a book, a song, a thought a breakfast???

I liked this.  I don't mind being my favourite books or even the songs that are stuck in my head ("I don't ever want you let you down, I don't ever want to leave this town.....")

Let's listen to the Glee version (just for Kelly and Anton)

BUT to be my Saturday morning breakfast is not what I should aspire to be....

Kathy is off to New York (yes, AGAIN) and we are having breakfast at Cassis at 10.

The Breakfast Pot, The Stuffed Croissant, Eggs Benedict or a Potato Croquette Special?

What should I be???

I can be anything I want to be....

And then to end off with another cruel line...

"You are where you are going, and I would like to be there too" 

New York?  

my garden this evening...

It has been a long, hot and busy summer and I have neglected many things

friends, family,

my garden....

Yet they are forgiving

I have not spent time or money on my garden this summer but it has still surprised,

rewarded and given me so much pleasure

by growing abundantly, not asking for much

and being there for me when I needed it most

Just like the special people in my life

who understand and

who don't ask for much

and are there when I need them most

.........

These are not the clearest or the best pictures I have ever taken 

but I thought I would share 

 the Plectranthus which are in full bloom, many with scorched leaves but still flowering proudly

 the "Ice Cream Bushes" which are popping up on the other side of the wall and in the grass

a surprising burst of colour in my monochrome or two coloured world - not supposed to be there and last year would have been removed to the "naughty corner" for plants which were not white or purple, but for now I am thoroughly enjoying the defiance of  the vivid orange bloom 

 dusk and our amazing mountain silhouetted through the silky oak leaves

It was a wonderful evening in my garden tonight

with time to slow down, take stock and be grateful for the important things in life....

family, friends, health and the incredible beauty of the world from my doorstep

stuff to share

My mojo for blogging is coming back, I am starting to think of things to tell you and things I would like to share.  I apologise for being so erratic and gone for so long and I hope I have not lost you forever.  I know that when I keep clicking on a blog site and there are no updates, I eventually stop clicking and that would be sad (and all my own fault) if it happened to me.

Matthew left last night and is still in the air heading for Los Angeles (two long 12 hour flights). He should be landing in about 4 hours time.  The house feels empty and quiet (not that he is a noisy one) and, like the house, I also feel a tad empty and quiet.  However I am now also starting to feel the excitement that he must be experiencing.  I remind myself that this is such an adventure and experience for him that it is selfish to feel sad. So I'll go to bed now and keep checking my phone through the night to check that he has landed and that the people who are suppose to collect him, find him.

My aching nerves

PS for Matt - Albertina found your sunglasses in the Nicky Deacon pouch.  They were under your bed with your old laptop.  Should I bring them over to you? 

Oupa, Nanna and Matt
Especially for you Mom (cos you never stop "clicking")

i'm back...

Six awesome days in Salt Rock.  Wonderful to get away, lie and read in the sun, swim in the warm sea and socialise with old friends and make some new ones.  A good mix of quiet times and lively company, lots of naps and even more laughs.  Good times.  

Thanks Wayne and Lesley for your generous hospitality.

From the doorway, step on to grass, then a bit of sand, then the warm sea.

Supper being prepared!!  Sorry Kelly and Caroline but could not resist

This was a trip to the Durban market - the only touristy thing we did

Michael was recovering from a tummy bug was almost in total decline.

Some colourful stuff as well

The view from the hill in the estate called Dunkirk where my friend Gill now lives

View of the forest where she walks everyday

The most stunning place called Sage Cafe in Salt Rock where we had coffee.  It is almost it's own little village.  Pizza place, kiddies play area, coffee shop, bakery and a couple of lovely gift shops.  

 My kind of place

 This was our Sunday buffet.

So it was a great break but it is back home and to reality.  The reality that Matthew is off on Sunday to just about the furthest place he could go to from here.  Long Beach, California.  Such a wonderful opportunity for him but my head is in a spin and I have butterflies in my stomach. He has been home for probably the longest time in 3 years and this week is flying by too quickly.  I keep reminding myself that this is the way things are for so many of my friends and that I have done it before and it will happen again.  I have been so spoilt having all three boys close by for the couple of months and now I feel as though I have not taken enough advantage of this time.

No time to get soppy and sad.  "It is an exciting time so embrace it, Jennifer" (says she to herself).   I am now googling to find him the way from Long Beach to Hollywood on Tuesday night to see a Frightened Rabbit concert that he has the ticket for in his wallet.  Now what is there to be sad about? As my other two would tell me "Get a grip, Mom" (but I know they are also feeling like I do but combined with a whole lot more jealously than me about the FR concert).