Struisbaai Holiday Day 2 Back on the Run, Agulhas and Delicious Fish

2012-12-16 | puppy1952

Before I left for Struisbaai my Personal Torturer and I parted company with a final workout for the holidays. “I won’t be seeing you for some weeks so I’ll leave you something to remember me by,” he said and proceeded to work my ass off with a an excessive work out! I promised to keep up the training as much as possible on my own – but how to do that. In the not so distant past, before I hurt my back, my exercise of choice was doing a brisk 5 to 8 km run – no travelling to a gym, no-one telling you what to do and very little brain power involved. In fact a productive way to chill out and gather your thoughts away from the dependants nagging for your attention. How many years ago now since I actually did a run? At least 4.

Waking to a perfect day today I just had that urge to get out on the beach and what better place than to resume the running ritual again. I had doubts that I would be able to do 5km but – so what – I would see how far I could get. I donned my bathing costume and short, drove to the beach so that I didn’t have to wear takkies and set off barefoot down the longest beach in Africa! The tide was going out and the beach mud was cool and firm beneath my feet, a gentle sea-breeze blew from across my face and the sea wooshed loudly in my ears. After five minutes I was right back in that old rhythm – slowly at first and then I lengthened my stride and I am sure was almost up to my former pace – and I just kept going – the muscles certainly have a memory. My intention was to try and make it to the signboard with the Big B on it – (a marker for the fishing boats to line up to, I think) which is about 2.5km down the beach and then to walk back. But I was feeling good so turned around and continued running. This kind of endurance exercise is not what I have been doing for the past several years – its been more interval and strength training – far more challenging than running I can assure you – and all the stationery cycling, skipping and jumping burpies most have kept my aerobic fitness up because I managed the run with ease. The best part was stripping off my shorts and throwing myself into the cooling waves when I got back. The water was deliciously refreshing – not at all cold! Frolicking in the southern most waves is a great reward after a beautiful run in the morning sunshine.

Yes – I am back – I will be beach running for the rest of the holidays and perhaps get back on the road when I get home.

I am supposed to be doing my kettle bell training too – but didn’t get round to that today – definitely tomorryow!

Lolz was still in bed when I got back. I did the household chores then roused her to come with me to Agulhas. We had coffee and muffins at Potpourri – browsed round the gift shop then drove back home again. Lolz lay and tanned – but I just can’t do that any more so I sat in the shade and did a Sudoku – a brutal one which I finally vanquished.

Me at Potpourri

Agulhas Lighthouse

Lolz at the entrance of Potpourri

Lolz waiting for muffins

Earl and Greg had been out at sea since some immorally early hour and had returned just before we left. They brought back a lovely catch of red fish – lunch!

He catches, cleans and cooks it.

From the sea into the frying pan

Greg and Lolz enjoying fresh fried fish

Struisbaai Holiday Day 1 Getting There

2012-12-15 | puppy1952

Oh what joy when the weather is good and it is holiday time! For the first time ever we are spending Christmas at our holiday home in Struisbaai. By 6:30 pm yesterday I had all my present shopping completed and my newly painted classroom set up and ready for next year. Earl had a midday staff function which I managed to fit in too!
Both cars were packed and ready for an early departure this morning. Earl in his fully loaded car and boat left at 6:30 am. Lolz and I in an equally loaded Caravelle left at 7. We had Jay and two other boys with us and we dropped them in Somerset West where they met up with a Girl Scout friend and her family. They are now enjoying a camping/fishing/skiing weekend at Theewatersvlei until Monday afternoon. Lifts back to Sun Valley are organised with the mom of one of the other boys.
Once the boys were safely on their way Lolz and I dropped in at Kettle Bells for Africa where I purchased two – my intentions to exercise during the holidays are good!

I love driving to a destination when there is no pressure on time. Lolz and I did it at our leisure, stopping at Orchard for breakfast and then Bredasdorp where she did her Christmas shopping. And yes – she did manage to get exactly what she wanted well within her budget! She also managed to replenish her wardrobe with items that were most satisfactory. Mr Price, Bredasdorp is not bad at all!

We travelled through all weather – chilly and cloudy in Cape Town, hot and sunny in Somerset West then intermittent rain all the way to Bredasdorp. Struisbaai was overcast but hot and no rain here yet.

The old thorny grass in our front garden has gone and is now replaced with fresh roll lawn. There is an automatic sprinkler system in place but one or two failed to pop up and so we are now watering the dry patches. The birds are very pleased and have been bathing all day long.
There is a new fridge in the kitchen – twice the size of the precious one – very necessary when 9 more guests are expected!

My beautiful daughter

Earl has been busy all day doing odd chores. Lolz and I went for a lovely walk to the harbour, along the board walk and a little way down the beach. I was horrified to see the storm damage to Notra restaurant. How many times haven’t I enjoyed a coffee and snack on that deck.

The Late Nostra

Boats in Struisbaai Harbour

Lolz walking on the long beach

On our way back we popped into ‘Nanna’s Boutique’ which we were surprised to find is packed with some quite nice clothes and jewellery. We might pop back again before the weekend is over.

Greg had arrived when we got back and was helping Earl with some of the chores. He will take Lolz back on Monday afternoon.

Right now we are just chilling, listening to music and watching the garden birds. How nice not to have anything pressing to do!

Celebrating 60 Years of Me

2012-11-27 | puppy1952

When you teach small girls its hard to get away with neglecting to confessing when your birthday is and also how old you are! At my school birthdays are celebrated anyway – and its hard to keep it a secret. There are three members of staff with birthdays on the same day as mine and we each received a gift voucher at an early morning staff meeting last Monday morning. Isn’t that amazing? My little girls also spoilt me with little gifts and cards and I think they were more excited than me. Two of them wished me a Happy 40th birthday! I don’t think I’ve taught them their numbers very well!

I was in the middle of opening presents on Thursday morning when the school secretary arrived at the classroom door. “There is someone here with a special delivery,”she said. I’d ordered cup cakes from Cake Creations so said, ”Oh I was expecting them at 10 ——Omigosh” And there was one of the moms with an enormous cake – iced with a picture of me on top and all the kids around the edge. Wow!

The Surprise Cake

I was spoilt with choccies and smellies, pretty necklaces and bangles and a dozen other special little things. Most of them had chosen their gifts and made their cards themselves – and that is what made it so precious.

I decided not to have a huge celebration of my coming of aged. The guest list would just grow to a proportion that was unmanageable – so instead I settled for a dinner at a restaurant with close family and friends. There were 14 of us and it was lovely.

Lovely Setting

My sister and brother-in-law – Tana and Brain

Sharon and Tony

Peter and Heather

: Chantal and me

Chantal and Jeremy

Lisa and The Lads

A toast

Jay – It’s only sparkling water!

Josh

My darling husband and me

On Saturday my breakfast friends helped me celebrate at Bistro Sixteen82. What a stunning venue. The food was excellent and service good. It was also Cheryl’s birthday – but she’s not as old as me!

Breakfast Friends

So now I am a senior citizen. And do I feel any different? No – just the same as always and long may that last!

I’m upside down at 60!

2012-11-21 | puppy1952

Not so long ago, when I was a sweet young thing, I thought 60 was old. All the 60 year-olds I knew complained of sore knees, backs and shoulders. They discussed their ailments and operations at every social gathering and groaned when they got up from a sitting or lying position. They all had grey hair, were pleasantly plump and seemed content that the end of their days were drawing nigh. Conversations with them were always interesting as they reminisced about the ‘good old days’ None of them jogged, rode bicycles or went to gym. Few worked, all had grandchildren and nobody’s kids still lived at home.

I think that somewhere along the line I’ve lost count of the years. I know that I’m turning 60 tomorrow because I was born in 1952 – but how did 1992 to 2012 flash by so quickly? I till feel like I’m 40 and I think still live my life like a 40 year old.

I should start acting my age – but instead what do I do? Kicking and screaming I drag myself off to a personal trainer twice a week. The idea is to keep my back from caving in and ensuring the joints and muscles don’t seize up. Gentle exercise is what I expected. It all started innocently enough and was nothing like the variety of activities that I’d tried before – from Jane Fonda aerobics and feeling the burn to gym circuits, cycling and jogging. None of these hectic activities can compare to what I put myself through now with a personal trainer who has worked miracles with me – no more back pain, no aches in my joints – which is why I keep going. But really isn’t it a little inelegant for a girl my age to be hanging upside down on unstable rings, doing pikes on a stability ball and playing slam dunk with a ball that doesn’t bounce. Should I be skipping rope like a 7 year-old, exhausting myself doing burpies and straining my aging brain with manoeuvres that require a dancer’s co-ordination?

How inelegant is this

Is this even safe?

I’m being brainwashed that it is all good for me. All this exercise – as weird as it is and honestly I never know what crazy thing I’m going to be required to do next – is supposed to prevent Alzheimer’s, increase bone density and prevent all sort of other things that make you old.

Well maybe it is working because once a young man – a very young man – said he couldn’t believe I was older than his mother. “You have a personal trainer, don’t you?” he guessed.

So tomorrow I will proudly turn 60, grateful that I still have the energy to help raise a family, have a career that I love and indulge in my outdoor passions.

Thanks to my excellent hairdresser for preventing my hair from revealing my true age, my personal trainer for keeping me fit and my family and friends for giving me emotional stability because really its that, which really keeps me feeling young.

A good weekend after a busy week

2012-11-18 | puppy1952

The past week at school was a busy one. The intermediate phase wrote their assessment papers and all the staff, including the foundation phase gathered in the hall to assist with the marking. There was a great spirit of camaraderie,laughter at the exam howlers and of course we got lunch. I have never before taught at a school that fed the staff so regularly – I was told that they did this because you couldn’t complain if your mouth was full:-) When all the marking was done and dusted between 4 and 5 each afternoon – the foundation phase still had their regular marking to do and of course we didn’t complain!

On Friday, there were no assessments, and it was lovely to have a one o’clock closing time with no marking. I stayed at school to finish off my week’s marking and then treated myself to a visit to the hairdresser, as I could not longer hide the grey, and my true age was beginning to show. It was bliss – Johann must have gone to an excellent hairdressing school where they learn how to say the right things to their clients. I don’t care how extravagant his prices are – I will pay as long as keeps telling me how gorgeous I am. He lies with such sincerity and his head massage is the best in the world.

It’s a long time since I was a student at the best college ever founded – sadly it closed down in 1975 – but it’s graduates still live on and there is a GTC Old Girls’ Guild in many cities and towns all over the world. The Cape Town branch meets each November to commemorate our founder, Mother Cecil. We invite a priest who knew Grahamstown Training College or whose wife is an Old Girl and have the same Founder’s Service as we did each year when were students. We sing the two college hymns and play a recording of a college choir from 50 years ago sing the Te Deum. And the nostalgia is amazing. Afterwards we have a scrumptious tea and catch up with old friends. This we did this past Saturday afternoon and once again I am so grateful that I had the privilege of attending this amazing college with an incredible tradition which instilled in me the passion for teaching that I have to this day.

I have many passions but gardening is not one of them. However, in suburbia you do from time to time have to pay attention to that part of your home. I am lucky in that I have a good friend who loves to be in the garden and in return for fish and computer lessons helps me to sort mine out from time to time. This morning we had a date at 9:00 a.m. and I decided that the time had come for my two teen-aged grandsons to get interested in the joys of garden work. Josh was already up and a bit shocked when I asked him to come and help. Jay’s muscular body had to be coaxed out of bed and into manual labour. In the end they both complied with good grace and were an enormous help as there was lots of digging, pulling and chopping to be done. After a couple of hours the transformation was rewarding in itself. Margy and I then took them off to the nursery to buy a few new plants and we allowed them to choose one each which they loved and would not be persuaded to change their minds about. We then indulged in scones, jam and cream, coffees for Margy and me and fizzy drinks for the lads.

Back home they joyfully planted the new flowers and shrubs and were proud of the results. They promised that in future they would help more regularly with the gardening. Oh and Grandpa? He made a brief appearance – said ‘what the heck are you doing?’ – saw that everything was under control and left us to it!

Margy supervising

Jay planting

Planting their flowers

Margy mentoring Jay

Watering

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.

Grandpa give instructions

And then demonstrates

Dad and Simon doing well

The adults enjoying each others company

To be continued …………

Spring Break – KwaZulu-Natal – Truly in Africa

2012-09-30 | puppy1952

29 September 2012

I love Cape Town. It is a beautiful, colourful, cosmopolitan city with a mountain to die for. Its the place where I was born and bred so of course nowhere else can possibly compare to it. But – that does not mean that I cannot appreciate other parts of our outstanding beautiful country. In Cape Town I forget that I am actually in Africa – although more of it is rapidly creeping down south – and I love that too! So every time I visit KZN I am freshly struck by how ‘African’ it is. It is closer to the Tropic of Capricorn so of course the weather is warmer and the vegetation greener – overwhelmingly greener! This morning our destination is Kokstad where our daughter Lauren lives with her husband and two children. There is also a collection of other relatives that we live a rural lifestyle there.

Heading in the right direction

Yesterday’s stormy weather is forgotten and we head off in the glorious African sunshine.

Its a beautiful drive along the south coast then into the Transkei. En route we see many colourful African scenes

Fields of sugar cane

Waiting for the bus

Newly built housing

: A mixture of modern and traditional

Traditional Housing

Traditional Blanket

There were 5 Spar trucks to pass

Imagine carrying water in you hand and shopping on your head!

Finally we came to our turn off

The Pink Church – a well-known land mark

After turning toward Kaag’s Post at the pink church we felt the flood of anticipation of seeing our kids. We hooted as we passed their friends’ farm and the first bird we spotted was a long-crested eagle and then surprisingly a little flock of blue crane – more common in the Western Cape than KZN where you are more likely to see crowned crane.

A rock hyrax greets us at the bridge

The bridge we had to cross

Plenty of water in the river after good rains and snow

Approach to the house

: Cody is pleased to see us

Simon is hiding so Shan goes to find him

I see you Simon

Lauren takes Dad on a tour of inspection

The garden is looking stunning

The Cottage

The horses Ben and Splash

We arrived to warm welcomes from the dogs, horses, Shannon and Lauren. But Simon decided to hide! The promise of a present finally coaxed him from his hiding place and then we got warm hugs and declarations of “I missed you Granny and Grandpa!”

After the tour of the garden was over we went in for tea and gave the kids their presents. Earl was pretty tired after all the driving and had a nap but I decided to sit in the sun and watch the grandchildren play while I read my book and chatted to Lauren. When Grandpa woke up they all went out for a walk but I decided to stay in the sun and read my book – such luxury to do so after a long and hectic term.