The Weekend

Was up early on Saturday to enjoy a quick cuppa outside under the trees before starting the Big clean ready for Sunday. It was a lovely day with birds singing everywhere. After breakfast and seeing to the dogs Diane and I got stuck into the cleaning. I did the house while Diane did the cottage. Hubby went off to the shops late morning for some hooks at the hardware so that he could hang some pictures of his cars he had commissioned up in the passage. We had brief tea breaks every so often as well as our lunch break which was a nice long one as `Spiderman 2’ was on TV. After the movie Diane and I went into town for supplies for Sunday’s lunch. When we got back we carried on and finished the cleaning. Hubby wasn’t feeling too good so had a lie down to recover. Late afternoon the clouds built up again and we had another downpour. Hubby was feeling a little better now so he went out to the braai area and put the chickens on the smoker ready for the Sunday lunch – one thing less to do on Sunday. The rain continued for several hours and Hubby dashed out through the rain every now and then to check on the progress of the chickens. We had supper and then watched some TV. Hubby bought the chickens in when they were cooked. They looked and smelt good. I left them to cool and then separated the meat from the bone. There were four chickens altogether and I managed to fill a large container with meat which I put into the fridge. After watching ` Along came Polly’ and `Derailed’ on TV with our inevitable Milo we went to bed.
On Sunday was up early to have my chill cuppa before starting preparations for Sunday lunch. It was a beautiful morning after all the rain on Saturday. After breakfast I peeled and put potatoes to boil. While they boiled we sorted out all the cutlery, crockery, serving bowls, glasses and serviettes. Once they were cooked I put them to cool while cooking the rest of the meal. Hubby made the rice dish – with peppers etc. – while I cooked the butternut. At about half ten I went to shower and get myself ready after which I put a roast beef in the oven. People started arriving about twelve and when the last had arrived just before one I put the potatoes to roast in the oven and peas on to boil. Peter carved the roast and I put the rice and butternut to heat through. Margaret and Diane made a salad. Everyone was chatting and chilling with a drink. Diane and Julie laid the table while I put all in serving bowls and we were all able to sit and eat. There were sixteen of us altogether and we sat out on the cottage verandah around two catering tables. It was a nice change to have a sit-down roast instead of a braai. The meal was delicious (even if I say so myself) and everyone seemed to enjoy it with most people having seconds. The wine flowed and the conversation was enjoyable. It was really pleasant and peaceful sitting outside. Thank goodness for dishwashers! It would have been a nightmare to have to do all the dirty dishes by hand. While the table was cleared and the dishwasher loaded I got the pudding heated. We had Cape Brandy Pudding with custard. Delicious. Those of us still sitting at the table chilled and chatted some more while others moved outside to sit under the trees. The meal finished with tea and coffee for those that wanted. Pauline, Val, Margie and myself with Diane and KIm sat looking at photos and the album Val and Kelly are making ready for Mom’s 80th Birthday. It is going to be stunning when it is finished and is such a lovely, personal present for her. Wayne entertained us with the guitar and singing while we discussed the album. Val and Kim left and the rest of us joined the men outside and Wayne went to catch up on some sleep after his hectic party he had on Saturday. By now only Pauline and Peter with Trevor and Margie were left and we all relaxed under the trees with wine and beers. We all felt good after the food and conversation and nobody felt energetic enough to make a move. It was about half five when they all left and I quickly cleared up and put the dishwasher on. I had to put it on twice to clear all - I really do love my dishwasher. We spent the rest of the evening watching TV and relaxing after the hectic day. It really had been another perfect day in paradise with fabulous people, great food and good conversation. The kind of day we need more of. The day had been for all to see Wayne as well as my usual birthday get-together. I hope Wayne enjoyed himself as much as I did.
Cheers and hope you all have good times with family and friends