Great Times

Saturday morning I was up at five to get ready for our day out. Hubby was already up and packing the picnic basket to put in the DKW as he wanted to make sure we wouldn’t be late. After having our morning cuppa and seeing to the dogs we all got ready and left just after six followed in convoy by Godfrey and Sandy who were in their Stud Lark. Everyone met in Boksburg and we set off in convoy at half seven for Nkwe Picnic Resort. I really dislike convoys as someone is always getting stuck at a robot or stop street and then all pull off to wait till all are together again which makes the trip much longer. We were almost there when Hubby decided the slow car in front of us was too irritating and he floored it to overtake. The other side of the road was a double lane luckily as there were a couple of cars approaching. Both Diane and I were nervous wrecks as just one of the cars changing lanes would result in a head-on collision. Once he had passed the car there was no space to move back into the convoy which made us feel even worse. Thank goodness Don and Jesse were in the convoy at that point and slowed for us to pull in front of them. What A Relief! Our nerves were finished and we needed to put on our anti-stress roll-on to recover. Hubby of course thought our reaction was hilarious. We reached our destination shortly after and were pleasantly surprised to find what a beautiful place it was. As it was so early there weren’t too many people there yet. Everyone parked, unloaded the cars and set up ready for the day. Diane and I went exploring around the waterfall while Hubby with Don and Godfrey started a breakfast of bacon, eggs, mushrooms etc. When we got back we all ate breakfast and sat chatting and chilling. Once breakfast was over we cleared the things and leftovers back into cooler bags before Diane and I went for another exploratory walk to take some more pics. On the way back to the waterfall we noticed people jumping off the cliff down into the rock pool below. We sat watching and taking pics for a while before joining the group again. Quite a few of the jumpers really took a while to pluck up the courage to jump and I must say I can’t blame them as I would never ever have the nerve to do it. The rest of the morning was spent chatting and laughing together enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the place. As the morning progressed the place got fuller and fuller with people flooding into the resort. Late morning a group arrived who were having a bachelor party. The poor groom- to- be had been dressed up with a pair of pink wings and knee hi stocking and his trousers rolled up like long shorts. They proceeded to enjoy themselves partying and jumping into the rock pool. The guys braaied some meat for lunch which we had with salds and rolls. After that we needed some more exercise so Diane and I joined a couple of other ladies in the group to climb up to above the waterfall. It was hot work but well worth the effort to see the place from above. The rest of the day was spent chilling and enjoying the company before leaving about four to return home – a much quicker journey seeing as there was no convoy.
Sunday was a lazy day having a lie-in after our early start on Saturday. Monday and Tuesday were busy days going back and forth to Alberton and Pretoria. Wednesday Hubby’s cousin Mike and Sandy arrived for a visit and we spent the day chilling and catching up on each other’s lives as it has been years since their last visit. They have been travelling around South Africa for the last three weeks and have seen some amazing places and sights. Wednesday night we relaxed under the trees with our wine and juice before having a braai.
Well Diane and I will soon be off on our European Trip and we can’t wait. Just another two and a half months to go. Time just flies by.

Day of spoiling

Thursday morning was a good start with Diane up to wish me Happy Birthday and make me my second cup of coffee after which Hubby made the breakfast. Once Hubby had left for the workshop Diane and I did some work on the computer before getting ready to go in to Alberton. We picked Hubby up and then went to the Piatto for lunch. We sat outside in the sun and ordered Shandies with Hubby’s favourite cherries. Lunch was really good with Diane having vegetarian pasta, Hubby a combo of chicken and steak and me having steak on polenta. When the food arrived it looked so good we decided we had to have a glass of wine to do it justice. We had a most enjoyable chill time together enjoying good food, wine and of course good company. After lunch Hubby decided to go back to the workshop while Diane and I went to Eastgate to watch a movie. We booked for The Tourist and as we had some time before it started went to do some shopping. The Tourist was an excellent movie and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. It was just after five when we came out and we decided to do some more shopping to avoid the five o’clock traffic. First stop was the Bread Basket where we bought our favourite filled rolls for supper and a loaf of Hubby’s favourite bread – sourdough. By the time we had finished wandering round the shops it was after six and luckily by then the highway was fairly clear so we made good time getting home. Hubby was thrilled with his supper and loaf of bread and we all made short work of the rolls. The rest of the evening was spent on the computer with Diane doing some more freelance work. All in all it was a great birthday with plenty of good wishes received throughout the day from family and friends. The best part was Diane doing everything for me as the tradition is ‘your birthday – no work.’
Friday was spent cleaning everywhere ready for the weekend while Diane finished her freelance work. Hubby was home fairly early with all sorts of goodies ready for our day out on Saturday. We had our usual chill glass of wine before spending the evening between the computer and the TV. We were in bed fairly early as we needed to be up early on Saturday.

Latest update

Life has been a hectic blur the last couple of weeks. Diane and I have been very busy with computer work and the normal routine of our daily life. We both had a lot of fun finding our creative streaks for a photo shoot she had with a valentine theme. It was statement time again and we have had a lot of thunder and lightning activity which has meant not been able to get on the computer for hours at a time. Most frustrating when you need to do work! Thank goodness for the daily dose of wine and coffee which helps in the survival game. We took a day off in between to treat ourselves to shopping and a great lunch of a vegetarian phyllo pastry dish which was to die for. Will definitely be going back there again!
Ali moved flats over the weekend so we picked the boys up on the Friday afternoon for the weekend. We arrived home mid afternoon and spent time chilling outside hoping this would tire the boys and ensure a good night’s sleep. Josh fell asleep about half six and Travis eventually about nine. Diane took Travis to her bed as he wouldn’t leave her alone. Josh woke up about half eleven and that was it for the rest of the night. Diane and Travis joined us in bed about two as he was also awake and crying. Both had bad coughs and I think Ali being stressed about moving must have affected them too. Eventually at about three I decided to give Josh some milk in the hope he would fall asleep. As he finished the bottle he looked up at me and then proceeded to bring it up all over me, the bed and himself. Both Diane and Travis flew out of bed and disappeared back to her room. I quickly cleaned myself up before changing and cleaning Josh. I was too tired to care about the bed and just put a towel over that patch before getting in the other side with Josh after waking Hubby who was off to Swartkops for the racing. Luckily Josh fell asleep but unfortunately woke the minute the alarm went at six o’clock. We both chilled outside having breakfast before Travis and Diane woke at eight. Josh fell asleep about nine and was out for a couple of hours while we kept Travis occupied. He was a bit miserable due to lack of sleep. I cooked a big lunch and after he had eaten pushed him up and down in the wheelchair to get him to sleep. He was out for the count for two hours during which time I cleared the kitchen and started organising for our night out while Diane kept Josh amused. Hubby was home late afternoon and had a rest to refresh himself after his early start to the day. We were all ready for our night out just before seven and left at seven for our night of music in the area. The artist for the night was Adrian Galliard and we had a really super evening being entertained with his singing. It was good to be back into the routine of the monthly musical evenings which were disrupted by Hubby’s op and recovery time and to see everyone there as well.
Luckily Saturday night we all had an uninterrupted sleep as the boys were so tired and more settled.
Sunday we had a chill morning outside with the boys before Ali arrived at about twelve to fetch them. We spent the rest of Sunday catching up on our sleep which we desperately needed before spending the evening in front of the TV.

Going Nowhere at a Gallop

What a frustrating week this has been! As at the beginning of the year our medical has been upgraded from a hospital plan to a full medical aid. When the upgrade was done, at the end of November, in the booklet was a part informing me that chronic medication needed to be registered with the medical aid if we wanted the facility and that only their medical service provider was allowed. There was no part on the form to put this down so with the application I sent a covering letter detailing all Hubby’s medication and duly got a reply – although only late December- that we had been upgraded. Last weekend, as Hubby’s medication was almost finished I told him he needed to get a new prescription ready to go to the new chemist. Monday morning he was in an otherwise mood and stomped off to work so I didn’t get a chance to remind him. By the time he came home he was in a better mood so I reminded him about it. Tuesday morning he got an appointment at the Dr to get a renewal and I phoned the Medical Aid to find out where their chemist was. I was annoyed to be told that sending Hubby’s prescription was the only way to get registered. Hallo! Why couldn’t they have let me know when they received my letter with his medication details? Worse still, was been informed that it was not a chemist they were affiliated to but a medication supplier and I was given the number for them. I got the fax number so that the Dr could send Hubby’s prescription straight to them to avoid any delays. After giving Hubby the number I phoned the medication supplier and was told to fax them the prescription and as soon as they had received it they would get authorisation from the medical aid. Dispatch time was 48hrs after this. Not good as Hubby would be out of medicine by then. There was nothing I could do but accept this and hope for the best. Anyway Hubby’s Dr couldn’t fax the prescription as the line was constantly busy so Hubby came home and I sent both faxes off from the computer – getting the reply that they had been received. Hubby finished his medication Wednesday and Thursday afternoon I phoned to see what time the stuff would be delivered to him. I was furious to be informed that Hubby wasn’t even registered on their system yet and the lady quickly put the details up while talking to me and said she would go and see what was happening with the delivery. The person I had spoken to on Tuesday phoned me back to say she had never received the fax and asked what number I had used to send it. She checked and came back saying she couldn’t find it. I asked her why she hadn’t registered Hubby’s details when I had spoken to her on Tuesday and was informed ‘I only take messages and pass them on’ By now my blood was boiling and I told her Hubby had no medicine left and he needed his stuff urgently. I was promised a speedy response and sent the prescription to her email. Friday I phoned her and asked when the delivery was happening and was informed despatch needed a day to get it ready before delivery and it would be delivered early Monday. Poor Hubby! By now the effect of no blood pressure medication was making itself felt. Monday lunchtime I phoned to see what time we could expect delivery. I was informed that the medication had only been sent across to deliveries that morning as there were no fridge facilities for the insulin and we would get the medication Tuesday morning. Did they suddenly get a fridge to keep it in for Monday night? This morning I received an sms telling me the stuff is in the delivery van and we should get it overnight. After complaining again I was put through to logistics who said they would contact the driver and tell him the delivery was urgent. I really can’t believe this and wonder what the medical aid was thinking when they came up with this wonderful way of dealing with medication needs. Logistics said they would come back to me as soon as they had spoken to the driver to tell me when to expect the delivery. That was half an hour ago and I am still waiting. TYPICAL!!! I just love the service delivery we are subjected to these days.
The rest of my time as been spent in the normal pursuits of cleaning and office work and my MUCH needed chill glass of wine in the evening and coffee every morning. What would I do without these survival aids?
Saturday Diane and I went to a client of her to pick up an item we had ordered and get some products for her to take pics of. We spent the afternoon there having a good catch-up chat over coffee. It was just after six when we finally left. Diane and I were just turning in to the road between Walkerville and Randvaal when the car cut out. Luckily it is a downhill and we coasted until the car came to a stop around the corner from the Walkerville road. I phoned Hubby and while we waited sat nervously with Taisers in hand. Hubby arrived and attached a tow rope between the cars. The one Major hang-up I have is being towed. I shake badly and expect to hit the back of the car towing me. Most of the way was downhill so this tow was even worse than usual. As we turned the corner into our road I shouted for Hubby to stop and asked him to take the rope off and let me coast down to the gate. He just laughed at me and continued towing me. Very inconsiderate! When we got home I had my VERY NECESSARY glass of wine to recover from the ordeal. Diane was just as bad as she also expected me to hit him and couldn’t even watch the road ahead. Sunday we spent the day chilling after the stressful week. Hubby towed the car in to the workshop this morning and I hope it is not too major a problem.
That’s it for now. Hope I have a better week.

Time with Family and Friends

It has been a week of overcast weather with intermittent spells of sun shining through from the cloud cover. Monday I managed to clear some washing and get it dried before we had a downpour which gave another 35mm of rain. The garden is such a pleasure at the moment as everywhere is lush again and full of birds. We are really enjoying chilling under the trees and watching all the birds. Hubby’s foot has healed beautifully and as long as he doesn’t walk too much he is fine. All the anaesthetic and medication is still having an effect on his body though as he is only able to manage half days at the workshop. He has been just going in and getting things ready for when the workshop re-opens next week. Diane and I have managed to cycle a couple of times when the weather hasn’t been too wet and have enjoyed the ride. Amber the cross Labrador/boerbull had a visit to the vet on Monday as her ear had got injured somehow and the underneath was a large blood blister. She has been sleeping in the sun lounge as she hasn’t felt too good and not been eating properly. It really was a battle getting her tablets down her as well. Eventually we found the easiest way was for Hubby to hold her mouth open while I dropped the tablets into the back of her throat. The only problem now is that she has decided sleeping there is wonderful and she is not interested in being a pleb outside with the other plebs. Her ear is not looking very pretty at the moment and I just hope it improves with time.
Thursday Hubby’s aunt and uncle came for a braai and luckily the weather stayed dry until we had cooked the meat. We did have to eat inside though due to the threat of rain and cool wind. It was good to spend time with them and to catch up on the latest family happenings. We really don’t get to see enough of family with our busy lives and daily routine.
Saturday was an old car get-together with about forty people meeting at The Harvard Cafe for breakfast. I was up early to have my chill coffee in the cottage looking out the lounge window as it was drizzling outside. While sitting there I spotted another bird not seen here before. It was a Paradise Fly-catcher which was flitting around between the wall and bushes outside the window. It’s longish tail and back are a brilliant orange. We really are getting a wide variety of birds at the moment. Everyone met about nine and had a great time over a breakfast buffet for the next few hours before leaving in convoy for Johann’s home to see his collection of cars. About half way to his place we rode into rain which stayed with us for the next couple of hours. This did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm with which everybody went around his cars. Johann has a collection of over forty cars all of which are fully licensed and on the road. Each car is washed weekly and kept in good running order. Luckily he also lives on a plot and has plenty of space to store all of them.
Sunday Ali and the boys came to visit for the day and we had a chill breakfast together after which we sat in the cottage lounge with tea and coffee while Ali gave me a much-needed pedicure. As we were sitting there the Paradise Fly-Catcher was flitting around outside the window again. Diane was kept busy straightening Ali’s hair while she was doing my feet and I was looking after Josh. Travis was running around playing with his toys in between watching what we were doing. Ali had finished with me and we put the kettle on for more coffee just as Pauline and Aeron arrived for a visit. It was great to see Aeron again and hard to believe she is now 16 years old already. Her and Michelle had been living in Jeffrey’s Bay for nearly six years but are now living in the Gauteng area again. We spent a great time together catching up on each other’s news. Ali gave Pauline a pedicure as well so she had rather a busy morning. It was overcast and drizzling so we had lunch inside but by the time we had coffee and cake the sun was out and we chilled under the trees while eating and drinking. Pauline and Aeron left mid-afternoon as she needed to take Aeron back to Michelle. Hubby and Ali took Travis for a walk around the plot as Josh was sleeping. They took him on the tyre swing and the only way we could get him off was telling him to come for apple pie and custard. He was dirty from the tyre and by the time he had finished eating he also had custard all down himself so we put both him and Josh in the bath before they left. Travis was so tired from running around that he fell asleep as soon as he was put into his car seat – Ali hadn’t even got in yet. Once they left I cleared up all his toys and gave the place a quick vacuum before chilling with my glass of wine. After our big breakfast and lunch we weren’t really hungry and just had salad for supper before watching TV.
Have a Great Week

New Year's Day Pics

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.