Thank you Anne S. She has sent Coralie money via PayPal to help with Timothy's expenses. We are all grateful, and as someone said to me recently "It proves that 'thank you' is not big enough for how I feel and how grateful I feel."
You cannot say adequately in the English language how grateful you are for your friends and family and how their kind deeds have affected you so deeply and positively.
Heartfelt thanks Anne, you are so special.
Scissor fobs available at Anne's site. They are beautiful - go on, take a peep.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
places we went to on holiday
Things we saw in each town
This is the centre of Bathurst! Mel lives in a house about 1/2 a km up the road heading up the right hand side of the photo.
The big Pineapple is on the road running off the top of the photo, towards Port Alfred - it is three stories high - no, I haven't a clue either! I can tell you they do a lot of pineapple farming around here though!
Port Alfred
Port Alfred
Not many good photos at the web site - but it is a cute town!
where we stayed
Cape Town
Saturday, November 28, 2009
wow, holiday breakdown!
So, the holiday rundown;
Animals I saw on the road, please note we were not actually looking for game; this was just roadside animaux!
Guinea fowl (one of my fav birds) – one unfortunately flew into the side of the car as well, committing suicide. That was sad, and did not damage the car too much, very small dents.
Horse,
cows,
sheep,
ducks,
and a type of eagle
And the cutest little black piglet who when he saw us gave us a look of ‘oh, there you are!’ That was cute. I swear I would have picked him up if it weren’t the first day on the road.
Ververt Monkeys – the whole troop on the road.
Baboons (I hate these with a passion) – ditto.
And a Dassie (pronounced dussi)– a rock hyrax – nowhere near an outcrop of rocks, crossing the road! A Dassie is like a fat rabbit with short ears and short legs. Now the best thing about them is their nearest living animal relative is the hippo, they have the same bone structure with three toes! He lives on rocky outcrops and I am not really sure what he eats, but, man can Dassies run!
People we saw – Mel and Chris, their daughter’s Storm and Chelsea Blu. Linda and Mike, Courtney, Eric and Josh – the cutest baby – if he wants attention he starts saying ‘huh, huh, huh’ like he is laughing. And when he bumbling around – he is crawling and almost walking – he says ‘a duk, a duk, a duk’ such a sweetie. Coralie, Henk and Tim – Tim was really not well the weekend he had to go to hospital on Monday and was only discharged on Thursday. My ex, Flam, his wife Karin (a sweetie), and their 3-year-old Willy. Mel and Linda’s mom and dad.
Port Alfred is a wonderful place, it is quiet, near the sea, it is a lovely place to kick back and relax. Linda and Mike were the host and hostess only dreams are made of. They allow you to do what ever you want, you can sit anywhere, read a book if you want to, there is no pressure at all.
We travelled 4200 kms – and we know it, our bums are the shape of the double cab’s seats!
So – to make you laugh and remind you that wherever possible Coral will make things interesting!
First night out – I leave my cell charger in Port Alfred. (Good thing we changed plan and went back that way)!
Third night out – I leave my very expensive coffee in Mossel Bay – ditto – as you may remember that was not the original plan to return. It was a holiday that changed daily.
About the fourth night out I realise I have not brought enough clothes, and with the change of plans every (umm) ten mins, there is not a chance to do washing. I later realised what I had done. I counted out 7 outfits, and then chose one out of those to travel in. Um, that was mistake no.1, one day I landed up commando. (Yes, I am sure you really wanted to know that)! I had to buy 2 tops – there was no chance to wash, even the last day (the extra day) was a surprise move told to me at about 1am!
But there was lots of love and laughter, I feel I bonded with Mel and Linda and their husbands like I haven’t before.
I saw my Tim, who I am doubly worried about now, he was so ill. My little yellow boy. He is on steroids now, and I am not sure about this treatment! He is 7 ½ months old, and is mostly so weak. I was so upset when I left him. We left him on Sunday night and I cried to the end of the road, then was so distant the rest of the evening. We walked from the Stay Easy at Canal Walk to the restaurant on the canal side. We saw a duck with about 12 ducklings, and Ian caught one so I could look at it, as he knows I love ducks so much. It was the tiniest little chap, with tiny little wings flapping, and the little beak chirping. It did help me cheer up I can say that. I thought of Anne S at that point. She would have enjoyed that bit!
There was a market day at Coralie’s work on the 25th – they made R3300 for Tim. Well done all.
Animals I saw on the road, please note we were not actually looking for game; this was just roadside animaux!
Guinea fowl (one of my fav birds) – one unfortunately flew into the side of the car as well, committing suicide. That was sad, and did not damage the car too much, very small dents.
Horse,
cows,
sheep,
ducks,
and a type of eagle
And the cutest little black piglet who when he saw us gave us a look of ‘oh, there you are!’ That was cute. I swear I would have picked him up if it weren’t the first day on the road.
Ververt Monkeys – the whole troop on the road.
Baboons (I hate these with a passion) – ditto.
And a Dassie (pronounced dussi)– a rock hyrax – nowhere near an outcrop of rocks, crossing the road! A Dassie is like a fat rabbit with short ears and short legs. Now the best thing about them is their nearest living animal relative is the hippo, they have the same bone structure with three toes! He lives on rocky outcrops and I am not really sure what he eats, but, man can Dassies run!
People we saw – Mel and Chris, their daughter’s Storm and Chelsea Blu. Linda and Mike, Courtney, Eric and Josh – the cutest baby – if he wants attention he starts saying ‘huh, huh, huh’ like he is laughing. And when he bumbling around – he is crawling and almost walking – he says ‘a duk, a duk, a duk’ such a sweetie. Coralie, Henk and Tim – Tim was really not well the weekend he had to go to hospital on Monday and was only discharged on Thursday. My ex, Flam, his wife Karin (a sweetie), and their 3-year-old Willy. Mel and Linda’s mom and dad.
Port Alfred is a wonderful place, it is quiet, near the sea, it is a lovely place to kick back and relax. Linda and Mike were the host and hostess only dreams are made of. They allow you to do what ever you want, you can sit anywhere, read a book if you want to, there is no pressure at all.
We travelled 4200 kms – and we know it, our bums are the shape of the double cab’s seats!
So – to make you laugh and remind you that wherever possible Coral will make things interesting!
First night out – I leave my cell charger in Port Alfred. (Good thing we changed plan and went back that way)!
Third night out – I leave my very expensive coffee in Mossel Bay – ditto – as you may remember that was not the original plan to return. It was a holiday that changed daily.
About the fourth night out I realise I have not brought enough clothes, and with the change of plans every (umm) ten mins, there is not a chance to do washing. I later realised what I had done. I counted out 7 outfits, and then chose one out of those to travel in. Um, that was mistake no.1, one day I landed up commando. (Yes, I am sure you really wanted to know that)! I had to buy 2 tops – there was no chance to wash, even the last day (the extra day) was a surprise move told to me at about 1am!
But there was lots of love and laughter, I feel I bonded with Mel and Linda and their husbands like I haven’t before.
I saw my Tim, who I am doubly worried about now, he was so ill. My little yellow boy. He is on steroids now, and I am not sure about this treatment! He is 7 ½ months old, and is mostly so weak. I was so upset when I left him. We left him on Sunday night and I cried to the end of the road, then was so distant the rest of the evening. We walked from the Stay Easy at Canal Walk to the restaurant on the canal side. We saw a duck with about 12 ducklings, and Ian caught one so I could look at it, as he knows I love ducks so much. It was the tiniest little chap, with tiny little wings flapping, and the little beak chirping. It did help me cheer up I can say that. I thought of Anne S at that point. She would have enjoyed that bit!
There was a market day at Coralie’s work on the 25th – they made R3300 for Tim. Well done all.
Monday, November 16, 2009
up and at 'em
We had a lovely weekend, amongst everything else we went out for lunch at a very nice - - new to me – restaurant on Saturday. And I finished off my second of the Tim Quilts on Sunday. Note to self - Must take pictures tonight!
Ian took me shopping for some new tops on Saturday and Sunday! I am so blessed to have him. Ian did not work, so things were even more relaxed than normally. Lucky us!
The Tim quilts are going to CT to the Discovery Craft Day which is to be held on the 25th I think. The craft day is aid of our famous Tim. He is such a lucky boy to have so many people worry about him and make all the efforts on his family’s behalf. Thank you everyone who has contributed, even the smallest help is appreciated.
Thank you is such a small phrase, and does not cover what I feel in ‘grateful-osity’ – my own word.
Two sleeps and I am on holiday with my Ian!
Can’t wait.
Ian took me shopping for some new tops on Saturday and Sunday! I am so blessed to have him. Ian did not work, so things were even more relaxed than normally. Lucky us!
The Tim quilts are going to CT to the Discovery Craft Day which is to be held on the 25th I think. The craft day is aid of our famous Tim. He is such a lucky boy to have so many people worry about him and make all the efforts on his family’s behalf. Thank you everyone who has contributed, even the smallest help is appreciated.
Thank you is such a small phrase, and does not cover what I feel in ‘grateful-osity’ – my own word.
Two sleeps and I am on holiday with my Ian!
Can’t wait.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
it's me again!
I know it is a while since I have posted, I am in my own little foggy world, not an unpleasant place, but it is like sitting on a comfy cloud with me being pretty mindless.
I have decided that the dreaded menopause has hit in a fury. I have been staving it off since my early 30’s so, it is not surprising. I get the hot sweats, night and day, weight increase, terrible night’s sleeps – oh yay for all that, and all in the last month!
So I pop off today to see the Dr. More money she groans! Okay - update, a change of HRT and another tablet to stop the side effects - that is the sweating and yuckky bits, not side effects of tablets!
*********************************************
I have almost finished a quilt top from the bandanas. I will take photos of them as they are done.
*********************************************
Anne S – bless her – is selling scissor fobs in aid of Timothy’s treatment – they are absolutely beautiful, and this is totally unexpected. Please pop over and have a look.
Thank you so much Anne!
**********************************************
Tim has been in hospital this week, more platelets and more blood. This time they gave him the ‘big’ bag of platelets as they have realized he is a sieve! He was in over night and out by the next morning. Good.
**********************************************
Coralie’s pregnancy is progressing well, she is pretty cheerful and still has morning sickness. Please think positive thoughts that it goes away soon.
She moves house month end, good luck to her. ;-))
*********************************************
11 November – are you wearing your poppy? I am! It is not a SA thing, but I always wear mine!
I have decided that the dreaded menopause has hit in a fury. I have been staving it off since my early 30’s so, it is not surprising. I get the hot sweats, night and day, weight increase, terrible night’s sleeps – oh yay for all that, and all in the last month!
So I pop off today to see the Dr. More money she groans! Okay - update, a change of HRT and another tablet to stop the side effects - that is the sweating and yuckky bits, not side effects of tablets!
*********************************************
I have almost finished a quilt top from the bandanas. I will take photos of them as they are done.
*********************************************
Anne S – bless her – is selling scissor fobs in aid of Timothy’s treatment – they are absolutely beautiful, and this is totally unexpected. Please pop over and have a look.
Thank you so much Anne!
**********************************************
Tim has been in hospital this week, more platelets and more blood. This time they gave him the ‘big’ bag of platelets as they have realized he is a sieve! He was in over night and out by the next morning. Good.
**********************************************
Coralie’s pregnancy is progressing well, she is pretty cheerful and still has morning sickness. Please think positive thoughts that it goes away soon.
She moves house month end, good luck to her. ;-))
*********************************************
11 November – are you wearing your poppy? I am! It is not a SA thing, but I always wear mine!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
just excitement after excitement!
Does it ever stop? Coralie and Henk have ben told they have to get rid of the cat because the flats do not allow them. Now admitted they did know this, but the cat has never been out of the flat. He has never bothered anyone. He sits on the balcony railing and looks at the outside world. I suppose that has offended someone! Well, they are looking for somone to baby sit him until month end. (If you can help out, please speak up) The plan was that the next time I travel down he could have returned with me, but this is only until month end.
So the kids have looked at a new place to rent - close to Henk's work, he will be 5 mins from his work. They have a move on the cards!
So the kids have looked at a new place to rent - close to Henk's work, he will be 5 mins from his work. They have a move on the cards!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Fundraising Rolls of Christmas Ribbons (wired) R35
Tim's Aunt (Tannie Madeleine) and Granny (Ouma to you) have made up some ribbons to fund raise for Tim's medical expenses.
They are so beautiful, see the photos;
If you would like one I will post them to you. Please enquire from me and I will give you further details.
Monday, November 2, 2009
What a weekend!
So, what have I been up to – you may well ask!
Wednesday I finished up and went home and decided to start another quilt. I started off with Pumpkins Gone Crazy jelly roll, and have made the pattern Chinese Coins. I have used my Moda Basics Oreos jelly roll to sash. And on Thursday late I ran out of black thread.
Friday – here is the plan – take thank you notes to the post office – check, go get black thread – check. Hear friend is in hospital, pop in to see her – she is in the hospital 2 kms from me. On the way back on a whim, I popped into the pub at the Football Club. The idea was to have a cool drink and be on my way after visiting Colleen. She and her husband run the bar. They are Colleen and Ian, we are Coral and Ian – very weird especially as he calls her Col.
Anyway, I land up spending the whole afternoon there. I haven’t laughed so much and enjoyed myself so much in such a long time. I landed up drinking Gordon’s Gin as they have a promotion on, and won a prize with every tot I had – so I scored a tee-shirt, a cap, a glass, a lanyard, a set of coasters (these were swapped for 2 glasses with another patron) and a key ring! Not bad, but the best bit was the company, and I had the giggles by the time I left.
I get home and Ian is home before me – he has taken washing out of the washing machine (oops – I had forgotten), emptied the dishwasher, and so on – poor darling, I have never done anything like this before! So to start with he was a bit cool, but had to warm up as I just kept giggling. Anyway I waited until a suitable time had passed before I went to bed.
And woke up on Saturday bright and breezy, and a smile on my face. So after I had a moment or two, popped back to the hospital to see M who’s family probably won’t visit as they live a fair distance from the hospital. I got home just before Ian did, and we went out for lunch. We were to watch a rugby match final, but we didn’t bother, we snoozed on the couch! I didn’t know who won until late last night as I could not find it on the news channel on DSTV. And as it was Halloween, I waited until past 9 for the T & T’s and they never turned up! But I did end up watching a fascinating documentary about Tasmanian Devils that have a facial cancer. So, time was not wasted.
Sunday, I popped over to M again to see her and took her a pack of charm squares, called Recipe for Friendship. Which she so liked, she kept stroking it and paging through the squares – it was so nice to see that I had got the right present for her. I went home and tidied up the patio as I was having Peter, Lynda and Kahyla over for tea. Peter is Coralie’s ex Michael’s dad and Lynda is his partner, Kahyla is Michael’s daughter.
Ian arrived home and took me out for lunch, and then he went onto the pub to see the Grand Prix, and my tea time visitors arrived. Kahyla is a tiny little sprite, and smiles such a lot. She has the most amazing blue eyes that look like shot silk.
Then Sean arrived home and after the guests left we went to the pub to meet Ian. After the end of the New York Marathon, we went home – so we weren’t late at all!
But this was a great weekend, and I think I will order up more like that!
Wednesday I finished up and went home and decided to start another quilt. I started off with Pumpkins Gone Crazy jelly roll, and have made the pattern Chinese Coins. I have used my Moda Basics Oreos jelly roll to sash. And on Thursday late I ran out of black thread.
Friday – here is the plan – take thank you notes to the post office – check, go get black thread – check. Hear friend is in hospital, pop in to see her – she is in the hospital 2 kms from me. On the way back on a whim, I popped into the pub at the Football Club. The idea was to have a cool drink and be on my way after visiting Colleen. She and her husband run the bar. They are Colleen and Ian, we are Coral and Ian – very weird especially as he calls her Col.
Anyway, I land up spending the whole afternoon there. I haven’t laughed so much and enjoyed myself so much in such a long time. I landed up drinking Gordon’s Gin as they have a promotion on, and won a prize with every tot I had – so I scored a tee-shirt, a cap, a glass, a lanyard, a set of coasters (these were swapped for 2 glasses with another patron) and a key ring! Not bad, but the best bit was the company, and I had the giggles by the time I left.
I get home and Ian is home before me – he has taken washing out of the washing machine (oops – I had forgotten), emptied the dishwasher, and so on – poor darling, I have never done anything like this before! So to start with he was a bit cool, but had to warm up as I just kept giggling. Anyway I waited until a suitable time had passed before I went to bed.
And woke up on Saturday bright and breezy, and a smile on my face. So after I had a moment or two, popped back to the hospital to see M who’s family probably won’t visit as they live a fair distance from the hospital. I got home just before Ian did, and we went out for lunch. We were to watch a rugby match final, but we didn’t bother, we snoozed on the couch! I didn’t know who won until late last night as I could not find it on the news channel on DSTV. And as it was Halloween, I waited until past 9 for the T & T’s and they never turned up! But I did end up watching a fascinating documentary about Tasmanian Devils that have a facial cancer. So, time was not wasted.
Sunday, I popped over to M again to see her and took her a pack of charm squares, called Recipe for Friendship. Which she so liked, she kept stroking it and paging through the squares – it was so nice to see that I had got the right present for her. I went home and tidied up the patio as I was having Peter, Lynda and Kahyla over for tea. Peter is Coralie’s ex Michael’s dad and Lynda is his partner, Kahyla is Michael’s daughter.
Ian arrived home and took me out for lunch, and then he went onto the pub to see the Grand Prix, and my tea time visitors arrived. Kahyla is a tiny little sprite, and smiles such a lot. She has the most amazing blue eyes that look like shot silk.
Then Sean arrived home and after the guests left we went to the pub to meet Ian. After the end of the New York Marathon, we went home – so we weren’t late at all!
But this was a great weekend, and I think I will order up more like that!
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