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...

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, that we don't get caught up on energy/peace sapping treadmills - whatever they may be, making time to do things that feed our souls and, just a gentle year.

As I reflected back on December I realised that it was the quietest December we've ever had.  By that I mean we usually have Big Guy come and visit, Princess usually comes as well and last year neither were able to make it. Princess was busy travelling around the country haha and she and her boyfriend, C, will be coming to spend a few days with us this month yippeee.   December proved to be on of the toughest months of the year within the family but, I can honestly say that no matter where we are, our very different personalities when one family member is hurting we band together in an unbreakable wall and do what needs to be done.  Family I could not be prouder of each of you and to be Mom of such strong diverse family.  Love you all beyond infinity. We did as a big family group all get together at the " girls" house on Christmas Day including Baby Bear's Mom and two cousins.  The only South Africa family missing was Big Guy - how I missed him.  Christmas Day was wonderful, full of laughs, good conversations and stellar food which the guys took upon themselves to braai.  It was a day of easy schedules and good company. Thank you all for making it a really memorable day.

About two or three weeks before Christmas we had some incredibly heavy rains which did considerable damage particularly to our beautiful Clarence Drive.  For that period of time we were having to travel back towards Hermanus, then link up with the N2 and go through Grabouw and over Sir Lowry's Pass.  With all the traffic being diverted to this route which is normally incredibly busy, a trip to Somerset West took anything between 1 1/2 to 2 hours.  😢. Thankfully we have a very good Municipal area in that sense and within two weeks they instigated a stop and go system for one lane whilst they repaired and are still busy reinforcing the outer lane.

I slowly managed to tick off some domestic chores which I usually have all finished by year end. Not everything  was done but in line with  my attitude to this year, I will do things in my own time and not with my mental stop watch ticking down.  I repaired a very big glass bottle that was cracked using clear epoxy and am delighted that it was a successful repair.  Currently I am piecing together a display decorative plate, which was knocked off the wall, with the same epoxy.

I did finish my Diamond Painting on the 30th and am Sooo happy with it.  I absolutely loved every minute spent on it.  Now to seal it and frame it then I will post a pic.  On the 31st I started my next one, gifted to me by Jelly Bean.  This one is of Table Mountain taken from afar just after sunset.   Oooh makes my fingers tingle hehe.

Hubby has built the benches on the deck, today I have volunteered to start painting them and we will soon be ordering the foam and covers. 👏🏻👏🏻

He has also received a large order to make 18 picture frames for an old client.  Always lots on the go here.

Yesterday I suggested a quick trip to Kleinmond, just something to mark the beginning of the new year.  Oh dear sometimes my plans go in the opposite direction.  I took the dogs with thinking they would enjoy the outing while we had a civilised cup of coffee.  Yikes ... They (Mostly Sasha) cried and whined every second.  We ran into the supermarket for a couple of essentials and then ditched the coffee idea for an ice cream at the Harbour.  🤦🏻‍♀️. First of all with all the carrying on I just parked - facing the toilets.  Just then the phone rang so I was juggling dogs and the call while Hubby went for the ice creams.  When he came back they were already melting so there was no time to turn the car around and enjoy the view, it was a case of lick fast.  Mine had a flake chocolate in it and when I was about half way I tried to push the chocolate in deeper 🤔🙄 three guesses to the fact that it didn't work and I ended up with flakes of melting chocolate ALL over my top and pants.  I just heard a snigger from behind me as Jelly Bean exploded with laughter, Hubby joined in .... Oh me, oh my.  I jumped out and managed to brush it all off, still licking my cone.  By then the dogs had jumped out with me and as I got back into the car they jumped in.  Sasha was struggling to get in and I pulled her lead with my left hand trying to pull her in.  Meanwhile more laughter from the back of the car - I had pushed Hubby's head into his ice cream whilst stretching out my arm.  What can I say, we just finished and came home, a journey I might add where both dogs were totally silent 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

Folks that's it, my primer paint awaits as does my first load of washing which needs to be hung up.  I truly pray that each of you has a wonderful month, that you don't jump straight onto the hamster wheel but find ways of slowing down and taking time to enjoy your life.  I am looking forward to a year of  opportunities, lots of reading and crafting.  Building ever stronger bonds with family and friend and doing more of what I want to do.

Be safe on the roads and wherever you go and stay healthy.  Ciao ciao 

Snapshots of the month.

Little Zeepha helping with wrapping.

Charlie taking a moment.

The moment I  get off

Repaired bottle. 

Zeepha's box obsession 

My Life's Winding Roads: December has arrived

My Life's Winding Roads: December has arrived:   Wow, good morning family and friends - December snuck up on us and here we are.  Everything about this year has felt off kilter, the month...

December has arrived

 Wow, good morning family and friends - December snuck up on us and here we are.  Everything about this year has felt off kilter, the months seem to fly by and in the Cape our weather has been all upside down.  After a 'dry' winter by comparison to most we have already had our first heat wave (last week).  This kind of weather usually only comes through in February, it was most uncomfortable to say the least.

Well a quiet month socially but extremely busy here at home and also with trips to town for a variety of reasons.  Folks we did it ... we finished off the deck (see pic).  After having someone come in to lay the floor tiles I volunteered to do all the grouting, 30 sq m.  Perhaps I misjudged the amount of work in comparison to my strength and energy levels but, I did it and am very proud of the little bit of sweat equity I added to the project (and sweat I did haha).  After a couple of false starts in finding a comfortable position to work in, one of which was a foot pouffe which we aren't using and I thought might work to sit on.  Hubby brought it through covered in a black plastic bag, put it down and I sat down.  Then in the same movement slid right off the back of it with legs in the air 😂😂, I clearly never thought that one through and how we all laughed.  Anyway, eventually I sat on a low camping stool and I think for the most part did a good job of working and pacing myself. Until I got to the last bit.  I should have done it over two days but had reached a point physically where I just knew the tank was empty and there was no way I could do another day. So, I just knuckled down and did the whole section at once.  Then I could rest and recover.  Since then there has been a lot of resting all the while doing smaller things in between.  Hubby has gone off today to buy the wood for the benches seating and storage whoop whoop. He can truly
be extremely proud of himself for what he has built, well done and thank you my love.
I also started my Diamond Dot Art Painting I may have mentioned this last month.  It is totally addictive and such a calming hobby.  I am just under half way with it and am already planning my next one - such fun.

The family are all well, it has been an incredibly challenging year for all four of the 'kids' work wise but we are standing on God's promises and trusting Him for doors to open.  Princess has officially finished school, that also seems to have just come out of nowhere.  She is currently up country on holiday and having a well deserved rest. 
Within the family we have finally got Christmas planned and will all be gathering at the Bandy Clan's House on Christmas Day. Sadly Big Guy is not able to join us this year and there is going to be a very empty place at home and on Christmas Day 🥺.  Miss you son.

Folks that is about it from me as I look back on the year and see how God has sustained and carried us.  He has never once failed and is always faithful.  As you each head into this season whether you will be going away, staying at home, having a quiet Christmas or a busy one i would like to encourage you to look back on this year concentrating on the blessings and positives. We made it through 2022, we are still here wiser and stronger .  Please be safe on the roads wherever you may go and remember that a kind word or gesture can totally turn someone's day around.
Have a blessed Christmas all.  Ciao ciao.

Ta da - our gorgeous deck.

Before, when we bought our house 

My Life's Winding Roads: And I thought September was busy...

My Life's Winding Roads: And I thought September was busy...:   Good morning friends and family, it feels like an age since I last 'spoke' to you all. So much happened in October that I am not e...

And I thought September was busy...

 Good morning friends and family, it feels like an age since I last 'spoke' to you all. So much happened in October that I am not even quite sure where to start.  Good grief my head spins just trying to recall everything.  I actually thought of doing a mid month Blog just to keep up but then life accelerated and, obviously I never got there.

The family are all well ... Hmm maybe not jumping around like spring chickens as both Big Guy and Big Bear hurt their backs and are still not quite 100%. There has been severe flu, tummy bugs etc but, as I type this we are all  well.  Princess had an extremely busy month with her Valedictorian Assembly, which we were very blessed to be invited to.  School has changed so much since I was there and even my kids.  Being a small class it was very personal and very touching, watching their traditions.  One of the cutest of which is the Grade 1's hand over a white rose to every Matric student.  The new generation saying goodbye to the old.  Afterwards the guests were able to mingle with the students and teachers before the Matric class walked through a Guard of Honour made up of students, teachers, parents and guests.  The following week she had her final year Art Exhibition, oh my word the exhibits were incredible. Each one with a written narrative of their chosen piece.  Princess' was truly exceptional in the thought and meaning behind it and the execution.  She has SO much talent just oozing out of her, well done my angel it is such a privilege to see your work and get a glimpse into your soul, we are SO proud of you.  The week following the above they started with their final exams 🙏🤗

The Bears have managed to organise their upcoming move after the successful sale of their apartment and will be moving in December. Poppet has barely had time to lift her head with work and all the extras at school. Big Guy, apart from his sore back, is also head down and working all hours just to keep up.  Actually all of them including partners are finding they do not have enough hours in the day, it is a crazy world.  For birthday Sunday  we all met at a lovely restaurant out on the Stellenbosch road for a celebratory brunch.  Such a gorgeous place and the food and company were excellent.  

We met with my Sister-in-law, her son and his wife for an incredible afternoon of catch up at Benguela Cove, Hermanus, which was long overdue.  Oh my it was so good to see them,  exchange stories, laugh and hug each other.  It truly was a day to remember and we are still talking about it.  The restaurant is on a very snazzy wine farm, right on the lagoon which gives their wines a somewhat different taste, growing so close to the sea. There are many statues as well as an art gallery.  A lot of the works displayed were at times breath taking.

We also had a wonderful visit with ex neighbours of ours from Johannesburg. They are both older than us and it was truly special, it felt like Mom and Pop had come to visit.  The men never stopped talking but, then again neither did us girls.

In between all this our 'normal' life continued, we have had the deck painted and tiled, it is looking amazing and I am so  excited to see it finally coming together.  This past week Hubby and I started with grouting the tiles - I was possibly, just maybe, a little too excited and overdid things grrrr. I do so wish my body would keep up with my mind and work ethic haha.  Hubby also worked hard and so now we have decided this week we will work together, I will grout and he will come behind to wipe and clean the tiles. Doing it this way should be a lot quicker and as soon as that is done I will share a picture.  It will just need the benches, cushions and blinds to be done.

I managed to successfully lengthen the jersey that I mentioned last month and my client was delighted 👏.  I also eventually started and finished the wooden unit which has been waiting for almost two years. It now has place of honour in the lounge and I feel like an addict in the sense that I immediately started looking for the next thing to paint, it was so much fun.  As I stand now there are three vintage suitcases, two antique magazine racks, a small candle hurricane lantern, a metal cross with a rose on it and a small table.

It is so nice to have caught up on all the backlog 👏🏻 and to be thinking of new projects.  Chalk paint is definitely a very satisfying medium and opens up a whole new vista of projects.

Yesterday I took a day for myself, sort of, and started a Diamond Art canvas that Jelly Bean had gifted me with, also ages ago.  I have been waiting for just the right time to start, without a list of 'to do's' bugging my consciences.  On first opening it I was a little overwhelmed  when I saw all the markings and just how many dots there are.  Once I started it was really hard to stop, again my body started yelling at me and I needed to take a rest. I do believe this is as addictive as chalk painting and I find it very calming as it caters to my 'need' for things to be orderly and precise. So folks, watch this space in the future.

There have been numerous trips to Somerset West and Hermanus and on Friday JB and I went in as I had an Oncologist check up.  Thank the Lord all is well although she is not happy that I am still in so much pain and such limited mobility with my frozen shoulders.  She is referring me to an 'Orthopod' to have it seen to, ho hum 🤔.

Well folks those are the highlights of October, there were the usual 'blonde moments' and minor catastrophes which caused much laughter and teasing, but then I just seem prone to be the family entertainment.  There are two which stand out in particular.  At Princess' Valadiction I  walked over to pour myself a glass of bubbly.  I was aware that someone was on my left side briefly but was concentrating on my task.  The next minutes the cork popped off the bottle further down the table with such a loud bang. Instantly I said "it's not me" which caused much hilarity and embarrassment.  I was never anywhere near that bottle.  🤷🏻‍♀️  Last week when I started the grouting Hubby gave me an old pouffe, which was in a black garbage bag, to sit on.  Well I sat and slid right off the back 😂😂, naturally much laughter at my expense haha.

Now that I have caught up I am hoping to have new projects to share with you. I will say this though. If you have not tried Diamond dot art, it is well worth getting yourself one and giving it a go. Very calming and satisfying to do without great physical effort.

I am also extremely aware that everyone is under so much pressure at the moment. It is like looking at a world of pressure cookers just waiting to 'blow'.  The demands of life seem to have increased hugely, work has become harder and longer, life has become uncomfortably expensive to the point where one is working out just how much a trip to town is going to cost in petrol/diesel. In the midst of all the crazy, all the pressure, all the worry, God never leaves your side.  He Has NOT changed and "is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow." His ear is always attuned to our prayers, day or night, whatever the circumstance. 

Psalm 37 v 14. The LORD hears His people when they call to Him for help.  He rescues them from ALL their troubles.

  - When a child of God calls out to Him, He hears their cry.

  - At the very moment you call out to Him, He responds to bring relief.

  - There is no trouble that is so powerful that God cannot free us.

  - Things may seem impossible and complicated but they are not  too hard for Him. 

A friend shared the above with me this week and I really believe it is so relative right now.  God hears and sees you and your circumstances.  He is moving on your behalf. Very often He has to work through another human to resolve the situation and therefore we need to also pray that the people He speaks to are quick and obedient to do what He has told them, as well as ourselves.  When God prompts you to do something/ pray/  for another person, we need to get it done ASAP.  We are part of someone else's answer to prayer.

As I close off this very long Blog, I pray you will experience God's peace in the days and weeks ahead.  I appreciate you all and thank you for your support and encouragement.  Ciao Ciao

Surrender -Benguela Cove

My wooden unit before and after

The altered jersey, which ended at the blue,  i added on the black below.

My Life's Winding Roads: Busy, busy, busy.

My Life's Winding Roads: Busy, busy, busy.:   Happy October everyone, all I can say about September is "it was good and very busy".  Here we once again find ourselves with a ...