Diane’s Mud Bath

Was up early on Saturday to a mildly cold day. Luckily the wind had dropped and the sky was clear. After having breakfast and getting the Sunbeam cleaned we left for Meyers Farm in Alberton where there was a 4x4 gathering. The place was already packed but friends were on the lookout for us and had a spot among the other old cars to park in. After saying hi to all and having a brief chat we made our way around admiring the old cars on our way past. First stop was the huge marquee where most of the food stalls were. We sat and had a cappuccino and piece of cake while listening to a band playing sakkie sakkie. Diane was not impressed with the music at all and to tease her I threatened to go and dance on the stage with Hubby. She was absolutely horrified at the idea. No culture at all! Poor girl. Once we had finished our snack we went wandering around the various stalls and stands. There were a lot of outdoor living stands with everything for camping, caravanning and braaing. In fact anything needed for outdoor activities as well as motor vehicles on display. A lot of entertainment was provided with a funfair, bull ride and music from various local artists. In the camping section were bakkies with tents that fitted on the back which would be perfect for my bakkie if and when we want to travel around. We found the course for the 4x4 vehicles and Diane took pics. Most coming through kept getting stuck and having to be towed out. Some even went back after being towed out and got stuck in the same place. The mud was unbelievable and we had to make sure we weren’t too close when they spun wheels as mud flew everywhere. Hubby found plenty of friends to talk to while we were busy with pics. At one point there were three vehicles stuck in different mud holes along the course. Diane and I moved along taking pics with Hubby trailing us. At one point he was quite far behind and was talking with a guy in his 4x4 who was waiting for two vehicles in front to be towed out so that he could continue with the course. He was the only vehicle so far not to have got stuck so he must have been a good driver. Suddenly Hubby yelled down to us to come back to him as he had organised with the guy to give Diane a ride. Diane thrust her camera at me and jumped into the 4x4 with Jaco. His vehicle was a Suzuki with a 1500 Datsun engine which because it was short was easier to get through the mud holes. The one not good thing about it was that it had no windows. Jaco reversed and went back to the beginning of the course so Diane could have a good ride around. I went to wait further along to take some pics as they went past. Diane was smiling and waving but hanging on tightly as they made their way up and down the obstacles. I decided to go up to the worst mud hole where all the 4x4’s were getting stuck and get pics as they went through. They came lurching up and went down into the hole. Diane smiled and gave a very brief wave as she was hanging on tightly. The next thing the 4x4 came to an abrupt halt. Jaco spun wheels and the mud flew everywhere. All of us standing around could see the mud flying through the window and all over Diane. The more Jaco spun wheels the muddier Diane got. Eventually Jaco realised he was not getting out of that hole and he switched off. He climbed out (no mud touched him) and Diane crawled out after him. It was hilarious to see all the mud on Diane and she was the centre of attention with plenty of comments flying. After waiting a while to see the Suzuki getting towed out we made our way back to the main area looking for somewhere for Diane to try and clean herself up. People did a double-take when they saw what she looked like with some guy wanting to know if she was wearing the latest designer look. We eventually found a tap with the help of one of the drivers from a Pajero who also needed to clean up a bit. He said he thought he was dirty until he saw Diane and he donated his empty water bottle for her to use to clean her face and neck. He told her not to even try to do anything with her clothes as the only way was to wait for the mud to dry and then brush it off. After she was a bit cleaner we made our way back to the main marquee where Hubby got us a curry each while I got us cokes. Diane didn’t want anything to eat as all she could taste in her mouth was mud. While we sat and ate we listened to a couple of teenagers who were performing hits from Grease. They were really excellent and everyone clapped enthusiastically after their performance was over. We then made our way back to the car where Diane brushed off as much mud as possible before we left for home. Hubby stopped at the garage down the road for petrol and we saw Jaco who was also on his way home. He and his friend had a watering can and were trying to wash some of the mud off his wheels to make it easier to tow. It didn’t look like he was having much success. When we got home Diane rushed straight into the shower from which she emerged some time later back to normal. We all went for a nap until late afternoon when it was time for our chill glass of wine. I made a supper of ribs, chips and salad and we spent the rest of the evening watching TV. We watched ‘Sudden Death’ and ‘Double Jeopardy’ having our cappuccino in between before going to bed about one.

Productive Week

Tuesday was another good day weather and work wise. Diane and I had our cycle about mid morning and while the washing machine was going I got on with office work doing my cash book ready to start statements. I put a chicken in to roast about half three and then started the statements. By the time Hubby came home with the final invoices I was well on my way to finishing. To save time I just made rolls and chicken for supper and carried on. I even had my glass of wine in front of the computer. Diane had also been working on her computer and we stopped to watch ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Flash Forward’ before carrying on. Diane started scanning in ready for emailing while I finished off. By the time we went to bed I only had two statements left – the two biggest.
Wednesday morning was up for my normal chill cuppa slightly earlier than usual as we had a busy day ahead. When I took Hubby his breakfast he wasn’t feeling too good as his foot had been giving him hassles all night and he decided to stay home. I quickly did the banking before getting ready to go to Heidelberg where I wanted to apply for a new ID book as my present one is rather tatty now. Hubby also needs a new one so he decided to come with. We left about half nine and once we reached Heidelberg first got ID photos. The queue was very short luckily and we filled in forms while waiting our turn. Hubby’s foot was really painful as he kept getting terrible shooting pains through it. We don’t know if it is the wound or the circulation improving with his new tablets. Whatever it is it is not pleasant. He went first so he could sit down and relieve his foot a bit. Home affairs has a new method now when you apply for an ID book. Attached to the computer is a little scanner which scans your thumb prints to verify that you are indeed who you say you are. We were told the verification would take a while and to come back a bit later. This suited us as we had planned on going to the shops there anyway. We went into Pick N Pay and stocked up before going to Wimpy. Hubby and Diane went to the chemist for painkillers while I went through the till. I put the shopping in the car and then joined them at Wimpy where Hubby was chatting to friends who were also there. Hubby and I had a breakfast while Diane had a veggie burger with our usual coffee of course. We left there about half eleven and went back to Home Affairs. There were a couple of people in the queue but we were helped fairly quickly. Hubby already had a verification back but there was not one for me. They re-scanned my prints and we waited some more. Hubby’s application was processed and he went to pay for it. They scanned my prints again but when no verification was forthcoming took my fingerprints for the new application and I went to pay. I stood for about twenty minutes waiting for someone to decide to take my money. Hubby had gone back to the car to sit by now. The cashier eventually returned after several of the clerks shouted for her -she had been outside (socialising probably). She processed my receipt and then realised my last three digits were different to the norm and they needed my citizenship papers before anything could be processed. Trust me not to think to take them with. We left there about twenty to one and rushed back home where we arrived after one. Hubby took more painkillers and went to rest while I gave the gardener lunch and Diane got her camera ready. Diane and I left about quarter to two for a photo shoot in Vereeniging. We arrived only a couple of minutes after two and spent the next hour and a half taking pics. Before returning home we stopped to get cleaning supplies for the workshop. We were home in time for our glass of wine - Hubby didn’t want to take a chance and have one as he had taken so many painkillers during the afternoon. I started on the last of my invoicing and statements making supper in between. We stopped to eat and to watch ‘The Mentalist’ and ‘Pacific’ while having our Milo. Once we had finished with our viewing we got back onto the computer. Hubby had finally managed to fall asleep while we had been watching TV. While I finished off Diane finished scanning and sent emails out. While she sent the last few I did some filing. We managed to get to bed around midnight.
Thursday morning I emailed the final statement with a request for an outstanding balance. After breakfast Hubby and I went into Alberton where I faxed the rest of the statements from the land line. While there I dealt with a few queries as well. I left the workshop about eleven and returned home in time to have a short nap before lunch. After lunch I dealt with the return reply on my request. I wasted over an hour on the thing before calling the clerk’s supervisor. Some people shouldn’t be doing the jobs they do! The supervisor agreed things weren’t done correctly and told me to go back to the beginning of 2009 to track what the clerk had done. I told her it was not my job to do his recons and she said she would check it. What sort of supervisor doesn’t keep an eye on what is going on in her department! Diane and I had a coffee and then went for a ride. We got back and had our wine and while she watched her soapie I finished the filing. Hubby was home in time for an early supper before going off to the monthly Neighbourhood Community Meeting at seven. He was back just after eight in time for the arrival of Theo who popped in for a visit. He left about half nine and Hubby went to bed while Diane and I settled down to watch ‘Fringe’. We were most disappointed to see it wasn’t on as they were screening the final of Idols. I am delighted to say that our favourite, Lee, was the winner. Diane went to bed after and I stayed up to watch ‘Web of Lies’ which I enjoyed. It finished at midnight and I had a quick bath before getting into bed.
I woke up Friday morning about half five in an uncomfortable position. I was curled up on my side with Gaby in the space behind my knees and Digby in front of my legs. I couldn’t move and had to force Digby up a bit in order to be able to move my legs which were starting to cramp. I dozed until the alarm went off at six fifteen and then let the dogs out for their morning ablutions while I got dressed. When I sat to have my coffee I couldn’t believe how windy it was. The trees were being whipped into a frenzy by the wind. The sky was starting to lighten and was a deep pink. I hope that saying “Red sky at night shepherd’s delight. Red sky in the morning shepherd’s warning” does not apply here. As I sat watching the pink gradually lightened to a pale orange and once it was light to white. It was really beautiful to see. The rest of the day stayed cold and windy. Diane and I spent the day cleaning as we had been too busy earlier in the week to even think about it. The outside paths and verandahs are swept every Friday by the gardener for the weekend but today he wasted his time. They were a sight for sore eyes by lunch time with a layer of leaves and debris covering them. Late afternoon I had a quick nap before getting ready for our monthly evening out. Diane and I went into Meyerton to order his tablets and get a KFC take-away just before five. We left at half six for an evening of Cabaret with Pazzaz with was most enjoyable. We were entertained to hits from Elvis as well as’ Yesterday’ and many more. The performance was excellent and in the interval we were served gluiwein to keep out the cold. We chilled and chatted after the show for about two hours before leaving for home. The monthly evenings of cultural entertainment are a welcome event and we really enjoy ourselves every time.Cheers and have a Great Weekend

Lazy Weekend

Saturday morning was up as usual to another clear day. It was strange to have no Travis to see to and I missed having my morning cuppa with him. The house was too quiet. I was still feeling rather drained after all the running around so after doing the week’s blog the rest of the day was spent sitting on the computer in between cleaning up after Hurricane Travis. Hubby spent the day at the workshop as there was a rush job that had come in. Late afternoon Diane and I had our glass of wine while sitting at the computer. It was almost dark when Hubby eventually arrived home and after supper we all chilled in front of the TV watching ‘Everything you Want’ with our ‘can’t-do-without’ Milo.
Sunday morning Hubby bought me a cup of coffee at eight after which I was up to see to the dogs and tidy the kitchen before getting ready to meet friends at ‘The Circus Coffee Shop’. We were due to meet at half nine but as Godfrey is notoriously late we only left at half nine to go for a coffee while we waited for him and Sandy. We sat chilling outside under the trees where plenty of others had the same idea as the place was packed. It was lovely and peaceful under the trees in the sun with the birds singing above us though there was a chill wind which meant the jackets had to stay on. Hubby and I had our coffee and chatted, chatted and chatted some more. Godfrey broke his record of arriving late when they eventually pitched up at half ten. We ordered our breakfast and spent a good morning chatting and eating. The breakfast crowd had left and the lunch time crowd had arrived (some had even left already) when we finally said goodbye after one. Hubby and I quickly went shopping as we needed air time for the computer among other things. It was well after two by the time we got home and after unpacking the shopping and checking out what Diane had achieved on the computer I went to lie down and read. We had our glass of wine late afternoon and an early light supper. We watched ‘Keeping up with the Steins’ on TV after which we were all in bed early. I had needed the whole weekend to recover from the after effects of looking after Travis. I can see why it is better to have children when you are young and energetic enough to look after them. I was nineteen when I had my first and twenty one my second. Looking after them was a breeze. My third was at thirty three and fourth at thirty five and I got tired much more easily. The saying that older parents are more patient is not true. They just don’t have the energy to run after the kids. Grandparents have the best of both worlds. They have the grandchildren to stay but then they go back to Mommy & Daddy when Granny needs a rest.
Monday morning was another lovely clear day but the wind chill factor was another matter. It was really icy even when we went for our ride mid-morning. The day was spent getting organised in the office for statements which are due this week. All is on track and I am ready to start them now.The garden is really looking good after all the rain we had over the rainy season. There are still flowers everywhere and the plants are teeming with insects and birds all making the most of the last feeding frenzy. Some of the Acacia trees are already full of blossoms and they are just a mass of bees collecting pollen. The noise coming from them is unbelievable. To sit outside in the lunchtime sun and listen as well as watch all that’s going on is such an experience. Monday evening was spent in the usual routine of supper and TV. We watched ‘The Painted Veil’ which was well worth watching while having our usual Milo before going to bed around twelve.Cheers and enjoy the rest of your week.

Exhausting Week

Had another week of beautiful weather. These are the perfect winter days with time spent outdoors enjoying the midday sun. Monday and Tuesday was spent clearing all my office work and tidying my desk up with all queries up-to-date. Such a good feeling! On Tuesday Diane and I went for a cycle just after nine and during the afternoon did some exercise for about half an hour. Hubby has been wanting to bring his computer home from the workshop so he can get onto the internet during the evenings. While sorting out everything in the office we took another computer table out of storage and once the office was to our satisfaction we had a desk for him to use. He bought his computer home on Monday night but Tuesday we were too busy finishing office work to sort it out. On Tuesday afternoon I spoke to Ali who was in hospital as she had gone into early labour. The Dr. Had stopped the contractions but was keeping her in overnight to make sure as she still has seven weeks to go and the babies lungs won’t be developed enough yet.
Wednesday morning I spoke to Ali and she was home but was to lie down as much as possible to avoid going into labour again. I quickly took Digby into the Dog Parlour to get cleaned up with a winter cut before the really cold weather sets in. Diane and I sorted out the desk for Hubby’s computer by moving out a bookcase of books to make space for it. What a job- Diane and I had to shuffle along the passageway with the desk to get to the bedroom and then get the bookcase out of there. I emptied all the books onto the bed to make it lighter. I spoke to Ali again to make arrangements to fetch Travis for a couple of days so she could rest. Quickly I sorted out the spare room for him to sleep in and then Diane and I went to do some shopping before going to fetch Digby. Hubby went to Ali to fetch Travis and was home by half two with him. Travis was delighted to be here and after helping me move some of the books off the bed was off outside for the rest of the afternoon. My afternoon was spent following him around and taking him for a walk around the garden. What a livewire! He just didn’t want to stop. I fed him around five with a beef casserole I had in the fridge as he was tired and kept rubbing his eyes. He insisted on sitting at the dining room table and refused to be fed. He fed himself watched by the dogs who were hoping for something to fall to the floor. They weren’t disappointed as every now and then he tossed them a few grains of rice. Once he had had enough he went into the bath and into his pyjamas. Diane and I had a quick glass of wine while he ran around. Hubby also had some casserole but Diane and I weren’t really hungry as we had takeaways for lunch. About half seven I took Travis to bed. He was Not happy and protested loudly for about five minutes before falling asleep. I lay with him for a while before The Mentalist started. Next thing I knew was I woke up and all the lights were off. I thought “Cheek! Diane has gone to bed and not even woken me for a Milo” I got up and put the kettle on and got the kitchen ready for morning really shocked to see it was after midnight. Diane heard me and got up to have a Milo with me. We went to bed about one. I slept in the spare room with Travis. It would have been too crowded with Hubby, me, two dogs and Travis.
Thursday morning Travis woke about six and we got up to let the dogs out and have a morning cuppa. Travis was running around outside with me after him before half six. He is very good but so energetic and unfortunately the house is not childproof. There is a dog’s water bowl in the kitchen that he just can’t resist playing in and the dog’s water bucket outside he also runs too. Consequently he needs to be watched all the time in case he hurts himself or something. At ten Diane and I had a coffee outside under the tree while he had a juice. He sat on my lap, leant his head against me and within minutes was fast asleep. I put him into bed and he was out until half eleven. Diane and I quickly got onto the computer while peace reigned. I made him scrambled egg for lunch which he polished off and the rest of the day was spent outside going for walks and playing in the sandpit. We took him for a short walk up the road as well to tire him out. Diane watched him while I started his supper just after four. He ate a supper of chicken and chips before five as I was sure he would be exhausted after all the fresh air and exercise. After his bath he ran around until eventually at seven I took him to bed. He was asleep within minutes and I was able to have a quiet evening in front of the TV with Diane. I cleaned the kitchen and got into the bath before we watched ‘Fringe’. We were all in bed by eleven as we were also tired after the energetic day.
Friday I was up at the usual time to have my coffee chilling looking out the window at the birds. Travis must have really been tired as he didn’t even wake up when the alarm went off. He woke just before seven to have his tea and breakfast before starting another day of running around. Ali wanted him Travis home for the weekend and he must have realised this and refused to sleep at all. He fell asleep about three times but each time forced himself awake. Diane played with him in the sandpit while I packed his bags and made lunch. After eating lunch we packed the car, put him in and left as we didn’t want to be caught in the homeward bound traffic. What a joke! We were caught in a traffic jam going there as there were four lanes on the highway the last time we went that way there was now only one. Travis fell asleep as soon as the car started and woke up just before we got to Ali. We went in briefly to have some cold water and settle Travis before heading home about three. Luckily the journey back was uneventful and quick. As we got to Engen we decided we deserved a treat after the last few hectic days and stopped at Wimpy. I had a coffee and apple pie while Diane had a Milo and Choc chip waffle. We were home half four and while Diane watched her soapie I put the clean bedding on our bed before joining Diane for a glass of wine. Hubby was home after six from his Friday coffee afternoon with Brian and we had a light supper before chilling in front of the TV. The house was a mess but I had no energy to even care. Looking after a little one is absolutely exhausting. The peace and quiet felt good but I really missed having him around. There was nothing worth watching so we got on the computer to play Sorority Life while Hubby got onto the internet looking up info about his Norton and the 34 Plymouth. We were in bed exhausted by eleven.

Another Great Weekend

Saturday was up early as usual to another beautiful morning. After having breakfast and getting ready we left about nine for the Dullstroom area where we had a get-together with the Marketing Manager of ‘Kloppenheim Country Estate’ ’ to discuss having an old car event at their venue. When we left we had jackets on as, though it was a sunny morning, the wind was chilly. By the time we were approaching the Belfast area we had taken our jackets off as it was really warm in the car. All of a sudden a low, dark cloud blew across the sun and the sun disappeared from view. We arrived at Klppenheim and got out the car, discovering how cold and windy it was. We put on our jackets before going in for our meeting. While Hubby started the meeting Diane and I wandered around the place taking pics. The Estate was right up in the mountains. The main building and the surrounding views were absolutely stunning. The place was built by a German who originally came from Kloppenheim in Germany. The huge wooden doors to the place are unbelievable. We joined Hubby once we had enough pics and were then taken on a tour of the place. Downstairs was an English-style pub and huge wine cellar. The main floor had a library and various lounge areas as well as the restaurant and private dining room. Down a passage we were shown the old photos, displayed on the wall, from Kloppenheim in Germany dating from 1897 to about 1913. The place is absolutely magnificent and we enjoyed our brief visit there. We left for Dullstroom where we wanted to stock up on trout again and have lunch. This time we stopped at one of the pubs, the Flying Dutchman, to eat. When we got out the car we couldn’t believe how cold it was. The entire area was blanketed by a low, thick cloud and mist. Inside the pub it was lovely and warm. There was no electricity in the place so certain items on the menu were not available -trout – so I settled for a lamb curry. Hubby had a steak and Diane had a meal of chips with veggies. My lamb curry was delicious and had so much meat in it with not a single bone. I had my usual glass of wine while Hubby had coffee and Diane had a pot of tea. When the meal was over the waitress bought the bill and I put my card on the table to pay while Diane and Hubby went around the shops. The waitress came back and when she saw my card said they couldn’t accept it as they needed electricity to process it. Disaster! I phoned Hubby and he sent Diane back with the cash he had on him. With the cash I had and his we had just enough to pay for the meal and give the tip. Talk about Luck – for us, them and the waitress. The freezing weather hit us the moment we stepped outside and Boy! Was it freezing? We wandered around a few shops but the whole town had no electricity and not one place had a generator so we were unable to get any trout. The decision was made to head for Millys to shop there instead. We arrived about four and went in to the restaurant for a coffee and piece of cheesecake which unfortunately was not a patch on that we had at Feast in Parys. Hubby rushed off to stock up on trout and we left about half four for home. Both Diane and I were absolutely frozen because our jackets were only lightweight ones. It was dark just after five due to the cloud cover. We stopped once on the way back for petrol and to put oil in the car. It was half seven when we got home and though it wasn’t as cold as the Dullstroom area it was cold enough. I hadn’t warmed up the entire trip back. We spent the evening bundled up in front of the TV having our Milo.

Sunday morning Hubby left about half six for his monthly Piston Ring Meet. Diane and I surfaced at eight and had a leisurely morning having breakfast and getting ready for our hike. It was another lovely sunny day. Val and Kim arrived at half ten and we all left to go on the hike. We arrived just after eleven and joined all the other hikers on the 4.5km hike. There were plenty of people out on the trail enjoying the lovely weather. We made our way around enjoying the company and sun and stopping at all the viewpoints. After we had completed the trail we went into the restaurant where we had lunch. Val, Kim and I had poached hake while Diane had the vegetable curry. Kim ordered chips with her fish while Val and I asked for the potato wedges. When the food arrived we were disappointed to see the waiter had not listened. Kim only had chips and we only had veggies. He said it would take a while as the wedges would have to be made so we settled for him giving us chips and Val shared her veggies with Kim. Apart from that the meal was good and we had a good laugh about the veggies/wedges misunderstanding. When we had finished the meal we went for a quick walk around the 1km trail behind the hotel before driving briefly through the reserve and then heading home. Val and Kim left and Diane and I decided to have a nap. We surfaced around six and once supper was over spent the evening watching TV before eventually going to bed around one.Cheers and have a good week.

Busy Week

Had a great week with good weather. By good I mean by lunch-time no jersey was needed. Have caught up all the office work and finished all required returns. Went into The Sars office to get the forms on Wednesday and popped into the workshop before doing some shopping. Also took my cell-phone back as it is STILL not working properly. I hope this will be the final time (third time lucky).Provider policy is “the phone must get fixed not replaced”, not helpful seeing as I only got the phone in March and it is obviously faulty. Diane and I have been able to ride this week again and it feels so good to be able to do so. Our rides have been late afternoon for a half hour each time after which we chill with our daily dose of medicine. Wednesday we were back too late from Alberton to ride but were able to go Thursday afternoon again. Today has been a really great day as by twelve the house and cottage were both spotless, all washing and ironing was up-to-date and my return was completed to take back to the Sars office. After having a snack meal Diane and I decided to go for our daily ride and we went off for another half hour cycle. My legs really felt the effort today and we were both rather exhausted when we got back home. Hopefully it means I am achieving some sort of fitness level and am on the way to a toned bod. (Dreams are what keeps a person going). To recover we had a short nap before going into Alberton to take the return to the Sars office. Once that was over with Diane and I went shopping at The Lemon Tree Centre where our first stop was for a coke and spicy potato wedges, which were so fresh and crispy that we will be returning there soon. I Know – the toned bod will take longer to achieve but ‘So What’, life is an enjoyable adventure and not a punishment. That’s my motto and I live up to it at every opportunity. We were home late afternoon in time for our chill glass of wine. Actually only I had a glass as Diane has gone to bed feeling rather sick. Riding out in the wind plays havoc with the sinuses. Hopefully she feels better tomorrow as we have plenty planned for the weekend. Supper is on and bubbling merrily away - spaghetti bolognaise –and all is on track for a great night of TV viewing. There is plenty to choose from in the movie line and I intend having a real chill after achieving all we have this week. Making lists and sticking to it helps immensely in completing all that’s needed to be done. Cheers and Have A Really Great Weekend.

Mother's Day

The day started perfectly with Hubby bringing me my breakfast in bed. It was not too early thank goodness and we chilled in bed watching TV for about an hour afterwards. Once we were up I fed the dogs and then we all got ready for a day out leaving around eleven. The choice was mine as to where we were going and I decided on Parys to eat at Feast again. We were there not long after twelve and had to park outside on the street as the place was packed. As we walked in people were leaving so we were lucky enough to get a table. A buffet was set up and as it looked so good we decided on having that. Good Choice! The variety of dishes served was amazing and different. I went for a meal of peppered steak, sweet and sour pork, thai chicken, creamy potatoes, rice as well as salads of ‘cabbage, chick peas and mushrooms’, Mediterranean couscous and chicken and peach salad. Diane went for a variety of veggies and Hubby had oysters with his meal. Having the inevitable glass of wine for Diane and I while Hubby had a draught. We all enjoyed the delicious food immensely and decided to finish off with a blueberry cheesecake which was the best ever. The meal was rounded off with coffees. After the meal we got chatting to the owners of the place who told us they had been in that spot for three and a half years. It is a very popular place to eat at as people were in and out non-stop and it stayed packed. Leaving the place we drove around again going out the other side towards Vrededorp over the bridge spanning the Vaal where Hubby remembers going for canoe trips as a youngster. He also remembered a river-rafting place so we decided to look for it. About ten kms out of Parys we found the spot – Sunwa- and went in to have a look. The place is a team-building venue and had the most stunning scenery . We wandered around for almost an hour taking pics and enjoying the views of the river. They even have a ski-slope which uses tyres to ski down. Fun, if you don’t mind heights. After leaving we carried on away from Parys towards the mountain range travelling through them on a dirt road and back to Parys. It was a really beautiful area and was all farmland with a game reserve for part of the way. At one point we saw monkeys in a tree and stopped to have a look. Diane refused to get out of the car and couldn’t believe that we had actually stopped. I really must stop her watching TV! ‘The Hills Have Eyes’ was not a good movie for her to watch and her sense of adventure has been somewhat dampened though we did manage to make her get out further on to check out the view down into the valley. When we got back into Parys we stopped to get a juice before carrying on for home. Going past Feast again we noticed that the car park was still full. We arrived home just before five and no sooner were we home then Margaret, Julie and Jared popped in to say Hi. They had been at the circus farm for a kid’s party and stopped by on their way home. We chatted and had something to drink before they left at six. I quickly finished the blog for Friday/ Saturday and the rest of the evening was spent watching ‘Lewis’ on TV – there were two shows back to back which we both really enjoyed. When that was finished we had our Milo and spent time playing Letters in the Sand on the computer before eventually going to bed at about one. Being hooked on computer games is bad for one’s health, though Diane maintains they are good for one's brain (stops one losing their marbles).

My Mother’s Day had really been a wonderful and memorable one. I hope all you Mothers out there had an equally fabulous day.

Cheers and have a Fantastic Week.

End Of The Cold Week

Friday dawned another clear day. I started cleaning early and by eleven both cottage and house were completely clean ready for the weekend. In between I did some computer work as well but had to switch off when thick black clouds blew up and thunder started rumbling above the house. Luckily the storm activity blew over fairly quickly and just before twelve Diane and I went for a bike ride. We took the long route and rode for about 40 minutes before returning to have lunch. After lunch we got back onto the computer to check e-mails and do a bit of work before getting ready for an evening out. We left four thirty for The Glen and as the traffic was clear arrived by five, making our way to the open-air section for a Fashion Show where Diane was to take pics. The show started soon after and we were treated to some great Winter Fashion from Edgars. I need to win the Lotto to be able to buy all the fab clothes and boots that are available. Diane and I made our way to the Mugg & Bean during the interval where we ordered ourselves a coffee. The second half of the show started and Diane went back to take more pics while I had my coffee. She was back for her coffee just after I had finished mine and we ordered ourselves something to eat. Before the food came the second part of the evening started and Diane was off to take more pics. Hubby arrived to join us as the food arrived and decided to order the same as I was having. Diane had Nachos and we had Bobotie. The food was tasty and very filling. We sat eating and watching the quarter finals of the So You Think You Can Dance Competition as were a lot of other people. Mugg & Bean was full and the entire area around the stage was packed with spectators as well as the mezzanine above. The contestants were really talented and ‘oh so’ energetic. I was surprised to see that there were so many guys participating in the event. Only about a third of them were female. Diane eventually came back to eat her food while I had a second coffee. She had enough pics by now so we decided to leave once she had finished her meal and do some shopping. We were home around nine and after checking out the pics had our Milo while playing computer games together. It was around midnight when we switched off and went to bed.
Saturday morning was a rude awakening around half four when the neighbourhood siren was activated. A message came through asking members to go on patrol as criminal elements had been spotted in the area. Hubby went off - with me having to unlock and open the gate for him – and Diane and I checked around after putting all the outside lights on. Once we had done that we made ourselves something to drink and went back to bed. Lazy Gabby was still on the bed under the blanket and hadn’t even stirred while all the excitement was happening. Not long after Hubby was back and we went back to sleep. The alarm went off just after six and I dragged myself out of bed to start the day which was lovely and clear again. After breakfast Hubby left for a Committee Meeting in Joburg taking the Plymouth as he had a Tit Meeting in the afternoon. About mid-morning Diane and I left to go to the Henley Aero Modellers Fun Day at their airfield the other side of Henley-on-Klip. When we arrived there was already quite a crowd. First thing we did was go through to the enclosed runway area where all the planes were parked awaiting their turn to be flown. What an amazing array of planes! One of the officials was a neighbour from our area and he supplied us with information on the various planes as they took off for the displays. Flying model planes is definitely a rich man’s hobby. The helicopter cost about forty grand and the larger planes are worth between one fifty and two hundred grand each. We spent quite a while taking pics before going around the craft market and food stalls. One stall was selling badges as well as making badges and fridge magnets so we stopped to get a fridge magnet with a pic of the two of us on.( It now has pride of place on the fridge door).As we were now rather hungry we also stopped for something to eat. Diane had a salad and cheese roll while I had a hamburger roll with coffee for me and tea for her. After eating we went back for more pics as the plane with the parachutists was getting ready for take-off. We spent another hour or so taking pics before going round the stalls again where I bought various things before leaving for home. When we got home we were both feeling rather tired so had a nap before getting up about four thirty for a glass of wine. Hubby was home around six from his day out and was exhausted from his long day. Each time I checked on him he was out for the count and eventually surfaced about half eight for a snack to take his tablets. Diane and I watched ‘Reservation Road’ on TV. It was an excellent movie and very sad from both points of view. After having our Milo we played computer games until bedtime. Diane has got me hooked on Sorority Life Letters in the Sand.

Wintery Week

Monday morning woke up to a cold, overcast day though blue was about in small patches. Checked my washing on the line but due to all the moisture around it was still rather wet so I left it out there. Had my chill cup of coffee in front of the window watching the birds flitting around in the trees. Half way through making breakfast I realised it was raining. The washing was already wetter so I just left it thinking the rain would soon stop. WRONG! It rained all day and most of the night. The washing had the best rinse ever and eventually dried by Tuesday evening. Diane and I spent the day working on the computers and I also did office work sorting out the remaining statements for faxing. Mid- morning I quickly went into Meyerton to the chemist and to get some bread and milk. During the afternoon I started a casserole for supper. It was the perfect weather for one as with all the wet around the temperature was icy.
Tuesday stayed just as cold and was overcast though the rain seemed to have stopped. Spent the morning occupied with office work again. Early afternoon we went into Heidelberg. My certificate was ready to be picked up. I had applied the end of February and went in taking a chance as I had not received an sms yet. The guy at Home Affairs said it had arrived but though on the system no-one had had time to send an sms yet. I checked the date on the certificate and it was stamped 9th March. I wonder where it has been lying around since then. The efficiency is much to be admired. After collecting the certificate Diane and I went to the local mall to do some shopping. After browsing through the various shops we went into the supermarket for groceries. It was late when we arrived home in time for a glass of wine. Our daily dose of heart medication has now to be drunk inside in front of the TV as it is just Too Cold to even contemplate sitting outside.
Wednesday morning I spent the morning cleaning and doing computer work while Diane did her computer work. I also cleared some washing (I dread winter and the cold because that washing basket fills up so quickly with all the necessary layers one has to wear). After lunch we went into Brackenhurst where Diane had an appointment. While she was busy I shopped at Woolworths where I found some really great veggie packs picking up a mixture of couscous with various chopped veg and some fruit. It was really colourful. It was time for wine again when we got home. Hubby arrived home just as we were finishing the wine saying his friends were popping in around seven to look at his cars. Luckily it was not yet six and Diane, who had decided she felt energetic enough to make supper, had already got herself organised. Supper was stir-fried vegs in wraps (with stir-fried chicken for Hubby and I) and it was all prepared and eaten within half an hour. Surprisingly Hubby said how much he had enjoyed the food. He usually a meat and potato man. The friends arrived and while they all talked cars outside Diane and I watched ‘The Mentalist’. Once they were inside I made everybody coffee/tea and they all sat talking in the cottage while Diane and I chilled in front of the TV with our Milo. The cold must have driven them away early because they left about half nine.
Thursday morning dawned with a blue sky and sun shining though of course still really cold. I cleared more washing and continued cleaning. I only do a small amount at a time as I’ve said before “Housework makes you Ugly”. Lunchtime Diane made up the couscous mixture. Four mins in the microwave- perfect kind of meal to make. The food was absolutely delicious and the veg and fruit was a perfect blend of flavours. Will definitely be back at Woolworths to buy that again. Late afternoon Diane and I went for a ride on our bikes. What a pleasure to have suitable riding weather again. Hope the weather stays clear for a while now so we can keep up the riding. The evening was our usual routine of supper and watching TV with our Milo. The weather is very icy now and even lunchtime the layers are staying on. There have been several cold fronts already. It looks like we are in for a long and cold winter.

Wow of a Weekend

Saturday morning was woken just before six by thunder rumbling all around. I couldn’t believe it. What is this weather trying to do these days? By the time I got up the rain had started and it was really cold again. Speaking to others around we discovered Alberton and other areas close by had started to clear so we got ourselves ready for Turfontein. We left around ten and luckily the closer we got the better the weather looked. After parking in the designated spot at the Race Course we had a wander around. People were pouring in and the place was getting busy. There were a lot of stalls to buy from as well as plenty of activity for the kids with everything from swings to jumping castles and various other rides. We found ourselves a spot in the VIP tent which was laid out with a mouth-watering display of food ready for lunch. Diane and I wandered around taking pics while Hubby went off to say Hi to his buddy, the jockey, who was racing there. A lot of cultural entertainment was laid on to keep everyone busy in between the racing. We had the Chinese Dragon Dance, Greek Dancers throwing plates as well as the Portuguese Dancers which were all very colourful. Lunch was around one and we all tucked into the meal. Starters were a variety of fish dishes, salads and cold meats. The main course was a huge choice of hot dishes, Roast meats and veggies. Dessert was a delicious choice from fruit salad to malva pudding to mousse. Needless to say we thoroughly enjoyed the meal which we had with a glass of wine. Hubby and Godfrey went off to have a little flutter on the races while Diane and I took more pics. We were on the spot when one of the Punters and a Course Official had a minor spat which added spice to the day. Another bystander informed us “He (the official) is always here and fights with everybody, even me”. We had to laugh. About half three the clouds thickened and a light rain started falling so we decided to make tracks for home. The day at the races had been fun and it bought back many memories of going to the races in Bulawayo as a teenager. When we got home Diane and I checked the pics she had taken before putting thick jackets on ready for our evening at Lusito Land. The rain had cleared but it was really cold by then.
Lusito Land was packed with plenty of people still arriving for the evening entertainment. Enterprising hawkers were peddling plastic bags to put over your shoes to protect them from the mud inside. We (stupidly) laughed and ignored them. About half the people going in were buying them. Once inside, too late, we realised how bad the mud was. The ground had been churned up into an absolute quagmire and walking around was a slow process. First stop was the stage area where the place was getting set-up for ‘Chix with Stix’. What an amazing group! Their beat reverberated right through the body. It was impossible to keep still. All too soon their performance was over and the stage was then readied for the Main Performer of the night. The one and only Danny K. I couldn’t believe all the screaming that greeted his appearance. He really wowed the Lusito Landers and kept them screaming for what seemed like FOREVER. In the end, in the interests of self-preservation, I plugged my ears with bits of rolled up tissue. Can you believe it even Diane was screaming and dancing? In between taking pics of course. I must admit to doing some dancing too but definitely no screaming. All-in-all it was an absolutely fantastic evening with an incredible vibe. Everybody! I Mean EVERYBODY enjoyed the entertainment. After Danny K had been spirited away Diane and I went to get a much needed coke. On the way out of the place a security guard stopped us to say we couldn’t take alcohol out into the general area. He didn’t believe us, and we couldn’t believe him, when he stopped two guys also going out. He ACTUALLY asked them to taste our drinks to confirm they were plain cokes. Luckily for us the one guy said he would just sniff at them and he was able to verify that they were indeed plain cokes. Once we had finished them we decided to leave for home. Our shoes and the bottom of our jeans were a lovely brown when we left. The enterprising hawkers were now peddling ‘Clean your shoes for R2’ while holding a bucket of water and a cloth. When we got home, where Hubby was chilling in front of the TV, we spent an hour or so excitedly checking Diane’s pics. After our usual Milo we went to bed where I was only able to read for about five minutes. I was just too tired to keep my eyes open.
Sunday was a real Chill day. Murphy’s Law. It was a lovely sunny day though of course cold. I was only up late after having breakfast in bed made by Hubby as usual. I cleared some washing which sort of dried as the air is still very moist though the wind helped. Diane and I spent most of the day going through the pics and I then did the blog. Diane is now watching a movie on TV. Once I have uploaded the latest blog, and had our glass of wine, I will do an early supper after which Diane and I will watch a movie while Hubby doses up with his usual Food or Discovery programmes. And, of course, we will be having our usual Milo while doing so. Hope you had a Fantastic Weekend and have a Good Week.