Thursday, February 10, 2005
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Happy Groundhog Day !
From Wikipedia :
Groundhog Day is a traditional festival celebrated in the USA and Canada on February 2.
In the U.S. the tradition derives from a Scottish couplet:
If Candlemas Day is bright and clear,
there'll be two winters in the year.
The tradition also stems from similar beliefs associated with Candlemas Day [1] (http://www.groundhog.org/history/tradition.shtml) and Hedgehog Day. Although the date is often referred to as one of the four quarter days of the year (the midpoints between the spring and fall equinoxes and the summer and winter solstice), it is in fact one of the cross-quarter days[2] (http://www.noblenet.org/year/groundhog.html).
The first Groundhog Day was observed in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania on February 2, 1887.
Tradition states that one must observe a groundhog's burrow on this day. If the groundhog emerges and fails to see its shadow because the weather is cloudy, winter will soon end; however, if the groundhog sees its shadow because the weather is bright and clear, it will be frightened and run back into its hole, and the winter will continue for six more weeks. Certain small towns have well-known meteorological groundhogs, such as Punxsutawney Phil (made famous by the Groundhog Day movie) and Wiarton Willie. Recently Shubenacadie Sam was introduced in Nova Scotia. The official groundhog forecaster for New York City is Staten Island Chuck.
Indeed, bright clear weather in a North American winter is often associated with very cold temperatures.
Annual predictions
2004 - Phil, 6 more weeks; Willie, 6 more weeks; Sam, an early spring
And, for Supersuzy : check out this blog ~ it's filled with shopping tips for the sistas....!
We had a weekend away in Durban this last weekend, and I bought a copy of Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, on reccommendation from Craig....I have yet to start reading it, since I am currently reading Farenheit 9/11....
Heidi is reading Branson's biography, "Losing My Virginity", and she reports that it is an enthralling account of a life less ordinary !
I also gave blood yesterday, and this week is week two of playing squash twice a week in the morning before work - 3 sessions down, and 18 to go (21 times in succession, forms a habit, I am led to believe....)
Oh ! Dillo and Supersuzy are moving house today ! I wish them all the best, and a great house-warming at the end of it - Mamacita* is travelling to Cape Town for a conference, and will stop by to check out the new digs....
*credit due to scarbiedoll for this name - I hope I can use it too...
Groundhog Day is a traditional festival celebrated in the USA and Canada on February 2.
In the U.S. the tradition derives from a Scottish couplet:
If Candlemas Day is bright and clear,
there'll be two winters in the year.
The tradition also stems from similar beliefs associated with Candlemas Day [1] (http://www.groundhog.org/history/tradition.shtml) and Hedgehog Day. Although the date is often referred to as one of the four quarter days of the year (the midpoints between the spring and fall equinoxes and the summer and winter solstice), it is in fact one of the cross-quarter days[2] (http://www.noblenet.org/year/groundhog.html).
The first Groundhog Day was observed in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania on February 2, 1887.
Tradition states that one must observe a groundhog's burrow on this day. If the groundhog emerges and fails to see its shadow because the weather is cloudy, winter will soon end; however, if the groundhog sees its shadow because the weather is bright and clear, it will be frightened and run back into its hole, and the winter will continue for six more weeks. Certain small towns have well-known meteorological groundhogs, such as Punxsutawney Phil (made famous by the Groundhog Day movie) and Wiarton Willie. Recently Shubenacadie Sam was introduced in Nova Scotia. The official groundhog forecaster for New York City is Staten Island Chuck.
Indeed, bright clear weather in a North American winter is often associated with very cold temperatures.
Annual predictions
2004 - Phil, 6 more weeks; Willie, 6 more weeks; Sam, an early spring
And, for Supersuzy : check out this blog ~ it's filled with shopping tips for the sistas....!
We had a weekend away in Durban this last weekend, and I bought a copy of Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, on reccommendation from Craig....I have yet to start reading it, since I am currently reading Farenheit 9/11....
Heidi is reading Branson's biography, "Losing My Virginity", and she reports that it is an enthralling account of a life less ordinary !
I also gave blood yesterday, and this week is week two of playing squash twice a week in the morning before work - 3 sessions down, and 18 to go (21 times in succession, forms a habit, I am led to believe....)
Oh ! Dillo and Supersuzy are moving house today ! I wish them all the best, and a great house-warming at the end of it - Mamacita* is travelling to Cape Town for a conference, and will stop by to check out the new digs....
*credit due to scarbiedoll for this name - I hope I can use it too...
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Phumba !
This weekend was quite special....
Sacha and Xavier and Keraan came up on Friday to visit and play some Magic, and they gave Kieran a lift up too.
Saturday was a celebration for reaching the halfway mark of Aziz's TB medication program (3 months down, another 3 to go :( ) - we had some people over for lunch/dinner, and we all had great fun !
On Sunday, we were joined by Ma and Dad and Craig who was in SA visiting his Dad who is ill - we're all hoping that his Dad gets a lot better soon.
Jacquie and Tony returned to Kwambo to make a potjiekos for us - Tony is a master, who used juicy venison meat to make his winning meal that was accompanied by roast leg of WARTHOG (aka Phumba) and a terrific prawns curry contribution from Ma Stoltenkamp.
Even Dad enjoyed the meal, and didn't even kick up a fuss when we revealed that the roast was not actually mutton, but warthog !
Heidi outdid herself again, baking more cakes and trifles than we knew what to do with....!
Clinton and Elaine Palmer joined us on both days, and we are hopeful of the start of a healthy "new" friendship with them. Their daughter, Dana, is sweet enough to substitute for dessert !
TC made the drive up, and we were glad to see him, as he is going through a difficult period - we will return the favour by driving down to Durban for his son's birthday party next weekend.
Ma Patel and Mary-Ann also made the trip, as did Sudah and her mom, Leilah - it was fantastic to see all of them.
Though it rained on and off on Sunday, it was not enough to dampen our spirits, and much talk ensued about the possible start of a social/dance club here in Zululand....
On Sunday Heidi and I went to bed exhausted, but happy, glad that the next day was Monday, and that we were travelling to Durban next Friday, for a "weekend off"...
Sacha and Xavier and Keraan came up on Friday to visit and play some Magic, and they gave Kieran a lift up too.
Saturday was a celebration for reaching the halfway mark of Aziz's TB medication program (3 months down, another 3 to go :( ) - we had some people over for lunch/dinner, and we all had great fun !
On Sunday, we were joined by Ma and Dad and Craig who was in SA visiting his Dad who is ill - we're all hoping that his Dad gets a lot better soon.
Jacquie and Tony returned to Kwambo to make a potjiekos for us - Tony is a master, who used juicy venison meat to make his winning meal that was accompanied by roast leg of WARTHOG (aka Phumba) and a terrific prawns curry contribution from Ma Stoltenkamp.
Even Dad enjoyed the meal, and didn't even kick up a fuss when we revealed that the roast was not actually mutton, but warthog !
Heidi outdid herself again, baking more cakes and trifles than we knew what to do with....!
Clinton and Elaine Palmer joined us on both days, and we are hopeful of the start of a healthy "new" friendship with them. Their daughter, Dana, is sweet enough to substitute for dessert !
TC made the drive up, and we were glad to see him, as he is going through a difficult period - we will return the favour by driving down to Durban for his son's birthday party next weekend.
Ma Patel and Mary-Ann also made the trip, as did Sudah and her mom, Leilah - it was fantastic to see all of them.
Though it rained on and off on Sunday, it was not enough to dampen our spirits, and much talk ensued about the possible start of a social/dance club here in Zululand....
On Sunday Heidi and I went to bed exhausted, but happy, glad that the next day was Monday, and that we were travelling to Durban next Friday, for a "weekend off"...
Thursday, January 20, 2005
The Good Ol' Days
I received this mail in my inbox from SistaSue today....makes for some seriously nostalgic reading - thanks girl !
I shared it with Sugan, while munching on a kebaab bunny chow, and his reaction and reminiscing resulted in me posting it here - I know some of my buddies prefer not to receive mass email in their inboxes, but I'm positive they would all (KayCee included) enjoy this....
"Just take a few minutes, sit back with the ole' days!!!
The good ole' days... I’m talking about the time of....Hide and Seek in the park...or the dark...or anywhere. The tearoom down the road, Marbles, Donkey, skipping and handstands, backyard cricket with a tomato box, house-house game, 5 stones, jumping the river, building a swing from a piece of rope tied to a tree, tennis on the street or swing ball in the backyard, Black Shoe black Shoe, Ing Ching China Mina, My name is Cane, Four Corners, Crocodile, Open Gates, Hoopoo, Gully Gundha, Mercy, Slides & climbing trees.
Remember when there was a season for everything, before play stations and cartoon networks, computers... The sound of the fish or fruit & veg vendor in his van. Wicks bubble gum for a cent! Chappies, Roller-skates, BMX, go carts
Wait, can you still remember...
Getting up at 3 in the morning, sitting under a blanket at the back of a bakkie to spend the day at Park renie, illovo beach or midmar dam?
When around the corner seemed far away and going into town seemed like going somewhere, and your ma made you "dress up" for the trip. Going to town to do Christmas shopping. Peeling skin in summer. Sticky fingers and sand in and on everything Marbles, yo-yo's, tops, kites...
Walking to school - no matter what the weather and too embarrassed to wear a raincoat. Walking home and spending the bus fare. Running till you were out of breath. Laughing so hard that your stomach hurt.
Jumping on the bed..... Pillow fights. Spinning around, getting dizzy and falling down. Being tired from playing... Remember that? The worst embarrassment was being picked last for a team. Paper water bombs and Slingaberry cotters were the ultimate weapon. A piece of card in the spokes held by a clothes peg transformed any Bicycle into a motorcycle. I'm not finished just yet...... Can you still taste and smell... eating egg sweets and jellytots, Ice lollies made from cold drink in Tupperware holders in the freezer. Licking the spoon when cakes were baked.......... Camping in a tent (with no electricity) was not an option. Marshmallow fish and mice.
Remember when... There were two types of takkies - North Star and the canvas ones, and the only time you wore them at school, was for "PE" in your white shorts and ..... Startrek, A team, Airwolf, Knight Rider, Gummie Bears, The Lone Ranger, Bravestar... It wasn't odd to have two or three "best" friends, if you're a boy its ok for a girl to be your bestfriend and vice versa, you knew everyone in the road, even their cousins were your friends. Nobody owned a pedigree dog! 25 cents was decent pocket money. When nearly everyone's mom was at home when the kids got there, and you could get a hiding from any of them!
And you got another if you went crying to your mom!!! Remember how we used to catch tadpoles in the canal & not worry about the germs we might pick up? When it was considered a great privilege and very unusual to be taken out to dinner at a real restaurant or in a proper hotel.
Remember when it was an outing to go to Wimpy. (woooooooooowwwwwww)
When watching spaghetti westerns or karate movie in the art room on Friday afternoon was the highlight of the week? And trying the moves out when the movie was done!!! Or when on the rare occasion your father bought Kentucky?
Remember how we used to lie on the grass & eat mango and chilli powder or bhor and figs.
Remember when any parent could discipline any kid, or feed him or use him to carry groceries and nobody, not even the kid, thought a thing of it. When being sent to the head master's office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited a misbehaving student at home.
Basically, we were in fear for our lives but it wasn't because of muggings, drugs, gangs, etc... Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat....and some of us are still afraid of them!!!
Didn't that feel good.....just to go back and say, Yeah, I remember that
Remember when.... Decisions were made by going "eeny-meeny-miney-mo."
Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming, "Nix!" A "race issue" meant arguing about who ran the fastest. Money was handled by whoever was the banker in "Monopoly". Having a weapon in school meant being caught with a BIC pen, pea shooter or a "kettie". Taking drugs meant orange-flavoured chewable vitamin C, Milk of Magnesia Or a spoonful of castor oil. Ice cream was considered a basic food group. Skills and courage were discovered because of a "dare". Older siblings were the worst tormentors, but also the fiercest Protectors
If you can remember most or all of these, then....
YOU HAVE LIVED!!!! "
I shared it with Sugan, while munching on a kebaab bunny chow, and his reaction and reminiscing resulted in me posting it here - I know some of my buddies prefer not to receive mass email in their inboxes, but I'm positive they would all (KayCee included) enjoy this....
"Just take a few minutes, sit back with the ole' days!!!
The good ole' days... I’m talking about the time of....Hide and Seek in the park...or the dark...or anywhere. The tearoom down the road, Marbles, Donkey, skipping and handstands, backyard cricket with a tomato box, house-house game, 5 stones, jumping the river, building a swing from a piece of rope tied to a tree, tennis on the street or swing ball in the backyard, Black Shoe black Shoe, Ing Ching China Mina, My name is Cane, Four Corners, Crocodile, Open Gates, Hoopoo, Gully Gundha, Mercy, Slides & climbing trees.
Remember when there was a season for everything, before play stations and cartoon networks, computers... The sound of the fish or fruit & veg vendor in his van. Wicks bubble gum for a cent! Chappies, Roller-skates, BMX, go carts
Wait, can you still remember...
Getting up at 3 in the morning, sitting under a blanket at the back of a bakkie to spend the day at Park renie, illovo beach or midmar dam?
When around the corner seemed far away and going into town seemed like going somewhere, and your ma made you "dress up" for the trip. Going to town to do Christmas shopping. Peeling skin in summer. Sticky fingers and sand in and on everything Marbles, yo-yo's, tops, kites...
Walking to school - no matter what the weather and too embarrassed to wear a raincoat. Walking home and spending the bus fare. Running till you were out of breath. Laughing so hard that your stomach hurt.
Jumping on the bed..... Pillow fights. Spinning around, getting dizzy and falling down. Being tired from playing... Remember that? The worst embarrassment was being picked last for a team. Paper water bombs and Slingaberry cotters were the ultimate weapon. A piece of card in the spokes held by a clothes peg transformed any Bicycle into a motorcycle. I'm not finished just yet...... Can you still taste and smell... eating egg sweets and jellytots, Ice lollies made from cold drink in Tupperware holders in the freezer. Licking the spoon when cakes were baked.......... Camping in a tent (with no electricity) was not an option. Marshmallow fish and mice.
Remember when... There were two types of takkies - North Star and the canvas ones, and the only time you wore them at school, was for "PE" in your white shorts and ..... Startrek, A team, Airwolf, Knight Rider, Gummie Bears, The Lone Ranger, Bravestar... It wasn't odd to have two or three "best" friends, if you're a boy its ok for a girl to be your bestfriend and vice versa, you knew everyone in the road, even their cousins were your friends. Nobody owned a pedigree dog! 25 cents was decent pocket money. When nearly everyone's mom was at home when the kids got there, and you could get a hiding from any of them!
And you got another if you went crying to your mom!!! Remember how we used to catch tadpoles in the canal & not worry about the germs we might pick up? When it was considered a great privilege and very unusual to be taken out to dinner at a real restaurant or in a proper hotel.
Remember when it was an outing to go to Wimpy. (woooooooooowwwwwww)
When watching spaghetti westerns or karate movie in the art room on Friday afternoon was the highlight of the week? And trying the moves out when the movie was done!!! Or when on the rare occasion your father bought Kentucky?
Remember how we used to lie on the grass & eat mango and chilli powder or bhor and figs.
Remember when any parent could discipline any kid, or feed him or use him to carry groceries and nobody, not even the kid, thought a thing of it. When being sent to the head master's office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited a misbehaving student at home.
Basically, we were in fear for our lives but it wasn't because of muggings, drugs, gangs, etc... Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat....and some of us are still afraid of them!!!
Didn't that feel good.....just to go back and say, Yeah, I remember that
Remember when.... Decisions were made by going "eeny-meeny-miney-mo."
Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming, "Nix!" A "race issue" meant arguing about who ran the fastest. Money was handled by whoever was the banker in "Monopoly". Having a weapon in school meant being caught with a BIC pen, pea shooter or a "kettie". Taking drugs meant orange-flavoured chewable vitamin C, Milk of Magnesia Or a spoonful of castor oil. Ice cream was considered a basic food group. Skills and courage were discovered because of a "dare". Older siblings were the worst tormentors, but also the fiercest Protectors
If you can remember most or all of these, then....
YOU HAVE LIVED!!!! "
Monday, January 17, 2005
New beginnings
What a great weekend that was : we spent loads of time at home, and hosted people for meals and chats on Saturday and Sunday - it was TERRIFIC !
Young Zi had friends to play with, and was such a good boy...
We want to do more of this; spending time with your friends is so important - we have missed this over the last few years...
The new beginning this week is Aziz starting at a new school on Wednesday : KPPS = Kwambonambi Pre-Primary School ~ lots of adjustments are in store for the whole family, but we're all looking forward to it. Aziz has been asking for friends all week, and he doesn't know what's coming :) I'd love to see his face on Wednesday ! Must remember to ask Heidi to take some photos....
Young Zi had friends to play with, and was such a good boy...
We want to do more of this; spending time with your friends is so important - we have missed this over the last few years...
The new beginning this week is Aziz starting at a new school on Wednesday : KPPS = Kwambonambi Pre-Primary School ~ lots of adjustments are in store for the whole family, but we're all looking forward to it. Aziz has been asking for friends all week, and he doesn't know what's coming :) I'd love to see his face on Wednesday ! Must remember to ask Heidi to take some photos....
Friday, January 14, 2005
Helping around the world
One good thing that has come out of the recent tsunami in SE Asia is the flood of efforts to try and assist our disaster-stricken brothers and sisters out there : from employee cash donations matched by big corporations, to secondhand clothing, to benefit concerts, we are seeing a tremendous drive by individuals and groups who may have no direct link to those folk out there many thousands of miles away, to try and improve their situation....makes me proud of the human race, again.
I urge everyone out there to try and get involved and make a difference, but also to make that a habit - make a difference EVERY DAY ! Raise awareness with your conversations, make a contribution with what you have materially available, do what you can !
I am so proud of my two nephews in Winnipeg, Canada: Leith and Jared are involved in seperate gigs this weekend that will benefit the tsunami relief efforts...
Check out their websites at :
http://theleeves.tripod.com/theleevesproject/ - Jared's project to assist the needy in SA
http://www.remixmedia.ca/events.html - Leith' music production, event co-ordination and urban artist promotion company website
These guys are awesome young men, who are going to continue to be awesome...check them out !
I urge everyone out there to try and get involved and make a difference, but also to make that a habit - make a difference EVERY DAY ! Raise awareness with your conversations, make a contribution with what you have materially available, do what you can !
I am so proud of my two nephews in Winnipeg, Canada: Leith and Jared are involved in seperate gigs this weekend that will benefit the tsunami relief efforts...
Check out their websites at :
http://theleeves.tripod.com/theleevesproject/ - Jared's project to assist the needy in SA
http://www.remixmedia.ca/events.html - Leith' music production, event co-ordination and urban artist promotion company website
These guys are awesome young men, who are going to continue to be awesome...check them out !
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
2004 in Review
December -
Good stuff
4.12-18.12 Terrific holidays in Cape Town, with our whole family
we will visit Shambhala again, and Gordon's Bay, and Boulder's Beach, and Spier Estate...
Kieran, Avie + Tenielle visit for the festive season
s'good so far - wonderful to have family around us, especially to help distract the boys :)
30.12 Sacha & Sashe wedding in Durban at the ICC
Not good stuff
Meleyna's mom in Winnipeg passes away from brain tumour
TC's dad in Durban has a stroke - he's recovering well now
Sabatha, our previous housekeeper, passes away with HIV/Aids
Tsunami in Asia - Sugan made it home safely
November -
29.10-19.11 Adhil on business trip to Malaysia (KL) and USA (NY, ATL, CHI, SFo)
JD returns to Canada to be with Meleyna's family during their mom's last weeks due to a brain tumour
October -
Aziz diagnosed with TB
Angel starts working for us, after we let Sabatha go
Lonese visits for 2 weeks - we visit her in Durban, and she meets the boys.
September -
16.9 - Adam is born at Empangeni Garden Clinic 2.96kg
JD visits SA - travels up to Kwambo to meet the boys - he's driving himself these days, and is really grown up....
Dillo returns from his trip to UK/Oz - visits and meets Adam and Zi...
Sue buys her Chev Spark - known as Black Beauty
August -
26.8-28.8 Jozi, Michael Franks concert in Newtown Precinct (Turbine Hall) with Earl Klugh - flew kulula.com even though Heidi was beyond the no-fly limit - spent a freezing cold hour waiting for Kumarin to collect us...he had fallen asleep !
July -
Swimming pool at home is completed
Kitchen is completed, with some small corrections required
16.7-18.7 Jozi, Magic Nationals + ICON 2004
Jazz in Kwambo on 24th to benefit musaWenKosi Ministries
June -
China (Beijing) business trip
visited some of the famous ancient sites, and met David Chou
May -
April -
Ngwenya Lodge, Kruger Park, with Kumarin just before Easter - met Keshena there...maybe do this again next year ?
March -
Canada business trip - went snowmobiling in Sept Isles, and skiing near Montreal, and some business along the way
February -
China business trip - Shanghai, Shenyang
January -
New project at work - China business trip - visited Shanghai, and some industrial regions
Good stuff
4.12-18.12 Terrific holidays in Cape Town, with our whole family
we will visit Shambhala again, and Gordon's Bay, and Boulder's Beach, and Spier Estate...
Kieran, Avie + Tenielle visit for the festive season
s'good so far - wonderful to have family around us, especially to help distract the boys :)
30.12 Sacha & Sashe wedding in Durban at the ICC
Not good stuff
Meleyna's mom in Winnipeg passes away from brain tumour
TC's dad in Durban has a stroke - he's recovering well now
Sabatha, our previous housekeeper, passes away with HIV/Aids
Tsunami in Asia - Sugan made it home safely
November -
29.10-19.11 Adhil on business trip to Malaysia (KL) and USA (NY, ATL, CHI, SFo)
JD returns to Canada to be with Meleyna's family during their mom's last weeks due to a brain tumour
October -
Aziz diagnosed with TB
Angel starts working for us, after we let Sabatha go
Lonese visits for 2 weeks - we visit her in Durban, and she meets the boys.
September -
16.9 - Adam is born at Empangeni Garden Clinic 2.96kg
JD visits SA - travels up to Kwambo to meet the boys - he's driving himself these days, and is really grown up....
Dillo returns from his trip to UK/Oz - visits and meets Adam and Zi...
Sue buys her Chev Spark - known as Black Beauty
August -
26.8-28.8 Jozi, Michael Franks concert in Newtown Precinct (Turbine Hall) with Earl Klugh - flew kulula.com even though Heidi was beyond the no-fly limit - spent a freezing cold hour waiting for Kumarin to collect us...he had fallen asleep !
July -
Swimming pool at home is completed
Kitchen is completed, with some small corrections required
16.7-18.7 Jozi, Magic Nationals + ICON 2004
Jazz in Kwambo on 24th to benefit musaWenKosi Ministries
June -
China (Beijing) business trip
visited some of the famous ancient sites, and met David Chou
May -
April -
Ngwenya Lodge, Kruger Park, with Kumarin just before Easter - met Keshena there...maybe do this again next year ?
March -
Canada business trip - went snowmobiling in Sept Isles, and skiing near Montreal, and some business along the way
February -
China business trip - Shanghai, Shenyang
January -
New project at work - China business trip - visited Shanghai, and some industrial regions
draft New Years resolutions
1.Things that I would like to do more of next year :
reading
weekends away with Heidi
excercise
2.New things together :
scuba
golf
3.New things alone :
kite-surfing
surfing (try at least once)
magic
reading
weekends away with Heidi
excercise
2.New things together :
scuba
golf
3.New things alone :
kite-surfing
surfing (try at least once)
magic
Coffee at Mr Price
I just returned to the office, after having a chilled Milo with Sugan, and his son Ian - they are fine, even though he and Christinah did experience an earth tremor in their hotel in Bangkok over the weekend !
In the short hour we had together, we spoke a little about family, our recent holidays, and our need for plans for 2005 - more about this later....
We plotted an early squash session for tomorrow morning, before I go to work - we'll see if this actually happens....
In the short hour we had together, we spoke a little about family, our recent holidays, and our need for plans for 2005 - more about this later....
We plotted an early squash session for tomorrow morning, before I go to work - we'll see if this actually happens....
Monday, December 27, 2004
Zi's 3rd birthday party
A scorcher of a day !
Even though Aziz's birthday is on the 28th December, we decided to have the party on 27th which was a public holiday, due to Boxing Day falling on a Sunday...
The party went well, with almost everyone having had a swim at least once during the day...Zi spent nearly the entire day swimming, and not much time eating :( He had a swell time, with some cool prezzies....
It was heartbreaking to have to give him his TB medication, on his birthday...
Adam was just adorable....he ALSO had a great time in the pool.....
The ladies turned the kitchen into a dance-only zone, was much fun !
Mahesh's mom is holidaying in Phuket, but is safe, though she had visited one of the islands that was submerged by the tsunami, just the day before the disaster !
Dillo mentioned to me that he, Sue and Kamal G are moving in together, in a house in Plumstead ! They move on the weekend of 28-30 Jan to a place with much more space, garages, a garden and a pool ! Quite a lifestyle change for 3 peeps in CT who are all young, single and free !
How exciting !
Even though Aziz's birthday is on the 28th December, we decided to have the party on 27th which was a public holiday, due to Boxing Day falling on a Sunday...
The party went well, with almost everyone having had a swim at least once during the day...Zi spent nearly the entire day swimming, and not much time eating :( He had a swell time, with some cool prezzies....
It was heartbreaking to have to give him his TB medication, on his birthday...
Adam was just adorable....he ALSO had a great time in the pool.....
The ladies turned the kitchen into a dance-only zone, was much fun !
Mahesh's mom is holidaying in Phuket, but is safe, though she had visited one of the islands that was submerged by the tsunami, just the day before the disaster !
Dillo mentioned to me that he, Sue and Kamal G are moving in together, in a house in Plumstead ! They move on the weekend of 28-30 Jan to a place with much more space, garages, a garden and a pool ! Quite a lifestyle change for 3 peeps in CT who are all young, single and free !
How exciting !
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Boxing Day
Breaking news this day was the earthquake and tsunami in the Bay of Bengal - thousands of people dead, and millions homeless after the San Andreas fault caused the biggest quake (9 on the richter) in the last 40 years !
My buddy Sugan is holidaying in that region, and I said a silent prayer to keep him and wifey Christinah safe...
Back home, SA had a good start to the Cricket test match in Durban, bowling England out for 139....Dillo was at the match...
Adam had his first Purity feed today....and custard again !
Ventured into town to get some supplies for Zi's birthday tomorrow - took Zi to watch The Incredibles again, for the 3rd time ! He continues to be mesmerised...and this time we took his friend Thuthuko with...
I managed to stay up with Heidi whilst she baked up a storm long into the night....
Watched the repeat of this weeks' episode of The Apprentice - that Trump guy sure is ruthless !
We took Zi to watch The Incredibles again, for the 3rd time ! He continues to be mesmerised...and this time we took his friend Thuthuko with...
My buddy Sugan is holidaying in that region, and I said a silent prayer to keep him and wifey Christinah safe...
Back home, SA had a good start to the Cricket test match in Durban, bowling England out for 139....Dillo was at the match...
Adam had his first Purity feed today....and custard again !
Ventured into town to get some supplies for Zi's birthday tomorrow - took Zi to watch The Incredibles again, for the 3rd time ! He continues to be mesmerised...and this time we took his friend Thuthuko with...
I managed to stay up with Heidi whilst she baked up a storm long into the night....
Watched the repeat of this weeks' episode of The Apprentice - that Trump guy sure is ruthless !
We took Zi to watch The Incredibles again, for the 3rd time ! He continues to be mesmerised...and this time we took his friend Thuthuko with...
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Xmas day
Christmas morning dawn hot and bright ! Ma, Avie, T-Boz and Kezza went to church in Kwambo, we had a terrific lunch, and spent much of the day in the now-sparkling pool...
Thank goodness I got the aircon installed on Xmas eve !
Adam and Avie are really hitting it off ! He even ate custard from Avie today.....
Thank goodness I got the aircon installed on Xmas eve !
Adam and Avie are really hitting it off ! He even ate custard from Avie today.....
Friday, December 24, 2004
Family arrive in Kwambo
On xmas eve, we received family in Kwambo - Desmond + Ros, Avie + Tenielle and Kieran made the trip up to spend the festive season with us....Avie + T-Boz having landed in Durban only hours before.....
We had spent the couple of days before this prepping the house as much as we could - my job was to get the pool in swimming condition !
We had spent the couple of days before this prepping the house as much as we could - my job was to get the pool in swimming condition !
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Family holiday in Cape Town
Just some short notes - more detail to follow soon...
3.12 Friday
Drove family to Durban - bought two new suitcases
4.12 Saturday
Flight on kulula.com - boys were good
Condor from Budget with car seat
Shambhala Guest house in Durbanville
ducks,swimming,sue+dillo,relaxing,reading,magic with the crew
5.12 Sunday
Drove out with Sue to Spier Estate wine establishment - what a terrific place ! Aziz enjoyed feeding the ducks and playing on the jungle gym. We enjoyed the munchies on sale for impromptu picnics - great fresh breads and hummus, and tzatziki and olives and cheeses, and juices, and wind.
Sue tracked down a pony for Zi to ride, but he declined at the last moment :( !
Moyo's outdoor restaurant concept seemed very cool, and popular...
Good place to come back to - maybe even stay at for a weekend....
6.12 Monday
Went out to the Two Oceans Aquarium, where we had a splendid morning
I went into town to play magic - gave Emille a lift there and back to Brackenfell, finishing 3rd in a tough pod....
7.12 Tuesday
Allandale resort in Tokai
babysitting,movies (bridget jones the edge of reason),dinner,The Incredibles, Mireille, Boulders Beach, horses,swings,hout bay (snoekies)
The main positive factor at this resort was the availability of babysitters after hours....we used this facility 3 nights out of 5...was great !
The rest of the taste left by Allandale was a bit dry....not quite sour, but dry ....:) We won't return there in a hurry....
We'd love to spend more time at Boulder's Beach - maybe stay in or around Muizenburg/Simonstown next time.
11.12 Sunday
Bahati Cottage in Betty's Bay
Breakfast at NY Bagel then drive to Betty's Bay;
mireille and lovey,penguins,hermanus,gordon's bay, pringle bay (snoek),dillo + sue on 16.12 - lagoon boating, sunsets, swimming, the berrisfords
18.12 Saturday
pack up and coffee with zsa and stephen, then drive to airport (only 45 mins)
3.12 Friday
Drove family to Durban - bought two new suitcases
4.12 Saturday
Flight on kulula.com - boys were good
Condor from Budget with car seat
Shambhala Guest house in Durbanville
ducks,swimming,sue+dillo,relaxing,reading,magic with the crew
5.12 Sunday
Drove out with Sue to Spier Estate wine establishment - what a terrific place ! Aziz enjoyed feeding the ducks and playing on the jungle gym. We enjoyed the munchies on sale for impromptu picnics - great fresh breads and hummus, and tzatziki and olives and cheeses, and juices, and wind.
Sue tracked down a pony for Zi to ride, but he declined at the last moment :( !
Moyo's outdoor restaurant concept seemed very cool, and popular...
Good place to come back to - maybe even stay at for a weekend....
6.12 Monday
Went out to the Two Oceans Aquarium, where we had a splendid morning
I went into town to play magic - gave Emille a lift there and back to Brackenfell, finishing 3rd in a tough pod....
7.12 Tuesday
Allandale resort in Tokai
babysitting,movies (bridget jones the edge of reason),dinner,The Incredibles, Mireille, Boulders Beach, horses,swings,hout bay (snoekies)
The main positive factor at this resort was the availability of babysitters after hours....we used this facility 3 nights out of 5...was great !
The rest of the taste left by Allandale was a bit dry....not quite sour, but dry ....:) We won't return there in a hurry....
We'd love to spend more time at Boulder's Beach - maybe stay in or around Muizenburg/Simonstown next time.
11.12 Sunday
Bahati Cottage in Betty's Bay
Breakfast at NY Bagel then drive to Betty's Bay;
mireille and lovey,penguins,hermanus,gordon's bay, pringle bay (snoek),dillo + sue on 16.12 - lagoon boating, sunsets, swimming, the berrisfords
18.12 Saturday
pack up and coffee with zsa and stephen, then drive to airport (only 45 mins)
Link to my previous Online Journal
http://www.livejournal.com/users/aroon_patel/ - visit there to check out the material I posted up, while using LiveJournal.
I like the look and ease-of-use of Blogger, and especially the photoblogging features....so I will be blogging here now :)
I like the look and ease-of-use of Blogger, and especially the photoblogging features....so I will be blogging here now :)
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