Celebrations

2015-01-25 | puppy1952

The holidays are over, the teachers returned to school on Monday and the kids on Wednesday. I must confess to feeling a little twinge of depression. The beginning of a year is always so exciting. On Monday I pictured my colleagues getting their classrooms ready to receive those eager little people, sorting our new stationery – oh how I love new stationery- and planning an innovative new programme for 2015! On Wednesday, I had to take my mind off the thought of missing out on the fun and thrilling first day of Grade 1 – so I indulged in the best therapy ever – Retail and the Waterfront – with my fashion guru friend, Sharon!

A complementary taste of wine while waiting for a table at Willoughbies

A complimentary taste of wine while waiting for a table at Willoughby’s

Yes Sushi beats a take-away snack from Birdie Num Nums (School Tuck Shop)

We had a wonderful feminine bonding time, spent a little bit of money but mostly it was just great to be in The Big City – for us in the deep south it’s like going to London or Paris!

It was my sister’s 60th birthday on Friday and she celebrated with a wonderful breakfast on a beautiful day at La Belle, Alphen Boutique Hotel. Now, had I been teaching, I wouldn’t have been able to be there – so much fun to be retired!

My sister and me

Fabulous venue – Excellent food

It was lovely to see all Tana’s friends – many since school days – at the party.

Aunty Vi

Cousin Maria

Old School friend, Debbie

Old School friend, Gillian

Patricia (sister-in-law) relating a beautiful story about Tana

Guests listening in awe – Lindsay, Catherine, Di, Michele

It was a wonderful celebration for my caring sister who is always there for her friends and family and will drop everything to help them. Happy Birthday, precious sister. Love you lots.

On Saturday morning my breakfast club met at Bistro Sixteen82. We had not seen each other since my and Cheryl’s birthday celebration in November! It was wonderful catching up with those who could make it. Specially nice to see Melody who only comes on the odd ocassion.

On Saturday afternoon we had another celebration. My brother Michael’s son, Kyle married his teenage sweetheart, Giulia. The wedding was held at Cape Point Vineyards – the most stunning venue in Cape Town. And just because it is on our doorstep doesn’t make me biased! Everything was perfect – the setting, the decor and the food. The bride attended by her beautiful bridesmaids looked amazing and the little flower girl, Olivia stole the show.

My great-niece Olivia taking her duty very seriously

My great-niece Olivia (4) taking her duty very seriously

Here comes the bride

The happy couple

It was a simple and beautiful ceremony where the couple were exhorted to carry on doing what they are doing as clearly it was working! How amazing that these two have been together since they were in High School and are still so in love at 29. May they have a long and happy marriage.

The family is scattered around the world so many people came from far and wide to celebrate with these two beautiful young people.

It was lovely to see Mick who said nice things about me so now he is my favourite nephew!

Mick left his yacht in Italy to be groomsman for his brother

My gorgeous niece, Martine and her hadsome husband, Craig came over from Spain

My gorgeous niece, Martine and her handsome husband, Craig came over from Spain

My favourite niece, Belinda – she also said nice things about me. Love you too Martine!

Mother and Father of the groom

With the bride being of Italian extraction and the groom of Greek, you can just imagine what the party was like after the ceremony! The master of ceremonies called everyone to attention with Ladies and Gentlemen, Greeks and Italians …….

And there was a special request not to break any plates until after the meal! The party was awesome and everybody danced till late into the night.

Retiring Adventurously – Homeward Bound

2015-01-16 | puppy1952

12 January 2015 – Outjo to Robertson to Cape Town

The sun gets up a little later here in Namibia than it does in The Western Cape so we are up at 5 in order to get to the airfield by sunrise.

We pack the Landy – no lift in a luxury vehicle this time – and set off for Outjo. The canvas roof is on but the windows do not wind up. It is a tad chilly but not uncomfortable but the wind is now not blowing through my hair but rather through my ear! I am glad that I kept my jersey out and drape it over me for a little extra warmth. All goes well – the usual cowboy style driving at break-neck speed – but I’m used to this now. What I do not expect is a slight change in the weather and rain pelting down in big splats onto the windscreen – and no working wipers. This does not daunt our host and he races on with gay abandon. Indeed, I do find it quite exhilarating. Abrie offers me his jacket which I use as a shield at the open window more as wind than rain protection as here the rain comes straight down and does not enter the car at all. We drive snuggled together for some time and then like magic the skies clear and the rain is gone. Suddenly, Abrie screeches to a halt – there is an apparition in the middle of the road which turns out to be a tall Herero teenager with a bag upon his head. He is hitch-hiking. Abrie tells him to jump into the back. He grins his thanks broadly.

The Landy that took us there

We arrive at the airfield. Phineas, the caretaker, greets us and helps us pack the plane. Earl takes the young man to town where he is to drop off the Landy. The chap who took us to the farm will bring him back and then keep the Landy till Abrie’s return. Before they go the young Herero gives Phineas his cell and he poses for a photo in front of the plane. I decide to get one of him too.

The young man is kitted out in his best town clothes, cell phone plugged into his ears, music blaring like any modern teen.

Sunrise at Outjo

We are soon in the air again. The mini-gymnast troupe are touring with someone else now. I fancy myself a seasoned flyer and take my seat with not a care in the world. What I experienced this weekend has dispelled all my phobias and I will live dangerously and fearlessly from this day on!

The Robertson Valley

Breede River runs through it

We fly over Springfield

Abrie lands the plane and taxis it straight into the hangar – without bumping another plane. The fit is perfect. We drive to Springfield have a cup of tea, pick up some wine and we’re off back to Cape Town. We take a scenic route via Franschoek. We marvel at the contrast between our home province and Namibia – Both have their own unique beauty – the one rugged, flat and dry, full of character the other green, lush and gentle with towering mountains. Wow – I just love that I get to experience it all!

Franschoek Valley

Kokstad Kids in Cape Town – Fishing, False Bay Yacht Club and Sashimi

2015-01-01 | puppy1952

Finally the galing south easterly wind has dropped in Cape Town. Earl, Lauren and Simon took the opportunity to get out to sea before it changed its mind. After only getting to bed after midnight last night this was quite an effort but when the yellowtail are biting the fishermen must get out there to catch them!

It was a great adventure for Simon to go out on The Big Boat and he was super proud to catch the biggest fish.

Simon on Kiora with his beautiful yellowtail.

They were out there from about 6 am and returned at lunch time. Earl and Lauren each caught one too.

I beat my Grandpa!

After lunch I popped off to the shops, believing Woolworths and Pick ‘n Pay would be open till at least 4 p.m. I finished at Pick ‘n Pay by 2 and as I left bumped into a friend and we arranged to meet at FLM for coffee after I’d been to Woollies. However, Woollies was closed and so was FLM! Our next option was Wimpy but they were just about to close too, so we just chatted for a few minutes then went home! Well it was a beautiful day so really who wanted to be in a mall!

Earl had a snooze and when he woke up we went to the boat to fetch a rod that he’d left there. On the way we saw this funny sight.

No roof to this car and the driver and passenger hanging on to the canoe so it doesn’t fall off! Only in South Africa!

Earl’s boat is moored on the marina at False Bay Yacht Club

This is Kiora II

After fetching the rod we went to the clubhouse for a drink and enjoyed the view and watching the people. It is really a stunning venue and the perfect place to enjoy the sun on New Year’s Day.

We met up with a couple of people, had a chat and then went back home to prepare sashimi for supper.

Allan likes sushi but wasn’t so sure that he would cope with just sashimi so I heated up some leftover curry for him and Lisa who is definitely not a fan of raw fish like the rest of the family. Anyway we have a new convert. Allan took to sashimi like a fish to water.

The family tucking in

Si-Si loves it

Josh has been eating sashimi since he was 3

Jay and Laurie wanting more

Smile for the camera

Tomorrow we will be cooking Simon’s Yellowtail for a family lunch – there will be fourteen of us!

Kokstad Kids in Cape Town – New Year’s Eve

2015-01-01 | puppy1952

The day started with everyone going in different directions. Lauren and Allan had friends to catch up with, Jay went to Mixed Martial Arts, I went to gym and Lolz had a lunch date. When everyone returned it was fun in the pool again. Even Lisa, feeling hot after tanning, bravely took to the waters. Shannon alerted us all to this momentous event.

It’s freezing

Lovely once you’re in

Simon dives in

On Jay’s shoulders

An excellent diving board

In the evening Jay and Josh went to Quintin’s New Year’s Eve party and slept over. Lolz went to a party too and the rest of us went to Carol and Vere at Castle Rock.

On the way we had to take a picture of Simon near his town!

The house is set in fynbos near Miller’s Point

It is called Shah’s Folly after the builder who made a bit of mess up which the family had to rectify many years ago.

View toward Castle Rock

View toward Cape Boat and Skiboat Club

View toward the Hottentot Holland Mountains

Carol and Vere, because they have a beautiful fynbos garden, get many birds visiting. They also put out feeders and many of the sugarbirds and sunbirds have become quite trusting of them.

Malachite Sunbird

Cape Sugarbirds at the feeder

The orange-breasted sunbird takes a drink

Other visitors come each evening too. I waited on the stoep to get greet this little slender Mongoose whom Carol names “Kattie”

Nervously looking around

Getting braver

Then hides behind a bush and peeps at me

Later when it got dark a genet made an appearance. Lisa alerted me to it but it was so quick I just got a glimpse. It returned several times and I finally managed a few good photographs. It was the final highlight of my 2014 🙂

Carol served a delicious roast lamb done in a black pot over the fire. Simon fell asleep in front of TV. The rest of us sat on the stoep admiring the view and seeing the New Year in! At midnight we could see fireworks across the bay – from Muizenberg to Pringle Bay! It was an amazing evening. Thanks for hosting us all, Carol and Vere!

Kokstad Kids in Cape Town – Dinner at The Red Herring

2014-12-30 | puppy1952

The wind is still blowing great guns on the Cape Peninsular! The beach is therefore not a pleasant destination. The pool has been a wonderful substitute and the kids have had great fun swimming and playing whatever pool games amuse young minds!

This morning the parents went off to Access Park very early to shop for sunglasses for Allan. As I am without domestic help at the moment I decided to do some necessary chores. The season and full house has caused the refrigerator some extra hard work and it has become over full and in need of sorting – so after putting on a load of washing with many more to follow – I got stuck into cleaning out and rearranging said ice-box. Amazing what a little bit of organisation can do. Earl thought it very funny to see me do (wo)manual labour and valiantly helped by removing shelves and washing them off for me. (He was quite exhausted after this.) The kitchen got a thorough cleaning and then, I tackled the ironing, something I seldom do. (Aussie Cousins, I can hear you laughing!)

Fridge all nice and tidy

Laundry to sort

Barefoot in the Kitchen etc.

When the parents returned the moms rounded up the kids and took them back over the mountain to Blue Route, deposited them at the movies to see Night at The Museum 3 and then treated themselves to lunch and shopping – what better way for sisters to bond.

Allan, Earl and I enjoyed a quiet and peaceful afternoon chatting, reading, Facebooking and watching TV!!

Shannon and Simon, being Farm Kids, seldom get to go to movies, hit the malls or eat Mcdonalds! Today was their day to experience it all, culminating with MacDonalds for supper when their cousins left them to go to their friend’s teenage party. I would have preferred them to eat the left overs in the fridge but Lisa said they needed to have this very important experience 🙂

A rare treat for our Rural Grandchildren

Lauren, Allan, Earl and I went to The Red Herring in Noordhoek for dinner tonight – their treat to us! We started by sitting on the deck upstairs for cocktails and canapes. Here it was sheltered from the wind and we had lovely views across to Noordhoek Beach.

View before sunset

Mountain on the other side

Excellent cocktails

The Lower Deck

This couple had us in stitches as the took a selfie - the joined us in our mirth and allowed us to take a piccie of them taking a selfie!

We laughed when we saw this couple posing for a selfie. Hearing us put them off and had them laughing out loud too. They tried again and allowed us to take this piccie!

It was magical sipping drinks and watching the sun go down

Once the sun set it became chilly so we went down to our indoor table and ordered dinner. We shared Deep Fried Camembert starters and then Allan and Lauren had prawns and Earl and I had Grilled Calamari tubes. It was a most enjoyable evening – Thanks Lauren and Allan!

A delightful dinner

Kokstad Kids in Cape Town – Laurie’s Birthday Breakfast

2014-12-29 | puppy1952

Today Lolz turned 35! And I still call her Baby. Yesterday she decided that she would like to have a small gathering of family to celebrate with a Champagne Breakfast. Sooo it was up bright and early to get the show on the road! I made three batches of no carb quiches from a recipe somebody shared on Facebook. Most of them turned out well but some did not want to pop out perfectly!

Laurie and Josh were at the shops just after opening time, Shannon and I prepared the table and all we had to do then was make the fruit salad and arrange the platters- a wonderfully easy way to entertain.

The Birthday Girl with her pressies

Aunt Glynis, Me, Lolz

Uncle Ian, Sisters – Lisa and Lauren

Table set and ready

Croissants, Ham and Cheeses, Fruit Salad, Muesli, Yogurt and Muffins and the quiches were on the menu

Granny Bates, Lisa, Josh (hidden) Dad (Earl), Shannon, Simon, Uncle Ian, Dad (Duncan)

Dad (Duncan), Aunt Glynis, Lolz

Drinking pink champagne

I did not manage to get a good photograph of Laurie with her grandmother so I am posting one taken in October. Enid still lives in the house that she’s called home since she was first married. And she maintains it and the garden immaculately without help.

Granny Bates (93) and Laurie (35)

The wind was howling again in our neck of the woods but our pool area is sheltered so the kids spent most of the time in and out of the water this afternoon. Some of the adults in the household snoozed off the effects of breakfast while others did some necessary chores.

I did the preparations for supper and then Lauren, Allan, Earl and I went off to Dixie’s for sundowners. The wind was so strong we could barely open the car doors and the sea was turbulent. We ordered our drinks and then shared two starters – chicken livers and bitter bolletjies – which are what I always knew as Dutch Croquettes. In the past the latter were served at Dixie’s in a sausage shape. Bitter bolletjies are little meat balls and equally delicious. They can be made with fresh veal or leftover chicken or turkey.

The Parents

Lauren and Allan enjoying the Cape Town Lifestyle

After a pleasant hour or so we returned to cook the Bobotie and feed the rest of the starving family. Simon declared that he only wanted a little – “I’m not that hungry, Gran.” He wolfed that down and then decided it was quite nice and had twice as much for his second helping!

Everyone was pretty tired so it was early to bed!

Kokstad Kids in Cape Town – Visit to Castle Rock and Climbing Elsie’s Peak

2014-12-28 | puppy1952

Yesterday the kids went to visit Aunt Carol and Uncle Vere at Castle Rock. Earl and I decided to have a quiet day at home. We went to the mall to do some necessary shopping and to have breakfast. It was busy everywhere but we bumped into my cousin, Susan at Mugg and Bean chatted to her and Andy for a while and then took over their table.

Here are the pictures of the kids’ day at Castle Rock.

At the braai

Sugarbird at the feeder

The fire

Sunbird at the feeder

Today they visited Anneline and Jeffrey. Earl went to sort out a problem with the repeater in Somerset West and I got the urge to tidy kitchen cupboards!

In the afternoon Lauren, the kids and I climbed Elsie’s Peak. I have climbed this mountain more times than I can remember – as a child, with my Sun Valley Grade Four class many years ago, with the boys when they were Cubs. I remember it as an easy stroll along a contour path. When the boys were little I rode bikes with them, hiked with them and always enjoyed the challenge of keeping up with their antics. Now that they are in their teens …… the pace seems to have increased somewhat. Those kids ran up Ravine Stairs! ( I should have stuck to the original plan of parking outside my sister’s house on Berg Road!) They then leapt up the mountain like Klipspringers! Lauren and I found ourselves separated from them and took a slightly different route. Jay called on the cell to tell us we’d taken the wrong route. We told them to just wait and went up Elsies thinking they were already there. But they were waiting on a different path and we only met up on our way down. The kids then ran up Elsies and we waited for them before making the descent. Anyway it was tremendous fun. But I did freak out when they leapt and ran instead of taking care. “Gran, you can do it – just plan which rock you’re going to jump on next and go for it,” suggested Jay” Yes right!

I wanted to climb up onto a rock I remembered doing as a child and Josh led the way through the bush – but on the way back I slipped and fell, grazing my knee! I’ve reached the stage that I just need to stick to the path!

The start from Berg Road – We’d already climbed hundreds of steps from The Outspan

A bench in memory of my friend Celia’s, late husband, Allan Wolfe

Cape Rock Thrush

View from the Contour Path

Lauren spotted this Cape Rock Thrush

He flew to this location

View towards Kalk Bay and Muizenberg

Josh showing Simon the sights

Towards Glencairn

Fish Hoek Beach

On the mountain

The crazy, super fit grandson

Another beach view from my rock

The kids ran down up and down this path!

Ravine Steps

Josh taking the easy way down

And here comes Jay

The whole excursion took us about three hours and it was well worth the effort. We all had an amazing time and returned home for a Pizza supper!

Kokstad Kids in Cape Town – Beach, Birding and Cape Point Vinyards

2014-12-27 | puppy1952

I thought I was an early riser but my crazy Kokstad daughter in spite of being on holiday is still keeping rural hours! We were greeted with excellent coffee in bed this morning and a cheery, “It’s a beautiful day, how about a walk on the beach!” The rest of the household politely declined so Earl, Allan, Lauren and I set off on our own.

Simon opted to stay home and build his alien Lego. Shan said she’d help.

It was Spring High Tide and Fish Hoek beach was full of seaweed. We opted to do Jaeger’s Walk instead. By the time we got there it was beginning to recede but we still had to dodge a splashing wave or two.

The train trundling by

The Subway became a swimming pool!

View toward Skellies.

Skeleton Pool, commonly known as Skellies to the locals is a natural pool in the rocks where I spent many hours as a child. The rock formation gives it its name.

It looks a bit like a dinosaur!

A closer view in the early morning light.

This reminded me of the days my dad and uncles used to fish off these same rocks

The end of the catwalk

Don’t they look happy!

The highlight of the morning – spotting an African Black Oyster-catcher

It looks like fun – but what about the sharks???

View toward the beach from Skellies

The train again – It’s fun to do a scenic ride from Muizenberg to Simonstown in it.

After our walk Allan treated us to breakfast. We wanted to go to a quiet coffee shop but we could only find the Spur open. However, it has a great beach view and the special was only R25 – that’s about $2,00 Aussie Cousins! Two eggs, two pieces of bacon, grilled tomato, toast and chips (French Fries)!

Back home the kids were up and dressed and Simon had completed his Space Lego!

Well done Simon, You did it!

Earl and I then decided that it would be nice to go to False Bay Ecology Park. The boys opted to stay behind and swim in the pool and Lolz took Shannon with her to visit Duncan at Cape Point.

It was very windy and some species we normally see were conspicuous by their absence. However, every pond was full of those that hadn’t gone on holiday.

Flamingos were very active and on every pond

Taking off on a watery runway

And away we go

I think we’ll try it the duck way

Some preferred a calmer location in the company of gulls

A pelican socialising with flamingoes

Black-winged stilt

Female Bishops

After a pleasant couple of hours we returned to the gang I guess like almost everyone else on Boxing Day; we had leftovers for lunch!

Later in the afternoon Lolz had a date with some friends at Cape Point Vineyards so we joined her there for a drink and some chill time. Even though it is right on our doorstep we’d never been before. What an stunning place! There was a food market where you could buy whatever you wanted to eat and take it to tables or your picnic blanket and just enjoy. There were lots of people but it was not unpleasantly busy because of all the space.

Stunning view toward Noordhoek beach

Lisa chilling

Earl wondering if there might be fish in the dam

A wonderful way to spend the early evening.

We just had a snack and a drink and then went home to feed the kids!

Struisbaai with three Generations – Exploring the Agulhas Coast Rock Pools

2014-12-20 | puppy1952

Earl was up at an indecent hour and went off to fish on Abrie’s boat. Lauren, Shannon, the boys and I were out of the house by 7:30 as we were to meet Professor Gavin Marneveldt for a rock pool excursion. His talk yesterday had peaked our interest and we were looking forward to exploring the rock pools with more informed eyes. It was overcast and cool and there was a splash of rain as we drove to Stinkbaai, just next to the Agulahs Camp Site. It was a good day to have something different to do. While we waited we explored on our own, watched the competitors in the Cape Agulhas Classic ride past and observed a family of francolin.

The Cape Agulhas Classic riders were also up bright and early

Crabs having a feast on a fish head in one of the rock pools

Southern Most Fracolin on an early morning walk

Southern Most Cape Francolin on an early morning walk

There was an excellent turn-out to the rockpool excursion – just a pity more didn’t pitch up to Professor Marneveldt’s lecture yesterday – reason being, I think, because there were quite a few young children. This morning they all had an amazing time.

We started at the Littorina zone on the upper shore. This region is named after the small snails that inhabit this zone. Littorina spp. has the ability to survive the severe conditions of heat stress and water loss of the upper shore.

Because of the overcast conditions the periwinkles were out in their hundreds instead of hiding beneath the rocks

We worked our way to the other zones, upper balanoid, lower balanoid and cochlear and found all kinds of interesting creatures and plants in the pools. Ninety nine percent of life on earth is in the sea.

Brain seaweed

This limpet has a huge appetite and lives on micro organisms and algaes that live on the rocks

sea sponge in cochlear zone

The kids were thrilled to find an octopus

Marine Explorers of Stinkbaai

View toward Agulhas lighthouse

Chiton found in high tide zone

sea urchin found in cochlear zone

Brittlestar on Shannon’s hand

sea cucumber

After spending a few hours enjoying the rock pools we decided to pop into Potpourri for breakfast. Grandpa’s fishing excursion ended early without much fish being caught.

Checking the menu at Potpourri

Rock pooling is hungry work so a healthy breakfast went down well

When we got home the three boys went to the beach, Lauren, Lisa and I got stuck into cleaning house while Allan trimmed the tree – what a transformation!

After the chores we were all ready for the beach. The wind had blown away the clouds and the waves were superb for boogy board and body surfing.

The tourists have arrived and the beach is more crowded than a week ago!

Warming up for a swim

Bat and Ball with Simon and Jay

Si has a good eye for the ball

Catching a wave

Go Josh!

What a stunning day it turned out to be. Tomorrow is our last day and we are all feeling a little low – “why are we letting the house out?” is the lament from the young ones.

Well kids, Cape Town is cool too you know. And now that Granny and Grandpa are pensioners every cent counts. We have had a brilliant 10 days and there is always next year!

Watch this space for further reports on our family holiday! The new title will be “Kokstad Kids in Cape Town”

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!

Beautiful South Peninsular

2014-03-15 | puppy1952

Showing visitors our beautiful land is always a pleasure and it gives us a fresh appreciation of how lucky we are to live in such glorious surroundings. Wendy and Erich from Newcastle, Australia along with their friend and hostess, Nora, arrived at our home at 11 a.m. and we made our way to the shabby chic village of Kalk Bay. We took a leisurely walk down the road and explored some of the shops before going to Live Bait for lunch. The menu offers delicious sea food and throws in a view at no extra cost. Wendy enjoyed her yellowtail (fish of the day) Earl had a seafood pasta, Nora hake and Erich and I settled for Paprika Calamari. All highly recommended. We shared a bottle (or two) of an excellent Robertson’s Sauvignon Blanc and finished with Creme Brulee and coffee. Totally indulgent and delicious.

The Railway Station

A part of the old station converted into a shop

The Subway

This was the tuck shop where we used to buy our ice creams after swimming lessons

The old post office is now a bric-a-brac shop

An old SAR Dining Car – now a popular restaurant next to the railway line

I had to pay R20 for him to pose for this photograph!

Nora, Erich, Wendy and Me at Live Bait

Erich, Wendy, Earl and Me

After enjoying our wonderful meal with excellent company we explored the harbour. We noticed a few people walking around with Nuffield Australia on their caps and stopped to introduce our friends to their compatriots. They were farmers on a Nuffield scholarship touring the country to learn about different types of farming in South Africa . They had found an apple and pear farm in Elgin interesting. There was an Irish farmer and a Canadian on the programme with them. They were also going to Kenya and Russia!

Nora and I with one of the Australian farmers.

A friendly seal looking for a handout from the fishermen

Kalk Bay Harbour

On the Jetty

After enjoying Kalk Bay we took a scenic drive via Kommetjie and through Scarborough to The Cape Boat and Skiboat Club. We did not go through Simonstown as it was Navy Day and congested with tourists.

Looking across from Slangkop to Chapman’s Peak and Hout Bay

Looking toward Hout Bay

Looking toward Cape Point from Smitswinkel’s Bay

One of the hidden houses of Smitswinkels Bay

Looking across to Castle Rock – Cape Boat is just around the corner

At Cape Boat and Ski-boat Club where the wind was howling

Shark Boat

We spotted porpoises – cropped and zoomed – but we saw them!

Our day ended with a glass of sherry at the club before dropping our friends back in Kommetjie. Thanks guys for a fabulous day.

Back in the Classroom – Reading to Children

2013-09-07 | puppy1952

“Whose mommies and daddies read to you, everynight before bed?” I asked my girls . A sprinkling of hands went up. “Whose mommies and daddies read to you before you started Grade 1.'” Just a few more hands went up. I noticed that most of the girls who were still being read to, were good readers themselves. Those who never had stories read to them were making slower progress.

The mistake that many parents make is – Now that my child is reading – I needn’t read to her any more. She must read on her own – she needs to practise.

We talk to our babies before they can understand the words we say – and very soon they’re talking too. It’s the same with reading – first we read because they can’t read themselves but we must continue. Read books to your children that have a more advanced vocabulary and watch how their use of language improves. There are many advantages of reading to your child.

It’s a wonderful way to get your child into bed and settled for the night.
It’s a special togetherness time – sit close to your child and let her see the words and pictures as you read.
Your child will be hearing well-written English which will contribute to her gaining good language skills.
You can use the story for life lessons and discussions.
Books, both fiction and nonfiction, teach general knowledge.
New worlds are opened for you both to share.

Let reading to your child become part of her bedtime routine. Make sure radios and television are off when you read to your child and make it a special time – do not let any digital devices interfere with this time. Put your phone on silent!

What should we be reading to our children? Take them to the library and show them the array of books in the children’s section and let them choose! Some children really love nonfiction so don’t neglect that. Let them browse through a nonfiction book and let it be more of a question and answer session rather than reading it from cover to cover.

There are many modern children’s authors writing wonderful stories with fantastic illustrations but don’t forget the old fashioned fairy tales. The girls in my class love The Three Little Pigs and Cinderella as much as the children who I taught from past generations did. Alice in Wonderland, Peter Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh – just never go out of style.

Here is my very short suggestion list – there are so many books out there but in my book these are compulsory reading.

AA Milne –Winnie the Pooh

Beatrix Potter – Peter Rabbit + all her other books

Kenneth Graham – The Wind in the Willow

The Brothers Grimm – All their fairy tales

Lewis Carroll – Through the Looking Glass

Ludwig Bemelmans – Madeline

Rudyard Kipling – The Just So Stories

Enid Blyton – The Wishing Chair and The Faraway Tree

I read to my girls at school as often as possible. I read stories that we as Grade One teachers have decided on together as well as books the girls bring that they want to share. We all enjoy the stories. But this is not a substitute for Mom and Dad reading to a child. There is not the same intimacy, bonding and sharing. Start the habit now. If time runs out – leave the homework – Read to your child!