Crazy Monday

Crazy Monday would be a slight understatement. Our stopwatch is now on five weeks and I am happy to say we actually managed to get a LOT packed this weekend. Lots of clearing out, throwing away and selling different things, but I can now see some results to the packing. The most noticeable is that at the moment both our cars are sleeping outside as the garage is filling up. One side is 'to go to the Cape' and the other side is 'to be sold.' The 'throw out' is all in the drive way waiting for rubbish collection. A very dirty job I might add.

We went to Pretoria on Saturday to look at material for curtains. Well shock of shocks, I thought it would be cheaper to make them but Oh Boy was I wrong. By the time we've bought the material, tape and then found someone who can put the eyelet rings in, the price doubles. So now we will just look for what we want and buy ready made. For many years, over various moves I made my own curtains, but it would seem that things have changed while I wasn't looking. We also went to see Poppet and Princess as we hadn't seen them since Poppet's surgery. Shame I felt so sorry for her, she has extremely bad bruising and was feeling pretty grim, but happily she now sounds much better and more like herself. Please allow me a little 'brag' here on my beautiful grand-daughter and what an amazing young lady she is. The house was immaculate and a massive load of washing done. She is doing such a good job of looking after her Mom. I climbed in and did the dishes for her and then together we hung up the washing. While we were chatting she says to me "Gran, I'm not sure what to do for supper tonight." I nearly melted with love, so we had a quick discussion and I made some suggestions and said to just keep it simple. Bless her heart, she stood in front of the fridge and said "tomorrow we are going to have roast chicken, potatoes and vegetables." I am so proud of you Princess, you are an enormous blessing and congratulations on such a wonderful Report Card, your hard work is paying off.

Today has been 'crazy' although some might have called it 'blue' - I'm looking at the glass half full theory here haha. I gingerly drove myself to the shops to do some 'new home' shopping and had a lovely time picking out cushions and a beautiful big wall clock for our new lounge. From there things went downhill (in the frustration department). We have a new supermarket so I decided to pop in and get a few essentials. Firstly I got chased away from the door I entered and was told to go 'over there' with a vague hand gesture to have my shopping packet sealed. 'Over there' turned out to be a completely separate entrance, with NO security ?????? By now feeling just a tad irritated I had to find my way up and down aisles I don't know, I can't read the signs above the aisles yet, for what I wanted. I wonder if I am the only person who gets supermarket trolley irritation? When the aisles are narrow and people meander down weaving from side to side and/or come to a complete stop in the middle of the aisle. Eeeeek. By the time I was done I made an executive decision to abandon my next stop and just get home. I have decided I cannot see well enough to to be allowed on the roads yet. I then came home to try and sort out a huge mess with our Medical Aid who changed administrators recently and in so doing all the rules have changed regarding chronic medications. I am still being bounced between people and it's not completely sorted out yet, but, I will have succes eventually.

For a few days I've been trying to figure out why my beautiful indoor Violet is looking so sad ....... well I now have the answer, one naughty, inquisitive, determined kitten - Kiko. She has been sitting on it to watch Gemma eat and then eating it herself. I ask you ? So plant now moved, broken leaves in water to grow new roots and a heartily chastised kitten who looks totally innocent and unperturbed. My last 'event' of this day was just the cream on the top. In all the packing we unearthed the slip covers for our lounge suite and so I decided to give them all a good wash and put them on for something different. Did I mention they are off white? So I put some of them in the machine and ran a double wash, which took forever, and when I went to take them out I nearly cried. Our washing machine tends to give off blackish residue on a big load. We've never been able to find out what it is or where it comes from, and generally if you leave it alone until its dry, it goes hard and you can just scratch it off. Not today. Today it smudged and streaked all over the four covers which are now lying in a bath full of water, hoping to soak it all off and waiting for Hubby to get home to help me get them out and on the line. This was the 'topper' to my day and I decided there and then the best thing I could do, for my own sanity, was to not attempt anything further, make a cup of tea and come and chat to you.

Friends, I sincerely hope your Monday has been infinitely smoother than mine, if not, smile and just remind yourself tomorrow is a brand new day and will be better. It's how we respond that determines how the rest of the day turns out. My philosophy for most challenges is 'this too will pass' and if I can retain my sense of humor, whatever it was will not determine how I feel for the rest of the day / week.

Here's wishing you a wonderful week of wisdom, favour, happiness, fun and always staying safe.

Dream big and don't give up

Good morning all, is it just me or is this year simply galloping past. I am having a battle keeping up with which month it is never mind what day of the week. For your sake I hope that this week has been nowhere as crazy as mine, I am so glad that it is over and we are going into the weekend. There are so many ends that have to be tied up and organised most of which had to go onto the back burner this week as Tuesday I was back in hospital for my third eye surgery (in six weeks) which pretty much has flattened me. The Doctor is very happy and I am delighted that the 'mist' has gone, now it is just the wait for the implanted lens to settle down so that I can focus. Not being able to drive is beyond frustrating as well as putting extra pressure on my dear Hubby, who bless his heart never complains. Adding to all this Poppet was in hospital yesterday for a reconstructive 'touch up' surgery and I was unable to be with her. To her friends who stepped in, thank you SO much from the bottom of my heart for all that you do for my girls, and to my little Princess who is looking after her, you are such a huge blessing Angel thank you. Now we are both sitting at home, in separate towns, unable to do much. Something wrong with this picture? Poppet, we should have organised it that we recover together in one home hehe. Get better quickly my beautiful girl.

During all this 'kafuffle' our Johannesburg home has been transferred out of our name and the Betty's Bay home is not very far behind in the Transfer process. It has been absolutely amazing to see how God has moved things along and provided for us every step of the way as things have happened. He truly is our Mighty God.

Monday night saw little Kiko's stitches eventually removed and she is back to her incorrigible, busy little self. She was so happy to eventually be rid of the thick collar she had to wear. It's almost as if she understands what is going on as she hardly left my side for a couple of days after my surgery. She can be so gentle and yet has teeth that would rival a tigers I am quite sure.

Just a small encouragement to those who may need it. Never stop dreaming or grow tired of waiting for your breakthrough or your answers. It is such a cliche statement I know, and I also know how easy at times it can be to just toss it all aside and settle for what you have. Your future is so much bigger than what you can imagine and you DO deserve to see your dreams, hopes and desires come to pass. Hang in there friends and don't grow weary.

Have a wonderful weekend, do what makes you happy and as always ....... Stay safe please.

Kiko keeping me company.
P

The Clock is Ticking.

From a chilly Johannesburg, warm greetings to you all. My mind is like an eight lane highway at the moment, so many things buzzing around. The stop-watch has been set and exactly 6 weeks from today we should be busy moving into our gorgeous new home. The moving company has been notified, family informed and a ton of packing to do. We've got to the stage now that when someone asks for something I say "it's been packed". On Saturday I packed all our CD's and DVD's and then three quarters of our books, I know we read a LOT but gosh.... and that is excluding Jelly Bean's room which is a veritable library. The house is starting to look as if we are moving with blank spaces appearing. I will be honest and say that I will be beyond delighted when this is behind us, it's hard going haha, and this is someone who has moved over 38 times in her life.

One of the other things buzzing around in my heart is as a result of yesterday being Fathers Day. I remember when Jelly Bean was small she would make me a Fathers Day card at school or Sunday school and initially I thought it odd and at the same time felt sorry for her that she didn't have a Daddy to give them to, then I realised that I was both Mommey and Daddy. I think we often get so caught up in the day itself that we perhaps lose the significance of it. I was so blessed to see really meaningful messages to and for Dads on Social Media yesterday, but at times like this let's also think of the single parent families. Moms being Dads and Dads being Moms. It is very easy to not look beyond the surface of what we can see in the lives of the single parents around us. There are some things that a Mom just can't teach and visa versa. For example, recently we were out and Hubby had to repair something with a drill. There was a little boy there who asked if he could 'help' (he is from a single parent family). My Hubby loves teaching kids and sharing knowledge with them, so he instantly said "yes" and let the little guy have a go at using the drill. This little boy was fascinated with the whole process and enjoyed the time spent learning a 'guy thing'. Having been a single parent of 4 children with age gaps spanning 17 years I know firsthand how hard it is for both the parents and the children. Perhaps if you are taking your kids to a cricket match, think about inviting a little boy who doesn't have a Dad to take him, or if you are having a braai teach him how to make a fire. If you are taking your daughter for a tea date invite a little girl who doesn't have a Mommy to take her, or if you are baking/cooking teach her how to cook. Single parents do their best, but there is NEVER an off day, no one else to hand over to when they are tired or sick, they are always doing double duty. I know how much my little Princess enjoys spending time with her Grandpa. They have long chats about all sorts of things, he teaches her how to do practical things and she loves getting dirty working with him in the garage. Obviously everyone's circumstances are different but I just pray that we become more sensitive to those people in our circles, both young and old.

As I sit and type this Kiko is lying on my arm fast asleep, quite oblivious to the awkwardness she is causing. She is only going to have her stitches removed tonight as the Vet wanted them in for a full 10 days. I am sure she is going to be flying around the house once the collar is removed and she is free. All of a sudden this weekend she learnt how to jump onto the kitchen counters....... So now poor old Gemma can't retreat there for solitude as she is instantly followed. Kiko almost stalks her in the never ending quest to be friends.

Well friends I need to get things done and organised so here is wishing you a wonderful week,make advantage of every opportunity and always - stay safe.


Princess and Grandpa fishing on holiday.

Public Holidays and Speed Bumps

Am I the only one who is feeling confused as to what day it is after yesterday's Public Holiday? I feel all turned around haha. Happy Fiday everyone I hope your week has been successful and that you are looking forward to a restful, happy weekend. At long last winter arrived in South Africa this week and it came with a vengeance, those of you who know me will know that I love the cold especially when it is accompanied by rain. On Sunday night it started raining and continued right through to late Monday evening, our maximum temperature here at home was 6 c. I was in my element, it has warmed up and we are hovering in the late teens, so still cold enough to cuddle up in the blankets.

My week has been quiet due to a couple of reasons, the most obvious being that I can't see clearly enough to drive or accomplish much else. Frustrating would be putting it mildly especially when there is so much to do. After my Doctors visit on Tuesday we at least have a reason for the 'mistiness'. Apparently during the operation when the cataract was being removed a piece slipped back in my eye and afterwards made its way between the 'support ring' and the lens. So, to that end I am back in surgery on Tuesday to have it removed and redo the process, just when I thought I was done. I am not a happy camper at the prospect and am continuing to place my trust in God for a complete healing and perfect eyesight. My surgeon will need a very steady hand in order not to shift the implanted lens and only God can supply that. Talk about speed bumps on My Life's Winding Road.

Only one more sleep and then little Kiko has her stitches removed and along with that her padded collar. Once I out the collar on her, she bounced right back to being the extremely active, run at warp speed, little fur ball she has always been. Nothing and nowhere is sacred in her exploration of her world. She now sleeps in the bed with us (much to Gemma's disgust) and I end up being a cat sandwich every night. Cat sandwich ? Gemma either sleeps under the covers or between Hubby and I, head on the pillows. Kiko now starts off under the covers then ends up on the other side of my pillow, hence cat sandwich. Please note, I am not complaining haha.

With Sunday being Fathers day we are planning a quiet family lunch with the girls, we have a tradition in our family that when it is someone's 'special day' whether it's birthday or other occasion, that person gets to choose the favourite meal. Hubby happily chose Lamb Stew, one of my favourite things to cook, so no fancy roasts just a good old fashioned, rustic one pot meal.

On that note folks, to all the Dads and single Moms - Happy Fathers Day and thank you for everything that you do for your families. I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend, whether it's with family or friends. Appreciate and value every minute that you have together, stay warm, and as always wherever you are - Be Safe.

It's a faith walk.

Today the scripture 2 Corinthians 5 v 7 is buzzing around in my head. In the most literal sense I am currently walking by faith and not by sight. It is a super cold day here in Johannesburg, so heaters on, washing drying in the Dry Buddy, all the animals inside, a hearty lamb stew cooking away on the stove and Jelly Bean and I are snuggled up under blankets. I find myself more than a little frustrated as I still cannot see clearly out of my left eye (it is like looking through frosted glass. The darker it is the better I can see) which means I can't drive or function properly. I spoke to my surgeon earlier and am going in to see her tomorrow so that she can just check everything, I am walking by faith that God will complete my healing and not by how I can actually see.

It was our little Princess' 13th birthday yesterday and we had a beautiful family and friends lunch to celebrate. I cannot believe she is now 13, on Saturday night she was talking to me and she said "I can't believe this is my last day of being 12 Granny, tomorrow I am going to be a teenager." Never mind the fact that she is catching up to me in the height department rapidly. Oh my word time does indeed march on. What a special occasion, I am so glad we are still in Johannesburg to be able to celebrate it with her.

Last night I put my 'genius' to work, haha. After trying two funnel collars, some lotion which tastes AWFUL (trust me, it got onto my hands UGHHH), none of which worked I decided to get creative. I took a fluffy sock and folded the 'leg part' in half, stitched it up and stuffed it with toy stuffing, sewed the end and pinned it in place with a big safety pin and voila, happy kitty and her stitches are fine. Why hasn't someone made these and marketed them before?

Well friends just a short catch up today. Maybe you too are having to walk by faith and not by what the circumstances are telling you, if so, don't be discouraged or give up, hang in there and keep pressing on there will be a breakthrough. Where ever you are, Thank you for reading, stay warm/cool and above all else stay safe.


Kiko in her funny scarf/collar

Phew, is all I can say

Oh my word what a week. I know that many of you have had a rough week and hope that you are still strong and ready to relax over the weekend. Thank you to everyone for your messages, comments and prayers for me. The operation went well with a somewhat better reaction to the Anaesthetic. I am super happy that it is now behind me even though I cannot see very well at this point. My eye is very 'misty' which the Dr says is normal and it will go away but in the meantime it makes life just a tad difficult. She is delighted with the results though, thank goodness.

It seems that in my life everything is on super speed right now. Last Friday Hubby received a phone call from a company he had worked for previously, asking if he would be available for the next two months, no guessing what the answer was as he is just finishing up his current contract. They called again yesterday to tell him that he starts on Monday - our God is truly amazing. Seriously, hardly anyone in his industry gets offered a two month contract and that is exactly how long we have left before the move. Woohooo

On Monday morning we got a call from Big Guy at about 8 am at our gate. He walked into the house chuckling a little sheepishly. Shame the poor man had left home before 6 am for a dental appointment, sat in the car waiting for the dentist to open only to be told he had the wrong day. He had to be there on Wednesday. Hahaha. We did a little catch up and coffee and then repeated the visit again on Wednesday before I had my eye patch removed. While I am on the subject of my sons please allow me a little brag. Big Guy has lost a whopping 17.5 kg over the last 9 weeks. He is looking absolutely fantastic, like a whole new man. On Sunday BigBear took part in his first Crossfit competition and did extremely well, hitting his personal best. Needless to say I am SO proud of my children I could burst. Well done guys you are an example to us all. Then yesterday we took our little Kiko into the vet to be spayed, all went well until we got her home and she woke up enough to discover her stitches. So right back out to the vet to buy a 'funnel collar'. Hmmm she is so small that the smallest collar she just pulled off. I tried putting a plaster on - BAD IDEA, she licked it off. Then we got creative with the funnel and managed to make it small enough and stay closed with cellotape except that she now has a problem eating and drinking. I tried taking it off this morning for her to eat and she went straight back to those irritating stitches. Did I ever mention how determined this ittle ball of fur is? I spent half the night thinking of different options and personally if I was able I would make a small blow up tube/collar to go around her neck, so I'm going to put this out there, if anyone has ANY ideas please let me know because at this stage it looks like she will have to wear it for the whole ten days.

Apart from the normal Friday morning household chores and activities, this morning we had 6 electricians crawling all over the house and ceiling doing this and that for the Electical Compliance Certificate. I admit I fled to my bedroom for as much of it as possible. Who knew that the satellite dish is supposed to be earthed ? DSTV certainly didn't do it. Now that peace has descended on my home, I can think ahead to the weekend and our little Princess'13th birthday on Sunday, to that end dearest Hubby and I are off this afternoon to catch up on a truck load of chores and shopping.........

I pray that this weekend will be a time for you to recharge your batteries and enjoy your families. Have an awesome weekend folks and always ....... Stay safe out there, you are precious to many people, each one of you.

Feeling extremely grateful

A new week, new adventures and often new challenges. As I start this week I cannot help but reflect back down the road of my life and just know how extremely blessed I am. When things have been hard in my life especially over the last twenty years or so, and they have at times, I have always tried to look ahead and be optimistic. That perhaps second only to my Faith in God, is the only reason that I was able to get up in the morning other than my love for my children. I have always had dreams and desires as we all do, but perhaps never really (deep down) thought that they would ever come to pass. A very good friend of mine asked me the other day if I believed it could happen to others and I quickly said "yes of course," her reply was "so what makes you any different?" that stopped me and made me think. Dreams cost nothing and are a good place to go when things around you are dark, please don't ever stop believing and dreaming friends. God knows the deepest desires and dreams in your heart, even those you may never have verbalized. Many years ago after my husband passed away God 'gave' me a scripture which has been my rock, my foundation, my anchor ever since.

Jeremiah 29 v 11 "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

There have been many times when, like everyone else, I asked God "why me, will it ever end or be different, what did I do wrong?" I think these are a natural reaction to tragedy or life changing events or illnesses, but, I could not afford to stay there. I kept believing, pushing, fighting and moving forward, even if it was only an inch at a time. Where am I going with all this ? Well with a weekend of packing behind us and a brand new week ahead I sat this morning and just relfected on the goodness of God and His unfailing Grace toward us. With our move in sight and the beautiful house He has provided for us I am blessed beyond measure. I have always dreamed of being able to live near the sea again - we are 250 meters as the crow flies, I have always wanted the living area design that our new house has, I've always wanted pot drawers (haha I know that's crazy) but guess what ? Our new house TWO pot drawers, I could go on and on. He takes care of even our smallest desires. Never in all my 'dreaming' did I actually think it would come to pass and yet here we are - I have an amazing husband, a beautiful family who are healthy and happy, God has given us our dream home in the exact area we felt He was leading us to and we are seeing things fall into place one after the other. I have not shared this with you to brag in any measure, but as an encouragement that no matter how dark and hard things in your life may get, please don't stop trusting God and dreaming your dreams.

Did I mention we packed this weekend? Hmmmm that is an understatement because we started out by emptying the caravan which in turn led to having to sort through and pack the contents, which then evolved into packing other cupboards in order to fill up boxes. By the time we had finished and staggered back we had done a huge amount, yet alas, only a dent of what there still is to do.

As I write this my not quite so little Kiko is curled up on the chair soaking up the rays of sun. I do not think I've ever had such a busy kitten, good grief she can move, but when she is still and mellow there is nothing more loving or softer to cuddle, and thankfully she loves to cuddle and love and chat - just another blessing.

Have a wonderful week folks, go and write your 'stamp' on it, and always please....... Be safe.

Kiko in the sun

Is it Friday already ?

I can't believe it's Friday already and yet on the other hand this week feels like it was a month long. So much happening at the moment I'm losing track of the days. We had a super flight home on Tuesday to be greeted by four highly excited animals. If I was worried that the week being alone would change Kiko, I could have saved myself the time. She is just an naughty and BUSY as ever. I looked over her last night trying to find an off switch, alas nothing. Little does she know right now but next Thursday she is going to the Vet to be sterilised, that might slow her down just a tad. As an example - when I wash my hair over the bath, her new trick is to jump onto my back and sit there to watch the entire process - not uncomfortable al all. Hmmppfffff.

Since we got home a lot has been accomplished although not much to see for it. Mostly planning, paperwork and getting all our little ducks in a row. I did manage to pack one kitchen box (I hate packing the kitchen), but other than that I am just trying to let my body catch up. My head is so busy 24/7 working out where to put things in the new house, what needs to be packed for use and what can be stored temporarily. My darling Hubby is going to have to keep his Carpentry tools on hand as we will need book shelves, kitchen units and generally lots of the other gorgeous things he makes. Woohoo it's all very exciting.


Next week is fast following the current trend of 'busy' as my second eye operation is scheduled for Tuesday, I will be glad when this is behind me. The only 'problem' is that this time I know what I am in for, last time I was totally unaware. We also have a BIG family event in a week as our little Princess will be turning 13. Where, oh where have the years gone? I was there when she was born and was the first to hold her, when I look at her now I see a beautiful, confident, strong minded young lady who is catching up to me on the height front quickly. You've got a couple of years to go Princess and I will always be your Granny.

We are planning (I am planning) a quiet recovery weekend hopefully. One of the big things about having Fibromyalgia is to try and avoid going beyond your limit which has been impossible, the consequence is that it leaves one with chronic fatigue and also a 'Fibro flare' which is extreme pain amongst other things. To that end I am hoping to take it easy and 'fill up my tank' quickly so that I can get back to all that needs doing.

The sun is shining although it is quite cool but I really wish it was pouring with rain, we humans are such strange creatures aren't we ? Just on the off chance that I've never mentioned it, I am undoubtedly a winter/cold weather person through and through hehehe. Here's wishing each one of you a super weekend, with the best weather for you haha. Whatever you do enjoy and always stay safe.