A nice read, enjoyable

Oh, it's so cold

For me, from over the sea

Birthday lunch with the family

My family came on Sunday for lunch. YUM-ee!
Starter: Parmesan, salt and pepper shortbread served with cheddar, chilli jam, biltong and basil. Main: Slow cooked lamb shank, served with slow cooked red cabbage - divinely soft, and sweet potato gnocchi. The sage was added to the gnocchi. Forgot to take a pic, oh no! Dessert: Banana toffee 'pie'. Base was crumbed ginger biscuits with crushed pecan nuts. Banana drizzled with homemade caramel. Topped with plain yoghurt, chocolate and meringue sprinkles. Teatime: Marble cake. I enjoyed making it all!

Glühwein - lass das sein

Saturday night, early supper - pea soup, pizza(store bought, sorry) and glühwein.
The first sip of glühwein makes you think: hmm, interesting. The second sip of glühwein makes you think: mmmmm, delicious. The third sip of glühwein makes you think: it's so hot in here. The fourth sip of glühwein stops you thinking:-) DO NOT leave out the rum - it makes all the difference.

and then back to the office

Back on the bus, back to the office. Ah, the end of a lovely day.

The journey continues

The steam trains are operated by Friends of the Rail, its their passion - done with much love.

Next stop - Irene Station

For a trip on the steam train - just a glimpse here, more about it later.

First stop - Irene Dairy Farm

It was my birthday on Friday, and usually I take the day off work, but this year there was a company function on the same day! They said I wouldn't be sorry if I came in, but gave no other details - and how right they were - what a wonderful day.

At 09h30 we had to board a bus, and we still did not know where we were going. Surprise - the first stop was Irene Dairy Farm for a short presentation and lunch. Yummy!

I didn't take my camera so all pics were taken on my cellphone.

Homemade lemonade

You have to squeeze 30 lemons to get 2 bottles of lemon syrup. I added two vanilla pods, and it has given it such a lovely flavour. The amazing thing is that I brought back the vanilla from Mauritius in 2001, have kept it in the fridge and it has kept its flavour - wonderful.

Surprise!

I get to work and there’s a present on my desk, wow! I wonder who its from and there’s a handwriting I recognise. Thank you so much, T – I’m already wearing them! 

Orange, pink, blue, green, black

This is a new handbag I made for myself. Fabric a gift from C, from Ikea. And look, it has a furry bottom :D

Forget-me-KNOT

Did the Jasmine want to remember a particular summer?

The house mouse

The mouse in my house loves chocolate! I don't think I can put up with this, hmmm.

Lunch, Monday

Steak burger on rye with red onions, gorgonzola and poached pears, served with chips. OMG! Yum, yum!

White tea

I love the presentation. White tea and ginger.

A real smile!

I know the Jubilee is all over but I received this postcard and it has

this really cool stamp of the Queen.

Snap!

Look at the postcard and stamp! OMG! Coincidence or arranged?

Es sis knot afreeka?

Es sis knot Afreeka? Sen wear es da son? Knot evan mein watshin wil drei in sis wearder! - cloud covered weekend.

Dance like no one's watching

A real life dancer on a music box, of course I donated money to see her dance.

An amazing awareness campaign - well executed!

From: http://www.saballettheatre.co.za/en/Content/Pages/UPCOMING-SABT-EVENTS

The South African Ballet Theatre (SABT) and Mzansi Productions are hosting an innovative

fundraising event at Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg. Together with key suppliers, we have spent several months creating and developing a traditional, musical jewellery box – with one important difference. It’s life-size. When you insert money into its coin slot, a real ballerina comes to life inside the box and dances for as long as the music plays.

The message? Help keep ballet The South African Ballet Theatre dancing.

The event is an original and creative way of gaining exposure and generating funds for SABT and Mzansi Productions: two of Gauteng’s major dance companies currently in the process of merging. Both companies are Section 21 registered companies and are generously funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund. With an operating budget in excess of R12.5 million annually, the Companies must maintain on-going fundraising initiatives to secure additional budget.

“We wanted to create awareness around classical ballet, as well as the need for public support.” said Iain MacDonald, Artistic Director.  Iain has choreographed dances for Emma Corbett, Jessica Overton, Claudia Monja and Leila Wagener for the event.

Special thanks go to Hyde Park Corner for hosting the event.

Broken glass

On the radio they asked a man how he felt after losing his two children, and he said: like broken glass, you can never put it back together again.
All weekend his words have been on replay in my mind, and no one can help him.

Jar of memories

My mother used to keep her pearls in this lovely, old-worldy, delicate jar.
I only wear the pearls with this one grand dress I have - they go together so well - I might show you one day.

Night light

It looks warm, interesting and inviting. I want to be invited to dinner :-)

Khoki

I love their signage. It's bold and striking, and it's a fun shop!

Alien station

Alien station or the airport? Okay, it's the airport.

Norscot Koppies

Lazing about at the koppies

At Norscot Koppies.

Details of nature

Sun worshipper

Every morning after he's had his breakfast S goes outside and sits in a patch of sun until he's as warm as toast. His moment of peace and quiet and happiness. Aaah, he's so cute!  It's been very cold lately so he's wearing a jacket.

Panorama

My brother took this pic when we were in the berg. What a lovely image, what a lovely weekend that was.

How to make a PRETTYUGLY

I have entered my PRETTYUGLYs into a magazine creativity competition. Hold thumbs. Even the runner up prize looks good, but we're going for first prize :-)

Long cold nights

The long cold nights are so perfect for going to bed early with a book and a cup of tea, although you'll probably prefer a glass of wine. But this was such a disappointment, nothing happened for 531 pages and then the bit that was interesting was summarised across a few pages. Boo hoo!

Wits Art Museum

I loved the art collection - It was varied and good. It's a wonderful space. Go see!

DIYdoily