Spring has Sprung at Spier

2012-10-27 | puppy1952

Spring at Spier

Parents laze on picnic rugs,

Watching children abandon themselves to play

on the wide green lawn of freedom.

White clouds sail in a pale blue sky.

Trees stand tall in shades of green

from yellow-lime to deep olive.

Taste the spring colours.

Smell the vibrant music.

Bongos sound a rhythmic beat.

Wagtails pipe a jumble of sweet notes.

Geese hiss and honk.

Weavers twitter to their mates,

Spring has sprung at Spier

Spring has sprung at Spier,

Weavers twitter to their mates.

Egyptians hiss and honk.

Wagtails pipe a jumble of sweet notes,

Bongos sound a rhythmic beat.

Smell the vibrant music.

Taste the spring colours.

From yellow lime to deep olive

trees stand tall in shades of green.

White clouds sail in a pale blue sky.

On the wide green lawn of freedom

Children abandon themselves to play

Parents laze on Picnic rugs, watching.

Back in the Classroom – Plunging into the Fourth Term

2012-10-27 | puppy1952

I can barely believe that the final term of 2012 is already upon us. What a busy year it has been including a fantastic musical under the belt. My little girls excelled themselves at cuteness when they did their “Your feet are too big,”dance in the foundation phase production of Cinderella and Rockefeller. Yes there were some tiny mistakes with the bossy ones instructing the others what to do but oh boy it was adorable with the princesses dressed in their ever so cut blue and white checked parlour maid pinafores over red puff sleeved blouses and bright red ribbons in their hair. The Grade 7 girls expertly did their makeup –their little lips in red heart-shapes, cheeks all rosy and bright eyes shadowed beautifully. While waiting in the classroom I had constantly to reassure them that nothing had smudged and that they all looked gorgeous (which of course they did!)

The show was only over by 10:00 p.m. and each cast had to perform two evening and one matinée show. They were exhausted, and indeed with all the rehearsals and performances I wondered if we would ever get back to normal again – but we did, I was worn out so you can just imagine how they felt!

That all ended on Tuesday 16^th and we have just completed a regular school week! And wow – am I delighted with my girls. Looking back over the year I am freshly amazed at how much they have grown from that first, fresh new day of Blasting Off to Big School. Thirty-two nervous, excited, brand new learners unable to read, write or do arithmetic have become competent, confident readers, writers and calculators and I swear I don’t know how! Did I really teach them so much in such a short time? I asked them, “”How did you learn to read all these words?” These are some of the replies – “I just know them!“ “I taught myself” “I’m clever!”

I cannot explain how rewarding it is to teach the first year of school to fresh, eager young children so ready to absorb whatever you throw at them. It is a challenge, a responsibility, a privilege to be entrusted with these young minds. I don’t have to fill them – I have to create an environment in which they discover for themselves – and when I hear their answers to how they got there I know I have succeeded. Nobody responded with “You taught me Ma’m” And that makes me proud – they have learnt simply by being in my class and they’re as mystified as me as to how it all just happened,

I am excited and thrilled that my girls are doing what they’re doing. It blows my mind and I am humbled. No two have the same learning style – each has her own individual way of getting there Each has her own individual problem, talent and drive and I am proud that each one is making progress at her own pace – in spite of me.

If I have provided a learning environment in which they feel confident enough to strive for their own perfection then I have succeeded as a teacher and that is what it is all about – that is the reward and right now I am feeling so fulfilled.

When the kids leave home and the dog dies ………

2012-10-14 | puppy1952

I have heard it said that life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies. A little harsh, I think. Over the past 20 years our kids have left home and returned several times. Our eldest scared me silly one day when she declared at the age of 15 that she would never leave home – “When I get married, I’m bringing my husband to live here” Well soon after her 21st birthday she was gone – then she got married and did in fact bring her husband to live with us but only for a few months before they went to live in the UK. (I breathed a sigh of relief but those words would come back to haunt me!)

Our second daughter left early – first to live in res at her college and then to live in another town after graduation – she didn’t come back. Instead she settled down in a text book manner, married and had a family of her own.

Just as our youngest was nearing the end of her education we thought to ourselves – two down, one to go and the dog is getting old. Then wham – the oldest returned with two babies in tow, the youngest graduated left home, came back, went overseas, came back again, left and then returned once more when things went pear-shaped at her digs. But now after a few years of living in the “Princess Suite” at home she’s cut the apron strings and moved out again!

So now we have the oldest, the teen-aged grandsons and two cats – yes the dog finally died. And life might not yet have begun (whatever that means) but it certainly hasn’t been boring!

The youngest left two weeks ago and today her dad and I went to see how she has settled in. She is sharing with a friend – a tiny flat not quite up to the standard of our princess but the stunning view, the proximity to work, friends and fabulous places makes up for it. And she is ecstatically happy to finally have some independence.

And how do I feel about it all – well – I miss her already – but now that I have seen her flat, I know she will be happy there. It’s a good move on the other side of the peninsular but a great place to visit and the shopping nearby is stunning – great for mother and daughter bonding:-) And I have a spare room!

Her Flatmate is glad she’s here

The plaque on the door given to her by my friend, Jenny, says “Its Not Easy Being a Princess”

Every home must have a cat

Lolz on her balcony

Lolz in the tiny kitchen

The view is to die for

Spring Break – Sani and home

2012-10-07 | puppy1952

4 October

Earl went out on the boat early this morning. I lay in and read my book till just before he got back then hopped into the Jacuzzi for a bit before getting dressed. We enjoyed another ‘Early” breakfast and then spent the day chilling out. Earl fished, I walked to the boat house to try and get an Internet connection. The signal was very faint and kept hanging up so I could not post any blog entries. So I watched Earl fish and enjoyed the birds and peace and quiet while I read in the sun.

Back at the lodge I enjoyed another soak in the Jacuzzi while Earl tried his luck from the bank of the dam.

In the afternoon I continued to read and Earl went out on the lake again. It was windier in the afternoon but this did not stop him. He caught and released some good sized trout.

Because the wind was quite strong we decided not to braai and instead Earl put the meat in a pot and made a delicious stew.

Before supper we each had a relaxing, hot stone massage in the comfort of our own lodge.

Early morning view from our bedroom window

Watching Earl fish from the Jacuzzi

5 October 2012

The weather turned cold this morning, our departure day. We packed up and were ready to meet Lauren and the kids in Underberg at 8 o’clock. Lauren was taking Simon and Shannon to visit their paternal grandmother in Pietermaritzburg. We had a box of left over supplies and handed it over to her. The kids decided to ride with us as far a Howick.

We played our usual game of Dodge the Potholes but we had the latest version with a new feature called “Mist”. Luckily the kids were quite expert at it and alerted Grandpa as to where to swerve. We also played car cricket. In spite of Grandpa trying to cheat, I ended up the winner with Shannon a close second. Grandpa proved not to be as good at car cricket as he was at Dodge the Pothole and came stone last.

We made it to the airport in good time, handed over our hire car and then enjoyed a less bumpy ride than the one last Friday! We flew Mango and the plane was comfortable and we had good service from the cabin crew.

Earl took some photographs from the window.

One of Earl’s electricians, Nick, brought the Fortuner to collect us and warned us that strikers had set fire to a truck on Borchard’s Quarry road, blocking our route home. We had to take a long detour and after dropping Nick off in Tokai only got home after 6 o’clock.

Sad that the people in our beautiful country cannot find better ways of sorting out their disputes. Violence breeds violence and certainly does not improve the issues out there.

No place is perfect. Each country has its problems – and although I’m sad when I see the idiot things that sometimes happen here I know I just have to deal with it and carry on trying to make a difference where I can. There is no other place I’d rather be than in South Africa!

Spring Break – Visit to Howick

2012-10-07 | puppy1952

3 October

How wonderful to wake up at Sani Valley Lodge – enjoy a dip in the Jacuzzi, eat a wonderful “Early” breakfast and enjoy the birds around us. Our plan today was to visit my friend Janet – newly relocated with her mom to a retirement village, Amber Glen in Howick.

This dabchick was bobbing on the dam outside our window

A yellow-billed egret was trying to hide in the reeds

The view from the other side of the lake towards the lodges

When you travel the rural highways of KZN you have to play an exciting game called “Dodge the Pothole”. The game is compulsory – You can’t say – I don’t like the rules – I’m not playing. The other player is the Provincial Government – Road-works Department. They make the rules and set the level of the game. The level changes constantly – from Easy – where there is the odd pothole to dodge – but then just when you think you’ve got the hang of it, it jumps to Difficult – where traffic races toward you just as you’ve swerved to the right to avoid a cluster of very deep holes! Other obstacles are also included just to challenge you – like placing goats and cows on the road causing you to slam on brakes in the nick of time. It may be fun for them but its not for the driver especially when he’s used to the somewhat safer roads of the Western Province!

Obstacles along the way

But the beauty along the way makes the compulsory game worthwhile.

Midmar Dam

Before long we came in sight of Midmar Dam and knew we were nearing our destination.

Janet was waiting for us in front of their unit and we were delighted to see how absolutely super it was.

Janet greeting us from the patio

The other side – front entrance

View from the lounge and patio

Janet and Cynthia’s new home is stunning. They have every facility they need, and everything is within easy walking distance. There are lovely nature walks and a even a bird hide they could visit, various clubs they can join and a shuttle service to and from the shops. They sold their cars in Cape Town but will buy one here soon. They do their own catering but can whenever they want to eat lunch at teh community centre. They decided to treat us to lunch their today. We were treated to a delicious chicken casserole with rice, corn and broccoli in cheese sauce. There was a carrot and tomato soup starter and a lovely dessert of Melba pudding and custard.

Janet and Cynthia each have their own bedroom and bathroom and there is a spare room too. It was great to see them settled in and happy. Janet has two brothers who live nearby – one 20 minutes away and the other about an hour.

View from the Community Center

After lunch Cynthia decided to go back to the house while we took Janet to see the Howick Falls.

Showing direction in which other falls are situated

The Howick Falls

Janet and me

Of course there had to be pavement stalls to attract the tourists and we browsed around and I bought some BIg Five place mats for just over R100 for six.

There were delightful tourist stalls near the Falls

Janet, before she was struck with Parkinson’s in her early forties causing her to have to retire early, was a beauty therapist. So before lunch I was privileged to have her wax my legs for me! Thanks Janet, it’s been a while!

What a delightful day we had and it ended with a beautiful sighting of this chat as we drove back to our lodge.

Buff-streaked Chat

To be continued …….

Spring Break – Off to Sani Valley Lodge

2012-10-06 | puppy1952

2 October 2012

The kids once again kindly woke us with cups of strong coffee before we got up for a delicious “Early Breakfast” We were due to check in at our next destination at 2 o’clock so there was time to do some chores for Lauren first. Now that summer is on its way she needs the fan in the lounge to work so she and Dad got stuck in to repair it.

Father and Daughter working out the Fan Puzzle

And I did some last minute bonding with my grandchildren

Simon, Granny and Fat Cat

Shannon, Granny and Fat Cat

Simon had a play date at his friend Hayden’s farm. Now he couldn’t just jump on his bike and ride over and nor was walking an option as the distance was quite a few kilometres – but we were able to save Lauren a drive as we were passing the farm on our way to Underberg:-)

Going anywhere in the district is always a pleasant drive and we spotted this buzzard soon after dropping Simon.

Steppe Buzzard

The drive to Underberg is spectacular with the Drankensberg looming up before you, the green, green vegetation and the splashes of dams and lakes everywhere

A typical view in KZN

Giant’s Castle

We did some shopping at the Underberg Mall and then drove on to Sani Valley Lodge which is at the bottom of The Sani Pass which takes one into Lesotho.

Approaching the Entrance

We we welcomed warmly by the gate guard and a beautiful Blesbok.

Greetings from a Blesbok

To us this is the most peaceful and wonderful place to be if you want to relax, enjoy Nature and fish. There are three stunning dams stocked with trout and if you, like us, enjoy birds – you won’t be disappointed.

The Stonechat is seen regularly

The main Dam

The Bottom Dam

Pin Oaks line the drive to reception

Our accommodation, Early Mist 1, is self-catering and like all the other lodges incredibly well equipped. We even had a coffee plunger jug.

Our Lodge Early Mist 1

Dining area and kitchen

Lounge

Bedroom

: View from Bedroom

The highlight was the Jacuzzi

We were surrounded by wildlife, both birds and animals. The zebra could be seen but did not come up to close. Buck came to graze nearby in the evening and there were plenty of water birds to keep us amused while we lay in the Jacuzzi.

Black-headed Heron

Crowned Crane

Earl of course could not wait to get out on the Lake but could only get a boat for an hour. After that he went to try his luck from the bank of the little dam right in front of our lodge, before cooking up a wonderful dinner of chops and chicken wings on the braai.

To be continued ……

Spring Break – Visiting Brooklyn Farm

2012-10-05 | puppy1952

1 October 2012

It was a really beautiful day today. The temperature rose to 27 before 10 a.m. We were up early as we had a lunch date with Barbara and Andrew at Brooklyn Farm. But before that we needed to go into to town to buy tackies and crocks. The kids were thrilled because Grandpa promised to take them to Spur for breakfast

A Spur Treat

Shopping in Kokstad is a hectic affair. It is not exactly a metropolis but it is a very busy place. One has to fight for parking and walking along the pavements means dodging both potholes and seething crowds of people. But everyone is very friendly and although the area has a reputation for violent crime I never once felt threatened.

We were the only white customers in Daks Shoe shop. The range of footwear was impressive and the service from a well-dressed, polite young black assistant was excellent. Within 10 minutes I had a comfortable pair of black tackies with pink trim and Earl a pair of rubber slip-ons for fishing. Before we left we were asked if there was anything they could show the children!

Earl and I took the kids to the farm while Lauren finished some chores before joining us. Barbara treated us to tea and homemade scones and tea served in her beautiful garden. We were amused by the ducks that found the bird bath a lovely place to cool off. We enjoyed watching many birds come to the feeding table before the heat drove us indoors.

Tea and scones at The MacKenzie’s cottage

The only duck pond she could find

Once again we were treated to a more than adequate meal! Roast beef complete with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and vegetables, followed by apple crumble and custard.

The MacKenzie grandchildren popped round and played with Shannon and Simon and then we went across to greet their mom, Birgitta who had her mom visiting too. The kids played in the pool.

Earl , Barbara and I decided to walk off our lunch with a walk round the farm which brought back fond memories of the wonderful holidays we spent here in years now just in our memories. Then the farm dogs now long gone joined us on these rambles and now Jet did the same.

Jet waiting for us to catch up

Earl and Barbara

At the labourers’ huts we saw Andrew’s reliable old herder, Mandla. He’s now in his 70s and still as fit as a fiddle (as is Andrew) He was starting on building a new hut and was so excited to see me. “Where is the fisherman?” he called as I was slightly ahead of Earl. Then when he saw him, “Now the fish are going to die!” He’d always enjoyed finding Earl at the dam trying desperately to get a bass on his hook and usually succeeding!

Barbara and Me

Back at the cottage we found Ann with Caitlyn and James and it was lovely to see her too. She and Dean are building a house on the farm and we all went off to see its progress – it should be done by November.

Ann and James

Caitlyn and her grandfather, Andrew

Just before we left Joan arrived home so we had a quick hullo and goodbye to her too. She is getting married in February so we’ll be back for yet another Mackenzie wedding!

The Cows

Young Herd Boys

In the evening Lauren and Allan’s friends, The Bakers and Nicoline’s parents Paul and Lily came to dinner. So it was another big meal – Pork done in the Weber with crackling to die for and a potato dish and salad provided by Nicoline followed by Rhubarb and custard. Yum. What fun catching up with good friends. The Bakers are such amazing friends to our kids Their two children Scott and Robyn being exactly the same age as Shannon and Simon get on extremely well together. It was also great that Paul and Lily were visiting from Durban at the same time as us as we have got to know them well over the many Christmases we’ve spent together.

So ended another wonderful day catching up with family and friends.

Spring Break – Fun with Family and Friends

2012-10-01 | puppy1952

30 September 2012

Glorious weather and coffee brought in by the whole family woke us this morning. Simon and Shannon played with the new toys we gave them and we chatted to the parents till it was time to get up for breakfast. Lauren and Grandpa were industrious in the kitchen and the kids set the table in the Lapa

Father and Daughter preparing breakfast

Breakfast in The Lapa

Simon and Shannon were in high spirits – as only young children can be. They played in the wheelbarrow, on their j-boards and on their bikes.

Racing down the grassy bank

Lauren’s garden attracts many birds but of course they try hard to avoid the camera

Bokmakierie

Unfortunately, Cheddar the cute ginger cat is rather fond of birds too. But his interests are not of the conservation sort – but rather of the instinctive how to catch my prey sort. I spotted him chasing an innocent sunbird flitting in the leaves of the tree outside the front door. Luckily, this time, he did not succeed in capturing the wily bird.

The bird hunting cat

It was a perfect day for gardening and Lauren got stuck into the veggie garden.

Lauren – Wife, Mother, Teacher, Farmer:-)

At lunchtime the neighbours invited us to a braai -which they had in their lapa. Rose, Neal and their daughter Margi had another guest Crawford too. The people of Kokstad a so friendly and they treated us like family. It was lovely to just chill and enjoy their hospitality.

They set up cricket for the kids and of course Grandpa and Dad joined in for a bit too.