My Life's Winding Roads: We did it.... we got to December

My Life's Winding Roads: We did it.... we got to December:   Hi folks, we got here, December has arrived and we've almost wrapped up 2024.  Gee when I think back to the '70's and someone ...

We did it.... we got to December

 Hi folks, we got here, December has arrived and we've almost wrapped up 2024.  Gee when I think back to the '70's and someone mentioned 2024 or any year thereabouts, it felt like another world.  Well ..that part has a lot of truth in it, we are living in a completely different world which is a far from the '70's as we imagined, just not quite how we imagined it to be.

November  turned out to be a busy month, with a fair bit of running around and as usual seemed to fly past.  I had the most wonderful visit from a past neighbour, good friend of ours before we moved to the Cape.  She was down visiting her daughter and we spent a truly wonderful morning catching up and enjoying the company. 

I eventually had my long awaited appointment with my Orthopaedic Surgeon,  who at one point just shook his head and said " you have three different things going on with your knees .. how ?".  The end result of that appointment was he put me in a wrap around brace immediately (which I absolutely  loathe with a passion) as well as an anti-inflammatory which is tummy friendly.  As much as I dislike the brace it has and does help with stability and the pain in the front of my knee. I now wear it when needed or when driving. It doesn't allow for much movement as it has steel rods down each side. The surgery for the torn Meniscus has been set for the 13th February, so here's praying already.  Thank goodness Jelly Bean has her learners license as she has done most of the driving, also really good practise for her.

The family are all doing well. Big Guy is really busy and won't be coming down for Christmas 😢.  Poppet is as usual always busy.  The Bears are well and Munchkin is growing and meeting all his milestones.  BigBear just came back from his last trip to the USA for the year. Princess has finished 1st Year of University and did exceptionally well. She was awarded a prize and in her final marks achieved 2 Distinctions and in the 70's for everything else. Her boyfriend completed 2nd Year and achieved 4 Distinctions.  Well the two of you, we could not be prouder of you, even if you had won the World Cup 😉👏🏻👏🏻  They will be arriving in Cape Town towards the end of December and we are going to squeeze as much time together as is possible.  I have missed her something fierce. 

The piece de resistance of the month was Saturday.  It was little BabyBear, a.k.a. Munchkin's dedication.  What an incredibly beautifull day.  The venue was a gorgeous wine farm, on one of the terraces where picnic blankets were laid out and huge umbrellas.  The Bears had asked me to 'perform' the dedication, which is one of the highest honours I've ever been given.  It was only their closest friends and family who were able to attend - their Village.  I dedicated my precious little Grandson and then charged his parents as to their duty as parents to "Bring him up in the ways of the Lord" before praying with the three of them.  It was hard not to get emotional and tearful at the enormity of it all, but it went well. Munchkin happily slept through the entire proceedings.  After the dedication big picnic baskets were brought down and we all enjoyed a wonderful, hi class picnic and loads of talk and laughter. Thank you guys for bestowing such an honour on me and for the wonderful event you planned, it was perfect.

I would be very remiss if I didn't share with you what we came home to yesterday.  Charlie has been going out with me on most local trips I make with the exception of the supermarket.  He has also, always had separation anxiety.  So ... yesterday when we left home he was highly upset at being left behind.  I walked into the house just before 6pm only to see that  he had managed to jump up and reach his harness,  snagging a fabric shopping bag in the process and pulled them down,  with much determination and effort because the driftwood broke (the harness, dog leads and occasional shopping bag hang on a lovely piece of driftwood next to the door) . So, walking in the first thing we stepped over was the harness, then the bag.  What did make me laugh was what went through his mind when he managed to get it down ?  Did he wonder how to get it on, how to get out and find us ?? 🤣🤣🤣  Precious little guy, we are going to be looking for a new companion for JB in the new year and then he will have someone to play with.

Well folks there is nothing to cap yesterdays news. Today JB and I put up our Christmas Tree and decorated the house.  There is so much I still need to do before Christmas, and somehow I will get it all done. 

Thank you for joining me every month on this Blog about my life, it truly blesses me when I get feedback from you. From my family to yours, we wish you a truly BLESSED Christmas, may it be filled with peace,  harmony, love and good health.  Stay safe and well, especially if you are travelling.  Ciao, Ciao

Happy Charlie going out with Mommy.

My Life's Winding Roads: November is spinning along

My Life's Winding Roads: November is spinning along: Hello November and good morning to you all, yep we blinked and the end of the year is almost upon us. This year has flown past at a speed. F...

November is spinning along

Hello November and good morning to you all, yep we blinked and the end of the year is almost upon us. This year has flown past at a speed.

For someone who is not in the shops a lot, I was surprised last weekend to see Christmas decorations up everywhere, maybe I am living in a bubble, but this is early.

October was a good month from the aspect that Jelly Bean and I got to visit twice with the Bears and spend amazing time with Little Baby Bear.  I know I am biased, and I am allowed to be 😉, but, he is truly the most gorgeous, happy, contented little baby. His face shows every expression and an intense curiosity about what is going on. Our second visit was last weekend and we were doubly blessed to babysit him on Sunday.  The minute his eyes register who is in front of him, he breaks out into the widest smile possible.  His big achievement at the moment is copying what you say to him. He is babbling, so seriously trying to copy every sound.  He is also a real little kicker. At any and every opportunity those tiny little legs are going like pistons.  My only sadness is that time is passing so fast and tomorrow he is already three months old. Happy 3 months little Munchkin, Granny is making the most of every second.

Mom and Daddy are doing a fantastic job 👏. 

That was truly the double highlight of this past month.  The house is strangely empty without little Sasha and I think we are all still adjusting.  Charlie in particular has been generally much quieter and needing to be near me more than usual. He has also been battling with an ear infection all month, which hasn't been fun at all.

Hubby had another regatta,  which he thoroughly enjoyed and was just saying yesterday that now the regattas are finished, the guys are missing their sailing. 

The rest of the family are well, Princess had a bad dose of flu and she and C are finished with Uni for the year 🤷‍♀️, again the time thing. Yesterday she was finishing up her last project to be sent in and then she can relax, well deserved.  JB had the 'flu' (a weird strain /virus) which left anyone around her actually wincing whenever she coughed. Thank the Lord she is getting better every day. I started with it on Friday night and have felt pretty grim, but I think I'm shaking it off as well.

I am still waiting to see my Ortho Surgeon who came back to work on the 1st, my appointment is the 18th (I wouldn't mind time flying between then and now), the constant, unending pain is draining.  Just after the beginning of the October,  I was sitting on the couch and crossed my legs, something went 'pop' and for a full week i could not put any weight on my leg. Thankfully our Village is very friendly and helpful and I was able to borrow crutches to get around and JB did all the driving.  I can now walk on it again but truly cannot wait to have it resolved. One of the other things is that this kind of thing always aggravates Fibromyalgia and it becomes a bit of a endless circle of pain,  exhaustion, pain, exhaustion etc.

Work has picked up some and I have 2 HUGE crocheted blankets on my table that were chewed by a teething Yorkie puppy.  It is fun and also quite a challenge taking a gaping hole and making it look as good as new. I will post some pics on the next Blog when I am finished. I've even learnt some new stitches courtesy of good old Google. 😂

I also made an extra 2 Octipus for little Munchkin as he sleeps with them and Mommy wanted one for the car and one for the pram.   So many things I want to try and so little time and or energy. I have quite the 'to do' board on Pinterest.

Well folks, that in a nutshell sums up October and I keep, in my mind, a running list of all that needs to be done and accomplished by December.  One bite at a time Sharon

Have a wonderful week, please stay safe and healthy folks.  Ciao, ciao.

Extra Octopuses 

Where will these little feet tread ?

My Life's Winding Roads: A sad start to the month. R.I.P Sasha.

My Life's Winding Roads: A sad start to the month. R.I.P Sasha.:   Hello family and friends I hope this finds everyone well.  Currently the weather in the Cape is very confused.  One week snow, the next he...

A sad start to the month. R.I.P Sasha.

 Hello family and friends I hope this finds everyone well.  Currently the weather in the Cape is very confused.  One week snow, the next heatwave, then rain and ridiculously high waves.  Each day is a bit of a mystery and the last two days have had really heavy fog, not something we see often here in the Village. Despite the weather the world seems to just keep rolling along and here we are in October with Christmas on the horizon. 

There were no spectacular stand out moments in September and with regards to the family, all are well.  Poppet  was very ill with flu / covid and wouldn't let us near her.  It took awhile but she has recovered and is back to her usual hectic life and on the Padel Court.  Little BabyBear is growing daily and,  can you believe it? He was two months old on Saturday.  JB and I are going to spend a a few days with them this week and I am literally counting sleeps.  Whoop whoop.                     In relation to the weather, whilst we have been having snow on the nearby mountains, Big Guy and Princess have been sweltering in 30c plus, like I said it is crazy.                              Hubby went to the National Radio Controlled Sailing regatta for the class of boat he sails.  He thoroughly enjoyed himself and was doubly happy with being able to stand for so long and not have any back pain.  Praise the Lord. JB and I took the time to have a real girls weekend which was a lot of fun.

As I type this it is with a very sore heart. JB's Little Maltese Sasha (15 yrs old and a true companion dog)  was fine on Friday and woke up Saturday really sick. We rushed her to the Vet and she has been there since. She had a tumour on her pancreas and due to her age, current  state of health, surgery would be extremely risky and not guaranteed. So this morning we were on our way to see her to say goodbye, but the Vet called me at 8.am to say she had passed away during the night. We are heartbroken and trying to adjust and accept her passing. Jelly Bean said to me on Saturday that she can barely remember a time in her life without Sasha. 😢😢  Little Zeepha is still hopping around slowly on her three legs.  In the last week she has done a couple of things which are more like her normal self, which I am so relieved to see.

Work has generally been a bit quiet, which although frustrating, has probably not been a bad thing  as I have had some challenges. After I fell a couple of months ago, I had a fair amount of discomfort behind my knee which I thought was just pulled muscles. This past month with quite a quick progression, the pain became unbearable so off to our GP I trotted.  He did a couple of very sore movements and sent me for xrays and then straight to the Orthopaedic Surgeon.   This is the same Surgeon who is waiting to do my right knee replacement and, all of this is the left knee. After an MRI it would appear I have torn the Meniscus (cant see clearly if it is detached). I was due to see the Surgeon this past Friday but on Wednesday he was in a bicycle accident and was in surgery for several hours. I am scheduled to see him this coming Friday to discuss the next step  as we have to fix the left before doing the right knee replacement. I will be honest and say this- having Fibromyalgia I am used to pain, my right knee is always sore but the torn Meniscus is on a whole different level. It is constant, night and day as well as giving way when it feels like it.

On a positive note, because of the downtime I eventually, yesterday, finished JB's chunky shrug.  After unravelling it five times I am quite relieved. It is very different to a cardigan in the way it fits,  but she seems very happy with it. So onto my next project - another squishy octopus  for someone as a stress toy. I also really need to sit down and start my next diamond dot painting.  There has been so much going on this year that I have only finished one so far.

Well folks, thats me for now.  Have a great month and stay well and safe. Ciao Ciao.

Little Sasha loved to yeet cushions or pillows off the couches or bed.

My Life's Winding Roads: Babies, Baboons and Battles

My Life's Winding Roads: Babies, Baboons and Battles: Welcome September, how did we get here so fast?  We have had three days of possible spring weather, which in Cape terms means the sun has sh...

Babies, Baboons and Battles

Welcome September, how did we get here so fast?  We have had three days of possible spring weather, which in Cape terms means the sun has shone continuously without rain.  What a month weather wise (and in every other possible way).  We have had so much rain and last week was a cold front of note which brought snow on the surrounding mountains, even on Table Mountain, so even though the sun is shining there is still a very cold chill in the air. Those "in the know" say that it has been the coldest and wettest winter in decades, we have certainly never seen 6c since we've been here.

Well ... August was quite the month. Starting with our gorgeous Grandson arriving on the 5th. None of us were told what his name was and when the Bears introduced him just after he was born they disclosed that he has been named after Big Bear's Dad, my late husband. That was an incredibly emotional moment for me because not for a second had I considered that, it is such an honour and he is named after an incredible man.  JB and I went to visit them in hospital the day after he was born and again more emotions and tears as I held him for the first time.  He weighed in at 3.49 kg and is absolutely perfect, Mommy is well and still managed to look glamorous right after his birth.  I believe that I will have to alter some nicknames here on the Blog so henceforth Baby Bear will be Mama Bear and junior will be Baby Bear.  As a family they are settling into routine and adjusting to an entirely new life.  We saw them again last Wednesday as Big Guy had flown down to meet his Nephew.  We gathered at a Wine Farm for lunch after which Big Guy came to spend a few days with us, making me a happy Mom, it was SO good to have him here with us, now that he has gone home the house feels too quiet and empty.  On Saturday we all met up at the Bears' home for lunch together with Poppet as a collective birthday celebration, the littlest Bear did not make an appearance as he slept right through the entire event. Needless to say this Granny has lost her heart to this tiny little human being.

Hubby has continued to make an amazing recovery from his back surgery and is back doing everything he did before, with no pain or discomfort, Praise God for that.  He is back working on various clocks and watches which continue to come in on a regular basis.  My work has been slightly quiet but I have had a lot to keep me busy.  Thank the Lord the Balaclava Hoodie I made for my friend fits like a dream and is a big hit.  I also got out the other two crocheted Octopuses and perfected the stress Worry Worm, currently I am busy making JB a chunky shrug cardigan which is fun.

Barely a week after baby was born, Sasha which is Jelly Bean's dog of 15 yearanof age, became ill.  We took her to the Vet who did some tests and diagnosed Pancreatitus, I had changed her tinned food for a well known brand which is apparently very high in fat.  We had just walked in from the appointment and when we set her down her tummy just released a big puddle of bloody viscous type liquid. I immediately called the vet who came right out and took her back to the Hospital for the night with further medication and on a drip.  Given her age we were pretty sure this was the end. But, tough little trooper that she is by next morning she was somewhat better and late that afternoon we were able to bring her home. It was pancreatitis and severe hemorrhagic enteritis.  My goodness!! She has finished all her meds and is her normal, bouncy,  somewhat deaf, somewhat blind, happy self again.

On the 21st we had a rather harrowing incident.  JB and I were sitting in the lounge, both with headphones on, when I heard her gasp.  I looked up and there in the doorway stood an enormous male baboon with three of his companions right next to him.  He was about a metre into the room whilst the other three were standing behind my huge bean bag.  I stood up calmly and tried to shoo them out but, Mr  Aplha just kept walking in. I picked up a spray bottle which sits on the table next to me, and sprayed the three in the doorway who stepped back onto the deck.  The big one just walked straight up to our fridge, opened the freezer door and took out a loaf of frozen bread before closing the door and walking back out of the door. It was as calm and targeted as if he lived here. What I did not realise at the time was that little Zeepha must have been on the deck and once the big baboon walked onto the deck the other three tried to join him in his feast and there was a bit of an argument.  We do not know if Zeepha got caught between them or if, in terror she took off and jumped out of the window.  eventually, thanks to the spray bottle they relocated themselves to the front yard where the big one took his time eating the frozen bread and the other three investigated the yard, discovered the sugar water bottle for the birds (spray bottle out again and that chased that one off) and played with each other.  After some time they moved across the yard and Hubby was able to turn the hosepipe on them which sent them running.  I can assure you it took a long time for heart rates and adrenalin levels to calm down.  About an hour later Zeepha came in and we then realised she had hurt her right front leg.  I took her to the vet the next day and after xrays  we saw that she had dislocated her elbow very badly.  Our vet sedated her and with difficulty managed to reposition her elbow and wrapped it well for protection.  She has really struggled to adjust to this and I have had to lift her up or put her down from where she sits, eats etc.  The Dr contacted another Vetrinary Practice who quoted R30 000. to operate with no guarantees, needless to say we don't have that kind of money. He also spoke to other Vets in the area after taking the splint bandage off this past week, and the consensus is that there must be ligament damage and surgery has no guarantees. Amputation at this stage is not necessary or recommended as her leg has blood flow and is warm.  In just the last two days I have seen that she is getting up and down some furniture  fairly well, making use of the little things I have put in place to create small steps.  My heart absolutely breaks as she is such a gentle, tiny little thing who loves to play her own imaginary games and zoomies, and she now holds her leg with the paw facing upward. Obviously there is also emotional trauma so lots and lots of TLC and scratches for her.  This is the first time ever that the main troop have come as far down as us, which now has us on hyper alert, especially going into the warmer weather. It truly feels as if we paid the Vet's Rental for August. 🤦🏻‍♀️

To say that August was an emotional tsunami would be somewhat of an understatement, sometimes there comes a time when the bounce back elastic has lost its stretch and I am experiencing that at the moment.  I know that I will bounce back but this last month with all it's extreme highs and lows was just a bit more than I was ready for.  This I do know for a certainty - God has always seen me through the valleys and the mountains and He has not stepped away or let go. My favourite scripture Jeremiah 29 v 11 says For I Know the thoughts and plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.  Comforting words for sure. 

Well folks, my prayer is that September is a peaceful, gentle month for us all.  Wherever you are reading this from, if your elastic has lost it's stretch then please be kind to yourself, you are not alone. Please reach out to someone who you can talk to and don't be tempted to try and superwoman yourself out of the hole, it is perfectly ok to say "time out".  To all,  stay well and stay safe. Ciao Ciao.

May these little feet be blessed wherever they tread

Worry worm

Little Zeepha's pre and post pics.

My Life's Winding Roads: Finally August has arrived.

My Life's Winding Roads: Finally August has arrived.:   Good morning friends and family, i hope today's Blog finds you all well and ready for the new week.  Weather wise winter was late and ...

Finally August has arrived.

 Good morning friends and family, I hope today's Blog finds you all well and ready for the new week.  Weather wise winter was late and arrived with typical Cape ferocity.  My goodness so much rain, it has been amazing.  Something I haven't seen in many years is days and days of continuous rain.  We had a few days break this past week but then Saturday evening down it came and rained all day yesterday. Happy Blogger 🙂

Where to start ?  so much happening all the time.  Hubby had his Op ten days ago and was discharged on day 3.  He is doing extremely well and hardly had any pain or discomfort from the actual operation site. He has struggled a bit with sciatica in the other leg, but that too is now easing and he is more and more mobile every day. At the beginning of the month I had a very bad fall, where I tripped over the sliding door frame and landed, literally, flat on my face. This left me with stars in my eyes, a goose egg above my eyebrow and a beaut of a black eye.  Good grief, Hubby's comment was the foundations of the house shook 🤦🏻‍♀️. The eyebrow is still sore but otherwise all healed.  I eventually saw "the family" Orthopaedic Surgeon who is incredibly kind and experienced.  He has confirmed that I will have to have a knee replacement but because a lot of the pain is being caused by a torn Meniscus he waited until Friday to inject the knee with Cortisone as he wanted the most pain free period for when Baby arrives.  It was jolly sore but is helping keeping that intense pain at bay.  Ho Hum.

TODAY is the day that our little Grandbaby enters the world.  Wow what a wait and sooo much excitement.  I will be able to go in and see them on Tuesday whoop, whoop.  Hubby won't be coming with but Jelly Bean is going to come with as the second Grandparent hehe.  The Bears are more than prepared and I think MORE than ready for this day.  A huge wait for me between Princess and this little one, 21 yearas, but well worth the wait.  I actually felt a little at a loose end over the weekend as I finished off all projects and did not quite know what to do with my hands.

I have just recently just completed not only Ollie the Octipus for baby, but also another two for JB and Princess made from different yarn and more as stress type toys. I have a though of making them, both for babies and bigger as stress tools and selling them. Also completed was  a long discussed and planned Balaclava Hoodie for a very good friend.  it took some doing finding a pattern in English as the majority are in Russian.  When I did find one it was for a completely different weight of wool and eventually I used it only as a guide and amended it as I went.  The final test will be when she receives it and does it fit ? Here is crossed fingers 🤞 

As per usual, in our family, August is birthday month with a vengeance, and now we have another birthday HaHaHa.  Just immediate family there are four of us and then on Baby Bear's side another two or three.  Last week Big Guy sent a message saying It's birthday month people ..."

Work has been coming in steadily, and God has been so good to me, when I have crazy medical/busy weeks it always seems to slow down to a manageable level.  I had to turn down a job for the very first time last month, which I found very difficult to do.  I had been asked to re-make the seats on restaurant chairs which were a very thick woven plactic type of fabric.  I managed to make and cut the pattern and that is where it all came to a halt.  My domestic sewing machine was just completely unable to sew it.  The bottom line of stitching would just pull right out as it was not catching underneath.  I hate turning someone away but thankfully the client was more than understanding.

Poppet's trip tp Australia went very well, as the previous company she worked for also had offices there and so this time she had friends and got to do a lot of touristy things.  She even went especially to Bondi Beach and took pics for me, she didn't meet any of the Life Guards though haha.  She also got back on the Padel Court yesterday for the first time in three months, after pulling a tendon, so is a very happy camper. It is good to have both her and Big Bear back in the country and home.  His trip to the USA also was a great success and thank the Lord baby stayed right where it was and there were no emergencies.  I am really missing Big Guy and Princess at the moment, especially with baby's arrival today and all the birthdays. If I could wave a magic wand, all my family would be in the same City.

Well folks, that all for now (as they used to say in the cartoons).  I wish you all a wonderful August, make the most of every opportunity to make a memory and stay safe and well.

Ciao Ciao

The  Balaclava/Hoodie and Octipi family.

The bottom part tucks under and then covers the nose and mouth to keep warm 

My Life's Winding Roads: Good morning on this first Monday in July.

My Life's Winding Roads: Good morning on this first Monday in July.:  I am honestly trying to figure out how this year has flown by so fast it seems that every year that passes, appears to go faster than the y...

Good morning on this first Monday in July.

 I am honestly trying to figure out how this year has flown by so fast it seems that every year that passes, appears to go faster than the year before.  Greeting folks from our Village that has still not seen winter arrive.  Oh ... we''ve had the odd day or even three or four but truly not winter.  I realised on Saturday that I have not worn my boots even once and my jacket only two or three times. 

Well June was a cracker of a month, so much happening, so much planned.  First of all was Princess's 21st Birthday - how on earth did we get there?  Sadly it was still during her Varsity term and so we could not celebrate with her on the day but, that did not deter us spoiling her.  Poppet flew up to spend the weekend with her.  She truly got to celebrate for almost the entire month. With a good family friend having a fancy dinner for her while Poppet was there, then her party with her friends, then another party down here with Poppet's friends and then extra smaller get together celebrations with the family.  We were also blessed out of our socks to have Princess and her Boyfriend spend two days with us last week.  My heart is full after having spent time with everyone in my family. How I wish we all lived closer.  We were also gearing up for our little Munchkin's Baby Shower and the Daddy Braai which ran concurrently.  What Big Bear did not know was that his brother Big Guy flew in for the event / weekend, as you can imagine many messages back and forth, secrets being kept etc.  Princess and her Boyfriend also flew in - oh my word it was so good to see and hold her again.  It is the longest time that I had not seen her. I had determined that I would finish all the sewing of sheets, receiver blankets and the blanket which I knitted before the shower, success. Although now I find myself at a bit of a loose end, so to that end this weekend I crocheted at little Octopus for baby to hold. Apparently the tentacles remind them of holding the umbilical cord.  It is the first time I have ever read a crochet pattern and truthfully it was not as difficult as I have always thought.  Currently Big Bear is in USA for a business trip and will be back at the end of the week, there are MANY prayers going up that our Munchkin stays exactly where it is until due date.

Apart from all the above excitement it was also time for all my annual check ups. MRI, CT Scan, Mammograms and Sonars.  That, whilst exhausting, went very well and I am happy to declare that I am cancer free and well.  Sadly that wasn't the only doctor dealings we had. Hubby is scheduled for a "small" back op on the 23rd of this month, which is going to put him out of action for some weeks. I also had to see the Dr because of ongoing knee pain for the last ten months.  Hmmm after x-rays I saw an Orthopedic Surgeon who said I need a knee replacement.  I have also made an appointment with the Surgeon who operated on Hubby and Princess for a second opinion, in about two weeks.  Either way it will not be immediate or even soon as I need Hubby to recover and Baby to arrive.

What would one of my Blogs be without some event / mishap / drama ?  Back in March when Jelly Bean had her birthday all of the ladies in the family went Clay Pottery Painting and then to a High Tea.  It has taken all this time to get our painted articles back, which Baby Bear did just before the Shower.  On our way home that night I had ours as well as Poppet's piece in the boot of Hubby's car.  Big Guy was with us and we arrived home after dark (it was a long day).  As I came up to the turnoff to our road I was concentrating on why the lights were on in an empty house and saw the speed bump just a second too late.  I was not speeding because I was about to turn but,  we hit the bump with a BUMP.  On unloading the car as I picked up the paper wrapped package I could feel, and hear, that one of the articles had broken.  Oh how I prayed that it was mine.  No such luck, I had broken Poppet's big pottery leaf bowl in three pieces.  I was absolutely devastated.  Hers was the biggest and the most expensive.  I could not rest and definitely could not sleep until I had confessed and told her.  Bless her heart, she was so understanding and really didn't sound upset, although I would have been.  I asked Hubby to glue it together and he did a superb job.  I gratefully handed it to her last week and thereby absolved myself of any further damage. I have said to her that I will take her Clay Painting again on me.

Well folks, as you can see, one incredibly busy month which seemed to run into itself.  I am hoping July will be less manic and decidedly more peaceful.  I have a good amount of work to get through, which is always a blessing and optimist that I am, I am still watching the horizon for winter :) 

I pray you all have a good July, please take care and stay safe.  Ciao, Ciao.

Charlie waiting for "the kids" to return to the table on our coffee date.

 

My Life's Winding Roads: Somehow June snuck up on me ...

My Life's Winding Roads: Somehow June snuck up on me ...: Good morning world, wow apologies folks I woke up at about 3.20 and could not get back to sleep.  Once my mind switched on 💡  I suddenly re...

Somehow June snuck up on me ...

Good morning world, wow apologies folks I woke up at about 3.20 and could not get back to sleep.  Once my mind switched on 💡 I suddenly realised that I am late with this months Blog.  So, here I sit at 4.43 catching up on my life.  The world is still, I am wrapped up in a blanket,  if I listen carefully I can hear the waves breaking on the shore and now and again the patter of soft rain on the roof.  Sadly because I am up both the cats think it should be breakfast time and are wandering around expectantly ( not happening guys hehe).  Up until now we haven't  really had much of a winter, yes cooler temperatures but not winter, until last Friday when the wind and rain arrived with a vengeance and is still around. There is also snow over many areas of the country.  Needless to say we have had our fire going - to create the perfect scene right now the embers should still be glowing and I should have a hot cup of tea in my hand but, nope the fire is dead and I have not put the kettle on because that would probably wake the entire household.

May was a very busy month with work and everything that just seems to happen without planning or warning.  The family are all doing well, what more can a Mom ask for?  Hubby has a scheduled back op at the end of July to fix the  two vertebrae which are causing him a lot of sciatica pain.  Next week sees my precious Princess turn 21, oh where has the time gone? We are obviously not going to be able to see her but she is coming down on the 21st and we will be making a point of celebrating then.   I know that I for one am counting sleeps until then, we miss her so, so much.  Preparations for Baby are ramping up and added to that the lady who works for the Bears, has a daughter who only found out she was pregnant at 27 weeks, four weeks later she gave birth to the tiniest little human. Who is doing extremely well. Obviously they were all caught unaware as the couple were not planning on having another child.  My heart went out to them and I put out an appeal on one of our local Whats App groups for preemie baby clothes.  Well, never in my wildest dreams did I expect the result.  People were absolutely amazing and baby things came flooding in. I managed to knit up a few pairs of the tiniest booties you can imagine, they just fitted onto my thumb. There were clothes from preemie to older, someone donated a cot and a baby bouncy chair, blankets, books, even brand new preemie vests in their original sealed packaging from Sears in the USA.  Given that space in this house is a premium, I stored everything in my car.  Then almost three weeks ago Jelly Bean and I went to house sit for the Bears, it was just so timely and  a much needed little holiday.  When we arrived in Sea Point my dear Picasso looked like a small bakkie.  the family met us there and we transferred all the baby stuff to their vehicle and I could put my seats back in place. 

We truly had the most magical week, looking after the apartment and Panda their gorgeous cat (who has an obsession with being patted on her back just next to her tail - I do mean patted ... until your arms are tired).  JB and I had planned out where we wanted to go beforehand, first of which was to Bloubergstrand and a Mall there which I had heard a lot about.  In all honesty I have to confess, Malls are not my thing, I find that they are so big that I only go to the shops I need to go to and completely miss the rest.  Anyway, we managed to find everything we were looking for and then went to the beachfront for a well deserved cup of coffee. The weather was cold and overcast but that did not deter us in the least.  One night we were treated to a wonderful meal at La Boheme, which is a very smart restaurant (thank you guys for that). Next we went through to Camps Bay which in all honesty was a disappointment.  It used to be such a special place with views hard to equal.  The views are still there, but the overall feel of the area has gone down considerably and yet very flashy hmmmm, sad to see.  Then I took the r

oad back to Sea Point that goes over the neck of Table Mountain, again it was rainy and overcast, but it was also a bit of a sight seeing trip for JB.  On the Saturday we went to the Oranjezicht Morning Market ( which is no longer in Oranjezicht, it is down next to the Waterfront.)  Again not quite what I was expecting but, what a vibe.  It is 99% food stalls from every conceivable country, a few fresh produce stalls with unusual products and a few stalls selling clothing etc.  Talk about busy, Oh my word, it felt like the entire city was there, it is obviously  a popular meeting place.  After that we went back to the apartment and curled up with blankets and binge watched a series on TV.  As with all good holidays neither of us was ready to come back home and back to routine, but hey that is life. 

I have managed every now and then to get some Diamond Dot painting done between knitting and working.  Thank the Lord that the work keeps coming in and in most cases always involves a challenge of some sort.  The latest ''bundle' that arrived yesterday is going to test not just me, but my sewing machine as well.  It is to replace the plastic seating on patio chairs for a local restaurant - eeeek, if it turns out successfully I will post a pic or two at the end of the job.

Well folks it is still pitch black here, the cats have settled down, the rain still patters on the roof and the rest of the world (and family) still sleeps, Charlie has joined me so perhaps I can go back to bed and join them hehe.  I have just seen another weather advisory for wind and damaging rain, so it is going to be a blanket and hot tea kind of weekend.  Again my apologies for the four day late posting of this Blog.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend, let someone know how much you love / appreciate them. Stay safe and well. Ciao Ciao.

Sunset in Sea Point.

Bloubergstrand looking across the Bay to Cape Town, 

Driving to Camps Bay with a peek down to Clifton, the home of millionaires. 

Camps Bay

My Life's Winding Roads: We've made it to May

My Life's Winding Roads: We've made it to May: Wow!!  Good morning folks  what a merry-go-round April seems to have been.  So much happened and there is so much to share.  First of all, f...

We've made it to May

Wow!!  Good morning folks what a merry-go-round April seems to have been.  So much happened and there is so much to share.  First of all, for the first time in all these years of Blogging I am typing on a laptop, whoop, whoop.  Someone in  the family was blessed with a laptop and in turn blessed me with theirs.  it does take some getting used to after such a long time and every now and then I find myself touching the screen to move the cursor haha.

Where to start ? first of all winter is still on her way, despite a couple of threats and cooler, shorter days.  I guess one can't hurry autumn along.  I am not really complaining though, anything for less heat.  I did read yesterday that the wind gusts in Kleinmond were 123 kmph, so that is quite a good indication of winter.

The very BIG news, that I have been absolutely bursting to share is that our family is growing by one new member.  After 21 years we are getting ready to welcome a Baby Bear into the family.  We all found out as a family before Christmas and it has been one of the hardest secrets for me to keep hehe.  The Bears made their announcement during this past month and so, ta-da ... there is a precious little person arriving in the middle of August.  When I have mentioned over the past few months, that I am knitting, it has been booties and little jerseys.  Being me, over the years I kept a lot of baby clothes, the kids soft toys etc., and was able to put  most of BigBear's things aside and pass them over for the new arrival.  Mom and Dad are understandably beyond proud and excited and both Mom and Baby are doing very well.  At long last Princess is getting her desire to have a Cousin, everyone else gets to be Aunts, Uncle and for us Granny and Grandpa.  I tell you folks, the excitement is real.

The rest of the family are all, currently, well.  I say currently because our entire household was down last week with the flu.  Princess has had it on and off, the Bears have also had their turn.  It is not pleasant folks, so double up on the vitamins, smoothies and healthy choices. Hubby was the last to get it and the first to get better.  Yesterday was the first day I felt close to being better and JB who started it, is still not 100%.  I think I mentioned last month that Hubby has resumed his radio controlled sailing and is a very happy chappy.  The local group get together at one of the lakes here as often as possible, in Betty's Bay and then the larger group from Cape Town meet at different places to sail, all contingent on our delightfully, unpredictable wind.  Yesterday they sailed at an alligator farm near Paarl.  Poppet started her new job at the beginning of the month and despite the commute is absolutely loving it.  Big Guy is in the final throes of tying up a very big contract he has been working on for well over a year.  Big Bear enjoyed his trip to the USA, although I haven't had enough time with him to hear all the ins and outs.  He did say that his favourite place was New York.  Princess and I had a lovely face time call yesterday and, apart from looking tired she is doing really well and thoroughly enjoying her chosen subjects.  I had no clue that the work load for First Years was anywhere near as intense as it is. She never seems to stop.

Work wise it has been busy with an ever changing selection of things to alter, fix, make etc.  I really had no idea how much I would enjoy doing this as each item that comes in is a different challenge, plus I am meeting so many wonderful people.  I have been very grateful to God that somehow when I am having a bad Fibro week it almost always coincides with a quiet work week.

My first 6 monthly check up was during April as well, which was a small milestone.  I did not make the appointment with my Oncologist but rather with my Breast Surgeon as I have not been entirely happy with the communication lines with the Oncologist.  She sends me for tests etc but I have to nag and nag for the results which inevitably come through her secretary.  All three of my Doctors work as a team, so I did not want to cause a problem. Thankfully my Surgeon was my first point of contact and I have a very good relationship with her and could explain my frustration.  She totally understood and did a thorough examination, she also aspirated two lumps which were just fatty lumps, Praise God.  All the tests came back clean and good.  I have to go for all the annual MRI, Mammogram, Sonar and, and in June and she has already set the date for it all.  so, yaay, I am good and healthy and will stay on 6 monthly checks.

This past weekend I picked up my colouring pencils for the first time in I don't know how long.  With working and all the knitting I barely get to my Diamond Dot paintings, much less any other hobbies, but I just felt the desire to be quiet and creative.  It was wonderful, I had forgotten how calming it is.

Well folks, in a brief but full nutshell, that is all my news for now.  Have a wonderful week, may the month of May be especially good to you. Stay safe and well.  Ciao Ciao.

For a tiny pair of feet already walking all over our hearts.

My Life's Winding Roads: Wishing you all a Happy Easter

My Life's Winding Roads: Wishing you all a Happy Easter: Happy Monday everyone both near and far and Happy Easter for this past weekend, it is only because of His sacrifice that we have hope and li...

Wishing you all a Happy Easter

Happy Monday everyone both near and far and Happy Easter for this past weekend, it is only because of His sacrifice that we have hope and life.  For those in South Africa we have just had two long weekends in a row so looking at another short week.   It is also school holidays here so our little Village is very full with holiday homes and B & B's mostly rented out.  The weather has also been absolutely perfect (for me hehe) for the last 2 weeks, yesterday excluded.  Cooler, misty and  a bit drizzly, pure heaven after the intense heat, the humidity is still quite high.  Saying this just reminded me of years ago when my kids were at school, school holidays were staggered with the different Provinces.  Good old yesteryear.

Well March wasn't quite what I expected or planned but it too has come to an end.  It started with me having the Bone Calcium Infusion  and for the third time in a row my reaction was the severest to date. I will not be having it again and would rather take magnesium daily than subject my body to this again.  It started with the usual increased pain and flu like symptoms but also pushed me into a Fibro Flare, the likes of which I have never experienced.  One of the disturbing Fibro symptoms is something called Fibro Fog where one feels as if thinking is like trying to walk through quicksand.  I got to a point where I was making JB a new dress for her birthday and, after all the measuring and drawing up of the pattern, I cut the bodice out, pinned it together and it was too tight.  That absolutely floored me.  No matter how I tried to re-measure, re-draw the pattern nothing  worked.  Eventually after many tears of frustration I called my seamstress neighbour who came over the following Monday and bam in 10 minutes we had it right.  I had looked at it and thought that I could put a small panel in under the arms, but that thought flew right through my brain and out the other side. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Then I picked up a jersey pattern i wanted to knit .... oh my goodness 3 days and 4 patterns later I could actually harness my brain into getting the pattern right. I was seeing the abbreviations and mentally transposing them. Instead of decreasing I was making a hole. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ At the time, no matter how hard I looked I could not see the fault. Grrrr. During this same period I forgot to order my chronic meds from the pharmacy who only deliver on Fridays and Tuesdays. So, from the Friday to Tuesday I was without one particular pill, which worsened everything even more.  When I eventually went and saw my GP he was horrified.  I was told that under NO circumstances do I ever miss one of those doses.  He did a full neurological test and work up on me and assured me that I am not going crazy or mentally insane but that it was a three fold problem.  The drip, Fibro and the missing pill.  I was so relieved to be declared "normal".  I thank God for an empathetic and thorough Dr.  He made some temporary adjustments to my meds to get me back on track,  and told me to just be kind to myself.  I have to thank JB for all her  care and understanding and for never getting irritable or annoyed with me.   Two weeks later on her birthday I was still struggling, but thankfully apart from occasional balance issues I am back to my normal self. 

For her birthday Poppet and BabyBear had organised a full day of activity in the City. We went together with BabyBear's mom, who was visiting, to a Clay Painting Cafe, where we each chose an item and then got to paint said item, as well as having a stunning brunch. I was a mess with just trying to decide on what to paint and then when I did, in my opinion, in looked like a kindergarten piece. Oh Dear !!! Poppet stepped in and added a flourish to my dish.  All the others were absolutely spectacular and I will look at mine with pride considering everything I was going through at the time. From there we went back to the apartment to get dressed smartly before going to The Silo Hotel at the Waterfront for High Tea.  What an incredible afternoon with the most incredible food, laughter, love and good girl time.  All in all it was a wonderful birthday celebration for an amazing young woman.

During this time BigBear was in the USA and even got to go to New York.  I haven't seen him since his return so am waiting to see all the photos and hear all the stories.    Princess is doing well just extremely tired.  She is working during their vacation as well as trying to catch up on Varsity work, but, she is thoroughly enjoying her chosen subjects and getting really good marks.  Well done my precious Princess.   Big Guy is also well and working very hard, he too is having quite a few extra DJ gigs which he loves doing. Poppet is extremely busy with her Paddle Group and starts her new job in 8 days which she is really looking forward to.   Miss Muffet has had some health challenges but has and is dealing with them like a real trooper, you go girl, you've got this.  All in all the family is well, busy and happy.

Hubby is as usual busy with his watches and clocks as well as enjoying his new hobby of Radio Controlled Sailing.  I think he is still adjusting and getting to know the boat and its foibles as well as dealing with the ever changing wind down here.

Two weeks ago our local pet charity gifted me with an original Wardrobe  Steamer Trunk filled with various rolls of ribbons.  Wow.. I was so excited. It needs a lot of work on it and I seriously considered taking it on but upon reflection and prayer I came to the decision that it is quite a bit more than I have in me at this time.  I gifted a number of rolls of sequins to someone whom I know blings jackets and bags etc.  Kept the ribbons and yesterday managed to sell the trunk and donated that money back into the charity.  So, all round a happy, good decision.

Business has picked up a lot and I am working hard just to keep up at the moment.  I continue to get some really odd things to fix or alter - ie three dolls that were chewed  by a dog.  There is hope for 2 of the dolls but I fear the third is history.  I have to remake the soft, cloth bodies completely - eeeeek.

Folks thanks for reading through this long monthly "digest" .  If you know of someone with a Chronic / Autoimmune Disease like Fibromyalgie, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis etc, please be patient with them.  They may look perfectly normal on the outside, but you have no idea what it takes to look like that and the feeling of sheer panic / terror at not even being able to think clearly.

I wish you all a wonderful week, stay safe and well please. Ciao Ciao. 

Birthday celebrations.

Original Wardrobe Steamer Trunk. Zeepha inspecting.

My Life's Winding Roads: What a fun month

My Life's Winding Roads: What a fun month:   Good morning folks far and wide from an undecided little village on the Western Cape coast.  Woke up yesterday to rain and mist after a co...

What a fun month

 Good morning folks far and wide from an undecided little village on the Western Cape coast.  Woke up yesterday to rain and mist after a cold night, which was such a delightful treat. It stayed that way until 3 pm and poof the sun came out and the humidity climbed 😥. Today it is cool and soft rain 😁.  Clearly autumn hasn't clearly announced her arrival, come on winter, please.

Well we had a fabulous February, don't get me wrong it still had its stresses and nasty moments but I am choosing to focus on the happy, exciting times.  It started off with Jelly Bean and I going through to house sit for the Bears.  We had such a good time and did a whole bunch of stuff we haven't done in the longest time. We went shopping at the Waterfront,  had breakfast at a cute little coffee shop, ate differently to here at home and had lots of cuddle time with Panda our house sitting purpose. Panda is the Bear's cat who is just the cutest little thing.  She is a calico  and looks a lot like  "Grumpy Cat", she doesn't like scratches or, not as much as she likes to be patted just above her tail, quite vigorously I might add.  We read, we binge watched a cooking show and in general just chilled.

The family are all very well and working hard.  Big Guy got to watch one of his biggest clients build and  open their new business which was a long time in the hatching.  Poppet is an avid Paddle Ball player and with the group she plays with even went camping ten days ago and had an absolute blast.  Princess was laid low with a nasty bug just after starting Varsity but thankfully made a quick comeback and despite being flooded with work and assignments is completely happy with her chosen subject and her life.  The Bears are very well and as usual extremely busy.  Big Bear is heading off to the USA for 2 weeks this coming Thursday, leaving every single one of us mere mortals completely green with envy.  A bucket list trip of his for almost his whole life. Be safe Son.  Miss Muffet has had a health challenge and is busy working through her healing, we are praying 🙏  for God's complete healing in Jesus Name. I cannot describe how.much I am missing Big Guy and Princess, it feels like an eternity, especially Big Guy. 

Hubby has started cycling a little bit, which is really good for him and something he has not done for years. He is also getting back into Radio Controlled Sailing with a local group, after a break of nine years or so. He is still busy with watches and clocks which is always good.  Work wise my month started off being very busy, but has slowed down a bit over the last two weeks.  It gave me time to catch up on a lot of sewing and altering needed around the house. I made new covers for the deck benches as the denim we had faded so badly that it looked dreadful.  I am not happy with the way they fit so will tweak them this week.   The heat finally won and I moved my sewing cupboard into the house.  I was sitting with the fan blowing right on top of me and still looking like I was in a sauna ... too much for this woman.  I have also been doing a lot of knitting, good to know I hadn't lost those skills.  I finished the Diamond Dot Painting I was busy with - a bue marble type design, and  started one that Hubby bought me for Christmas which is very different. It is bright and is a Dragonfly on what looks like stained glass. Great fun to do.

The Saturday before last the Bears came through for the day, we went to Hermanus to a wine farm called Benguela Cove and had the most delicious lunch.  What an amazing day of good visiting, catching up, laughing and loving.   I can honestly say my Family are my everything and I love being with them.

Someone mentioned something to me this last  week which I had seen a while back.  We need to look for the glimmers.  What are glimmers? They are those little glimmers /moments / events that make us happy.  When I read it, it really stood out as special.  We tend to get so bogged down with the day to day drudgery and stress that we "forget to stop and smell the roses" or completely miss the little glimmers.  The negative tends to grow and grow until it over shadows everything else. Folks that is not what God wants for our lives. He didn't create us to just barely exist.  Yes we are living in an unbelievably stressful, unkind, ugly, brutal time BUT that doesn't have to be our story.  Every day will have some kind of a glimmer - a beautiful bird, a pretty flower, your pet makes you laugh, or just makes you feel loved. A grandchild giving you a hug, a strangers kindness I could go on and on.  We miss these when we are stressed and overwrought.  Make a point of looking for your glimmers every day and then think on them and let them fill you with joy and delight.  God's Word says - Matthew 6 v 34 " Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.". Romans 15 v 13. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Proverbs 17 v 22.  A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Well friends and family that was my February in a nutshell 🙃.  I want to wish each of you a wonderful full week, filled with glimmers, I would love to hear about some of your glimmers and what they did for you.   Stay well and stay safe.  Ciao Ciao.

Panda Bear

Little Zeepha keeping me company.

Marble design Diamond Dot painting (I really need to get them framed.)

My Life's Winding Roads: 2024 Kicked off with a rush.

My Life's Winding Roads: 2024 Kicked off with a rush.:   Greetings to you all from an extremely hot, humid and uncomfortable Betty's Bay.   It seems that the moment the visitors left, the sun...

2024 Kicked off with a rush.

 Greetings to you all from an extremely hot, humid and uncomfortable Betty's Bay.   It seems that the moment the visitors left, the sun came out to play and has glared down day after day.  Years ago there was never humidity in the Western Cape, that was a Natal thing; but my how that has changed.  I have tried all my tricks to cool off and nothing works beyond a few minutes. Ughhh !  Winter you are welcome at any time. 

Our New Year started with the best spoil when Princess and C arrived on the 1st and stayed until the 3rd.  We packed so much into that short time and stored up as many memories as possible. We even went to the shell beach, its been ages since we were there.  I have never seen more than perhaps 2 other people there and that day there were about 15 haha.  We got a good collection of shells and Charlie played with the waves for the first time ever. He also came across his first toddler since he has been with me and was so gentle and calm, I was so proud of him. It was a very tearful goodbye not knowing how long it will be until we see each other again, shucks it is hard when the Grandchilden grow up.

The following week one of my very dear friends came down for a visit, oh my goodness.  What a wonderful time of fellowship, laughs, sewing and sharing we had.  She taught me all about making Kefir (I knew nothing) and within a day the Kefir station was producing exactly as it should.  To learn more.   https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-health-benefits-of-kefir.  Kefir has approximately 50 - 83 different strains of probiotics.   Needless to say I now make Kefir every day which I have with my granola in the morning and in everything I bakes thats calls for milk.  Hubby would drink it all if left to himself and JB is also drinking it in smoothies.  A few days after my friend left I tried my hand at Kefir cheese ... DELICIOUS and then made Kefir cheese balls with chives which I keep in olive oil  - I am addicted to these.  Just another thing I've added to my daily routine, still much more to learn.  Again far too soon we had to say goodbye but hopefully not for too long a period until she can visit again.

My business is growing nicely and apart from the 1 week I took off between Christmas and New Year I have had a small but steady stream of clients with things to alter, fix, replace etc.  I truly can only give God all the glory.  On that note, last year already, I had started looking for a sewing cupboard that I could keep both my sewing machine and overlocker in, ready to go, as well as storage for the growing pile of things.  I had seen one but the lady proved to be difficult to communicate with, eventually she asked if I was still interested, I was and bought it.  She lives in Hermanus so Hubby went off to fetch it,  only  to come back empty handed, it was too big and heavy for him to load into the car or even lift. So we organised a trailer and he hired someone to help him and after a lot of grunting and groaning,  I now have a beautiful sewing cupboard on the deck - I just have to sort out the heat problem being out there.  

The family are all well, being a large family there always seems to be some health issue or personal crisis but we ride the waves and stand strong in our Faith in God.  Princess got everyone's heart racing one night when she stepped back in the kitchen and tripped over a carpet hitting the side of her head on the fridge door handle. Thank goodness for C's Paramedic Training as he got her down, kept her awake and stemmed the most of the blood flow before rushing her to Emergency.  She ended up with 5 stitches over the top of her ear, thankfully in her hairline, plus numerous bruises and grazes.  It took the Dr some time to close part of the hole and stop the bleeding before she was allowed home to rest up.  Her stitches came out last week and although she is feeling a bit vulnerable with her ear she is well.  I am busy with a number of projects currently - sewing, knitting, dotting, kefir'ing and about to sew new elasticised bench cushion covers for easy removal and washing  (for the deck).  I can't wait to show you all the beautiful material I managed to get, that belongs to next month's story.

Living in Betty's Bay we have come to expect burst water pipes which inevitably means a couple of hours of no water or worst case scenario, a  day or so.  There seem to have been many reported throughout the last month especially and the Municipality is hard at work in upgrading the infrastructure.  Seeing brown water come out of the taps is not a shock to us because the fynbos also can discolour the water. So being somewhat unobservant, a couple of weeks ago I put all our white towels in with the washing and could only stare in disbelief when I opened the machine.  My ENTIRE wash, including coloured items,  was a consistent, medium shade of beige/ brown.  It was hot, I was already tired and sore and was almost in tears.  Can you believe that  in this very technological day and age we live in it is almost impossible to find good old Steri Nappi.  All of the clothing has now returned to its normal colours, with frequent washes,  except for the big stuff and towels for  which I am awaiting delivery of Vanish 02 white.  I will then begin the process with returning my linens to bright white 🤞🏻.  After asking on our local WA group I have discovered the simple solution of running the tap into the basin before switching on the machine.  At first I blamed my machine, then later that day when the toiled flushed mud coloured water I realised where the problem had come from 🤦🏻‍♀️.

This all brings me to last week when we had another big fire which started in Pringle Bay, our neighbouring village. We were on our way home from SW when Jelly Bean saw the smoke. By late that afternoon we were having to consider evacuation as it had reached the dunes on our side and was in full flow.  Once again huge thanks and kudos go out to our Fire Fighters and all those that came in from other towns.  There was not one home lost after day one, where just after it started it raged through the point and burnt out most of the homes ( it is a very isolated area called Sea Farm with very few houses ).  Sadly one of the homes belonged to the Caretaker of Sea Farm who is one of our Volunteer fire fighters and whilst he was trying to save other structures he lost his home and all they owned.  There was a picture taken when he received the news which is heartbreaking in knowing what had happened and yet he carried on protecting everyone else's homes.  As usual the amazing folks in Betty's Bay came to the fore and our Village Hall became the hub for feeding and sheltering fire fighters. The fire was only contained fully on Friday due to the winds which kept changing direction.  God once again showed His miracle working power in sending rain (in January??) Which helped with giving those on the ground some lee way and protecting homes.  It is at these times, when one sits and seriously thinks about what you need to take that you realise what is important to you.  We had the cat boxes at the ready, cars turned around and in the driveway and I had mentally catalogued what would go.  Thank the Lord we did not have to evacuate, although many people did both here and in PB.

Folks as you can see, January was 87 weeks long and packed full of things, every day, I was actually glad to see February arrive on the calendar.  Here's hoping February cools down and slows down.  I wish you all a wonderful week, thank you as always, for joining me on my Winding Road of Life.  Stay safe and well. Ciao ciao

Charlie chasing waves

Sewing cupboard blessing

Kefir Cheese and chive balls.

My Life's Winding Roads: Happy New Year and Hello 2024

My Life's Winding Roads: Happy New Year and Hello 2024: Good morning all and  Happy New Year to each of you.  Can you believe it ? We are living in a time that 50 years ago was only in the Jetson&...

Happy New Year and Hello 2024

Good morning all and  Happy New Year to each of you.  Can you believe it ? We are living in a time that 50 years ago was only in the Jetson's TV Show.  Gosh how much we have seen and lived through and how privileged we are to still be here to tell our stories and pass down history.

It was a quiet, very weird, Christmas and a lovely quiet week since then.  We had our Express Christmas with the Bears and Poppet and did a live video link with Big Guy and Princess.  What a special day and so many memories were made, these family gatherings leave my heart full and comforted.

December of course had all it own types of fun as usual.  Big Bear took me out for the most incredible dinner of fine dining and an evening of sharing dreams and hopes and general catching up.  In line with my intention to make the most of every day and do new things, I tasted and /or ate everything on the menu.  Baby Bear was away for a work function and it was actually the first time ever that he and I got to go out for a meal, being just the two of us.  What an incredible evening 😍.  JB and I slept over at Poppet's house so as not to have to drive over the Pass, all in all a very special time. 

Talking about the 'long way around ' as it became known we must give a hand to City of Cape Town for their incredible work on repairing the three roads which had cut us off in September.  They finished the Hermanus Road, then the bridge to Kleinmond. Their aim was to have everything open or at least driveable by mid December.  They outdid themselves and our beloved Clarence Drive was re-opened to traffic a week before the middle of the month.  There are 6 Stop and Go areas which are being managed extremely well. We have never waited for more than a minute or so.  Between the Stop and Go's it is down to one lane only, one direction at a time.  To see the utter devastation of the road and the mountain is hard to put into words.  In one area the entire road collapsed and cars now drive through the actual rest stop area.  The scars are going to be on our mountains for a very long time, but oh what a joy to drive that road again.

Work wise it was a very busy month with me working right up to the 22nd.  My most interesting project was ... to shorten length and height, a tennis court net to fit a Pickle Ball court. Pickle Ball and Paddle have taken the Cape by storm.  I had to cut off 3 metres of the original net restitch the side band back on.  Then my my brief was to shorten the height of the net to  " the length of the inner leg of this pair of trousers plus one inch" 🤣🤣🤣.  Out came Google for the proper dimensions and can you believe that the length of the leg and one inch was exactly as stated in the rules?  Well, it took me a couple of days and some very raw fingers but I did it successfully and was able to pat my humble little sewing machine on doing so well. 😂  the client was absolutely delighted and the net is now in daily use in Kleinmond.  The trousers received a new zip and two holes repaired haha.  

We have had the most wonderful weather, cool and wet or windy for the last week which is not necessarily what the holiday makers want but has certainly kept many children from drowning. For the first time since we've been here, our main beach was closed twice this week due to two sharks 🦈  swimming around.  Last week as I was walking around the yard trying to find Tilly (the tortoise) I came across a snake 🥴 at first i didn't realise what it was and came back past it to see it had moved. Hmmmm. Call Hubby and grab a broom stick.  Tell Hubby to bring a container AND lid.  I tried picking up said snake with the broom stick which did not work.  By this time it had wriggled closer to the house. Eeeeek. I did not think of closing the door, I was too busy watching it. 😂 Hubby eventually grabbed a pair of braai tongs and gently picked it up and put it in the container with lid firmly in place.  My instructions were to please go and release it across the road far into the fynbos.  Sheesh.  It wasn't big, about 30cm long and we aren't sure what type of snake just that it was flipping fast.  Always an adventure here without fail.

On that note folks, family and friends my prayer for each one of you this year is for a good year, a year of answered prayers, dreams achieved, goals attained, new adventures, love, good health, God's peace and provision.  Please stay safe on the roads wherever you may be.  Ciao Ciao 

Our fine dining dessert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Clarence Drive.

Once a tennis net now a pickle ball net.