Thought provoking...

A father passing by his son's bedroom, was astonished to see that the bed was nicely made, and everything was picked up. Then, he saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow. It was addressed, 'Dad.' With the worst premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter, with trembling hands.

'Dear, Dad.
It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing to you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend, because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mum and you.

I've been finding real passion with Stacy, and she is so nice, but I knew you would not approve of her, because of all her piercings, tattoos, her tight Motorcycle clothes, and because she is so much older than I am.

But it's not only the passion, Dad. She's pregnant. Stacy said that we will be very happy. She owns a caravan in the woods, and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children.

Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone. We'll be growing it for ourselves, and trading it with the other people in the commune, for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want.

In the meantime, we'll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS, so Stacy can get better. She sure deserves it!

Don't worry Dad, I'm 15, and I know how to take care of myself. Someday, I'm sure we'll be back to visit, so you can get to know your many grandchildren.

Love,
Your son, Joshua.

P.S. Dad, none of the above is true. I'm over at Jason's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the school report that's on the kitchen table.

Call when it is safe for me to come home.

2007 travels ~ 2 countries, 24 villages & cities!

Hout Bay, Cape Town ~ 27 Oct 2006

We had a SPLENDID trip to sunny South Africa!

We went to Johannesburg, Pilansberg Game Reserve, Lost City & Sun City (for 3 nights, and over my birthday!), the Karoo, Cradock (stayed at the renowned Die Tuishuis), did a good section of the Garden Route (3 nights at Wilderness Nature Reserve), plus the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, and then went on to Cape Town and all her wine tasting, mountain climbing and cultural beauty.

We also saw dear family and friends and all their new little kids.

March 2007

A last minute getaway to romantic and historic Stratford-upon-Avon :)

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

I have always wondered about this town, and longed to visit. Shakespeare was a favourite study in English Literature, his writing is to me like poetry, and I so enjoy digging into his writing and seeking the true meaning beneath the musical words.

The weather was nippy but clear, spring time is always a good time to do some gallivanting!

It's quite easy to get caught up in the lovely character of the town, the charm of the architecture, the beauty of the River Avon... one needs to remember though what this town is about and why it is so well known.

Much of this town is dedicated to the memory of a man who had an enormous impact on English literature, and literature as a whole.

His life may have been over many years ago, but to me his memory if very much a living one, every time I read one of his poems, sonnets or plays, he comes alive! I learnt a lot about him at school, where we studied one play a year, and think it is a pity that many schools no longer do this. Here is a man with an unsurpassed talent and depth, with a gorgeous town heritage to boot.

Sitting in your bookshelf :)

May 2007

We took a delightful trip to a few towns and villages in Dorset, a beautiful green county in England. We stayed in Cerne Abbas, and visited Dorchester, Weymouth, Swanage, and Corfe Castle.

Renowned for it's *giant* chalk figure

We briefly saw Studland, Lulworth Castle and Poole too.

This was the little village we stayed at when we visited Dorset.

We fell in love with it!

From its winding roads to its impressive church and abbey, from a very interesting cemetary (I love cemeteries!) to its renowned Royal Oak pub with its own Master Chef of England - with it's huge collection of teapots and tea cups hanging from the ceilings, which is also a couple of hundred years old!

The cream teas we had here were so delicious - we couldnt watch the calories for fear of passing out... - they were so good we had them twice! Tons of history and a pretty, neat little village.

Definately a thumbs up for Cerne Abbas :)

June 2007

Explored Dover in Kent, and it's fortified castle with Kristi (VTer Dabs)!

~

Had another super day trip to Portsmouth.

HMS Victory ~ fought in the Battle of Trafalgar!

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will go again in a few weekends time with my sister and a friend, to go up the Spinnaker Tower, go on a boat trip, do some shopping in their MANY shopping outlets, go and explore the historic ships some more and basically enjoy a day out! Having lived near Simon's Town (South Africa's naval town) so long, we both really appreciate and enjoy anything naval... me adding in the naval officers too ;)

The photo is of the HMS Victory, which is permanently docked at Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard. What a magnificent ship!!! There are a couple other historic boats, some war-time boats, a ferry, some sailing boats and even a giant carrier! All very exciting and fun to see :)

July 2007

Red Bull Air Race in Central London

Red Bull Air Race

An exciting air race... used to be held at Longleat, England, but this year was held in Central London... good move!!!!

We would love to go to one of the air races overseas, especially the one at the Grand Canyon! :)

Aug 2007

Wkend away to Somerset ~ staying at a 17th Century B&B and exploring Cheddar, Burnham-on-Sea and Wells!

Wells is the smallest city in England!

Bishops Palace, half ruin, half palace in Wells.

It is absolutely charming.. has all the charm of a village still though. It has various churches, a palace, and a cathedral.. the latter being it's claim to being called a city!

Mr and Mrs Flower at the wedding

We then had a week long trip to Cape Town for brother-in-law's wedding! (and a surprise flight to Jhb to see my fam)

Gosh, 3 trips to South Africa in under a year :))

Oct 2007

Visit to Arundel Castle and Brighton for our wedding anniversary!

We were spoilt by the B&B owners, who had a cold bottle of champagne on ice for us when we arrived :)

We thoroughly enjoyed visiting both places... Brighton for it's sea charm... excellent architecture and flavour... and Arundel for it's village charm with the smoky castle overlooking it.

The Hollyhock flower, plenty at Brighton!

A difficult one

This past week hasnt been easy. No, the kids were great, even my most challenging little one is changing... behaving more, listening and responding. Amazing what consistency and firm love do :)

No, the frustrating thing was someone whom I know... a long standing friend.

He has always been a difficult person to get along with, is arrogant (thinks he's god's gift to woman, thinks he's the best artist/cook etc. in the world), selfish (lives in his own little bubble.. and is only concerned it seems, with whatever affects him... not those around him)... and complains so much! I even mentioned this to him (after the umpteenth complaint re something in my home - which I find rude being the host - and his response was 'it isnt a complaint, merely an observation'.

Grrr... he always feels the need to make negative observations/complaints. Always at others' expense too. and gets so defensive when anyone has any compaint against him!

But there's a lot more than this. He went out Friday night, knowing we would have to wait up for him to let him in as he didnt have keys. You would have thought he'd be mindful of this and come home at 11pm or so, at the VERY latest 12... but no, it ended up being a 2amer... and then he wanted to help a hysterical girl, which was in itself nice, but there's not much thought re his hosts!!! 3am bed for us that night.

He goes to some sushi course and we drop him off (getting his hints... plus aware he isnt pleased we wont be fetching him), he walks back the long way... and complains re his hurting feet etc. He always needs to let others know around him when he is put out in any way. He expects everyone to JUMP for him!

The next night we went to my sisters. She's been planning this for weeks, has about 40 people there. We get there early to help set up etc.. what is family for? By 8:30pm he starts complaining re the time... he's tired, when are we thinking of going home. I am not planning on going home any time soon!!! I am also tired (due to him!!!) but am making extra effort to enjoy the evening my sister has worked hard to put together. There are also loads of pals there who I want to speak to etc.

He says 'If I drive your car back I am not sure where to go'... ummm.. excuse me??? Where does he get the idea we would let him drive the car??? We certainly never offered... Plus he's not on our insurance... plus how would we get home!!!??? SELFISH man. I actually had to get up and away from him I was so mad.

He didnt have the courtesy to thank my sister for having him - an extra guest who came just because he happened to be staying with us... plus he didnt even bring anything and it was a bring and share. My sister has always thought him rude though and knocked heads. I think I have always been very tolerant of his ways, valuing his friendship. But this rudeness and in my home.. is enough. My husband thinks he's darn rude and he's not easily hit up. He saw how tense I was getting this wkend

The virtual world

It can be a friendly place sometimes, and I have loved playing a part in it for the last few years... have met some wonderful people etc. But I have had enough of my travel site for the time being. I would like to still write travel pages on it for myself and to help others, will contribute to the travel forums when I get a chance, and will still enjoy the social side of it... but the miscellaneous forum they have there is a no no now. A lot of it is about trust.. and there have been SIXTEEN deletions there since 31 August. I dont see how they are deemed warranted, the people who do the deltions say they are, and the deletees say they arent.

Two VERY different tales about the same conversation/email. All very confusing, irritating and sad. Who to believe? So, for the meantime, I will take a breather from all things online.

I have plenty of things going on in my own life currently, to have to warrant worrying and stressing as I have done for the last couple of weeks. Yes, the tests came back inconclusive so off I go in a few weeks for another test. The other tests I am having done start on the 25th. Fun and games. Not.

Judy's birthday dinner!

Well, the end of another week!

The childminding went very well... am bonding well with the kiddies and getting into a good routine with them. My home is well geared for kids of this age and the garden is a godsend!

Yesterday I freelanced and this was lovely (as per usual) except for the travelling... 4 hours of it. I headed to Judy's afterwards (the birthday girl!), and we had a wonderful evening at The Tapestry, a restaurant in Mortlake. My starter was an avocado crab mix, and my main was leg of lamb, with salad, fig and potato. WOW, what deleicious food and BIG helpings!!! Which meant... no pudding grrrr and they look fabulous!

Debs had told the waiter it was Judy's birthday and they brought her a chocolate brownie with ice cream, and a sugar puff design thing with a candle on it... haha. It was delicious!!!!!!!!!

So??? I have decided we will come here for our wedding anniversary in October :)) And I will have a main and dessert this time, skipping the starter... just cannot fit it all in!

After the meal we went back to Debs place and watched the recorded rugby... where South Africa beat England 36-0!!!

We knew the score as we had been getting smses/texts all night hehe.. but Judy and others never knew... so we were knackered, full and happy. What a lovely night out! Great bunch of girls.

A new day

Well, no freelance work for me this week! A shame in a way as nice to get the £££ and I love the design team... but it's also good to have a day off! A day to get errands done (like make extra sets of keys!!!), and do a tidy at home. Need to sort out the clothes cupboards for one thing!
Judy is coming round later for tea with the girls. S started school yesterday... very chuffed re that

Mum has been really sick lately... has even taken time off work with her chest infection. I phoned her last night and she's still so raspy on the phone... a week later! I wish I was there to be able to help her. She helps us kids (especially my brother currently as they live a 2 minute drive away from her) so much... cant wait to be able to give something back. Under 100 days till we see her... yay!

Trifle annoyed with something else too... if one spent a lot of time and effort taking, editing (photoshop) and uploading wedding photos for someone, do you think they'd acknowledge it or say thanks?? I would have thought so. Not a peep from them. I think it's rude Apparently they've been emailing them to everyone too, as they really like them... and not a single thank you.

Unbelievable. I dont know why I bother to help people out as much as I do sometimes.

What a week!

This has certainly been an interesting week!

Childcare has gone well, everyone is happy, but I do have 1 child (child a) who is quite a handful!!! Of the 6 I can see another child (child b) is going to be a bit of a handful too. But I doubt child b will be anything like child a.

A demanding and whiney child, child a seems to get their own way at home a lot. I wonder if child a's ever told 'no'? I am trying to teach child a to say 'please' too when child a wants something.. which is often! When I am finished a day with child a I am absolutely shattered. It's not fair to give one child more attention than the others, I am careful not to, so the days it is here are heavy, as child a demands so much attention. Constant reassurance and attention. All day too.

Oh well, that's what it's all about isn't it? Living and learning

Started my tests at QM hospital this week, hope they don't come back inconclusive so I have to go again!!! I am looking forward to the tests on the 25th at C&W hospital, hoping to get some answers there too.

Then onto a more sombre note.

The VT I have come to love (and respect) is no longer what I think it to be. For many it is a mere travel site, to build travel pages, get travel info etc. This is great, and I use it a lot this way.... have over 4,000 pics of ours posted and on the way to 2,000 tips!

However there have been 9 member deletions this past week, and this sucks. I have lost respect for those in charge who try to justify their actions... but I dont think they are being transparent and honest enough. They say they dont read emails and other members have proof they do... etc. Far too much to go into here, but let's just say I am truly disappointed.

Such a shame.

I didnt now everyone who has been *zapped* but I knew a couple and I will stay in touch with them of course. But sadly, I cannot make mention of them in the forums for fear of being *zapped* myself! People are saving thier travel pages like crazy, in case they get *zapped* for being associated with the dearly deleted.

Ah well. I think I'll stick to writing travel pages and meeting people as I always have done. But Misc is no longer my playground. Not where people arent playing fair.

Locked out!!!

Oh but wasn't today fun!!!???

What NOT to do when you have a hungry tired child? Get locked out!

That yale has got me twice now... first time the landlord (thank goodness!) was home, so he could let me in. He lives a 2 minute walk away so that's handy!

So I phoned him today - hoping he's home, but he isn't, he's in Kensington, at a job. Groan.

I phone Lance and tell him the situ.... he (bless him) tells his boss he has to go home to let me in, and he does. Had to wait a while as he works at Oxford Street (and the tubes were down!!!! GREAT timing Jen!!!).

Thankfully though the sun was shining and I had brought plenty of sncks, a sandwich, crackers, raisins etc. with me for our common walk, so the child didn't go hungry. Little Finlay and Melanie (neighbours children) were sitting in the garden with their Slovakian nanny, Lanka, too... so they had some fun together.

So I need to get more keys made, and give one set to Judy! PRONTO

Started Christmas shopping!

This weekend didnt really turn out as expected... had a lovely day with sister, did some shopping (started Christmas shopping!), saw a movie.. Bourne Ultimatum.. it was realy very good, if not a tad unbelievable at times! But this is usually how these action movies are.

Sunday went topsy turvy and we ended up not going to church. Spent the rest of the day relaxing. Lance worked on Saturday so enjoyed the time to ourselves.

Mum hasnt been well (has a chest infection)... she amazes me, doesnt complain at all.. I have to hear about this from my sister!

Well the kids start tomorrow. All so different with their personalities, some far more challenging than others. Some content, some whingey. I guess we as adults also are so different and have good days and bad.

The playroom is really looking great, Lance and I reshuffled things around... look spacious and fun!

Stranded in the pub!

A VT pal Diana organised a meeting at The White Cross pub in Richmond on the day the tide is the highest in a year! We have been together for this once before, when Joy (from Kaapstad!) visited too :)

There were quite a few VTers and the water came in... luckily we were up on the balcony so could watch below what happened as people realised the waters were lapping at their feet! haha

Kids were swimming in it (brrr)... and people had fun.

The kids settling in went well this week and one child officially started on Thursday. From Monday it is all systems go for all kids starting now!!! Judy and I are going out now to get another travel cot (I have reserved a Winnie the Pooh one), and going to see a movie too. Should be fun!

I freelanced one day this week too, was lovely to see the design team... they are such a lovely bunch of people!!! Atmosphere and ethos is SO different to Freeman's... so much healthier and more pleasant. I do love it there, and am so glad to have the opportunity to be working form home with kiddies four days a week, and then with the design team on one day :)

Last night (afer the afternoon meet), I babysat for a couple in Putney, she is a doctor, not sure what he does, but what a lovely couple! They are hoping to make this an ongoing arrangement. Wont be easy for me, working a long day (from 7am to 7pm), then off to them by 8pm to babysit, but will be good for the pocket.

Lance is at work poor thing. I'll be thinking of him as I munch on my popcorn ;)

Oh, it's officially the first day of spring in South Africa today!!! The blossoms must be lovely :)