Good news, factory shops and alien plants.

Good afternoon folks from a quiet, still Betty's Bay. Whew it has been busy, but good busy over the last week or so. About three weeks ago Jelly Bean went for an interview in Somerset West which started the ball rolling rather quickly, the short end of the story is she got the position she applied for and starts work on Wednesday. We have been busy back and forth with second interview, signing forms, registering as a Tax Payer etc, which has been so much fun and excitement. She has literally found her dream job and can't wait to start, as she is still busy with her drivers license Hubby and I will be driving her back and forth which means that we are going to be doing much more exploration and make the most of this season. We always knew that our move down to BB was definitely God's plan but as each day unfolds we see more and more how much so. A friend said to me the other day "When you moved you thought you were just retiring to the coast, but God had Jelly Bean's future planned and knew just what this move was going to do for her, not just us." Never a truer word. We are ALL so proud of you sweetheart and so excited about this new phase of your life.

Last week we also met up with BigBear for a fantastic dinner in Somerset West (it is halfway for both of us), we ate at an authentic Indian Restaurant and I can honestly say the food was fantastic, not one dish disappointed. It was very special to have some 'catch up' time with him and also celebrate Jelly Bean's job. We literally talked up a storm over a long dinner, it is alays like a charge to my battery when we get to spend time with any of the family. Miss you guys LOTS.

On Friday while Jelly Bean was at a staff meeting we began our exploration beginning with some of the factory shops that abound in the Western Cape, there is literally a factory shop for everything down here just waiting to be found. We went to a chicken outlet where I purchased a whole free range chicken, skinless breasts and chicken pieces already cut for an A la King or chicken curry for the incredibble price of R120. At any retail outlet that would have cost us easily double the price.

In the light of the fact that we live in a protected Bio-sphere and all the wild fires that are taking place, Hubby dearest and I have decided that we are going to remove all alien plants along our pavement, we have none in our actual garden. So, after a quiet Saturday, yesterday we went to the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens just up the road from us. What a beautiful place, we went through their nursery and bought a couple of indigenous plants which we are going to plant along our fence where alien plants have previously been removed and then remove the rest one by one. Once we were finished there we decided to make the most of a glorious day and stop for coffee and the restaurant which faces the majestic mountains, not only did we have an incredible view but they had live entertainment, a lady playing the Saxaphone. It was awesome and I managed to chat with her, she recently moved to BB from Cape Town where she played in the orchestra. While chatting I asked whether she gave lessons and she does, for those of you who have followed my Blog for awhile you will know that Jelly Bean took Sax lessons in Jhb with a very well known teacher for about two years, and has really missed them. Not only does this lady teach but she knows the Jhb teacher and can also organize an instrument for Jelly Bean, just more evidence of God's purpose and provision. Friends God is interested in EVERY area of your life, nothing is unseen or too small and even when things look impossible His timing is alays right. We are SO very, very blessed to call Him Abba Father.

On that note I am going to end off for now and wish you a wonderful week, make the most of every opportunity that comes your way and always stay safe.

The Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.



Jasper posing in his 'toy box'