Kokstad Christmas – Part 1

2017-12-25 | puppy1952

Those of you who follow my blog regularly know that we are currently visiting our clan in Kokstad. We started our Christmas celebrations early. On Wednesday The Bakers came over for a pre-Christmas dinner. We wore the silly hats and pulled the surprise pack crackers and shared the corny jokes that popped out too. It really got us all into the Christmas spirit

Nicoline, Shan and Scott

Simon and Robyn

Al, Si, Shan, Scott, Me, Earl, Lauren

Al, Nicoline, Shan, Scott, Si, Robyn, Sean, Me, Lauren

We have had unseasonably cold weather this December so when we saw that the sun would be shining on Thursday we headed off to a dam in the mountains so the ‘boys’ could do some fishing. What a lovey cottage we had on The Du Plessis farm in the Swartberg.

It was Allan’s birthday on Friday. He and Simon were out fishing very early on on their return we presented the gifts and had a slap-up breakfast to celebrate his special day.

My Rural Family

Scrumptious Birthday Breakfast

Al is such a great dad and his kids expressed this so well in the cards they made.

Al, Earl and Simon fished and caught a total of nine bass. They kept two which The Earl cooked for lunch when we were back home.

Because of the iffy weather we have not done much outdoorsy stuff but on Sunday at the rude hour of 6:30 am my son-in-law and granddaughter knocked on the door – Hey Gran – do you want to come for a walk.

I thought it would be a gentle stroll along gravel paths suitable for a 65 year old grandmother.

Like this

But no – they took me on a bundu bashing ramble across farmlands, over barbed wire fences, through long, possibly snake-infested grass while dodging thorny thistles, low overhanging branches and rabbit holes.

Do you see the reed buck and the dog? – No? That’s how long the grass was!

Cody smelt a reed buck – but it was too clever for him and kept dead still – all we could see were it’s horns sticking up from the long grass.

We bent over to get through the trees

And climbed through many tricky fences

The plan was to cross the river over a bridge and then take the shortcut back to their farm but somehow the it seemed not to be there and so we headed back through the long grass observing many pretty buck and birds before reaching home two hours after we started out!

It was all worth the effort for the pretty scenes we saw

Lovely river – no bridge

Considering that Shan and Al both have much longer legs than I, I think I did okay to keep up with them – Yes my limbs felt like jelly at the end of it but it was great fun. I think I might join them again.

Today we celebrated Christmas with The Bakers and tomorrow we’re having the Macs over – More about that next time.

Warm Hospitality in Kokstad

2017-12-17 | puppy1952

It’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere and in KZN you would expect the weather to be super hot! But there has been lingering snow in the Drakensberg and Kokstad was gripped in some winter-like weather for over a week. Thankfully it’s warming up now and yesterday, instead of complaining about the cold, we complained about the heat!

One thing we’re not complaining about is the warm hospitality of the Kokstad friends and family. I don’t know what it is about this place but everybody is incredibly friendly. Perhaps it’s the beautiful environment in which they live and their relaxed lifestyle that causes them to be warm-hearted and kind. Most of the people we know here live on farms or small holdings and they are surrounded by beautiful mountains, streams, trees and have amazing gardens. Some might say that small places are friendlier but that’s not always true. Some small places are very cliquey and it may take years to be made to feel welcome there. Here in East Griqualand, we have found, you’re made to feel one of the family immediately.

So while the weather has been chilly we’ve been visiting. Thanks to the Clarkes for a lovely morning of catching up on their amazing four-month adventure off-roading through Africa with their two boys. The pancakes for tea were scrumptious, thanks Bryan.

The Flemmings had us over for dinner which was delicious. And sitting before their roaring fire was wonderful. Rose, your roast dinner was to die for.

Rose whipping up a Master Meal

Anti-clockwise from front – Neil, Rose, Lauren, Shannon, Allan, Simon, The Earl

Of course we have been catching up with the extended Stone/Mackenzie family too. We reminisced about spending so many Christmases together when we were still raising our own kids. They’re all grown now with kids of their own and what a great bunch those kids are.

Just a few of the extended family who popped in for tea

Barbara and Andrew’s cottage on The Farm

An outhouse used as an office and guest flat

Our kids went off for a golfing weekend to Pennington this weekend so we were left to our own devices. On Friday we had lunch with Barbs and Andrew and yesterday another of our clan arrived from Bloemfontein so we went to The Farm to greet them and have family braai.

Soon after the Bothas arrived, The Earl invited the kids to go to the dam to fish. I knew the Mackenzie boys would not hesitate. Rebecca, however, is a girlie girl and I expected her to decline. How wrong I was. “I’ve got my fishing rod,” she said. “Are you sure?” said Mom. “I don’t think we packed it.” “Of course, Dad did!” she insisted and went off to fetch it.

So off the merry little band went. How delighted we all were when they returned with two fat bass – both caught by 8 year-old girlie girl Rebecca!

Becca with her Bass

While the fisherfolk were off adventuring the rest of us enjoyed Barbara’s shady garden.

Caleb decided that the fishpond would be a good place to cool off.

The Earl cooked the bass as a starter before the braai. The kids insisted that they would not be eating fish – but all of them did! Becca only had a tiny bit but got a bit of scale so that put her off! The others were back for seconds.

Becca trying some fish

Little Emma loved her sisters fish

Seth said no way was he eating Bass – but here he is enjoying it!

The Earl had some willing helpers with the braai. Aiden and Seth helped chop wood. Henk has some braaing skills of his own and saved the day when the wood wouldn’t burn. The food was delicious and the bonding even better. And what a perfect evening it was after all the cold weather we’ve been having.

Getting the braai going

The essential Boerwors

Henk grilling the steak and chops

Kruger to Kokstad

2017-12-08 | puppy1952

It poured on our last night in The Kruger National Park and it was still raining lightly when we woke up this morning. So packing up was a bit of a mission but we got it done quickly and were on our way by 6:30 am. Other than impala we saw little else on our way out at Malelane Gate.

It rained most of the way to White River too. The rain is much needed so we did not complain! Lauren’s ex principal, Nick who now lives in White River arranged for us to leave our caravan at his friend Dawie’s house. It was a mission reversing it up the curved driveway and almost impossible to get it under the car port. But Dawie called on reinforcements from his school to push it the short distance the Everest couldn’t manage. We are most grateful that we didn’t have to tow it back to Kokstad only to bring it back again in a few weeks time. Thanks so much Nick and Dawie.

After having a quick breakfast in town we were on the road again at 9:!5 am. We encountered a lot of traffic on some of the roads which caused a bit of angst and stress but then things improved and The Earl got into the trip and didn’t want to stop for anything other than fuel. We got to Howick at 5:00 pm and I suggested we spend the night there as the next part of the road would be hectic with potholes. But The Earl refused – he wanted to make it all the way to Kokstad and was not tired.

Uh oh – we should have followed my instincts. The road was dreadful. Not only was it hectically misty we also had to play dodge the pothole and watch out for the livestock appearing like ghosts on the road. There were a few near misses but finally we made it to Underberg by 6:15. No way was I going to let The Earl drive on in the dark. I didn’t have to ask twice! We were both stressed out and exhausted.

Thank you Sani Window for taking us in at short notice. After a quick freshen up we headed to The Grind for Pizzas which were excellent.

I needed that glass of wine!

We had a really good night’s rest and enjoyed an excellent breakfast at this most beautiful B&B.

Wonderful View

Scrumptious Breakfast

Simon was the only one home when we arrived at the farm. It was the last day of school for the teachers and Shannon had gone in with Lauren to help finish off.

The weather was lovely this morning but this afternoon it clouded over and Lauren said she thought there’d be a storm and was looking forward to lots of rain. Well – she got her wish in a big way. She’d just left to take Audrey (her housekeeper) home for the weekend and I’d just crossed the lawn to our little flat in the garden when the heavens opened. It sounded like rocks were hitting the tin roof but it was hail! It went on for half an hour.

Hail on the lawn – the car seemed unscathed.

We seldom get hail in The Cape so this was an exciting event for us. Lauren didn’t understand why I was worried about her out in this dangerous weather!

Catching up with Kokstad Clan

2017-11-04 | puppy1952

Our new Gecko Caravan needs to be collected from Haenertzburg by 10 November and then we will take it into The Kruger National Park for four weeks.

So with the Ford Everest packed to the hilt with everything we need to furnish the caravan with all that it needs to function efficiently we set off on 1 November 2017. We overnighted in Middelburg, Eastern Cape and then headed to our kids in Kokstad where we will stay until Tuesday. From there we will go to Haenertzburg, stay for three days at a trout fishing lodge then head with new caravan into the Kruger National Park.

It was quite by chance that our visit to our daughter and son-in-law coincided with our granddaughter’s half term holiday. We arrived at 3:30 pm and she was home from St John’s school by 4:30. She has to go back on Tuesday and that’s the day we leave too.

The Earl brought fish from Struisbaai which was cooked in the Weber and shared with Sean and Nicoline and their daughter Robyn who is the same age as our grandson Simon. Their son is the same age as Shannon and is also away at school but his half-term was last weekend.

Shannon, Simon and Robyn

Sean, Nicoline and Allan

Grandpa, Lauren and Sean tucking into the delicious fish

It was great to see Sean and Nicoline as today they headed off for a second Honeymoon in Zanzibar. I am sure they are going to have a stunning time!

Open Gardens

It’s open gardens week in the area so I joined Barbara, Andrew and Heather on an amazing tour of three stunning gardens in Cedarville. This is dairy farming country and summer rainfall and soil ensure that plants grow with ease around here. In winter they have to worry about frost and sometimes snow so they choose plants that can resist those conditions. Our family have lovely gardens themselves but the ones we visited were on a different scale sizewise! If I didn’t know they were on private property I would have thought I was in a public park or botanical garden.

Kokstad Junior is Amazing

Today Lauren’s school had a craft and food market. Our grandson Simon was part of the steel drumming group who played to entertain the visitors. It was awesome! Their teacher is Bryan Clark and he has done wonders with the kids.

Here is a link to hear them play. https://youtu.be/Bmeku9837dE

Simon in the center – Robyn behind him

Our nephew, Aiden

It was a gorgeous day

Some of the stalls

The kids enjoying a smoothie

After enjoying looking at all the interesting stalls and enjoying a refreshing smoothie we headed home as it was very hot! More news tomorrow.

Black and White on the Farm

2017-10-06 | puppy1952

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

The topic is All Things Farm Related

Farm Wedding

162 Shannon restrained by mum black and white

Farm Freedom has its limits

Dubolani on the Farm

Moo to you too

Where’s my mum?

Wattle Crane Cottage

2016-12-29 | puppy1952

27 December 2016

Sailor’s Gift farm, owned by the Raws, is just a half hour’s drive from Kaag’s Post. But from there to Wattle Crane Cottage next to the highest dam in South Africa it is another half hour along a steep and rocky drive with several gates to open as you go. The Ford Everest made it with room to spare!
We only took the boys along this time as Shan is not into fishing and instead accompanied her dad on a golfing trip.

You would think that after years of much travelling my darling husband would have clicked by now that it all comes together in the end. But even for a short trip such as this he gets himself into a tizz about meeting schedules and fitting everything into the car. Now we have a huge 4×4 and a trailer and with patience and time we always fit everything plus kids in with ease. But no trip would be complete without the panic.

I saw to the clothing, towels, toiletries and techno travel stuff and was about to check the food story when the dear one appeared with disastrous news – The Blitz was packed in with the sugar and now it’s contaminated. – No it’s not, I reassured him – the sugar is sealed and so are the fire lighters. Just relax – the supermarket packer forgot to put it in a separate bag! NO BIG DEAL. There were other things missing because he went and panic-packed without me but with careful checking I rounded everything up and the car and trailer were packed with precision. BUT – because I was slightly rattled by my beloved I forgot to pack the MILK. I also misjudged the appetite of three teen-aged boys and they complained that there wasn’t enough bread and rolls! But we had rusks and biscuits, lots of fruit and plenty of meat and vegetables so they did not, as feared, starve! We arrived at quarter to ten – Fifteen minutes before schedule – so what was all the fuss about!

Wattle Crane Cottage overlooks the dam

The boys were very excited. Jay claimed the canoe but had to help with the row boat first. It is heavy and was upside down. When the boys turned it over, what should they discover, but a swarm of bees! They had made a hive under the boat! A bucket of water later they managed to move the honeycomb to a safe spot and then waited a while for the swarm to find it before they could use the boat.

Simon and Josh fished from the jetty,

Jay tried his luck from the canoe

Grandpa fretted till the rowboat was safe to use. Then he and Jay went off to the far end of the dam. Simon and Josh took the canoe and Si almost caught an enormous trout but his line broke off!

There has been a drought in KZN (and the rest of the country) so the water level was very low. The fish seemed not to be on the bite either because most unusually nobody managed to get a single fish. However, they seemed to have a lot of fun.

The rain came in the late afternoon along with some dramatic thunder and lightning. The boys were starving and polished off the rolls with some smoked chicken, tomato and avo They also tucked into juice and biscuits.

For supper Grandpa braaied some deliciously juicy chops and sweet potatoes and I made a banana and chutney salad and roasted some veggies. For dessert we had mango and yogurt.

28 December 2016

It rained a lot during the night and it was still overcast when we woke up at 7. The boys were still fast asleep so grandpa went out in the row boat on his own.

He was back after an hour as it rained. His rain jacket had not completely protected him so his shirt was wet and he had not packed a second one! So I made him squeeze into my black t-shirt which was not too skimpy. Fortunately he’d lost weight during his illness in Italy so managed to get into it. He couldn’t find his fleece either and so once again borrowed mine. You might ask why he didn’t borrow from Jay or Josh – Well – they hadn’t brought any spare clothing either had they! After an hour he found his fleece in the car didn’t look too much like a girl once he’d donned that over my t-shirt.

By 8:30 everybody was up and I cooked scrambled eggs, tomato, mushrooms and bacon. After yesterday’s complaints about not enough bread I expected them to be demanding a second round of toast but – No thanks, Gran – we’re full. I told them that high fat in their diet would make them cave less carbohydrate and it seems I was right! They were still satisfied from last night’s meal.

Although it was raining and the lads were ill prepared as far as the correct clothing was concerned they insisted on going out on the dam. Because of the rain we thought we might just pack up and go – but they were having none of that! Anyway – luckily the rain abated and they did not get too wet.

View across the dam

Healthy looking calves

Misty Conditions

Please don’t get lost, Josh and Si

Nobody wanted to leave the cottage but because more rain was forecast Grandpa thought it safer to leave before it became unsafe to drive. So we packed up and reluctantly returned to Kaag’s Post. It turned out to be a good decision as it poured during the night. It would have been a treacherous drive back had we remained till the following morning.

Some of the Sailor’s Gift herd

Sailor’s Gift

Cape Longclaw seen on our drive down

The cause of the baby boom in Kokstad!

Day of Goodwill Picnic

2016-12-28 | puppy1952

26 December 2016

After all the excitement of Christmas, today was a chill day. The weather was warm and sunning in the morning. Earl, Laurie and I went to town to shop for our excursion to Wattle Cane Cottage tomorrow.

In the afternoon we had a brief thunderstorm and almost abandoned our plans to picnic on the neighbouring peach farm. But in the end it cleared up and it was very pleasant next to the river. The men braied some boerewors and steak and there was other left over Christmas fare. The Baker Clan were there along with Sean’s sister and family and also his brother. It is beautiful there next to the river under some shady trees. The kids enjoyed themselves at the water’s edge and also played an energetic ball game.

A lovely late lunch spread

Baker Cousins and a friend of the family

Our youngest and oldest

Our perfect middle child on the right

The handome grandson

Granddaughter has mischief written all over her face

No – you are still too young to drink!

A lovely place to hide

Joshua made us laugh

A cute shot 0f Simon who is camera shy! Thanks Josh.

A good game to work off all the food

Robyn keeping order

Christmas Past, Christmas Present

2016-12-26 | puppy1952

As we walked into Murray and Birgitta’s house today, Laurie said, It’s like returning to the past! All the memories of past holidays and Christmases at Brooklyn Farm came flooding back.

Brooklyn Farmhouse – Pool relatively new

Lest we forget this relic stays in the garden

The first time I met the Mackenzie family, I was “Earl’s new partner”. It was an anxious time for me – would they even want to meet me. Barbara and her sister had been close – and here I was, her ‘replacement’ intruding into her home. Would they resent me? Would they be openly hostile or worse – distantly polite? I needn’t have worried – I was warmly welcomed and instantly made to feel one of the family. Barbara and I soon became as close as sisters and after that first meeting we spent many happy holidays together. Andrew and Barbara had five children whose ages fitted in perfectly with our three Murray, Heather and Glynis were similar in age to Lisa and Lauren and Joan and Ann to Laurie. The other cousins were often there too and sometimes there were up to 20 of us staying at the farm at the same time. Yet everyone blended in well together, the older ones including the younger ones in their activities and taking good care of them. There were early morning trips to the dairy, hair-raising rides on the back of the bakkie into the lands, swimming in the river and the dam and picnics at the Romantic Pool. The teens would make their annual pilgrimage to Underberg for the New Year Party where everybody gathered on somebody’s farm and slept over in a barn! They’re all still with us in one piece so it must have been okay!

When Lauren graduated as a teacher she took her first post at Kokstad Junior School – it was supposed to be for a year but 22 years later she is there still! She met Allan and simply married him and stayed.

Now all those kids are married with kids of their own and Christmas celebrations have changed. In-laws have to be considered so now it’s a Mackenzie Christmas on even years and each of the five take turns to host. This year was the first time in five that we’ve been to Kokstad for Christmas and being at the farm made it even more special. Patriarch and Matriarch, Andrew and Barbara now live in a small cottage on the farm and Murray and his family live in the wonderful old farm house so full of memories.

There are twelve Mackenzie grandchildren now ranging in age from a few months to twenty-five! Our four range from 12 to 19 making it sixteen of the next generation at dinner on Christmas Day. It filled me with joy to be seated with 39 others at the beautifully set festive tables laden with the most delicious fare. Andrew and Barbara can be proud of this beautiful, warm and loving family that still surround them.

Our mad gang of 10

Our hosts – Murray and Birgitta with their boys Seth and Aiden- their daughter, Brittany is working in America

Glynis and niece Caitlyn

Who wouldn’t love such a gorgeous aunt

Laurie with Sarah – Ann’s baby

Nathan, Seth, Aidan and Simon waiting for the go ahead to open pressies.

Lauren and Birgitta did the organising, assigning a dish to each family. Present giving could have ruined the budgets for the rest of the year so a system of buying one gift per couple and one per child was devised – and it worked well and the spirit of Christmas was upheld.

Festively set tables – Thank you Birgitta!

In Africa, Christmas lunch is usually served cold -delicious cold roasts of every kind of meat, and a variety of scrumptious salads

The younger boys getting ready to tuck in

The adults having fun

The pool is a relatively new addition to the farm garden and provided much fun to the younger boys of the extended family.

Soccer featured too

The goats thought there might be Christmas plants for lunch

and the calves also ventured onto the lawns for a Christmas graze.

Yes another Kokstad Christmas under the belt but this one was super special!

Back with the Family

2015-05-16 | puppy1952

Friday 8 May at the Farm

On Friday morning we had breakfast with the Macs and little Katelyn and James came to visit Granny and Grandpa. They are adorable. Earl took photographs of them in the garden with the ancient pony, Fatso that our kids used to ride!

Drongos catch the crumbs that Andrew throws in the air for them

A feeding frenzy in Barbara’s garden

Beautiful Black Collared Barbet

I went to Barbara’s hairdresser, Mario, at 11:30 and she gave me an old-fashioned razor cut! I am very pleased with the results. My hair is short and easy to manage.

We then met up with Nicoline and made plans for our departure to her brother’s game farm near Queenstown. We then returned to the farm and chilled for the rest of the day.

In the evening we went to Heather’s for dinner – Wow – what a spread – roast lamb and all the trimmings followed by cheesecake for dessert. My only cheat from Banting for ages but I fooled myself that cheese was banting so it was okay! Loads of sugar but so what!

Saturday 9 May 2015

On Saturday we went to Wacky Winter Weekend at St Patrick’s College. It was lovely. Shannon had a few games of hockey to play and Simon had rugby. We were very proud when he scored a goal. It was a very hot day and we left at about 12ish to go shopping for our next trip. In the afternoon we relaxed at home.

Hot and exhausted after three exhilarating games

He’s got the ball

And Simon scores a tri!

The kids were tired but happy after a successful morning of sport. We went back to the farm and in the evening Earl did seared tuna for dinner.

Celebrating 80 years of a life well lived

2015-05-09 | puppy1952

Saturday 2 May 2015

Earl insisted that I make a guacamole so he went off early to get me the avos. Before breakfast I prepared the crudités. We had fried eggs and bacon for breakfast.

Lauren, Shannon and I got to Ann’s at 12:30 to set up our part of the eats. Lauren had been there helping all yesterday afternoon.

Ann’s house is the perfect venue for al fresco. She has a large semi enclosed stoop and a huge lawn. Table and chairs with umbrellas were set up and everything looked beautiful. There was a slight breeze blowing and it was overcast but not too cold. It was better than having an boiling hot day!

There were over 80 guests and everyone fitted in very well. It was a hugely successful party. I managed to stick to the banting as there were plenty of the right foods to eat. What fun we had catching up with old friends and family that we haven’t seen for ages.

Each of Andrew’s five children gave a speech. This is the first time that I have ever heard them speak at any of their parents’ celebrations. And they were fantastic. Glynis couldn’t make it so she asked Lauren to read hers. I set up a Skype connection so that she and Barbara’s sister Diane could watch the proceedings. .

Others also gave brief speeches and we were all in fits of laughter at what some had to say about Andrew’s early days.

I have known Andrew for over 30 years and thought I knew everything about him. He was a farmer and the pastor of his church but I did not realise how many charities he was and still is involved in. He has affected so many lives.

People started leaving from about 4 onwards but Barbara asked us to stay for soup – delicious butternut soup which ended the day of feasting well.

Everybody helped to provide the eats for the party but Ann, the youngest of Andrew’s children hosted us at her home. I could see that she was anxious that everything went well and but she needn’t have worried – everything was perfect and she was an amazing hostess. Thanks Ann for making sure we had an unforgettable celebration of Andrews truly wonderful eighty years.

Stunning Venue

The Kiddies Table

Guests seated in comfort

The Young Crowd

Granddaughter

The in-laws

Sons-in-law, grandson and friends

The puppy

The Hostess/daughter

Barbara, Andrew, Heather

The Son

Visiting the Kids in Kokstad – Wattle Crane Cottage

2015-04-27 | puppy1952

Monday 27 April – Week 2 in Kokstad

It has been another pleasant week in Rural KwaZulu Natal. What a pleasure it was to suddenly come upon a flock of crowned cranes landing and grazing in a wheat field near Lauren’s place.

Crowned crane landing on a hay bale

We attended Glynis’s birthday tea on Thursday. In the evening we enjoyed a delicious ‘Banting’ dinner at Nicoline’s. Lauren and Allan ‘bant’ most of the time too and they are all looking fabulous. Nicoline lent me her book and said – Just read it this weekend and see what you think.

Tucking into Nicolines delicious HFLC food

The weather was beautiful on Friday. Nicoline dropped her two kids, Scott and Robyn off and lent Lauren and Alan her 4×4 bakkie. With both cars packed to the hilt we set off at about 3:00 pm and arrived at Wattle Crane Cottage an hour later. Shannon and Robyn travelled with us and did an excellent job of taking turns to open and close the gates. They appreciated the sparkles they received in payment for the task.

Wattle Crane Cottage is on the Raw’s farm and is next to a huge dam. The drive up is picturesque as it can only be in the mountains of East Griqualand!

Calves hoping for a treat

Beauty everywhere

As soon as the unpacking was done Allan and Earl went straight to ‘sea’ in the boat. Allan caught two lovely trout.

For supper I cooked my very own version of bobotie as we forgot to pack some of the essential ingredients like sultanas and other dried fruit! So I just threw in a can of tomato and onion and sliced in some fresh bananas. I hoped the custard topping would not clash with the tomato and to my relief everybody enjoyed it. The rice was also forgotten so I served it with mashed sweet potato which went down a treat.

Where there are dams there will be frogs. On Friday night we hardly slept as the glorious amphibian choir entertained us till the early hours of the morning. Allan was up early and took Scott and Simon out on the boat. They returned triumphant each proud catchers of a trout each!

Earl cooked us a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, banana and two cheeses and as I had begun to read the Tim Noakes book I’d already decided that Banting might not be a bad idea so I skipped the toast. Lauren and Allan usually cut out carbohydrates but include them in their diet when on holiday and some weekends. I am embracing the new regime with the fanaticism of a new convert! (Although it goes totally against my previous low fat convictions I am always one to try something new and Tim makes a lot of sense.)

Robyn and Simon with his lovely trout

The girls on the lake

The boys and the boat

After breakfast Earl went fishing on his own, Allan went back to Kokstad to play Golf, the boys fished from the jetty and the girls rowed on the dam in the canoe. Lauren and I cleaned up and then relaxed with our books.

I did go for a long walk before lunch though. How divine to ramble in such gorgeous surrounding your only company being the cows on the mountainside, the beautiful, crickets, bugs and butterflies and the variety of birds that refused to pose for photographs!

Red-collared widowbird in transitional plumage

Ant-eating chat and lizard on a rock

Another beautiful dam on the farm

The results of the fishing were gratifying – Simon caught two from the jetty! Earl got a few nibbles and caught and released one or two.

Allan returned from Golf and then went for a cast with Earl and was triumphant with another catch!

We had a lovely braai in the evening which was very Banting friendly!

On Sunday Allan took the boys fishing – there were more catches – Shannon tucked into bed with us and wouldn’t let her grandfather up. She has become just as much as a tease as he is!

Finally he managed to escape and went off in the boat to get his last catch. The packing up did not take long and after lunch we were on our way down again. Lauren had to ride on Monday and the girls had a music practice to attend so another day was not possible. At lunchtime we went to the neighbours for a braai. Simon got involved with the cooking of the excellent meat.