Here's the Season to be Jolly........

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was spent at Leon and Elizma's house. It really was a lovely 2 days, with way too much food, but great company, and great atmosphere (especially with their lovely little fireplace roaring....)

On Christmas Eve we over-ate ourselves on a finger buffet, followed by opening our presents. We were all there (and then some), for the first time in 7 years - Dad, Mom, Leon, Elizma, me, my little dog Murphy and 0.5 (Leon and Elizma's unborn child).

Johan and Celia, good friends of Leon, joined us on Christmas day and we all enjoyed the following:

Goat's Cheese and Caramelised Onion Filo Tartlets with Rocket and Balsamic Vinegar

ooOoo

Beef Wellington

Leg of Lamb (with Mint Sauce)

Rice

Goose Fat Roast Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

Creamed Spinach

ooOoo

Apple Strudel with Butterscotch Sauce and Creme Fraiche

So as you can tell, we ate like Kings!!!!

Merry Christmas to all my friends and family out there! Hope you all experienced a peaceful festive season, and that your biggest gift for the next year will be peace and good health!!

Click here to see our Family Christmas Photos

Hyde Park WinterWonderland

On Sunday 9 December Willie and I drove to London to have a special pre-Christmas-lunch with Frieda and Johan. We took the opportunity to make the trip to Hyde park (in the freezing cold weather) to go to the Winter Wonderland that they created there. This included a large outdoor ice-rink, lots of stall selling interesting things and best of all - MULLED WINE!!! Yummmm!. Despite the weather, we had a lovely day, and enjoyed a very very tasty lunch!!! We'll do that again next year!!!

Rugby at Twickenham

Dad and I went to Twickenham on Saturday, 1 December. World Champions 2007 vs. Barbarians. What an amazing experience - and certainly a dream come true for both of us! There were so many Bok Supporters, if it were not for the freezing cold weather, we could easily have been at Newlands or Ellis Park. The game was absolutely shocking, and the boys lost badly, but a great day out for Dad and me! And for an added bonus, we bumped into an old friend from SA. Nice to have seen you Zeeb, we'll hook up soon! Twickenham - we'll be back! Click here for all the photos

"My house, in the Middle of my Street........."

Just thought I'd post some photo's of my house in Reading. Please note that not much has changed........"Friends" is still on the TV!!! Wish I could have you all around.........

Henley-on-Thames

This weekend Frieda and Johan came to visit. We spent Saturday night at home, just visiting. On Sunday we took a drive to Henley-on-Thames. A beautiful little town, with the Thames River at its best. This is where the annual Henley Regatta takes place - including the world famous rowing race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities. We had a late Sunday lunch at Zizzis in town, then drove back to Reading. Thanks for the visit guys, next time its the Cotswolds or Bath. What say you?

Cambridge

The past weekend we went up to Cambridge for a visit. I arranged accommodation at the Crowne Plaza Cambridge, which, apart from a few issues, was lovely. On Saturday, we went on the open-bus tour, taking in the sights and sounds of this historic, interesting University city. We saw famous sights such as the round church, the beautiful Kings College and the American war museum/cemetery. Some of which we visited again at our own leisure. Click here for some pics.

Seven Sisters

End of September we went to see the Seven Sisters. Very similar to the White Cliffs of Dover. The weather was typical, but the scenery was absolutely beautiful. A must see in England. Click here for some photos.

Sunday Afternoon Drive

Yesterday Dad, Mom and I went for a drive to Cranleigh. Just on the other side of Cranleigh, we came across this little ruin of a cottage. It's at the edge of a very large Farm estate, and you could just imagine that once upon a time, this was where the gatekeeper to the estate lived, as it is right by the road, and adjacent to the very old, very large cast-iron gates.

If you put you mind to it, you can just picture how picturesque this little cottage could be, with a path leading up to it, covered it colourful flowers, smoke coming from the 3 chimneys. A real cozy atmosphere!

Afterwards, on the way home, we drove through Ewhurst, a little English village. We had a look at the peaceful little village chapel, and came across the most beautiful pub, called the Bulls Head. Another visit has already been planned.....

A Day at the Ascot Races - 11 Aug

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!!

For Mom's upcoming Birthday, we surprised her with a day at the horse races at the world famous Ascot (click here).

We started the day with breakfast at Leon & Elizma's house. The weather was beautiful, and we had out Crumpets with Strawberries and Cream on the deck in their garden.

We left for Ascot at 10:30. Once we got there, we bought our Race Ticket (the program for the day with all the info on each of the 6 races, the teams, jockeys, horses and betting forecast). After a quick study, we all made our bets, and went to the Parade ring to see the horses of the first race.

The 6 races are 30 min apart, and vary in length. The racecourse is huge, so the only time when it really gets exciting is when the horses pass right in front of you and go over the winning line.

The excitement of each race is phenomenal. Elizma and I bet on the Toteplacepot. Which means you have to pick a placed horse (1st, 2nd or 3rd) for each of the six races before the start of race one. And we both WON. I won £112 with a £6 bet, and she won £280 with a £16 bet. EASY MONEY!! Here's my proof:
A great day out, I'll recommend it to anybody!! We will be there again at the end of September.....

Top Golf

Last Saturday Leon, Elizma, Dad and I went to play Top Golf. What a great night out. Mom watched as we all tried our hand at Golf, and I must say, the professionals make it look a lot easier than it actually is. For all of my friends back in SA that enjoy golf, have a look at the website (click Here). It's quite different, but a great way to practise that swing!

My Wheels

Bought my car a couple of weeks ago. It's no Ferrari, but gets me from A to B! Should keep me moving until I can buy my Citroen C2!

The Wife and I

On 13 July I went to visit my good friend, or for those who know us like this - My "Wife" (The tale to this "pet-name" dates back many years)

We spent a good night out in Newmarket on the Friday and slept over at the Swynford Paddocks Hotel. The rest of the weekend was spent lazing around, with a few treats in between. We visited the Wood Green Animal Shelter on Sunday, followed by lunch at Don Pasquale in Cambridge. They showed be their new house being built in Red Lodge, which was so NICE! On Sunday night we enjoyed the most exquisite wine and seafood at Loch Fyne in Cambridge. Monday, Christine and I spent in Ely. We visited the famous (and massive) Ely Cathedral, and enjoyed a pint next to the river. Chris & John, thanks for a lovely visit!!!!

I AM Bridget Jones.......

Today we went to the beautiful little village of Shere, near Guildford. We walked through the High Street, visited a few of the quaint little shops and enjoyed Cream Tea at The Lucky Duck. Shere is where the little chapel is from the Wedding Scene in "Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason". You might recognise it........

Happy Birthday Leon

IT'S A FIRST. Leon, for the first time, had his wife, parents, parents-in-law, sister and sister-in-law with him on his birthday. We all went to eat at the Beijing Restaurant in Horsell, only 5 minutes from home. We kicked off with some traditional Chinese Starters, followed by Crispy Aromatic Duck, and main course consisting of Fried Rice, Sweet and Sour Pork, Vegetables and Beef. Just to finish off, a selection of desserts. As you can see we celebrated in style, and ate way too much! But Happy Birthday Leon, may you have another wonderful year, and Thank You to you and Elizma for a lovely evening!

Visit to Murphy

Today I went to see Murphy at the Quarantine Centre he is staying at for 6 months. St. Andrews in West Sussex is a lovely hour's drive from Dad's place, in beautiful countryside. After a struggle trying to get it on, he was very impressed with his Springbok Jersey, which was a gift from Luna and Morgan, Francois and Jeanne's 2 Dachshunds. I am sure he is going to be grateful for this once the winter kicks in. I also treated him with some Doggy Donuts and Doggy Bacon Sizzlers. Murphy sends his best to everyone........... click here to view the photos. (I was very happy to see him after our one month separation, so please excuse the mascara smudges under my eyes, I was a little emotional....)

Bye Bye Africa

As a final farewell to the African bush, mom and I went to stay at the Protea Hotel Kruger Gate on Sunday 10 June. We arrived at 15h30 and checked into our chalet, on the edge of the Sabie River, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. We enjoyed "sundowners" on the viewing deck, followed by a lovely dinner in the Boma. On the way back to Pretoria, we stopped at the picturesque town of "Kaapschehoop". Set high in the mountains, where for all purposes it seems that Time has Stopped. We were entertained by the hostess at the local pancake restaurant with stories about the local "Wild Horses" and information on the history of Kaapschehoop. Click here to view the photos.

Going Away Party

My circle of friends joined me at a truly South African Restaurant in Centurion, "Die Bosvelder" on Saturday 2 June for a meal together, one last time. The company was GREAT! Thank You for all of you who made the effort to come say goodbye. Also, thanks for all the good luck wishes, the telephone calls, the gifts, etc. I appreciate one and all! Click here to view the photos which was taken by my personal, and VERY professional photographer - Moya.

Farewell to Protea Hotel Waterfront

Thursday 31 May was my last working day at Protea Hotel Waterfront, after 2 years of what I would like to think of as "Dedication". One other way to describe this place, would be a bottomless pit of wonderful people. I have seen many colleagues come and go, but one thing I can say for sure, about my co-workers at this hotel, is that I have made friends that I can say with all honestly has deeply influenced my life, my memories and my perception of what you are capable of when supported by the right people! You will all be greatly missed. Click here to view an album of the party, which obviously, did not stop at the Hotel.............

Days are few......

So with only 2 days to go at work, I am really starting to feel the excitement of our move to the UK. 16 June is D-Day, when mom and I fly out to join Dad, Leon and Elizma.

I have to tell you, that I am so proud of my parents. I don't think anybody my age realises what an "adventure" this is for them. Dad, at the (dare I say) age of 57 landed in the UK, and was offered a job within 2 days. He is so happy where he is, working in the centre of London, but commuting from his lovely terraced house in Surrey on a daily basis.

Mom, who is 65 years young, can't wait to get to England, settle in, and start to go on cross-country trips, learn about all the fantastic things we speak about, the ease of life as well as the Internet!! Not even to mention the bi-yearly trips to Europe, or wherever the wind may blow them/us.

As for me, I have done some research on the Internet into possible jobs that I might be interested it. Of course my main objective will be to stay close to my family, as I refuse to be the only one that lives far away. There are so many opportunities, and with me being able to live with my parents for a while, it gives me the chance to be "slightly" picky, and wait for "the right job, at the right place, at the right time, at the right price" to come along. (Can you tell I studied Marketing...................) It's all about supply and demand, innit?

I have made a promise to keep my blog updated, so for those who are interested, can at any point see what I have been up to.

One thing I can say for sure is that there are most certainly people in my life, here in South Africa, that I will miss dearly, daily! I've had the privilege to make contact with a old and dear friend from school, the great friends I made during my time at University, the wonderful people I've met at Protea Waterfront, and my 3 dearest friends, Francois, Jeanne and Carine. I only feel blessed that my path has crossed with these people, as each of them have enriched my life beyond words. I am grateful to live in the age of technology, where a joke can be shared at the click of a mouse, or you are able to have a quick conversation via sms or msn, and the piece of mind to know that my friends are on the other side of my keyboard - so to speak - anytime, anywhere, and vice versa.

So, keep an eye on my blog, and keep in touch!


A friend is like a flower,
a rose to be exact,
Or maybe like a brand new gate
that never comes unlatched.
A friend is like an owl,
both beautiful and wise.
Or perhaps a friend is like a ghost,
whose spirit never dies.
A friend is like a heart that goes
strong until the end.
Where would we be in this world
if we didn't have a friend.
Emma Guest

Murphy The Pommie

On 16 March Murphy got Airborne and took the long trip over the water (or land for that matter), to go start his new life in the UK. Currently he is spending quality time at St. Andrews, a quarantine centre. He'll be living there for six months, relaxing and getting rid of all the stress he carries from the crime-ridden life as a watchdog in South Africa. According to the caring folks at St. Andrews, Murphy is a "Shy Fellow". A side of him I've never seen, I must say............

Dad is visiting him tomorrow, taking some doggy treats and a blanket for the colder nights. I miss my boy, and can't wait to visit him on 19 June.

In Loving Memory......Our Mackie

IF IT SHOULD BE

If it should be that I grow sick and weak
And this should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle... can't be won.

You will all be sad, I understand
Don't let your grief than stay your hand
For this day, more than the rest
Your love and friendship stand the test.

We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer... so
When the time comes, let me go.

I know in time, you too will see
It is a kindness that you do to me
Though my tail its last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Don't grieve that it should be you
Who has to decide this thing to do
We've been so close, we two, these years
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Surprise Surprise

I surprised Mom with dinner at the Protea Hotel Wanderers, joined by Santie, Viv and Sessie. We had a lovely "Girls Night Out". Good food, good company and lots of laughs were shared. A small family farewell before mom sets off on her Adventures Abroad!

Deuriemikke / Inniemikke

1 May was a public holiday. We went to Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, for an Afrikaans Music Festival. Pieter Koen was the MC, and a great variety of singers performed, including Nicholaas Louw, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Karen Zoid, Nianell, Juanita du Plessis, Theuns Jordaan, Bok van Blerk and Robbie Wessels. 22,000 People went absolutely mental when Bok van Blerk sang the controversial song "De la Rey". What an amazing experience! Truly South African!

P-Party

On Monday 30 April we had a P-Party at Elmarie and Johan's house. This means everyone needs to dress up with something beginning with a "P". I went Pregnant, Francois was a Pirate, Jeanne a Prostitute, Adel a "Padteken" (Road sign), Fritz a Pirate, Johan a Patient, Elmarie a Proctologist, and Wessel and Anina was "Patience and Promise" (African Names for Maids). We had a delightful fondue, followed by some Poker! Everyone had a lovely evening - Thanks Elmarie and Johan for your hospitality!!!!!! Click here to view the photos

WARNING: Contaminated Dog Food

To all my four-legged friend's owners:

Please click here for the press statement of the MD of Royal Canin and Vet's Choice Pet food, after the shock announcement of many pet deaths due to contaminated food.

Happy Happy my Tjom!!

Happy Birthday Devonne!!! Here's to the next 26!! And thanks for a lovely evening at your house, with the most delicious food (I REALLY liked the Philidelphia Cheese and Sweet Chilli Sauce!). I'll miss you in the UK!