Catching Up With The Family

2018-06-04 | puppy1952

On Friday after enjoying a delicious breakfast at our favourite coffee shop, The Earl said, “I feel like going off somewhere for the weekend.”

“Where do you want to go?” I asked. It was cold and I didn’t relish a caravan excursion.

“To the kids in Plettenberg Bay!” came his reply. Well – why not! It’s a whole six weeks since we saw them last. And the novelty of having them only five hours away hasn’t yet worn off!

So we rushed home, phoned our son-in-law, packed a bag and hit the road at 10:30 am!

The drive from Struisbaai to Plett is an easy one. There is very little traffic and the roads are in good condition. But when we passed through George there was a congestion. What could be wrong? The Earl began to get anxious as the traffic police were not handling the situation very well. The road was blocked and the two officers didn’t seem to know what to do. They were letting a few cars through and only when we got close to them were we told that if we were going further than Victoria Bay we wouldn’t be able to get through. A truck had lost it’s load of beer on the pass. Sooo we had to turn around and take the narrow, windy Seven Passes Road. At one point there was a single lane bridge to cross and this caused a huge congestion. It took us two extra hours to get to our kids. But such is life and it was all part of the adventure. Imagine if we’d been in a hurry! We still made it to Jubilee Farm by just after five pm.

Lauren was teaching when we called our son-in-law so she and Simon only found out we were coming at the end of the school day. Allan cooked us a delicious lamb curry and had a fire going. It was, to say the least, a happy reunion.

A warming curry for supper

Grandpa and Si in front of the fire – Gramps has the extra warmth of Roger round his neck

Saturday was a much warmer day. The sun shone, the sky was blue and there was not a breath of wind. I was delighted to find that yellow-billed ducks now visit the pond in front of the house.

This duck called out his joy with gleeful quacks

Cheddar the cat likes hunting in the long grass and reeds next to the dam

We took the family to town for lunch. The Table is a lovely Italian restaurant with seating outdoors.

The Dolphin Statue in Plettenberg Bay

Lauren and Allan at The Table

Lauren and Allan had delicious pizza, The Earl and I chicken and avo salad and Simon a Blue cheese salad. Desserts were Creme Brulet and Fruit on sticks dipped in dark Belgium Chocolate. Yum!

Our granddaughter, Shannon, who attends Glenwood House in George, was not home for the weekend as she had choir rehearsal all Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. So on Sunday we had a leisurely late breakfast and enjoyed the morning with the family before setting off to George. Shan was with family friends for the day and we visited her there before taking her back to school. It was lovely catching up with her and The Bakers. It was also lovely to see Shan’s school and to meet her roommate. I am so proud of my well-adjusted granddaughter. It wasn’t easy leaving her much loved St John’s in Pietermaritzburg at the end of last term. But after only five weeks she is fitting in so well at Glenwood. You go Shan, Girl!

Shan and her roommate, Onika

After dropping Shan we went to Great Brak to see more family – Diane and Carey who live on a small holding in the mountains called Rondomooi. For my overseas readers Rondomooi means All Around Beautiful.

And all around where they live is truly beautiful!

Carey has a workshop on the property where he builds Motor Homes. They also grow veggies and keep chickens. Diane is going to start an orchid nursery.

Eggs from the Free-Range Hens

Diane collecting eggs

Kitty keeping an eye on things

Lettuce growing like trees!

Carey showing me the garden

We spent a lovely evening and morning with Carey and Diane and at 11 this morning headed back to Struisbaai. We stopped in Swellendam to refuel with diesel and coffee!

It was a lovely sunny day and we even stopped to snap this lovely rock kestrel

IMG_6924_InPixio

What a lovely little get-away that was. When you retire you can do these spur of the moment things! How lucky we are!

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Favourite Word

2018-06-03 | puppy1952

Here is my contribution to this week’s stream of consciousness prompt

This week Linda asks us to write about our favourite word.

This is a stunning prompt. My chosen word escapes my lips pretty often. I may be lazy about choosing new words but this one describes things I like very well. You can say stunning is so many different ways. You can say it in a joyful way, an excited way, a surprised way and even in a sarcastic way. You can draw it out – Stun-ning. Although for this type of expression I would choose – Fan-tas-tic. You can shout it, you can whisper it – you can put on a accent with it. There is a lot of playing around you can do with the word, stunning.

I use the word to describe experiences. I had a stunning visit with my grandchildren this weekend. I use it to describe what I eat – The meal at The Black Oyster Catcher was stunning. I use it to describe how someone looks – Megan Markle looked stunning on her wedding day.

It’s a word that really puts across the emotion, feeling or description. It’s to do with how it is said and it just gets the message across so much better than any other word. You can’t help but understand exactly what this word expresses. It’s just stunning!

So yes – Stunning remains my favourite word.

A Stunning View from my daughter’s porch

Black and White Challenge – Sand, Ground, Dirt, Grass, Paths

2018-06-01 | puppy1952

Here is my contribution to this week’s black and white challenge from Cee

Sand on Fish Hoek Beach

Hangklip Sand Dune

Elim Dirt Road

Herding sheep on a local dirt road

Elephants in the grasslands

Fun Photo Challenge – Flag/Banner

2018-05-31 | puppy1952

Here is my contribution to the week’s Fun Photo Challenge from Cee

My brother is into all things historical and political. Since he was very small he collected rare things and showed an early interest in Royalty, Pomp and Ceremony. Now that he is an adult his home is like a mini museum containing rare books, coins, medals and significant memorabilia. Of course flags are also part of his huge collection of interesting things. Every room of his house sports a flag or two of some significance.
Here are but three of them.

Governor General of South Africa 1910-1931

The royal standard for Australia from 1964 to date.

When I stayed with him in his London home, I was assigned to The Flag Room!

The Australian naval ensign

You can read more about my brother’s mini museum Here

Share Your World – 28 May 2018

2018-05-28 | puppy1952

Here is my contribution to this week’s Share your world from Cee

If you were to pack a basket for picnic lunch, what would be in your basket?

As we often cater outdoors in game reserves I have the following permanently packed in two baskets – flask, mugs, plates, bowls, cutlery, chopping board, table cloth, frying pan, coffee plunger, pan, tea, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper and Ina Paarman rosemary and olive seasoning.

We usually stop at a picnic site for brunch rather than lunch so in a cooler bag I will have eggs, bacon, tomatoes, bananas and milk. If I were to be packing for lunch I would like to have Banting crackers, chicken liver pate, cold roast chicken and a Greek salad in a sealed container. I would also have a small snack pack containing containing nuts, biltong, dried sausage and Banting cookies.

There would also be a good supply of bottled water as it gets hot in Africa!

On a vacation what you would require in any place that you sleep?

Most of my vacations are spent in our caravan which has a very comfortable bed.

King-size caravan bed – big enough Grandpa and The Kids!

In addition I require the ablutions to be clean and functioning. So far I have had few problems but just in case, my caravan has it’s own water supply, shower and chemical loo.

When I stay in a hotel or B&B my needs are few. The room must be clean and the linen of good quality. I would also appreciate it if the room was non-smoking, air conditioned in summer and heated in winter, please. It has to be at least as comfortable as my caravan.

If you were to buy a new house/apartment what is the top three items on your wish list?

I’m happy with my home and I can live with it exactly as it is for the rest of my life. But this is Share Your World so if I had to start again this is what I’d want.

A State of the Art Kitchen – marble top counters, beautiful cabinets, easy to clean floors, fancy appliances.
A Jacuzzi in the bathroom
A sea view

What did you appreciate or what made you smile this past week? Feel free to use a quote, a photo, a story, or even a combination.

I woke to the sound a good rain on Thursday morning. Not just a spit and a spot but a really good downpour. I prayed that Cape Town was getting it too and I found out later that indeed they were. There was more rain on Friday but Saturday and Sunday were sunny and warm. I felt guilty for enjoying the sunshine after all the cold and rain.

Today, (Monday) we came to Cape Town and were delighted to find it pouring again for most of the day. May it be a very wet winter so that the dams can fill and Day Zero be completely avoided.

Daily Post Weekly Challenge

2018-05-28 | puppy1952

The Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge this week is Twisted

Here is my take on it.

Useful Twisty Grooming Tongue

Twists in Kudu Antlers

Twisted Trunks

Twisty Giraffe Tongue

Saturday Stream of Consciousness – Grill

2018-05-26 | puppy1952

The one word prompt for this week’s Stream of Consciousness is Grill.

All over Southern Africa if one wants to grill meat it’s over a braai that one will do it. Barbecue is what it is called in most other countries. But just to be clear – Braai is really not the same as barbecue – we do NOT grill hamburgers or hot dogs on a Braai! Wood is key – it must be hard and dry so that it burns hot and long. The whole process of sitting by the fire for an hour or so while having sun-downers is all part of the ritual. In the Western Cape we have the alien invader, Rooikrans (red-eye wattle) which is excellent to use as braai wood.

A typical braai scene

The word braai is shortened from the Afrikaans word, braaivleis, loosely translated to grilled meat.

The word can be used as a noun or a verb.

We are having a (n) braai where braai means a meal that includes meat cooked over the fire.

We will cook on the (n) braai where the word means a construction in which one makes a fire and meat is placed on a braai grid and cooked over this fire.

Dad will (v) braai the meat where the word means grill.

South Africans are so crazy about braaing that many have both an indoor and outdoor braai at their homes. The die-hards will braai no matter what the weather

My grandson, Jay, Braaing in the rain

– we have even been known to braai in the falling snow.

Crazy South Africans braaing in the snow – Verbier, Switzerland – that’s me in the pink hat

It’s also not only meat that we will braai. Fish is a very popular choice and every fisherman I know has his own unique way of doing a snoek or yellowtail over the coals. The Earl’s specialty is Yellow-tail basted with what was once his secret sauce. He recently shared the recipe, much to the horror of his children, in an article in Ski-Boat Magazine!

001 Simon and Grandpa braaing a fish 2015-01-02 01-15-46 PM 4000x3000

Grandfather teaching Grandson the fine art of braaing a fish

Not only is meat, fish or chicken grilled over the braai, other foods can be cooked in the braai coals too. Sweet potatoes wrapped in tinfoil are absolutely delicious cooked this way. Constantia sandwiches are another winner. Place cheese, onion and tomato sandwiches on the grid and toast on both sides. Delicious. A favourite way to cook butternut squash – stuff it with a mixture of chutney and tomato and onion mix, wrap in tinfoil and cook in the hot coals. I could go on with many more delicious ways to braai your veggies.

The Braai is traditionally the domain of the Man of the House but no braai is complete without the salads – usually made by Mom. Potato salad, rice salad, pasta salad, Greek salad – any salad will do.

From it’s humble beginnings as a method of cooking while out in the bush, The South African Braai has become an elaborate way of entertaining and is an integral part of South African Social Life. Don’t mess with the Braai Master -His braai is sacred and his woman let’s him think so – It’s one way of not having to cook the whole meal herself!

The Braai – Best way to enjoy a meal with friends!

Daily Post Prompt – Fret

2018-05-25 | puppy1952

Word Press has a Daily Prompt to set one off on a bit of free writing. Today I’m responding to Fret

Fret means to be constantly or visibly nervous or anxious. Well I am not constantly nervous or anxious and I’m seldom visibly nervous or anxious. There have, of course, been times when it is clear to all around me that I’m fretting about something but I do try to keep things in perspective. I’m fond of telling my darling hubby not to sweat the small stuff. The above definition applies to him quite often. But when it comes to a real crisis he copes like a hero.

But I think it is the small stuff that most of us fret over. What is the point of fretting over your kids’ untidiness, your husband’s lateness or why the guy driving in front of you isn’t going fast enough. Does it really matter in the greater scheme of things?

I try to keep anxiety to a minimum but I must confess that at times I do succumb to a fret or two. This happened quite recently. I am planning an overseas trip with my daughter, Laurie. We’re going to visit London and several other cities in Europe. This required getting visitors’ visas. What a schlep! You have to go online, fill in forms, answer difficult questions about your suitability to be allowed into foreign countries – from – are you married to have you committed any crimes. Really! You also have to produce a file full of documents, pay an enormous amount of money and then book an appointment with a processing agent before they will even consider letting you in! So fret I did. I filled in the form, printed the bank statements, got proof of accommodation, travel tickets and insurance, made the 220km trip to Cape Town, went to the UK appointment and then made the trip back again. Not all on the same day of course but still. Then I suffered 10 days of fretting before the news came back that all was well and that our Visas were granted. Luckily Laurie could collect mine for me. Then the whole process started again for the Schengen. Our appointment with the Italian Agent is on Tuesday and I’ve promised myself that this time I am not going to fret until I hear the results of the processing. Because – really there is nothing more I can do and whatever will be will be!

JOURNEY

Cee’s Black and White Challenge – Flowers

2018-05-25 | puppy1952

Here is my contribution to this week’s challenge from Cee

2017-09-11 Garden progress Front vygies 2017-09-12 09-35-35 PM 4608x3456

Vygie in my garden

Arum Lily in a botanical garden

2017-09-13 Walking in Struisbaai Flowers Seen 2017-09-13 07-18-18 PM 4608x3456

Vygies growing wild in Struisbaai

Photo a week Challenge – Siblings

2018-05-24 | puppy1952

Here is my contribution to this week’s Photo a Week Challenge from Nancy Merrill

Sisters – Lisa and Lauren

Sisters – Laurie and Lisa – Youngest and Oldest

Big Sister Shan with Baby Brother Simon – 2004

Josh, Simon, Jay, Shannon – Siblings and Cousins – 2007

Weekly Fun Photo – Book or Paper

2018-05-22 | puppy1952

Here is my contribution to this week’s Fun Photo Challenge – Books and/or Paper

: The joy a book can bring – First Graders learning to read.

Christmas Gifts wrapped in delightfully patterned paper

What can this lovely paper be hiding?

Christmas Table all set about with Paper Decor

Fun with Paper Craft

Share Your World 21 May 2018

2018-05-21 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to this week’s questions from Cee

What household chore do you absolutely enjoy doing? (can be indoor or outdoor)

I don’t mind doing household chores but I can’t say there are any I absolutely enjoy. But top of the list would be cooking. I’m lucky that my hubby likes to cook so I don’t have to do it every day – in fact we often fight over gets to do it! I do enjoy trying new recipes and preparing meals for friends. NOT that I’m amazing at it at all – I take ages over it and the kitchen is a mess by the time I’m done and still it is nowhere near Master Chef quality. How those contestants do it with those grueling time constrains I do not know.

Create a sentence with the words “neon green” and train”.

The Queen’s neon green outfit extracted as many oohs and aahs as Meghan’s lovely, white train

The Queen in Neon Green

Other than your cell phone what can you always be found with?

Well actually my hubby says I never know where my cell phone is! That’s not strictly true but I do forget where I put it sometimes! I also never leave home without a handbag and seldom without my camera. You never know when you’re going to need to take that ultimate photograph! Like on the day the birds bombarded me. I had my camera but couldn’t get the shot as they found me just as fascinating as I found them!

Me with my camera – useless to me at this time!

What did you appreciate or what made you smile this past week? Feel free to use a quote, a photo, a story, or even a combination.

THE WEDDING! I was glued to the television from early in the morning till late Saturday evening. Everything about it intrigued me. It was all so exciting, happy and fun!

Some of my high society friends and I enjoyed a High Tea in the middle of the day with cucumber sandwiches and pink champagne of course!