Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations – Birding with the Locals

2014-12-18 | puppy1952

I love the early mornings but up at quarter to five stretches it a bit when you’re on holiday! No just kidding when it comes to birding it’s definitely the best time of the day. Earl and I met up with 10 other crazy people and had a wonderful birding excursion led by Dr Wim de Klerk. We discovered that this outing was happening on a notice of events for the month of December displayed in the mall.

Arthur and Wally kindly offered to accommodate us in the former’s vehicle and we explored the edges of bodies of water and the salt pans using the car as a hide and getting out when appropriate.

This Agulhas National Park hosts a variety of habitat types and great biodiversity as far as birds are concerned. The patches of renosterveld host large numbers of Black Harriers and we saw them flying and two perched in a tree. Agulhas Long-billed Lark is a special for this area and we managed to see him briefly too. We also saw a number of marsh harriers. One of our target birds was the African Snipe and were delighted to find that too.

The Spotted Eagle owl greeted us at our meeting place

Many Spurwinged geese flew overhead – they are plentiful in this area

Kittlitz plovers were wading on the edges of the water and also further away

Kittlitz’s plovers were wading on the edges of the water and also further away

Our Fellow Birders

We had to get quite deep into the veld

Some young black-shouldered kites were still being cared for by their parents

Some young black-shouldered kites on the nest. Their parents were about still finding food for them.

Some curlew sandpipers

Purple Swamphen

African Snipe

Pelicans on the salt pan – Kelp gulls in the foreground

There were hundreds of Lesser flamingos - quite unusual to see so many

There were hundreds of Lesser flamingos – quite unusual to have them in this area

The vulnerable Denham’s bustard made an appearance

Wally is a really fun guy and I just loved his hat with its Ostrich Plume

Earl and I were really welcomed by this group of people. We will definitely get in touch again when we start spending more time in Struisbaai. Thanks to all, especially Emerentia (organiser) Arthur (driver) and Wim (leader) for including us on this wonderful outing.

We called it a day at 11 and Earl and I went to the Aviator’s Restaurant for breakfast. An ex-pilot runs it and has an old plane that he intends mounting on the roof! He also has a flying school and takes people on scenic flights. Struisbaai certainly is a unique place with something for everybody.

Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations – Swimming, Shopping and Fishing

2014-12-17 | puppy1952

A perfect fishing day dawned again. Earl, Allan and Lauren got up at a very rude hour and quietly slunk off to sea, the latter two having dosed on sea-sick medication the night before!

My rising time, though not as bad mannered as theirs, might have seemed a little extreme to some. The young ones groaned when I cheerfully encouraged them to join me on the beach for a walk and swim. “Meet me there,” I called and left them to dawdle over bowls of Otees and debate as to whether or not it was worth the effort.

Once again it was a blissful morning made better that the masses had not yet arrived. I left my camera behind and regretted it when I spotted a rock kestrel on top of a “Christmas Tree” and then an oystercatcher on the shore line. By the time I was on my return lap down the beach, Simon and Josh appeared to look after my towel and glasses while I went in for a dip. Heavenly – the sea was calm and clear with hardly a ripple. A mom and daughter started chatting to me and asked if I were local. It was their first visit and they were delighted that they’d decided to camp here this year.

Struisbaai is indeed an idyllic place for a holiday. It’s off the beaten track and still a fairly well-kept secret although it’s grown tremendously since my introduction to it in 1982.

It was about quarter past nine when the boys and I returned home with croissants from OK Grocer’s bakery for breakfast(This has got to stop before I gain a ton!) An hour later the fisherfolk pulled in. Lauren had the biggest and best fish!

Lauren’s Fish

The females of the family decided to bond before lunch and how better to do that than to go shopping! Yes in Struisbaai! A new clothing store, Beach Bliss, opened just a week ago and is superbly stocked for men, women and children.

Beach Bliss

Wanien is the owner and there is something for everybody

What do you think, Gran?

This one …..

Or this?

We got quite a few items for Shannon – Christmas presents – so she’ll have to wait to wear them! Lisa and Lauren also got one or two things and I bought a beach bag.

We were almost done when Earl phoned to find out where we were. Not to be outdone we got him some new stuff too – from another lovely shop in the mall.

Earl in his new shorts and shirt

All that shopping is thirsty work so we stopped at Cafe dul Sud for coffee/milkshakes.

Two Strawberry milkshakes, one chocolate a Cappuccino and black for me please!

The girls headed home while Earl and I went to chat to our friends Lynn and Glyn who have a gift shop, Due South, in the mall. We also popped into the nursery coffee shop to get a Christmas loaf for tea.

Friendly Girl in the nursery/coffee shop

Nursery

Coffee shop

South Bound – a wonderful place to browse

We’ve been looking for a suitable bird feeder and found one a quaint little craft shop which sells all kinds of locally made stuff.

We love it’s name and the notice outside – Not made in China – Buy from your own people.

What a surprise to arrive home to the smell of fresh fish frying in the pan. Lauren has taken on the mantle from her dad! It was delicious – the young ones had the nerve to say – Even better than yours, Grandpa! Well equally as good anyway!

What a super star – She caught it – She cooked it

The beach was our next port of call – after 3:30 to avoid the harmful UV rays. And wow – the water was divine – I usually don’t stay in for more than 10 minutes but I just didn’t want to get out this afternoon and the kids were even worse.

The sea was extra blue today

Kites were flying

It’s amazing, Gran!

Shannon got busy with my bird stickers when we got back and they are a-ma-zing. Thanks you Leah for a wonderful gift.

Difficult to photograph but this one came out quite well!

So ended another lousy day in Africa! Tomorrow Earl and I are making an early start to go bird watching with a local expert. Watch this space!

Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations Day 6

2014-12-16 | puppy1952

Abrie suggested a cure for my hand – sleep with an “Asyn Lap” and when you wake up all the bruising and swelling will have disappeared. Well I thought it was worth a try so Earl bound me up in a crepe bandage and poured brown vinegar over it and finally my hand was taped into a plastic bag. But in the middle of the night I woke up with an excruciating itch under the bandage which I ripped off to scratch. My hand looked pickled and I washed off the vinegar and went straight back to sleep! Admittedly the swelling has reduced and there is no bruising but it is not completely better yet!

Here are some pictures that Joshua took last night.

Laurie

Simon learning the art of tablet photography from an expert

Simon learning the art of phone photography from an expert

The Gang

Fooling around

Cuzzies

Shan and Annie

Chilled

This morning early Grandpa and I gathered the grandkids and headed to the beach. There was much moaning about the ridiculously early hour but they forced themselves and were glad of it later! As far as I am concerned the best time to be on the beach is early in the morning before it gets too hot or too windy.

Looking out to perfection on from the boardwalk

Miles of soft sand

A jellyfish being devoured by sea snails

Into the cool, blue sea

Chilly at first

The kids stayed in for ages

Simon

Walking back

Fishing boat returning

We returned at quarter to ten for a lovely breakfast and then chilled till later when the kids returned to the beach. Jay and Shan are a bit too sunburned for my liking! Earl did some chores around the house, I chilled doing very little for most of the days and Allan cooked an awesome curry for dinner. Laurie and Annie left for Cape Town just after 6 but they will join us at home next Monday – the house will be bursting at the seams till the New Year! What a pleasure to have everyone together – family bonding at its best.

Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations – A Visit to Springfield Wine Farm

2014-12-15 | puppy1952

Earl rushed me to be ready by 7:30 and dragged me off to the local doctor’s office. Of course it was closed so we went to the harbour to check out what the fishing boats were doing and then went to OK Grocer for freshly baked croissants. By this time the surgery had opened and Dr Fourie kindly took a look at my injured hand. “Best to have it x-rayed,” she said so after gulping down a croissant and jam we headed to Bredasdorp. I am happy to report that there are no bones broken. We called Lauren and Allan with the good news. While waiting for them to join us we had a quick cup of coffee at Wimpy – Earl ordered breakfast. It took ages to come and he hadn’t finished when the kids arrived. Service at Wimpy Bredasdorp much to be desired! Anyway, the kids parked their car and we headed off to Robertson where Abrie Bruwer was expecting us for lunch.

Allan is a bit of a wine buff and a huge fan of Springfield so this visit was a special treat. Many years ago Earl had done some refrigeration installations for Abri and he is also a fellow Struisbaai fisherman.

The drive to Robertson from Struisbaai is very picturesque and of course we did some high speed bird-watching too. We totalled over 30 birds of prey of which most were jackal buzzards but there were also some steppe buzzards, black shouldered kites, yellow-billed kites and pale chanting goshawks. There were also Egyptian Geese, Spurwinged Geese and blue cranes aplenty.

Blue Crane – Our National Bird

Steppe Buzzard

Jackal Buzzard

Pale Chanting Goshawk

We were served with chilled Miss Lucy wine and Abri cooked fresh yellowtail in a way that we’d never experienced before. He sliced the fish thinly, coated it with a mixture of 1 and half cloves of fresh garlic, salt and vinegar mashed in a pestle and mortar and then dipped each piece in flour before shallow frying it in olive oil. It was served with pumpkin and salad and was to die for.

After lunch he took us on a tour of the farm. Allan was in heaven!

Today the winemaking is an incredibly sophisticated science. The equipment used is mind boggling. Abri is a fourth generation winemaker and his children are all training to join the family business. It certainly is in their blood.

Lauren and Allan enjoying a glass of Miss Lucy

Abri Frying Fish

A delicious lunch

View from the house

This sprayer negotiates the narrow aisles between the rows of vines – amazing

Examining the crop

This incredible contraption creates tensions the support wires for the vines using a winch and a stain gauge which regulates the strain on the wire on the wire so it does not break. The I beam down the side of the tractor allows the winch mechanism to cover three rows of vines.

First the bottles are washed

We watched the wine going in, being capped and finally they are ready for packing

We were also shown the cooling tanks which were huge and quite fascinating. Everything is so high tech. No more hand picking the grapes and stamping them with bare feet!

It was certainly an interesting day. Thank you Abri!

Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations Day 4

2014-12-14 | puppy1952

My eyes sting with the saltiness of the sea water, and I reel against the sudden chill as a wave crashes over my shoulders. But soon I am revelling in a refreshing swim as I become accustomed to the temperature. I frolic in the breakers feeling like a kid again. It is 8:00 a.m. and Josh, Simon and I have walked and run along the most beautiful beach in Africa for half an hour. How amazing to start the day in the delicious Indian Ocean at the Southern Tip of Africa. A more idyllic place would be hard to find.

First stop – the harbour

Interesting Vehicle

Simon intrigued by the barble washed ashore

Simon intrigued by the barbel washed ashore

The boardwalk connects the harbour beach to the long beach

A Kelp Gull sheltering among the rocks

The boys brave the cool waves

Wrapping up after

Life guards coming on duty

Back home we found a daughter cooking breakfast

Grandpa and Jay, in the meantime, were enjoying a perfect morning at sea – the seasick ones remained at home today!

Jay’s Catch

After breakfast – croissants – the boys and I managed to get the last 10 from the OK Grocer’s bakery – and egg and bacon cooked by Laurie – we headed back to the beach. This time we decided to enjoy the calmer waters of the harbour.

It’s a safe family beach

Even the dogs are having fun

After we all enjoyed a swim in the safe waters we enjoyed soft serve ice creams and then spotted Kiora racing into to the harbour.

The boat to match the vehicle we saw earlier!

Getting Kiora onto the trailer

The Champions – a lovely catch of cob

Shannon and I had a little mishap while watching the hitching of the boat. Shan wanted to climb up onto the boat and walked down the slipway which was covered with green, slimy sea moss. Oops she slipped and slid down on her back, hitting her head to boot. She lay unable to get up and I instinctively went to her aid and yes you guessed it slipped in the same way myself! In my effort to save myself I hurt my wrist but no other damage done – I might, though, have a small broken bone in my hand! I will only find out tomorrow when I go to Bredasdorp for an x-ray! Shan has grazes on her back and a bit of a headache but otherwise – no harm done!

Annie is suffering from torn ligaments in her ankle and had a spare brace that is perfect for my hand which has a rather suspicious looking swollen lump on it- I am managing to type so it can’t be too serious – fortunately it’s my left hand.

Annie and Shannon creating a delicious salad

Grandpa braaing the cob

Jay and Simon getting digital

Lovely fish

Helping the daughter

Fab meal

Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations – Day 3

2014-12-13 | puppy1952

Yes – Today dawned bright and still, heralding good fishing conditions. Earl, Lauren, Jay, Josh and Simon were on the sea by 7 o’clock and were lucky enough to spot dolphins and flying fish! I could be persuaded to board a boat to see that! The fishing was not too shabby either. Grandpa got a lovely red roman and the others were happy to get a few silver fish. The bad news – they were all sea-sick except for Jay and Gramps! But they did not suffer long and were back on land by 9:30.

Red Roman

Some of the silver fish

Jay, Simon, Lauren and Josh (looking a bit green about the gills)

After the fishing excursion the wind got up but the kids went off to the beach and spent some time there. Lolz, Annie and I went down for a while but were soon blown back home.

For lunch we enjoyed Earlie’s fabulous fried fish and later in the day the kids headed back to the beach for a swim.

Master Chef of Struisbaai

Finger food

We had a little mishap with a little sugarbird today. It flew against a closed window and stunned itself. Jay picked it up with a dish towel and rubbed it a bit. It just lay in a stupor but slowly started to flick its wings and eventually flew onto some washing hanging on the line. Eventually it felt strong enough to take shelter at the top of the milkwood tree. I do hope its headache is over soon! We must put those lovely stickers I received as a gift onto those windows soon.

Concussed female sugarbird

Let me rest a while

What just happened?

A malachite sunbird in transitional plumage looks on

Struisbaai – A week with three generations – Day 1 and 2

2014-12-12 | puppy1952

Thursday 11 December 2014

Today began a new chapter of my life – RETIREMENT! Well I have had a chequered on and off career of teaching but with Earl’s retirement I know that the time has now come for me to call an end to my career too. I bade farewell to my principal and colleagues just after 9 0’clock yesterday morning no regrets as the last three and half years have been very happy and I’ve left on a high note!

It was just an hour or so later than Earl and I along with our two teenaged grandsons hit the road to our holiday house in Struisbaai.

The Kokstad Clan – Daughter Lauren and Son-in-law Allan travelled up with the kids Shan 12 and Simon 10 overnighted in Graaff Reinet and arrived an hour after us at 3:30 this afternoon.

Simon, Earl, Josh, Jay, Shannon

Proud Grandfather with his brood of grandchildren

Josh and Simon play fighting

UNO – A favourite of our youngsters

Friday 12 December 2014

This morning we were horrified to wake to rain and wind. Not a fishing day! But this did not dampen our spirits and it wasn’t long before it cleared up. A trip to the local supermarket produced freshly baked break and croissants which accompanied Grandpa’s famous Earlie Brekkie.

Bonding over an “Earlie” Breakfast

The adults went off to the Wine Boutique in Agulhas while the kids went to explore the rock pools. Earl and I also popped into Potpourri a favourite gift/coffee shop that I love to browse in. Grandpa spotted a poster that he just had to have. Most appropriate don’t you think?

Excursion to the Rock Pools

My favourite granddaughter – (I’m your only granddaughter, Granny!)

Gathering the family together is far from peaceful. It is full of noise, attention seeking, teasing, laughter, bantering, chatter and fun, fun, fun.

Our older grandsons are amazing with their younger cousins. Jay 17 and Josh 16, always relate well to them and make sure they have a good time. They include them in the board games, take them off to the beach without the adults and make sure everyone does their fair share of the chores!

Our other two daughters had to work till lunch time today so only joined us at 3:30 this afternoon. Laurie brought her friend, Annie, visiting from London along too. So we now have a household of 11!

Laurie and Annie

Lisa and Earl – Allan braaing in the background

Annie, Shannon, Laurie

Simon, Shan and Jay

Playing Clue

Good old S.A. Braai

Kokstad Day 2

2014-03-30 | puppy1952

We had a lovely late lie in before the kids came in with steaming cups of coffee. Then Grandpa made one of his legendary breakfasts. We had a chilled morning. Nicoline, Robyn and Scott came for tea and then our kids rode their bikes the 8km back to their farm. Robyn came on her horse but the others were on bikes.

Later Earl and I took a drive to Nicoline to fetch the kids. We were excited to spot a male Amur Falcon and a few females. One hovered and then dropped down to catch a juicy grasshopper. I managed to get some awesome photographs.

We also stopped to photograph a male stonechat, a banded martin and a white stork.

As we crossed the stream we came across a road block. Quite a common occurrence in rural areas. Cows have the right of way but don’t seem to mind is you slowly make your way through them.

As we approached Nicoline’s we saw a huge flock of crowned crane on her property. They took off and circled and then settled in the field behind the dam. As soon as we could we made our way quietly towards them. The land was boggy and I squelched through a particularly muddy section to get some good shots. I was dressed in a skirt and sandals. The latter had to be removed. What was I thinking. When on the farm dress as the farm girls dress!

I was so intent on getting the photographs that I did not realise that we had wandered into the camp where a bull was watching us with a wary eye. I wanted to go back to the house the long way round but Earl made me walk past the moody bull and climb over the fence near the dam. O my word – he mock charged me and then went to have a gentle drink with is mate!

Image

Autumn Break Cape Town to Durban to Kokstad

Finally the first term is over. It has had its fair share of delights and dramas but I am satisfied that my girls have now settled into the routine of Grade One. Experience tells me that from here on things only get better.
The holidays have now begun and the short week we have will be just enough to charge the batteries sufficiently to get back into the swing of things for a long second term which will be punctuated by a number of public holidays.

We sent the children home at 11 on Friday and after doing a few chores at school I dashed off home at about quarter to one, did my final packing and then Earl and I set off for to his office where one of his men was waiting to take us to the airport. Our Mango flight was delayed but it was perfect weather for flying and once we were up it was a pleasant trip midway through which we heard an urgent call for a doctor. Somebody had suffered a heart attack a few seats behind us. It was all very dramatic. Our travelling companion was an actuarial honors student from Stellenbosch university. Ooohh she said – how cool to be a doctor – nobody asks for an actuary in an emergency! The flight attendants rushed around finding medical equipment in the baggage compartment above our heads. A fibrillater appeared and soon the patient was stabilized.
The ambulance was waiting on the runway and we had to wait for the paramedics board before we could deplane. Hopefully all went well for the hapless passenger
After collecting our luggage we got our hire car and drove through the Durban traffic to Eddie’s house. Shirl was away looking after her granddaughter while Mom was having a baby. Andrew had been staying with Eddie all week while Barb was in hospital where she landed up after complications after her appendectomy. One of their kids had brought them up and it was a great convenience that we were now there to take them back.
Eddie had a lovely supper waiting for us. We caught up with everyone and then dropped into bed.
We had to travel slowly as Barbs had doctors instructions to stop every hour for a break. Our first stop was Gorge’s View where their son in law’s mom works. We had excellent service and fabulous cofffee and crunchies while we enjoyed the view.

Our second stop was at Ingeni Forest Lodge where we had lunch. Also a lovely spot. Travelling at this pace is to be recommended. We enjoyed the company and the took in the views that we would normally just rush past.

It was then just another hour to Glynis’s house where Andrew had his car. We spent a few minutes chatting, settled Barb into the car and then went our separate ways. Lauren, the kids and dogs were there to greet us at Karg’s Post and later in the afternoon we went for a lovely long walk – well the dogs, Lauren and I walked while the kids rode their bikes. What a stunning day it was and how lovely to be able to walk is such beautiful surroundings.

Simon said, Get your camera ready, Granny – and lifted a stone under which lay this snake!

A female stone chat posed obligingly.

The kids rode on ahead an got home before us and we were nearly there when Allan drove up behind us on his way home from golf so we drove the rest of the way with him. Lazy I know but we’re on holiday!
Lauren cooked us a delicious corned beef with mustard sauce for supper. The meat was from their own cattle and prepared by the butcher. Quite delicious!

Outing with my Family

2013-11-13 | puppy1952

I was not teaching at my school when my two grandsons, Joshua and Jay were in Grade 6 and 7 there. (They are now in Grade 9 and 10 respectively) During that year they both took part in a musical put on by the Art and Drama teacher who adapted it as a school production. The show was – Guys and Dolls. Jay played the part of Branigan the policeman and Josh was in the evangelical parade that trooped across the stage at regular intervals.

So when my hairdresser, Johan informed me that he had a part in the same show at The Artscapes, I decided to take the family to see it. It would be great for the boys to see their characters portrayed by professionals. On Sunday afternoon we all piled into the Caravelle, picked up Laurie from her flat in Woodstock and made our way to The Theatre! Wow – did we enjoy it! And the boys and girls who performed in the school version can certainly be proud of themselves. They portrayed their characters beautifully.

Laurie lives in an apartment in Upper East Side, Woodstock. It is part of a Hilton Hotel Complex which comprises of the hotel, a shopping centre and apartments. After the show we treated the daughters and grandsons to a meal at a Liberty Restaurant which in her complex. The food was excellent and we all had a thoroughly good time.

Josh receiving meal from our charming waitron

Jay and Lolz intrigued by the balsamic vinegar

Jay and Lolz discussing the merits of a good balsamic vinegar

Lamb Burger to die for

Dad and Daughter

My Meal – Ostrich Medaillons

The calamari salad was great

Butternut Ravioli for Lisa? She never eats veggies at home!

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront – Retail Therapy!

2013-10-27 | puppy1952

I am pretty good at spotting a bird in a bush or a leopard in a tree when travelling in a game reserve but when it comes to spotting just the right item of clothing in a crowded mall I need an expert to accompany me. My fashion guru friend, Sharon, is just right for this task so early on Saturday morning we made our biannual trip to the shopping Mecca of Cape Town – THE VICTORIA AND ALFRED WATERFRONT

Wikipedia describes it as follows:

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in the historic heart of Cape Town‘s working harbour is South Africa’s most-visited destination, having the highest rate of foreign tourists of any attraction in the country.^[1] Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain and set against a backdrop of sea and mountain views, it offers a variety of shopping and entertainment options to visitors, intermingled with office locations, the Somerset Hospital, hotels (such as the historical Breakwater Lodge – once a 19th-century prison) and luxury apartments in the residential marina.

I couldn’t put it better myself but I shall try to put my personal slant on it as I describe my fabulous day spent there yesterday. We tend to get rather insular in my niche down in the deep, deep south of the southern suburbs of Cape Town and trekking ‘over the mountain’ is like going to a foreign country for some of us! Sharon and I were in high spirits as we set off leaving a galing black south easter behind us and entering a less windswept and sunnier city. I was too ‘snoep’ to park inside where you pay a fortune per hour so found an outdoor spot where we only paid R10 for the entire day! It required a short walk to the V&A entrance but we were cool with that!

I am visiting Australia in six weeks time so Christmas shopping was on the top of my agenda closely followed by Summer Wardrobe. This is where Fashion Guru Sharon was to prove helpful. Let me explain – when we go walking, Sharon will say – “Did you see that girl’s belt?” And I will reply, “No, where?’ A little further on I will ask, – “Did you see that bird?” And she will reply, “No, where?” So you see my need! Racks and racks of clothing – and I just get all confused. No seriously – I know what I want – it’s finding it that’s the problem. So having my fashion advisor is a great help.

Shoes, as you know are irresistible to any girl, even when she’s in her sixties, so it made sense to stop at Green Cross first – and yes – the perfect flatties suitable for old ladies were found and bought! Sometimes when we shop we get irritated that assistants are disinterested and unhelpful. But today we met a new calibre of sales people who looked as though they enjoyed what they were doing and bent over backwards to show us their wares. Perhaps they saw the Gold Card coming?

I was keen to get gifts of quality with an South African feel – novel but nice. Here again I was pleasantly surprised. Excellent service and enthusiasm from those selling form carts as well as those in the more formal shops and the prices were reasonable. I get really annoyed when I see tourists are being ripped off. I didn’t see much of it on The Waterfront yesterday! But having said that – tourists beware – it does happen – shop around!

African Art Stall

After an hour or two of success we went to Melissa’s for a coffee – caffeine is so important for shopping stamina. We prowled every walkway, passage and shop and at lunchtime hit The Greek Fisherman, sat outdoors and had a delicious Sushi Platter for two – Yes I know – Japanese at a Greek Restaurant doesn’t sound right – but you can get sushi anywhere nowadays and it was excellent!

Pirate Ship in the harbour

Table cloth on the mountain

Our energies renewed, we set off to complete our shopping determined to explore every possible shop ending with the ‘platinum passage’ where the designer shops are situated – way above our budget but worth a visit anyway. Surprise, surprise – I saw a little number I couldn’t resist and on inspecting the price tag, found that I could in fact afford it!

Time flew and at 5 o’clock we needed coffee and Baklava before trekking back over the mountain to our normal lives. No more swanning it on foreign shores. But it was fun while it lasted and we did enjoy pretending to be fabulous in glamourland!

Ladies at leisure

Thank you V&A Waterfront, The Greek Fisherman, La Player, Queen’s Park, Pia Boutique, Country Road, Forever New,Call it Spring, Zoom, The Red Shed and all the crafty carts for helping us into escapism. The retail therapy was great!

‘

‘Tis the Season for Babies

2013-10-20 | puppy1952

Isn’t is amazing how babies bring out the warm, fuzzy feeling in us all. Those oohs, aahs and cuuuuutes just pop out of our mouths when we see a brand new little person. I have been following the progress of my nephew’s baby on FaceBook but got to meet him in person on Saturday. Of course I fell instantly in love. First to hold him was Earl, who examined his hands to see whether they were ready to hold a fishing rod. “You’d better be as good as your dad,” he warned the unsuspecting youngster. Matthew looked at him intently and proved his strength by squeezing hard as he held his fingers!I

Of course I want to go fishing!

Isn’t he adorable

Proud parents

My sister with her grandson

Showing him the view from Granny and Grandpa’s lounge

It’s a great view!

Matthew wasn’t the only baby I went gaga over this weekend. In my madness, I decided to brave the howling south-easterly wind and go on the Cape Bird Club’s outing to the Philippi Wetlands! After all the winter rains, the surrounding farms had water-logged fields that attracted myriads of birds. Both lesser and greater flamingo were seen but the highlight for me were the baby birds. On one pond we found three species with young and just as we are fascinated by the offspring of our own species so we are with those of birds and beasts too!!