Nya thought she needed to go check out how the new home was progressing
Opa has bought Kingsley's sit-upon mower and Nya had to check that out too
Monday, July 14, 2008
New house
Myrtle Cottage is progressing at great speed.
Nya thought she needed to go check out how the new home was progressing
Opa has bought Kingsley's sit-upon mower and Nya had to check that out too
Nya thought she needed to go check out how the new home was progressingOpa has bought Kingsley's sit-upon mower and Nya had to check that out too
The Expanding Family
Lynda, Senna and Callum came on Saturday and Sean came down on Sunday. Just a few pictures to keep everyone up to date.
Traer, Terry & Nya popped in on Sunday with their friends Lisa and James
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Dijon
We left for Dijon on Tuesday morning, the idea being that we could take a relaxing drive down stopping overnight twice since we wouldn't be able to get into the track until Thursday morning.
We got as far as Dover docks before Ed got his head under a bonnet!
He was trying to help someone get their car started as the loading of the ferry was almost done!
Had a lovely lunch on board which meant I wouldn't have to cook that evening. We drove a little way on the motorway then took the N roads. They are so well maintained and the scenery is beautiful. Late afternoon we stopped not far from Soissons at Le Crois du Vieux Pont in Berny-Riviere. The camp site was huge but each pitch was very private. Ed asked for and got a riverside (the Aisne) stand. No one near us - except for ducks and swans that is.
When I opened the camper door in the morning, two families of ducks were waddling past with a swan as the rear guard. It shooed them all into the river then joined them. Was this the ugly duckling in reverse?
After a leisurely breakfast of fresh croissants and coffee, we again set off on the N roads. We missed the camping site we were aiming for but did not want to turn back, so travelled on for another hour or so. In a small village, Chanceaux, we spotted a dodgy looking municipal camp site. There was only one tent there. The site was at the side of the village hall but there were lovely shaded areas so we decided to stop. A good choice as the village was charming.
Bought some bread, cheese, salamis and wine and then stopped off at the local bar for a beer and a wine.
Had a simple supper
and early to bed. Nobody had come to collect our money for using the camp site, so tried to pay at the bakers but no one would take the payment. Bon chance! So off we set for the last 30 or so km to Dijon race track.
Arrived, Ed signed in, we off loaded into the pit we had hired, checked out who was around then set off on a bike ride to Prenois, the village closest to the track. It was one o'clock so everything was closed except the restaurants. Had a delicious lunch (no cooking for me again) in the courtyard of a little restaurant. After cycling back it was time for a siesta. Ed had met up with Geoff Williams who had also raced in SA at the beginning of the year. He and his friend Peter came over for drinks and snacks in the evening w
hile we caught up with what all of us had been doing since we last saw Geoff.
Friday meant business. In the morning, Ed qualified 18th out of 21. Had a slight oil leak which he repaired and the rest of the day was free. The HGPCA (Historic Grand Prix Association) who were organising a number of the races put on a "light lunch" - goodness knows what a normal lunch would have been. There were a huge variety of salads, cold meat, cheeses and french bread plus beer and wine to wash them down. Absolutely delicious. Oh, and puds as well. Think only the men managed those. Lazed in the afternoon and then time to eat again. The HGPCA put on a great barbecue.
Today, Saturday, families started arriving early with their picnic baskets.
There are great places to sit on grass under the shade of trees to watch the racing.
Ed finished 15th in his race but we are still struggling with the leak.
Lunch was a repeat of yesterday and we are just about to go to a barbecue and live rock and roll concert being put on by the organisers.
We got as far as Dover docks before Ed got his head under a bonnet!
He was trying to help someone get their car started as the loading of the ferry was almost done!Had a lovely lunch on board which meant I wouldn't have to cook that evening. We drove a little way on the motorway then took the N roads. They are so well maintained and the scenery is beautiful. Late afternoon we stopped not far from Soissons at Le Crois du Vieux Pont in Berny-Riviere. The camp site was huge but each pitch was very private. Ed asked for and got a riverside (the Aisne) stand. No one near us - except for ducks and swans that is.
When I opened the camper door in the morning, two families of ducks were waddling past with a swan as the rear guard. It shooed them all into the river then joined them. Was this the ugly duckling in reverse?
After a leisurely breakfast of fresh croissants and coffee, we again set off on the N roads. We missed the camping site we were aiming for but did not want to turn back, so travelled on for another hour or so. In a small village, Chanceaux, we spotted a dodgy looking municipal camp site. There was only one tent there. The site was at the side of the village hall but there were lovely shaded areas so we decided to stop. A good choice as the village was charming.
Bought some bread, cheese, salamis and wine and then stopped off at the local bar for a beer and a wine.
Had a simple supper
and early to bed. Nobody had come to collect our money for using the camp site, so tried to pay at the bakers but no one would take the payment. Bon chance! So off we set for the last 30 or so km to Dijon race track.Arrived, Ed signed in, we off loaded into the pit we had hired, checked out who was around then set off on a bike ride to Prenois, the village closest to the track. It was one o'clock so everything was closed except the restaurants. Had a delicious lunch (no cooking for me again) in the courtyard of a little restaurant. After cycling back it was time for a siesta. Ed had met up with Geoff Williams who had also raced in SA at the beginning of the year. He and his friend Peter came over for drinks and snacks in the evening w
hile we caught up with what all of us had been doing since we last saw Geoff.Friday meant business. In the morning, Ed qualified 18th out of 21. Had a slight oil leak which he repaired and the rest of the day was free. The HGPCA (Historic Grand Prix Association) who were organising a number of the races put on a "light lunch" - goodness knows what a normal lunch would have been. There were a huge variety of salads, cold meat, cheeses and french bread plus beer and wine to wash them down. Absolutely delicious. Oh, and puds as well. Think only the men managed those. Lazed in the afternoon and then time to eat again. The HGPCA put on a great barbecue.
Today, Saturday, families started arriving early with their picnic baskets.
There are great places to sit on grass under the shade of trees to watch the racing.
Ed finished 15th in his race but we are still struggling with the leak.Lunch was a repeat of yesterday and we are just about to go to a barbecue and live rock and roll concert being put on by the organisers.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Callum Michael Bartrum
Our great nephew made his appearance at 9.44 am Wednesday 11th June 2008.
Senna meets her baby brother. She did not believe it was Callum at first, saying he was in mommy's tummy. Dad had to tell her a few times that he had been taken out of mommy's tummy and that this was he!
I bet every woman who's just had a baby wishes they looked as good as Lynda (I certainly didn't!) How does she do it?
Senna meets her baby brother. She did not believe it was Callum at first, saying he was in mommy's tummy. Dad had to tell her a few times that he had been taken out of mommy's tummy and that this was he!I bet every woman who's just had a baby wishes they looked as good as Lynda (I certainly didn't!) How does she do it?
Traer & I went to visit and adore. Nya came along too.
Nya was exhausted by all the excitement of a new cousin and of seeing Senna.
Nya was exhausted by all the excitement of a new cousin and of seeing Senna.Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Senna baking fairy cakes
Last week Senna and her mommy baked and iced fairy cakes. Here are some pictures of our darling niece.
Nya's 1st Birthday and Welcoming Party
Although the weather was grey and drizzly on Sunday, it did not dampen the spirits at Nya's party. The flowing pink champagne may have played a part. The kids ignored the damp and played happily in and out of the house.
7 Weeks and 3 Days
It's been nearly 10 months since I was last home, so Mike said I was allowed to start to count down the days.
Mike has been very busy working over the weekend, so we did not do very much. Saturday evening we went to the Roeds for a BBQ as it was Helenas First Birthday last Thursday - she is looking very cute now she is walking everywhere and has the biggest smile when she can run around with Mikael and Chrissy.
We missed Nyas first birthday party, but hopefully we will get some pics soon on the blog.
Other than that very uneventful here, we got tickets to see Manchester United versus Kaiser Chiefs at Newlands in July when they come to SA for a pre season tour. Should be good as we are 2 rows from the pitch right behind where the teams sit. Hopefully some of the big players will be playing.
Mike has been very busy working over the weekend, so we did not do very much. Saturday evening we went to the Roeds for a BBQ as it was Helenas First Birthday last Thursday - she is looking very cute now she is walking everywhere and has the biggest smile when she can run around with Mikael and Chrissy.
We missed Nyas first birthday party, but hopefully we will get some pics soon on the blog.
Other than that very uneventful here, we got tickets to see Manchester United versus Kaiser Chiefs at Newlands in July when they come to SA for a pre season tour. Should be good as we are 2 rows from the pitch right behind where the teams sit. Hopefully some of the big players will be playing.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Friday, the weekend started with a trip to the Food and Wine show at the International conference centre. We headed there after work, I love going to exhibitions and was very excited because you come away with so many free things pens, pads, magazines etc. So I thought a Food & Wine Show would be amazing. Unfortunately it did not meet my expectations, unsure why they gave us a bag as we went in, because other than the 1 magazine and sachet of porridge (strawberry flavoured - yuk) that was already in the bag, the only extra thing I got from the show was a bar of chocolate (that I bought). The show would have been ok if there wasn't a R75 charge per person to go in, plus you had to pay extra to see any of the hourly Chefs in Action Shows.
It wasn't all bad, the Malaysian Tourist board had a stand and was selling rotis & curry sauce for R10 and came with tea (the same amazing tea that the Malaysians made us when they were over at The Barn).
Saturday: Few chores bank & laundry so headed to Sea Point. The waves were massive! Unfortunately no camera. We then headed to Camps Bay to see what the waves were doing there, for a quick coffee at Vida. The sun decided to come for the first time in weeks so we sat and read the papers outside with our coffee/hot chocolate. Back home to watch rugby/football. Went out to a small pub in Sea Point to meet up with Shaun to watch the Sharks rugby game, then on to Hussar Grill for something to eat.
Sunday:
Awoke expecting it to be a sunny day, as the reports said it was to be hot. Looked out the window and was shocked it was overcast and grey. So I put on my jeans & boots. Stepped outside and realised it was amazingly hot (up to 30degrees). By the end of the day I had to walk around without shoes and socks and roll my trousers up. We got to see Uncle Pete who was down working on the flat, which was nice. The surf reports were showing that Cape Town had the second best surf in the world today - unfortunately Mike was getting over a little cold, so decided entering ice water was not a good idea. But we took a drive to Muizenberg which was heaving with people - turned around and went to Kalk Bay. Expecting Kalk bay also to be busy we took the first parking we found - right down the road. We thought we would try to get into The Brass Bell (being 12:30 on Sunday it was highly unlikely). Very strangely when we got there, there was only 3 tables occupied. It was very strange - not sure where all the people were.
Off home now (monday night) still warm so going for a stroll along the beach.
xx
It wasn't all bad, the Malaysian Tourist board had a stand and was selling rotis & curry sauce for R10 and came with tea (the same amazing tea that the Malaysians made us when they were over at The Barn).
Saturday: Few chores bank & laundry so headed to Sea Point. The waves were massive! Unfortunately no camera. We then headed to Camps Bay to see what the waves were doing there, for a quick coffee at Vida. The sun decided to come for the first time in weeks so we sat and read the papers outside with our coffee/hot chocolate. Back home to watch rugby/football. Went out to a small pub in Sea Point to meet up with Shaun to watch the Sharks rugby game, then on to Hussar Grill for something to eat.
Sunday:
Awoke expecting it to be a sunny day, as the reports said it was to be hot. Looked out the window and was shocked it was overcast and grey. So I put on my jeans & boots. Stepped outside and realised it was amazingly hot (up to 30degrees). By the end of the day I had to walk around without shoes and socks and roll my trousers up. We got to see Uncle Pete who was down working on the flat, which was nice. The surf reports were showing that Cape Town had the second best surf in the world today - unfortunately Mike was getting over a little cold, so decided entering ice water was not a good idea. But we took a drive to Muizenberg which was heaving with people - turned around and went to Kalk Bay. Expecting Kalk bay also to be busy we took the first parking we found - right down the road. We thought we would try to get into The Brass Bell (being 12:30 on Sunday it was highly unlikely). Very strangely when we got there, there was only 3 tables occupied. It was very strange - not sure where all the people were.
Off home now (monday night) still warm so going for a stroll along the beach.
xx
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sunny Monday
Another gorgeous day today, which is great as we are visiting the local woods with the Beavers this evening.
Just had a few more pics of Nya taken by Traer over the weekend.
Playing with water in my backyard
Just had a few more pics of Nya taken by Traer over the weekend.
Playing with water in my backyard
I love my Nicky lion
OOps!! mama left the fridge door open. Her youghurt is really yummy!
OOps!! mama left the fridge door open. Her youghurt is really yummy!Sunday, May 11, 2008
Nya
Glorious weather again today. I'm just grabbing the opportunity before the family arrive to post some pictures of our darling little girl
.
Nya started crawling on the 16th April and this is a short clip on day 2 (I don't know how to rotate the clip).
I was granny nanny for three days last week which was a joy.
Oma took Nya for a walk down to Bilsington church.
Opa and Oma gave Nya her birthday present early as she will have so many people at her party on the first and we thought she could enjoy it whilst here (and we could not wait!)
Oooh! This is fun and it plays music too.
I'm not too sure about this guy called Steve.
Just like my cousin Senna, I love my mummy's sunglasses
.
Nya started crawling on the 16th April and this is a short clip on day 2 (I don't know how to rotate the clip).
I was granny nanny for three days last week which was a joy.
Oma took Nya for a walk down to Bilsington church.Opa and Oma gave Nya her birthday present early as she will have so many people at her party on the first and we thought she could enjoy it whilst here (and we could not wait!)
Oooh! This is fun and it plays music too.
I'm not too sure about this guy called Steve.
I love playing in the garden at Opa & Oma's
Just like my cousin Senna, I love my mummy's sunglasses
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
It's the Weekend
One of the good things about SA is the number of Public Holidays. We have a two day week this week and after Monday off the Weekend starts tomorrow!
Tonight we have our Heavy Chef Session which is about website usability this month, which should be great.
Not a lot else planned for the Weekend but i'm sure it will include some golf & surfing. I will try and remember my camera where ever we go to make the blog prettier.
Tonight we have our Heavy Chef Session which is about website usability this month, which should be great.
Not a lot else planned for the Weekend but i'm sure it will include some golf & surfing. I will try and remember my camera where ever we go to make the blog prettier.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Weekend at Fancourt
oops just seen I had saved this in draft rather than posting it -
Mike and Fred Thursday/Friday had a "Site Storm" with new client website client Fancourt - see the new company transport: http://www.heavychef.com/heavy-chef-wwc-news/businessmen-in-buggies/
We all headed off on Wednesday, arriving in George about 5pm.
Mike, Bridge, Paul & stayed at Craig & Chareen's house - which was lovely. Craig & Chareen got back from the Otto trail on Thursday and were able to spend the whole time with us as a planned trip to Cape Town was canceled.
Thursday whilst Mike was in meetings, Paul, Bridge and I went to Monkey Land just outside of Plett. Had lunch in Knysna and back to the house. Luckily I had planned to make a chicken salad as I had to cook before the electricity went out at 6. Mike's dinner meeting was cancelled so he was able to join us for a candle lit supper.
Friday Bridge & I went to the Fancourt Spa and relaxed by the pool and sat in the jacuzzi. Then proceeded to the hairdressers as a cut was only R160. Back to the house and Chareen had picked up Erin's new puppy (Roxy). Paul and Bridge went for a drive to lunch and I went with Chareen to view the new house and choose some tiles etc, then a quick visit to the vets for puppy & dog injections.
Friday night we went to the Wilderness Night Market and met up with Uncle Pete & Aunty Mim for a pizza.
Saturday we went to Botlierskop Safari for a game drive, Mike and Paul went on a horse back safari in the afternoon. Then had a lovely evening meal with Craig & Chareen and a few of their friends at home.
Sunday now home (well at the office) and planning a Mr Delivery dinner.
Thanks Craig & Chareen for letting us all stay we had a great time! Hopefully Mike and I will see you in a few weeks!
Mike and Fred Thursday/Friday had a "Site Storm" with new client website client Fancourt - see the new company transport: http://www.heavychef.com/heavy-chef-wwc-news/businessmen-in-buggies/
We all headed off on Wednesday, arriving in George about 5pm.
Mike, Bridge, Paul & stayed at Craig & Chareen's house - which was lovely. Craig & Chareen got back from the Otto trail on Thursday and were able to spend the whole time with us as a planned trip to Cape Town was canceled.
Thursday whilst Mike was in meetings, Paul, Bridge and I went to Monkey Land just outside of Plett. Had lunch in Knysna and back to the house. Luckily I had planned to make a chicken salad as I had to cook before the electricity went out at 6. Mike's dinner meeting was cancelled so he was able to join us for a candle lit supper.
Friday Bridge & I went to the Fancourt Spa and relaxed by the pool and sat in the jacuzzi. Then proceeded to the hairdressers as a cut was only R160. Back to the house and Chareen had picked up Erin's new puppy (Roxy). Paul and Bridge went for a drive to lunch and I went with Chareen to view the new house and choose some tiles etc, then a quick visit to the vets for puppy & dog injections.
Friday night we went to the Wilderness Night Market and met up with Uncle Pete & Aunty Mim for a pizza.
Saturday we went to Botlierskop Safari for a game drive, Mike and Paul went on a horse back safari in the afternoon. Then had a lovely evening meal with Craig & Chareen and a few of their friends at home.
Sunday now home (well at the office) and planning a Mr Delivery dinner.
Thanks Craig & Chareen for letting us all stay we had a great time! Hopefully Mike and I will see you in a few weeks!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Long Weekend (Last Weekend).
In order to have a relatively free weekend, Mike and I went to the office to work on Friday. We stopped for lunch with Sandy at the flat then on the way home we went to the driving range before the sun set.
Saturday morning we had a few chores to do, then back to the driving range.
Sunday we went to Patrick's for breakfast and to watch the grand prix. Then off to Muizenberg for a surf. It was very sunny, but also windy at the beach so needed a jumper whilst reading. Back to the flat for lunch then we walked to the Waterfront, which was only a 15 minutes walk.
Monday little bit of work then decided to walk to the sea - silly idea as it was very hot and seemed a long way. Now I though I should keep the blog up todate whilst watching Miss Potter.
Saturday morning we had a few chores to do, then back to the driving range.
Sunday we went to Patrick's for breakfast and to watch the grand prix. Then off to Muizenberg for a surf. It was very sunny, but also windy at the beach so needed a jumper whilst reading. Back to the flat for lunch then we walked to the Waterfront, which was only a 15 minutes walk.
Monday little bit of work then decided to walk to the sea - silly idea as it was very hot and seemed a long way. Now I though I should keep the blog up todate whilst watching Miss Potter.
Long Weekend (2 weekends ago)
The weekend got to a lovely start on Thursday evening, Uncle Pete, Mim, Sandy, Warren and Lorna headed down to cape Town, as it was Warren and Lornas last night we all went out for supper at Belgas - along with Fred, Jason, Lea and Eric.
Great night was had by all as we only got home at 12:45.
Friday, back to work but I had a quick coffee break at Vida with Pete, Mim, Warren, Lorna, Sandy & Eric.
Warren and Lorna sadly flew home on friday night, so not able to join us all for breakfast on Saturday at Origins (we actually got a seat! but no black pepper!)
Mike and I took a drive out to the Winelands to 2 estates and stocked up on supplies. Back home we picked up some snacks and met Uncle Pete and Aunty Mim and Clifton for sundowners on the beach (was beautiful). Then we all headed back to our place to watch the Wales France rugby match.
Sunday I had a lie in, then off to Muizenberg to sit on the beach while Mike surfed. A quick check of our emails to find that our friends Bridget and Paul have booked tickets to come and see us on the 2 April for 2 weeks. Decided it was time to start my golf lessons, so we went to the golf club to join and hit some balls. 30% of my balls went into the air and straight!!!!
Great night was had by all as we only got home at 12:45.
Friday, back to work but I had a quick coffee break at Vida with Pete, Mim, Warren, Lorna, Sandy & Eric.
Warren and Lorna sadly flew home on friday night, so not able to join us all for breakfast on Saturday at Origins (we actually got a seat! but no black pepper!)
Mike and I took a drive out to the Winelands to 2 estates and stocked up on supplies. Back home we picked up some snacks and met Uncle Pete and Aunty Mim and Clifton for sundowners on the beach (was beautiful). Then we all headed back to our place to watch the Wales France rugby match.
Sunday I had a lie in, then off to Muizenberg to sit on the beach while Mike surfed. A quick check of our emails to find that our friends Bridget and Paul have booked tickets to come and see us on the 2 April for 2 weeks. Decided it was time to start my golf lessons, so we went to the golf club to join and hit some balls. 30% of my balls went into the air and straight!!!!
New Flat
Sorry this has taken awhile but as you can see from the posts above we have been enjoying the Cape Town Life.
We moved into this smaller flat and we are loving it. It's perfect for just the two of us.
You'll have to excuse the mess as these pictures were taken the weekend we moved in, before everything had a place.
We have since bought a table, and waiting to buy a couple of chairs.
But you can see Mike is happy as he can watch the BBQ and the Rugby at the same time.
We moved into this smaller flat and we are loving it. It's perfect for just the two of us.
You'll have to excuse the mess as these pictures were taken the weekend we moved in, before everything had a place.
We have since bought a table, and waiting to buy a couple of chairs.
But you can see Mike is happy as he can watch the BBQ and the Rugby at the same time.
Last night in cape Town
Whilst emptying my camera I found these two pictures of the final BBQ with mom and dad in Cape Town.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
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