Welcoming 2011

Tuesday morning we had our chill coffee under the trees watching the birds having their usual feeding frenzy. When Hubby first started putting the seed out it lasted about a week but now the greedy things finish it a day. All the birds in the area must have been informed of the free food and as soon as the feeders are filled they swarm in. It is lovely to chill and watch them and the variety in the garden now is amazing. We are getting birds we have never seen before such as the Pintailed Whydah bird which we have seen pecking on the floor under the feeders. There is still plenty of Quelea feeding as well. Once Hubby had left for the workshop I did a quick clear up in the kitchen and then Diane and I left for a day at Eastgate. We booked to see the latest` Focker’ movie before having lunch at Lattelicious. As we had walked past on the way to book the delicious smell of coffee had hit me from them and so decided that we would eat there for a change. It was a good choice as the coffee was perfect and the meal was excellent. We both had pasta dishes which we really enjoyed and finished off with a carrot juice to get our health kick in. After wandering around the shops we headed back for our movie which kept us in stitches. We both agreed that this was the best one so far. After the movie we did some more shopping before heading home for our glass of wine and, once supper was over, a good evening of TV viewing.
The rest of the week was spent doing computer work and the making sure the house looked good to welcome in the New Year. New Years Eve we chilled with wine and snacks watching the start of 2011 on TV.
New Years Day after a chill breakfast outside under the trees we got ourselves ready for a day on the Vaal. Arriving at StoneHaven was quite a surprise as the place was already rather packed with a lot of people having the same idea. Since our last visit there have been many additions and improvements to the place which is really looking good. The gardens were stunning after all the rain in the last few weeks. The lawns leading down to the river were covered in umbrellas, chairs and tables as well as a large marquee. After wandering around admiring the gardens and taking pics we found ourselves a table and ordered drinks while deciding on what to eat for lunch. Hubby had lamb shank while I settled for the prawns and Diane decided to have chips with a mushroom sauce. We all enjoyed the food which was excellent as usual. We chilled over lunch for several hours watching all the happenings around us. Considering the amount of people there the service and food was absolutely fantastic. It was mid afternoon by the time we were finished and we decided to go on the cruise down the river at half three. After booking the tickets we continued to relax on the lawn until time to board. By the time we found our seats on the top deck of ‘The Spirit of Jen’ the sun was blazing down uncomfortably so we moved to a table inside. The cruise took us downriver along ‘Millionaire’s Mile’ and back to StoneHaven. We sat thoroughly enjoying ourselves taking pics, enjoying the scenery and life along the river while nursing our savannah lites. The cruise was definitely a good end to a wonderful New Years Day spent relaxing in a beautiful setting with good company and great food. Once home we all had a nap before thinking about supper and an evening in front of the TV.
Sunday was another chill day relaxing under the trees. We tried to go onto the internet in the afternoon but had run out of airtime. Monday morning I quickly cleared some washing before going to get some airtime for the computer. By the time we got back there was so much thunder and lightning activity around that it was impossible to even think about putting the computer on. This lasted for the rest of the day though we only, eventually, had rain late evening. The storm was so bad we couldn’t even have the TV on. At least we were able to do lots of reading.

Have a Fantastic 2011 and May ALL your Hopes and Dreams come True.

Back Again with the latest News

Life has just flown past the last few months. My time has not been my own and it has been difficult keeping up with the blog. Hubby’s recuperation time is finally at an end and he has been good with following Dr’s orders. His sugar levels have been stable and he has rested his feet. Towards the end he was getting very frustrated with not been able to do much or drive himself. I must admit it was difficult for me too as I was doing a lot of driving around and going backwards and forwards to the workshop and neglecting the house. Hubby has had his follow up visit to the Dr who was happy with his progress. He is able to drive himself around and is back at work part-time. He only spends a couple of hours a day there as his feet start aching very quickly and he comes home to put them up. There is one thing I am VERY ANGRY about and that is – he has started smoking again. He went out about a week ago to a Tit Car Meet and had a smoke while out and keeps sneaking a smoke outside. I was really furious and hardly spoke to him for a few days. He has said he will stop and I really hope he does for his health’s sake.
Diane and I have been to the Movies a couple of times to see ‘Despicable Me’ and ‘You Again’. Both of which we really enjoyed. We made the most of our outings with having a meal and a good shopping spree while we were out. I can’t wait to go for a hike again as I have really missed going and enjoying the Suikerbos Route.
Ali started work at the beginning of November and while learning she has to work Saturdays to do the training so we have looked after the Boys a couple of times. The first Saturday we had a get-together at Lifestyle with Pauline, Val and Kim so they could finally see Josh. We had a super time over breakfast catching up with each other’s news. Ali joined us just after twelve and after saying Hi and Bye to Val and Kim she had lunch with Diane and I. Once she left with the boys Diane and I did some shopping before returning home. Last week we picked the boys up and spent the morning at the Botanical Gardens. It was a lovely relaxing time as Diane and I spent most of the time chilling on the grass under the trees while Josh slept and Travis ran around tiring himself out. A tortoise came out of the bushes and was walking around eating the grass. Travis was thrilled and walked around with it until it went back into the bushes. Ali joined us there for lunch and we spent a pleasant hour or so chilling and listening to the birds – there certainly were plenty around in the trees.
I have managed to do some of my annual spring clean with only a few rooms left to do. We had a contractor in to do some much needed repairs to the cottage. Now that it is finished it really looks good though it was most frustrating while they were working. On the Wednesday night we moved the furniture out of the main bedroom into the small bedroom and the lounge furniture into our lounge. The workers only pitched on Friday as they were busy elsewhere and spent most of the time loafing as they didn’t have the right tools. This meant they weren’t finished and had to come back on the Monday. Monday they came late and didn’t finish again. Tuesday they didn’t turn up at all and instead came on Wednesday. This time they had the wrong size ceiling board and only late morning was the right size bought to the house. Once again they didn’t finish and Thursday morning the job was eventually finished. Friday we quickly painted the main bedroom and on Saturday I was finally able to start making it habitable. Saturday we painted the toilet as it was looking rather the worse for wear. The rest of the weekend was spent moving the furniture back, cleaning and hanging the clean curtains back up. Sunday evening while I was in there finishing off the lounge a bat came in and kept flying around. I opened everywhere up so it could fly out and had a drink while I waited for it to go. When I peeped back in I couldn’t see it so closed up and carried on. While arranging the flowers I turned around and found it flying around again. It flew behind the curtain and I closed them trapping it against the window and opened the windows again. I left it and we had supper. When I went back it had gone and I was able to carry on until about twelve. Monday I was able to finally clean the house and by bedtime (twelve) it was finally decent again. Wayne will be here tomorrow so at least I am ready in time for his visit with his girlfriend. We are looking forward to seeing him again and to meet his girlfriend.

News of the Week

Ali and boys arrived on Sunday morning just in time to join us on our outing to the Circus Coffee Shop for breakfast with Sandy, Godfrey and Kirsten. We arrived just after ten and had a super morning chilling over our breakfast. It was good to be out with friends and family and the time just flew past. It was almost one when we left going via the shops to stock up on things for the week. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and enjoying time with Travis and Josh.
Monday morning Ali took Hubby in for his wound check-up while I looked after the boys. Loraine was very happy with the progress of his wound and removed the KCI as there is nothing left for it to work on. The hole is almost closed up and must now finish closing naturally. Hubby was really pleased to have the machine removed and feels free now that he is not attached to it. The best part is not having that noise constantly going all night while trying to sleep. Late Monday afternoon we went into Alberton to meet up with Diane as well as Angie, Margaret, Julie and their boys to have Pizza at The Harvard Cafe. It was an opportunity for them to see Josh for the first time. We had a great family get-together and Travis really enjoyed playing with Byron and Jared.
Tuesday we all had a fairly busy day. Ali was feeling very energetic and cooked a whole lot of food for us to freeze and use as needed. Hubby and I looked after the boys between us, taking it in turns with Josh and Travis. Travis as usual spent most of his time outside playing and Josh gurgled happily with whoever spent time with him. He is three months old now and really cute. He loves to gurgle and laugh watching everything around him. In between I started my invoices and statements with Ali also helping with them while the boys were asleep. I carried on till late with my statements and scanning to e-mail. I actually fell asleep a couple of times while sitting in front of the computer and eventually went to bed about one in the morning.
Wednesday Ali took Hubby in for his next check-up while I played with the two little ones. Loraine was very happy as Hubby’s wound was still doing so well. Once Hubby and Ali were back we had lunch (Ali’s efforts) before we going into Meyerton to do some shopping and get a new back-pack for Travis for Nursery School. We got back in time to have a cappuccino before Ali bathed the boys and left for home. After they left I quickly vacuumed around the place before having my glass of wine. It was very quiet and peaceful on our own but we were already missing them as we both enjoy having them around.
Thursday was spent finishing off the last few statements and doing some cleaning. Friday we went in to Alberton again for Loraine to check Hubby’s foot. The wound is healing beautifully and looks really good. Loraine will be away next week so showed me how to clean and dress the wound. I hope it keeps healing so well while I am doing it. We went off to the workshop to check on things and I faxed the final few statements. We went shopping to get things needed at the workshop before stopping at Diane to pick up an Ottoman set she had bought herself.
Saturday we left early for the Pride March and after picking up a friend of Diane’s we arrived at Zoo Lake at half nine. Ali and the boys joined us shortly after and after putting them into their prams we went up to where the Parade starts. The day was already very hot with the heat wave that has just started. The parade started earlier than usual due to the heat. The floats were the usual colourful display with the most amazing costumes imaginable. Diane and her friend followed the parade around but Ali and I decided it was too hot to walk and found seats in the shade where we waited for the procession to arrive back. Travis really enjoyed himself and was fascinated by all the colour and music. We had a great day and really enjoyed the vibe of the event.
Sunday was a relaxing day with visits from Priscilla and Justine as well as Barney and Crystal. All for now. Have a fabulous week.

Pics from the 60th

An Eventful Week

Was out of bed before six to get Diane up to go into Alberton for work. She left at seven leaving her things for me to take in as we decided it would be better than leaving them in the car all day. I spent the day sorting out office work and some cleaning. Late afternoon I loaded Diane’s clothes and bags for the week ahead into my bakkie before getting myself dressed up for our night out with Diane. I stopped at Margaret to drop the things off before going round to the workshop to fetch Hubby. Don and Neil were visiting Hubby to show him the Porsche they had just picked up. Hubby was admiring the car and I joined him. What a stunning car! After they left Hubby and I went down to Alberton City for a cappuccino and to do some shopping before going back to Margaret. Diane and her were ready and waiting for us. They came with us in the bakkie after making arrangements to meet Angie, Julie and Gino at the Harvard Cafe. When we arrived we got a table for 11 inside as it was a bit nippy outside and ordered drinks. Hubby had a shandy and us girls had a glass of wine. It was relaxing sitting chatting over our wine and catching up on news. Angie, Danny and Byron arrived first and joined us in chatting and drinking with Gino coming shortly after. Angie ordered our Pizza – 6 in all with 3 vegie ones included for those Vegetarians among us. Julie, Zack and Jared arrived and the party started. The Pizza arrived soon after and we all tucked in. ( Monday night at the Harvard is half price Pizza). The food was absolutely delicious and we all had a great time chatting, drinking and eating. It was a pity the evening had to end! It was a good idea that Diane had for us to go there as her treat to celebrate starting work.
Tuesday morning I decided it was time I had my hair cut and managed to get an appointment for twelve at a hairdresser in Alberton. Diane and I had got vouchers about a month ago for haircuts and I decided to use mine and try out the hairdresser. The place wasn’t too far from the workshop so I phoned Hubby to ask him to come for lunch afterwards. I was quite impressed with the results and will definitely go back there again. Looking all Glam with a haircut and blow-dry I left to fetch Hubby. After picking him up we headed down towards Alberton City but decided to go to Piatto instead. It was a very good choice as we both thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Hubby had a half chicken and prawns with chips and I had a sirloin steak that was covered with chicken livers, avo and mushroom sauce with chips. Unusual combination but really delicious. I had a shandy while Hubby had a strawberry juice. After our meal we went down to the shops and did some shopping before going back to the workshop where I dropped Hubby off before heading home.
Wednesday I had a day of cleaning and office work and I bathed the dogs. This time of the year they get dirty quickly as it is so dry and dusty after the frosts. I had my usual chill wine late afternoon before starting supper. At the same time I prepared and started supper for Thursday as well as I was going to be out for the day. The evening was spent watching TV and playing on the computer as well as doing office work.
Thursday morning once Hubby left I quickly did some computer work before getting ready and leaving for Ali. I left about ten and decided to go all the way on the highway to see what road works were going on. There were lanes closed off once past Alberton but the traffic flow wasn’t too bad and I bowled along fairly quickly. That was until I reached the Soccer City area where there was a lot of work going on. The lanes for going onto the off-ramps were all blocked and it was not easy to realise where to get through and I missed the Gordon road off-ramp. The 14th Avenue off-ramp was just as bad and I almost missed that one as well. It was a relief to get to Ali and we had a cappuccino and chat before getting the kids ready to go shopping. We stopped at a nursery school that Ali had been to for Travis so that I could see what it was like. It was a lovely place with really friendly teachers. Travis will start next week and he can’t wait – he didn’t want to leave the place. Ali then took us down to the Fruit and Veg City at Hillfox. What a fabulous place! There is a separate entrance and exit it is so big. The veg and fruit section is huge with a counter where fruit is chopped up and put into containers as well as another counter where once you have chosen your veg it can get chopped up. The range of soup veg, stir-fries and soup packs ready diced was amazing. The butchery was massive as was the bakery. They have a tea room as well as a sushi bar and fish section inside the place. We were there for ages wandering around admiring everything and stocked up on plenty veg and fruit. We left with two big boxes of produce as well as rolls and an apple crumble each. We also bought a lemon meringue to have with our lunch. When we got back to Ali we ate a late lunch of cooked chicken on yummy crispy Portuguese rolls followed by our lemon meringue. Really tasty fare. It was just after four by the time I left for home and I managed to get on the highway at exactly half four so was able to miss the heavy homeward-bound traffic and was home fairly quickly. I had my chill wine as soon as I unpacked all my goodies and put the casserole on to finish cooking. Hubby arrived soon after and we had a relaxing evening watching TV before going to bed to read.
Friday was another day at home finishing off my cleaning and doing office work and submitting returns. Hubby was home early and pottered around the garage before settling to watch TV. Supper has been eaten and everywhere is clean for the long weekend ahead.
Cheers and have a Really Great Weekend!