My grandfather made it out of hospital but never got to go back to Kate’s as he was just too fragile. The care at Sunninghil hospital in Johannesburg was not great and one of the things that did happen was he was tied up because the nurses went on tea. I don’t have all the exact facts but from what I have been told the care is not up to scratch. My mom also had a few issues when she was in hospital there.
I got another message today that my grandfather is back in hospital and is extremely ill. My heart breaks so much for him and the pain he is suffering.
I have such wonderful memories as a little girl been at my grandparents house. Poppa as I call him had an old Sunbeam in the bottom of the garden. I just loved sitting in the car with the windows down and pretending we were on a long journey. I know I used to beat Kate up to get the driver seat. Special times and special memories. We always got to drink Coke when we went to visit and large glasses too. Kara remembers the biscuit container with the pink wafer biscuits.
The snow has melted which is a huge bonus, but now the grass looks half dead. I am going to have to find out what crab grass is. It seems to be the hot topic regards grass. It’s really cold in the mornings and evenings and warms up slightly during the day. On the weekend we got stuck in the garden and chopped up a few of the dead branches. I am on the lookout for tree stumps. I want to make a picnic area for the kids under the trees. I am also going to do a veggie garden. The only problem is I have to make an enclosure so the deer and rabbits don’t eat my hard work. The ground is still a bit frozen so will have to wait till that thaws.
WE went to Ambler farm on Sunday to learn how they tap for Maple syrup. It was really interesting. The weather conditions have been great for the Maple syrup industry. We got to eat ice –cream and maple syrup in minus degree weather. Afterwards we went to Boggies for a quick beer and all hell broke loose. Karina’s 18 month little girl Anais fell and one of her milk teeth and root fell out. Well blood everywhere, waiters, and managers phoning for dentists, Thierry the father hyperventilating. Then Victoria goes as white as a sheet and feels all sweaty and sore stomach. So a quite drink turned out to be a huge drama.
I have been trying to find a job and it has been quite frustrating and demoralising at the same time. I have been trying at the YMCA in Westport and the manager there has been totally blanking me. Not returning phone calls, not answering emails. Normally I swim and run out of the locker room to where I have no idea. Nothing else to do. Today I took my time and listen to the lock room conversation. Well they have fired the swimming manager and I got to speak to someone else in charge. I can’t tell you how chuffed I was. Maybe there will be progress now.
On Thursday we had sprint races and we had to dive off the starting blocks. Well I was in heaven. Felt like I was 18 again. No wrinkles, no grey and no wobbly bits. I am faster on very short distances. Besides the swimming been great and the fun I also got noticed and other swimmers talked to me. Suppose no one wants to talk to someone dull and boring sitting in the corner. Once again break through and the start of feeling part of a group.
The hype of the mommies at the moment is the signing up of the summer camps. Camps are very huge here as you have all seen in the movies. The problem is the expense is huge also. Good camps are from $800.00 for a week down to the plain Jane ones at $200.00. Firstly we can’t afford the camps and also I don’t want to pay for babysitting. Most of the camps are run by teenagers. Yesterday was sign up time and I had the PC all set up and codes written down so I could be hot on getting some activities. I was successful and the kids will be in swimming lessons for 2 weeks and 2 weeks of tennis. Closer to the time we can see what else is available. You think of it they have it for the kids. Kara and Victoria start playing softball shortly which will be fun to see. Also nice they will be part of a team.
I know when we lived in the UK we dreamed of warm weather, beach and a big garden. Now we have these and still we moan about what we going to do in the summer. I am feeling positive and looking forward to the summer holidays.
You can all start thinking of the redneck jokes because we have hired a RV (7 sleeper) and are driving up to Niagara Falls when Leon’s dad arrives. Should be a good laugh. Billy Bob Leon will take the driving seat and wear the in charge hat.
Good memories to remember and good memories to be made.
Kate is getting married in Mauritius on the 5 October which is extremely exciting.
Have a special day.
Lots of love
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