Monday 30 March 2020
My Life's Winding Roads: Fun and games before lockdown.
My Life's Winding Roads: Fun and games before lockdown.: Good morning everyone, well I can only imagine what kind of a week you've all had. Gee whizz if anyone had told us all six months ago t...
My Life's Winding Roads: RECIPES
My Life's Winding Roads: RECIPES: FABULOUS DOGGIE TREATS. 2 1/2 cups of flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 cup natural peanut butter (see note at bottom) 1 cup water, 1 tbs hon...
Fun and games before lockdown.
Good morning everyone, well I can only imagine what kind of a week you've all had. Gee whizz if anyone had told us all six months ago that the entire world would be on lockdown with streets and cities deserted, I don't think one of us would have been able to imagine it, and yet here we are.
Well our week started off with a 'bang'. On the previous Friday 'Z' my Poodle Rescue contact had phoned the animal cargo company who would be responsible for flying Charlie down to us on Wednesday or Thursday but they were unavailable. On Monday she called again only to be told that all their flights were grounded, that really caused all our engines to go into overdrive and we both put out a plea on social media for anyone traveling down to CT who would be prepared to give him a lift. By this time there were rumours of the upcoming lockdown and we knew we were up against the clock. No replies to the online plea so I jumped to Plan B, which was to try and find him a flight asap. Well, with airlines grounding flights left right and center I eventually found an extremely helpful chap who found a flight for him on Wednesday. PR had a crate which we could use and it was all systems go. So many people from PR involved who literally pulled out all the stops to get him ready and to the airport on time. On wed afternoon we tootled off to Air Cargo and collected my precious little 'Chop' he was so happy to see us and we came straight back home. Unfortunately the only downside was from it being a free flight because he was a rescue I ended up paying for his flight. He is absolutely everything I have prayed for and then some more, a more lovable, gentle, happy little guy I could not imagine. He has already made his mark on the house, Max and Sasha have accepted him but just ignore him, He and Zeepha are building a cautious friendship and Jasper ...... well Jasper is who he is and doesn't like anything new, so not quite a truce there yet. His only hang up that I can see is that he is very possessive of his food, which coming from being rescued off the street and
being in SPCA for a few weeks I totally understand and we are working at showing him his food is safe.
The other big surprise at the start of the week was with the caravan. The chap who purchased it had a 14 day inspection period and on day 13 he emailed to say that he had taken it to be checked over and the entire one side had wood rot beneath the outer covering. Oh my gosh, not what we expected or needed, I will admit it threw us momentarily but they were definite that they want to keep the van and after getting a quote from the professionals to fix it, he decided to do it himself for about R4000 less, we immediately transferred the relevant amount of money back to him. So, the work on the deck is still going ahead and we are praying for miracles and special bargains to get it entirely completed. Right now all the purlins are painted and I expect Hubby will be putting them up this week, then the next step will be to source the polycarb IBR sheets, so full steam ahead.
Of course, then it was all the running around to be ready for lockdown, I am so blessed that my Hubby is well and he did all the shopping and stocking up as both Jelly Bean and I have compromised immune systems. Now we are all at home and I do find myself planning meals with a little more thought in terms of what will it use and what do I have. In all the shopping we forgot to get garlic which for me is an absolute staple haha. It's on the list for the first stock up shop. So far none of us have felt trapped or panicked at being in lockdown but, we are so truly blessed to be where we are, to be able to see and hear the sea and the mountains. The family all seem to be doing well, building jigsaw puzzles, painting, some are still able to carry on working. Sadly BigGuy cannot work as his work involves seeing customers so more difficult for him than the rest of us as he also is on his own, thankfully he enjoys his own company. Hang in there guys we are living in a historic time, your children will one day learn about the time the whole world shut down.
My anchor in all this has been my faith in the Lord and standing on His promises, He has never yet abandoned me and I know that He will bring us through this as well. Folks that is all for now, tune in next week for whatever fun and games we've had. Please wherever you are STAY AT HOME and don't risk your health or anyone else's, the quicker we all lockdown the quicker we can get past this. Pleas stay safe and healthy and keep yourselves happy. Ciao ciao.
Charlie saying Hi folks.
Taking Charlie out of his crate at Air Cargo.
Well our week started off with a 'bang'. On the previous Friday 'Z' my Poodle Rescue contact had phoned the animal cargo company who would be responsible for flying Charlie down to us on Wednesday or Thursday but they were unavailable. On Monday she called again only to be told that all their flights were grounded, that really caused all our engines to go into overdrive and we both put out a plea on social media for anyone traveling down to CT who would be prepared to give him a lift. By this time there were rumours of the upcoming lockdown and we knew we were up against the clock. No replies to the online plea so I jumped to Plan B, which was to try and find him a flight asap. Well, with airlines grounding flights left right and center I eventually found an extremely helpful chap who found a flight for him on Wednesday. PR had a crate which we could use and it was all systems go. So many people from PR involved who literally pulled out all the stops to get him ready and to the airport on time. On wed afternoon we tootled off to Air Cargo and collected my precious little 'Chop' he was so happy to see us and we came straight back home. Unfortunately the only downside was from it being a free flight because he was a rescue I ended up paying for his flight. He is absolutely everything I have prayed for and then some more, a more lovable, gentle, happy little guy I could not imagine. He has already made his mark on the house, Max and Sasha have accepted him but just ignore him, He and Zeepha are building a cautious friendship and Jasper ...... well Jasper is who he is and doesn't like anything new, so not quite a truce there yet. His only hang up that I can see is that he is very possessive of his food, which coming from being rescued off the street and
being in SPCA for a few weeks I totally understand and we are working at showing him his food is safe.
The other big surprise at the start of the week was with the caravan. The chap who purchased it had a 14 day inspection period and on day 13 he emailed to say that he had taken it to be checked over and the entire one side had wood rot beneath the outer covering. Oh my gosh, not what we expected or needed, I will admit it threw us momentarily but they were definite that they want to keep the van and after getting a quote from the professionals to fix it, he decided to do it himself for about R4000 less, we immediately transferred the relevant amount of money back to him. So, the work on the deck is still going ahead and we are praying for miracles and special bargains to get it entirely completed. Right now all the purlins are painted and I expect Hubby will be putting them up this week, then the next step will be to source the polycarb IBR sheets, so full steam ahead.
Of course, then it was all the running around to be ready for lockdown, I am so blessed that my Hubby is well and he did all the shopping and stocking up as both Jelly Bean and I have compromised immune systems. Now we are all at home and I do find myself planning meals with a little more thought in terms of what will it use and what do I have. In all the shopping we forgot to get garlic which for me is an absolute staple haha. It's on the list for the first stock up shop. So far none of us have felt trapped or panicked at being in lockdown but, we are so truly blessed to be where we are, to be able to see and hear the sea and the mountains. The family all seem to be doing well, building jigsaw puzzles, painting, some are still able to carry on working. Sadly BigGuy cannot work as his work involves seeing customers so more difficult for him than the rest of us as he also is on his own, thankfully he enjoys his own company. Hang in there guys we are living in a historic time, your children will one day learn about the time the whole world shut down.
My anchor in all this has been my faith in the Lord and standing on His promises, He has never yet abandoned me and I know that He will bring us through this as well. Folks that is all for now, tune in next week for whatever fun and games we've had. Please wherever you are STAY AT HOME and don't risk your health or anyone else's, the quicker we all lockdown the quicker we can get past this. Pleas stay safe and healthy and keep yourselves happy. Ciao ciao.
Charlie saying Hi folks.
Monday 23 March 2020
My Life's Winding Roads: All working toward one goal.
My Life's Winding Roads: All working toward one goal.: Good morning world, this is probably one of the very few times in our lives that all over the world people are united and striving for the s...
All working toward one goal.
Good morning world, this is probably one of the very few times in our lives that all over the world people are united and striving for the same goal. I just want to say this - There is SO much in the media, airwaves, social media regarding Covid19 that we may feel like we are drowning in information. We need to listen to, and do what the authorities are telling us, go home and stay there, social distancing means not mixing with people outside of your immediate family. As both Jelly Bean and I have compromised immune systems we are taking no chances, yes it is hard but our health is more important than a visit or shopping trip. The most important thing I can say is DO NOT let fear take root and grow in your heart.
On Tuesday it was Jelly Bean's Birthday and we drove through to The Bears where we enjoyed a lovely time and had some cake and tea before coming home. We did a quick shop before going through and JB and I have not left the house since. MY dear Hubby has been to the local superette for bread and milk and other than that he has been very busy putting up the rafters on the deck. See pic below. Next to come is the purlins then the roofing. After that we will work on enclosing it completely.
Our week was not without any hiccups but at each turn we have seen God our Father come through in an amazing way. I am praying that little Charlie 'Chop' as his foster mom calls him will be able to fly down as planned this week and I can use this 'down time' for bonding. Late yesterday afternoon we had a bit of a stir as I got a call from the local Animal Welfare asking if I could foster two, eight week old kittens becaus the welfare is going to be working on skeleton staff. What a quandary ........ but, due to the fact that Charlie is due to arrive I am unable to help out, although I was able to put them in contact with a lovely lady in Pringle Bay who used to foster kittens. Haha when I spoke to her she said she is not fostering anymore as the five cats she now has were all foster fails LOL, she was, however happy to help out with these two little bundles.
This week I am hoping to get started making the new scatter cushions for the lounge and today JB and I plan on doing some baking in the form of cookies, good stay at home snack food hehe. We are using this time to fix small things around the house, catch up on chores, work on the deck etc. OHHH yes ........... report back on my couch throw. We put it into a bath of HOT water and added the turmeric, cautiously, just as I did that Poppet called me and left my hubby with the instructions not to stop agitating the water. Ten minutes later when I walked in he was still stirring and the bathroom was like a sauna #facepalm . It worked and took off the blue'ish whiteness but I did not add sufficient turmeric so, Hubby is hooking up my washing machine to the hot water tap and I will repeat the procedure in the machine. I am so chuffed that it worked.
Folks that is all for this week, please look after yourselves, keep busy and make the most of your 'enforced' family time, it is time to strengthen family bonds, catch up on reading, cooking, chores etc. Most of all please stay safe. Sending love and prayers from our family to yours Ciao Ciao.
The deck has rafters - thank you my love for your hard work.
Psalm 91 New King James Version
This is what I am standing on for my entire family, God is our Protector and Keeper and in Him we trust. Amen. He expects us to use wisdom and abide by the rules and if we are 'in Christ' He will do the rest.Abiding in the Shadow of the Almighty
91 1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." 3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. 4 He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. 5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, 6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. 8 Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked.9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, 10 No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; 11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. 12 In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone. 13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. 14 "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. 15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation."
On Tuesday it was Jelly Bean's Birthday and we drove through to The Bears where we enjoyed a lovely time and had some cake and tea before coming home. We did a quick shop before going through and JB and I have not left the house since. MY dear Hubby has been to the local superette for bread and milk and other than that he has been very busy putting up the rafters on the deck. See pic below. Next to come is the purlins then the roofing. After that we will work on enclosing it completely.
Our week was not without any hiccups but at each turn we have seen God our Father come through in an amazing way. I am praying that little Charlie 'Chop' as his foster mom calls him will be able to fly down as planned this week and I can use this 'down time' for bonding. Late yesterday afternoon we had a bit of a stir as I got a call from the local Animal Welfare asking if I could foster two, eight week old kittens becaus the welfare is going to be working on skeleton staff. What a quandary ........ but, due to the fact that Charlie is due to arrive I am unable to help out, although I was able to put them in contact with a lovely lady in Pringle Bay who used to foster kittens. Haha when I spoke to her she said she is not fostering anymore as the five cats she now has were all foster fails LOL, she was, however happy to help out with these two little bundles.
This week I am hoping to get started making the new scatter cushions for the lounge and today JB and I plan on doing some baking in the form of cookies, good stay at home snack food hehe. We are using this time to fix small things around the house, catch up on chores, work on the deck etc. OHHH yes ........... report back on my couch throw. We put it into a bath of HOT water and added the turmeric, cautiously, just as I did that Poppet called me and left my hubby with the instructions not to stop agitating the water. Ten minutes later when I walked in he was still stirring and the bathroom was like a sauna #facepalm . It worked and took off the blue'ish whiteness but I did not add sufficient turmeric so, Hubby is hooking up my washing machine to the hot water tap and I will repeat the procedure in the machine. I am so chuffed that it worked.
Folks that is all for this week, please look after yourselves, keep busy and make the most of your 'enforced' family time, it is time to strengthen family bonds, catch up on reading, cooking, chores etc. Most of all please stay safe. Sending love and prayers from our family to yours Ciao Ciao.
The deck has rafters - thank you my love for your hard work.
Monday 16 March 2020
My Life's Winding Roads: Experiments
My Life's Winding Roads: Experiments: Greetings everyone wherever you are, I hope this finds all of you well and ready for the week ahead. Yesterday was the most perfect weathe...
Experiments
Greetings everyone wherever you are, I hope this finds all of you well and ready for the week ahead. Yesterday was the most perfect weather for a Sunday, overcast, cool with a lovely breeze and intermittent rain ........ it was bliss.
Well, not such a busy week but it was busy enough. We went through to Cape Town on Tuesday as Hubby needed to buy watch and clock spares, he dropped Jelly Bean and I off at Kloof Lifestyle Centre, our favorite little centre to go to. As we walked in we spotted a teeny, tiny teacup poodle, oh my goodness he was so small and just trotting around waiting for his owner to finish browsing, I would be scared of stepping on him. JB immediately went off to the bookshop and I took myself off to The Knead for a cup of coffee and some 'me' time. I can't say it was quiet because it was anything but, to the point that at one time I felt overwhelmed, that didn't last long and I just settled down and enjoyed my coffee. We had quite a few stops after that and were all truly glad to get home to the cooler weather and home.
The day's events left me flat for most of the week but down does not mean out. I have been in a quandary for the last couple of weeks which, I think I am close to settling. When I made the throw for the new couch I bought white fleece, and I do mean WHITE. All the rest of the covers and color scheme are off white which was never more obvious until the new cover made its entrance. Hmmmmm. It is a huge piece of material 3m x 2.4m and polyester coral fleece to boot. I am intrigued with the idea of using natural products to dye things and, to that end I tried normal tea on a swatch and it was too brown. I tried crushed mustard seeds steeped in boiling water, that did nothing. Next came Rooibos tea, again too brown, then peach tea ...... too brown arghhh. Eventually on Saturday I decided to go with turmeric, just then teensiest amount and it is a perfect match. Now I have to duplicate that effect using a bath of hot water and a ginormous piece of fabric, so here's holding thumbs and praying 🤞🏻🙏🏻, I cannot afford to mess it up.
Little Charlie arrived safely in Johannesburg and had his medical day with the vet where he was neutered, vaccinated, teeth cleaned and a bad ear infection dealt with. He is now waiting his two week period until he can fly with a wonderful foster mom who has her hands full as she took him and another little chap in at the same time. I am literally counting down the days until he arrives. Zeepha had a milestone this week when I introduced her to a game on my iPad where she catches mice. Oh my goodness, I have created an addict, I can put the iPad down with the game open and she will play all by herself for a half an hour and more. I am going to have to limit her technology time LOL.
We are a go for the next phase of the deck as my dear Hubby went into town in Thursday and collected the beams for the roof and has been working on getting them ready to put up, I will post pics as we go, needless to say it is extremely exciting to see it coming to fruition.
So folks, I have a week of preparation, baking (rusks and doggie treats) and dyeing this white throw. If any of you have had experience with using natural dyes I would love to hear them and your different ideas. For this week I want to encourage you to be safe, wash your hands frequently, use wisdom and have a fantastic week. Ciao ciao for now.
Zeepha exhausted after a play session
Monday 9 March 2020
My Life's Winding Roads: Where to begin ?
My Life's Winding Roads: Where to begin ?: Good morning everyone both near and far on this glorious day. So much has happened in this last week that my mind is still trying to catch ...
Where to begin ?
Good morning everyone both near and far on this glorious day. So much has happened in this last week that my mind is still trying to catch up. Where to begin is the question ?
As many of the you may remember from when we relocated to BB we tried to sell our caravan and after five months Hubby had to drive up to Jhb and bring it down. The only time it has been used in the last four years is when we have had family come to stay, basically it was our third bedroom. We knew when we started the deck last year that the caravan would need to be sold in order to build and complete the deck. Last Sunday evening Hubby put out an advert for the caravan, somewhat tentatively I might add and within an hour we started getting replies. The first person to call asked for first option until Tuesday as they live a fair distance away, we agreed to that and told the further enquirers that we would let them know on Tuesday. The gentleman came and we knew from just the sight of him that he was not going to buy the van, but he sure took his time poking and prodding, picking and fault finding. His final statement was when he pushed the side of the caravan and informed Hubby that it was full of damp and, according to someone he knew it would cost R10000 to repair. What tommy rot, there is not a spot of damp in the entire van. Needless to say he wanted to think about it and we have him until 18.00, meanwhile my dear Hubby called the next person on the list who came out late in the afternoon and promptly fell in love with it. What a lovely couple, they wasted no time and paid, insured and collected the caravan on Thursday, it really found the perfect home and it was quite a bitter sweet moment seeing it go as we had so many special memories of holidays with the family in it.
As you all know we also bought a sofa back in January and even though we had 'special' foam cut for the cushions within two weeks they started denting and on enquiry with the company concerned we were told it would cost us almost triple to have a different type of foam grrrrr. In all my 'wisdom' I had not contacted Coricraft for foam quotes being convinced they would be the most expensive, anyway in frustration a couple of weeks ago I spoke to them and we have had ongoing correspondence with them. Our sofa is one of the very first they made and they did not even have a template for foam cushions for it, but through God's favor were able to make a template and quoted us ......... Less than half of what we paid for the bad foam. The Bible says that "we must not lean on our own understanding " and I sure learned that lesson this week. Coricraft have slotted our two cushions into their assembly line and in a few weeks we will have our sofa looking like new, thank You Lord.
Not ten minutes after receiving this email I saw a FB post of a little poodle on Poodle Rescue, which was right up near the Kruger Park. His pic had been on before but I had not made any enquiries because he was with a national rescue organization who do not adopt out of province and insist on a personal hand over. This new FB post stated that they had now agreed to adopt out of province, I immediately contacted my 'home check' lady and she was already all over the situation. I had to phone the Rescue and officially ask to adopt him, my forms were then forwarded as well as home check results. Within 10 minutes of me contacting PR one of the members had privately contacted them to say they were spending the weekend in that particular town and were more than happy to collect and transport him to Jhb, someone else offered to foster him for two weeks and within hours the entire adoption fell into place without PR or myself having to ask anyone for anything. He was fetched yesterday afternoon and will be delivered to the Vet in Jhb today, where tomorrow he will be sterilized, vaccinated etc, and fourteen days later he will fly down to me, even his flight and crate were taken care of. The lady I deal with said to me that only God could put together an adoption like this and that she has never seen one come together so quickly or effortlessly. So, my little Charlie is in transit and will be here in just over two weeks. God never fails to show His grace, provision and love, IF we will just be patient and wait on his timing, four years for the caravan, my lack of wisdom in assuming, and three and a half months of waiting for the right doggie God wanted me to have.
There were more answered prayers during the week, in the natural smaller but, NO less miraculous in their being answered. I will admit that after all this taking place all in one day I was more than scattered and shaken, just in awe of Gods magnificence and faithfulness. Folks I share this to show you that God is not a respecter of persons and there is not one area of your life that is too small or insignificant for Him. God will supply not only all your needs - Phillipians 4 v 19, but He also gives us the desires of our heart when we rejoice in Him - Psalm 37 v 4.
On that note I am going to say Ciao Ciao for this week and I pray that God will continue to show His goodness and grace to each and every one of you.
Zeepha keeping an eye on things
As many of the you may remember from when we relocated to BB we tried to sell our caravan and after five months Hubby had to drive up to Jhb and bring it down. The only time it has been used in the last four years is when we have had family come to stay, basically it was our third bedroom. We knew when we started the deck last year that the caravan would need to be sold in order to build and complete the deck. Last Sunday evening Hubby put out an advert for the caravan, somewhat tentatively I might add and within an hour we started getting replies. The first person to call asked for first option until Tuesday as they live a fair distance away, we agreed to that and told the further enquirers that we would let them know on Tuesday. The gentleman came and we knew from just the sight of him that he was not going to buy the van, but he sure took his time poking and prodding, picking and fault finding. His final statement was when he pushed the side of the caravan and informed Hubby that it was full of damp and, according to someone he knew it would cost R10000 to repair. What tommy rot, there is not a spot of damp in the entire van. Needless to say he wanted to think about it and we have him until 18.00, meanwhile my dear Hubby called the next person on the list who came out late in the afternoon and promptly fell in love with it. What a lovely couple, they wasted no time and paid, insured and collected the caravan on Thursday, it really found the perfect home and it was quite a bitter sweet moment seeing it go as we had so many special memories of holidays with the family in it.
As you all know we also bought a sofa back in January and even though we had 'special' foam cut for the cushions within two weeks they started denting and on enquiry with the company concerned we were told it would cost us almost triple to have a different type of foam grrrrr. In all my 'wisdom' I had not contacted Coricraft for foam quotes being convinced they would be the most expensive, anyway in frustration a couple of weeks ago I spoke to them and we have had ongoing correspondence with them. Our sofa is one of the very first they made and they did not even have a template for foam cushions for it, but through God's favor were able to make a template and quoted us ......... Less than half of what we paid for the bad foam. The Bible says that "we must not lean on our own understanding " and I sure learned that lesson this week. Coricraft have slotted our two cushions into their assembly line and in a few weeks we will have our sofa looking like new, thank You Lord.
Not ten minutes after receiving this email I saw a FB post of a little poodle on Poodle Rescue, which was right up near the Kruger Park. His pic had been on before but I had not made any enquiries because he was with a national rescue organization who do not adopt out of province and insist on a personal hand over. This new FB post stated that they had now agreed to adopt out of province, I immediately contacted my 'home check' lady and she was already all over the situation. I had to phone the Rescue and officially ask to adopt him, my forms were then forwarded as well as home check results. Within 10 minutes of me contacting PR one of the members had privately contacted them to say they were spending the weekend in that particular town and were more than happy to collect and transport him to Jhb, someone else offered to foster him for two weeks and within hours the entire adoption fell into place without PR or myself having to ask anyone for anything. He was fetched yesterday afternoon and will be delivered to the Vet in Jhb today, where tomorrow he will be sterilized, vaccinated etc, and fourteen days later he will fly down to me, even his flight and crate were taken care of. The lady I deal with said to me that only God could put together an adoption like this and that she has never seen one come together so quickly or effortlessly. So, my little Charlie is in transit and will be here in just over two weeks. God never fails to show His grace, provision and love, IF we will just be patient and wait on his timing, four years for the caravan, my lack of wisdom in assuming, and three and a half months of waiting for the right doggie God wanted me to have.
There were more answered prayers during the week, in the natural smaller but, NO less miraculous in their being answered. I will admit that after all this taking place all in one day I was more than scattered and shaken, just in awe of Gods magnificence and faithfulness. Folks I share this to show you that God is not a respecter of persons and there is not one area of your life that is too small or insignificant for Him. God will supply not only all your needs - Phillipians 4 v 19, but He also gives us the desires of our heart when we rejoice in Him - Psalm 37 v 4.
On that note I am going to say Ciao Ciao for this week and I pray that God will continue to show His goodness and grace to each and every one of you.
Zeepha keeping an eye on things
Monday 2 March 2020
My Life's Winding Roads: Baking, Wine Tastings and Huge Cattle.
My Life's Winding Roads: Baking, Wine Tastings and Huge Cattle.: Good morning folks, just like that and we are into March and for our family that means it's birthday month for Jelly Bean whoop, whoop. ...
Baking, Wine Tastings and Huge Cattle.
Good morning folks, just like that and we are into March and for our family that means it's birthday month for Jelly Bean whoop, whoop. I am also looking forward to the fact that we are just that little bit closer to winter #biggrin. We have had a week of mixed weather to be sure, going from searing heat with not a breath of wind to gale force winds which have turned beautifully cool. On Saturday we were in Somerset West where the weather was a stifling 35 c and drove home to a fabulous 21 c with a cold wind, oh I do love BB .... I simply cannot wait for the cold weather.
A quick report back of last week's mention about the ongoing nausea I was dealing with. After wracking our brains as to what if anything was causing it to be so intense, and a suggestion from someone on the Fibromyalgia Group about a possible chemical reaction, I realized that it was a direct result of Hubby painting the bedroom ceiling. Apparently after all these years that I have been on this earth I can no longer tolerate the chemicals / smell of paint, the result being extreme nausea, thankfully the ceiling is finished and whilst my dear Hubby was touching up I stayed well away. Voila - extreme nausea gone.
We had a relatively quiet week with no wild life or domestic incidents. Jelly Bean had a lunch visit with a friend of hers and we took the time to complete a few chores and then a lovely lunch down on the beachfront in the Strand, actually the food wasn't great but it was super to sit in such lovely surroundings and share a lunch together.
We also had a very special treat when Jelly Bean tried her hand at baking - her first attempt and she made a traditional Irish Apple Cake, oh my word it is truly delicious and is my new favorite thing. Well done angel I foresee much more baking in your future heehee.
On Saturday we went into town again but this time we met with BigBear and BabyBear at a lovely little winery called Yonder Hill, just outside Somerset West. It was a real treat and my first wine tasting, their wines were delicious and were paired with a platter of olives, bread, cheeses and cold meats....... absolutely delicious. Even better was the good few hours we took just chatting and enjoying family time, thank you 'Bears' it was a very precious afternoon. We were all quite in awe of the cattle on the farm, I did some reading up and apparently they are Ankole Cattle and have been know to have a horn spread of up to 2 metres. I have seen a lot of cattle in my day but never horns like these, they are HUGE.
Folks, as I said a lovely quiet week, lots accomplished and no major dramas apart from one unsolicited attack on me by Jasper, I wish we could find out why he does it, it is truly a mystery. Please don't forget to keep an eye on the Hints and Tips as well as the Recipe pages, I am trying to be more consistent in updating them both. I wish you all a beautiful week, may God give you the strength and wisdom for every situation you have to deal with. Ciao ciao for now and please stay safe.
THE most delicious Irish Apple Cake.
Ankole Bull
A quick report back of last week's mention about the ongoing nausea I was dealing with. After wracking our brains as to what if anything was causing it to be so intense, and a suggestion from someone on the Fibromyalgia Group about a possible chemical reaction, I realized that it was a direct result of Hubby painting the bedroom ceiling. Apparently after all these years that I have been on this earth I can no longer tolerate the chemicals / smell of paint, the result being extreme nausea, thankfully the ceiling is finished and whilst my dear Hubby was touching up I stayed well away. Voila - extreme nausea gone.
We had a relatively quiet week with no wild life or domestic incidents. Jelly Bean had a lunch visit with a friend of hers and we took the time to complete a few chores and then a lovely lunch down on the beachfront in the Strand, actually the food wasn't great but it was super to sit in such lovely surroundings and share a lunch together.
We also had a very special treat when Jelly Bean tried her hand at baking - her first attempt and she made a traditional Irish Apple Cake, oh my word it is truly delicious and is my new favorite thing. Well done angel I foresee much more baking in your future heehee.
On Saturday we went into town again but this time we met with BigBear and BabyBear at a lovely little winery called Yonder Hill, just outside Somerset West. It was a real treat and my first wine tasting, their wines were delicious and were paired with a platter of olives, bread, cheeses and cold meats....... absolutely delicious. Even better was the good few hours we took just chatting and enjoying family time, thank you 'Bears' it was a very precious afternoon. We were all quite in awe of the cattle on the farm, I did some reading up and apparently they are Ankole Cattle and have been know to have a horn spread of up to 2 metres. I have seen a lot of cattle in my day but never horns like these, they are HUGE.
Folks, as I said a lovely quiet week, lots accomplished and no major dramas apart from one unsolicited attack on me by Jasper, I wish we could find out why he does it, it is truly a mystery. Please don't forget to keep an eye on the Hints and Tips as well as the Recipe pages, I am trying to be more consistent in updating them both. I wish you all a beautiful week, may God give you the strength and wisdom for every situation you have to deal with. Ciao ciao for now and please stay safe.
THE most delicious Irish Apple Cake.
Ankole Bull
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