About to go home

Good morning friends, here I sit listening to the seagulls with a hot hot lemon drink in my hands while the rest of the family sleeps ...... Hmmmm something wrong with this picture. What a week would be puting it mildly, we fly home at lunchtime after a whirlwind week down in the Cape which happily has been successful and productive beyond our wildest dreams.

We ended up buying the second house we saw, this was the one that we totally fell in love with on Thursday morning. When I look at the pictures I am blown away with how very, very blessed we are and to what degree our prayers have been answered. It is everything we asked for, I hoped for, and then more. We will be only about 400 m from the ocean with one row of houses between us and a partial ocean view. My mind is continually thinking of how I want to arrange our things there, all the things we can do with it and just generally huge excitement. The area is everything we expected, a small village atmosphere with the mountains behind us and the sea in front. God has been so extremely good to us.

We were able to spend a lovely day on Sunday with the family (the first day not spent driving distances in the car), we went out to Blouberg and Milnerton which are slightly up the West Coast, where one always sees the iconic pictures of Table Mountain in the distance, well Murphy's Law was in effect and there was a thick band of fog hanging over the sea, so no view. We had the most magnificent lunch of seafood in a gorgeous, rustic, very classy restaurant before going for a long walk collecting shells and driftwood along the beach. Oh ...... did I mention that coming out of the restaurant I missed the second step and not at all gracefully fell down the stairs on my chin, bounce, bounce, bounce. I am quite sure that everyone looking must habe thought "hmmpff she had too much to drink" and here I'd only had a cup of tea and a coke. Nevertheless quite a spectacle did I make of myself. I can assure you that apart from a grazed knee and chin, some magnificent bruises in weird places, sore ribs, there is not ONE part of me that is not sore. So some slow moving ahead, SO glad we are flying home and not driving.

I am missing my cats terribly and am sure that Kiko has grown a lot in the last week, can't wait to get home to play with and cuddle them. I have been 'borrowing' BigBear and BabyBear's cats for cuddles. Our neighbour, who looks after the Pets has kept me updated on all the antics and catastrophes on a daily basis and its high time we got home to bring some order into our animal's lives haha.

I would like to just thank each of you, my readers, for you encouragement, prayers, and support on this Blog and as from from Friday I will be back to normal with posts and updates. As I hear the family stirring I am going to bid you Au Revoir until then, have a wonderful week and stay safe.

My 'iconic' photo of Table Mountain on the way home.



Lions Head taken from Camps Bay beach on Friday evening.

Cape Town

Good morning friends, as I sit writing this I am the only one awake and am listening the vigorous screeching of seagulls and Egyptian Geese who for some reason think that it is their sole purpose in life to sit on the building and herald in the day.

This week has been beyond busy in too many ways to mention. We had a very good trip down on Wednesday, although lengthened by continuous road works and huge trucks. We estimated that we must have passed over 500 large trucks just in that one trip. Since we arrived we have literally not stopped. We already know our way around Betty's Bay - more or less - have seen so many houses that they now all seem like one, but feel confidant that we have narrowed it down to the only one that really 'touched' us. So from here it is the negotiating and LOTS of prayer.

It so good being able to spend time with the family and hopefully this weekend we will be able to relax a bit and enjoy them as well as do some sight seeing. I did manage to take a few pictures of the scenery mostly the ocean, some taken out of the window from a moving car going around crazy twists and turns, which I am going to attach below. You will see why my soul loves this part of our beautiful country. When I got out of the car yesterday out where we are house hunting, it was like stepping into a cloud of peace, the solitude, the stillness and quietness. Like a healing balm to me.

Here is wishing you a wonderful weekend in whatever you are doing, try and make the most of every special moment and ....... as always Stay Safe


Pic 1. In the middle of the Karoo during ur trip down.
Pic 2. The Sun shining over False Bay yesterday afternoon.
Pic 3. False Bay between Rooi Els and Gordon's Bay.
Pic 4. Lions Head last night after sunset from Camps Bay beach.

Ready, set, GO ...

Happy Monday everyone, I hope that today finds you rested and ready to face the new week and whatever it holds, please remember ... YOU CAN DO IT !!!!! After a busy, but oh so happy weekend with our family we are about to embark on the next phase of the journey on Our Winding Road.

We are leaving on our road trip very early Wednesday morning and will drive straight through to Cape Town, about 1 400 kilometres, which should put us there at around 5 pm. As you will know there is much preparation to be done before a long trip, but even more exciting is that this trip will be to find our new home as well as spend some quality time with our children. We have already set up viewings all day Thursday and Friday and are praying for God's leading in knowing exactly which house is 'our' house. As we are driving down in Jelly Bean's little car (and leaving it there with BigBear) we will be able to relax a little when we fly back next Tuesday. This is going to be most welcome because once we get back it's going to be all systems go to get the house packed and our family moved. I can't wait to see the ocean and 'my' beautiful Table Mountain, together they are my personal remedy of peace and inspiration.

Having BigBear and BabyBear here for the weekend was awesome. Even though he had to work and they were here for a wedding the time spent together was precious and we had the most wonderful, classy Brunch on Sunday with the girls at their house where we all got to meet Jill who is adorable, such a calm little dog. The only element missing was not having Big Guy there with us as he was unable to make it, although the bonus is I got to see him this morning as he had business this side of town and popped in for about 2 hours. I consider myself truly blessed beyond measure to have such an awesome family both here and in the UK! Love you ALL to the moon and back

It would seem that Kiko is going to provide an endless supply of stories and mirth, she is truly a character of note. This morning she climbed into the broom cupboard, climbed up the back of the ironing board and then ...... got stuck. When I put my head in, this tiny little face and two paws peeped over the top of the board with a little meow asking to be rescued. One of her favourite games is to trot across Hubby's keyboard while he is working and thus add a new line, or command of xxxfffhhwwttccmmbbbbhhjjjjjjjj's and more. She is FAR too curious and absolutely notthing is sacred - it's tantamount to having a toddler in the house, even BabyBear mentioned how busy she is, and they have two cats. Thankfully I have an angel of a neighbour who looks after the animals when we are away, she is the ultimate Cat Lady and literally cannot wait for us to leave so that she can come over and play with them.

The next time I post will be many kilometers later from Cape Town and I promise to upload some beautiful photos, until then friendS have a good week and ...... stay safe please.


Jill having a nap in her new jacket




Kiko watching me as I work

I am truly grateful it is Friday.

I do not often say "I'm glad it's Friday" but today I AM. What a crazy, busy week and today has been like a whole week in one day. Good heavens. Anyway weekend is here, BigBear and BabyBear land at 9 pm tonight, the house is ready, caravan is ready and I am ready (almost). Even though it is going to be a flying visit we have organised our time to the maximum. Even including a family brunch on Sunday at Poppet and Princesses' house to meet Jill and show off their new home. Much excitement I do declare.

As I sit and type this my precious little Kiko has turned into a 'bucking bronco'. This little mite is a bundle of fur on four feet who moves in stealth mode ALL the time. I bought her an elasticised collar WITH A BELL - oh so pretty - and she is trying every move in the book to get rid of it. It is actually quite funny to watch the antics. Please allow me a minute to brag a little here. I have posted numerous photos of her on Instagram (as I have of Gemma) and yesterday #birman_cats_lovers, who I follow, reposted one of her pictures on their Instagram page. It may not sound a big deal but to me it was, I was super delighted. I also got each of the dogs new winter jackets as theirs were looking a tad disheveled and somehow Max (Yorkie) managed to walk right out of his turtle neck jersey yesterday, Sasha (Maltese) had a pink jacket which is now the same colour as the ground..... What is it which my pets ?

In amongst all the craziness there is also our road trip to plan for next week. One day at a time Sharon, thats what I keep telling myself although I'm not sure it's working hahaha. I was back at the Eye Specialist this morning for the extra measurements and she couldn't resist slipping in a quick test on my right eye, which led to much excitement throughout the practise. From an original reading of -10 I am now down to -2. In my book that is nothing short of a miracle especially in the light of the fact that the implanted lens is still settling down. We serve a good God indeed. There is still one more measurement that she is going to do on Tuesday in theatre, and then we will then be able to finalise the next operation date which is provisionally set for the 7th June.

A 'new' recipe that I tried this week turned out to be delicious and is worth sharing for when you get tired of the same old, same old. Lightly curried Butternut and Sweet Potatoe soup (which I do often) then to jazz it up a litte I added some small homemade Lamb Meatballs right at the end of cooking just as I served up. It was delicious - just something a little bit different but not complicated. The meatballs can be cooked in advance and then frozen. Just defrost them and reheat in either a pan or the microwave. Good for snacks or packed lunches too.

Friends here is wishing you, one and all, a wonderful weekend. Keep warm and as always stay safe.

Photo upload as promised.

As I promised yesterday here is the photo of my little Princess getting down and dirty with the dogs. Believe it or not those were bright white shorts. Haha






Then just a quick picture to illustrate Kiko's persistence in trying to befriend Gemma.






Enjoy the rest of your week friends and thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

All sorts of excitement.

As I sit to write this I have a curled up kitten keeping warm, a hot cup of tea and all is peaceful. There is all sorts of excitement in the air, namely our road trip next week to go house hunting, only four more sleeps until Bigbear and Babybear fly up for a wedding this weekend, the weather has cooled down (at last) and it is actually cold. I have a pot of Butternut Soup on the stove all is good. Bigbear ran a race yesterday which he felt totally unprepared for and had a fantastic race in a good time. Babybear was supposed to run with him but has been sick so she had to miss out on the excitement. It is always such a proud moment when we see our children / grand-children succeed and do well. Big Guy is also on the rceiving end of this feeling as he decided about two months ago that he was going on a diet and execise programme. He has to date lost 15 kgs, as well as lowered his cholesterol and insulin levels etc. I am so proud of my beautiful family for their perseverance, commitment and dedication to whatever they tackle. I also received a photo yesterday of our two little grandsons in the UK enjoying a summery day by eating ice lollies, what precious little faces, I just wish they were closer.

Our 'general' family has grown by one as Poppet and Princess adopted a little dog. They have been involved with the Beagle Club for quite some time, through friends of theirs, and often go for day outings with all the dogs. Given that Princess is fastidious regarding germs and cleanliness this is the one place where she throws that caution to the wind and gets down and dirty with all the dogs and I do mean dirty. They have wanted a dog for a long time but due to Complex restrictions and space they have been unable to do so. On Friday Poppet phoned me sounding somewhat stunned and said that she had filled in an adoption form............TOTAL cautious silence on my side haha. She had filled in the Adoption form with the Beagle Rescue Society and had thought it would take awhile for an answer, she got a YES almost immediately. So on Saturday they were going to see a 3 year old little girl whose owners have emigrated, is fully trained, good with cats (they have one) and kids etc, thinking it would be a couple of weeks before they got her. Well, the next thing I got was a picture of Princess sitting in the car with their new addition Jill. It was love at first sight for Princess and she and Jill are inseparable. This is such a good thing for her in every way which just delights my soul.

Talking about our furry family members, we had a huge laugh this morning as Kiko dearest had a 'slight mishap'. I was busy in the bedroom and then heard this splash and scrambling. You guessed it, Miss Curiosity was nosing around and fell into the toilet (thank goodness it was clean). She scrambled out just about as quickly as she fell in and with much disgust took off down the passage with a shake of each paw on every step. She was, I think, embarrassed and definitely very cross. After I towelled her off and got her calmed down life went back to as normal as it's been since she arrived. We also had a somewhat encouraging event over the weekend. Once the cold weather sets in Hubby and I become even more popular with the cats due to warm laps and blankets. Gemma was sitting on Hubby's lap and Kiko in her untiring quest to be friends, snuck up behind her and as gentle as a whisper lay down. This lasted quite a while until Gemma woke up for a quick lick and groom, saw the kitten and gave a half hearted hiss and growl but was too warm and cozy and just went back to sleep. Good grief that cat can hold a grudge.

We spent a lot of time time this weekend looking at the various 'short list' houses and discussing what we could change, improve and add on to suit our needs - this is actually happening now after all these years of wishing and dreaming. Boxes are starting to appear, much to Kiko's delight' and spaces are starting to open up as I am trying to pack the unseen / unnecessary things in the meantime. I think it is actually going to work as I pace myself to do a certain amount at a time.

Well my friends, the new week lies ahead like a blank slate, go out there and make you dreams happen. Have a good one and as always be safe.


P.S. I am having trouble attaching Photos to this Blog so will put them up as soon as I can.

Twas a bumpy road

Happy Friday folks, it's weekend and I hope you are planning to have a good one. This has certainly been in interesting week and quite a bumpy road. On Monday I mentioned in my Blog that I would be crossing a line that I've lived with for more than 56 years. I have had 'bad' eyesight since I was a young child which grew progressively worse as I got older. It has always been a standing family joke that without my contact lenses I'm as 'blind as a bat' hmmmm, not so funny when that starts to become a reality. I was legally blind in my right eye with atrocious vision in the left. A while ago my Optician noticed that I had cataracts growing in the back of both my eys and, after monitoring them referred me to an Eye Specialist. Apparently if the cataract is not removed it will harden and then nothing can be done. So, after a multitude of tests and not much in the way of encouraging news, the dates for surgery were set, then delayed and rescheduled as the only lenses they could use had to be handmade in Israel and were delayed in arriving in SA. I asked all the questions and got all the facts (I thought) so when Tuesday arrived, although I was nervous i was also excited, until I got to the hospital. I was expecting a pretty quick procedure with a very light Anaesthetic, I even thought it might take place in a chair. Major 'pot hole' in my road. This was a full on admission, delightful hospital gown UGH, ECG, etc etc,. And the long wait....... Eventually they came for me 'early' just on 3.00 pm and I quickly realised this was not going to be a simple deal. The short story is I had a full on Anaesthetic which I had a very bad reaction to, intubation which left me unable to swallow until today. My Dr broke up the cataract and removed the residue and then inserted the specially made lens. What usually takes 15 minutes took way more than an hour as I came out of theatre after 5 pm and went home at 6 pm. I will spare you the details, but I had an eye patch on until the next day when the Dr took it off and of course the big question was, "what can you see?" I could see some improvement but not crystal clear, they took measurements and readings and the Dr looked a bit disappointed that it was only down to a -3 from - 9.7. Needless to say I was more than discouraged and kept doing the close one eye and test thing haha. Late that afternoon I got a call from the Specialist's rooms asking me to go in the following morning for more tests - instant PANIC. The purpose of that was, the Professor in Israel wanted a double check on my measurements, because if there is any discrepancy they are going to remake the left lens, to their cost, and this following Tuesday's operation will be delayed a bit. I must add here that the quality of service that the company in Israel has provided has been beyond excellent. Whilst at it they tested my right eye and I was down to -2.5 Praise the Lord. She is hoping for at least -1.5 / -2 as the permanent lens settles. Much delight by all involved including their staff with hugs of joy. So friends, I am improving daily and as I sit here typing I have no glasses, no external lens and am seeing relatively clearly through my right eye, for the first time in my life. At this point I still do not know if the left eye operation will happen on Tuesday as I am waiting for a call to do one more measurement, so here's to waiting, holding thumbs, and trying to recover quickly.

In the midst of all this we had to go to the Attorney to sign papers for the sale of our house, only to be told gleefully that everything is whizzing along and could be final by the end of June. HELP !!!!!!! We still have to find a house, feeling the stress ? Just a bit, but I know that everything is in God's hands. We are going down to the Cape in 12 days and hopefully can finalise everything then. Have I started packing you may ask? Yes I have, not a lot but I have started. I tried looking on Google to see if there were 'Packing Fairies' but alas, not one could I find.

Kiko is growing steadily and is just as lovable as ever. She had her second vaccinations on Monday night which left her feeling poorly for about 24 hours but is just as bouncy and bitey as usual. She somehow seems to think that when I eat she has full right of access to my plate, particularly if cheese is involved. Last night the house went far too quiet, I called a couple of times and ...... nothing. Eventually I went looking and heard a noise in Hubby's cupboard, I opened the door and there she was hanging on desperately to his tie/belt rail on the inside of the door. She gave this pitiful tiny little meow jumped into my arms and then came and curled up on my lap. Worse than a toddler I declare.

Have a great weekend friends and whatever you are doing, enjoy and stay safe.

Fast pace weekend - or so it seemed

Whew what a busy weekend - I feel like a tornado blew through our house. Busy but good. On Saturday Hubby had to go to a work function and so I had the bright idea to do some baking. Hmmmmm, you know when it starts going wrong right from the get go? Big Guy had 'ordered' a large quantity of Crunchies / Anzac Biscuits so I decided to start there only to open the cupboard and there wasn't enough of this and a bit short of that. Not allowing that to daunt me, I calmly moved onto making Stoneground Wholemeal Bread - success. Then seeing as the oven was hot I thought I would capitilise and make some Wheat Free Biscotti, this too went well considering that I had a certain small ball of fur trying to climb up my legs and weaving in and out between my feet. During this time I had spoken to Hubby dearest who said he would pick up the missing Crunchie ingredients on the way home. Biscotti finished and then I just rolled straight into making the 'large' order. Oh dear. I got 'clever' and thought that if I replaced the Wheat Free flour for Coconut flour that would make them even healthier. So, I pretty much used half the ingredients and all I produced when they were cooled was MEUSLI......... they just fell apart, lesson to self don't change it if it works. By this time I was exhausted and more than a little 'miffed' with myself so called it a day. Yesterday I awoke early and knowing that we would have Big Guy, Poppet and Princss over for lunch I decided to get an early start, 6.50 AM found me back in the kitchen making Crunchies (with the correct flour) but using up some of the core ingredients ...... again and only making half the order. A little later Poppet called and very sweetly asked was she getting Crunchies too, #facepalm. Thinking quickly I said sure, if she would get this and that then when they arrived I would let Princess make the Crunchies and just oversee the process. This went smoothly thank the Lord, I am sure I would have burned my 'apron' if there had been another disaster. Haha.

We had a wonderful, laid back Mother's Day lunch together as a family, even though we were missing Bigbear and Babybear. My precious Hubby Braaied (barbecued) the meat, Poppet and I made an amazing salad which evolved as it went and a spcial family day was enjoyed by all. A little bitter sweet for me as this will be the last Mother's Day we spend in Johannesburg with this part of the family - next year there will be new traditions and events.

Tomorrow is a HUGE day for me as I a cross a line that has been in my life for more than 53 years, eeeek that looks old in print. I will post a full update on the outcome in my next Blog on Friday :D In the meantime the one thing that I have to attend to is taking my dear little Kiko back to the vet for her follow up vaccination. If any of you remember from an earlier Blog you will remember the fuss that she put up first time. I think I am going to find myself a suit of armour, ear plugs and a huge dose of calm. We will survive this too. She obviously has no clue where she is going so is very busy purring and loving me as I type this, let's hope she still loves me when we get back. This little kitten is like none I've ever owned before. She is into absolutely everything and has had some epic fails in trying to jump distances that are too far for her, runnig too fast down the passage and skidding, I could go on and on.

Well friends I trust that those of you who are Moms were blessed by your families and made to feel special yesterday. Have an amazing week and as always stay safe.

Take time to Breathe

Can you believe we are into May already? It feels like this year is absolutely flying by. I think it's really important for us ladies to try and find even a half an hour to just 'breathe' - do something that relaxes you - read a book, take a long hot bath, go and sit in the garden, whatever helps you connect with yourself. One of these days I will be able to do my 'ultimate recharge' which is to walk along the beach, oh how I am looking forward to that daily event. I am not someone who enjoys sitting on the beach tanning, but let me walk and I can go for miles. In the midst of all the planning and busyness that we are going through I hold onto that image and know that it's not far off.

On the move front it is all systems go. Our trip down to the Cape is planned, tickets back are booked, Estate Agents are busy looking and we are about to start the delightful task of packing. This I am sure, is going to provide a lot of 'fun' as Kiko simply has to be involved in everything, and I mean involved. The only time she disappears is when the vacuum cleaner comes out, haha. Even stacking the dishwasher has now become a challenge as she climbs in whilst I am busy loading it and I am terrified that someone will close the door with her inside. I happened to look in the clothing cupboard the other day and there she was walking along the top rail, on top of the hangers...... For all her cuteness though, I am probably going to be highly unpopular tomorrow as she has to go for her 2nd vaccination, wish me luck :)

In a burst of early morning energy this morning I baked some Cheese Muffins. We've been eating these for years and I have managed to adapt the recipe to Gluten free successfully. Neither Jelly Bean nor I are big breakfast people and these make the perfect breakfast. I am going to share the recipe here as they are equally good made with regular flour or gluten free flour. I use the Glutagon Flour range in all my baking and have never been disappointed in any of their products.

CHEESE MUFFINS

2 cups Self Raising Flour (either regular or gluten free)
20 ml - 4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Good pinch of Cayenne Pepper
5 ml - 1 tsp mustard
1 cup grated cheese (I use a bit more)
2 eggs beaten into 2 cups of milk.

Mix the dry ingredients and cheese together (at this stage you can also add cooked bacon pieces if you want)
Add the milk and egg and stir through thoroughly.
Put into your muffin pan which has been well greased

I use an ice-cream scoop and this recipe makes 12 large muffins

Bake in a 180 C oven for approximately 20 mins.

Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee

Well friends with a busy weekend ahead I want to wish all the Moms a Happy Mother's Day and hope that you will be spoilt and take time to recharge your batteries. Stay safe.

The days are flying past.

It feels like Sunday but it's Monday and so that means another short week. It's amazing how you can plan to do nothing and yet are busy all the time. That was our weekend - Hubby decided that he had to work on Jelly Bean's car, before we go down to the Cape at the end of the month. He has to fix the steering rack, but it turns out that the more he removed in order to get to the 'offending' part, the more needed to be removed until he came to a grinding halt yesterday because he needed a particular tool in order to go further. Said,part has now been purchased and he is back in the garage getting dirty. Have I mentioned how blessed I am to have such a talented Hubby?

I did some reading up on Gluten Intolerance and the Mediterranean Diet which led me to wondering why the folks in that part of the world don't seem to have nearly the same amount of 'food issues' that we have. This is something that is very close to my heart as our family has over the years had numerous issues with a variety of foods. Starting with Poppet who was born without a developed Sphincter Valve as well as a severe Dairy Allergy. All those years ago it was very different to nowadays where we have choices. Back then apart from buying a goat, which we seriously considered' there was not much to be done. She grew up on Rooibos tea and Creamora after the Doctors taking 11 months to diagnose what the problem was, from then on she did really well. I digress, back to my 'researching'. It would appear, and this is purely my assumption and in no way a medical opinion, the more wholesome, natural and unprocessed food is, the less reaction there will be to it. To that end I am going to embark on somewhat of a 'mission'. As it is, a member of our family is a Type 1 Diabetic and a couple of us are Insulin Resistant, so already on that front I have learnt to adapt my cooking and baking to more natural methods. I have sourced a local brand of Stone ground wholemeal flour and am going to go back to the beginning, so to speak, and begin with making a natural wholemeal bread and see how it goes from there. A two fold reason being that as we will not be living within the proverbial five minutes from the shops once we move, it will be easier to be more self sufficient (we have already decided to buy a chest freezer).

I am pretty sure we now know just about every house in our price range available to purchase in Betty's Bay, which means tomorrow I will be phoning all the Estate Agents to begin setting up appointments for the end of the month. We have found a place that sells packing boxes, so that is ticked off the list. We are going to do this folks - seaside here we come!!!

Can you believe it ? We have found Gemma and Kiko actually sitting within inches of each other quite happily until all of a sudden Gemma remembers that she is 'supposed' to be mean and growls then runs away. This does not turn out as she expects because Kiko sees that as a game of chase which then becomes Gemma being the chased running all over the house until she remembers that she can jump on counters and Kiko cannot. This little bundle is single minded in her determination to befriend Gemma and makes every single move towards peace. I cannot believe I've had her a month today, she has filled my life so much and added so many new dimensions.

There is so much going on at the moment that the days are literally flying by. We have Big Guy coming over this afternoon as he has an appointment this side of town early tomorrow morning. Here I was planning to make a large dish of Mousaka when he messaged this morning to say that he doesn't want me cooking we are going out for supper. Yaaaay. It is these impromptu events with him, Poppet and Princess that I am going to miss, in the meantime I intend making the absolute most of every opportunity and occasion to be together.

Have an awesome week friends, enjoy your day today and stay safe out there.