AUGUST...

So just like that its August....

It seems crazy that we are in the 32nd week of the year, which means that there are only another 20 left.  It is scary!!

August is going to be a challenging month for me as I have several work projects which have to be finalised this month.  So I am going to apologise up front for not posting five days a week as I usually try to do.

August is normally a "windy" month for us on the highveld.  It is also a very dusty month as a result but the trees are still bare and everything is very "brown"!!  But over the weekend when I took the dogs out I noticed that one of the apricot trees in our backyard already has blossoms...a little presumptions I would say.

I really don't want to run the risk of jinxing the awesome weather we have been having but in all honesty we have only had a handful of cold days this winter.  I have not worn a single jacket or coat so far and I have only worn very only light weight jersey sweaters. It has been incredibly pleasant and I don't trust it at all. I fear that when spring rolls around in September we may find ourselves freezing our butts off!!

So here's to August and all the challenges, mysteries and joy it brings....

A LITTLE TASTE OF THE ISLANDS...

My friend Lydia and I had lunch at a lovely little place called Mythos...

I loved the Mediterranean feel of the decor and the food...well lets just say it was so good I forgot to take a photo of it!

Our starter..Haluomi cheese...

Baklava cheesecake!!

 

Ice cream with a rich chocolate sauce

BREAKFAST WITH A VIEW...

Welcome to Delfino’s Restaurant.  Let me be honest and say that like many nations South Africans like to eat, drink and be merry.  It does not matter if it is for breakfast, lunch, supper or anything in between.  There is nothing quite like spending time around a good meal with loved ones.

I had taken a walk down to “The Point” in Mossel Bay on a chilly rainy winter’s day and found this little gem.  It was so warm and toasty inside and let me tell you the coffee was divine.  So when the opportunity presented itself to go for breakfast the next morning with my dad’s only cousin on his paternal side and her husband I was all keen to suggest Delfino’s.  As luck would have it I did not need to because we drove straight there.

It was much warmer day and the view of the ocean was just breath taking.  After a bit of a catch up it was down to business and by business I mean it was time to check out the menu.

It is probably a good time to state that I am someone who enjoys a good breakfast. Just about anything goes but I do love the artery clogging fulfilment of bacon, eggs, mushrooms, toast and a healthy helping of fries. Delfino’s breakfasts offered a variety of options from the calorie infused to the healthy cereals and yogurt alternatives.

I chose a cholesterol loaded plate of yumminess and a breath taking view. 

PS:  the breakfast was so good I forgot to take photos of it!!!

A PRESIDENTIAL WEEKEND...

So President Obama came and went....but he left behind some pretty motivated young South Africans.

The First family arrived in South Africa on Friday night.  I was just leaving the office and was hoping to catch sight of AF1 as it came in to land ( I drive past the military air force base on my way home each day) but I was too early.  I tell you one thing though there were many people camped out in the cold on the boundary of the air force base's landing strip.

It felt very festive and I was amazed at how many photo's were floating around Twitter and FB and other social media. On Saturday after a meeting with our president, Pres Obama hosted a town hall meeting with young people from Africa.  I was very impressed with his easy manner in talking to young adults who were clearly nervous but seeking answers. 

On Sunday after a visit to Robben Island Pres Obama spoke at the campus of the University of Cape Town.  I was so touched by his special references to our beloved Madiba and his passion for Africa.  I might have downplayed my interest in this trip to Africa in my mind but watching him, seeing his passion and hearing his vision I am once again taken by his aura and his promise of a better tomorrow.

My "aha" moment was when he said "We always have the opportunity to choose our better history". I was inspired by this because I think for the first time in a long time I understand that my future is a choice and I can choose a better history for myself. I always feel proudly South African but when a man like Pres Obama displays such faith in us, when a man like him has hope for "Africa Rising" then I feel my own faith and hope grow to new heights.

Thanks for the visit POTUS and FLOTUS and family!!

On the downside, Pres Obama could not meet with our Nelson Mandela and that is because Tata is very sick in hospital.  He is 94 (will be 95 in July) and has spent the last 24 days in the heart hospital in Pretoria. Many are praying for his recovery and to a degree I am too but experience has taught me "our will" is not "God's will" and for me it is case of giving Madiba the rest he so rightfully deserves.

My heart aches for his family and for my greater South African family because our beloved Tata has changed our history.  He has made us a better nation, he has made us one nation!! If we are to say a final farewell to this kind and inspiring gentleman then I pray it will be a pain free transition for him.

I took a drive out to the heart hospital yesterday afternoon to see the memorial wall which has started to take shape.  I was so moved by the messages especially those from the children of this beautiful land that I struggled to take photos.  So I have sourced these from various news agencies.

We Love you Tata!!

The closest these two were able to get to each other!

And finally...

A WALK IN THE PARK....

On Saturday I had breakfast with a friend at a little place that borders on a park.  I don't get much time to just walk around let alone to go to a park so I took the opportunity to enjoy the winter sunshine and the laughter of the kids playing and the dogs barking.

These are just a few of the photos I took...

A BIRTHDAY ON THE NILE...

I have been blessed to celebrate my birthday in various countries over the years: the USA, Vietnam, Swaziland, Kenya and now most recently Egypt...

This year I woke up on the Nile and let me tell you life starts early...but fortunately once our boat was underway we could snooze for a little while longer and that suited me just find.

Our day was filled with visits to Kom Ombo and Edfu and I will share more about these two places later because there is a lot to tell and many photos to share.

It was a wonderful day filled with many historical blessing but the evening is what truly stands out for me.

Megan spoilt me with a special gift and the most beautifully worded card and then our tour guide had arranged for the chef to make a birthday cake just for me.

There was a gentleman from the French group also celebrating his birthday so it turned into quite the celebration.

Here are some photos....

Sun rise on my 39th birthday...

My gift from Megan....

Megan wrote the sweetest card and now I know why our cabin smelt like nail polish all afternoon...
the gold and silver you see...yip nail polish!!

Megan's veggie dinner

My meat and carb dinner

Birthday cocktails...

Megan's was called a "Sunrise" and was a virgin cocktail

Mine was not a virgin.....

The birthday guy and girl!!!

Having fun!!!

Some dressed up for the occasion..

Birthday boy!!!

Blowing out the candles

The chef who made the cakes!!!

Mohammed and I

My gift from Mohammed

Getting into the swing of things at the party!!!

The sunset on my 39th birthday.....