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

My Life's Winding Roads: Wishing you all a blessed Easter.: Greetings and salutations to you all on this lovely Easter weekend.  I hope wherever you are you have relaxed and have a safe journey home. ...

Wishing you all a blessed Easter.

Greetings and salutations to you all on this lovely Easter weekend.  I hope wherever you are you have relaxed and have a safe journey home.

For the first time since we moved down autumn started on time and we have had a cool wet Easter weekend, in the '80's the first cold front always arrived over Easter.  For the last number of years the heat and absence of rain have lasted right through into May so, imagine my delight at being able to wrap up a little 😁 truly a happy bunny.   Last month was, as expected filled with all sorts of things.  Despite his concern and the rush, my surgery went well, the Gynaecologist removed a tumour which was benign Praise God, everything else went as planned. I have finished with Physio for my arms and everyone is delighted with my progress.  My right arm is still a little stiff but exercise is working.  I also had to see my Oncologist for a scheduled check up, everything is good there and all tests normal 🙏.  She still wants me to have a Colonoscopy and Gastroscopy but agreed to give me a 'month off' to recover and with no procedures.  It feels like I'm on holiday haha.

It was Jelly Bean's birthday and she really wanted to go and see the penguins at Boulders Beach, Simonstown. We went with the girls and decided to make a day of it.  There were so many people crowding the walkways which was quite a surprise, it has become a huge tourist attraction.  No one can get close to the penguins but it was very special seeing them and seeing their eggs in their nests.  From there we went to a wonderful restaurant in Kalk Bay where we sat and played Kwirkle, a really fun card game.  Afterwards we decided that the next time we want to see and get close to the penguins, it will be to our colony 900m up the road from our house 😀.

Deck news - I spent one and a half weeks making curtains for the deck, oh my goodness....never again.  I bought 2.8m wide material and just trying to cut the drops was a mission, eventually we cut the last four on the floor of the deck.  The widest curtain is 5.6m wide 🤦🏻‍♀️. I had ordered eyelets for them from Takealot as I needed 120.  Once the time came to put them in I realised they were totally unsuitable and also too small grrrrr.  That is the point where you just want things finished.  The next trip to town and I purchased the correct ones, not cheap by any means, and then spent two days cutting the holes and clipping them in.  I asked Hubby to go after me and just click in the bits which I wasn't strong enough to do. He then tootled off to buy rods to hang them on which, once we started we realised the rods were not thick enough.  So this week back to the shops for thicker, stronger rods and then HANG the curtains.

Awhile ago we had the Volvo towed into a Volvo repair centre where it sat whilst they tried to figure out the problem.  It took a good long while and they came back to us saying that it needed a new ECU and a new Harness (I'm just repeating what I know, doesn't mean I KNOW what they are 😃). Again these things cost a small fortune.  We had claimed on our householders policy for water damage to the ECU last year.  With a prayer and crossed fingers we submitted the new quote and Praise  God they paid out in full.  We have had the car back for over a week and she is running well and Hubby is a very happy man.  All in all it was just short of two years that she stood here. God is so good to us.

On Good Friday we were invited to the Bears for lunch and I must say it felt very smart driving along in the Volvo.  We had the most delicious lunch, they truly outdid themselves and we enjoyed a memorable afternoon with them just chatting, catching up and  generally relaxing together.  Thank you both for such a special day.

The diamond art is still being thoroughly enjoyed by JB and myself.  Princess has also been busy as she did a multi panel one for her boyfriend, after completing her first one.  Poppet is also busy but I am not sure how far she is.  JB and I sit and do ours in the afternoons during loadshedding.  I have finished three and she is on her second.  I ordered a beautiful one which I want to put in the bedroom and for Jelly Bean's birthday I was able to order her a custom painting of a Nebula, which is going to be stunning when done.  I eventually found the right product to seal them with and now they are waiting for Mr Hubby to make frames.  It is an addiction but quite the most rewarding and relaxing one I have come across.

And  that folks is my month of March in a nutshell, as always busy with a number of different things and thoroughly enjoying my 'month off'.  We have been given some plants which we are currently getting into the ground, cushions to make for the deck benches, watches and clocks to be repaired, frames to be made and so it goes on.

I pray you all have a good month of April, may it be a month of answered prayers, blessings, good health and God's protection.  Ciao ciao.

Gorgeous view from Simonstown across False Bay to Rooi Els.

Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach

Probably wondering why everyone is staring at them

Junior nagging mom

Not old enough to nag.

'Tilly' currently somewhere in our garden

My Life's Winding Roads: Whoosh we are in March.

My Life's Winding Roads: Whoosh we are in March.:   Hi everyone   from a windy and somewhat cooler little Village by the sea.  Yesterday and Saturday we had some god rain with a Level 6 warn...

Whoosh we are in March.

 Hi everyone from a windy and somewhat cooler little Village by the sea.  Yesterday and Saturday we had some god rain with a Level 6 warning of high winds, thunder storms and heavy rains.  So far it has been bearable, although the humidity levels are still unbearably. uncomfortable. The one thing I dislike intensely is humidity, it must be a sign of global warming because I remember back in the 80's  when we lived here it was virtually non existent, the winters were colder as well 😢

Well, just as predicted February was a crazy month but with nothing outstanding to report as such.  It was tons of trips to Somerset  West for one thing or another. Thankfully there was somewhat of a reprieve as far as Clarence Drive was concerned.  It reminded open with stop / go's in place and just my luck will be closed from today until the 23rd.  Closed from 8 am to 6 pm.  What I mean by just my luck is tomorrow I have to go into hospital for yet another 'procedure' as a result of the Dr's appointment I mentioned in my last Blog. (I know, it is hard.to.keep up). It is going to be an invasive day procedure which means that we will have to wait it out at Poppet's house until  6 pm rather than taking the double length trip back home when I am discharged.  Having had the anaesthetic and manipulation on the 17th Feb for my shoulders, which was a great success in that I have a much better range of movement (the specialist was delighted and signed me off on Thursday at my post 'op' appointment.)  I had been hoping to delay this new event until the end of March but the Dr was not at all happy about that, so here we go again.  I will say this - I am praying, I am positive but, I am also tired. Tired of the constant unknown as well as recovery times which just seem to roll into each other.  My shoulders were quick despite being discharged with both arms in slings.  The right strapped to my body and the left just in a sling, Sheesh talk about awkward.  There is still a a lot of black bruising and pain but so much better than what it was, thank You Lord.  Tomorrow's little deal is going to put me on downtime for about a week, grrrr.  To that end I have spent the last week or so getting up to date on all chores and spent the weekend baking Hubby's risks and some gluten free biscotti for myself.  If anyone knows how to cut biscotti without them breaking I am ALL ears, it doesn't matter if I wait 5, 10 minutes or cut them immediately they come out ... They break 🙄

On Friday Hubby finished the cat litter box - a kist like box in which we have put their litter box and some artificial grass to stop / greatly reduce the tracking of litter (something that really bugs me).   We also purchased the material and tape for the curtains, which we need to get to and then, apart.from the cupboards we can finally sign the deck off.  I sat outside there yesterday reading with both Charlie and Zeepha curled up next to me, it was heaven for awhile until it just got too hot. The curtains will help with that in the mornings, but the afternoons are perfect out there.  We have hung up the hammock seat as well so it is really starting to look lovely and inviting.  

Family wise everyone is well.  Jelly Bean and Princess spent last weekend house sitting for the Bears and had an absolute blast. They walked the length of Sea Point despite one being on crutches and just had so much fun 🙂.  The diamond dot painting urge has spread from Jelly Bean and I to both the girls, Princess is like a little machine, she goes so fast.  JB and I try and pace ourselves so as not to finish too quickly hehe.  It is one of the most relaxing hobbies I have done.

What would my Blog be without a bit of drama and humour ?  On one of the numerous trips to SW, the last time Princess came to visit, JB and I did all the necessary stops and shopping before collecting her.  When we pulled up JB heard a hissing and Lo and behold my left back tyre was in the process of going flat.  So a speedy collection and I drove to the closest garage which is right opposite their Estate.  The guys there although helpful, were unable to help and no one could find the spare, it took awhile to realise it is under the car !!  Seriously what were Citroen thinking in terms of a women having to change a tyre ? 🤷🏻‍♀️.  The garage was just a filling station with no workshop.  May I note here that the temperature that day was about 43c in SW. So, I asked them to pump it up as much as possible, enlisted Google and took off for the nearest tyre place. I was waved immediately onto the ramp and within minutes the guys and manager were at work.  It took two of them to get the spare tyre out from under the car.  We were shown into a blissfully cold, air conditioned waiting room.  The guys called and showed me that the side tyre wall had in fact cracked from old age, apparently those tyres were fitted in 2010, way to go Michelin.  The spare was retrieved, tested, pumped and fitted in short order with the now flat tyre being wrestled into its nest under the car.  By now I was just short of a melted puddle of humanity and duly went to pay and collect the girls.  Imagine my surprise when the manager said there was absolutely no charge and to have a safe trip home.  Wow... So unexpected and a top class level of service.  

Well folks I think that covers most of the highlights of the last few weeks, I am truly counting the days to winter and some lowering of the mercury, it has been a brutal summer.  I have armed myself with a new stack of books for on the library, and between that and my Diamond Art am more or less geared up for this week.  I wish you all a wonderful week / month ahead.  Stay well and stay safe.  Ciao ciao.

A few quick peeks at the deck as it is currently, awaiting cushions, curtains & cupboards. (Cat litter box 'kist' under the window) 

My Life's Winding Roads: February is a new 'year'

My Life's Winding Roads: February is a new 'year':   Good morning everyone, now that the 52 weeks of January are behind us, I am looking forward to what February will bring to the party. At t...

February is a new 'year'

 Good morning everyone, now that the 52 weeks of January are behind us, I am looking forward to what February will bring to the party. At this point it is not looking any quieter than the 'year of January.' Truly I have never known a longer month (not financialy) but good grief how much can fit into one month?

Let me start with the happy news that Princess passed her Matric with a Bachelors pass.  Well done my angel, it was one of the most difficult years and times to be writing and YOU  did it! We are so very proud of you. As most of you will remember, Princess had surgery to repair the inner miniscus of her knee in June and then the day they moved, she bent down to rescue a gecko and her leg brace snapped, as well as the repaired miniscus and the outer miniscus.  She has been in constant pain since then, which also limited all her holiday plans.  During the holidays she also managed to injure one of the lower vertebrae in her back.  So ... three weeks ago she was back in theatre for a major repair this time.  We sat with Poppet and McNab and when the poor  surgeon came out he looked like he'd been in the wrestling ring. The op was successful and she starts her recovery all over again with a much stronger, rigid brace. 🤦🏻‍♀️
Like daughter, like mother. In December, Poppet missed a bottom step and hurt her foot which everyone thought was a bad sprain.  Eventually, 5 weeks later, in the midst of Princess' Dr's visits their GP asked what was wrong and sent her for xrays.  She has fractured the seisamoid bones on her big toe and 2nd toe and is now, 6 weeks later in a boot. To say they look a sight with crutches, brace and boot is putting it mildly. 🙏🏻🙏🏻.
Happily the rest of the family are on the whole well. It seems that for us all, the year exploded with a bang and has been super busy. Hubby had a medical procedure (non invasive) two weeks after Princess and thank the Lord that all came back clean and healthy. I went into this year knowing I faced a barrage of new tests and Dr's but thought it would pace out through the year.  Apparently not. I've already seen an Ortho Surgeon who was a bit shocked at the degree my shoulders have frozen (they are at least 35 % better than they were) and he has scheduled me for Manipulation under Anaesthetic for the 17th Feb, where he will manipulate them both to 'break' the frozen muscles.  I'm seeing another Specialist this afternoon for his set of tests. Then I still have to have a Colonoscopy.  I am praying that once I can get all this behind me I can then book my next reconstruction  surgery and start to live a more normal life.

Deck news - it is FINISHED! Praise the Lord and thank you Hubby dearest. Last week, Jelly bean and I painted the benches (3 coats); the cushions are, as I type, being made and should be ready in a day or two.  Once they are in I will make a final decision on the curtains and scatter cushions. There is still the cupboard to build next to the braai; and on the window side instead of a general cupboard, Hubby is going to build me a craft cupboard/desk. Somewhere I can paint, do my diamond dot art etc. This is a new idea and I am super excited about having my own little corner. 
My first Diamond art is finished; I'm  just waiting to frame it. I have started my 2nd which is a night scene of Table Mountain, the city and the bay.  Whoop whoop! There are still a ton of projects waiting but it has just been sooo busy and a lot of travelling in and out to Somerset West.

Last week I was asked if I could nurse an injured kitten and said yes. Suddenly, Jelly Bean absolutely had a fit about it, which I couldn't understand, so I ended up saying no. Sadly, the precious baby didn't make it through the night anyway. I was still completely stymied at JB's reaction though. I knew we had a family lunch planned for yesterday at the Girls' house. Well, on Friday I did my nails then was busy doing JB's when a received a video call from Big Guy, unusual. So, straight away I asked what was wrong.  Nothing, he had just finished work etc.  The next minute he got out of the car and I realised he was at our gate. OK, yes, I lost it.  I was SOO excited as we haven't seen him since I came out of hospital.  He had planned this surprise built into a business trip, with his siblings and I had no idea whatsoever.  This explainedJelly Bean's reaction to me nursing a sick kitten (whew) lol.  Hence the family lunch as well.  Oh my what a weekend we have had.  We caught up, relaxed, chatted, laughed and it was so good.  On Saturday we went into Hermanus for lunch overlooking the sea, which was a special treat and then yesterday we were all together and it was incredible.  My heart is full, my hug tank is full, I am happy.  Last night and tonight he is with the Bears due to business meetings and accessibility before flying back tomorrow. 

As we drove over Sir Lowrys Pass this morning, I looked out at the Cape Flats and the Peninsula and had a warm feeling knowing all my 'chickens' were in that space. 
In December we had a very intense rain storm which washed away part of our beloved Clarence Drive.  It has had two stop/goes on it since then as they have worked on it.  Now they have closed it from today until the 21st between 8 am and 18.00. Which means we have to do the great trek to get to Somerset West. Through Kleinmond, round the other side of the mountain, past Bot Rivier and Grabouw, then Sir Lowrys Pass down into SW.  Sheesh it takes a long time 😂😂.  We brought Princess home with us to visit for a few days, so happy Granny. 

Yesterday on our way into town we saw the funniest thing. There is a fair sized, very popular tidal pool along Clarence Drive.  The sea was choppy and it was misty but, there sat two guys fishing IN the tidal pool.  Not an every day sight hahaha.

Well folks, if this Blog sounds a bit all over the place, that's what my life is like at the moment.  This was just a very general overview of the last few weeks.
I pray that February is kind and that you all stay well and safe .  Ciao ciao for now.

Photo credits T-J B aka Princess

2 good feet/legs between them.

My Life's Winding Roads: Wishing everyone a peace filled 2023

My Life's Winding Roads: Wishing everyone a peace filled 2023: Good morning everyone and a Happy New Year to each one of you.  My prayers and wishes for this year are that we take time for ourselves, tha...