! This morning Mum was not with us. She was out - in a coma! No reaction, no flicker ... nothing. There was no-one there. Sister in charge was worried and said she might have had a stroke. This afternoon ... she wiggled her feet when we tickled her, she closed her eyes when I tried to wipe away her tears, then opened them and looked us! She twitched her nose when we tickled it and moved her head! WTF! Dr came and said that she could be in a deep sleep and it could just be that the sedative it taking a long time to work out of her body! They will do a brain scan either tomorrow or Thursday. He doesn't want to bug her and move her around too soon. He says she could STILL come out of this!

She is so brave and not ready to leave us. And we will continue to fight WITH her until she has had enough!

Prayers for Mum!

2010-10-23T21:58:00.000+02:00

Mum was admitted into hospital again last Friday, suffering from pneumonia. To cut a long story short, she was over hydrated via her drip, and ended up with too much fluid on her lungs resulting in a bad infection and she ended up in ICU on Thursday night. On Friday she took a bad turn and ended up on a ventilator, and I was told to get our family together. Dad and Colin arrived at 4 from Durban, Gill and Claire an hour or so later. Being the fighter that she is, and having discovered that there is no cancer in her lungs, she is still determined not to let this beat her! The cardiologist told us that she has a very strong heart, and although she is still critical, she is stable. They started reducing the sedation levels,and she became very excited when we visited her, and nodded her head when we told her we would be back tomorrow. It was clear that she did not want us to leave tonight.

I am convinced that she is going to pull through this, and we continue to pray for strength during this difficult time. Dad is staying on, while Colin and Gill go home tomorrow.

All in God's time!

Will the rains bring some respite?

2010-10-14T18:59:00.000+02:00

Keelan, Erin, Stacey and Sinead with Nana!

Thick, dark clouds, flashes of light streaking across the early morning sky - big, fat drops of thick, glossy water! Smell of dust and damp. Smells familar and missed! Wind screen wipers whipping across a dusty windscreen and a slight chill in the air! They came this morning ... our first REAL rain for the season. We've had some thunder and lightening, a couple of whispy drops, but nothing like this morning. Please God let this mean that with the new season we'll have some respite. That things will start looking up. That our lives can get "sort of" back to normal!

Mom hasn't been great. We see Prof again tomorrow. He said it would be a long road. One step forward and two back! We have to get there. Surely all this wasn't in vain?

We'll just keep fighting!

Alive & Kicking!

2010-09-29T18:36:00.000+02:00

Thank you to all my"blogging buddies" who so faithfully continue to check my blog for updates and who have left such wonderful messages.

Cindy Lew once said "... the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends!"

So much has happened in the last month (my word it's been a month since my last post) and yet we seem to be standing still! I have felt so uninspired and haven't had much to share, but here is where we are right now:

Mom continues to improve every day. She has completed her treatment and we wait now for her body to heal. The first two weeks after radiation stopped were very difficult. She was in a lot of pain and her mouth was full of ulcers. She came through it like a champion. She is off all strong pain medication and is only taking Stopayne Children's syrup for pain! NO MORE MORPHINE! She still battles to eat, but has slowly started having small amounts of yoghurt, soup and ice-cream - PRAISE GOD! Her tube is still in and working well - it's literally saved her life, but Prof says she must start eating as they do not want to leave the tube in permanently. She is much stronger and manages to take short walks every day.
Stacey is working hard and has been a huge help and support to me. I thank God everyday for blessing me with such a special daughter. Besides helping me with Nana, she manages to get her Uni work done (and well!) and still fits in her social life! She delivered her application forms to the University of Johannesburg today as she has decided to study her honours degree full time. She was toying with the idea of working and studying part time, but we feel that she has her whole life to work - rather concentrate onon doing her honours full time, and then she can enjoy her first job without the pressure of studying! I can't believe my little girl will get her B.Comm degree this year!
P is still batlling to find a job. It has been a very stressfull 6 months, but we remain hopeful that something will come soon. I have been busy at work, which I guess is a good thing as it keeps my mind off worrying things! I look forward to being able to retire one day and enjoy some quality of life! :)

... and that sweet friends, is that! Tonight I am off to book club for a little while and I am looking forward to spending some free time with friends. P is making dinner for Stacey and her friend Stephanie, who are studying for their Marketing test tomorrow! I promise not to leave my updates for so long again! I've missed you all!

Welcome!

2010-08-24T17:22:00.000+02:00

There's a cool breeze blowing. The yellow weaver birds are building their nests and chirping busily. The LBJ's (little brown jobs!) are pecking at their seed chirping merrily and the prunus tree is bursting with pink blossoms. I can smell the jasmine which surrounds our garden and brings the promise of warm weather.

Welcome Spring - you'll soon be here! And welcome Pulmar, Mom's new nurse who is the sweetest, kindest lady, and who, I have no doubt, will become a special part of our family. Welcome relief - knowing that I can go to work with Mom cared for by a professional woman, who will exercise her, feed and medicate her, talk to her and become her friend!

Tomorrow has become today and I feel so much bettr!

Nothing Changes!

2010-08-22T19:57:00.000+02:00

I am tired of my life at the moment! Nothing changes! I am exhausted. The thought of going back to work tomorrow after a week home with Nana freaks me out! I don't feel motivated, I am losing interest in everything! And to crown it all ... I broke my tooth on a soft, jelly sweet! Broke it - a big gaping hole in the back of my mouth, so now I will have to visit the dentist!

I need to pull myself together! I know I do ... tomorrow!
For now, its feeding, meds and bed ... I will do it tomorrow!

A Good Night!

2010-08-13T22:04:00.002+02:00

... it's chilly tonight, but it's a good one! P and Stacey have gone to KwaZulu Natal for our Busi's funeral. I couldn't go with them, I have obligations at home. I'm thankful, in a way. I don't know if I could face it. I'm glad I have a reason to stay behind. Is that bad? Busi "knows" I need to be with "Gogo" (granny in Zulu). And it's been a good day.

I left the hosital an hour ago. I left a Mom behind, who was sleeping peacefully, a drip dripping softly sending much needed food into her tummy! A drip that will be replaced with a syringe when we get home. I look forward to going back tomorrow and seeing her satisfied ... and FULL! It's been a rough week with her in hospital, and she was VERY sick! But radiation has resumed, she's hydrated and looks so much better!

I'm staying at Rob's (my brother) house tonight! My family did not want me to go home alone. So here I am ... I've opened a bottle of Plaisir de Merle Sauvignon Blanc. It's cold and it tastes good! Green peppers and figs! It's quiet apart from the pool pump humming gently and water splashing into the chrystal, clear pool! I have time to think, and plan! I'll read my book and have a good night!

Tomorrow is a new day! A day full of promise! I'll practise the feeding. The stress of eating has gone! Taken away. There'll be no more fighting. Mom will get strong and we'll fight this together!

It's a good night!

Busi!

2010-08-08T13:56:00.001+02:00

In Loving memory of our beloved Busisiwe who passed away at 04.00 am this morning. Busi was our domestic worker and she had been with our family for just more than 10 years. She has had a nasty cough and has been treated for this by our local clinic and Dr's. Last week, her husband took her home to Kwa Zulu Natal, where we believe she was treated by a Sangoma (witch doctor) being their custom. She became more ill, so he took her to the local hospital, where died this morning from complications arising from pneumonia.

I am still in a state of shock and cannot believe that our sweet Busi won't be back. My heart bleeds for her 3 little girls, Tando, Nobele and little Zanele (who was born not long after Busi came to work for us) and Tokozane her husband, who was so good to her and their girls.

We love you Busi and will miss your happy smile and warm hugs!

One day at a time!

2010-07-31T14:54:00.000+02:00

We're one week into treatment and have radiation and one chemo behind us! We have had good days, and bad ones, but are taking it one day at a time! We're still battling with the eating, and I have resigned myself to the fact that fancy smoothies and soups are not going to work. They upset Nana, and frustrate me, so we have settled on Supportan (an imported replacement meal) and Ensure, sprinkled in between with jelly and custard and perhaps some ice cream. My biggest fear is that she will lose more weight, which is happening, not due to the cancer, but due to her not eating.

She has handled the treatment remarkably well, with not too many of the horrible side-effects. I know its early days still, and things could become more difficult, but we will deal with that one day at a time!

I find my days are consumed with work, meds, feeding, cleaning ... on the go with not much time for anything else. I have looked forward to this week-end. I have enjoyed just being at home and not having to think about going anywhere, not even to the shops! Stacey has gone to the Durban July and called just now to say that the hospitality tent they're in is awsome, with the most amazing food and atmosphere. I'm glad she got to go! Our home has turned upside down, and she needs some time-out! P has gone to friends to watch his beloved Sharks play in a rugby match,the sky has clouded over and it's looking pretty dull outside! Looking forward to a steaming bowl of tomato soup for supper!

A couple of weeks ago, P and I went on a little outing with some friends! We gathered a group together and went for a trip on the new Gautrain! The first of its kind in SA and what a super experience. I do hope they continue to build on it and get the public transport system going. We found that the security was good, it was well organised and we got to Rhodesfield Station (close to the airport) in 12 minutes - hello! That's a good saving of 45 minutes at least! We ended the afternoon with a quick bite to eat before heading on home!

Finally - the our closest to the tube! We do go underground for a little while!

Mind the yellow lines ...

Isn't she a beauty?

No bowl of cherries ...

2010-07-18T19:24:00.000+02:00

... unless we have picked out some bad ones! We have probably had our worst week-end - EVER! Mom is not doing well. She is not eating, she does not want to take her medication, and I fear she has deteriorated this week. We are seeing the dietician tomorrow, but I am going to call our oncologist, Prof D in the morning. I think he needs to look at her again, and possibly re-assess her medication routine. She has a mental block towards the morphine syrup and I think, without lining her stomach, the meds are too strong! But she will argue and say she is eating - three tablespoons of oats, and a couple of mouthfulls of grilled hake ... I don't think that is eating AND it's not gone down without a fight.

I am trying so hard to build her up. Someone suggested she needs an anti-depressant? I don't know if that will work. She says she wants to fight this, but I cannot do it on my own and it breaks my heart to see her in such pain.

I am sitting on her bed next to her right now. It's bitter outside, but her room is warm and quiet. She is lying under a fluffy, warm duvet, moaning gently as she dozes. In the background I can hear the gentle hum of the laptop. It feels calm and peaceful, but I know the storm will break in 2 hours when we have to take her meds again. For now I will just sit with her and enjoy the quiet.

No walk n the park ...

2010-07-14T22:10:00.000+02:00

... it's been 2 really tough months! I'll go back to the beginning. Each New Year I always say "This is going to be MY year!" Nothing spectacular has happened ... my years haven't been bad, but no great shakes! This year I said nothing. I consciously said nothing, hoping that I might win the lotto, or win "Who wants to be a Millionaire ... let's see what the year brings!

Hm! It wasn't playing! May, Stacey's father (my ex husband) was diagnosed with cancer! Huge shock, massive stress for my girl. It hurt me that at 22 she had to deal with the trauma. We had no sooner accepted and got used to the idea, when one of our closest friends was diagnosed with neuro-endocrine cancer - one of the most rare! We promised them we would fight this horrible disease together. Little did I know how "together" we would be! My precious Mother was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue 3 weeks ago ...

We have been from one specialist to another, and finally today we have a way forward. Mom starts radiation next week, and chemo the week after. We have an oncologist specialising in radiation and one for chemo. Both special and kind in their own way. We spent today having tests done, additional CT scans, sonars, x-rays and building relationships with nursing staff we will get to know really well over the next 8 weeks. I thank God for light at the end of the tunnel! My SIL asked if there is anything specific she can pray for ... I requested healing, strength and perhaps some patience! We're in for a rough time - to quote our Professor "this is NOT going to be a walk in the park!" But we're thankful for hope and for the love and support we've had from everyone!

And on a lighter side ... I'm back! Its good to be online and share with my amazing blogging buddies!
xx

Cheers dears ...

2010-06-14T20:58:00.000+02:00

... going to be off-line for a week or so! Laptop going in for repair, and blogs banned at work. I might be able to read some and comment, others are blocked completely! BUT ... when I get my laptop back I will be back in full force! You can catch me on Face Book though - I can do that early in the morning at the office or on my cell!

See you soooon! I might even change my look then!
xxx

Waka Waka ... it's time for Africa!

2010-06-13T22:29:00.001+02:00

Give me freedom, give me fire,

give me reason, take me higher,

See the champions

take the field now,

you define us, make us feel proud

in the streets our heads are lifting,

as we lose our, inhibition,

Celebration, it's around us,

every nations, all around us!

(Coca-Cola remix)

We had a lovely lunch with friends today, who live on the Eastrand. On our way home, I wondered why P took the South bound highway past Alberton, but once we reached the Nasrec turn off I knew where he was taking us. We went past the Soccer City stadium. I had heard that no photograph does it justice ... well seeing it in real life, I understood why! It is an amazing building. With the sun setting behind the building, it was just beautiful.

He then took us into Soweto - one of the largest "Townships" in the country. We were welcomed into a tiny "shebeen" in Mookie Road. The publican there was a man called Ace, and the shebeen was right opposite the Orlando Stadium. Ace welcomed us with open arms. He was so happy to have a white family visit his establishment, and we have made a decision to visit him again ... soon! We watched the Serbia/Ghana game at the shebeen and enjoyed discussing the football with Ace and his wife.

As I write my blog tonight, Germany are 4 - 0 up in their game against Australia and I realise that this is a time of uniting - I really don't care who wins the world cup (although I would be THRILLED if it were SA!) - this is a time where 32 countries in the world are united in a game that they love! I am so thankful that my country got the opportunity to host this wonderful event! As one of the commentators tonight said "SA have welcomed the world joyously!"

That makes me proud!

Ke Nako!

2010-06-10T21:01:00.000+02:00

It is time!

6 Years ago we watched Sepp Blatter pull a little piece of white paper from a box and it read "SOUTH AFRICA"! Many people had their doubts ... they asked Australia to bail us out ... but we are ready! More ready than any of us imagined ... and we are HAPPY to welcome thousands of foreign supporters to our land of sunshine and smiles!

I have never been more proud to be South African! I was one of those very lucky people to be in Sandton yesterday supporting our team!

It was phenominal! It was exciting! It united us all!

Is that an elephant trumpet? No, it's a Vuvuzela! That rich African sound that has become synonymous with soccer in our country!

No-one was confused - we were united - although we were there to support our national team, we welcomed every supporter with open arms ... we laughed, we loved ...

Children of all ages waited in anticipation to see their soccer heros ...."BOOOOOOOTH!"

Companies impressed with their decorations - flags fluttering in the breeze, adding their support to Bafana Bafana ... no, not only to Bafana Bafana (our national team - meaning "the boys"), but to the spirit of the World Cup. To the honour of hosting it and to the nations that join us!

I sit tonight and write my blog as the opening concert plays! The Black Eyed Peas are singing "Tonights going to be a good night!" I think its more than that - this months going to be a good month! This world cup is uniting our people, making us one ... and that's a good thing!

VIVA SOUTH AFRICA! VIVA!

Wombles!

2010-06-06T09:48:00.000+02:00

No furry little creatures here! NoWimbeldon common! But a wonderful Zimbabwean couple, a great atmosphere and the most delicious food - that's what Wombles in Parktown North has to offer! We went there for dinner on Friday night and what a fabulous experience. We'd heard about this place, and when a friend suggested we go there with our brother-in-law, Paul whose out from Australia, we decided it would be a good idea.

From the moment we arrived and were welcomed by our "food and beverage consultant" (no waiters here!) we knew it was going to awsome! As the designated driver, I didn't get to taste the Diemersfontein Pinotage, but my lime and soda was pretty good! The food was amazing! I had the Duck Liver Pate which was served with a grape and berry sauce! It melted in my mouth! After that I had a fillet of beef on the bone, served with mashed potatoes, minted peas and honeyed butternut! YUM! My pavlova was to die for! A ball of crispy, flaky merangue which, when gently cracked open, oozed out a symphony of berry, granadilla and cream mixture with chewy, merangue on the inside! I don't know how the chef got it so right! Rounded off with a good cup of coffee, we made the decision that we would definitely be back!

Luckiest! Luckiest!

2010-06-02T21:58:00.000+02:00

What do u do when u leave the office late, the traffic light on Grayston and West is out and there are NO pointsmen on duty, so it takes u 25 minutes to drive one block,

on the way u get a call, someone needs an antihistamine from the pharmacy and the milk is finished!

It's getting dark by the time u get home, to be told by hubby that a friend (whose wife is out of town) is coming for dinner - so that simple family meal must be turned into something special ...

you're tired and so NOT in the mood!

You go inside and on your dining room table is a little box with your name on it ...

You open it up and find a card that says "Tiffany & Co"

Gently remove the card and find ...

... a beautiful, silver bracelet!

From my sweet sister-in-law in Australia!

THANK YOU Caroline, Sarah-Jane, Megan and Paul for absolutely making my day! Such a beautiful gift! I Love it and cannot wait to wear it tomorrow!

It just turned a crummy day into a fabulous one - I am the luckiest, luckiest!

Whatever Next!

2010-06-01T18:20:00.002+02:00

Stacey, at the ripe old age of 22 has MUMPS! Not only does she look like a chipmonk, but she is in agony. Dr confirmed and also told her that apart from rest and painkillers, there is nothing he can prescribe. Being a virus, antibiotics won't help. She starts her exams on Thursday, but they have agreed to let her write in isolation with a face mask! It's hectic! Luckily she didn't get this while she was with her Dad. He starts chemo on Friday and CANNOT be exposed to this horrible virus!

Pharmacist recomended she wear a mask all the time as this will help lessen the chances of contamination!

Poor girl! I do hope she feels better soon!

Hearty Sunday!

2010-05-30T13:13:00.000+02:00

It's a cold, over-cast day in Jozi today! The garden looks grey and dreary. Stacey is working this afternoon and P is on his way home from Polokwane. I am sitting listening to 702 - Sundays are golden oldies days and the music is fabulous! Back to work tomorrow (urgh) and I am thinking that a hearty hot pot would be good to welcome my family home this evening!

What do I have (I do NOT feel like moving out of my house):

A quarter bottle of red wine

Some good quality stewing beef

onion, garlic

redcurrant jelly

mushrooms

Heat a little oil in a saucepan. Brown the beef (having tossed in seasoned flour). Remove beef and add a splash of water to loosen the yummy bits! Melt a little butter in the same pan and add the onions and garlic. Fry gently, but do not brown. Add some hot English musard, the redcurrant jelly, tomatoes, red wine and a bay leaf. Cover and simmer for a good 3 hours. Remove the lid and add the mushrooms - simmer for about 45 mintes uncovered. Serve with brown rice and some steamed green vegies!

Right, off I shall go and get cooking!

Catch you later!

PJ Day!

2010-05-26T10:25:00.000+02:00

Best part about being on leave is being able to stay cuddled up in bed until after 10, with my hot water bottle at my back, my laptop, and my new book! (Reading "Spud - the madness continues" - not my favourite series, but its light and I don't have to concentrate!)

Now ... have to find some kind fairy to bring me a hot cup of tea!

Night of the Stars!

2010-05-25T15:03:00.001+02:00

Autumn night had us getting ready to go to Monte Casino to see the latest production of Grease, and what a blast we had! Hopelessly Devoted to the music of the 50's and the fun of being back in High School! There were worse things we could do than have cocktails at @Monte before the show, preparing to Hand Jive!! Who should walk into the bar, none other than the Crusaders rugby team, who had just lost to the South African Bulls side in the super 14 rugby tournament, giving us a South African final! We're Greased Lightening!

Stacey with Richie McGaw (Capt of the Crusaders)

... and with Dan Carter!

Then we went to the Rock 'n Roll Party! Boy, those Hound Dogs performed! We were told that this production has made more money than The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and Cats,which just goes to show that Rock 'n Roll is Here to Stay! After the show, we met up with Anton Luitingh, the resident director of the show. He also played the part of Vince Fontaine - the cheesy DJ! It was good catching up with him, and hearing his news. Next production he will be in will be Evita! Looking forward to that one!

Dinner had been booked at the Meat Co. so we went to the restaurant and settled down at our tables! A group of guys came and sat behind us and we had a discussion amongst ourselves and decided they had to be soccer players from Brazil or Spain! Ha! Yes, the spoke Spanish, but Tears on my Pillow, they were from Argentina and had NOTHING to do with Soccer, but were members of the Argentinian Equestrian Polo Club who had just beaten South Africa at all of their games! Well, we decided the Benji is the one that we want! We'd go together like ...

Oh come on! With a Blue Moon in the sky, and those Magic Changes, it was time to go home! We'd had a night with some stars and are looking forward to the next one!

New Look!

2010-05-20T18:58:00.000+02:00

OK! I took the plunge! Been looking for a new hairdresser because I was SO bored wth my hair and feeling very old and bedraggled! Heard about a guy called Marc, who owns a salon, Hair on the Square, at Cedar Square! He is supposed to be a fundi on fine, thin hair like mine! So ... I called and made an appointment and arrived in all my glory!!

Marc: What are we going to do today?

Me: No idea!

Marc: How old are you?

Me: 48 going on 49!

Marc: NEVER! (I liked him immediately!!) You have a very young aura about you!

YIPPEE!! I gave him free range, carte banche! He looked at the insides of my wrists and decided that the blonde was no good! So, out with the old, in with the new! I took off my specs (which meant I could see nothing!) and left it all up to him!

PS I still go "AAARG!" when I see myself in the mirror - but I'm getting used to being aurburn!

Now I just have to do something about being photogenic! LOL!

Pile on the Pampering this winter!

2010-05-10T18:35:00.001+02:00

Winter is fast approaching, the woolies are out and I've been thinking of some great ways to pamper yourself by keeping warm. Here are some of them!

Make a hot chocolate by melting some good quality chocolate in hot glass of milk. Add a marshmallow to make it even more special!
Invest in the fluffiest slippers you can find.
Apply a creamy, nourishing body masque and some rich body butter.
Make pancakes - sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice
Slow cook a steaming lamb stew with dumplings!

You got any other ideas?

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T09:28:00.001+02:00

5 Steps to a lovely Mother's Day!

Close your eyes,

Take a deep breath,

Open your arms wide,

Feel your heart beat and say

Here I am Lord, Embrace me and be my strength, today and always!

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms out there!

Learning to let go!

2010-05-03T15:45:00.000+02:00

I guess it's no surprise that things have been pretty hectic on our side and I have been extremely stressed. I haven't felt like blogging, it's been a mission letting go and being myself. I am sure my "sickness" is entirely due to stress. On Friday I thought the end of the world had come and couldn't see HOW on earth we were going to cope. It's clear that I have allowed feelings, fears and concerns to bog me down and make me question my place in the world. It's made me doubt myself and is holding me back.

I suppose it's human nature to question.

I got up this morning feeling negative and miserable - and somehow things have brightened up. Although its POURING with rain outside and the weather is downright awful , and although our problems haven't gone away, suddenly I see light at the end of the tunnel!

I'm feeling better!
I hope that's a good sign!

A bit of this and that!

2010-04-28T18:09:00.000+02:00

Haven't blogged for a couple of days! It's been quite busy at home. Had a house full of people on the week-end and came down with a nasty dose of 'flu - been dosing up with Advil CS. It must work! Stacey had her 22nd birthday on Saturday and a whole bunch of her mates came to "party" with her! What a lot of fun they had. Will post some photographs as soon as I download them!

P had his CCMA hearing today. Gone to arbitration now, so it will take another couple of weeks before we hear the results of that. It's been a stressful time for us, and we will be glad when it's al over!

Looking forward to him making dinner tonight! Going to take advantage of being spoilt - make no mistake!

We have a whole lot of rain over the past few days. The ground is wet, and its certainly turned the autumn into winter without a doubt. No storms, just thick, gentle downpour - P says its typical UK rain! I am not complaining though - I quite enjoy the cooler weather!

Going to cuddle up with "Marley and Me" now - try and finish it tonight! Got Jo Brands biography to read next! Have you seen her on telly? British comedienne. Hope the book is fun - I don't know her at all!

Have a great week all! I'll be back with photographs soon!

SkyWatch Friday!

2010-04-23T06:35:00.001+02:00

I like the contrast of the pink Beaugenvill against the purple plum and grey sky!

For more Skywatchers, have a look here!

Disappointment!

2010-04-22T09:30:00.000+02:00

Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal;

it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it

P has been looking forward to the international 41 Conference in Finland for over a year now!

Things have changed with his working situation and suddenly we weren't so sure if this trip was a good idea!

Weighed up the pros and cons and decided to continue with it!

Then the volcano came - flights weren't leaving for European destinations and his trip became the subject of "shall I, shan't I" again?

He was supposed to leave last night.

He didn't go!

Got notification of a HUGE meeting on Wednesday morning.

If he had gone, he would have missed the meeting and jeopordised a very sensitive situation.

He wasn't MEANT to go.

He is very disappointed.

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-04-21T07:31:00.000+02:00

For more Wordless Wednesday participants, have a look here!

Talking Time!

2010-04-20T08:43:00.000+02:00

I spent a long time on Sunday afternoon talking to my nieces! They were fascinated to hear stories about their Dad (my younger brother) and what we got up to when we were children! They couldn't believe that we had no TV in those days, but enjoyed listening to how we passed the time. I told them about our family holidays and how Colin (my middle brother) put live chickens into Rob's bath! They giggled and laughed and soaked up every word!

Sinead (the baby, and our little violinist!) asked what I was going to do when I got old!

Me: I'm going to retire

Sinead: What will you do then?

Me: Well, hopefully I'll be a Grandma and I can look after my granchildren.

Sinead: You don't have to wait until then!

Me: Really? How's that?

Sinead: You've got ME!!
She threw her arms around my neck and gave me a big hug!

Happy Birthday!

2010-04-17T09:37:00.002+02:00

Let the music start, let the violin's play,

My blog is TWO years old today!

SkyWatch Friday!

2010-04-16T06:58:00.004+02:00

The Palace at Sun City against a cloudy sky!

For more Skywatchers, have a look here!

This time last year ...

2010-04-15T08:29:00.000+02:00

I cannot believe that this time last year we were busy! Busy with seating plans and music choices, booking photographer (Jeanette) and collecting decorations!

What were we preparing for? What was all the buzz about? Why the excitement?

Someone was having a party ... I can't believe its almost a year ago!

Watering Cans!

2010-04-13T13:06:00.004+02:00

While reading Judith's blog yesterday, I decided to look for my picture of watering cans which I knew I had somewhere! Here they are!

Watering cans have existed at least since the 17th century - obviously with a lot of improvements! It used to be called a "watering pot"! I love my can for watering delicate seedlings! But besides its usefullness, I think its rather cute - would make a nice flower pot, with pretty leaves and tiny flowers tumbling over its sides!

What could be more enchanting?

Waste not, want not!

2010-04-12T12:52:00.003+02:00

I was reading an article about “Go Green Tips” and how people are being encouraged to save water & electricity and generally to “go green”! It’s quite a bit easier today, I would imagine, than in the old days and yet so many of us (myself included) find it such a mission.

A reality of life in the war days was cooking and washing with no electricity, recycling EVERYTHING from paperclips to bone, even eating whale meat and offal. Imagine how hard it was for the women during the war to feed and clothe their children on paltry rations?

Everything was salvaged – paper, rags, metal and rubber. These were all washed and then tied into bundles before being put out.

Women walked or cycled to the shops to buy the meager necessities for their families. They had to queue for hours come rain or shine, before heading on home. I was reading that the average adult’s weekly allowance included:

4 oz bacon or ham
2 oz cheese
One egg
4 oz margarine
2 oz tea
3 pints milk
(By June 1941 this had almost halved)

I can remember my Grandmother telling me how they used to suck on a tiny piece of toffee when they had their tea to sweeten it. I little piece of home-made toffee that would be wrapped up and savored for a long time!

Maybe its time I started giving thanks and enjoyed saving water and electricity! I’m going to try and make my own compost and recycle plastic. What can you do to “go green”?

Autumn!

2010-04-09T08:01:00.000+02:00

Something’s in the air, everywhere I look around! Something’s in the air, every sight and every sound! Not only is it cooler in the mornings, but its rather chilly at night too – that kind of chilly that makes me wrap up in a warm shawl, and snuggle up into my fluffy gown and blue slippers.

The trees are turning gentle shades of burnt orange and red – turning from soft green to the crisp, crackle of crunching beneath my feet.

I have this sudden desire to put comfort food on the table! Steaming bowl of mushroom soup with a creamy swirl of hot, tobasco or my chicken pie with its crisp, golden pastry steaming hot and so very good! Lamb stew with delicious dumplings and the sweetness of young carrots!

Cuddling up on the sofa with my latest book from book club – Marley and Me with a white chocolate Easter egg gently melting in my warm mouth, listening to Holly swish her tail on the wooden floor

Waking up at 5 am, wrapping up warm and padding to the bathroom. Turning on that hot shower – steaming bathrooms with white towels and the fragrance of rose and chamomile!

Quickly brought back to earth with a cold, wet car and slippery roads! Cool offices because air conditioners haven’t been correctly adjusted!

But mmmm! I kind of like autumn!

What’s your favourite season?

Family Days to Remember!

2010-04-08T13:02:00.008+02:00

The local Easter Egg picnic is an event started by one of my book club friends Father, many years ago, and is a tradition her and her family keep annually! We have been invited before, but this was the first time we could make it, and what fun we had.

The picnic is held at our local park, Golden Harvest. It is a lovely spot and we were really surprised to see how big it was, and how the whole atmosphere lent itself to being miles away from the city. It felt as though we were in the country. We were able to relax, switch off and have a really good time.

The highlight of the day is the Easter Egg competition! There are different categories and prizes for everyone! Karen invited a group of ladies who were picnicing next to us as the judges. They were wonderful - they picked up each egg, took note of the effort and the age-group, and I think they did a fabulous job of selecting the best eggs as the prize-winners!

I loved watching the anticipation on the children's faces, as they watched, hoping and praying that their's was going to be a winning egg!

I loved Mr and Mrs Egg! Their expressions were a treat! There was a penguin and a spider and an "Egganic Market"! There was a beer mug and a monkey, a Faberge egg and a hot air balloon! The ideas were amazing and SO much effort went into each and every one!

Now, how's this for an Easter Bonnet! LOL!

Ha! And this little man was only born on Monday - 6 days old and he was out at his first picnic! He had two older sisters who doted on him! He never uttered a sound - the sweetest little thing, as good as gold!

It didn't take the bigger boys long and they were kicking a ball around, playing a serious game of soccer, appreciating plenty of tips from the older guys!

We had a lovely day! One of those family days to remember - to put in those memory banks and bring out from time to time. I do believe that the happiest moments in life, are those shared in the bosom of family and friends.

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-04-07T08:13:00.003+02:00

Mum and her chicks! For more Wordless Wednesday participants, have a look here!

Guess why we're excited?

2010-04-06T12:06:00.002+02:00

We got a call on Saturday morning - it was time to "meet" the new man in our family on skype! Brian lives in the US and is in South Africa at the moment visiting my beautiful sister-in-law Nicky! She's off to the States to meet his family in a couple of weeks time!

New relationships, new friends, new families - that's why we're excited! YIPPEE!

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-03-31T08:10:00.003+02:00

Meet Miley - 11 week old Boxer Puppy!

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SkyWatch Friday!

2010-03-26T10:07:00.006+02:00

Taken from our back door at home!

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Breaking News!

2010-03-25T15:36:00.000+02:00

The SA Reserve Bank governer announced that the Monetary Policy Committe of the SA Reserve Bank have cut the repo rate by 50 basis points! Yippee! With petrol going up by a whopping 51 c a litre on Tuesday, this should help!

:)

2010-03-25T12:05:00.000+02:00

Life is so unpredictable! When you think you have it all under control, something happens to knock you right off your feet and bring you back to earth with a big bang! I feel tired today. Tired of worrying, tired of negativity and tired of people creating uncomfortable situations for others.

I was reminded of a piece of prose taken from JRR Tolkien's book and would like to share it with you!

"All that is gold does not glitter

not all those who wander are lost

the old that is strong does not wither

deep roots are not reached by the frost

From the ashes a fire shall be woken

a light from the shadows shall spring

renewed shall be blade that was broken

the crown less again shall be king."

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-03-24T07:16:00.000+02:00

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Mother of all Storms!

2010-03-22T20:47:00.001+02:00

After a disasterous day on Friday (the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Broker system crashed and we could do NO work) I got home looking forward to a long week-end, ready to relax at home! At about 6 - the heavens opened ....

... and with the rain came the hail!! Huge stones, crashing down on our roof and on P and Stacey's cars (mine was snuggly locked in the garage!) Our garden turned from a green, summer lawn into a winter wonderland!

Our beautiful chrystal, blue swimming pool turned into this in a matter of 4 minutes ...

It took our gardener all of Saturday to clean up the leaves, and get our garden into an "ok" status! P worked on the pool and it has taken him two days to get it blue! Not chrystal clear yet, but we hope the floculant will work by tomorrow and it will be back to normal

After that storm, I feel a definite nip in the air! After all, it is autumn!

Reflexions!

2010-03-20T13:26:00.000+02:00

Have you ever walked into a place and just felt your worries and strife melt away? Have you ever walked into a place not knowing what to expect, but walk out knowing that you will be back?

Reflexions at The Buzz is a place just like that. I have no words for the beauty and tranquilness that I felt as I walked into the little Thai massage room, built almost on small stilts, with soft lighting under the floor, which was covered with small, white pebbles. A silken matress was on the floor in true Thai style. I was given a loose fitting garment to wear and was surprised when a MAN came in to do the traditional Thai Yoga Massage!

Half way through the massage I knew why women do not do this! At one point my whole body was balanced on his legs with my arms and legs hanging down towards the floor! It felt as though everthing bad was flowing out! This massage is part of Thailand's healing system and has been for more than 2000 years! It is a total body therapy which includes a number of Yoga-like stretches (I didn't know my legs were double jointed!!) with gentle traction and pressure point massage that follows the bodies "sen" channels! Once the massage is over, they bring you a hot cup of green tea, while you relax and gather your senses together! I walked out of there feeling as though I was floating on a cloud - renewed and ready to face whatever this new week has to give me!

Thank you to the Parkers for such a beautiful birthday present - it was an experience to die for, and I WILL be back!

SkyWatch Friday!

2010-03-19T07:13:00.000+02:00

Fireworks over The Palace at Sun City on 4th March 2010.

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Sun City!

2010-03-18T11:45:00.001+02:00

Taken looking over Sun City from the lift at the Cabana's - 5th floor

Sun City is a luxury casino resort about two hours drive from Johannesburg, situated in the North West Province, close to Rustenburg and the Pilanesburg National Park. It was the dream and developed by Sol Kerzner, a local hotel magnate. During the South Africa’s apartheid era, the government at the time banned all immoral entertainment, like gambling and topless revue shows. Because Bophuthatswana was an independent state, all this was allowed there and Sun City soon became a popular holiday and week-end destination.

South Africa was subject to a United Nations cultural boycott in the 1980’s and international artists were not allowed to perform here, but because Sun City was in the homeland many artists performed at its Superbowl – Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Queen – to name a few. Today, Bophuthatswana falls into the North West province and Sun City has shed is previous stigmas!

The resort has four hotels and in addition, the Vacation Club which is a time-share resort. My friend Bev (who lives in London) owns time-share at VC and invited a group of us to join her for a couple of days!

I have decided to share our trip in pictures rather than words! Hope you enjoy your visit as much as we did!

Preparing dinner on the first night, Veronica, Bev and Annemarie!

Walking along the bridge from the Casino to the Valley of the Waves. This bridge shakes and emulates a volcano every hour. It feels quite wierd!

Bev and I in the waves! We had SUCH fun! It was a hot day and the water was divine!

This swing bridge created HOOTS of laughter! Veronica was too scared to walk over it as it swings back and forth as you walk along it. It's really beautiful in those gardens!

Isn't he sweet?

This cheeky monkey came INTO our kitchen and stole a packet of Liquorice Allsorts off the table! We were VERY relieved to find it was only a packet of sweets and not the car

keys which were lying right beside it!

We had a lovely time and can't wait to go back!

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-03-17T07:29:00.000+02:00

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