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.
Thursday, 9 August 2012
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!
THE NEXT HURDLE
Friday was a very sad day, as I said goodbye to my friends at work.
I have only been working there for just under 3 years, but we were a family, and all shared a lot of
happy times and sad times together.
I will surely miss them all, especially Pumza who I worked very closely with.
Yes Pumza - I have heard that "dis lekker by die see", we will have to see.
I could not bring myself to read the beautiful card at work, so opened it when I got home and had a good cry. Thanks guys for the lovely messages. I will sure enjoy spending the voucher and will buy something to remember you all by.
One good thing is that I won't have to get up at 5am any more - so good bye alarm clock.
Yesterday my stove found a new home, so for the next week my new best friend will have to be the electric frying pan - doing well so far, used it last night and twice today.
I have only been working there for just under 3 years, but we were a family, and all shared a lot of
happy times and sad times together.
I will surely miss them all, especially Pumza who I worked very closely with.
Yes Pumza - I have heard that "dis lekker by die see", we will have to see.
I could not bring myself to read the beautiful card at work, so opened it when I got home and had a good cry. Thanks guys for the lovely messages. I will sure enjoy spending the voucher and will buy something to remember you all by.
One good thing is that I won't have to get up at 5am any more - so good bye alarm clock.
Yesterday my stove found a new home, so for the next week my new best friend will have to be the electric frying pan - doing well so far, used it last night and twice today.
Monday, 18 June 2012
MIN DAE
It looks like things are finally coming together at last. Got a call from the agent today to say that the tennants have moved out and we can move in whenever we like. Wish it could happen today, but there is still a lot to be sorted out this side. Have again come home with a car load of empty boxes, just waiting to be filled.
Have arranged for someone to go in and give the house a good clean, so that when we get there it is clean - one less job to be done.
Hopefully everything will go down next Wednesday, and we will be between the 2 house until next Saturday.
Only 4 more days of work left!!!
Have arranged for someone to go in and give the house a good clean, so that when we get there it is clean - one less job to be done.
Hopefully everything will go down next Wednesday, and we will be between the 2 house until next Saturday.
Only 4 more days of work left!!!
Sunday, 10 June 2012
OFF TO MEASURE
Went to St Helena today to measure the windows and have a good look at the house. Had to make an appointment with the agent to meet us there with the key, as he had to get permission from the tennant about the time. When we got there he advised us that the guys from Eskom, who have been renting since January have not moved into the house as yet, and are only moving in this week. Amazing to think that Eskom has been paying rent for 6 months and no one has move in as yet. News for them the will have to move out in 2 weeks time.
Got left on our own to measure and look around and had to drop the keys in the letter box at the Agent's office - what trusting people.
Got to meet the next door neighbour - he was brought in by the agent and spent time chatting to Danny.
Phoned our friend who lives in St Helena, and within a few moments she and her husband were there as well, reminding us that we had to come up to them for coffee before we went home again.
What was supposed to be lunch at the beach, ended up being lunch in the car on the way back.
Can't wait for the day we move, and can start unpacking again, maybe we will be able to find something!!!!
Got left on our own to measure and look around and had to drop the keys in the letter box at the Agent's office - what trusting people.
Got to meet the next door neighbour - he was brought in by the agent and spent time chatting to Danny.
Phoned our friend who lives in St Helena, and within a few moments she and her husband were there as well, reminding us that we had to come up to them for coffee before we went home again.
What was supposed to be lunch at the beach, ended up being lunch in the car on the way back.
Can't wait for the day we move, and can start unpacking again, maybe we will be able to find something!!!!
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
PACKING PACKING AND MORE PACKING
My life at present seems to consist of bubble wrap, boxes and tape.
Spent Sunday packing the teddy room/shop - got to 9 boxes and gave up in that room, I think it will take about another 20 to complete. One good thing is that a whole bag full of bears is being given away, and tonight it was the lounge's turn.
Packed away all the plates on my walls as well as any photos and paintings.
We have a new song in our house - which is sung as soon as we have eaten and cleaned the kitchen.
It goes something like - "HEY HO HEY HO - IT'S OFF TO PACK WE GO"
Have to get as much done this week as we are off to St Helena on Sunday to measure the windows etc and see the Estate Agent. Hopefully he will have an exact date when we can move in.
Spent Sunday packing the teddy room/shop - got to 9 boxes and gave up in that room, I think it will take about another 20 to complete. One good thing is that a whole bag full of bears is being given away, and tonight it was the lounge's turn.
Packed away all the plates on my walls as well as any photos and paintings.
We have a new song in our house - which is sung as soon as we have eaten and cleaned the kitchen.
It goes something like - "HEY HO HEY HO - IT'S OFF TO PACK WE GO"
Have to get as much done this week as we are off to St Helena on Sunday to measure the windows etc and see the Estate Agent. Hopefully he will have an exact date when we can move in.
Friday, 1 June 2012
ANOTHER HIC-CUP
Went to sign the final papers today.
Sat in the traffic to Durbanville and back, I suppose it was a lot better than having to travel all the way to Vredenburg and back, for something that takes about 10 mins to do.
Go home to find an email from the St Helena Agent, telling us that the seller in offshore in Angola and will only be back in South Africa on 19 July. We have 1 of 2 options, either delay moving until the middle of September, when hopefully transfer takes place, or pay occupational rental until transfer.
Phoned the bank to see what interest rate we would get on our money. Amazing when you invest you only earn 2% interest, but try to borrow and you have to pay anything up to 19% interest. Maybe I should become a mney lender.
Sat in the traffic to Durbanville and back, I suppose it was a lot better than having to travel all the way to Vredenburg and back, for something that takes about 10 mins to do.
Go home to find an email from the St Helena Agent, telling us that the seller in offshore in Angola and will only be back in South Africa on 19 July. We have 1 of 2 options, either delay moving until the middle of September, when hopefully transfer takes place, or pay occupational rental until transfer.
Phoned the bank to see what interest rate we would get on our money. Amazing when you invest you only earn 2% interest, but try to borrow and you have to pay anything up to 19% interest. Maybe I should become a mney lender.
Thursday, 31 May 2012
4 WEEKS TO GO
Time seems to be running away fast.
Only 3 weeks left of work, and 4 weeks until we move.
Have signed one lot of documents with one of the attorneys and will sign the other lot tomorrow afternoon, then it is all systems go.
Have got 100mts of bubble wrap, so will be spending this comming weekend packing the fragile goodies up well and marking all the boxes.
Wish I could go to sleep and wake up to find everything has been done and sorted.
Only 3 weeks left of work, and 4 weeks until we move.
Have signed one lot of documents with one of the attorneys and will sign the other lot tomorrow afternoon, then it is all systems go.
Have got 100mts of bubble wrap, so will be spending this comming weekend packing the fragile goodies up well and marking all the boxes.
Wish I could go to sleep and wake up to find everything has been done and sorted.
Sunday, 27 May 2012
NO MORE SHOWHOUSES
It seems strange to have a Sunday where there will be no showhouse.
Normally a Sunday morning started with everyone getting out of bed and helping to smarten up the house for a showhouse.
It went something like this:
Started in the lounge - polished all the furniture and wooden floors until you could see your face in them. Covered the chairs with the trhows - kept especially for Sunday's. Put down the cream carpet - also kept for Sundays only, lit lavender or vanilla candles for special effect and then closed the doors and warned everyone not to go in there.
Then started on the bedrooms - changed the duvets and pillowcases to the Sunday ones, and cleaned the floors and furniture again.
Changed the towels in the bathroom to the Sunday special - the brown ones.
Packed everything away in the kitchen and put out the Sunday dish cloths - the black and white ones. All this despite the fact that the maid had been on the Saturday.
If the family wanted anything to eat, they had to make it early and eat it OUTSIDE.
The last thing we did was wash the passage, bathroom and kitchen tiles, and then stood outside waiting for the estate agent to arrive.
Then the fun began - 3 hours of either driving around with 2 small dogs in the car as well, or camping in the neighbours backyard until it was time to go home.
At 5 we trooped home to hear what the comments were, and to see if there was an offer in.
On the first showhouse day, an old lady wanted to see why our shower door still runs, as she has one the same and it has come off the runners. Well needless to say the agent found her in the shower with the door in her hand, she had lifted it off the rails to see how ours worked. Poor old girl had to stand there until the agent's husband could get here to lift it from her.
The second showhouse found 2 old budddies who walk past everyday visiting to see what the inside looked like, as they knew what the outside looked like and were just curious.
The third showhouse was done by Ken the agent's husband, also an agent, as her Mom had unfortunately passed away on the Thrusday - this was when the council played nasty and removed his 2 feather banners from outside our property, and them having to pay a R1500 fine to get them back.
Showhouse no 4 - Cheryl phoned an hour befor to say she had fallen and broken a bone in her foot at was still at the hospital waiting for the results of X-rays etc, and that she would sentd Ken in her place. At 2 I got a call from her to say she was still waiting at the hospital and would I please tell her husband when he arrived that it was a definate break.
Showhouse no 5 very uneventful and thankfully the last one we would have to have.
As I start the packing there are lots of tears being shead, as there are lots of memories being packed up. Photos of celebrations we have had here - weddings - anniversary parties - birthday parties - Christmas lunches. The sad part is that half the people or pets in the photos are no longer here to join us in our final milestone, but we will remember them all and the good times we had together.
God bless you all, you all mean so much to us!!!
Normally a Sunday morning started with everyone getting out of bed and helping to smarten up the house for a showhouse.
It went something like this:
Started in the lounge - polished all the furniture and wooden floors until you could see your face in them. Covered the chairs with the trhows - kept especially for Sunday's. Put down the cream carpet - also kept for Sundays only, lit lavender or vanilla candles for special effect and then closed the doors and warned everyone not to go in there.
Then started on the bedrooms - changed the duvets and pillowcases to the Sunday ones, and cleaned the floors and furniture again.
Changed the towels in the bathroom to the Sunday special - the brown ones.
Packed everything away in the kitchen and put out the Sunday dish cloths - the black and white ones. All this despite the fact that the maid had been on the Saturday.
If the family wanted anything to eat, they had to make it early and eat it OUTSIDE.
The last thing we did was wash the passage, bathroom and kitchen tiles, and then stood outside waiting for the estate agent to arrive.
Then the fun began - 3 hours of either driving around with 2 small dogs in the car as well, or camping in the neighbours backyard until it was time to go home.
At 5 we trooped home to hear what the comments were, and to see if there was an offer in.
On the first showhouse day, an old lady wanted to see why our shower door still runs, as she has one the same and it has come off the runners. Well needless to say the agent found her in the shower with the door in her hand, she had lifted it off the rails to see how ours worked. Poor old girl had to stand there until the agent's husband could get here to lift it from her.
The second showhouse found 2 old budddies who walk past everyday visiting to see what the inside looked like, as they knew what the outside looked like and were just curious.
The third showhouse was done by Ken the agent's husband, also an agent, as her Mom had unfortunately passed away on the Thrusday - this was when the council played nasty and removed his 2 feather banners from outside our property, and them having to pay a R1500 fine to get them back.
Showhouse no 4 - Cheryl phoned an hour befor to say she had fallen and broken a bone in her foot at was still at the hospital waiting for the results of X-rays etc, and that she would sentd Ken in her place. At 2 I got a call from her to say she was still waiting at the hospital and would I please tell her husband when he arrived that it was a definate break.
Showhouse no 5 very uneventful and thankfully the last one we would have to have.
As I start the packing there are lots of tears being shead, as there are lots of memories being packed up. Photos of celebrations we have had here - weddings - anniversary parties - birthday parties - Christmas lunches. The sad part is that half the people or pets in the photos are no longer here to join us in our final milestone, but we will remember them all and the good times we had together.
God bless you all, you all mean so much to us!!!
Friday, 25 May 2012
ANOTHER HURDLE OUT THE WAY
After a lot of soul searching, plucked up the courage to hand in my resignation. Now to count the days left to work.
Starting with the packing this weekend.
Applied online last night to have phone transferred.
Got a message today from Telkom thanking me for my application, and advising that the transfer would take place on 29 9 11. -amazing as today is 25 5 12!!
Starting with the packing this weekend.
Applied online last night to have phone transferred.
Got a message today from Telkom thanking me for my application, and advising that the transfer would take place on 29 9 11. -amazing as today is 25 5 12!!
Thursday, 24 May 2012
APPROVAL AT LAST
The waiting game is over. Got the long awaited call from the Estate Agent at 4 this afternoon to say that everything had been sorted out and the buyer's bond had finally been approved.
The best is that at 6 the agent changed the FOR SALE board to SOLD.
The next hurdle is to hand in my resignation tomorrow.
The best is that at 6 the agent changed the FOR SALE board to SOLD.
The next hurdle is to hand in my resignation tomorrow.
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
......The Waiting Game.......
Horaay, the assessor come to view the house this morning, and just as I was thinking it would all be smooth sailing, the estate agent phoned me this evening to tell me he could not find sufficient value in the property.
It is amazing how you think your house is beautiful, someone who has never see the house before, walks in and takes a few photos and then tells you that your bathroom is old fashioned, and that the kitchen is dated. Ha ha the kitchen walls and floor was only retiled at the beginning of this year. We are now again playing the waiting game and hopefully the report the agent gives the asssessor will sway his decision, otherwise there will be no pink house.
It is amazing how you think your house is beautiful, someone who has never see the house before, walks in and takes a few photos and then tells you that your bathroom is old fashioned, and that the kitchen is dated. Ha ha the kitchen walls and floor was only retiled at the beginning of this year. We are now again playing the waiting game and hopefully the report the agent gives the asssessor will sway his decision, otherwise there will be no pink house.
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
HOW IT STARTED
In January 2012, there were 4 very bored people who decided to take a drive down the West Coast to see what they could see, and ended up in St Helena Bay, where they decided to visit an estate agent and see what was on offer. To their surprise there was a house available in their price range, and they all went to see it. After a look around they had worked out who would have what room and decided to put in an offer, which was accepted, subject to them selling their existing property. After a lot of pushing, pleading and pampering, and the planting of St Joseph, their house was put on the market.
For 5 weeks every Sunday was the same - get up clean up and clear our as the house was on show, and every Sunday they got feedback from the agent - property too big, too long, too small not enough grass, corner plot only 1 bathroom etc.
Their property had to be sold by midnight on 30 April, and to their delight an offer was signed at 9pm on 30 April, subject to the buyer getting bond finance by 21 May.
Well the days and hours went by and they waited with baited breath. At the 11th hour there had been no answer, so the very helpful agents asked for a day's extension - which much to the relief of the family was given by the seller. Eventually approval was given - subject to an assessment, so as I write this we are just waiting for the final approval, and then we will be all smiles.
For 5 weeks every Sunday was the same - get up clean up and clear our as the house was on show, and every Sunday they got feedback from the agent - property too big, too long, too small not enough grass, corner plot only 1 bathroom etc.
Their property had to be sold by midnight on 30 April, and to their delight an offer was signed at 9pm on 30 April, subject to the buyer getting bond finance by 21 May.
Well the days and hours went by and they waited with baited breath. At the 11th hour there had been no answer, so the very helpful agents asked for a day's extension - which much to the relief of the family was given by the seller. Eventually approval was given - subject to an assessment, so as I write this we are just waiting for the final approval, and then we will be all smiles.
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