The last day of 2018

Good morning folks, I hope today's Blog finds you all well and recovering from the Christmas celebrations.  We had a super busy week and it was wonderful having all of my side of the family together for the first time in years, even though it was only for four days it recharged my 'mom' batteries.

One of the highlights of our time together was on Christmas Eve when we all played a game called Mumbo Jumbo, this has to be the funniest game I have ever played and I actually had sore tummy muscles from all the laughing.  We were quite literally rolling on the floor - it requires people to double up into teams of two, one person has to put a plastic 'brace' in their mouth and then read a question from a card - impossible and hysterical.  Proudly Jelly Bean and I won which was a surprise hahah.  On Christmas Day we went for sundowners to our friends D and E, although the wind was howling we still managed to find a sheltered corner and had a wonderful time of fellowship and laughter, soooo much food was consumed over those four days, good grief.  The family were wonderful in that they had planned everything and between the girls they took care of everything in amazing style, people took turns in cooking,  so from a delicious Breyani compliments Big Guy to Roast and Salads - BabyBear and Poppet it was definitely a feast, the organisation and thought that went into it all blessed me out of my socks because it was done with love and the purpose of taking pressure off me and helping me pace myself.  Thank you my very precious family for your love, care and all the hard work.

At the beginning of the week I was connected with a lady who is a Kitty Foster Mom, she has a litter that she rescued at 10 days old, the whole litter were very malnourished (mom is a feral and was tested and sterilized before being released).  In the litter there is one little girl who has very definite growth problems and I am going to see / collect her on New Year's Day.  She has clung onto life and remains unbelievably small but determined to survive, at this point barring any major health downturn I will be bringing her home to love and nurture.  BigBear blessed me with the most beautiful cat carrier when he was here and so I am about 60% ready for her arrival, by tomorrow night I will be ready.

Poppet's toe is healing nicely and the stitches come out on Wednesday, Princess has battled with hay fever / cold since she arrived but is looking better.  Jelly Bean has gone to the 'Bears' for New Year and we will collect her on Tuesday after collecting the kitten and Big Guy is back in Johannesburg and back to work.

Folks that is all for this week, from my family to yours we wish you a very Happy New Year, My prayer for each and every one of you is that 2019 will be kinder to you than 2018, that you will experience good health, less stress, more love and peace in your lives.  Please, please be safe on the roads over the New Year and if you are traveling.  Thank you for your continued support and encouragement over the year and I am looking forward to another year of shared memories and experiences with you.  Ciao ciao and 'see' you in the New Year.

Beautiful pic taken at Delaire Graff Wine Estate by Jelly Bean

Wishing all my readers a very Blessed Christmas

An early good morning to everyone, at last Christmas 'week' has arrived and as of last night we have a full nest.   After an extremely busy week I managed to finish all preparations in time and did everything I needed to do, so am now breathing a sigh of  relief, having Princess around has been so much fun and she has been a huge blessing.  She baked her second batch of cookies yesterday, while I baked rusks and bread so we are well stocked for a day or two haha.

Poppet arrived on Friday night and came through to us on Saturday, well that girl sure knows how to make an entrance.  We have had super high humidity levels and so the weather has been most uncomfortable, all hot, tired and sticky we walked into the house and she literally got four steps in when the packet she was carrying fell, breaking her 'just purchased' bought bottle of wine,  somehow through the packet slicing right through her foot on the outside of her big toe.  Off to the doctor we rushed who promptly put the skin back in place and did a two in two stitches holding it down on four couriers.  Shame, not a good start for someone who planned to go jogging etc,  currently one very frustrated lady as she has to keep the foot up for a couple of days.  The boys arrived last night with BabyBear and to say that the evening got quite raucous would be stating it mildly.

At this moment only my darling Hubby, I and Big Guy are awake hence me getting an early start here.  Big Guy is busily preparing our HUGE pot with a chicken Breyani.  We were awakened early this morning to the sound of a helicopter hovering, only to discover that it was a resue operation.  Last night I saw a light high up on the mountain and mentioned it my Hubby,  apparently 2 teenage boys went hiking yesterday/last night and got stuck.  Well done to the Rescue Team who medi-vacced them down safely, it is the first mountain rescue we've had in BB since we have lived here.

Well folks that is all for this week.  From my family to you all, friends and family, near and far we wish you a very Blessed Christmas, if you are with family enjoy your time, if you are alone please try and use this time for recharging your batteries and as a time of peace.    Wherever in the world you are PLEASE don't drink and drive and PLEASE stay safe.  Ciao ciao for now and Happy Christmas to you all.

Pic taken by Princess

Two pics of medi-vac this morning

Tis the week before Christmss ........

And nothing in our house is still and quiet hehe, good morning folks I trust you are all well and more or less ready for the Christmas Season.  Our house has been under an onslaught of cleaning and preparations and I am happy to say that I managed to do every single thing I had on the list, it seems like it took absolutely ages, but that was because I 'paced' myself and did it day by day.

Last week Hubby dearest went off to visit his friend in town and Jelly Bean and I took ourselves off to Pringle Bay, the next Village, for a bit of a look around and a delicious cup of coffee.  Two Villages eight kilometers apart but so very different, not only in atmosphere but in climate and plant life as well.  On Sarurday before Princess arrived my ever patient Hubby went back with me as they had advertised a Christmas Market - hmmmm, not so much, it was very disappointing but we still managed a nice coffee date.  Now that all the 'up country' visitors have arrived our little Villages feel like they are under an onslaught and everything is sooo busy.

Princess arrived late Saturday afternoon looking very glamorous and oh so grown up, it is wonderful to have her here with us and just being able to relax.  BabyBear flies home on Wednesday, Poppet lands on Friday evening and will come through to us on Saturday and then finally BigGuy will arrive on Sunday and come through with the 'Bears', for a few days of family time and togetherness.  In the meantime BigBear has had a handful of challenges to deal with apart from work, he took delivery of his 'new' car on Friday but also woke up to the flat being under water as the apartment upstairs had 'sprung a serious leak', the water had run down the walls and obviously the ceilings, as well as wetting a whole load of freshly laundered washing.  Pretty much the last thing he needed after a busy week in which they also had BabyBear's Granny's funeral on Thursday, lots of flying back and forth at the moment.

As for the rest of us, everyone is well although tired and looking forward to a little bit of rest after a long, tough year soon guys, soon.  I am getting a number of calls from various Cat Groups now that word has been spread that I want / am willing to adopt a special needs kitten, I spoke to a lady this morning in Malmesbury who has a teeny, tiny little guy called Popeye who came in with both eyes 'popped'.  They have managed to get the one eye back in place and as he is too small to operate on are treating both eyes with antibiotics etc,  at this point they don't know if he will be totally blind or just blind in the one eye, so it is a case of wait and see.  There are so many of these precious little bundles that have eye issues and disabilities it is heartbreaking.

Well friends that's me for this week, it's going to be a busy week but with family that makes it all worth the while.  I wish you all a week of peace and hope things don't get so busy that you don't have time to sit, breathe and just take time to appreciate ALL the blessings you have.  When you start looking for them you will be surprised at how blessed you are, despite the trials and challenges you face.  Be safe out there ciao ciao.

One of my huge blessings the  beautiful place I live in.

It's nearly Christmas time

Good morning friends and family, gee these Monday's just keep on coming haha.  At the moment we are very blessed with the weather, it has been very moderate with a little bit of rain every couple of days or so and temperatures between 19c and about 25c which is absolutely perfect, I can only pray it stays this way.  Today there is not a cloud to be seen, the sea is a dark indigo blue and just a gentle breeze.

Congratulations to our gorgeous Princess who is going into Grade 9 next year, you worked so hard precious and it definitely paid off .  We are very, very proud of you, only five more sleeps and you will be here woohoo.  After all the planning and preparing I can say happily say I am 97% of the way to being totally ready and am quite chuffed that I got it all done, a bit of a personal 'achievement' for me.  The rest of the family are well, and I think are all collectively counting the days until they get here.  BabyBear's Granny passed away on Saturday morning and our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family as they mourn their loss, big hugs angel.  Miss Muffet and her hubby jetted off to Belgium this weekend for a work Christmas 'do', it was the first time they have ever left the boys overnight and it seems that they had an absolute ball and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

We had a fairly quiet week which had a few little ups and downs, nothing too major.  On Wednesday we had planned a morning of shopping in town which involved about 7 or 8 stops, starting off with a quick visit to our friends here in BB to collect something.  Long story short, I got out of the car to fetch it and was standing on the bottom step up to the deck talking to E, as we were finishing I stepped back and totally missed the darn step and fell flat.   Thankfully a big Protea bush stopped my head from hitting the ground but I landed on my hand, lost a shoe and hurt my toes as well, ho hum !!!  Needless to say the shopping trip was a bit of a disaster HAHA, when we got into town my dear Hubby realized he'd left his wallet at home and by then I could not use my hand #facepalm.  Anyway, we managed to get most of the stops done to varying degrees of success before coming home, with Jelly Bean insisting that we should have listened to her and just called it off after my fall.  My toes are getting better and I can use my hand but not for anything that requires any strength.  After everyone (kids) telling me that I need to start being more careful, as if I don't ??  Poppet the very next day managed to kick a concrete slab with her two little toes which are now a delightful blue / green  colour .......... Sweetheart you must be careful please ;)

Needless to say that kind of put a lid on my activities for a couple of days, but things are getting back to normal.  My darling Hubby is still getting wall clocks of all shapes and descriptions as well as watches, so he has no shortage of things to do.  Over the last week I have been offered so many little kittens, in my heart I just knew that however beautiful, none of them were the one for me.  On Saturday we went to meet a little black kitten who has had her right eye removed, she is just too adorable and a busiest  kitten I have yet to meet, apart from the obvious lack of an eye she is not one bit impaired or disabled and I have no doubt she will find a wonderful home.  I also got to meet two little brothers I have been 'following', they both have Cerebular Hypoplasia and are just THE most precious of tiny things.  They are having physical therapy and will hopefully find a wonderful home in time, they will always be kept together.  On the way home Hubby suggested we stop at the Animal Welfare, I  didn't see any of their kitties but did have a wonderful chat to the lady who works with them.  She totally understands my heart in wanting to adopt a 'special needs' kitten and has taken my name as sadly they comes in all too often.  They said they had never had someone come in with this request and they were really excited, I have total peace in my heart that 'my' special needs baby will come at the right time.

Enough waffling for now ........ that's all my news for this week folks, I wish you all a wonderful week, I hope that by now you are almost done with all the running around and chaos of Christmas planning and can soon start taking things easy.  From my family to you please stay safe and aware AND take some time to spread kindness and love around to those you come in contact with.  Ciao ciao for now.

Sunset in BB last Sunday

The Dikkop eggs hatched on Friday and there are now 2 gorgeous little chicks, which mom and dad have moved to a safer place 

Waking up to rain on the roof

Good morning everyone one of the best ways to wake up is to the sound of rain on the roof and I have been up since 4.30 hence the early Blog, between pain and rain, the lounge and my heating pad seemed like the best idea so while the rest of the household is sleeping away I will fill you in on our week.

I'm not sure if you remember the little bird who flew into the house last Monday? Well ........... It would have made a good YouTube video, that little bird stayed in the house for more than eight hours and as night began to fall we started to really worry about getting her out.   We have a double volume ceiling so she stayed well out of reach and evaded every method we tried to lure her down.  Eventually we decided a net might work, not having one we improvised and used an 'umbrella type' food net attached to a pole - great idea but no bird.  Then we asked a neighbour if he had a fishing net, bingo..... so, it's Hubby armed with the net and JellyBean and I standing under the light fitting waving broom handles around to keep her from settling on them, with our neighbour standing at the fence laughing and his wife watching from an upstairs window operation Free the Bird started in earnest.  Problem, every time Hubby managed to actually get her in the net she just flew straight through the holes.  We were waving our sticks, he was leaping around with the net - WAAAAY too much PT and energy being expended.  Eventually he managed to get the net over her and twist it at the same time towards the wide open doors and she flew through the holes and straight outside. Good grief what a circus, my hands were so sore from waving the stupid pole.  She must have spread the word that it's crazy in that building because since then we have not had any more birds flying in, they just sit in a row on the fence either drinking the nectar or looking into the kitchen for us to refill it.

The rest of the week was taken up with what seemed like endless loads of washing as I managed to get all the curtains washed and rehung, which means I am 90% on the way to being ready for the Christmas Holidays.  Now that the bulk is behind me I am starting to get really excited to have the whole family here at the same time.  Princess has finished all her exams and will be here in 11days with Poppet following a week later, Big Guy arriving two days after her and the 'Bears' arriving around the same time.   Woohooo bring it on.  Within the next day or two I will put up the Christmas tree and the house will look Christmassy hehe. My wonderful Hubby is so busy with watches and now clocks, as the word has spread so it seems people have even more big clocks that need repairs than wrist watches, I think he currently has about 6 or 8 he is working on.  I also baked my second ever batch of Christmas Mince Pies which turned out surprisingly well.  A few things I will tweet next time but all in all they were grew.

On Saturday evening we went to our very dear friends for the most wonderful evening. Apart from being long overdue in getting together  due to busy schedules, it was one of those rare, perfect evenings down here where we could sit out on the deck and share a magnificent meal, watch the sun go down and literally forget about everything and just enjoy the time and place.  No wind, no bugs or insects just really good conversation, lots of laughs and a good time, thanks D & E for being such a blessing.

Well folks, it was a quiet week in terms of events and going places, and anything but quiet in terms of what we did.  Hopefully this week will be a peaceful, happy week for you as well as our family, in all the busyness and chaos of the run up to Christmas and holidays please spare a thought for those who may not have family around, for those who are lonely and very possibly in need.  Let's not forget these people, perhaps you can take them for a coffee, invite them for a meal, buy them some groceries, just bless them in some way to make this season a little better and happier for them.  This cost to us is minimal but to them it is priceless.  Wishing you all a beautiful week, ciao ciao for now.

Due to Loadshedding (no electricity) I cannot post my chosen pic this week.  Today's pic is from our beautiful Main Beach

One of the busiest weeks ever.

Good morning folks can you believe it is now just one month to Christmas, what happened and who stole the time ??  Gee whiz still so much to do.

Last week definitely goes down as a super busy week and I have declared that I am not moving my rear past the gate this week.  Today there is not one Fibro pressure point on my body that is not protesting and untouchable.  Domestic chores and catch up this week is my motto, I started yesterday with painting picture frames.

Back to last week, it seems as if we were out every single day.  Wednesday was the cream on the cake as Hubby needed spares for watches so off we went and it turned out to be one of the best days ever. We started off by going to Atlas Trading, a shop I have been itching to get too since we've been here. They sell ALL kinds of spices and a lot of baking ingredients, at wholesale - pure heaven, I saw stuff there that I had no idea we could get in SA and ended up spending a 'wee bit' more than planned but now I am well stocked for HOTTTTT Dragon Drizzle, and many curries and breyanis . Right next door is a Cape Malay Museum and they had a chap dressed in full shiny costume who was handing out pamphlets and because we were battling to find a parking I asked very nicely if he would move the traffic cone so we could park there.  He was so sweet and was more than happy to oblige, Jelly Bean only thought as we drove away that she should have had a photo taken with him, next time girl I promise.  From there we went to the watch shop before going up to Caledon Square to meet up with BigBear for lunch.  First off we discovered a leather factory where I just melted.  They sell everything related to leather from the smallest off-cuts to huge sheets of leather that are as soft as marshmallow.  Oh my word for me that was an absolute experience, I even saw a crocodile hide.  Definitely going back there, their sheepskin slippers are half the price of everywhere else.  Then lunch was next door at Diaz Tavern which is a Portuguese Restaurant/Pub, my precious Hubby had been there before with a friend so he was well versed in the best way to order.  We all decided on what we wanted collectively and then ordered everything to share, so they put it all on a huge platter -  without a doubt THE best calamari I've ever had, BigBear and Jelly Bean went for the calamari tentacles and Hubby ordered peri peri chicken livers, totally delicious and a definite go back as well. We ended off the day by going across the square to Charlie's Bakery which has had a couple of series on television.  They have a sign outside saying "Please don't feed the pigeons they are getting diabetes."  Hahaha That box is now ticked as well.

This past week has seen about 4 birds finding their way into the house. Two have knocked themselves unconscious, one recovered really quickly and the other took about a half an hour of me dripping sugar water into her beak before flying off.  As I type this we have yet another one flying around the ceiling, this one is not particularly bright and still hasn't discovered the open doors. #facepalm.  The one thing I keep forgetting to mention was about 10 days ago on our way into town we were driving along the last stretch of road before Gordons Bay and Jelly Bean and I both looked down at the same time into a tiny little cove far down below us and saw about four or five sharks mulling around in the clear water - it was a magnificent sight and is imprinted in my memory.   The rest of the week was taken up with planting new bushes and a Wild Olive tree, which means that we are now watering all the new plants.  We then had to tackle a tree on our neighbour's property which had died and was busy collapsing our fence because it was also heavily loaded with a big creeper.  That was fun - NOTT, trying to saw branches on the other side of the fence and then literally both of us pulling with every ounce of energy to pull the branches out with the creeper attached.  My hands were sore for days, the upshot is we now have a much bigger, better view of the sea.  Saturday saw us off to Paarl for yet more watch spares, while Jelly Bean met with a friend in GN for coffee, that was me done for, the last straw haha.

Folks that is my extremely busy week but a good one.  Now to prepare for the family who will ALL be arriving in stages for Christmas, Princess will the first to arrive and then in stages the others.  This will be the first time in four years that we will all be together at home on Christmas, I am so excited I just cannot wait. That is all my news for now, I wish you one and all a blessed, peaceful week friends, please stay safe out there . Ciao Ciao

The street outside in Bo-Kaap which is famous for their beautiful colored houses

View from Diaz Tavern, looking out over Charlies Bakery to Table Mountain.

An interesting week hmmmm

Good morning friends and family, I am guessing that for many, if not all of us the countdown to the Christmas holidays has begun.  I know that in our family it is in full swing and this year Santa has apparently allocated some very busy elves to do all the organizing, which I am very excited about.  Still, there is lots to do on my end and I am busy pacing myself and getting it done bit by bit.

We've had a good week with some interesting moments, as I predicted it was very busy as will this week be. I had it fixed in my brain that somehow last Friday was Black Friday #facepalm, and therefore planned my week accordingly.  We completed the bulk of our Christmas shopping (to avoid Black Friday rush), had doctors visits  and so it went.  We managed everything and on Thursday shot off into town (to avoid the rush) and halfway through all the stops Jelly Bean chirped up that surely Black Friday was only in 8 days ...............  complete silence in the car before her and my dear Hubby collapsed laughing, this is one of those things that I am NEVER going to live down.  I could not believe that even though I knew it was the 23rd I had still branded it for last Friday.  The worst was when Jelly Bean happily chirped up saying "oh well mom, we get to do this all over again next week."  NOT !!!!!!! Bar doing the grocery shopping a day early I am done!  Seriously where are my brains?  The upside is all the big shopping and deadlines are done #doublefacepalm.

Over the last two weeks we have had a few little birds fly into the house and then spend some time, in varying amounts, to find their way out again.  On Saturday we once again heard the rustle of wings and saw a little Sugarbird had come to visit.  He flew around a couple of times and then made a beeline for the open French doors, miscalculated and flew straight into the glass.  The poor little fellow actually knocked himself out cold,  Jasper came to investigate and I rushed up to remove him, not that I think he has the courage to catch a bird, he is scared of his own shadow.  We picked the bird up and he was alive but obviously concussed, so after holding him awhile Hubby put him on a big log we have on the deck and I fed him some sugar water with a teaspoon.  He sat for about half an hour and let us stroke him before flying off to join the rest of his family.  Our 'fly through' bird feeder has a steady stream of quite a large variety of birds, if there is no water they sit on the fence in a row looking into the kitchen as much as to say "hello we are waiting".  This crowd are going through 2 bottles of 500ml sugar water a day but are such a delight to watch.  We even have a mouse that joins them, see pic below.

Well folks, enough from me for this week, I DO know that Black Friday is THIS Friday and will not be anywhere near the shops hahaha, I will spend my time watching the birds and preparing the house for the family's visit.  Wishing you a wonderful week, please stay safe and if I can encourage you, spread some kindness.  This time of year is very difficult for a lot of folks and your kind word, hug, cup of coffee or just a listening ear can make the world of difference to someone.  Ciao ciao for now.

Pics of our bird feeder

Mr Mouse who eats and now drinks with the birds.

The mist is making everything so still and quiet.

Good morning all from an unusually quiet, mist covered Bettys Bay, I can even hear the flap of birds wings as they fly overhead, not even the sea seems to be moving.  After an uneventful week we are looking forward to what the next seven days  have in store for us.  With only a few weeks before the family start arriving for the Christmas holidays so there is much to be done i.e. washing curtains etc, if the weather holds that should be a breeze.

We have decided to do something different this year for Christmas given the size of the family, the cost for everyone having to fly down AND the fact that this will be the first time in about four years that we will all be together (except Miss Muffets family) on Christmas Day.  What we have done is a name draw, where each peraon drew a name and with a set amount for all, will buy just one present for their drawn name, it pormises to be interesting.  As you can imagine I am SUPER excited and there will be lots of baking ahead.  Christmas cakes and this year I want to try my hand at making my own Mince Pies hmmm.

Today is the first day in two weeks that I have woken up without a piercing headache thank the Lord, just the 'normal' pains, what a relief.  The family are all well and as usual really busy with the pace they all keep.  Princess is in the middle of writing her year end exams so please keep her in your prayers, she has four big exams this week.

Last week Jasper decided that I was completely invisible, after three weeks of being my best friend, a moodier cat I have yet to meet, happily since yesterday he is back to being his friendly self whereas Gemma seems to be 'losing the plot' as she will now growl at an empty room #facepalm.  She has taken to sitting outside Jelly Beans's bedroom and meowing with increasing volume until she is allowed entry, it doesn't always make her popular haha.  I have had some very successful baking results - gorgeous ciabatta breads, buttermilk rusks and chocolate chip muffins, whilst Hubby dearest has a constant stream of broken watches coming in, which keeps him smiling.  Yesterday while we were watching tv we had a little visitor in the form of a swallow,  he flew in and then spent about an hour flying around the room, without any panic before he found his way out again.  Jasper being the brave soul he is, heard the bird and watched for a few minutes before charging out of the window and staying outside for the duration of the visit haha.

Well folks that's my news in a nutshell, I wish you all a fantastic week, filled with blessing and joy.  Please stay safe wherever you are and as always be aware of your surroundings.  Sending love from our family to yours Ciao Caio for now.

Jasper being lazy

Our little swallow visitor

A quiet week

Good morning friends and family from a very cold and wet Betty's Bay, what a lovely way to start our week, waking up to the sound of driving rain and snuggled up under the covers.   By comparison to the last few weeks we had a very quiet and relaxed week.  Hubby dearest went into Cape Town for watch spares and then proceeded to clear the back log of watches he had in for repair and then a new lot started arriving so he is a happy chap pu.  There were no baking fails or domestic criseses which was a great blessing and even Jasper seems to be settling down a little.  Weather wise it was a mild week which has now built into a huge cold front making its way through much to our delight.

We took both the dogs to the parlour thank goodness, and they came back looking like new pets with a new spring in their steps haha, both the cats even did a double take when they saw them.  The family are all good some recovering from flu, Princess busy studying and writing year end exams.  BabyBear has moved into her 'work home' with help from her amazing hubby who flew back to Cape Town last night, welcome back son.  BigGuy is pushing on, Miss Muffet and family are doing well and back into the swing of school and summer, her favourite time of the year.  As for me, well perhaps the less said the better this week, I have been in a major flare since my 'little episode' on the boat last Sunday which this time includes a delightful bout of Neuralgia.  That friends is mostly why we had a quiet week and also why I am keeping today's Blog shorter than usual.

To close,  as Jelly Bean and I pulled out of the driveway this morning to go to the pharmacy we saw three Spotted dikkop - Cape thick knee, birds sitting on the grass. Jelly Bean spotted them and it gave her such a thrill, both of us actually, that is without a doubt one of the delights of living in the midst of a protected Biosphere.  Have a wonderful week folks, please make a point to appreciate your family and friends and stay safe out there this week.  Ciao ciao

Spotted Dikkop - Cape thick knee

Such excitement

Good afternoon folks, a little later this today as I decided to take some time for 'me' to do some of the things I have not managed to get around to.  Well, by comparison a very quiet week with very little to report, said with a big grin.

This past week was mainly one spent in a sweltering heatwave of record proportions for this time of the year UGHHHH.  Here in BB we saw temps in the higher 30's which apart from being just plain unpleasant, curtailed many activities, needless to say I was not the happiest camper in the Province, some nights the mercury hardly dropped with a number of places recording record breaking temperatures, one record was 58 years.  Thankfully we 'sent' it further up the country and have had milder conditions for the last couple of days, about an hour ago the North wind picked up and is now on its way to blowing a gale.

We have noticed for the last couple of weeks that Jasper was behaving oddly, then last week he stopped eating.  He would not come for his food, if I picked him up and took him to the bowl he would sniff and slink away, almost like he was scared.  Then, for the last couple of days he has hibernated outside somewhere, he is not the most outdoorsy cat by a long shot, but after speaking to a friend of mine and consulting some kitty people I realized that he is grieving Cece's death.  I am very surprised because although he tried very hard to play with her it would invariably cause her to panic and then it came across as bullying.  He was always very aware of where she was and learnt to keep a distance, but for some reason he is going through a grieving process poor little chap.  We are just giving him space but lots of love when he comes for it and thankfully this morning he came and ate his breakfast as he normally does. As for Gemma I truly believe she just doesn't give a hoot if anything, she growls more at Jasper than ever, a real grumpy old lady that one.

The family are all well with Big Guy still working too hard and not getting enough sleep.  Poppet is loving her new job and learning to take better care of her health while Princess is busy studying for her year end exams which start on Thursday.  BigBear and BabyBear got to spend time together last week as she was only in Johannesburg for two days, yesterday they drove the car up to Johannesburg with a two day pit stop in Bloemfontein before moving her into her flatlet on Wednesday, he will then fly back to Cape Town on the weekend.  Miss Muffet's family are well and the boys have just had their half term break, we are very proud that J was awarded the player of the match for soccer on Saturday, little champ.  My very talented Hubby has been hard at work with watches continuing to come in for repairs, so all in all everyone is well.

Yesterday we were gifted with a once in a lifetime experience, oh my word.  We went on a Whale watching charter in Hermanus on a catamaran which carries about 76 passengers.  It was the perfect day, no wind, calm seas and a baking sun, thankfully being out on the water kept things cooler.  Words cannot describe the experience of being out on the water, engines quiet, being low down and having the whales come so close you almost felt like you could reach out and touch them. First we saw some seals, then a small pod of Dolphin, I tried so hard to photograph them but they are to quick, eventually I just put the camera down and enjoyed watching them.  Then we came to the whales, they were everywhere, apparently this year has seen a record number of Southern Right Whales and their calves on our coast.  We were so very blessed to have a number of them come right up alongside the boat and just float around, they also 'roll' which I did not know and we could see them rolling with their fins up in the air and the white tummy showing.  The first one we spotted was a mom floating on her back with her calf on her tummy.  Standing watching these enormous, majestic creatures caused an almost reverential atmosphere on the boat and people kept quiet and just enjoyed the experience.  Sadly after about 75 minutes of standing on the side watching I started feeling  like I was going to pass out , I have never been able to stand for long periods of time.  Anyway I moved to the other side of the boat which didn't help, I tried sitting down which caused wave after wave of nausea and didn't help the faintness.  So eventually I took myself off to the restroom where I spent ten minutes dry heaving into the basin, I could still hear what I was missing which didn't help haha.  After awhile I went back up on deck and stood with Jelly Bean but eventually had to concede 'defeat' and before we had a 'woman overboard' situation went and found myself a chair inside where I could still see some of the action.  Fibromyalgia is not something I would wish on my worst enemy.  We saw whales rolling, churning up the sand on the seabed whilst scratching their tummies, we could hear them breathing and blowing and even saw a tail slap which was awesome.  The only thing we did not see was a complete breach.  I have to say well done to Southern Right Charters for an excellent tour and outstanding service and staff, just before we headed back to the Harbour they provided ice cold cool drinks, bottled water and crisps.  It was without a doubt a once in a lifetime experience.  HUGE thanks to the dear friends that made it possible.

Folks that was my week, today is rest and recover for me and just time to think back on an awesome experience and the peace we felt.  I wish you all an incredible week, please take time to appreciate the good that life has to offer and stay safe out there.

A Baleen Plate / whale tooth. 2 meters long, they have up 200 - 300.  It looks like a palm frond 

Some pics of whales rolling and just chilling

A series of unfortunate events

Good morning everyone wherever you are, I hope today's Blog finds you all well and looking forward to a brand new week.  I for one am definitely looking forward to this week being totally different to the one that has just passed.  Good grief what a week !!!

Let me start at the very beginning haha,  after I finished last weeks Blog I got busy with all the normal day to day tasks, one of which included the mundane task of washing and drying my hair.  For those who know me I have incredibly thick hair (which is just as well ),  as I was busy blow drying said 'mop' my precious Hubby came into the house to tell me all about a particular watch he was working on.  I was listening to him, obviously with great concentration and the next minute his eyes grew big and he said "your hair is burning" - I was so intent on listening I had stopped moving the hairdryer and the hairbrush, the result was I had completely burnt off a chunk of hair (at the back) of about 7cm long and a good 'healthy' chunk, certainly on anyone with thin and fine hair it would have required a brand new short cropped hairstyle.  I was absolutely devastated and after looking stricken he LAUGHED !!!!!!!   Needless to say it took me a good few hours to recover my equilibrium and although I can feel the difference in terms of thickness, it is not noticeable mostly thanks to a layered hairstyle. Strike one.

Next, on Tuesday I decided that bread, rusks and muffins were on the agenda.  I duly switched on the oven, mixed all three batches in the order they needed to rise and cook and as I opened the oven to put the muffins in I discovered it was ice cold.   Slight panic as by now all three huge batches were in various stages of rising and being ready.  Much fiddling and we discovered that as long as the Thermofan function wasn't on and the oven was on just a normal setting it reached the required temperature.  Did it end there ?  Of course not, why should it ?  I baked the muffins, then the  pot bread, which had risen so high it was pushing the lid up.  All went well and after producing a mountain sized loaf of bread I happily and tiredly put the rusks in ......... Twenty minutes later I could smell rusks which was about forty minutes too early, I had forgotten to turn the oven down when taking the bread out.  Thank the Lord major disaster was avoided, I turned the heat down dramatically and the rusks were saved and delicious.  Strike two and an exhausted woman.

On Wednesday we took a trip through to Cape Town where my clever Hubby bought all the parts he needed for the collection of watches he has in for repair, Jelly Bean and I went off to browse a book shop and then we met up with BigBear for a delicious lunch at a place called Mojo Market.  It was such a wonderful treat to be out and spend time with him, a good catch up well appreciated and much needed.

Thursday passed without event and I tried to regain some energy.  On Friday we did all the normal weekly household chores, I put the washing on, we cleaned, did grocery shopping etc.  Hubby then got an email saying that a 'robot cleaner'  he had ordered in JULY had arrived in Gordons Bay.  This parcel disappeared into the netherworld once it arrived in South Africa and we had just about given up on it.  Thinking quickly we asked friends who were in town if they would collect it for us, which they very kindly agreed to.  At about 5.30 pm I got up to bring the washing in, only to realize that I had never taken it out of the washing machine #facepalm, seriously ???????? what else ?  I flew into action and  hung it onto the clothes horse feeling somewhat embarrassed, frustrated and just plain exhausted.  Strike three!!  Later on the 'robot cleaner' arrived and ........ Oh my soul ......... We got scammed good and proper.  It is half the size it was supposed  to be, not the make that was advertised, just a total scam.  It works well enough under the beds and under low furniture, but that is about the sum of it.  A total scam especially when we looked into it a bit furthe and found many others have been scammed on the same thing.  STRIKE FOUR!

If one does not laugh then one would just give up and bury one's head DEEP in the ground.  What can I say, it was 'one of those weeks'.  On Sarurday we managed a normal day, Hubby went to help D put up a wooden gate on their deck to keep Pupster in, I cooked a massive pot of Breyani which I took around later and we enjoyed a quiet (not really as the South Easter has been howling for days) meal
overlooking the sea and some good company.  Yesterday we did absolutely nothing and re-charged our batteries, sort of hahahaha.

Well folks, that was my week, I sincerely trust yours was miles better.  Here is looking forward to a spectacular week for all.  I wish you and yours health and lots of laughter this week, turn lemons into lemonade and above  please stay safe and aware out there.  From me to you Ciao Ciao for now.

My monster pot bread hahaha

A rough week.

Good morning folks, I trust everyone is well and rearing to go this week.  So much happens in the space of seven days that sometimes it is hard to keep up, in my family anyway.  Last week is not one I would like to redo but definitely one I will never forget.  After nine months of really trying everything in our power to help little Cece I had to make the heartbreaking decision to let her go.  It was a decision that I wrestled with for a long time and I would have kept going if it had been in her best interests, but after speaking to the family, friends and someone I trust in the animal rescue business I had to put my feelings aside and do what was best for her.  Despite everything we tried she had definitely regressed over the months and was totally dependent on me for pretty much everything, to 'know' when she needed the toilet, or to drink water, if she was walking around she would progressively get more and more frantic, going around in ever tightening circles, growling and hissing until I picked her up which would always cause her to fight and scratch in total panic.  Once she had a few minutes to reorientate she would fall asleep in seconds on my chest, if I dared shift position she would growl, and when put down onto her bed nine times out of ten she would instantly revert back to panic mode and need to be settled again.  She never used the litter box and as the Animal Rescue friend said, that alone would be stressful and undignified for her as cleanliness in inherent in all cats.  Having said ALL that she brought me immense comfort and love especially when she was sleeping on me, physically as well as emotionally.  Anyway I called our vet and after a chat she said she had been waiting for me to make the final decision, we took her in and I held her the whole time letting her know how precious and loved she was, we then brought her home and have buried her in our garden where we will plant a beautiful evergreen bush with her as a remembrance. Needless to say many tears have and are being shed, I feel quite empty at the moment.  Out of all the other animals the only one who seemed to notice was Jasper who spent three days close to me before reverting to his normal independant behavior.  I have said though, that I would in time take in another special needs baby within certain parameters, as I truly believe they deserve as much of a chance in life as anyone else.  When I say certain parameters I mean one that does not have a progressive disease (my heart has had enough heartbreak) or needs continuous medication as that is extremely expensive.

The family are all well and I think, really counting down days to the end of the year.  Poppet and Princess are well, with Princess having made the 1st team for Hockey, congratulations my angel we are so proud of you.  Poppet's boyfriend arrived from the UK for a ten day visit and they are having a wonderful time all together.  BabyBear is settling in up in Johannesburg, BigBear flew up on Friday as they had a wedding two hours out of JHB and flew back last night.  BigGuy is pushing through.  Miss Muffets family are all doing well with the boys being really busy at school and with their sports.
Jelly Bean and I both got the flu last week right after we took Cece to the vet, and my precious Hubby is really busy with watches coming in for repairs.  We had a good giggle this morning when someone phoned and asked "Hi is that W the watch repair man in Bettys Bay?"  Hehehe well done my darling I am so proud of you.

Folks not the 'newsiest' or happiest Blog of my life but, that was my life last week.  This week we are planning a trip through to Cape Town to get some supplies and also have lunch with BigBear, and hopefully I will actually accomplish some things around the house :D.  To one of my dear friends whose daughter survived a horrific car accident with a very badly broken arm, we are praying for her full and speedy recovery.  The reason I mentioned this is because I am always encouraging you to stay safe and aware, I know that there is never a single day that goes by that I don't pray for my family for their safety and protection and I am convinced that the only reason her daughter is alive is because of the prayers of her Mom and Dad.  Please folks, tomorrow has absolutely no guarantee, pray for your family's health and safety, pray for their protection and obviously yours and, never miss the opportunity to tell those you love how precious they are and how much you love them.

From my family to yours have a wonderful week, love and appreciate each other and yes, please stay safe and aware of your surroundings.  I truly appreciate each and everyone who read this Blog, for all your encouragement and comments, it all means the world to me.  Ciao ciao for now.

R.I.P. My precious little Cece

Shoo, I am glad last week is history !!!

Good morning everyone from a very bright sunny, windless BB.  After days of the South Easter 'pumping' all of a sudden it is quiet and calm, I can hear the birds singing instead of the windows whistling.  When I look at the south facing windows then I know we are in summer because the wind blows sea spray all over everything hehe.  Yesterday three times we walks out onto the scene, to discover that the dogs igloo kennel had been blown about two meters across the deck.  As I said shoo what a week, I am sincerely glad it is over and pray that this week will be much more peaceful.

After months of battling with a sore knee and Physio BigBear had to go and see a doctor who then promptly sent him for sonars and then an MRI to find out what the problem was.  In a nutshell he has a cyst under the patella and calcification.  Thank the Lord it does not require surgery at this point just special Physio and they will re-evaluate in three months.  As BabyBear leaves for Johannesburg today for the next season of her career which is going to entail a LOT of commuting, we are super glad that the healing process does not involve surgery.

Having overcome that 'speed bump' , on Thursday evening Poppet sent me a photo of her foot which was about three times its normal size.  To back up, when she was in Australia a thorn fell from a tree, point down and went right through her boot into the top of her foot which is what she initially thought was causing the swelling.  But, there was no redness or marks and after much nagging from me and her boyfriend she eventually went to the hospital where they immediately started with a ton of tests.  The upshot of that night was her Blood Pressure was extremely high and the Thyroid medication she takes was not doing what it should be.  Needless to say we have prayed for both of them and are trusting God for a miracle of healing for every situation.  Whewww !!!

All of a sudden my precious Hubby has been inundated with all sorts of jobs in the community from fixing vehicles to building reception furniture so he has been running around like a crazy man, some are completed and the rest should be finished this week.  On top of all this excitement it was his Birthday on Friday and Poppet's Birthday on Wednesday, see what I mean about a crazy week ??
I was kept busy dealing with a flare, keeping the home fires stoked and looking after Cece.  Princess goes back to school tomorrow for the last term of the year and Big Guy needs a six month holiday on a deserted island before he can even catch his breath, never mind catch up on lost sleep.  Jelly Bean had a rough week as well so I truly am praying for this week to be peaceful and quiet.

On Friday evening we met with BigBear and BabyBear in Somerset West for a wonderful,  slow birthday dinner with lots of catch up and chatting which was awesome just to breathe and sit.  Yesterday we spent the afternoon with our friends celebrating birthdays, caching up, enjoying the sun and generally relaxing, thank you D and E for the downtime and spoiling, when it comes to cake making E you are the Queen, thank you both.

Folks I trust you all have a much quieter, less stressful week ahead of you, make the most of your opportunities and never let an opportunity pass to tell and show your loved ones, and those around you just how much you love and appreciate them.  Please take care out there and be safe.

I can hardly believe it is October...

Good morning all on this first day of October, apart from being a new month it is also a week of birthdays in our family, we really seem to group them up.  We had a very pleasant week weather wise and a fairly warm weekend, then today dawned overcast with a cool wind and rain forecast for later, I have no idea what the weather is doing haha.

Last week was quite busy getting caught up in the house and being back into routine, as well as recovering for JellyBean and I.  On Thursday my dearest Hubby woke up with the dreaded 'tummy bug' and so he had a couple of very quiet days and is much better now. I am struggling through a Fibro flare at the moment which is kind of expected after my trip and then not being well, this too shall pass.  I have not done any crafting and very little baking as a result but will get back into things shortly.

Sadly #cece_the_blind_kitten is not responding as we had hoped on the medication.  There was an initial improvement for the first week or so and then last week she started circling all the time and her aggression level has increased again.  We were told it take four to six weeks to see proper effects to will push on but at this point it is not looking promising, I can only pray that something will click in her brain, as the last thing I want to do is to make the decision to have her put down.  Currently she is only calm and happy when she is asleep or eating and even her sleep pattern has changed in that she does not sleep as long as she used to. #myheartissore

This week is Poppet's birthday and Hubby two days later so a special week for us as a family.  Everyone is doing well, all the usual challenges that life throws at us are being conquered.  BabyBear is preparing for her semi-location to Johannesburg, BigBear is seeing a specialist for a sore knee.  Big Guy needs a holiday and three weeks of solid sleep and rest  :).  Poppet and Princess are loving their new routine as a result of the new job and are sounding much more relaxed.  Princess is on school holidays this week, Poppet has her birthday on Wednesday and then her boyfriend arrives for a ten day visit on Thursday, so a big week for them.  We on the other hand are planning for Hubby's birthday and hopefully a normal, healthy, pain free week.

Everyone I seem to speak to is going through hardship in so many different areas, mainly financial and I would like to just encourage you all with this.  Even though it seems interminable and you can't see light at the end of the tunnel, it will turn around and you will enter a new season.  I really can speak from experience that no matter what hardship/challenge you are facing, it will end and turn around.  People would say to me that God never allows you to go through something you can't handle and I would get so angry thinking hadn't I proved I was strong enough, yet, out of each battle I fought I emerged stronger, wiser and with more empathy for others.  God says in His Word in Psalm 37 v 25 I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken , nor his seed begging for bread.  In Deuteonomy 31 v 6. He says - Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, the the Lord Your God goes with you;  " He will never leave you nor forsake you."  We were never promised a life of ease and never a challenge BUT, God always makes a way for us IF we put Him first and allow Him to work in our lives.  These are just two of  many scriptures to hold onto in the tough times, whether it be health, relationships, financial, work, children, whatever it is you are going through God can and will carry you through if you allow Him to, you just need to hand over the reigns of trying to figure it out and rather listen to what He is trying to tell you, it's most often that still small voice that shows us the way forward or strengthens us to keep on standing though the storm.  Don't give up friends, every season has a start and a finish and if you are in the middle, know this ........ It will end.

On that note I am going to say Ciao Ciao for now and pray that you have a wonderful week of victory and success, please stay safe and always be aware of at is going on around you.

My precious floofy cuddle bunny -Jasper.

What a week - back home !!

Good morning folks from a delightfully sunny but NOT hot Betty's Bay, after the heatwave of last week it is pure joy.  Well ......... What a week is putting it mildly hehe,  as you know when I arrived Princess was really ill poor little soul, I kept her at home until Wednesday and only discovered later in the week that it was some bug that was absolutely rampant up there, to the point that one of the local Primary Schools actually closed completely.  We had such a special time though and did all sorts of Granny / Granddaughter things, watched loads of television and laughed until our sides ached, we made heaps of precious memories that will last us forever.  It was such a relief when she felt better by Thursday and then after I had dropped her off at school  for no reason and out of nowhere I came down with a raging cold #facepalm #really????  At first I thought it was hay fever but nope, I actually cannot remember when last I had a cold or flu and was far from being a happy camper.

Is spite of all the health challenges we still had a wonderful week, although I had no idea I would miss home, my Darling Hubby, Jelly Bean and the zoo so much, but I did.  Jelly Bean spent most of the week with BigBear and BabyBear and she too came down with the same 'bug', which messed with her week as well.  She is still not over it but we are getting here there slowly.  My amazing Hubby coped like the absolute star that he is, he kept the home fires burning, all the animals healthy and well, even  #cece_the_blind_kitten has continued to slowly improve on her meds which I can only thank God for.

Poppet had a fantastic week in Sydney, Australia, so many firsts that she conquered and flourished with.  She took Ferry trips, explored, went to night markets, did wonderfully at work and has already become part of the team.  Big Guy had his usual insanely busy week, I simply do not know how he does it.  BigBear and BabyBear hosted Jelly Bean so beautifully, took delivery of their new vehicle and then on Friday left to drive inland about five or six hours to meet up with her Mom and Step Dad for a long weekend in the Karoo.  They are currently on their way back as today is a Public Holiday in South Africa.

On Saturday Princess and I tracked Poppet's plane, she literally had THE longest day of her life, and lef for the airport arriving about five minutes before she was due to land, hmmmmmm  opulent you know it, her plane was delayed and so after having something to nibble and drink there we sat, people watching.  Once she landed it took a further TWO hours for their luggage to come through ? Seriously that was absolutely ridiculous especially at the end of a fourteen hour flight.  Her plane also had the Wallaby Rugby Team on board, although their luggage came through way before anyone else's.  As you can imagine she was completely exhausted, in fact over tired by the time she arrived, it will take a couple of days to find her feet.  Thankfully we had made dinner before we left so we could back to a good home cooked meal.

Yesterday after a slow start we went through to Big Guy to say goodbye and he made the most amazing lunch - it was superb.  I am so very proud of the awesome people my kids have become, and what incredible cooks.  Your guys rock my world !!!  The girls took me to the airport where we had a last coffee together and so many laughs before I boarded my plane and came home to a wonderful green, cool Cape.  There is no comparison between the two Provinces, they are complete opposites.  Last week in Pretoria the temperatures soared to 39 c, the sky up there is constantly grey/brown from all the pollution and it is so dry (summer rainfall area) that everything is brown.  The people are always in such a hurry that you feel rushed every second.   As our plane started descending last night I saw snow on the mountains and so many little dams below us, I could literally feel myself relaxing. Being able to sleep under our feather duvet in winter jammies was just the cherry on the cake to me being home.

I miss my up country family more than words can say, but I do not miss one other thing and thank the Lord daily for putting us here in my beloved Betty's Bay.  Today is a catch up day, no housework as
Hubby did such a good job, lots of cuddling with Cece and fighting off the 'Fibro' lash back from
travelling and being unwell.

Friends, slightly longer Blog than usual but this week all will be back to normal as everyone settles back into their normal rhythms.  I wish you all a fabulous week ahead, don't be afraid to attempt new
things and spread your borders as you step out.  Be safe and stay aware our there, Ciao Ciao for now.

The gorgeous mountain behind our house

Coming to you from Pretoria

Good afternoon one and all, I trust everyone is well.  Today's Blog is coming from a squelching hot Pretoria,  it is 34c outside #verysadface.  Wow ok where to start ...... We had a fairly busy week what with one thing and another, also there always seems to be so much to do before going away.  We also managed a couple of visits with our friends back from Europe and Pupster has been to visit a couple of times. He loves running around our garden, and has actually run a path around the house haha.  Happily  #cece_the_blind_kitten appears to be responding well to her new medication, I have not lost any skin or shed any blood for five days which is a record given her recent track record. We continue to pray that as every dose is absorbed so she will improve, at the moment my ever patient Hubby is looking after her and ALL the other 'zoo' members and doing a wonderful job.  Thank you my Darling!

On Friday Poppet flew out to Sydney, Australia for her week of training and even managed to do a little sight seeing.  Today was her first day at the office and it went very well although she is absolutely exhausted.  Yesterday I flew out from Cape Town at 9.30 am and Jelly Bean went to spend a few days with BigBear and BabyBear, so my precious Hubby is having a few days of 'me' time and I believe he is really missing us both.  He will collect Jelly Bean on Thursday as the 'Bears' are driving to the Karoo to have a weekend with family on a Game Farm, enjoy guys and please drive safely.  Big Guy met me at the airport bless his heart, after only having three hours sleep, he is such a trooper.  Just before I took off I heard that Princess had been up the entire night and was really not well.  We came through and collected a very pale and sad Poppet, unable to keep even basic liquid down, brought her home and she had a bath before insisting that she go with us to lunch.  Shame, poor little thing just sat there looking green and taking tiny sips of water.  Big Guy took us to Old Italy which is a glorious restaurant and the food was truly something else.  I could have spent an absolute fortune there on all the amazing Italian products they sell, we didn't stay very long as Princess really was not good and he was totally exhausted (I do not know how he copes with doing these twenty four hour doubles - hats off to you son).  Not long after we got home the friends Princess had stayed with called and I took her back as B's dad is a Doctor, he looked her
over, gave us some meds and I brought her back where she promptly fell asleep and slept right through til about 9.30 this morning.  She is still very nauseous but definitely looking better than yesterday, the nest step is to try and get some food into her.  We managed a quick chat with Poppet and got her laughing before I dashed off to the supermarket to stock up on some basics and anything I could think of that will stay down.  Hopefully tomorrow she will be back at school and back to her normal bubbly self.  I have managed a chat with Jelly Bean and my Hubby so feeling a little more connected but missing them all. Also thanks to me being so busy and I think the flight, I am super sore so we are just going to relax today and recover.

Folks as you can see I am having a super busy day and to that end I am going to say Ciao Ciao for this week.  I wish you all a wonderful week, go out and spread some love and kindness as you get your week underway.  Please stay safe and always be aware of your surroundings.

My companion since I've been here - introducing Boude!

Cece in a peaceful moment.

Whew time to take a breath.

Good morning everybody I hope you are all well!  Gee whizz I did say it was going to be a busy week, but what an understatement.  Between having to go for Physio, #Cece_the_blind_kitten being absolutely impossible and having everything ready for our dear friends to come home, after being in Europe for four months, and having pupster ready it disappeared very quickly.

Happily the combined Physio and the 3 in 1 injection I had have helped a lot with my back and I am functional with just the odd twinge -yaaaay.  As far as Cece goes #facepalm is the best way to express the last week.  I currently look like I have been doing rounds in a ring with a tiger, which is not too far off the truth.  Her aggression escalated to unknown levels and it was an extremely difficult week.  We have spent the last fourteen days waiting for the Kitty Prozac to arrive and on Friday, due day, the Vet phoned to say "good news Cece's Klomicalm has arrived."  I nearly lost the plot.  Klomicalm is what she has been taking for months, for some reason the Prozac has not been delivered aaaarrgghhhh.  Eventually I spoke to the vet who then wrote a prescription for human Prozac (why didn't we do this two weeks ago?) and I got two pills which I have to divide into 8ths.  She has just had her third dose and although it takes between two to six weeks to see an improvement, we do think there has been a slight reduction in her aggression and panic.  This is really now our last option for her so I am praying that it will work, I will admit to being at the end of my tether at the moment.

All went well with Pupster's transition back home and much to D & E's relief he remembered them and settled down immediately, he is now one very happy boy, even sporting a red bandana hehe.  He as been back to visit twice and then loves showing them all the race circuits he does around the garden, hehe.  Yesterday was the first real Spring day we've had and we were truly blessed and spoilt by being taken out to lunch at the most amazing restaurant,  just in the next Village, it truly is a gem and to say we had a ball would be an understatement, I won't need to cook for a week hahaha - if only.

This morning just after we woke up, we heard a couple of very deep 'booms', thinking it was someone digging in a garden I was not too perturbed, but our trusty Village WhatsApp grapevine very quickly informed us that our S.A. Navy are busy doing manoeuvres with the Brazil and Argentinian Navy in False Bay.  I really feel for the whales because if we could hear it then I have no idea what it is like for them, hopefully it won't interfere with their breeding.

This week is set to be far more sedate although I will be getting ready for my trip up to Pretoria on Sunday, whilst at the same time Poppet will be finishing off at work and getting ready for her trip to Sydney, Australia - she leaves on Friday.  Next week's Blog will come from the other end of the country :D.

Folks, that was our week in a very small nutshell, I have no idea what this week will bring but I do know I am planning to rest and try to recharge my batteries, oh yes and try to keep Cece calm and centred haha.  We have had SO much rain that a tree on the fence with our neighbour has fallen over due to the weight of the creeper which is growing in it - sad face.  I wish you all a wonderful week, full of new opportunities and loaded with blessings.  Please stay safe and always be aware of your surroundings.

Some pics of the stormy weather last week,  one from the front deck and the other from the back door.

These little Mousebirds are amongst my favourite as they queue for nectar.

Spring is here, or is supposed to be

Good morning folks on this first Monday of Spring, I trust you are all well and ready to embrace the new week before us.  I have absolutely no illusions that this week is going to be quiet, it is set to be incredibly busy.  Last week was fairly busy, maybe it was a practise run haha.

Our dear friends are returning from four months in Europe which means the Pupster will be going home and we are going to sort out as much as we can for them tomorrow and Wednesday before they land.  While one of us goes through to the airport the other will be at the house with a bouncing teenaged puppy awaiting his Mommy and Daddy's return, I am sure that if he understood he would start walking now.

Last week was of a different rhythm altogether.   After having had a 'niggly' back for a couple of days,  on Tuesday after my precious Hubby left to go and play golf in Darling, along the West Coast, I pulled the duvet and landed flat on my face on the bed as the spasm knocked my legs out from beneath me.  In retrospect it was quite funny if it hadn't been so sore, even Poppet laughed when I told her.  This 'trend' continued for the next two days, at almost every thing I did I found myself face to face with some strange surfaces,  anyway I went to the clinic and she gave me a big three-in-one injection which helped enormously, for a day LOL.  Next it was off to the Physio, who is blind but incredibly good.  It is improving but taking a lot longer than it has in the past #sadface, I have just come back from a second session with him and am now glued to my heating pad.

We are waiting for the new meds for  #cece_the_blind_kitten to arrive, the Vet has prescribed 'Kitty Prozac' for her which should arrive this week and I am hoping I can get her settled on it before I fly up to Pretoria so that Hubby and JellyBean won't have too hard a time with her.  On the Pretoria side all Poppet's visas are through and her tickets are booked, so she is officially off to Australia for a week, lucky girl.  This means that Princess and I will be left to our own devices while she is away, I am looking forward to spending time with that beautiful grand-daughter of mine as well as seeing Poppet and Big Guy.  On the CT side of the family there has been big developments as BabyBear has been transferred within her company to a completely different position, based in Johannesburg.  This is going to be a challenge for both of them as they commute backwards and forwards, but they have  about it and because of who they are, they will make it work.

I cannot say that Spring has actually arrived, maybe I'm in denial that winter is coming to an end.  There is very cold, wet, snowy weather forecast for this week and I am holding onto the fact that our true summer doesn't really start until end October or there about.  Having said that and just put washing on the line I have one eye glued to the mountain keeping an eye on those big black clouds.  Yesterday while I was filling the kettle I saw the most exquisite little bird, it was a Yellow Bishop - the blackest black with bright yellow stripes in his wings and on his back.  It is one of the delights of my day when I stand in the kitchen and watch the huge variety of birds we have coming to feed.

Folks, not the most exciting of weeks as far as news is concerned, but I am quite convinced that the next few days will be more than enough to keep us busy and entertained.  I wish you all a blessed week, make the most of all the opportunities that come your way and, when things aren't going according to plan take a few minutes to add up all your blessings.  It is so easy to focus on the negative and feel sorry for ourselves that we then completely overlook all our blessings - our families, friends, the roof over our heads, our health, the food on the table, maybe you did something you've never done before, achievements, the list goes on and on when you sit down and start thinking about it.  Until next week Ciao Ciao and please stay safe and aware out there.

One of the smaller waterfalls behind us

Brrrrrrrrrrr it is cold

Good morning everyone, I trust you are all well on this cold and windy Monday?  Shoooo we have had some really cold weather, quite definitely the coldest since we have lived here.  Saturday all day the Cape was battered with gale force winds and then late in the afternoon the rain arrived with a passion.  We woke up yesterday morning to mounds of hail in the garden which is almost unheard of down here and positively Arctic air, and the situation has remained pretty much unchanged.  The wind is not gale force but is very strong and it is wet and cold, says she with a big grin.

I need to rectify something I wrote last week when I said I made a rye bread.   Ahemmmm, when I read the recipe on the flour packet on the Saturday I saw it had vinegar in it, when I made the bread last Sunday I mentioned to Hubby that it was weird I didn't add vinegar #doublefacepalm.  Well ........... Turns out I had two packets of stoneground flour one white bread and one rye, I made the white bread recipe.  Some will call this old age I choose to call it experimentation LOLOL.  I then made the rye bread during the week which was not nearly as good.  Yesterday I decided to redo the white bread recipe as it was really delicious and didn't hurt any tummy's, after very clearly looking to make sure I had the right flour I set to work and what came out can only be described as a monster hahaha.  The loaf came out perfectly, the best texture and crumb I've ever achieved, but, the loaf was absolutely enormous, I took a picture of the loaf next to a dinner plate and it dwarfed the plate, see pic below.  Next time I believe I will split the dough and make two loaves hehehe.

Last week was indeed busy as I guessed it would be, we had a trip through to  Hermanus and even went down to the Harbour in the hopes of seeing some of the whales, no such luck sadly.  Then on Thursday we had a trip into Somerset West, caught up on some shopping and then met with BigBear and BabyBear for a birthday celebration dinner (the three of us all have birthdays within one week).  We went to a little bistro which turned out to be delightful, the service was somewhat slow but the food was delicious and there was a lovely 'no rush' atmosphere and we ended up having a truly lovely evening.  Friday dawned and I turned yet another year older, hmmmmm, but I was so blessed by my family and friends that it was a very special day - we did not move from the house and had the fire going, Hubby made dinner and it was wonderful.

The weekend we hunkered down, tied down the house, kept the fire going and kept our noses inside. I worked on my clay projects, my darling Hubby worked on more watches and is doing so well with them. So far he has fixed and returned about eight watches and I am so proud of him.

The family are all doing well with Poppet busy with Visa applications and preparations for her trip to Sydney, while apparently Princess has nine projects to do for school. Big Guy is tired but  well, they have been doing upgrades and renovations at his business. Jelly Bean has been lost in the world of books whilst BabyBear celebrated her birthday yesterday and that leaves BigBear with his coming up on Thursday.  Miss Muffet and her family had an awesome week in Portugal, from all the pics we've seen, and are now back home and getting back into the swing of domesticity.

On the 'zoo'  front all is well.  Pupster only has another week and a half with us as his Mom  and  Dad will be home next week.  We are so looking forward to seeing them and having them back in Betty's Bay.  This morning I have sent off another video of #cece_the_blind_kitten to our vet, as I am hoping to get her onto a medication that will deal more effectively with her seizures and melt downs, as I type this she is currently wrapped up like a little Purrrito and lying on my lap.  Being wrapped up tight is very comforting for her and within seconds she falls asleep which equals great peace in the house hehe.

This morning I have an appointment with the dreaded dentist for a broken tooth, let me say our dentist is fantastic but, I have a 'thing' about dentists especially when it concerns me.  I have had very few good experiences with dentists ughh.
Folks having said that, I am going to bid you farewell for the week and look forward to giving you new updates next Monday.  I wish you all a wonderful week and want to encourage you to make the most of the opportunities that come your way, take time out to smell the roses and just appreciate your surroundings.

Monster bread - stoneground flour.

The Cece Purrrito.