Both my sister have now reprimanded me as I have been rather remiss in my blogging activities.
What with a new job with longer hours, plus attending lectures 1 weekend a month, plus working 1 weekend a month, as well as running a home, looking after kitty and HTB as well as trying to crochet (yes – me – crochet) a blanket for HTB – I have been far too busy to blog, but I will resume and perhaps blog on a weekly basis.
About the blanket – this is no ordinary blanket! It’s a blanket in the Johnstone clan tartan colours. You see, HTB had a Scottish mother from this clan, so he thinks he is Scottish, so I am crocheting this blanket for his birthday.
We have just returned from a 2 week sojourn to the W. Cape and back. We left on Friday the 25 June. After spending all of Thursday night packing, we set off with kitty yowling in her box, as she had to be dropped off at the cattery first. We dropped her off, and then proceeded to fetch a key from someone that we needed to get to gain access to a mountain hut. Once the key was collected, HTB got lost and disorientated, so it took us 45 minutes to get out of Hillcrest with much cursing from HTB ensuing.
Once we managed to navigate out of Hillcrest, we were well on our way. We were headed for a tiny town called Smithfield where we spent the night at a B&B. We had supper at the local pub where we met some interesting locals as well as 2 pommies out to follow England in the Soccer world cup. We left the next day for our next stop, it was freezing at 0 degrees.
We then entered Karoo country. Much delight expressed by HTB as he was in his beloved Karoo and could smell the fynbos and he was now home. Our journey through the Karoo was lovely, and we spent the night in a self catering cottage on a farm in the area. It was so lovely, we have vowed to go back and spend more time there.
The next day, we set off for our favourite destination – the Cederberg. We spent 6 days there and it was magnificent. We had divine weather, and went off hiking every day up and down the mountains with the most awesome rock formations. The only problem was that we forgot to organize booze, so we had and enforced alcohol free week – nuts!!
The accommodation in the Cederberg is self catering, very basic but perfectly fine, on a working farm called Driehoek, which has a lovely menagerie of animals. They have the obligatory cows, sheep, goats, horses, dogs and cats, but they also have a pig, that thinks it is a horse. This piggy is best friends with one of the horses, and rubs its snout on the horse’s legs. When it saw us, it came running over and then lay down to be scratched. Shame, and we eat them!
We sadly packed up and left Driehoek and headed off to spend 2 night in Fishhoek with HTB’s father, who is 86 years old, still lives in the big family house, will not go to an old age home, will not have a maid and the house is filthy, and he is also a bit demented. Say no more!We did manage to get to see 2 of HTB’s brothers, and their families, which was nice.
After surviving the family saga in Fishhoek, on the 4 July (my birthday) we headed off to our next destination which was the Du Toit Kloof Mountains. We were hiking, with full backpacks to a remote mountain hut. We were carrying sleeping bags, food, clothing, utensils everything. It was not easy. We finally arrived at the hut, which is lovely, but bear in mind, no electricity, just a gas stove for cooking, there is no running water inside either, only a long drop loo out in the bush and a small tub outside with cold water to wash with. This is fine, usually, can handle this as I am tough, except for one minor catastrophe. I was up this mountain, far away from civilization, no running water or flushing loo, and my period has to start, and I do not have tampons or sanitary towel s! Well, I just had to make a plan, suffice it to say, I had to revert to what our great grandmothers and grandmothers had to do, and made use of my cut up bath towel, newspaper squares and plastic strips cut from plastic packets. I won’t gross you out with anymore details. In spite of this, we managed to have a good time, we spent 3 nights there, the last night being so cold that we had to make a fire in the fire place, which kept us warm but made us rather smoky and smelly
We then decamped to Somerset West to stay with a good friend. HTB’s car was also due for a service that was arranged in Somerset West. What a palaver. I told HTB, never again! Anyway, apart from that, we had a good evening out with our friend, and the next morning set off for our next destination, Groot Jongensfontein. This is a small seaside resort near Stillbaii. Very unpretentious and basic. One of HTB’s brother ( there are 3 altogether) was coming to join us, and in fact, when we arrived, he had got there before us and started the fire for the braai, which was very pleasant. We drank copious amounts of wine and devoured our braai. We spent a very relaxing day reading and chilling at Jongens, unfortunately, the next morning, we had to leave to head fro home.
We set of nice and early on the Saturday and headed or Smithfield where we spent the night. The following morning, we set of and trekked home via Clarens. We got home safe and sound on the Sunday afternoon. It was a really good trip and we had a blast. We have now decided to aim for a holiday in Spain at the end of the year.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
1 day to Friday
The last couple of days at work have been rather hectic – we are short staffed by 5 people – for various reasons, and needless to say I am shattered.
Today was not so bad as I was working at our outpatient department which is a little more civilized. I had quite a nice day at work, I went to meet a patient I had called in the waiting room and when she saw me, she exclaimed at how pretty I was, never mind that she was about 90 years old and nearly blind, a compliment is a compliment!
I had a date with Cuzz Col for gym and coffee after work. On the way to meet her she called me to say lets can the gym but still meet for coffee – I agreed heartily, however I spent the next 40 minutes stuck in traffic thanks to roadwork’s and the light at the intersection of Argyle and Umgeni were not working to add to the usual mayhem. We haven’t had roadwork’s in this country for 20 years, now for 2010, every road is being worked on. After telling a pushy taxi driver off – I managed to maneouver myself out of the gridlock and managed to get to the coffee shop at 10 to 6 – I suggested to Coll to forgo the coffee and hop over the road to Hemingway’s where we would just be in time for a half price cocktail. She agreed with alacrity. So we made it with 5 minutes to spare and had a cosmopolitan each.
She then headed off to meet another friend for supper and I hightailed it home. On arrival, I was greeted by HTB who was hyperventilating because dear kitty was in a catfight and had not come home. I walked around the garden but could not find her. Back upstairs I discovered a present left for us by dear kitty – aka – a dead bird. HTB was tasked with removing the remains. We decided to go out for supper, whilst walking out we called for dear kitty, eventually being rewarded by hearing a plaintive miaow in response. HTB shone his torch up and we found her, by virtue of her glowing eyes, about 12 foot up a tree in the garden. We loaned a ladder from the neighbors – but it was not long enough. We resolve that there is not much more we could do to help her – I will ask the gardener to assist me tomorrow to get her down. Maybe a night up a tree will teach her to not do this again. Just another normal day in the Hanes/Heath Household!
Today was not so bad as I was working at our outpatient department which is a little more civilized. I had quite a nice day at work, I went to meet a patient I had called in the waiting room and when she saw me, she exclaimed at how pretty I was, never mind that she was about 90 years old and nearly blind, a compliment is a compliment!
I had a date with Cuzz Col for gym and coffee after work. On the way to meet her she called me to say lets can the gym but still meet for coffee – I agreed heartily, however I spent the next 40 minutes stuck in traffic thanks to roadwork’s and the light at the intersection of Argyle and Umgeni were not working to add to the usual mayhem. We haven’t had roadwork’s in this country for 20 years, now for 2010, every road is being worked on. After telling a pushy taxi driver off – I managed to maneouver myself out of the gridlock and managed to get to the coffee shop at 10 to 6 – I suggested to Coll to forgo the coffee and hop over the road to Hemingway’s where we would just be in time for a half price cocktail. She agreed with alacrity. So we made it with 5 minutes to spare and had a cosmopolitan each.
She then headed off to meet another friend for supper and I hightailed it home. On arrival, I was greeted by HTB who was hyperventilating because dear kitty was in a catfight and had not come home. I walked around the garden but could not find her. Back upstairs I discovered a present left for us by dear kitty – aka – a dead bird. HTB was tasked with removing the remains. We decided to go out for supper, whilst walking out we called for dear kitty, eventually being rewarded by hearing a plaintive miaow in response. HTB shone his torch up and we found her, by virtue of her glowing eyes, about 12 foot up a tree in the garden. We loaned a ladder from the neighbors – but it was not long enough. We resolve that there is not much more we could do to help her – I will ask the gardener to assist me tomorrow to get her down. Maybe a night up a tree will teach her to not do this again. Just another normal day in the Hanes/Heath Household!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
WACKY WEDNESDAY
It’s never a dull day in our household.
Last night, after I had staggered in through the door, HTB, seeing the look on my face, volunteered to make supper and wash the dishes. I happily agreed. While he was making supper, we heard the raised voices of an argument between the couple next door. She was shouting that she “had witnesses”
Of course our ears pricked up and HTB went to the front door to find out what was up. The argument then proceeded outside onto the stairwell; she was shouting that she had a restraining order. He said she didn’t- then she said ‘go to court and check” Then the police arrived to escort her as she got in her care and left. Gosh –we have such dull live in comparison. The theory in the complex is that she is an escort or a hooker – she works very odd hours and wears revealing clothes. Anyway, it’s all quiete now – he is alone at home with his puppy.
Further to this, my day got more exciting when I got a sms from my sister in the UK to say her youngest son has just had a poo from his bum. Although this may seem bizarre news, we are all relieved and delighted as he has just undergone a huge operation n to sort out his bowel and close his colostomy.
Having had another hectic day at work – I was not able to make our usual Wednesday cocktail hour – so I staggered home, knocked up supper and even made HTB a gluten free and dairy free dessert ( quite a challenge)
During this time, dear kitty got into a fight and had to be rescued. I consoled her by giving her more food which seemed to do the trick. She is no sleeping blissfully next to me on the couch while updating my blog. I also broke my “no drinking during the week” rule and drank 2 glasses of red wine during all this action. I feel soooo much better. Time to bath and lurch off to bed now!
Last night, after I had staggered in through the door, HTB, seeing the look on my face, volunteered to make supper and wash the dishes. I happily agreed. While he was making supper, we heard the raised voices of an argument between the couple next door. She was shouting that she “had witnesses”
Of course our ears pricked up and HTB went to the front door to find out what was up. The argument then proceeded outside onto the stairwell; she was shouting that she had a restraining order. He said she didn’t- then she said ‘go to court and check” Then the police arrived to escort her as she got in her care and left. Gosh –we have such dull live in comparison. The theory in the complex is that she is an escort or a hooker – she works very odd hours and wears revealing clothes. Anyway, it’s all quiete now – he is alone at home with his puppy.
Further to this, my day got more exciting when I got a sms from my sister in the UK to say her youngest son has just had a poo from his bum. Although this may seem bizarre news, we are all relieved and delighted as he has just undergone a huge operation n to sort out his bowel and close his colostomy.
Having had another hectic day at work – I was not able to make our usual Wednesday cocktail hour – so I staggered home, knocked up supper and even made HTB a gluten free and dairy free dessert ( quite a challenge)
During this time, dear kitty got into a fight and had to be rescued. I consoled her by giving her more food which seemed to do the trick. She is no sleeping blissfully next to me on the couch while updating my blog. I also broke my “no drinking during the week” rule and drank 2 glasses of red wine during all this action. I feel soooo much better. Time to bath and lurch off to bed now!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
HECTIC WEEK
My current job is about 3 times harder work wise – hence the lapse in blogging - I stagger up the stairs and lurch through the door - which was the case yesterday, it was Monday – and Monday is – wait for it- ironing night.
So I got some supper on the go and then proceeded to do the ironing. I don’t mind ironing, especially if I have a glass of wine to help thing along, but I would just like to point out the 90% of the ironing is manufactured by HTB, the remaining miniscule 10 % by me. Being twice my size and weight – his clothing is very much larger and requires more effort to iron, but I digress, I don’t mind doing the ironing as he does help around the house – but – he also seems to generate most of the mess.
I served up supper one the ironing was completed, and HTB had got a DVD for our evening entertainment. He promised that he would wash the dishes. After we had watched the DVD, he decided that he would wash the dishes in the morning, and we retired to bed.
This morning, I got up, fed kitty and let her out, made us breakfast and coffee which I served HTB in bed.
He was still sleep – eventually surfacing half an hour later to have his breakfast. He is now running late, still has to shave, dress etc and wash the dishes. I had about 15 minutes to spare before leaving for work, I stomped into the kitchen and promptly lost my temper and started to wash the dishes myself.
I was a real cow and crapped all over HTB about the mess in the kitchen – I then roared off to work, and on arrival felt like such a bitch. I couldn’t even sms him to say I was sorry as in my temper; I had left my cell phone at home.
Work was hectic as 3 people are off sick – I was put on screening duty which I have not done for 7 years, and generally ran around like a stabbed Arab! I only managed to leave work at 5.30 and was too late to make it to gym. So I got home and was greeted by HTB who asked me if I was in a better mood. He has just redeemed himself by making supper and washing the dishes!
Further to this – never a dull moment at Green ways – the couple next door had a raging domestic where we could virtually hear everything – she was shouting about having a restraining order and witnesses, he was shouting that she did not – anyway – she called the police who then followed her in her car as she left. He is now alone at home with a puppy for company.
That’s it now until the next update.
So I got some supper on the go and then proceeded to do the ironing. I don’t mind ironing, especially if I have a glass of wine to help thing along, but I would just like to point out the 90% of the ironing is manufactured by HTB, the remaining miniscule 10 % by me. Being twice my size and weight – his clothing is very much larger and requires more effort to iron, but I digress, I don’t mind doing the ironing as he does help around the house – but – he also seems to generate most of the mess.
I served up supper one the ironing was completed, and HTB had got a DVD for our evening entertainment. He promised that he would wash the dishes. After we had watched the DVD, he decided that he would wash the dishes in the morning, and we retired to bed.
This morning, I got up, fed kitty and let her out, made us breakfast and coffee which I served HTB in bed.
He was still sleep – eventually surfacing half an hour later to have his breakfast. He is now running late, still has to shave, dress etc and wash the dishes. I had about 15 minutes to spare before leaving for work, I stomped into the kitchen and promptly lost my temper and started to wash the dishes myself.
I was a real cow and crapped all over HTB about the mess in the kitchen – I then roared off to work, and on arrival felt like such a bitch. I couldn’t even sms him to say I was sorry as in my temper; I had left my cell phone at home.
Work was hectic as 3 people are off sick – I was put on screening duty which I have not done for 7 years, and generally ran around like a stabbed Arab! I only managed to leave work at 5.30 and was too late to make it to gym. So I got home and was greeted by HTB who asked me if I was in a better mood. He has just redeemed himself by making supper and washing the dishes!
Further to this – never a dull moment at Green ways – the couple next door had a raging domestic where we could virtually hear everything – she was shouting about having a restraining order and witnesses, he was shouting that she did not – anyway – she called the police who then followed her in her car as she left. He is now alone at home with a puppy for company.
That’s it now until the next update.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Another normal day in the H x 2 Household
This morning, for some reason, I woke up feeling a little grim. Not sure why, maybe because I had done my first gym session in a month the evening before. However, I still managed to lurch to the kitchen, naked, to make HTB and myself coffee and pronutro. I consumed mine in dazed silence as HTB was still unconscious. As I was getting ready for work he managed to surface and eat his breakfast.
I very conscientiously made us each a healthy lunch to take to work, which I promptly forgot and only realized this once I had arrived at work. Oh well – I had been a real greedy gut the day before, so a day of starvation would do me no harm. In spite of feeling grim, or old, not sure which I threw myself into work with my usual gusto. Had a very busy rewarding day, I did managed to get some studying done in between x raying patients – I am writing test on Sunday, and have not done too much learning – too busy meeting the girls for coffees and drinks etc..
After work – I raced off to meet the gals for our usual midweek cocktail hour. I knocked back to cosmopolitans in quick succession then headed off for home.
Once home, I was confronted with HTB ventilating because Dear Kitty had caught a tiny dwarf shrew which he had rescued from a near certain death from her. The poor little thing was unharmed but rigid with fright. There was more hyperventilating as HTB got an sms from the DVD hiring place that the DVD we had rented on Sunday had not been returned. I was tasked with returning the said DVD, which I had very dutifully done and said so. We then ascertained that I had in fact returned the DVD to the wrong DVD people
So firstly, HTB returned the petrified shrew back to a safe place in the garden, dear kitty was locked inside for punishment. Its was actually HTB’s turn to cook supper, but he wasn’t in the mood, and I was feeling mutinous and tipsy, so suggested we go out to eat. But first we did our civic duty and went to vote for our local DA ward councilor. We opted to not vote for the ANC candidate who had just been outed with a criminal record for hijacking that he forgot to mention, as well as having the rather unfortunate name of Innocent.
Voting done – we went to the first DVD place who returned the DVD, which we then took to the correct DVD place and explained the predicament with my best dumb blonde act, which got us out of paying a fine.
Having completed the necessary duties of the evening, we convened at John Dory’s for supper, where I had a glass of wine. Supper done and dusted, we came home. On the way home, I did try convince HTB it would be a good time to take advantage of me but alas, he has sooooo much marking to do.
While HTB was in the shower, I checked my e mails, read 2 mushy messages from 2 friends and sent them a suitable response conducive to my alcohol levels. I have now updated my blog and am in bed with kitty. Just another ordinary Wednesday in our household.
I very conscientiously made us each a healthy lunch to take to work, which I promptly forgot and only realized this once I had arrived at work. Oh well – I had been a real greedy gut the day before, so a day of starvation would do me no harm. In spite of feeling grim, or old, not sure which I threw myself into work with my usual gusto. Had a very busy rewarding day, I did managed to get some studying done in between x raying patients – I am writing test on Sunday, and have not done too much learning – too busy meeting the girls for coffees and drinks etc..
After work – I raced off to meet the gals for our usual midweek cocktail hour. I knocked back to cosmopolitans in quick succession then headed off for home.
Once home, I was confronted with HTB ventilating because Dear Kitty had caught a tiny dwarf shrew which he had rescued from a near certain death from her. The poor little thing was unharmed but rigid with fright. There was more hyperventilating as HTB got an sms from the DVD hiring place that the DVD we had rented on Sunday had not been returned. I was tasked with returning the said DVD, which I had very dutifully done and said so. We then ascertained that I had in fact returned the DVD to the wrong DVD people
So firstly, HTB returned the petrified shrew back to a safe place in the garden, dear kitty was locked inside for punishment. Its was actually HTB’s turn to cook supper, but he wasn’t in the mood, and I was feeling mutinous and tipsy, so suggested we go out to eat. But first we did our civic duty and went to vote for our local DA ward councilor. We opted to not vote for the ANC candidate who had just been outed with a criminal record for hijacking that he forgot to mention, as well as having the rather unfortunate name of Innocent.
Voting done – we went to the first DVD place who returned the DVD, which we then took to the correct DVD place and explained the predicament with my best dumb blonde act, which got us out of paying a fine.
Having completed the necessary duties of the evening, we convened at John Dory’s for supper, where I had a glass of wine. Supper done and dusted, we came home. On the way home, I did try convince HTB it would be a good time to take advantage of me but alas, he has sooooo much marking to do.
While HTB was in the shower, I checked my e mails, read 2 mushy messages from 2 friends and sent them a suitable response conducive to my alcohol levels. I have now updated my blog and am in bed with kitty. Just another ordinary Wednesday in our household.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Wardrobe laundering
My Kiwi friend Shaz, always looks gorgeous and glam, and she is the oldest of all of us ladies (she has just become a grandmother nogal)
She is very good at cleaning, tidying and getting rid of unnecessary stuff, which is only one of her many talents. She has just got the right eye for interior decorating and putting together outfits.
Now, I had this wardrobe crammed full of clothes that I don’t wear, and Shaz was tasked with the job of doing a life/wardrobe laundering session for me. We duly made an appointment for this on Saturday afternoon. The appointed time arrived, and there she was – right on time. My entire wardrobe was emptied; literally half my clothes were tossed. She ensured that I kept all the required basics and items that I did wear on a regular basis and that suited me. She then turned to my shoe collection, which is comparable to that of Imelda Marcos. After tossing quite a few pairs, she packed the remaining 23 pairs (yes – 23 pairs) neatly back on my shelves. My shirts, shorts, camping and cycling outfits were all sorted and repacked. I suggested that I would sort through the underwear drawer on my own.The disposed clothes and shoes were bagged to be dropped off at the local SPCA. The end result was an uncluttered uncramped wardrobe with the clothes that I actually need and wear.
HTB, who is half Scottish, blenched when he saw the amount of clothing that was being tossed. He was most concerned that I would regret this action in the future. We distracted him by offering to sort out his wardrobe, which contemplated for about 2 seconds, then vehemently refused our kind offer of help.
Our mission was accomplished and for some reason I feel lighter!
She is very good at cleaning, tidying and getting rid of unnecessary stuff, which is only one of her many talents. She has just got the right eye for interior decorating and putting together outfits.
Now, I had this wardrobe crammed full of clothes that I don’t wear, and Shaz was tasked with the job of doing a life/wardrobe laundering session for me. We duly made an appointment for this on Saturday afternoon. The appointed time arrived, and there she was – right on time. My entire wardrobe was emptied; literally half my clothes were tossed. She ensured that I kept all the required basics and items that I did wear on a regular basis and that suited me. She then turned to my shoe collection, which is comparable to that of Imelda Marcos. After tossing quite a few pairs, she packed the remaining 23 pairs (yes – 23 pairs) neatly back on my shelves. My shirts, shorts, camping and cycling outfits were all sorted and repacked. I suggested that I would sort through the underwear drawer on my own.The disposed clothes and shoes were bagged to be dropped off at the local SPCA. The end result was an uncluttered uncramped wardrobe with the clothes that I actually need and wear.
HTB, who is half Scottish, blenched when he saw the amount of clothing that was being tossed. He was most concerned that I would regret this action in the future. We distracted him by offering to sort out his wardrobe, which contemplated for about 2 seconds, then vehemently refused our kind offer of help.
Our mission was accomplished and for some reason I feel lighter!
GIRLS FREEDOM DAY TRIP
Last weekend, the Tuesday was Freedom day, so I, Cuzz Col and Kiwi Shaz decided to exercise our democratic rights by abandoning our men and heading off on a road trip.
Col had the whole thing planned. We set off on Saturday morning, car loaded to the hilt with more luggages actually required for a 3 night getaway, as well as Col’s delectable son A who was getting a lift up with us to spend the weekend with his girlfriend in Joeys. . The fact that we were going to spend the night at A’s girlfriends place was also handy. Poor A – he was rather brave, or very keen to see his girlfriend, to endure the journey from Durbs with 3 old tarts.
Anyway, we set off with eighties music blaring to our first destination, which was the Harrismith Wimpy for coffee and chocolate muffins – what a start to the trip!
We managed to negotiate our way through the Joberg traffic and roadwork’s to arrive at A’s girlfriends place. A and AG (Arns girlfriend) put on a lovely spread for supper for us – we thoroughly enjoyed being spoilt this way and having wine before and with our meal was not half bad either.
We all then proceeded to get dolled up to go to Gold reef city to see a show. Col had booked us in to see a musical called Sisters with Soul. Cover versions of all the best divas was performed by very talented artists who had us all jumping up and down, clapping our hands and belting out our versions of the songs also. This really boded well for a “sisters” weekend away. We were on the right track.
We then wended our back to AG’s place, removed our makeup, put on our winter jammies and retired to bed. Shaz got the guest room. Since Col and I are related we decided that we would share the fold out couch in the lounge, you know, keep it in the family like. I did warn her that no spooning would be tolerated. We managed to fall asleep, and she was very good – not one bit of spooning. In fact she did not move once during the whole night. I woke up several times to ensure that she was in fact breathing. At one point, I work up to discover that I had my knee in her back – which quickly withdrew in case she mistook it for something else. We started to come around well after 7 am, knowing that Shaz, who is an early bird, had probably been up since 5.30 am. Col and I had barely grunted a morning greeting to each other, when Shaz, delighted that we were now awake flew out of the spare room to greet us. In no time she had hopped under the covers with us both sitting up rather bleary eyed, only to have her dissolve into shrieks of laughter as both Col and I had put on matching pink pyjamas (unintentionally) and insulted us further by calling us Bim and Bam – It’s a kiwi thing apparently!
A and AG then served us all coffee and scrambled egg on toast in bed. There is definitely an advantage to have well trained children. After brekkies, we all abluted and got dolled up again to hit the Rosebank mall and the Roof market. Col decided that she was only going to wear her red high heeled tart shoes the entire weekend, come rain or shine, and this she did.
At the mall we met up with Cols old school mate Sharon, and had coffee and cake for lunch. Well, I was good, I had mint tea and toast. We then clomped of to the roof market which was enormous, and one needs a whole day to visit this market. In spite of our limited time however, all three of us managed to purchase something. We said our goddbyes to A and AG, as were were on our way to our next destination. We drove to a place past Brits, to Col’s famous author friend, who lives in a lovely tree house in a private game reserve. We arrived at the tree house to be welcomed by FN (famous novelist) and her husband K. They are a lovely Afrikaner couple, and were most welcoming and hospitable.
Of course, all us ladies immediately cracked open the wine and sat around the kitchen table – drinking and talking – which we are very good at – and filling each other in on everything nineteen to the dozen. While we were all yakking away, poor K quietly moved away and left us to get on with it. In no time at all, FN had effortlessly produced a lovely pasta supper. Husband K joined us, as we continued with our usual pastime of eating and drinking.
Because Kiwi Shaz is the oldest, she got the downstairs bedroom next to the bathroom. Col and I slept up in the loft with the squirrels. The next morning, we had breakfast and talked. Mid morning we had coffee and talked. We then had lunch and talked some more. FN then took us on a game drive and we were rewarded with sightings of kudu, wart hogs, bush buck, ground squirrels, hornbills and louries. The silence of the bush was magnificent – when we stopped talking that is. After the game drive, we headed back to the tree house, wrapped up in blankies and sat on the verandah reading magazines.
Then it was time for more wine, and more talking, during which FN knocked up a hearty beef stew and mashed potato dish. So we ate, and talked and drank. Once we were full, and sloshed, it was off to bed.
The next morning was our day of departure, which was very sad to leave our wonderful hosts and their hospitality. We said our goodbyes and headed off to Joeys to fetch A. I’m sure K must have heaved a huge sigh of relief.
On the way to fetch A, we took the scenic route to show her some sights, the most notable being the Hartebeespoort dam. We stopped at Tan Malies se winkel for real boere melk tert, which was lekker, when we finally got it as the idiot waiter brought it to us after we had finished our coffee – which was kak and cold. Anyway, we still got to sit in front of a fireplace at Tan Malies was lovely.
Suitably fortified with melktert, we set off to collect A, who was noticeably less cheerful on this return journey since he had to say goodbye to AG. Once the lovers had said goodbye we set off on our trip back home. The main topic of discussion in the car was what evil things we were going to do to our men on our arrival home. The journey home went well, A was a very good human Garmin and very studiously warned me of any speeding cameras, except I didn’t listen and was flashed at least once by a camera. We stopped at a Wimpy, somewhere near the Vaal River to eat as we were famished. We had declared earlier, after being stuffed by FN lovely home cooking, that were not going to eat another morsel, however we still managed to have the melktert at Tan Malies and lunch at the Wimpy.
We arrived at A’s destination to drop him off in PMB, only to find that he was locked out. Being a resourceful South African, he made a plan and climbed through the kitchen window to get in. Once he was in, we completed the last leg of the journey home to Durbs. All in all, we had a most successful freedom weekend jol, and have resolved that this is something we need to do every 3 months or so.
Col had the whole thing planned. We set off on Saturday morning, car loaded to the hilt with more luggages actually required for a 3 night getaway, as well as Col’s delectable son A who was getting a lift up with us to spend the weekend with his girlfriend in Joeys. . The fact that we were going to spend the night at A’s girlfriends place was also handy. Poor A – he was rather brave, or very keen to see his girlfriend, to endure the journey from Durbs with 3 old tarts.
Anyway, we set off with eighties music blaring to our first destination, which was the Harrismith Wimpy for coffee and chocolate muffins – what a start to the trip!
We managed to negotiate our way through the Joberg traffic and roadwork’s to arrive at A’s girlfriends place. A and AG (Arns girlfriend) put on a lovely spread for supper for us – we thoroughly enjoyed being spoilt this way and having wine before and with our meal was not half bad either.
We all then proceeded to get dolled up to go to Gold reef city to see a show. Col had booked us in to see a musical called Sisters with Soul. Cover versions of all the best divas was performed by very talented artists who had us all jumping up and down, clapping our hands and belting out our versions of the songs also. This really boded well for a “sisters” weekend away. We were on the right track.
We then wended our back to AG’s place, removed our makeup, put on our winter jammies and retired to bed. Shaz got the guest room. Since Col and I are related we decided that we would share the fold out couch in the lounge, you know, keep it in the family like. I did warn her that no spooning would be tolerated. We managed to fall asleep, and she was very good – not one bit of spooning. In fact she did not move once during the whole night. I woke up several times to ensure that she was in fact breathing. At one point, I work up to discover that I had my knee in her back – which quickly withdrew in case she mistook it for something else. We started to come around well after 7 am, knowing that Shaz, who is an early bird, had probably been up since 5.30 am. Col and I had barely grunted a morning greeting to each other, when Shaz, delighted that we were now awake flew out of the spare room to greet us. In no time she had hopped under the covers with us both sitting up rather bleary eyed, only to have her dissolve into shrieks of laughter as both Col and I had put on matching pink pyjamas (unintentionally) and insulted us further by calling us Bim and Bam – It’s a kiwi thing apparently!
A and AG then served us all coffee and scrambled egg on toast in bed. There is definitely an advantage to have well trained children. After brekkies, we all abluted and got dolled up again to hit the Rosebank mall and the Roof market. Col decided that she was only going to wear her red high heeled tart shoes the entire weekend, come rain or shine, and this she did.
At the mall we met up with Cols old school mate Sharon, and had coffee and cake for lunch. Well, I was good, I had mint tea and toast. We then clomped of to the roof market which was enormous, and one needs a whole day to visit this market. In spite of our limited time however, all three of us managed to purchase something. We said our goddbyes to A and AG, as were were on our way to our next destination. We drove to a place past Brits, to Col’s famous author friend, who lives in a lovely tree house in a private game reserve. We arrived at the tree house to be welcomed by FN (famous novelist) and her husband K. They are a lovely Afrikaner couple, and were most welcoming and hospitable.
Of course, all us ladies immediately cracked open the wine and sat around the kitchen table – drinking and talking – which we are very good at – and filling each other in on everything nineteen to the dozen. While we were all yakking away, poor K quietly moved away and left us to get on with it. In no time at all, FN had effortlessly produced a lovely pasta supper. Husband K joined us, as we continued with our usual pastime of eating and drinking.
Because Kiwi Shaz is the oldest, she got the downstairs bedroom next to the bathroom. Col and I slept up in the loft with the squirrels. The next morning, we had breakfast and talked. Mid morning we had coffee and talked. We then had lunch and talked some more. FN then took us on a game drive and we were rewarded with sightings of kudu, wart hogs, bush buck, ground squirrels, hornbills and louries. The silence of the bush was magnificent – when we stopped talking that is. After the game drive, we headed back to the tree house, wrapped up in blankies and sat on the verandah reading magazines.
Then it was time for more wine, and more talking, during which FN knocked up a hearty beef stew and mashed potato dish. So we ate, and talked and drank. Once we were full, and sloshed, it was off to bed.
The next morning was our day of departure, which was very sad to leave our wonderful hosts and their hospitality. We said our goodbyes and headed off to Joeys to fetch A. I’m sure K must have heaved a huge sigh of relief.
On the way to fetch A, we took the scenic route to show her some sights, the most notable being the Hartebeespoort dam. We stopped at Tan Malies se winkel for real boere melk tert, which was lekker, when we finally got it as the idiot waiter brought it to us after we had finished our coffee – which was kak and cold. Anyway, we still got to sit in front of a fireplace at Tan Malies was lovely.
Suitably fortified with melktert, we set off to collect A, who was noticeably less cheerful on this return journey since he had to say goodbye to AG. Once the lovers had said goodbye we set off on our trip back home. The main topic of discussion in the car was what evil things we were going to do to our men on our arrival home. The journey home went well, A was a very good human Garmin and very studiously warned me of any speeding cameras, except I didn’t listen and was flashed at least once by a camera. We stopped at a Wimpy, somewhere near the Vaal River to eat as we were famished. We had declared earlier, after being stuffed by FN lovely home cooking, that were not going to eat another morsel, however we still managed to have the melktert at Tan Malies and lunch at the Wimpy.
We arrived at A’s destination to drop him off in PMB, only to find that he was locked out. Being a resourceful South African, he made a plan and climbed through the kitchen window to get in. Once he was in, we completed the last leg of the journey home to Durbs. All in all, we had a most successful freedom weekend jol, and have resolved that this is something we need to do every 3 months or so.
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