Oh me Oh my - it is almost 5 months since I last wrote something on this blog, and LOTS has happened.
Besides us having visitors on a regular basis we have been so busy down this side of the world.
Since moving her we have had an addition to the family by way of Bella the most beautiful Lab/Ridgeback dog you have ever seen. She is black, even down to her paws, and you only see the big brown eyes looking at you. She is an overgrown baby who loves the water.
Monique has opened a craft shop in Vredenburg where she rents out shelf space, so if there ar any crafters interested please contact me.
Chritmas has come and gone - had all the family down for lunch on the 16th - what a lovely time we had - all 17 of us and the ages ranged from 9 months to 83 years.
Christmas day saw 2 down with a tummy bug, so thankully lunch had been the week before. This is the first Christmas that Danny and I did NOTHING. I got very creative in making a roll for each of us or lunch. Cut it in the shape of a car and used salami for the wheels and viennas for the people.
Have visited the Craft Expo in Langebaan twice in the last week as Monique has a table there and the stock seems to be flying - still have another week of this.
New Years day wa just a quiet as Danny had to travel to Cape Town on the motorbike, as he had gone back to work there for 3 weeks.
Yesterday Monique john and I went to Hopefield - on the way there we used th back road and stopped 7 times to help tortorses out of the road. On the way back we used the R45 and only stopped once. At least 8 lives were spared in our effort.
All for now, hope to keep the news flowing
Thursday, 3 January 2013
Thursday, 9 August 2012
WOMANS DAY
Lots has happened since my last blog:
We have had some of the worst weather ever, with rain wind and freezing conditions all over South Africa, but for every negative there is a positive, and the Spring flowers are making a wonderful appearance all along the West Coast.
Today being a public holiday, we went down to Velddrift to the Weskus Craft Expo, which is held every 2 years, and is run by people living in the Berg River Municipaliy. Wow what lovely handwork on display, they sure did put a lot of time and effort into it.
Monique has also been looking at the idea of opening a craft shop in the area, and we have been looking at what shops are available. Hopefully by this time tomorrow, she will know if she has managed to rent a shop she liked. If so, it will be all systems go as she wants to open by 1 September, so holding thumbs that everything works out for her.
Last Saturday we went into Vredenberg and decided to come home via a gravel road - some 24kms - well all I can say is "shake rattle and roll" thankfully Monique was the driver and I was the passenger. Never again, unless it is in a 4x4.
Took the dogs for a walk up the mountain earlier as today the weather is lovely The view was wonderful and the walk was so peaceful. From up the mountain you can see all over the bay and the tankers waiting to go into Saldanha Bay harbour such a lovely site.
We have had some of the worst weather ever, with rain wind and freezing conditions all over South Africa, but for every negative there is a positive, and the Spring flowers are making a wonderful appearance all along the West Coast.
Today being a public holiday, we went down to Velddrift to the Weskus Craft Expo, which is held every 2 years, and is run by people living in the Berg River Municipaliy. Wow what lovely handwork on display, they sure did put a lot of time and effort into it.
Monique has also been looking at the idea of opening a craft shop in the area, and we have been looking at what shops are available. Hopefully by this time tomorrow, she will know if she has managed to rent a shop she liked. If so, it will be all systems go as she wants to open by 1 September, so holding thumbs that everything works out for her.
Last Saturday we went into Vredenberg and decided to come home via a gravel road - some 24kms - well all I can say is "shake rattle and roll" thankfully Monique was the driver and I was the passenger. Never again, unless it is in a 4x4.
Took the dogs for a walk up the mountain earlier as today the weather is lovely The view was wonderful and the walk was so peaceful. From up the mountain you can see all over the bay and the tankers waiting to go into Saldanha Bay harbour such a lovely site.
Saturday, 21 July 2012
SUNDAY MORNING LIE IN
Oh dear it looks like 1 of the blogs was slow in loading, but I am sure whoever reads this will realise this, as the furniture moved before us.
It is 8am on a Sunday morning - opposite us the the Dutch Reform Church - no it does not have a steeple like almost all other DR churches, but every Sunday morning from 7.57 until 8.03 a recording of bells ringing wakes the whole area up. Besides this all the dogs in the area bark and howl to the music. This happens again at 8.30 and 9 - I suppose it means get up, get there, and get inside.
Went to CTM yesterday to get small tiles to revamp an old bathroom mirror that had lost some of its mirror round the edges,gbot lovely black mosaic tiles, and last night revamped it. Had some tiles over, so attacked the bread board, and now we also have a fancy black tiled pot stand.
The rest of the family have made a trip back to Cape Town today to fetch Stanley the cat, who has been in hospital for the last few days due to a abcess on the side of his neck bursting and needing stitches. They phoned us at 11 yesterday to say he can come home, but unfortunately by the time we woud have got there they would have been closed, so it was an early start here this morning.
As I have at least 6 hours on my own again today, I will be attacking the house with mop and broom and doing a spring clean whilst I have no one to disturb me.
Yesterday it poured with rain, but today the sun is shining so hopefully the washing will also get dry.
All for now, must turn into Mrs Mop for the rest of the day.
It is 8am on a Sunday morning - opposite us the the Dutch Reform Church - no it does not have a steeple like almost all other DR churches, but every Sunday morning from 7.57 until 8.03 a recording of bells ringing wakes the whole area up. Besides this all the dogs in the area bark and howl to the music. This happens again at 8.30 and 9 - I suppose it means get up, get there, and get inside.
Went to CTM yesterday to get small tiles to revamp an old bathroom mirror that had lost some of its mirror round the edges,gbot lovely black mosaic tiles, and last night revamped it. Had some tiles over, so attacked the bread board, and now we also have a fancy black tiled pot stand.
The rest of the family have made a trip back to Cape Town today to fetch Stanley the cat, who has been in hospital for the last few days due to a abcess on the side of his neck bursting and needing stitches. They phoned us at 11 yesterday to say he can come home, but unfortunately by the time we woud have got there they would have been closed, so it was an early start here this morning.
As I have at least 6 hours on my own again today, I will be attacking the house with mop and broom and doing a spring clean whilst I have no one to disturb me.
Yesterday it poured with rain, but today the sun is shining so hopefully the washing will also get dry.
All for now, must turn into Mrs Mop for the rest of the day.
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
THE FURNITURE HAS MOVED
Woke up yesterday at 4am to get going in time for the furniture removal truck. Woke up feel terrible as I have a very sore throat and feel like I have been given razor blades to eat. Danny fetched Calvyn's van and Mike dropped his BIG trailer off, so we were all set.
The truck arrived early as promised, and with 5 guys all my furniture and 100 boxes were packed and ready to go within an hour. Amazing to see you whole life packed into a truck.
We all set off at more or less the same time. Danny and John in the van and Monique and I with puppy in my car.
Along the road we were phoned by John to tell us to slow down as their petrol was running low. Someone read the guage at 3/4 instead of 1/4. Fortunately there is 1 petrol station alone the 150km route and we made it to there. By this time I was convinced that the truck would be outside the house waiting for us, so phoned my Angel who collected the keys for me and looked out for the truck.
Arrived to find the truck has not arrived yet, so all was well. due to road works, they had been delayed for and hour, fortunately I missed the turnoff so had to take a dirt road which as not too good after heavy rains.
The angel sent her husband down with the keys and later phoned to tell him to come and fetch lunch. delicious soup with home made bread.
When the truck eventually arrived-the guys again unpaced in record time, and asked where everything had to go. They even arranged my lounge for me. If ever you want a 6 star removal company, contact Gina at AA Movers in Mantague Gardens. All my quote and dealings have been via internet or phone. What wonderful service.
Due to traffic and road works it took us 3 hours to get back home. Oh what fun to sit in the lounge on garden chairs and sleep on blow up beds. As soon as one turns over the other goes up in the air - such romantic fun, and so cold. Put the electric blanked on top of us for some heat.
Today I am feeling worse than ever, but have to get going as we have to pack the last of our goodies and clen windows etc before our final trip down on Saturday.
The truck arrived early as promised, and with 5 guys all my furniture and 100 boxes were packed and ready to go within an hour. Amazing to see you whole life packed into a truck.
We all set off at more or less the same time. Danny and John in the van and Monique and I with puppy in my car.
Along the road we were phoned by John to tell us to slow down as their petrol was running low. Someone read the guage at 3/4 instead of 1/4. Fortunately there is 1 petrol station alone the 150km route and we made it to there. By this time I was convinced that the truck would be outside the house waiting for us, so phoned my Angel who collected the keys for me and looked out for the truck.
Arrived to find the truck has not arrived yet, so all was well. due to road works, they had been delayed for and hour, fortunately I missed the turnoff so had to take a dirt road which as not too good after heavy rains.
The angel sent her husband down with the keys and later phoned to tell him to come and fetch lunch. delicious soup with home made bread.
When the truck eventually arrived-the guys again unpaced in record time, and asked where everything had to go. They even arranged my lounge for me. If ever you want a 6 star removal company, contact Gina at AA Movers in Mantague Gardens. All my quote and dealings have been via internet or phone. What wonderful service.
Due to traffic and road works it took us 3 hours to get back home. Oh what fun to sit in the lounge on garden chairs and sleep on blow up beds. As soon as one turns over the other goes up in the air - such romantic fun, and so cold. Put the electric blanked on top of us for some heat.
Today I am feeling worse than ever, but have to get going as we have to pack the last of our goodies and clen windows etc before our final trip down on Saturday.
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
FRESH AIR AND SUNSHINE
Since my last post, one of the cats decided to go awol on Sunday evening and only returned at 1am yesterday morning. Woke up to let him in, and got my first experience of the Smell of the West Coast, as the processing factory was in full swing processing fish meal. This is surely a smell you have got to get used to. According to the estate agent, it only works when the weather is good and from February until October.
Went into Vredenberg to do some shopping, what a lovely experience, no traffic and you drive thru wheat fields, fields with sheep and cows and fields with ostriches.
Went to Pick n Pay and got a few things, and when I got to the till the cashier asked me if I was a pensioner, and if so would I please go thru till 6 or 7 as these are specially for pensioners on a Tuesday and you get 2.5% discount. So glad grey hair is finally paying off.
Came home via the small complex of shops where the Post Office is and visited the shop called Pizza World - before you think we had pizzas for lunch you are mistaken. They only make pizzas from 5 - 10pm and on Saturdays and Sundays. The rest of the time you can buy milk fresh from the farm for R6.00 a litre as well as cheese at R25.00 a big block and soft serve. If you don't take your own container it costs R3.00 extra.
Spending today sorting out the garage and unpacking. Have done the lounge so far and filled 3 boxes of goodies to be disposed of.
Went into Vredenberg to do some shopping, what a lovely experience, no traffic and you drive thru wheat fields, fields with sheep and cows and fields with ostriches.
Went to Pick n Pay and got a few things, and when I got to the till the cashier asked me if I was a pensioner, and if so would I please go thru till 6 or 7 as these are specially for pensioners on a Tuesday and you get 2.5% discount. So glad grey hair is finally paying off.
Came home via the small complex of shops where the Post Office is and visited the shop called Pizza World - before you think we had pizzas for lunch you are mistaken. They only make pizzas from 5 - 10pm and on Saturdays and Sundays. The rest of the time you can buy milk fresh from the farm for R6.00 a litre as well as cheese at R25.00 a big block and soft serve. If you don't take your own container it costs R3.00 extra.
Spending today sorting out the garage and unpacking. Have done the lounge so far and filled 3 boxes of goodies to be disposed of.
Sunday, 15 July 2012
HOME AT LAST
After not having internet for a few weeks, I am please to say all is now up and running and I am again able to blog.
An update from my last blog - The furniture moved down on 27 June and once again I had to call on my Angel Helena, as we had to stop along the way down, and thought the furniture truck was ahead of us, so phoned her to fetch the keys from the agent and let them in. Fortunately they were delayed at the weigh bridge and road works, so we got here before them What a team of people. Arrived on time and within an hour had packed my house up and were on the road. They unpacked in record time. I can strongly recommend AA Movers from Montauge Gardens.
On the Saturday we came down with a load of garage goodies and plants, thanks to my brother's kind offer of a truck and trailer. Due to Telkom not installing the lines as promised, Monique and John had to camp here for 2 weeks whilst Danny and I camped in Plumstead - 2 weeks on a blow up bed is no fun, that I can assure you. The reason for us staying behind was that the new buyer only wanted occupation on transfer which only took place last Tuesday.
On Wednesday 11 July, with a very heavy heart, we finally packed up what we had with us plus 2 dogs and 5 cats and set off on our homeward journey. It was lovely to see that some of the spring flowers were already out, after very heavy rains and that there were patched on yellow white and pruple flowerrs all arond the road and the fields are very green.
The cats have settled in nicely, except for 1 who thinks he needs to live in a cupboard, and the dogs think they are in clover as the back yard is huge.
Spend most of yeaterday hanging curtain rails and adjusting curtains and moving lounge furniture.
Today we went to do our shopping at Vredenburg Mall which is about 25kms away. It seems strange to buy 7 loaves of bread at a time, but the local cafe charges R12.00 a loaf.
We have had lovely weather here so far, except for today it is very misty and cold. Also when for a drive down round the harbour area.
Until next time it is unpacking, unpacking and more unpacking as I think we eventually ended up with about 300 boxes. Some of the boxes are full of surprises, as Monique and John packed them for me whilst I was at work, so some hold some very treasured memories of family members no long with us on earth, but I am sure are with us in spirit. Have already started to sort what must be given away and what must be sold, but this is taking a long time as I am feeling very tearful, so stop every now and then for a little cry. Am really missing my Mom at the moment.
Until next time - Keep warm and safe.
An update from my last blog - The furniture moved down on 27 June and once again I had to call on my Angel Helena, as we had to stop along the way down, and thought the furniture truck was ahead of us, so phoned her to fetch the keys from the agent and let them in. Fortunately they were delayed at the weigh bridge and road works, so we got here before them What a team of people. Arrived on time and within an hour had packed my house up and were on the road. They unpacked in record time. I can strongly recommend AA Movers from Montauge Gardens.
On the Saturday we came down with a load of garage goodies and plants, thanks to my brother's kind offer of a truck and trailer. Due to Telkom not installing the lines as promised, Monique and John had to camp here for 2 weeks whilst Danny and I camped in Plumstead - 2 weeks on a blow up bed is no fun, that I can assure you. The reason for us staying behind was that the new buyer only wanted occupation on transfer which only took place last Tuesday.
On Wednesday 11 July, with a very heavy heart, we finally packed up what we had with us plus 2 dogs and 5 cats and set off on our homeward journey. It was lovely to see that some of the spring flowers were already out, after very heavy rains and that there were patched on yellow white and pruple flowerrs all arond the road and the fields are very green.
The cats have settled in nicely, except for 1 who thinks he needs to live in a cupboard, and the dogs think they are in clover as the back yard is huge.
Spend most of yeaterday hanging curtain rails and adjusting curtains and moving lounge furniture.
Today we went to do our shopping at Vredenburg Mall which is about 25kms away. It seems strange to buy 7 loaves of bread at a time, but the local cafe charges R12.00 a loaf.
We have had lovely weather here so far, except for today it is very misty and cold. Also when for a drive down round the harbour area.
Until next time it is unpacking, unpacking and more unpacking as I think we eventually ended up with about 300 boxes. Some of the boxes are full of surprises, as Monique and John packed them for me whilst I was at work, so some hold some very treasured memories of family members no long with us on earth, but I am sure are with us in spirit. Have already started to sort what must be given away and what must be sold, but this is taking a long time as I am feeling very tearful, so stop every now and then for a little cry. Am really missing my Mom at the moment.
Until next time - Keep warm and safe.
Sunday, 24 June 2012
FRIENDS AND ANGELS
You never know the reason someone comes into your life and what an impact it will have in later years.
About 7 years ago I met a family at a bear fair. They were a Mom, Dad small daughter and baby son. What impressed me so was that they had travelled from far to get to be fair, and the whole day , whilst Mom did her thing selling her bears, Dad took the little girl outside to the swings and looked after the baby who was in his pram. When the fair was over, I never thought I would meet up with them again, as I had admired this family from afar and not realy got the chance to talk to them.
When I bought over a bear shop, I was given this lady's name and number and contacted her to tell that I would now be able to supply her with bear goodies if she so wished.
As the years progressed, we met at bear fairs and workshops and our friendship grew. It grew to such an extent that her 2 children were bridesmaid and page boy at Monique's wedding last September.
When we once visited her at home, we fell in love with the area she stayed in and as a result find ourselves moving down there within the next week.
A few weeks ago we went down to check up on the new house and had to go for tea before the long drive home or else! As I was leaving she mentioned that her domestic could clean the hosue for me before I got there if I so wanted. Well besides that she has had the domestic there for 2 days cleaning cupboards and windows and anything that can be cleaned, found the elcetricity card and purchased electricity for me, and had the garden boy clean the garden, and returned the keys to the estate agent.
When the furniture goes down on Wednesday, she has assured me that she will call in with home made soup and fresh home made bread for lunch, so I am to bring nothing with me.
Now you know why angels are put on this earth in the form of people like Helena and her family.
Baie dankie Helena en Kockie - ek hoop ons word oud saam - jy op jou stoep en ek op myne.
You are real angels!
About 7 years ago I met a family at a bear fair. They were a Mom, Dad small daughter and baby son. What impressed me so was that they had travelled from far to get to be fair, and the whole day , whilst Mom did her thing selling her bears, Dad took the little girl outside to the swings and looked after the baby who was in his pram. When the fair was over, I never thought I would meet up with them again, as I had admired this family from afar and not realy got the chance to talk to them.
When I bought over a bear shop, I was given this lady's name and number and contacted her to tell that I would now be able to supply her with bear goodies if she so wished.
As the years progressed, we met at bear fairs and workshops and our friendship grew. It grew to such an extent that her 2 children were bridesmaid and page boy at Monique's wedding last September.
When we once visited her at home, we fell in love with the area she stayed in and as a result find ourselves moving down there within the next week.
A few weeks ago we went down to check up on the new house and had to go for tea before the long drive home or else! As I was leaving she mentioned that her domestic could clean the hosue for me before I got there if I so wanted. Well besides that she has had the domestic there for 2 days cleaning cupboards and windows and anything that can be cleaned, found the elcetricity card and purchased electricity for me, and had the garden boy clean the garden, and returned the keys to the estate agent.
When the furniture goes down on Wednesday, she has assured me that she will call in with home made soup and fresh home made bread for lunch, so I am to bring nothing with me.
Now you know why angels are put on this earth in the form of people like Helena and her family.
Baie dankie Helena en Kockie - ek hoop ons word oud saam - jy op jou stoep en ek op myne.
You are real angels!
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