Goodbye, auf weidersehen

I have decided not to continue with this blog, although I might start something else, somewhere else on the internet. I feel like trying something new and fresh. A new style, format, content.

I haven't been able to spend the time on the blog over the last 18 months as I would have liked to. When eventually I had time to post I rushed it and had already lost the essence and sentiment of the experience and I want to offer more than just posting of the images.

So, thank you for your time over the years, I wish you a wonderful 2018.

Christmas table 2017

We celebrate Christmas on Christmas eve. I start early in the year with my ideas for the table and start to collect and make the stuff as early as July. you may think that's crazy but that way i'm not rushing last minute and then i don't have the added expense either. This year I sewed the tablecloths and serviettes (usually I buy them ready-made), and goody bags. The fabric for the serviettes and bags I 'took' from work, they had used it for an event last year.  I only baked the biscuits 2 days before Christmas because it was too hot to be in the kitchen, but then eventually it couldn't be put out any longer. I made 8 different kinds, and even had a savoury one. They were truly delicious, even if I must say so myself. My sister-in-law's Stollen was incredible, I could have eaten the whole thing in one sitting.

Thanks to my family for coming through, for your company and the gifts. I am blessed.

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree

I usually spend 4-5 hours decorating the tree for Christmas, but the last few years my nieces have been doing it. They make it look awesome and it takes them... wait for it, ...all of 20 minutes. I haven't bought any decoration in many year but have put together a good amount over the years.
Christmas - a special time of year with special people. Love you all.

Stroll through the garden

No lions or rhinos

We saw no lions or Rhinos at the Rhino and Lion Park. Saw all sorts of buck with their young. Saw the wild dog, although they were up on the hill chilling in the shade of a big tree, they are my favourites. I have never seen the park look so green. Africa is awesome.
We went early so there was hardly anyone there. Lovely morning out with my brother, wonderful picnic under the trees.

Unicorns are real

Just before Christmas we visited a market in Walkerville. Lovely lazy afternoon, a short walk through the forest, meeting the fairies and seeing a unicorn. Lovely venue, wonderful music, worth the visit.

These special moments

The simple things matter - a lunch under a tree on a summers day with family. Bliss.

Advent calendar

Made an advent calendar for my nieces. A box with envelopes for each day, containing 2 photographs of our time together during 2018. It was a wonderful year with them, they are amazing and inspiring.

Wonderful rain

We had so such rain in early summer it was fantastic and turned everything into paradise, or perhaps a jungle. As you can see my garden loved it.

The wedding cake card

Made a congratulatory card for a colleague's wedding. Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Marsh.

Dürer print

My mother had the Dürer print and the other print on her wall in her room in Germany as a child. They are now hanging in my home, still in their original frames. I'm just sorry the one has some water damage, due to my neglect I am afraid.

50 and 60 continued

So I created a theme piece to celebrate my brothers' birthdays. It was printed on the cake and I make hand-held 'waaiers' that we had at the lunch table. Although we didn't get to use them, it was so cold, and they lit a fire instead.

Ms M enjoying the holidays

My darling dog is enjoying have access to the house all day and being able to lounge about on the couches. So happy.

Evening sky with birds and bats

Gathering of the clan

We are ready to receive our first guest tomorrow. All the others will arrive on Friday. Another occasion to have family and friends together. So blessed.

Travels with our aunt

To introduce my nieces to different foods and flavours we 'travelled' to some countries around the world. I loved sourcing the recipes and compiling the menus, setting up the table and trying to make it 'real'. They received a passport at the beginning of the year that was 'stamped' and expires now in December. There was a lot of 'Wat is dit?' but lots of fun and laughter. The one they enjoyed the most was the New York street food theme. I loved all the food, not so such the alcoholic beverages, wow, some of them were strong and yucky. They are disappointed it's all over and asked if we had 'visited' every country in the world. No, sorry, we didn't. Maybe we'll do some more travelling next year, you just never know.

50 and 60

My one brother turned 60, and the other will be 50 in a number of days. Happy birthday to you two, love you both madly.

We celebrated with a family gathering in the southern Cape. What an awesome week.

We rented a house right on the beach. Good weather and bad weather, all in the same day. Long walks on the beach, country roads and mountain passes.

We came across a beached whale on morning, which was sad to see. He was already dead when he washed out.

Dolphin sightings almost ever day.

A very special time.

The Dutch girl

All good art is given a title. This plate is called the Dutch girl.

An earlier Christmas gift from my friend.

She is going to have an exhibition of her work next year.

Bring me flowers

Bring me flowers and I will be happy.

My family arrived on Sunday for lunch and gave me these beautiful flowers.

We had a wonderful day together. Table tennis, swimming, dominoes and lots of laughter.

On edge

We have had the most incredible amount of rain so far this summer. 135mm since mid November. Days without sunshine but well worth it.

The garden is looking incredible.

I an amazed how the droplets gather on some leaves and seem to hold their shape forever.