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.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Long overdue Update
My sister B pointed out that I have not updated my blog in a while, so having been suitably reprimanded, I will update it now.
Things have been rather hectic the last few weeks, hence my blog being neglected. The week prior to the Easter vac at DUT was fraught with tension, as the student union were conducting riots which became increasing more violent with rock throwing, intimidation, marching and singing by students who were in turn chased by police with rubber bullets, tear gas and a water cannon.
Oh well, just another day in SA. The rioting resulted in the campus being closed until the 6 April.
In the meantime, I had made a decision to resign from my job as a Clinical Tutor at DUT to take up a permanent job as a radiographer once again. I was due to start on 6 April only, and since I finished up at DUT on 26 March, HTB and I did our usual road trip thing.
We duly departed on Saturday the 27 April for the Drakensberg. We camped at Mahai camp for one night. On the Sunday morning we did a nice easy hike and returned to pack up camp after lunch time to head off to out next stop.
Our next stop was Secunda in Mpumalanga. Now I have only been to Secunda a few times, and the only reason I go there is to visit family (no offence to said family). HTB has bad memories of Secunda as the last time we went there were involved in a minor car accident resulting in HTB and my father sustaining sternum fractures. The car was a right off – much to HTB’s eventual delight, as it was a shitty little golf, and he has since upgraded to a Subaru Forester!!
Anyway, I am now digressing. We were on our way to say goodbye to Sister B and her husband as they were leaving for the UK, probably for good. We arrived at Secunda in the dark, we were able to navigate with the aid of the garmin and the Sasol smokestacks and flames, and it looked like Dante’s inferno and smelt like a petrol refinery. Well, that is because it is one very large petrol refinery.
We arrived in one piece, caught up on all the news and gossip etc...Had a nice supper with some wine of course, thereafter we retired to bed. The next morning after a scrummy breakfast, we said our goodbyes and set off for our next destination: Badplaas.
We arrived in Badplaas and set up camp. HTB got a fire going to braai some chicken kebabs and potatoes, while I drank wine and made a salad. The campsite was full of families for the holidays, including a group of 5 teenage boys who were camping without adult supervision.
These little darlings proceeded to run around singing a song that went something like this:
“We are boys and we do what we like. We smoke till we are high. Drink till we are drunk. And if you don’t like it you can f**k off and die” Charming!! After supper, we retired to out tent. HTB was already asleep, I was about to drift off, when I heard to adolescent male voices giggling next to out tent, then a huge bang! The little darlings had let off a huge firecracker next to out tent. HTB, who did national service, woke up in a total daze thinking he had gone back in time and that gunshots had been fired. I must confess I though the same. HTB then asks me to go investigate. I politely declined and reminded him, that since he is the man, he must get up and go investigate. This he does rather begrudgingly, however the perpetrators have long since run off.
The next morning, the 5 teenage boys looked like likely suspects. Now, for those of you that don’t know, HTB is a university lecturer, and has many years experience as a schoolmaster. Once a schoolmaster, always a schoolmaster. He ambles down to the boys who are loitering by their camp, and informs them he is investigating into the firecracker issue. He takes down their names, which the campsite is registered under, the camp site number, etc… They all deny setting off the firecracker. HTB then tells them that the whole campsite overheard their song, including families with small children, and asks them if they would please like to repeat the song. They all look very embarrassed, and I can barely keep a straight face. He finds out which school they go to and promises that he will call their headmaster and report their behavior. About half an hour later, 3 of the 5 boys approach us to apologise for singing the song, they tell us that they are good kids, and they just got out of hand and shake HTB’s hand. They deny all knowledge of the fire cracker (2 of the boys did not apologies – so we suspect them – they were also suspected by the security guards) we part on good terms and all is forgiven.
After all that fiasco we head of to swim in all the pools, and take a turn on the super tube. That was fun, and I want to have another go, but HTB is chicken because he is too big (100KG) and nearly went over the edge of the super tube slide!! Once we have tried all the pools – we pack up and head of to our next stop: Hoedspruit
Friends of HTB live and teach at a private school in the bush in Hoedspruit. We are impressed with the Limpopo province. It is well run, clean, orderly, has good roads, no litter and polite taxi drivers. Our friends stay in their own home on the school site, and we have free accommodation in the now vacant school hostel accommodation. We spend the next day exploring Hoedspruit. HTB wants to drive to see the air force base – but we are not allowed in – even after he tells the guard he is an ex national service airman – he is still not allowed in.
We then head off to the Cheetah sanctuary and another sanctuary called Moholoholo. This was a real treat. We got close to cheetahs, a leopard, lion and wild dog. They had just got a baby rhino that was so adorable. We saw honey badgers and numerous birds of prey, the best being a bateleur called Jealous who insisted on having his head scratched. HTB took hundreds of photos.
The next day, on route to our next destination, we drove through the Kruger national park. This is the first time that I have been to Kruger and we were lucky enough to see a leopard sunning himself on the rocks next to a river. We spent most of the day driving through Kruger, after which we headed off to meet our friends in Waterval-Boven. This was a nightmare drive. The rain was coming down in buckets and we were driving in pitch dark the road to our destination in Waterval-boven had turned into a muddy quagmire. HTB had to exercise all his 4 by 4 driving skills as the car slid all over the place.
We managed to arrive at the camp site in one piece, and pitched the tent in the rain rather speedily. HTB expressed his wish for some supper – I was not interested and hopped into my sleeping bag and crashed, leaving HTB to sort him out. The next morning it was still raining and we struck camp.
On the next leg of our journey we discovered that the car was acting up, we limped slowly to Ermelo. We took the car to supaquick who confirmed that our wheel alignment was really bad due to the mud that was stuck to our tires. We had to replace 3 of the tires. We found a nice B and B for the night which was quite luxurious after camping in the rain and mud. We each had a long soak in the bath which was heaven, since I had not bathed for the last 24 hours!!
The next morning we took the car to have a final wheel balancing. We took a leisurely drive through northern Natal to our final destination at Lotheni. We arrived in time to set up camp just as the sun was setting, which was beautiful to watch.
While we in the process of setting up camp, it was a bit chilly, so HTB put on his rain jacket. We continued setting up camp, and while doing so realized we kept getting a whiff of cat pee, HTB exclaimed that It must be a serval, however, I realized what the real problem was. I told HTB to smell his jacket, which was reeking of cat pee – and we know exactly who the guilty party was. Our darling Kitty!
For some reason dear kitty loves to pee pee on HTB’s clothes, never mine. HTB promptly removed his jacket along with some choice expletives while I was rolling around on the ground laughing my head off.
We spent 2 nights at Lotheni, leaving on the Sunday, as we were both due back at work on the Tuesday. We planned to have at least a day at home before going to work as I was starting a new job on the Tuesday.
So all in all it was a very good Easter and holiday away.
Things have been rather hectic the last few weeks, hence my blog being neglected. The week prior to the Easter vac at DUT was fraught with tension, as the student union were conducting riots which became increasing more violent with rock throwing, intimidation, marching and singing by students who were in turn chased by police with rubber bullets, tear gas and a water cannon.
Oh well, just another day in SA. The rioting resulted in the campus being closed until the 6 April.
In the meantime, I had made a decision to resign from my job as a Clinical Tutor at DUT to take up a permanent job as a radiographer once again. I was due to start on 6 April only, and since I finished up at DUT on 26 March, HTB and I did our usual road trip thing.
We duly departed on Saturday the 27 April for the Drakensberg. We camped at Mahai camp for one night. On the Sunday morning we did a nice easy hike and returned to pack up camp after lunch time to head off to out next stop.
Our next stop was Secunda in Mpumalanga. Now I have only been to Secunda a few times, and the only reason I go there is to visit family (no offence to said family). HTB has bad memories of Secunda as the last time we went there were involved in a minor car accident resulting in HTB and my father sustaining sternum fractures. The car was a right off – much to HTB’s eventual delight, as it was a shitty little golf, and he has since upgraded to a Subaru Forester!!
Anyway, I am now digressing. We were on our way to say goodbye to Sister B and her husband as they were leaving for the UK, probably for good. We arrived at Secunda in the dark, we were able to navigate with the aid of the garmin and the Sasol smokestacks and flames, and it looked like Dante’s inferno and smelt like a petrol refinery. Well, that is because it is one very large petrol refinery.
We arrived in one piece, caught up on all the news and gossip etc...Had a nice supper with some wine of course, thereafter we retired to bed. The next morning after a scrummy breakfast, we said our goodbyes and set off for our next destination: Badplaas.
We arrived in Badplaas and set up camp. HTB got a fire going to braai some chicken kebabs and potatoes, while I drank wine and made a salad. The campsite was full of families for the holidays, including a group of 5 teenage boys who were camping without adult supervision.
These little darlings proceeded to run around singing a song that went something like this:
“We are boys and we do what we like. We smoke till we are high. Drink till we are drunk. And if you don’t like it you can f**k off and die” Charming!! After supper, we retired to out tent. HTB was already asleep, I was about to drift off, when I heard to adolescent male voices giggling next to out tent, then a huge bang! The little darlings had let off a huge firecracker next to out tent. HTB, who did national service, woke up in a total daze thinking he had gone back in time and that gunshots had been fired. I must confess I though the same. HTB then asks me to go investigate. I politely declined and reminded him, that since he is the man, he must get up and go investigate. This he does rather begrudgingly, however the perpetrators have long since run off.
The next morning, the 5 teenage boys looked like likely suspects. Now, for those of you that don’t know, HTB is a university lecturer, and has many years experience as a schoolmaster. Once a schoolmaster, always a schoolmaster. He ambles down to the boys who are loitering by their camp, and informs them he is investigating into the firecracker issue. He takes down their names, which the campsite is registered under, the camp site number, etc… They all deny setting off the firecracker. HTB then tells them that the whole campsite overheard their song, including families with small children, and asks them if they would please like to repeat the song. They all look very embarrassed, and I can barely keep a straight face. He finds out which school they go to and promises that he will call their headmaster and report their behavior. About half an hour later, 3 of the 5 boys approach us to apologise for singing the song, they tell us that they are good kids, and they just got out of hand and shake HTB’s hand. They deny all knowledge of the fire cracker (2 of the boys did not apologies – so we suspect them – they were also suspected by the security guards) we part on good terms and all is forgiven.
After all that fiasco we head of to swim in all the pools, and take a turn on the super tube. That was fun, and I want to have another go, but HTB is chicken because he is too big (100KG) and nearly went over the edge of the super tube slide!! Once we have tried all the pools – we pack up and head of to our next stop: Hoedspruit
Friends of HTB live and teach at a private school in the bush in Hoedspruit. We are impressed with the Limpopo province. It is well run, clean, orderly, has good roads, no litter and polite taxi drivers. Our friends stay in their own home on the school site, and we have free accommodation in the now vacant school hostel accommodation. We spend the next day exploring Hoedspruit. HTB wants to drive to see the air force base – but we are not allowed in – even after he tells the guard he is an ex national service airman – he is still not allowed in.
We then head off to the Cheetah sanctuary and another sanctuary called Moholoholo. This was a real treat. We got close to cheetahs, a leopard, lion and wild dog. They had just got a baby rhino that was so adorable. We saw honey badgers and numerous birds of prey, the best being a bateleur called Jealous who insisted on having his head scratched. HTB took hundreds of photos.
The next day, on route to our next destination, we drove through the Kruger national park. This is the first time that I have been to Kruger and we were lucky enough to see a leopard sunning himself on the rocks next to a river. We spent most of the day driving through Kruger, after which we headed off to meet our friends in Waterval-Boven. This was a nightmare drive. The rain was coming down in buckets and we were driving in pitch dark the road to our destination in Waterval-boven had turned into a muddy quagmire. HTB had to exercise all his 4 by 4 driving skills as the car slid all over the place.
We managed to arrive at the camp site in one piece, and pitched the tent in the rain rather speedily. HTB expressed his wish for some supper – I was not interested and hopped into my sleeping bag and crashed, leaving HTB to sort him out. The next morning it was still raining and we struck camp.
On the next leg of our journey we discovered that the car was acting up, we limped slowly to Ermelo. We took the car to supaquick who confirmed that our wheel alignment was really bad due to the mud that was stuck to our tires. We had to replace 3 of the tires. We found a nice B and B for the night which was quite luxurious after camping in the rain and mud. We each had a long soak in the bath which was heaven, since I had not bathed for the last 24 hours!!
The next morning we took the car to have a final wheel balancing. We took a leisurely drive through northern Natal to our final destination at Lotheni. We arrived in time to set up camp just as the sun was setting, which was beautiful to watch.
While we in the process of setting up camp, it was a bit chilly, so HTB put on his rain jacket. We continued setting up camp, and while doing so realized we kept getting a whiff of cat pee, HTB exclaimed that It must be a serval, however, I realized what the real problem was. I told HTB to smell his jacket, which was reeking of cat pee – and we know exactly who the guilty party was. Our darling Kitty!
For some reason dear kitty loves to pee pee on HTB’s clothes, never mine. HTB promptly removed his jacket along with some choice expletives while I was rolling around on the ground laughing my head off.
We spent 2 nights at Lotheni, leaving on the Sunday, as we were both due back at work on the Tuesday. We planned to have at least a day at home before going to work as I was starting a new job on the Tuesday.
So all in all it was a very good Easter and holiday away.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Quick Catch up and update
I have been very remiss in updating my blog lately - ahve been rather too busy and distracted, so where to start??
Wednesday afternoons we have cocktail hour. At Hemingway’s, between 4 and 6 pm, cocktails are half price. Needless to say, I, Cousin Coleen (always a stalwart for misbehaving) and various other lady friends hightail it to Hemingway’s every Wednesday to have said cocktails. We have been drinking Cosmopolitans’ –a very modern drink made famous in SATC. Yummy – and healthy too since the main ingredient is cranberry juice which counter effects the alcohol in the drink (that’s my theory and I’m sticking to it.)
This long weekend, Col and I attended a women’s retreat which was wonderful –except for the tantric sex bits – which caused up to collapse in uncontrollable mirth, but at least we learned something new. We had a wonderful time meditating, doing yoga, painting, pottery etc…. The best part was meeting 9 other fantastic, gorgeous women. We are such a superior species!!
Now – to teach HTB some tantric tricks!!!
Major ructions – have made a career change. After much agonizing, I have taken up a permanent post back in mainstream Radiography. I am very sad to be leaving my friends, colleagues and students here at DUT, but the other job offers more security and is permanent. Further to this - I feel like I have been time warped back to the 80 s with the students rioting. We have had to dodge rubber bullets, missiles, tear gas and the water cannon.
To complete the 80's blast from the past, my friend Jean invited me to attend a music show called the ceazy eighties. We had a great time - but it was hard to admit that 1980 was 30 years ago (EISH) Where did the time go?
Sadly – our darling kitty, Bella went missing last night and until this morning had not returned home.
We are hoping that she will be home soon.
Wednesday afternoons we have cocktail hour. At Hemingway’s, between 4 and 6 pm, cocktails are half price. Needless to say, I, Cousin Coleen (always a stalwart for misbehaving) and various other lady friends hightail it to Hemingway’s every Wednesday to have said cocktails. We have been drinking Cosmopolitans’ –a very modern drink made famous in SATC. Yummy – and healthy too since the main ingredient is cranberry juice which counter effects the alcohol in the drink (that’s my theory and I’m sticking to it.)
This long weekend, Col and I attended a women’s retreat which was wonderful –except for the tantric sex bits – which caused up to collapse in uncontrollable mirth, but at least we learned something new. We had a wonderful time meditating, doing yoga, painting, pottery etc…. The best part was meeting 9 other fantastic, gorgeous women. We are such a superior species!!
Now – to teach HTB some tantric tricks!!!
Major ructions – have made a career change. After much agonizing, I have taken up a permanent post back in mainstream Radiography. I am very sad to be leaving my friends, colleagues and students here at DUT, but the other job offers more security and is permanent. Further to this - I feel like I have been time warped back to the 80 s with the students rioting. We have had to dodge rubber bullets, missiles, tear gas and the water cannon.
To complete the 80's blast from the past, my friend Jean invited me to attend a music show called the ceazy eighties. We had a great time - but it was hard to admit that 1980 was 30 years ago (EISH) Where did the time go?
Sadly – our darling kitty, Bella went missing last night and until this morning had not returned home.
We are hoping that she will be home soon.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Brons FFC (FAMOUS FLUNG CHICKEN)
On Sunday, I made my famous Flung chicken for lunch
It’s called Flung chicken because all one does is take a chicken, wash it, smear it with olive oil and seasoning, stuff it with an onion, place in the roasting pan and fling it into the oven at about 180 degrees for an hour.
Once you have flung the chicken in the oven, peel, wash and pat dry some potatoes toss them in a little olive oil and fling those into the roasting pan with the chicken.
When the chicken was cooked and the potatoes nice and crispy, I removed them from the pan onto a platter. In the meantime I was steaming some veggies.
One of my SSB (Secret sordid behaviors) it to take white bread – only white bread will do – to mop up the yummy roasted chicken juices as well as all the gooey black bits in the pan. It is heavenly – and I do this furtively like a bulimic supermodel ( but I dont make myself puke afterwards) in the kitchen when no one is looking. Yes it is probaly unhealthy - but I have to die of something anyway.
Thereafter, I added some cornflour and water to the remaining pan scratching and made a lovely gravy on top of the oven.HTB was making sounds of raptured delight at the cooking smells. So lunch was duly served, and if I may say so myself, I do make the best roast chicken ever – and HTB agrees whole heartedly
It’s called Flung chicken because all one does is take a chicken, wash it, smear it with olive oil and seasoning, stuff it with an onion, place in the roasting pan and fling it into the oven at about 180 degrees for an hour.
Once you have flung the chicken in the oven, peel, wash and pat dry some potatoes toss them in a little olive oil and fling those into the roasting pan with the chicken.
When the chicken was cooked and the potatoes nice and crispy, I removed them from the pan onto a platter. In the meantime I was steaming some veggies.
One of my SSB (Secret sordid behaviors) it to take white bread – only white bread will do – to mop up the yummy roasted chicken juices as well as all the gooey black bits in the pan. It is heavenly – and I do this furtively like a bulimic supermodel ( but I dont make myself puke afterwards) in the kitchen when no one is looking. Yes it is probaly unhealthy - but I have to die of something anyway.
Thereafter, I added some cornflour and water to the remaining pan scratching and made a lovely gravy on top of the oven.HTB was making sounds of raptured delight at the cooking smells. So lunch was duly served, and if I may say so myself, I do make the best roast chicken ever – and HTB agrees whole heartedly
Thursday, February 25, 2010
TGIF - AGAIN
To be honest, I have no idea if anyone reads my blog – but I don’t really care as it is good for me to write things down and get them off my chest,
I have been remiss in updating my blog this past week, but things are a bit hectic right now especially with the family crisis overseas wrt my nephew etc.
I am also royally pissed off since middles sister went to help baby sister in the UK with the said family crisis for 4 weeks and has informed as that they are not coming back.
I am seething with anger – I don’t care that she has skipped the country and not said goodbye to us, her family, I’m mad that she has upped and chucked off leaving her daughter behind too. My niece is 23 and in the middle of her studies, the only family she has now are my aunt, uncle, cousin, myself and HTB.
Luckily my aunt and uncle live fairly close to her near Boksburg where she is currently staying, but we are in KZN.
I have been so stressed and upset with all the family drama that I have not slept for a week which renders me rather ratty and irritable, which means poor HTB gets it in the neck.
I was a PFH (Psychobitch from hell) last night because HTB commented that he does a lot of work around the house. We don’t have a maid and we both work full time. I sweetly pointed out that he generated most of the mess in the household, and if he felt that he was doing too much work around the house he was entitled to refrain from doing so! HTB noticing the steely glint in my eyes wisely backed off and modified his statement that we both did a lot of work around the house and peace was restored. I then huffily proceeded to wash the dinner dishes, had a shower and retired to bed in a sulky mood. I did not sleep a wink the whole night – and woke up with a sore jaw from clenching my teeth.
I have dragged myself to work – but have to face the dentist later for a filling. Luckily I am meeting some girlfriends for drinks after work where I shall proceed to have a restorative drink or too before heading home to oh so hardworking HTB!
HTB id desperate to go camping this weekend – so we are off to Highmoor tomorrow which should be rather pleasant. Hopefully I will be able to get some shuteye and improve my sour mood.
I have been remiss in updating my blog this past week, but things are a bit hectic right now especially with the family crisis overseas wrt my nephew etc.
I am also royally pissed off since middles sister went to help baby sister in the UK with the said family crisis for 4 weeks and has informed as that they are not coming back.
I am seething with anger – I don’t care that she has skipped the country and not said goodbye to us, her family, I’m mad that she has upped and chucked off leaving her daughter behind too. My niece is 23 and in the middle of her studies, the only family she has now are my aunt, uncle, cousin, myself and HTB.
Luckily my aunt and uncle live fairly close to her near Boksburg where she is currently staying, but we are in KZN.
I have been so stressed and upset with all the family drama that I have not slept for a week which renders me rather ratty and irritable, which means poor HTB gets it in the neck.
I was a PFH (Psychobitch from hell) last night because HTB commented that he does a lot of work around the house. We don’t have a maid and we both work full time. I sweetly pointed out that he generated most of the mess in the household, and if he felt that he was doing too much work around the house he was entitled to refrain from doing so! HTB noticing the steely glint in my eyes wisely backed off and modified his statement that we both did a lot of work around the house and peace was restored. I then huffily proceeded to wash the dinner dishes, had a shower and retired to bed in a sulky mood. I did not sleep a wink the whole night – and woke up with a sore jaw from clenching my teeth.
I have dragged myself to work – but have to face the dentist later for a filling. Luckily I am meeting some girlfriends for drinks after work where I shall proceed to have a restorative drink or too before heading home to oh so hardworking HTB!
HTB id desperate to go camping this weekend – so we are off to Highmoor tomorrow which should be rather pleasant. Hopefully I will be able to get some shuteye and improve my sour mood.
Friday, February 19, 2010
TGIF - Again
I resolved that my blog would record funny zany musings of the crazy day to day happenings in my life – but there are some days where all the things that happen are sad.
First off, my youngest nephews in the UK is critically ill in an ICU in hospital in the UK where he lives with my youngest sister, her husband and their beautiful children (they have 4 kids in total)
So my poor sister has spent the last 3 weeks at her youngest son’s bedside praying for a miracle.
To assist this family crisis, I paid for our middle sister to fly over to the UK to help the youngest with the current family crisis. The remaining 3 kids need to be taken care of while their mother is at the hospital and their father has to work.
So middle sister and her husband flew over to stay with the UK family for 4 weeks to help – but have decided they are not coming back!
Husband is going to fly back in 2 weeks, pack up the house, rent it out etc... and then fly back to rejoin middle sister and the remaining family in the UK for good. No goodbyes nothing!! That now leaves me to be the only one left in SA to take care of and put up with WS (wicked stepfather)
WS is a British citizen, so I may just pack him off to the UK and the 2 sisters over there can look after him for a change.
Cuzz C, who is always, admired by us for her upbeat personality in spite of life’s challenges, is going through a rough patch with a non committal man who she has just “terminated”, termination of contract employment coming up, worries about financial security etc.. and I am really worried about her. I wish I could have won the 90 million lotto so that I can take care of everybody.
The cherry on top of this was to receive a letter from SARS indicating that I owe them 200 000 rand. Luckily for me, my tax returns are submitted by a very clever reputable tax consultancy, and they have lodged an objection on my behalf. It seems that SARS are trying to tax my pension funds a little too early- about 17 years too early. I guess someone has to pay for the tax revenue deficit.
On a positive note: TGIF
First off, my youngest nephews in the UK is critically ill in an ICU in hospital in the UK where he lives with my youngest sister, her husband and their beautiful children (they have 4 kids in total)
So my poor sister has spent the last 3 weeks at her youngest son’s bedside praying for a miracle.
To assist this family crisis, I paid for our middle sister to fly over to the UK to help the youngest with the current family crisis. The remaining 3 kids need to be taken care of while their mother is at the hospital and their father has to work.
So middle sister and her husband flew over to stay with the UK family for 4 weeks to help – but have decided they are not coming back!
Husband is going to fly back in 2 weeks, pack up the house, rent it out etc... and then fly back to rejoin middle sister and the remaining family in the UK for good. No goodbyes nothing!! That now leaves me to be the only one left in SA to take care of and put up with WS (wicked stepfather)
WS is a British citizen, so I may just pack him off to the UK and the 2 sisters over there can look after him for a change.
Cuzz C, who is always, admired by us for her upbeat personality in spite of life’s challenges, is going through a rough patch with a non committal man who she has just “terminated”, termination of contract employment coming up, worries about financial security etc.. and I am really worried about her. I wish I could have won the 90 million lotto so that I can take care of everybody.
The cherry on top of this was to receive a letter from SARS indicating that I owe them 200 000 rand. Luckily for me, my tax returns are submitted by a very clever reputable tax consultancy, and they have lodged an objection on my behalf. It seems that SARS are trying to tax my pension funds a little too early- about 17 years too early. I guess someone has to pay for the tax revenue deficit.
On a positive note: TGIF
Monday, February 15, 2010
Floorsanding and Families
Oh joy of joys! The floors sanding saga is finally over and they look stunning. We can now resume living like normal, not camped out in one room at a time. There was a fine layer of reddish dust everywhere and a massive cleanup campaign was scheduled on Friday afternoon.
I got home on Friday afternoon, fortified myself with 3 Woolies cup cakes, changed into a t shirt and shorts, tied a bandana around my head – I meant business and started to do the massive cleanup.
I had to damp dust everywhere, including the picture frames, rehang curtains, wipe every bit of furniture down, re position all the furniture and pack things away, plug in all the electric appliances etc etc…
This took me from about 13:45 to about 16:45. I decide to stop for a rest with a Savannah lite to refresh and fortify myself. HTB then duly arrived looking like a cat that had got the cream, because he had gone to collect kitty, who is the cat who gets the cream. He was positively beaming with delight as he had desperately missed her, and was so happy to have his beauty/princess/darling back home. (He used to call me these things but kitty has usurped me) After kitty had run around the house, we fed her and left her to settle down. HTB then knuckled down and cleaned up the bathrooms which were filthy. We finished the big clean up by 8 pm, all sweaty and tired. We showered and headed off to our favourite restaurant for some supper as neither of us was in the mood to cook.
We got home and hopped off to bed. Kitty joined us, but since she was unsettled, she pawed me and bugged me for attention the whole night. I eventually locked her out of the bedroom, but still got no sleep as she yowled plaintively outside the bedroom door. HTB slept through the entire drama. Typical male selective hearing. I had to let her back in and spent the rest of the night trying to catch forty winks with a needy fretful cat (just like a baby). I spent most of Saturday reclining on the couch with kitty nursing a thumping headache from heat/sleep deprivation. We decided to braai that night, and I invited cuzz C to join us for our impromptu braai. As soon as we decided to braai, it started to rain, so HTB was banished with braai paraphernalia to the verandah, while Col and I reclined in comfort on the sofas drinking wine.
Apparently, according to springbok boy scout HTB, the braaing process was hampered by the fact that the wood was wet as well as him and the braai were being rained on. He was told to persevere nevertheless while we girls knocked up a salad. Somehow, is spite of the adverse braaing conditions, HTB managed to successfully scorch the boerie and lamb chops to and edible state, and get the foiled tatties and onions done to a turn.
We had a rather satisfactory meal with more wine. Thereafter, HTB retired to have a shower as he had been totally smoked out and asphyxiated during the braaing saga. The evening was finished off with chocolate for dessert.
After Col left, we 3 (me, HTB and kitty) headed off for bed. Kitty and I were both really tired and we passed out on the bed. According to HTB, kitty was the only one who moved around from lying by my feet, to onto his chest then between the 2 of us. I woke up on Sunday morning (Valentine’s Day nogal) to find HTB sleeping with his arms alongside his head, and kitty happily curled up and snuggled into his armpit. One happy little family!!
I got home on Friday afternoon, fortified myself with 3 Woolies cup cakes, changed into a t shirt and shorts, tied a bandana around my head – I meant business and started to do the massive cleanup.
I had to damp dust everywhere, including the picture frames, rehang curtains, wipe every bit of furniture down, re position all the furniture and pack things away, plug in all the electric appliances etc etc…
This took me from about 13:45 to about 16:45. I decide to stop for a rest with a Savannah lite to refresh and fortify myself. HTB then duly arrived looking like a cat that had got the cream, because he had gone to collect kitty, who is the cat who gets the cream. He was positively beaming with delight as he had desperately missed her, and was so happy to have his beauty/princess/darling back home. (He used to call me these things but kitty has usurped me) After kitty had run around the house, we fed her and left her to settle down. HTB then knuckled down and cleaned up the bathrooms which were filthy. We finished the big clean up by 8 pm, all sweaty and tired. We showered and headed off to our favourite restaurant for some supper as neither of us was in the mood to cook.
We got home and hopped off to bed. Kitty joined us, but since she was unsettled, she pawed me and bugged me for attention the whole night. I eventually locked her out of the bedroom, but still got no sleep as she yowled plaintively outside the bedroom door. HTB slept through the entire drama. Typical male selective hearing. I had to let her back in and spent the rest of the night trying to catch forty winks with a needy fretful cat (just like a baby). I spent most of Saturday reclining on the couch with kitty nursing a thumping headache from heat/sleep deprivation. We decided to braai that night, and I invited cuzz C to join us for our impromptu braai. As soon as we decided to braai, it started to rain, so HTB was banished with braai paraphernalia to the verandah, while Col and I reclined in comfort on the sofas drinking wine.
Apparently, according to springbok boy scout HTB, the braaing process was hampered by the fact that the wood was wet as well as him and the braai were being rained on. He was told to persevere nevertheless while we girls knocked up a salad. Somehow, is spite of the adverse braaing conditions, HTB managed to successfully scorch the boerie and lamb chops to and edible state, and get the foiled tatties and onions done to a turn.
We had a rather satisfactory meal with more wine. Thereafter, HTB retired to have a shower as he had been totally smoked out and asphyxiated during the braaing saga. The evening was finished off with chocolate for dessert.
After Col left, we 3 (me, HTB and kitty) headed off for bed. Kitty and I were both really tired and we passed out on the bed. According to HTB, kitty was the only one who moved around from lying by my feet, to onto his chest then between the 2 of us. I woke up on Sunday morning (Valentine’s Day nogal) to find HTB sleeping with his arms alongside his head, and kitty happily curled up and snuggled into his armpit. One happy little family!!
Valentines day
I have just read my cousins blog about her Valentine’s Day yesterday. Her story is so poignant and brave, and I wish that in the future she will have that someone special to spend every day with her , not just on Valentine’s day. She deserves nothing less. Yet in spite of the curved balls life has thrown at her wrt to relationships, she remains positive and upbeat. A person made with lesser mettle would have buckled into a little heap by now. I know lots of “single” women, who on these so called “couple” days have to put on a brave face and smile sweetly when labeled as single with no significant other, as if their single state renders them lesser that the rest of us with a partner. I agree 100 % with her that it is better to be alone than in an unhappy relationship. I know, I have been there!
HTB and I had a quite relaxed day with none of the usual hype on Valentine’s day yesterday
HTB likes the simple things in life, so while he was still asleep on Sunday morning, I sneaked out into the garden in my nightie, picked some flowers and arranged them in a wine glass on a tray with fruit juice, coffee, fruit salad and a Valentines card. I put the tray on his side table, so it was the first thing he saw when he opened his eyes. He was ecstatic. He said that I didn’t have to go to so much trouble, and just waking up in bed next to me every day is good enough for him. So sweet! We lazed around and read the newspapers in bed – such luxury. He then took me out to the midlands for a lazy lunch.
HTB was a confirmed bachelor for most of his life. I asked him yesterday, what he did on Valentine’s Day before we found each other. His answer was that it was just another day. And he is right; it is just another day in that every day should be Valentine’s Day, for everybody, even if you are single or in a relationship, and not just for couples- for everybody young and old. When out at lunch yesterday, I noticed whole families spending the day together and this is how it should be.
HTB and I had a quite relaxed day with none of the usual hype on Valentine’s day yesterday
HTB likes the simple things in life, so while he was still asleep on Sunday morning, I sneaked out into the garden in my nightie, picked some flowers and arranged them in a wine glass on a tray with fruit juice, coffee, fruit salad and a Valentines card. I put the tray on his side table, so it was the first thing he saw when he opened his eyes. He was ecstatic. He said that I didn’t have to go to so much trouble, and just waking up in bed next to me every day is good enough for him. So sweet! We lazed around and read the newspapers in bed – such luxury. He then took me out to the midlands for a lazy lunch.
HTB was a confirmed bachelor for most of his life. I asked him yesterday, what he did on Valentine’s Day before we found each other. His answer was that it was just another day. And he is right; it is just another day in that every day should be Valentine’s Day, for everybody, even if you are single or in a relationship, and not just for couples- for everybody young and old. When out at lunch yesterday, I noticed whole families spending the day together and this is how it should be.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Stuffed chicken breasts and Red shoes
We are still in the middle of the floor sanding saga – the house is chaos – hopefully it will be completed by this week Wednesday or Thursday.
Friday afternoon: Attended gym with Cuzz Coll. We both gritted our teeth and sweated our way through two circuits. I don’t know why we do this – it’s awful- and said as much. Coll and I decided that we only go because we both go and it is good for us in the long run.
On Friday night it was our monthly Tiara club getogether. 5 of us readily convened at Yossi’s for good food and wine. I had chicken breasts stuffed with gorgonzola and apricots in an orange cream sauce. It was sublime. I immediately went and bought the ingredients to replicate the meal for HTB as this is one delicious taste sensation. I was going to make it for HTB this weekend, but alas I was too busy with lectures followed by whirlwind shopping with Coll to make any meals. I have resolved to make it for him tonight – if I can get into the kitchen depending on what the floor sanding people are up to.
As usual Tiara club was great – except Shaz is in NZ and we really missed her.
I had to attend lectures this weekend – the one advantage being that I was in an air-conditioned lecture hall and not in the stinking hot humid Durban weather. However the lectures finished early, so I called Coll, as we have been planning a shoe shopping expedition for some time now, to go hit the shops for some retail therapy. Now only those who have ever watched SATC will now what we are talking about.
Every girly has to have a few pairs of CB (Carrie Bradshaw) FM (f***k me) KA (kick ass) shoes. The criteria for these shoes is that they must be sexy, fashionable, very indulgent and not in the least comfortable. We decided that we needed red shoes to complete our shoe collection. We headed straight for Ooh La La at Musgrave and we both immediately found the shoes we needed. We also both bought 2 pairs each (ok – I did buy a third pair but they are sensible work shoes and don’t count) Coll bought two pairs of lovely sexy strappy sandals – one pair in red and one pair in gold. I bought 2 pairs of satin wedges with a lovely ankle strap and rose detail on the strap, one pair in red and the other in baby pink. Of course we did not stop there, we each bought a top and I also bought a lacy shrug. Once satiated with this spree, we then headed to Pick and pay to do more mundane grocery shopping for necessary items like food etc…
When I got home, HTB was given a private fashion parade in my new shoes. He clearly liked them since I was given some more nice attention.
Well I don’t know if Coll has worn her shoes yet – but I have already worn my pink pair. HTB and I went to watch a movie on Sat night and I insisted on wearing them. They remind me of ballet pumps – which nurtures the inner ballerina in me. I always wanted to do ballet, but for some reason my mother never sent me to ballet lessons, but when I wear my pink satin shoes, I feel like Margot Fonteyn.
Friday afternoon: Attended gym with Cuzz Coll. We both gritted our teeth and sweated our way through two circuits. I don’t know why we do this – it’s awful- and said as much. Coll and I decided that we only go because we both go and it is good for us in the long run.
On Friday night it was our monthly Tiara club getogether. 5 of us readily convened at Yossi’s for good food and wine. I had chicken breasts stuffed with gorgonzola and apricots in an orange cream sauce. It was sublime. I immediately went and bought the ingredients to replicate the meal for HTB as this is one delicious taste sensation. I was going to make it for HTB this weekend, but alas I was too busy with lectures followed by whirlwind shopping with Coll to make any meals. I have resolved to make it for him tonight – if I can get into the kitchen depending on what the floor sanding people are up to.
As usual Tiara club was great – except Shaz is in NZ and we really missed her.
I had to attend lectures this weekend – the one advantage being that I was in an air-conditioned lecture hall and not in the stinking hot humid Durban weather. However the lectures finished early, so I called Coll, as we have been planning a shoe shopping expedition for some time now, to go hit the shops for some retail therapy. Now only those who have ever watched SATC will now what we are talking about.
Every girly has to have a few pairs of CB (Carrie Bradshaw) FM (f***k me) KA (kick ass) shoes. The criteria for these shoes is that they must be sexy, fashionable, very indulgent and not in the least comfortable. We decided that we needed red shoes to complete our shoe collection. We headed straight for Ooh La La at Musgrave and we both immediately found the shoes we needed. We also both bought 2 pairs each (ok – I did buy a third pair but they are sensible work shoes and don’t count) Coll bought two pairs of lovely sexy strappy sandals – one pair in red and one pair in gold. I bought 2 pairs of satin wedges with a lovely ankle strap and rose detail on the strap, one pair in red and the other in baby pink. Of course we did not stop there, we each bought a top and I also bought a lacy shrug. Once satiated with this spree, we then headed to Pick and pay to do more mundane grocery shopping for necessary items like food etc…
When I got home, HTB was given a private fashion parade in my new shoes. He clearly liked them since I was given some more nice attention.
Well I don’t know if Coll has worn her shoes yet – but I have already worn my pink pair. HTB and I went to watch a movie on Sat night and I insisted on wearing them. They remind me of ballet pumps – which nurtures the inner ballerina in me. I always wanted to do ballet, but for some reason my mother never sent me to ballet lessons, but when I wear my pink satin shoes, I feel like Margot Fonteyn.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wine and supper in bed!!
After work yesterday, Cuzz C and I bunked gym and met for coffee to catch up on more skinner. The coffee shop had a special with coffee and chocolate cake which we could not pass up. It was lovely and chocolaty and warm and gooey! We will work out extra hard at gym today to make up for our sins.
After coffee, I made it through the traffic home to the half completed floor sanding job, managed to make more space in the kitchen so HTB could access said kitchen.
I half heartedly and not very enthusiastically started supper by boiling some rice. I then plonked onto the bed – we have no lounge or TV currently. HTB came home from gym and offered to make his signature snoek and rice dish. I readily agreed. He made the supper and served it to me in bed with wine.
He then washed the dishes and made me tea which was served to me in bed also. A gal certainly can’t complain about that! HTB is a definite keeper.
After coffee, I made it through the traffic home to the half completed floor sanding job, managed to make more space in the kitchen so HTB could access said kitchen.
I half heartedly and not very enthusiastically started supper by boiling some rice. I then plonked onto the bed – we have no lounge or TV currently. HTB came home from gym and offered to make his signature snoek and rice dish. I readily agreed. He made the supper and served it to me in bed with wine.
He then washed the dishes and made me tea which was served to me in bed also. A gal certainly can’t complain about that! HTB is a definite keeper.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Floorsanding Saga continues
After work yesterday – went off to gym and did one and a half circuits instead of 2 – better than no circuits. Cuzz C and I then headed off to have a coffee and catch up on gossip.
Got home to find that the floor sanders had lifted the carpet in the living area and the passage and had started to sand the wooden floors – it looks lovely, the only problem we can’t put any furniture back in there until the floors are sealed. This mean we cannot get into the kitchen or any of the spare bedrooms until Thursday.
Thanks to the kitchen being inaccessible we had to eat out. Once back home I managed to squeeze between the 2 bookshelves and various other items of furniture stuffed in the kitchen to make us some tea.
This morning I managed to make a little more space so as to wash the dishes and make breakfast. I managed to make coffee and pronutro in the space of one third of a meter. My contortion skills are getting quite good.
HTB, who does not cope well when his comfort is affected, has already started hyperventilating about how are we going to iron clothes and cook etc, as the furniture can only be moved back on Thursday.
Have re assured HTB that I will make a plan and to chill! Being twice my size he is rather disadvantaged and cannot squeeze in anywhere, so is rather helpless right now.
Got home to find that the floor sanders had lifted the carpet in the living area and the passage and had started to sand the wooden floors – it looks lovely, the only problem we can’t put any furniture back in there until the floors are sealed. This mean we cannot get into the kitchen or any of the spare bedrooms until Thursday.
Thanks to the kitchen being inaccessible we had to eat out. Once back home I managed to squeeze between the 2 bookshelves and various other items of furniture stuffed in the kitchen to make us some tea.
This morning I managed to make a little more space so as to wash the dishes and make breakfast. I managed to make coffee and pronutro in the space of one third of a meter. My contortion skills are getting quite good.
HTB, who does not cope well when his comfort is affected, has already started hyperventilating about how are we going to iron clothes and cook etc, as the furniture can only be moved back on Thursday.
Have re assured HTB that I will make a plan and to chill! Being twice my size he is rather disadvantaged and cannot squeeze in anywhere, so is rather helpless right now.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Chicken soup and floorsanding for the soul
On about Thursday last week I ran out of one of my BP meds – and did not get a chance to replace them until the Sat morning. Suffice it to say, that by Friday evening I was snarling at HTB through my teeth like a she wolf for the huge crime of leaving a teaspoon and teabag in the middle of the 2 kitchen sinks while I was trying to throw together my famous flung chicken and roast veggies for supper, having invited Cuzz to join us for supper. Also – I had just had 2 filling at the dentist and the LA was beginning to wear off, so I have a good excuse for being all snarly. I resolved to get my meds ASAP on the Saturday. In spite of the snarling, HTB remained calm and unruffled to his credit, but did remind me to go to the pharmacy first thing on Saturday to get the meds. Once I had got them, we stopped at Sam Browns for a breakfast where I consumed a double dose immediately. HTB then announced he was going to record the length of time it would take for the meds to take effect. After breakfast we got home and I fell asleep on the couch for a couple of hours and started to feel much better. Apologised to HTB for snarling at him. HTB accepted apology.
Saturday evening passed without too much excitement. Sunday the sun was shining- which does not happen often in Kloof – so I took advantage and hung up some washing. After breakfast, HTB and I headed off to Umdloti beach for a swim and snorkel. This was rather pleasant. We had a beer and salad for lunch then headed home. HTB expressed a desire for my famous homemade chicken soup that I make from scratch by boiling a chicken carcass up for stock and so forth. I decided to teach HTB to make the chicken soup himself so that he now has 5 recipes under his belt! He is quite an enthusiastic student and was proud of the result.
I have arranged for our yucky old greeny/grey carpets to be lifted and the parquet floors underneath to be sanded. This would be traumatic for kitty – so kitty was dispatched to Helga the cattery lady in Everton.HTB was given the task of taking kitty to her 5 star kitty hotel- which she does not, for some reason appreciate, which he also hates doing as he is the big softy in the house, so I had the horrible job of stuffing yowling kitty into her cat box for HTB to take to the cattery.
The next 2 weeks should be interesting as all the floors in our home are to be sanded. Watch this space!
Saturday evening passed without too much excitement. Sunday the sun was shining- which does not happen often in Kloof – so I took advantage and hung up some washing. After breakfast, HTB and I headed off to Umdloti beach for a swim and snorkel. This was rather pleasant. We had a beer and salad for lunch then headed home. HTB expressed a desire for my famous homemade chicken soup that I make from scratch by boiling a chicken carcass up for stock and so forth. I decided to teach HTB to make the chicken soup himself so that he now has 5 recipes under his belt! He is quite an enthusiastic student and was proud of the result.
I have arranged for our yucky old greeny/grey carpets to be lifted and the parquet floors underneath to be sanded. This would be traumatic for kitty – so kitty was dispatched to Helga the cattery lady in Everton.HTB was given the task of taking kitty to her 5 star kitty hotel- which she does not, for some reason appreciate, which he also hates doing as he is the big softy in the house, so I had the horrible job of stuffing yowling kitty into her cat box for HTB to take to the cattery.
The next 2 weeks should be interesting as all the floors in our home are to be sanded. Watch this space!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Friday just got worse - but again TGIF
I have just returned from the dentist. I think visiting the dentist is far worse than any other doctor type visit. I would rather see the gynae, in fact ,I think I would rather have my mastectomies done again!
The whole left side of my face is numb and paralysed after having two fillings. I am trying to slurp some coffee - not very successfully.
I have invited Cuzz C and her Chef/son for supper - hope by then I can eat, if not Im sure I can still drink wine.
Have a good weekend
The whole left side of my face is numb and paralysed after having two fillings. I am trying to slurp some coffee - not very successfully.
I have invited Cuzz C and her Chef/son for supper - hope by then I can eat, if not Im sure I can still drink wine.
Have a good weekend
TGIF
TGIF (Thanks God it’s Friday) I am rather weary today, must be having a BBD, However I did manage to register for my B.Tech degree. Student rioting has stopped and peace and quiet once again reigns over us here and we are all getting on with the business of being an academic institution.
I last studied at this institution in 1987, so when I registered, my original student number from then was dredged up to be re used for this current registration. The registration details are in my maiden name and all the details on the system pertain to that era of my life. A lot has happened since then, got married and divorced etc, causing an administration nightmare of having to produce my marriage certificate and divorce papers to prove my identity. This got me to thinking that the custom of married women taking on their husbands’ names should be stopped. We should keep the name we were born with for life, like men, who do not have to prove their identity each time they apply for documents, passports and to further their education etc…. Once the system is updated with the latest details, I can then apply for my student card to be issued in my current (kept after divorce) surname, so that card will have the same name on it as my staff card – or I could have 2 cards, staff card with married name and student card with maiden name. This should prove to be exciting when getting past the security at the gate. I could pretend to be a double agent with 2 identities.
Enough musing – I had my annual checkup with my oncologist yesterday and all seems fine, just awaiting the blood results for tumor markers, however I am confident all is well.
This weekend HTB has expresses a desire to go hiking in the mountains! So hike we shall.
I last studied at this institution in 1987, so when I registered, my original student number from then was dredged up to be re used for this current registration. The registration details are in my maiden name and all the details on the system pertain to that era of my life. A lot has happened since then, got married and divorced etc, causing an administration nightmare of having to produce my marriage certificate and divorce papers to prove my identity. This got me to thinking that the custom of married women taking on their husbands’ names should be stopped. We should keep the name we were born with for life, like men, who do not have to prove their identity each time they apply for documents, passports and to further their education etc…. Once the system is updated with the latest details, I can then apply for my student card to be issued in my current (kept after divorce) surname, so that card will have the same name on it as my staff card – or I could have 2 cards, staff card with married name and student card with maiden name. This should prove to be exciting when getting past the security at the gate. I could pretend to be a double agent with 2 identities.
Enough musing – I had my annual checkup with my oncologist yesterday and all seems fine, just awaiting the blood results for tumor markers, however I am confident all is well.
This weekend HTB has expresses a desire to go hiking in the mountains! So hike we shall.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Fritata Pitata
Some of you may know that my cousin C is doing a foodie blog. She was inspired by the movie Julia and
Julia. This movie is based on Julie cooking Julia’s French recipes from her cookery book,for a year and recording it on a blog.
C got hold of the Ideas magazine 100 recipes book, her youngest son is home to attend UKZN in Durban this year, so the 2 of them are religiously following the recipes and she updates the blog on a daily basis.
Two nights ago the recipe was for a fritata, so I decided to cook my version of the fritata last night.
A fritata is basically a Spanish omelette, that is, and omelette that is not folded over and can be made with whatever ingredients you have in the kitchen. The basic must have ingredient are eggs and cheese.
I nuked a potato in the microwave, diced it up and sautéed it in a little olive oil in the pan. I added some sliced leeks and chopped yellow pepper. This was quick preparation done in advance as HTB had gone to gym- so the next stage could only be completed once he returned home. I poured myself a glass of wine and flopped on the couch in front of the TV to recuperate from enduring a stinking hot day with no air con at work.
HTB arrived freshly showered post gym. I diced up a smoked chicken breast, added it to my pan ingredients and put the hob on. I beat 4 eggs with (soya – we don’t do dairy as HTB is lactose intolerant) milk, poured it over the pan ingredients and left it to cook. When the base was set, I sprinkled some grated parmesan cheese and cayenne pepper on the top. Then I put it in the oven under the grill to finish off cooking the top and to melt the cheese. In the meantime I threw together some lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes. Once the top of the frittata was set, I divided it into 4 and lifted a quarter for each of us onto our plates with the salad. HTB was sitting like Lord Muck on the couch, so I poured him a glass of wine, brought him his tray, cutlery and assorted condiments and served him his supper.
He thought he had died and gone to heaven – he had never tasted such a delicious fritata – and has asked that I please make fritata once a week from now on. He then proceeded to polish off the remaining frittata in the pan.
This was a quick simple dish with minimum fuss and not too many dirty dishes to wash up. I washed up, showered and went to bed feeling very housewifely and virtous.
Julia. This movie is based on Julie cooking Julia’s French recipes from her cookery book,for a year and recording it on a blog.
C got hold of the Ideas magazine 100 recipes book, her youngest son is home to attend UKZN in Durban this year, so the 2 of them are religiously following the recipes and she updates the blog on a daily basis.
Two nights ago the recipe was for a fritata, so I decided to cook my version of the fritata last night.
A fritata is basically a Spanish omelette, that is, and omelette that is not folded over and can be made with whatever ingredients you have in the kitchen. The basic must have ingredient are eggs and cheese.
I nuked a potato in the microwave, diced it up and sautéed it in a little olive oil in the pan. I added some sliced leeks and chopped yellow pepper. This was quick preparation done in advance as HTB had gone to gym- so the next stage could only be completed once he returned home. I poured myself a glass of wine and flopped on the couch in front of the TV to recuperate from enduring a stinking hot day with no air con at work.
HTB arrived freshly showered post gym. I diced up a smoked chicken breast, added it to my pan ingredients and put the hob on. I beat 4 eggs with (soya – we don’t do dairy as HTB is lactose intolerant) milk, poured it over the pan ingredients and left it to cook. When the base was set, I sprinkled some grated parmesan cheese and cayenne pepper on the top. Then I put it in the oven under the grill to finish off cooking the top and to melt the cheese. In the meantime I threw together some lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes. Once the top of the frittata was set, I divided it into 4 and lifted a quarter for each of us onto our plates with the salad. HTB was sitting like Lord Muck on the couch, so I poured him a glass of wine, brought him his tray, cutlery and assorted condiments and served him his supper.
He thought he had died and gone to heaven – he had never tasted such a delicious fritata – and has asked that I please make fritata once a week from now on. He then proceeded to polish off the remaining frittata in the pan.
This was a quick simple dish with minimum fuss and not too many dirty dishes to wash up. I washed up, showered and went to bed feeling very housewifely and virtous.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Belly dancing 101
I have been rather remiss in updating my blog over the last few days; however I have a good excuse.
Students arrived for their registration and orientation over the past couple of weeks, disrupted by the usual student rioting and mayhem. Only in South Africa is it a risk to register for a course where one may get attacked or shot in the cross fire of the riot police and rioters. I have yet to register for my B.Tech, and am hoping to sneak in early on Friday morning under the radar to get registered finally.
Any way – back to more fun stuff.
On Friday night, we had our monthly Tiara club get together. Tiara club (girls only) is like book club – without books, lots of eating, drinking, talking and laughing. We really let our hair (and sometimes clothes) down!
The theme for Tiara club was hippies, mezze food and belly dancing. Cuzz C – put together a lovely spread of hummus, baba ganoush, olives, and stuffed peppadews, dolmades, falafel and pits breads. This was accompanied by copious amounts of wine, and followed with halva for dessert. YUM!
Mad Irish friend T is the belly dancing expert and brought the relevant music, scarves and belly dancing type scarf thingies with jangling bits that make that jingling noise when hips are gyrated. Very effective. We have all resolved to go and buy our own.
We had come dressed for the part. Cuzz C and Kiwi Shaz were dressed like hippies in tie died shirts, jeans, sandals and no bra’s. Myself – tart that I am- wore a floaty wrap skirt thing with a red lacy bra under my top.
Irish T gave us a lesson in the basics of Belly dancing 101. In no time we were gyrating and shimmying to the music like pros.
As usual, I got carried away and stripped down to my under wear while whirling around like a mad dervish. After a solid session of dancing we were sweating like mine workers. We then stripped off all our clothes and jumped in the swimming pool – naked! It was lovely and refreshing.
We all had a good time. Shaz – who is my neighbor, and I headed home.
On arrival, HTB and kitty were as usual waiting up for me. I felt compelled to give HTB and impromptu display of my newfound belly dancing skills. I blame the wine – amazing how a few glasses of wine make one think that one is a sex goddess and can do belly dancing like a pro after one lesson, and the lighting was sufficiently dim also to set the mood.
HTB seemed appreciative of my efforts and I was rewarded with some rather nice attention.
The next morning, in the cold light of day and after the effects of the wine had worn off – I asked him if he enjoyed my rendition of Fatima the exotic belly dancer. He replied that my act had been amusing. AMUSING! Hot dang – I thought I was hot hot hot!
Oh well - I will keep my belly dancing routines when we meet at Tiara club again, to be appreciated by my friends.
Students arrived for their registration and orientation over the past couple of weeks, disrupted by the usual student rioting and mayhem. Only in South Africa is it a risk to register for a course where one may get attacked or shot in the cross fire of the riot police and rioters. I have yet to register for my B.Tech, and am hoping to sneak in early on Friday morning under the radar to get registered finally.
Any way – back to more fun stuff.
On Friday night, we had our monthly Tiara club get together. Tiara club (girls only) is like book club – without books, lots of eating, drinking, talking and laughing. We really let our hair (and sometimes clothes) down!
The theme for Tiara club was hippies, mezze food and belly dancing. Cuzz C – put together a lovely spread of hummus, baba ganoush, olives, and stuffed peppadews, dolmades, falafel and pits breads. This was accompanied by copious amounts of wine, and followed with halva for dessert. YUM!
Mad Irish friend T is the belly dancing expert and brought the relevant music, scarves and belly dancing type scarf thingies with jangling bits that make that jingling noise when hips are gyrated. Very effective. We have all resolved to go and buy our own.
We had come dressed for the part. Cuzz C and Kiwi Shaz were dressed like hippies in tie died shirts, jeans, sandals and no bra’s. Myself – tart that I am- wore a floaty wrap skirt thing with a red lacy bra under my top.
Irish T gave us a lesson in the basics of Belly dancing 101. In no time we were gyrating and shimmying to the music like pros.
As usual, I got carried away and stripped down to my under wear while whirling around like a mad dervish. After a solid session of dancing we were sweating like mine workers. We then stripped off all our clothes and jumped in the swimming pool – naked! It was lovely and refreshing.
We all had a good time. Shaz – who is my neighbor, and I headed home.
On arrival, HTB and kitty were as usual waiting up for me. I felt compelled to give HTB and impromptu display of my newfound belly dancing skills. I blame the wine – amazing how a few glasses of wine make one think that one is a sex goddess and can do belly dancing like a pro after one lesson, and the lighting was sufficiently dim also to set the mood.
HTB seemed appreciative of my efforts and I was rewarded with some rather nice attention.
The next morning, in the cold light of day and after the effects of the wine had worn off – I asked him if he enjoyed my rendition of Fatima the exotic belly dancer. He replied that my act had been amusing. AMUSING! Hot dang – I thought I was hot hot hot!
Oh well - I will keep my belly dancing routines when we meet at Tiara club again, to be appreciated by my friends.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Back to school
My cousin C and I have undertaken to co mentor 2 orphaned girls from the Children’s home.
We have to meet them still, however our parental duties started last night when we attended the Parents evening for grade 8’s at Durban Girls High. Both girls are enrolled there.
We sat through one of those typical school type evenings with the head mistress giving us instructions and orders to follow. Woe betides any parent that does not adhere to the rules! I was taken back to my school days where we sat through endless long assemblies with the headmaster droning on and on.
After sitting through the entire affair with eyes glazed over, we were let out for refreshments which consisted of Oros and lovely fresh sarmies – just like what we had in our school lunch boxes.
After surviving the parents evening, I drove home, got past kitty at the front door, flopped on the couch and started to watch SATC. I am hooked. I am now on series 6 – have 4 DVD’s left to watch to complete the series. HTB is thoroughly sick and tired of the SATC fest going on at home and has taken to retiring to the bedroom with his book – I have re assured him that once I have completed watching all the DVD’s – they will be returned to my cousin who owns them. He is tired of seeing the “naked hussies” on the TV screen – I do let him stop the DVD to let him watch the news however.
Supper was a quick light affair. I taught HTB how to sauté mushrooms, onion and spinach with a bit of cream which we had on toasted rye bread. He was very pleased with himself as he has now expanded his recipe repertoire from 3 to 4. We have progress!
We have to meet them still, however our parental duties started last night when we attended the Parents evening for grade 8’s at Durban Girls High. Both girls are enrolled there.
We sat through one of those typical school type evenings with the head mistress giving us instructions and orders to follow. Woe betides any parent that does not adhere to the rules! I was taken back to my school days where we sat through endless long assemblies with the headmaster droning on and on.
After sitting through the entire affair with eyes glazed over, we were let out for refreshments which consisted of Oros and lovely fresh sarmies – just like what we had in our school lunch boxes.
After surviving the parents evening, I drove home, got past kitty at the front door, flopped on the couch and started to watch SATC. I am hooked. I am now on series 6 – have 4 DVD’s left to watch to complete the series. HTB is thoroughly sick and tired of the SATC fest going on at home and has taken to retiring to the bedroom with his book – I have re assured him that once I have completed watching all the DVD’s – they will be returned to my cousin who owns them. He is tired of seeing the “naked hussies” on the TV screen – I do let him stop the DVD to let him watch the news however.
Supper was a quick light affair. I taught HTB how to sauté mushrooms, onion and spinach with a bit of cream which we had on toasted rye bread. He was very pleased with himself as he has now expanded his recipe repertoire from 3 to 4. We have progress!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Mature student - still learning
Well I have gone and done it!!
At the advanced age of 40 something I have registered to further my studies.
I will be studying for a Bachelor of Technology degree part time for the next 2 years. Then I would like to study for a Higher education Diploma.
But –let’s not be too ambitious – will start with the B.Tech slowly. I last studied for a degree in 2000 – so my brains have had 9 years or so to deteriorate.
The air conditioning in my lab at work is malfunctioning – so I have been suffering with the heat. This was worsened by having 20 students crammed into my lab for uniform fittings which raised the temperature level somewhat.
I escaped the sweltering heat of the lab to the even more sweltering heat of the car to get to gym.
I managed to drag myself through the 2 circuits we are required to do still pouring buckets of sweat.
After a quick cup of coffee with Cousin C it was off to the shops. I loitered by the freezer section for a while to cool off. Thank Gid for the freezer section at Pick and Pay. Very handy for collimg off when one has a menopausal hot flush too.
Once home, HTB was off to gym and indicated he would make his signature rice and snoek dish for supper on his return.
I collapsed on the couch, put on SATC and downed a nice cold Savannah Light – Bliss!!
Now refreshed thanks to Savannah Light, I tackled the second half of the huge mound of accumulated ironing – this produced more sweating, but felt really good when I completed ironing the last item of clothing – and then went off to have a lovely soak in the bath.
HTB returned from gym and proceeded to make snoek and rice dish – always yummy since I had not cooked it, plus he washed the dishes! Bonus!!
At the advanced age of 40 something I have registered to further my studies.
I will be studying for a Bachelor of Technology degree part time for the next 2 years. Then I would like to study for a Higher education Diploma.
But –let’s not be too ambitious – will start with the B.Tech slowly. I last studied for a degree in 2000 – so my brains have had 9 years or so to deteriorate.
The air conditioning in my lab at work is malfunctioning – so I have been suffering with the heat. This was worsened by having 20 students crammed into my lab for uniform fittings which raised the temperature level somewhat.
I escaped the sweltering heat of the lab to the even more sweltering heat of the car to get to gym.
I managed to drag myself through the 2 circuits we are required to do still pouring buckets of sweat.
After a quick cup of coffee with Cousin C it was off to the shops. I loitered by the freezer section for a while to cool off. Thank Gid for the freezer section at Pick and Pay. Very handy for collimg off when one has a menopausal hot flush too.
Once home, HTB was off to gym and indicated he would make his signature rice and snoek dish for supper on his return.
I collapsed on the couch, put on SATC and downed a nice cold Savannah Light – Bliss!!
Now refreshed thanks to Savannah Light, I tackled the second half of the huge mound of accumulated ironing – this produced more sweating, but felt really good when I completed ironing the last item of clothing – and then went off to have a lovely soak in the bath.
HTB returned from gym and proceeded to make snoek and rice dish – always yummy since I had not cooked it, plus he washed the dishes! Bonus!!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Bad girls weekend and kitty drama
This weekend 3 of us went away for the weekend to celebrate my cousin’s 40 th something birthday.
Just us 3 girls – we stayed in a self catering chalet right on the beach – we had such a blast.
There was lots of drinking, talking and screaming with laughter. Suffice it to say that what was talked about is to never be repeated!!
We misbehaved (not too much) – or rather made spectacles of ourselves as we surmised that no one there would know us. I think we entertained the other residents quite well.
Cousin had the bright idea of making us wear false eyelashes – and mine were the thickest and longest.
They looked like hairy caterpillars – and when applied to my eyelids with make -up etc made me look like a something one would purchase from and adult shop.
On arrival home, I was met by HTB in an advanced state of distress and hyperventilation. Dear kitty was missing, and had been so for 2 hours, HTB had searched everywhere and even driven around the block to look for her. I calmed him down, and sent him off to make a cup of tea. I walked around the garden calling kitty’s name. Eventually I heard a faint meowing sound and found her stuck about 6 feet up a tree where she could not get down.
HTB started to panic and wanted to call the fire department. Luckily our kind neighbors have a ladder and assisted us with retrieving said kitty from the tree. She very trustingly came to me on the ladder, was grabbed by the scruff of the neck and very unlady- like dumped on the ground.
After that calm was restored after imbibing a cuppa and kitty was very happy to be safely home!
Just us 3 girls – we stayed in a self catering chalet right on the beach – we had such a blast.
There was lots of drinking, talking and screaming with laughter. Suffice it to say that what was talked about is to never be repeated!!
We misbehaved (not too much) – or rather made spectacles of ourselves as we surmised that no one there would know us. I think we entertained the other residents quite well.
Cousin had the bright idea of making us wear false eyelashes – and mine were the thickest and longest.
They looked like hairy caterpillars – and when applied to my eyelids with make -up etc made me look like a something one would purchase from and adult shop.
On arrival home, I was met by HTB in an advanced state of distress and hyperventilation. Dear kitty was missing, and had been so for 2 hours, HTB had searched everywhere and even driven around the block to look for her. I calmed him down, and sent him off to make a cup of tea. I walked around the garden calling kitty’s name. Eventually I heard a faint meowing sound and found her stuck about 6 feet up a tree where she could not get down.
HTB started to panic and wanted to call the fire department. Luckily our kind neighbors have a ladder and assisted us with retrieving said kitty from the tree. She very trustingly came to me on the ladder, was grabbed by the scruff of the neck and very unlady- like dumped on the ground.
After that calm was restored after imbibing a cuppa and kitty was very happy to be safely home!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Monty's armchair and Goormaag!!!!!!!
After work last night I had to go and fetch a PC for a friend, then go down to TOM’s place to drop said PC off as my sister B and her husband A are kindly taking it back to Secunda for my friend to then collect it from them, as she is In Delmas.
I arrived, after collection of PC etc, at about 5.45 pm to find TOM sitting on an old squashed armchair that his big fat Labrador Monty used to sit on, in the garden drinking a beer (probably his 6th beer of the day judging by his inebriated state).
Unfortunately Monty passed on to doggie heaven on Easter Sunday last year. TOM was devastated as he had obtained Monty after my mother had passed away, and Monty was his buddy. Of course, since Monty passed away on a public holiday, the SPCA and vet were not on hand to assist with the disposal of the body. Monty was rather voluptuous to say the least, due to overfeeding and lack of exercise, however HTB and I dug a huge hole in the garden to bury Monty. Actually, I dug the hole. I am able to do this based on the fact that I am an archaeologist and can dig. HTB was weak with pneumonia and TOM was weak from crying into several beers, so they watched me dig the hole. The 3 of us managed to lift/drag Monty, which was no mean feat as he weighed over 40 KGS and rigor mortis had set in, into his grave with his blanky and a bone to take on his spiritual journey)
But I digress, sister B was looking a bit frazzled with having to put up with TOM over the festive season, and had spent the day washing curtains etc… Don’t know why she bothers.
Any event- we went to Dieters restaurant for supper, they all ordered grilled eisbein and I had a ladies fillet with veggies.
As kids we were often fed roast pork and have fond memories of my sisters and I sharing out the crispy crackling fairly at our usual Sunday lunches – we even measured it- I kid you not. Based on this childhood memory, I pinched some crackling off the others plates. Alas, I started to feel queasy. On arrival at home a felt even more yuck and had a rather runny tummy. I had what my parents always warned us kids we would get if we ate too much crackling – goormaag.
Serves me right for being a piggy !
I arrived, after collection of PC etc, at about 5.45 pm to find TOM sitting on an old squashed armchair that his big fat Labrador Monty used to sit on, in the garden drinking a beer (probably his 6th beer of the day judging by his inebriated state).
Unfortunately Monty passed on to doggie heaven on Easter Sunday last year. TOM was devastated as he had obtained Monty after my mother had passed away, and Monty was his buddy. Of course, since Monty passed away on a public holiday, the SPCA and vet were not on hand to assist with the disposal of the body. Monty was rather voluptuous to say the least, due to overfeeding and lack of exercise, however HTB and I dug a huge hole in the garden to bury Monty. Actually, I dug the hole. I am able to do this based on the fact that I am an archaeologist and can dig. HTB was weak with pneumonia and TOM was weak from crying into several beers, so they watched me dig the hole. The 3 of us managed to lift/drag Monty, which was no mean feat as he weighed over 40 KGS and rigor mortis had set in, into his grave with his blanky and a bone to take on his spiritual journey)
But I digress, sister B was looking a bit frazzled with having to put up with TOM over the festive season, and had spent the day washing curtains etc… Don’t know why she bothers.
Any event- we went to Dieters restaurant for supper, they all ordered grilled eisbein and I had a ladies fillet with veggies.
As kids we were often fed roast pork and have fond memories of my sisters and I sharing out the crispy crackling fairly at our usual Sunday lunches – we even measured it- I kid you not. Based on this childhood memory, I pinched some crackling off the others plates. Alas, I started to feel queasy. On arrival at home a felt even more yuck and had a rather runny tummy. I had what my parents always warned us kids we would get if we ate too much crackling – goormaag.
Serves me right for being a piggy !
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Busy and eventful weekend
Friday evening:
After being back for the first seek of work after our road trip away, HTB and myself collapsed in a puddle on the couch in front of the TV. There was some vague suggestion of taking in a movie – but neither of us had the strength. Unluckily for us – the repertoire on TV was not much good – SABC 3 is having a Leon Schuster fest – don’t know why we thought these movies were a hoot in the eighties – such mindless drivel!!
I didn’t even have any supper – as unknown to HTB – I had been shopping at the Pav for “fat” clothes for myself – and was starving. I was craving junk food and I sneaked off to Steers an ordered two rave burgers which I wolfed down sneakily in a corner. When I got home guilt set in and I popped off to my local pharmacy to send a fax, and bought a protein rich meal replacement shake. My plan is to have the shake for breakfast and lunch – then eat a meal in the evenings. Must say – the pictures of the lean muscle bound types did it for me – according to the “blurb” on the container, within 6 weeks I should look like a Miss Bodybuilder contestant.
On Saturday morning, HTB and I got up and did a monster house cleaning session. In the process we discovered that kitty had pee peed on the divan in the lounge. She does this for some reason, but only on HTB’s stuff, much to his annoyance. So we stripped the quilt off to be sent to the drycleaners. HTB adores kitty – but not when she pee pees on his stuff – rest of the morning spent housecleaning with HTB telling kitty her new name is PIB (Piss in boots) To allay HTB- I suggest we buy a waterproof cover for said divan. This re assures him somewhat.
Housecleaning chores are now completed – HTB goes off to have a coffee and I set of to meet my cousin C at the Pav – as we are scheduled to meet her friend L to visit the Natal Mineral and Gem Society to learn how to make our own jewelry.
Prior to leaving for the gem place – I purchase the required waterproof mattress protector.
The gem place was fun. Granted, C and I bring the average age down by about 40 years, but the people there are great. We are each given a piece of blue lace agate; we draw our shapes on the stones and begin shaping them on the grinders. It’s very exciting to work on the very “macho” equipment and very therapeutic to grind a stone.
Midway we were forced to stop for tea and cake – bang goes my diet – thereafter we continued shaping and grinding our gems. We have decided that we will definitely join the society.
After grinding my stone – I head off home to collect HTB to go to Gateway to have supper and see a movie.
No decent movies at Cinema Nouveau, so we opt to see Sherlock Holmes at the main movie complex. I enjoyed the movie, HTB did not enjoy it as much as I did – he really is an art movie person.
Sunday: I wake up with a stiff neck and am unable to move and I have 5 family memebers coming to lunch. Will be seeing my sister B, bil (brother in law) A and my father. C and her chef/son are also coming to join us for lunch.
I manage to crawl out of bed, shower and get dressed. HTG supplies breakfast. We head off for our usual Sunday morning ritual of going for a coffee and reading the Sunday Slimes.
I still have to shop for lunch – so head off and do that while HTB browses through the newspapers. Once done he comes to push my trolley and carry the groceries as I am incapacitated with stiff neck.
Spend the rest of the morning making lunch – HTB is kicked out of the kitchen as I keep falling over him – he then huffily decides he needs a break and heads off to get some essential supplies from Woolies and I suspect to read more newspapers.
Family arrive for lunch
Lovely gifts from them all – including a gift from my father which he apparently chose and bought himself??? I nearly fell on my back – good thing I didn’t as my neck is very sore. My mother was mainly responsible for buying my sisters and I birthday and Christmas gifts, and since she passed away in 2000, my sisters and I have never received a gift from TOM (the old man) in the last 10 years. B assures me that she had nothing to do with helping him buy the gift and was also gobsmacked to receive a gift from him also.
All in all – lunch was very pleasant – especially since it consisted of family members, not that B, BIL A, C and her chef son are a problem to have for lunch, TOM can be a bit taxing at times ad one needs some alcoholic fortification to cope with him sometimes, but he was actually quite well behaved.
B is looking well and has only 7 months left of chemo Tx. She and I were both diagnosed with BC (breast cancer) in the same year.
After lunch, family departs, HTB heads off for a nap – and I decide to start watching some SATC dvd’s loaned From C – bugger the dishes. An hour later, HTB surfaces and I plead incapacity to washing the dishes as my neck is stiff – so he duly takes the hint and washes the dishes and collects the laundry off the line!! He really is good about doing housework. Luckily there is a lot of leftover food – so HTB tucks in- I’m too full and am also supposed to be on diet so I skip supper and head of to bed.
Finally work out that my stiff neck is from the vacuuming I did on Saturday morning – this is the clincher – am finally going to get a maid!!
PS: To clarify my mosspelling in a previous blog : soak and rice was menat to be snoek and rice
After being back for the first seek of work after our road trip away, HTB and myself collapsed in a puddle on the couch in front of the TV. There was some vague suggestion of taking in a movie – but neither of us had the strength. Unluckily for us – the repertoire on TV was not much good – SABC 3 is having a Leon Schuster fest – don’t know why we thought these movies were a hoot in the eighties – such mindless drivel!!
I didn’t even have any supper – as unknown to HTB – I had been shopping at the Pav for “fat” clothes for myself – and was starving. I was craving junk food and I sneaked off to Steers an ordered two rave burgers which I wolfed down sneakily in a corner. When I got home guilt set in and I popped off to my local pharmacy to send a fax, and bought a protein rich meal replacement shake. My plan is to have the shake for breakfast and lunch – then eat a meal in the evenings. Must say – the pictures of the lean muscle bound types did it for me – according to the “blurb” on the container, within 6 weeks I should look like a Miss Bodybuilder contestant.
On Saturday morning, HTB and I got up and did a monster house cleaning session. In the process we discovered that kitty had pee peed on the divan in the lounge. She does this for some reason, but only on HTB’s stuff, much to his annoyance. So we stripped the quilt off to be sent to the drycleaners. HTB adores kitty – but not when she pee pees on his stuff – rest of the morning spent housecleaning with HTB telling kitty her new name is PIB (Piss in boots) To allay HTB- I suggest we buy a waterproof cover for said divan. This re assures him somewhat.
Housecleaning chores are now completed – HTB goes off to have a coffee and I set of to meet my cousin C at the Pav – as we are scheduled to meet her friend L to visit the Natal Mineral and Gem Society to learn how to make our own jewelry.
Prior to leaving for the gem place – I purchase the required waterproof mattress protector.
The gem place was fun. Granted, C and I bring the average age down by about 40 years, but the people there are great. We are each given a piece of blue lace agate; we draw our shapes on the stones and begin shaping them on the grinders. It’s very exciting to work on the very “macho” equipment and very therapeutic to grind a stone.
Midway we were forced to stop for tea and cake – bang goes my diet – thereafter we continued shaping and grinding our gems. We have decided that we will definitely join the society.
After grinding my stone – I head off home to collect HTB to go to Gateway to have supper and see a movie.
No decent movies at Cinema Nouveau, so we opt to see Sherlock Holmes at the main movie complex. I enjoyed the movie, HTB did not enjoy it as much as I did – he really is an art movie person.
Sunday: I wake up with a stiff neck and am unable to move and I have 5 family memebers coming to lunch. Will be seeing my sister B, bil (brother in law) A and my father. C and her chef/son are also coming to join us for lunch.
I manage to crawl out of bed, shower and get dressed. HTG supplies breakfast. We head off for our usual Sunday morning ritual of going for a coffee and reading the Sunday Slimes.
I still have to shop for lunch – so head off and do that while HTB browses through the newspapers. Once done he comes to push my trolley and carry the groceries as I am incapacitated with stiff neck.
Spend the rest of the morning making lunch – HTB is kicked out of the kitchen as I keep falling over him – he then huffily decides he needs a break and heads off to get some essential supplies from Woolies and I suspect to read more newspapers.
Family arrive for lunch
Lovely gifts from them all – including a gift from my father which he apparently chose and bought himself??? I nearly fell on my back – good thing I didn’t as my neck is very sore. My mother was mainly responsible for buying my sisters and I birthday and Christmas gifts, and since she passed away in 2000, my sisters and I have never received a gift from TOM (the old man) in the last 10 years. B assures me that she had nothing to do with helping him buy the gift and was also gobsmacked to receive a gift from him also.
All in all – lunch was very pleasant – especially since it consisted of family members, not that B, BIL A, C and her chef son are a problem to have for lunch, TOM can be a bit taxing at times ad one needs some alcoholic fortification to cope with him sometimes, but he was actually quite well behaved.
B is looking well and has only 7 months left of chemo Tx. She and I were both diagnosed with BC (breast cancer) in the same year.
After lunch, family departs, HTB heads off for a nap – and I decide to start watching some SATC dvd’s loaned From C – bugger the dishes. An hour later, HTB surfaces and I plead incapacity to washing the dishes as my neck is stiff – so he duly takes the hint and washes the dishes and collects the laundry off the line!! He really is good about doing housework. Luckily there is a lot of leftover food – so HTB tucks in- I’m too full and am also supposed to be on diet so I skip supper and head of to bed.
Finally work out that my stiff neck is from the vacuuming I did on Saturday morning – this is the clincher – am finally going to get a maid!!
PS: To clarify my mosspelling in a previous blog : soak and rice was menat to be snoek and rice
Friday, January 8, 2010
Yay – it’s Friday – not much to report today
Have completed my boring admin task and am going to reward myself with some nice lunch.
Have already started the weekend from last night – had dinner out with some girlfriends
My friend L’s new year resolution was to give up smoking which she had done so for 7 days – until last that is – when our other friend, K – who smokes illicitly on our ladies nights out, twisted L’s rubber arm to have a couple of smokes!!!
We then proceeded on to drinking strawberry daiquiris – delicious!!
Could only have one as I was the DD (designated driver)
As usual we had a blast, especially when we thought the salt and pepper grinders had batteries and would have been put to better use as vibrators.
Made it home in one piece sans any roadblocks. Arrived home to HTB and kitty waiting patiently for me. Proceeded to bed with said HTB and kitty and konked out.
Have a good weekend
Have completed my boring admin task and am going to reward myself with some nice lunch.
Have already started the weekend from last night – had dinner out with some girlfriends
My friend L’s new year resolution was to give up smoking which she had done so for 7 days – until last that is – when our other friend, K – who smokes illicitly on our ladies nights out, twisted L’s rubber arm to have a couple of smokes!!!
We then proceeded on to drinking strawberry daiquiris – delicious!!
Could only have one as I was the DD (designated driver)
As usual we had a blast, especially when we thought the salt and pepper grinders had batteries and would have been put to better use as vibrators.
Made it home in one piece sans any roadblocks. Arrived home to HTB and kitty waiting patiently for me. Proceeded to bed with said HTB and kitty and konked out.
Have a good weekend
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Am having a BBD (bad bipolar day) today.
Last night I felt really tired as I had not slept well the night before. For the last 3 weeks, I have halved my bipolar meds cocktail, however last night I took the full dose – and woke up feeling awful this morning.
HTB locked kitty out of the bedroom at midnight as apparently she was standing on my head meowing to get my attention – to which I was oblivious. He let her in at 7 am – as she was yowling outside our bedroom door – and I woke up having a massive hot flush with her sitting on my neck purring like an engine
I am so doped up from the meds – can’t really function to well – thank goodness I am doing mind numbing admin work for now.
HTB and I usually take turns to make supper – it was his turn last night. He has a repertoire of 3 recipes which consist of:
Pasta with pesto, anchovies, olives and onion
Rice with soak, tomatoes and onion
Salad loaded with onion and garlic
(He likes onion and garlic)
We had the rice option last night – not complaining – glad he can take turns with the cooking and any food that I have not prepared is delicious
I mentioned briefly earlier in the blog about our new years eve – however – here is the expanded version.
30/12/2009
We arrive in Prince Albert – very nice little town. We investigate the local campsite – HTB not impressed as it looks like a construction site. We head back to the main street and find self catering accommodation. Good accommodation as it has a plunge pool – very necessary in the hot karoo sun – so after unpacking we jump in with a cold cider each
We explore the town.
HTB is vacillating between wanting to stay or push off the next day. Im quite keen to stay as I think that spending new years eve in Prince Albert in the pool with ciders is a good option – followed by langarm dancing in the local pub to see the new year in.
31/12/2009
HTP decides he wants to trek to Koffifontein(???) to see an Italian prisoner of war internment camp with murals painted by the Italian POW’S.
I begrudgingly agree. We duly drive to Koffiefontein and arrive there in the late afternoon.
The town entrance has a huge gold coffee pot pouring water into a huge gold cup and saucer.
No one knows anything about the internment camp. HTB drives to the police station, where one policeman can tell him that the internment camp has been dismantled but the murals have been preserved and they are opposite the gold coffee pot and cup/saucer fountain.
HTB articulates a few expletives because the internment camp is no longer – however we find the murals. He is very excited – Im not so – there are just two murals – one of Il Duce (Mussolini) and one of the last Italian King. HTB duly photographs said murals – we decide to head for Bloem, as apart from the murals, there is nothing in Koffiefontein – not even koffie!! Surely Bloem will be more exciting and we can find a restaurant to have a few drinks and a nice meal to see the New Year in.
We set our GPS and head of to Bloem. On the outskirts of Bloem we see a sign for a caravan park – good start. We pull in and find they have reasonable self-catering units – so we book in for the night.
We then head off to explore the nightspots of Bloem. HTB wants to go the waterfront – a waterfront in Bloem – apparently called Loch Logan???
We set the GPS to find said destination – however – GPS does not know that there are major road works and keeps on directing us to the same roads that are closed. Then GPS sends us on an alternate route through the worst part of Bloem that was full of prossies and bad looking types.
I start to get nervous – our car is loaded with nice camping gear – we drive around for about an hour when we find the Mimosa mall. It is now 9pm. All the restaurants are closed – even the Wimpy and Spur. We find a Nandos that is still open – it is rather full – with all the foreigners in Bloem – there were Congolese, Bangladeshis and Israeli’s.
We order take away chicken strips and rice and a beer each and head back to our accommodation.
I am resisting the urge to say “I told you that we should have stayed in Prince Albert for New Years Eve”
We arrive at our caravan park (now 9.30 pm) and everyone in the entire camp is already asleep in bed.
So we quietly get in to our room – eat our take out Nandos meal. Once supper is finished – I have a shower and hop into bed. Didn’t make it to midnight – was asleep by 11.
HTB stayed up till midnight – he reported in the morning that he did not hear on firecracker go off.
Clearly – Bloemfonteiners do no celebrate the New Year.
01/01/2010
New years day – we survived Bloem. We have coffee and rusks then head off to the Drakensberg.
On the way we stop at Clarens and have a slap up breakfast – then we arrive at Royal Natal and the sun is shining!!
Last night I felt really tired as I had not slept well the night before. For the last 3 weeks, I have halved my bipolar meds cocktail, however last night I took the full dose – and woke up feeling awful this morning.
HTB locked kitty out of the bedroom at midnight as apparently she was standing on my head meowing to get my attention – to which I was oblivious. He let her in at 7 am – as she was yowling outside our bedroom door – and I woke up having a massive hot flush with her sitting on my neck purring like an engine
I am so doped up from the meds – can’t really function to well – thank goodness I am doing mind numbing admin work for now.
HTB and I usually take turns to make supper – it was his turn last night. He has a repertoire of 3 recipes which consist of:
Pasta with pesto, anchovies, olives and onion
Rice with soak, tomatoes and onion
Salad loaded with onion and garlic
(He likes onion and garlic)
We had the rice option last night – not complaining – glad he can take turns with the cooking and any food that I have not prepared is delicious
I mentioned briefly earlier in the blog about our new years eve – however – here is the expanded version.
30/12/2009
We arrive in Prince Albert – very nice little town. We investigate the local campsite – HTB not impressed as it looks like a construction site. We head back to the main street and find self catering accommodation. Good accommodation as it has a plunge pool – very necessary in the hot karoo sun – so after unpacking we jump in with a cold cider each
We explore the town.
HTB is vacillating between wanting to stay or push off the next day. Im quite keen to stay as I think that spending new years eve in Prince Albert in the pool with ciders is a good option – followed by langarm dancing in the local pub to see the new year in.
31/12/2009
HTP decides he wants to trek to Koffifontein(???) to see an Italian prisoner of war internment camp with murals painted by the Italian POW’S.
I begrudgingly agree. We duly drive to Koffiefontein and arrive there in the late afternoon.
The town entrance has a huge gold coffee pot pouring water into a huge gold cup and saucer.
No one knows anything about the internment camp. HTB drives to the police station, where one policeman can tell him that the internment camp has been dismantled but the murals have been preserved and they are opposite the gold coffee pot and cup/saucer fountain.
HTB articulates a few expletives because the internment camp is no longer – however we find the murals. He is very excited – Im not so – there are just two murals – one of Il Duce (Mussolini) and one of the last Italian King. HTB duly photographs said murals – we decide to head for Bloem, as apart from the murals, there is nothing in Koffiefontein – not even koffie!! Surely Bloem will be more exciting and we can find a restaurant to have a few drinks and a nice meal to see the New Year in.
We set our GPS and head of to Bloem. On the outskirts of Bloem we see a sign for a caravan park – good start. We pull in and find they have reasonable self-catering units – so we book in for the night.
We then head off to explore the nightspots of Bloem. HTB wants to go the waterfront – a waterfront in Bloem – apparently called Loch Logan???
We set the GPS to find said destination – however – GPS does not know that there are major road works and keeps on directing us to the same roads that are closed. Then GPS sends us on an alternate route through the worst part of Bloem that was full of prossies and bad looking types.
I start to get nervous – our car is loaded with nice camping gear – we drive around for about an hour when we find the Mimosa mall. It is now 9pm. All the restaurants are closed – even the Wimpy and Spur. We find a Nandos that is still open – it is rather full – with all the foreigners in Bloem – there were Congolese, Bangladeshis and Israeli’s.
We order take away chicken strips and rice and a beer each and head back to our accommodation.
I am resisting the urge to say “I told you that we should have stayed in Prince Albert for New Years Eve”
We arrive at our caravan park (now 9.30 pm) and everyone in the entire camp is already asleep in bed.
So we quietly get in to our room – eat our take out Nandos meal. Once supper is finished – I have a shower and hop into bed. Didn’t make it to midnight – was asleep by 11.
HTB stayed up till midnight – he reported in the morning that he did not hear on firecracker go off.
Clearly – Bloemfonteiners do no celebrate the New Year.
01/01/2010
New years day – we survived Bloem. We have coffee and rusks then head off to the Drakensberg.
On the way we stop at Clarens and have a slap up breakfast – then we arrive at Royal Natal and the sun is shining!!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
I am the only one at work this week - and am busy doing some rather unstimulating admin work.
Have already scoffed my lunch and Im still hungry. I have gained 8 kgs over the past 3 years - thanks to my cancer tx - have resolved to lose at least 4 kgs. Lunch consisted of 2 slices of rye bread, humus, lettuce and tomatoes. Much nicer I think than my cousin and her son's eco friendly attempt to make disgusting squishy lentil burgers. Will definitely give that recipe a miss.
When I left this morining, HTB was still in bed - then he surfaced to help me put anti flea drops on kitty - he was tasked with holding kitty still while I applied the drops. He is such a softy when it comes to kitty that I have to so the horrible things. After application of drops, kitty bolted to the bedroom and climbed into HTB's underwear shelf in the cupboard - not bad thing - at least HTB will not have fleas in his underwear.
Have already scoffed my lunch and Im still hungry. I have gained 8 kgs over the past 3 years - thanks to my cancer tx - have resolved to lose at least 4 kgs. Lunch consisted of 2 slices of rye bread, humus, lettuce and tomatoes. Much nicer I think than my cousin and her son's eco friendly attempt to make disgusting squishy lentil burgers. Will definitely give that recipe a miss.
When I left this morining, HTB was still in bed - then he surfaced to help me put anti flea drops on kitty - he was tasked with holding kitty still while I applied the drops. He is such a softy when it comes to kitty that I have to so the horrible things. After application of drops, kitty bolted to the bedroom and climbed into HTB's underwear shelf in the cupboard - not bad thing - at least HTB will not have fleas in his underwear.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
6 Jan (I think)
I have alreday forgotten what day it is today,I think it is Wednesday. (Bad memory - side effect of hormone suppression chemo)
Survived gym last night - then HTB and myself went to see the movie Couples Retreat with my cousin.
Lovely movie.
Prior to seeing the movie we had a cappuccino each, and heartfelt discussions about our futures in RSA.
We all feel the same way, we are not wanted here - but where do we go? This is our home.
We decided that there is no point in wasting our energy on these issues as we can not make a difference - we have collectively decided to focus on the good things that we can change and improve on.
One of our main topics was about Zumas fifth wedding and 18 children - there has not been much commentary about this in the papers - is it not PC to comment?
As a taxpayer - I have every right to comment. I feel that we (the taxpayers) should only be required to pay for one wife and maybe the first 5 children!
Will be eback later
I have alreday forgotten what day it is today,I think it is Wednesday. (Bad memory - side effect of hormone suppression chemo)
Survived gym last night - then HTB and myself went to see the movie Couples Retreat with my cousin.
Lovely movie.
Prior to seeing the movie we had a cappuccino each, and heartfelt discussions about our futures in RSA.
We all feel the same way, we are not wanted here - but where do we go? This is our home.
We decided that there is no point in wasting our energy on these issues as we can not make a difference - we have collectively decided to focus on the good things that we can change and improve on.
One of our main topics was about Zumas fifth wedding and 18 children - there has not been much commentary about this in the papers - is it not PC to comment?
As a taxpayer - I have every right to comment. I feel that we (the taxpayers) should only be required to pay for one wife and maybe the first 5 children!
Will be eback later
2010 - A new decade
Dear All
Inspired by my cousin who has started her own blog - I have decided to do the same.
However, mine is not based on cooking with a son, as I dont have children.
I have always wanted to write a book, but a blog is a good start.
For the last 5 o years or so, I have seen a therapist on a regular basis (for psychotherapy that is).
She has never increased my rate as we both scream with laughter during my therapy sessions, and I suspect she enjoys my wacky musings and finds them very entertaining, and we always joked that I should write a book.
The beginning of the new millenium(2000) was not a good start for me as my mother passed away very suddenly, so I have decided, that with the advent of this new decade of 2010, I will write my musings, thoughts and ideas, and that this will be a good year for me and my loved ones.
The last decade has been rather evenful to say the least - and it these events that will colour ny writing .
The last 3 years of those 10 were mega eventful - in the year I turned 40, I ended a 15 year long term relationship, met a new man, 6 months later was diagnosed with breast cancer, had bilateral mastectomies and breat implants, bought a new home, was diagnosed with bi polar disorder, changed careers and got engaged to said man. Yes - the poor man is still with me. Why - I dont now, and we have acquired a gorgeous kitty.
I am currently still on hormone suppression therapy and have 2 years left of this therapy to complete.
For 2010 - I made 3 new year resolutions - and have already broken them. I resolved to not eat chocolate, watch the news or read the newspapers. All resolutions have been broken within the last 3 days - so Im already off to a shaky start.
I will begin my blog from 31/12/20089.
31 December - HTB (husband to be) and I had a lovely 3 week trip to the E. Cape, W.Cape and Karoo. However, we ended up at Bloemfontein on New years eve. Bad mistake - nobody in Bloem parties past 9 pm. No restuarants were open, not even the Spur or Wimpy. We did find a Nandos, ao our New years eve consisted of chicken strips and rice with a beer each in our self catering accomodation. I was asleep by 11 pm. So much for the New Year.
1 Jan 2010
HTB and I arrived at Royal Natal Drakensberg resort to complete the last leg of our journey. We arrived in wonderful sunshine, pitched our tent, made supper and consumed some wine.
This was definitely an improvment on the night before.
2 Jan
Rain had set in during the night, so we slept in till late in out 2 man tent - very cosy.
Then HTB decided that he would hike in the rain. This was duly done - for about 2 hours when we decided to turn back as we were slipping and sliding in the mud. We returned to camp, packed everyting up in the rain and left.
Arrived home in the rain - surprise surprise - when we left KZN it was raining - and on our return - it was still raining. To top it all we arrived home to a flea infestation (kitty spent a 3 week holiday at the cattery)
Believe it or not - there is a sun - we saw it with our very own eyes in the Cape and the Karoo. Was such a novelty to have non frizzy hair, dry washing and some sunburn.
The rest of the day was spent doing several loads of laundry and packing up wet tents etc from out trip.
3 Jan
Hallelujah - the sun came out. Mad scramble to hang our washing on the line to get dry.
Rest of the day was spent cleaning and tyding up and getting ready to resume work the following day.
4 Jan
Went to the cattery to collect our kitty - very traumatic, lots of yowling, but glad to have her home.
Deposited Kitty at home and left for work. Arrived at work - am the only one here - and cant get in to the office as the locks have been changed nd no one though to give me a new key.
I did manage to get into a another office to check e mails and review the years activities.
Went back to gym after work - and did an extra circuit for good measure.
5 Jan
Called a colleague and asked her to bring a key so that I can get into the office to do my assigned tasks. This she does - so am now able to do some work.
Inspired by my cousin who has started her own blog - I have decided to do the same.
However, mine is not based on cooking with a son, as I dont have children.
I have always wanted to write a book, but a blog is a good start.
For the last 5 o years or so, I have seen a therapist on a regular basis (for psychotherapy that is).
She has never increased my rate as we both scream with laughter during my therapy sessions, and I suspect she enjoys my wacky musings and finds them very entertaining, and we always joked that I should write a book.
The beginning of the new millenium(2000) was not a good start for me as my mother passed away very suddenly, so I have decided, that with the advent of this new decade of 2010, I will write my musings, thoughts and ideas, and that this will be a good year for me and my loved ones.
The last decade has been rather evenful to say the least - and it these events that will colour ny writing .
The last 3 years of those 10 were mega eventful - in the year I turned 40, I ended a 15 year long term relationship, met a new man, 6 months later was diagnosed with breast cancer, had bilateral mastectomies and breat implants, bought a new home, was diagnosed with bi polar disorder, changed careers and got engaged to said man. Yes - the poor man is still with me. Why - I dont now, and we have acquired a gorgeous kitty.
I am currently still on hormone suppression therapy and have 2 years left of this therapy to complete.
For 2010 - I made 3 new year resolutions - and have already broken them. I resolved to not eat chocolate, watch the news or read the newspapers. All resolutions have been broken within the last 3 days - so Im already off to a shaky start.
I will begin my blog from 31/12/20089.
31 December - HTB (husband to be) and I had a lovely 3 week trip to the E. Cape, W.Cape and Karoo. However, we ended up at Bloemfontein on New years eve. Bad mistake - nobody in Bloem parties past 9 pm. No restuarants were open, not even the Spur or Wimpy. We did find a Nandos, ao our New years eve consisted of chicken strips and rice with a beer each in our self catering accomodation. I was asleep by 11 pm. So much for the New Year.
1 Jan 2010
HTB and I arrived at Royal Natal Drakensberg resort to complete the last leg of our journey. We arrived in wonderful sunshine, pitched our tent, made supper and consumed some wine.
This was definitely an improvment on the night before.
2 Jan
Rain had set in during the night, so we slept in till late in out 2 man tent - very cosy.
Then HTB decided that he would hike in the rain. This was duly done - for about 2 hours when we decided to turn back as we were slipping and sliding in the mud. We returned to camp, packed everyting up in the rain and left.
Arrived home in the rain - surprise surprise - when we left KZN it was raining - and on our return - it was still raining. To top it all we arrived home to a flea infestation (kitty spent a 3 week holiday at the cattery)
Believe it or not - there is a sun - we saw it with our very own eyes in the Cape and the Karoo. Was such a novelty to have non frizzy hair, dry washing and some sunburn.
The rest of the day was spent doing several loads of laundry and packing up wet tents etc from out trip.
3 Jan
Hallelujah - the sun came out. Mad scramble to hang our washing on the line to get dry.
Rest of the day was spent cleaning and tyding up and getting ready to resume work the following day.
4 Jan
Went to the cattery to collect our kitty - very traumatic, lots of yowling, but glad to have her home.
Deposited Kitty at home and left for work. Arrived at work - am the only one here - and cant get in to the office as the locks have been changed nd no one though to give me a new key.
I did manage to get into a another office to check e mails and review the years activities.
Went back to gym after work - and did an extra circuit for good measure.
5 Jan
Called a colleague and asked her to bring a key so that I can get into the office to do my assigned tasks. This she does - so am now able to do some work.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)