Somewhere out there

Michael C. Hall - Dexter

2009-09-07T16:06:00.000+02:00

I was an extra in a movie called Up on the Roof, which was filmed in Cape Town around 1997. One of the lead actors in that movie was Adrian Lester, who then went on to be one of the main characters in a BBC TV series called Hustle around 2004. Also in Hustle was Jaime Murray who played the only female hustler in the show. She then went on to appear in Dexter in season 2.

Degrees of separation: 3

Katie Holmes - Tom Cruise

2008-01-31T00:56:00.000+02:00

Ok, so I couldn't take the temptation. Here goes. My connection is - Manfred Enickl - as mentioned before. Willem De Klerk, son of FW De Klerk - Mandela. Who has met, any of the spice girls, particularly Victoria, who has become friends with the said couple.

So, how many degrees is that: 6

The degrees of separation

2008-01-31T00:50:00.000+02:00

Ok, so now I'm wracking my brain for other connections to famous people - lets face it - you wouldn't be interested in my connections to some distant cousin of mine anyway. But, I just wanted to mention that this won't just be based on arb things like watching a programme with the person on it or being in the same vague space of the person; I'm counting on actually (albeit probable) interaction between individuals. I was convinced I'd thought of a connection to Oprah Winfrey the other night, but I must have been wrong. I guess it can't just be through Nelson Mandela because then I'd have a connection to her, the spice girls, Bono, and whoever else happened to grace his threshold so, no, I've to to dig deeper...

John Cusack

2008-01-31T00:43:00.000+02:00

A good friend of mine, Allun Turner, once met Rachel Wiesz, who appeared in Runaway Jury with John Cusack in 2003.

Degrees of separation: 3

Tyra Banks

2008-01-31T00:40:00.000+02:00

I recently saw an episode of America's Next Top Model in which they were in Cape Town, South Africa, and Gerda Genis was one of the guest judges. She once did a talk to my photography class while I was studying for a National Diploma in Graphic Design at what was then Cape Technikon.

Degree of separation: 2

Leonardo DiCaprio

2008-01-31T00:37:00.000+02:00

I once saw Kate Winslet in Covent Garden, just outside London Graphics where I went all the time for supplies, carrying her little daughter. She appeared in the movie, Titanic, with Leonardo DiCaprio.

Degrees of Separation: 2

Madonna

2008-01-31T00:35:00.000+02:00

I once saw Rupert Everett in Covent Garden, around Seven Dials, having his morning coffee. He was in a movie called The Next Best Thing with Madonna.

Degrees of separation: 2

Nelson Mandela

2008-01-31T00:28:00.000+02:00

Ok, so my mentor when I first started out in my career of graphic design was the late Mr Manfred Enickl. He in turn introduced me to a Willem De Klerk on a number of occasions, who is the son of FW De Klerk, who shared a Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela.

Degrees of separation: 4

Six degrees of separation

2008-01-31T00:25:00.000+02:00

Ok, so I thought about it the other night and found some cool connections, so I thought I'd post some. Each time I do I'll put the person's name I'm connecting to as the title of my post. The connection, for me, is not one where we've broken bread together, but some people I have shared a table with at some point in my life and then the connections from there will be where the positibility exists that they would have some contact with other people in the chain. Sometimes where it's proven, sometimes not.

Anyhoo, here goes...

Update

2007-08-05T02:42:00.000+02:00

Ok, so I'm a bit bored this evening. Watched all that E and SABC 2 had to offer and taped the movie on SABC 3 for tomorrow. Hubby is playing Party Poker and up to over a million already. Last week he came to bed at about 8am on Sunday morning - he says he's hooked. I won't panic until he's playing with actual money... We hired Hannibal Rising today, but I don't have the energy to watch it after reading the synopsis on Wikipedia. I prefer comedies anyway and I wanted to get Happy Feet, but will have to get it sometime when I go to the DVD shop.

Anyhoo, thought there was a bit of a gap in my blogs so I'm posting a pic of my studio once my desk and new computer were installed.

It all looks so tiny in the 36 square meter space, but I'm working on it. Hopefully in the next couple of months some things will be sorted and I'll have some new furniture. Leaving the epoxy element out of the floor paint was a mistake though so to anyone thinking about it - do it! My floor is hard to clean and always looks scruffy now.

Anyway, I've spent almost R500 at Sheet Street on two new throws, three scatter cushions, a table runner and some sandalwood scented candles and a clients who's been here has already turned her nose up at it so I will have to get creative with my new furniture or I'll forever feel like a wan-a-be! There are some who've liked it though, but I just can't tell sometimes.

I have my dogs in the studio with me all day and most of the time they lay just inside the security gates at my door so they're not really a bother, but they've gotten used to laying on the couch when it's cold or raining. I put my new stuff on last week and when they went to sniff at it I made a point of telling them no every time. Poor Max eventually went to lie in the middle of the room on the cold cement and Schumi came to lie on my lap. I prefer clients to make appointments so that I can put them in the garage when they're here.

Max is the friendliest and probably the most untrained dog in the world and will jump on and try to get to know anyone who enters. He's friendly, but a bit too eager so it's best if he's put in the garage and Schumi just wants attention when people are here. So, whether she seeks it from the new arrival or from me it's just inappropriate so I try to avoid it. It's difficult, but I love having my pets around me during the day - makes it all seem worthwhile - just don't like when Max tries to paw me when I'm doing some intricate thing in Freehand and my mouse jumps all over my screen. He gets a bit of a tongue-lashing sometimes, but he can handle it!

Anyway, lots of new things potting with my freelance, but some projects are moving slowly so will try to update soon.

Diet Wars

2007-08-05T02:28:00.000+02:00

Ok, just read my blog before last so will comment on some things. Since then my mom has returned from Dublin and my younger sister went over for almost a month. I was the only female of our immediate family who didn't get to go see the new sprog, but I can live with it!

On the diet front, still find myself eating fried eggs on any given daying and missing lunch on most. The 10 000 steps a day are still eluding me and my pedometer is somewhere on the kitchen counter - ready to grab at a moment's notice, but I still don't. I've taken to walking to clients even if it means arriving drenched in this season's hottest fashion - rain water! I usually try to shake myself off before I enter the office building or accend the stairs to the office. Every little bit helps.

The ultimate sad thing is that I now have had my driver's license for over a month. I've driven the car once with my instructor (note - our Mazda - not his easy-to-drive car) and then once more with Alec, which ended in him driving. I have to get the hang of this thing or I'll just convince myself that walking is my exercise, but it's not alway great to arrive at meetings flustered, out of breath and sweaty - and these things just increase in summer. So, I have to get off my arse and actually drive this monstrosity. I know it's kind of an heirloom and hubby's mom drove it for many years, but it's taking some time for me to find out how to 'idle' in it. It was so much easier in the car I learned to drive in! Anyhoo, will have to find some kind of way to practise and learn to drive this car because we won't be getting a new one any time soon. I love the little Kia Picanto! It's sweet, zippy and hopefully really easy to drive.

Anyway, by next time this year I'd be interested to see how I'm coping with my work-load. Hubby's shop is also on the up-an-up and hopefully next year winter won't be so quiet. Anyway, will carry on with my boring Saturday night entertainment now. x

Freelance Business

2007-08-05T02:17:00.000+02:00

Ok, so it's been months since my last entry and I know I haven't had even one person read my blog yet so I'm still safe! When I last wrote I was talking about doggysnaps and still had loads of time on my hands. Since then I've become quite busy. No more Ricky Lake at lunch time and Oprah at 4 and I've had to get up at 7:30 every day this week, which is something for me!

I recently got some new kind of freelance work taking photographs for an advert and a website, which freaked me out big-time. I specially bought a new digital camera (on special at Makro) a few months ago just for this purpose. Also chucked in rechargable batteries and a tripod to boot. So, it's finally happened - it seems there is no other photographer in Malmesbury who can do this kind of thing. I'm sure there's a wedding photographer or two out there somewhere, but we've yet to find him/her, so, I trundled along with my new camera and I think the shots turned out quite fine! I think the clients are happy as well! My only concern is that I don't have a clue what to charge for this kind of thing. I've decided to just charge per hour, but it still niggles me that they'll be using them for tons of publicity and I know a Cape Town photographer would be charging much more. I guess it's a confidence thing...

We started out charging really little for our website as well because we were just starting out so I suppose if this becomes a regular thing in time I will know what is the correct amount. For now I'll just enjoy the days out of the office. Anyhoo, it's late. Will try to write again soon, not that anyone's reading...

Doggysnaps.com

2007-05-04T07:10:00.000+02:00

I've recently discovered Doggysnaps.com and find myself visiting it all too often during the day. Now that my studio is fully functional, sans lovely chaise lounge, carpet and cheapo filing cabinet, which I covet, I am fairly busy during the day, but somehow I still find time to check up on my two dogs progress quite regularly. I posted 11 pics of Max and since the 30th April he's had 345 people look at them. Schumi's less popular with 116 views of her 7 pics. The thing I like about it is it's just the right amount of functionality and interest for a 5 minutes gander. I never spend more than that, but it helps to take my mind off pressing, irritating matters and also the manotony of working from home in an office on my own all day.

Anyhoo, as nobody ever reads my blog I may as well post any darn thing I please on it. No danger of beating Kyknoord at his game! I read this weekend in the Sunday Times some derogatory comment in a fairly humorous article about your common government employee. The article went on to mention that said person obviously shops at Jet. I shop at Jet and I'm not afraid to say it! Having not bought a new item of clothing for the last two years I find myself taking baby steps into the world of retail therapy. It takes me quite a bit of effort and crap to put up with to earn my dollars so I'm not going to spend huge quantities of it on a pair of jeans just because it has a label on it. I've read that graphic designers are supposed to be label fanatics, but I'm not one of them. I like functionality and practicality. If you throw in comfort I'm sold. And I'd rather spend my money on gadgety stuff that makes my life easier and possibly overseas holidays if I finally get there.

My mom is flying to Dublin in the next two weeks to see her first grandchild. Hoorah! I'm finally off the hook - having been married for almost 6 years now - you would have thought they'd get the hint by now and stop asking. We're quite happy with dogs, thank you!

Well, just been served my giant plate of macaroni cheese for dinner so must be off. Still haven't started the all-important diet yet. According to some website all I need to lose is 6kg. I'm wondering if it's worth the effort. I would like to feel more comfortable in my skin and clothes, but I don't plan on being a bikini model any time soon. I suppose I should do it for health reasons, but then that means giving up smoking too and eating a Special K breakfast - if the ads are to be believed. Would be easier if I lived next door to a Fruit & Veg.

Ok, really must go now - like anyone cares. Will write again in the next millennium.
x

My new studio

2007-03-04T10:00:00.000+02:00

This is the progress so far of my studio. We started working on it at the beginning of February and now it's ready for some furniture. The first thing to tackle was the ceiling which we eventually did with Rhinoboard and sisolation. Got a nice downlight and painted it white. Then we inserted the door, window and glass bricks in the brick work where the two garage doors were and painted that wall white. The two side walls - green and red - match my new logo. Hopefully some furniture will go in this week and I'll post some more photos soon. Looking forward to lots of interesting projects done in my new space. In the pics on the right you can see the edging of the floor paint - I chose Summer Rain. That's now been filled in. Hope it lasts. We decided not to do the expensive epoxy coat just yet. The one 5L tin of Plascon Floor Paint covered the 36m2 floor just nicely.

Ok, that's all for now.

2006-12-17T13:28:00.000+02:00

We had a very pleasant surprise a couple of weeks ago on a Wednesday morning when an old friend of ours, Lisa, showed up at our door with her mother Gill. We bought our house in Koringberg from Gill about 3 years ago and have since become friends. We then met Lisa and her husband Robb, while overseas and often spent Sunday afternoons hanging out and playing a game or two of pool reminiscing about South Africa and such.

Lisa treated us all to a delicious lunch at The Cornberg Restaurant and the food was delicious. We hope to see her again before she returns to England after Christmas.

Robb and Lisa had a wonderful and awe-inspiring adventure through Africa in 2002 which is detailed in their website: http://www.geocities.com/dustydiary/
It is really worth a read!!!

Adios to Kberg

2006-12-17T13:12:00.000+02:00

It is with some sadness that we say farewell to the beautiful little village we called home for over two years. I took this photo this morning, the 17th of December, just two weeks before we start our trek South. It's been great! We've had so many special moments here and met friends we will treasure forever - not to fear - we are only moving half an hour away. We've decided to plant our roots a bit closer to Cape Town and so Malmesbury was our best option. Who knows what it will like to return to the relative suburbia. We've gotten so used to the open spaces and stunning sunsets here that the vibracrete walls which surround our new home may come as a complete culture shock.

But, anyhoo, they say a change is as good as a holiday! They also say that moving is one of the three most stressful situations to experience in life. We're actually looking forward to the move as well. The last time we moved it was from Walthamstow to Koringberg and we packed everything up at least two weeks before we flew and only received our things back about three months into our return. We'll be doing it with our bakkie so it will take a few trips, but we have a couple of weeks to do it. Should be fun! For now we'll try to enjoy the pool and the stoep as much as we can.

Their first week

2006-11-09T19:56:00.000+02:00

I think it was the Monday we set off to The Baths in Citrusdal. There were a surprising amount of people there and I think eventually it dawned on us that it was still during school holidays hence the many families around. Somehow we always seem to go mid-week with friends or family visiting on holiday so we've always managed to get in - some friends seem to think that it's always fully booked - I guess we've been lucky?

With all the camping equipment - two tents, 4 plastic chairs and cooler box, etc. we decided we'd better take the bakkie and so Sanna drove for the first time in ages and took us over the Piekenierskloof pass in style - with the guys at the back trying to talk above the howling wind and with beer in hand. I was afraid it would be cold so I even packed my entire duvee and two pillows which gave Alec and I the most comfortable sleep we've had on a camping trip ever! The seasoned campers declined and opted for their Thermarests instead.

We stopped off at Shoprite in Piketberg first for some supplies and then it was off to the wild. We love camping at The Baths so it had to be one of the first places we took them. We set up camp as soon as we got there and then went off to enjoy the warmth and comfort of the hot swimming pool. I think we all at some point also braved the cold pool if only for a second.

Later in the evening we had a lekker braai and eventually went to sleep just in time for the rain to start pit-patting on the roofs of our tents. All our constumes and towels which were draped over the bakkie got drenched, but luckily shoes and cameras, etc. were tucked away and avoided ruination. It also cleared the next day so we were able to swim and walk around some more before heading back to the mutts to dry out the tents on the lawn.

On the way back it was the girl's turn to sit at the back of the bakkie so we put on a brave face and braced ourselves. We got some ice-creams and cool-drinks for the drive back. Unfortunately, Sanna realised she'd left her purse including passport, money, everything on the ledge we'd just been sitting on before getting ourselves comfortable on the back. She felt so bad and was amazed that she could forget something so important, but luckily - with this being friendly, honest country - it was right where she left it. We'd driven for about 5 minutes before she realised it, so it was probably 10 minutes in all it was there. We all think if someone had found it they would have handed it straight to the receptionist and we would have retrieved it from there. Could have been a very different holiday so we were all relieved and went on to enjoy the rest of the day.

Their first Sunday

2006-11-07T21:01:00.000+02:00

Heck, I've already given their names on Flickr so I may as well mention them here too. We've know Geoff and Sanna for over 5 years now having met them just before our wedding in London in 2001. Geoff worked with Alec at the store with nine lives in Earl's Court Road and so I also met Sanna at one of Trekmate's functions. I remember our first year we went to a greek restaurant for the Christmas party and they had some very talented belly-dancers who could physically move their breasts up and down individually - it is a sight to behold. In later years the Christmas party invariably started off at the O' Neil's near Piccadilly and then on to WonKei's where we'd get a huge round table on about the third floor. Alec and I still talk about the Chilly Pork Chop! But, anyway, back to the original topic. We were thrilled when Sanna e-mailed in May to say that they were about to book flights to SA and would September be alright with us for a visit. Well now - the rest is history...

That first Sunday for them in Africa we were very lazy and had a late lunch after which we walked up the Koringberg mountain behind our village. It was the first time we ventured all the way almost to the top and we actually saw about 3 paragliders launch and drift around the afternoon sky above our heads. It was quite fantastic and the dogs loved it! We didn't see all the way to Table Mountain though so I still don't know if I believe that. I'm busy designing a hiking trail permit for Koringberg which will be available at accommodation establishments in the dorp. They're only R5 each and all moneys will go towards maintaining the trail. As some of it goes through private farm land (wheat fields) we hope that people will respect the route and that there'll be no reason to stop the use of it. It's also the path for the annual Swartland Mountain Bike race in early September which is a great event. Hope to do it some year when we finally get our acts together and buy some bikes.

We sat around the pool for a bitter after our walk and then all had showers and just relaxed while picking pesky, disgusting ticks off the dogs. Geoff and Sanna proved to have quite a knack for it. We had never seen so many on the dogs before and even found a couple on ourselves as well although thankfully not attached. We haven't walked that trail since and have rather kept to the village streets - at least until harvest time is over. The trucks have been driving back and forth with all the produce. Wonder how this weekend's rain affected the crop? But, about the tick situation - it's usually not that bad and we've since gotten drops we've used which should last for 3 months which so far seems to be working a treat.

So, I guess that was a bit of a boring report about what our friends did on their second day in Africa, but that's what you do when you're in the country - you chill!!!

Will write more soon when I get my memory together about the rest of their first week.

7 weeks to Christmas

2006-11-06T22:49:00.000+02:00

Okay, so I haven't written for months, but hey I've been busy and it's not like anyone's reading anyway! Our friends have come and gone and we had a fabulous time. They arrived on the 16th of September on a cold and rainy Saturday morning. We drive the hour and 15 minutes to meet them after getting up at about 3:30 - their plane was to arrive at 5am. We had hoped that it would be a sunny morning and that we'd drive up the country lane which is the N7 and they'd marvel and the sunrise and the rolling wheat fields and occasional groups of cattle and ostridges on the way, but alas - we just stopped at the Engen 1-stop and got some water and stuff and headed home.

So, instead of the lovely braai out at the lapa we had to settle for Lasagne inside. Oh, well, the weather cleared up in the end and we had a few adventures before they returned to London after their 2 weeks, but it rained again on the Monday morning of their departure. Thankfully hubby and I had been reading the book - The Easy Way to Stop Smoking by Allan Carr which was kindly given to us by A's (my hubby)'s sister after she's read it and found it worked for her. So, on the morning of their departure, at Cape Town International, outside the terminal we stubbed our our last cigarettes.

It's been almost 5 weeks now and I must confess that I sneaked a drag on Friday night when A wasn't looking, but I don't feel too bad about it and I'm quite quietly confident that I won't ever smoke again! A, on the other hand, has given up about 4 times since - once of which was on Saturday morning after he smoked with a friend who then game him a packet of cigarettes to feast on for the night. I think I just took that drag behind his back because I wanted him to finish the packet and be done with it already, but I guess I was just being naughty. Anyhow, I want to write more about the holiday and get to what's going on now in my life, but I'll write again soon. I've uploaded photos to Flicker on the right so have a look if anyone ever comes across this blog.

Can't believe it's already so close to Christmas!!!

Procrastination

2006-08-03T22:12:00.000+02:00

That's my problem for the past while - and I'm talking months. I haven't had a paying client for too long. Luckily we did have some guests staying in the B&B, but hardly anything to write home about. I've been working on a new business plan for the past two weeks now and still not done. But, have completed a new website for my graphic design work with full updated portfolio so I guess that's something although I keep having doubts about it. I keep changing my taste in things. I almost need to be able to update it monthly!

Hubby's a bit mad at me for doing odd little bits for friends for free. Sometimes it's not even friends. I created a CV for someone, did invitations for a Women's Day event and Googled a Grade 8 student's cultural project all for nada. What a putts I am! I'm very ready to keep busy doing some arbitrary project for anyone else, but can't get the steam together to go start doing something for myself. I'm always finding some hold-up for not getting out there and talking to people. Hubby gave me a talk the other day and said that if I'm not prepared to sell myself or think that I can't handle being a freelancer then I should go find a job doing something else - like reception or PA work. Bit of a wake-up call. I haven't given up yet though. I think my ideal life is out there in the future somewhere and I just have to keep taking baby steps towards it. As long as I don't stop I should be ok.

Have to write my stupid learner's license test AGAIN. Let the last one expire - yet another embarassing truth. So will be doing that at the end of the month. Hope I make it. We have friends visiting from London in September for 3 weeks. Really looking forward to seeing some of our fairest Cape with them. It will be a blessing having them here as they know the whole history behind our search for this place and how we got to be here and what we hoped for. Will be interesting to see what they think of our achievements thus far.

Anyway, haven't really been 'out' since we got back about 18 months ago now. I'd love to catch a sunset concert at Kirstenbosh Gardens, sundowners on Camps Bay 4th beach (with hotdogs for dins), fish & chips in Hout Bay or Kalk Bay and Langebaan or Saldanha and Gordon's Bay, a day on the wine route, a walk and picnic up Table Mountain and last, but not least a good evening in a jazz club somewhere. And, am dying to go camping even for a day or two somewhere with hot springs. I miss having a bath tub! We have six toilets in our home, five showers and no bath. And the horrible thing is that they're always giving problems in some way or other - the most recent being hubby breaking yet another toilet seat. He is six foot something and a strongly built guy so it's almost not his fault, but I think he's broken one for every year we've known eachother. Luckily Pick n' Pay had a special on some cheap wooden one last time we were there so it's been replaced. No more avoiding that loo.

I can't wait for spring and warmth - to swim and have my hair dry naturally in a couple of hours. I have very curly hair which I don't blow - dry save for maybe twice a year - which sometimes is still wet at 7pm in the evening - I don't think that's good for some reason. I'm touching wood right now to ward off the cold I usually have coming my way at least once a year. I am quietly puzzled as to why I haven't had one this year yet. Actually very puzzled. Must keep eating those oranges I guess.

I still wonder if anyone will ever read my blog. Kinda not expecting it, but we'll see. Will have to spend a bit more time trying to figure out all the bits on it.

Until next time...

Anger Management

2006-05-25T23:55:00.000+02:00

Ok, so what do you do if you quote on doing some design work for someone - you send them some designs and they don't come back to you for ages and then a month or two later you see their 'new' or 'changed' sign or website with a design very obviously stemming from one you've sent them. What do I have to do??? Charge up front??? Put some kind of weird watermark on everything I send them that not only prevents them from using the said file, but also miraculously erases it from any mind that sees it so that it cannot in any way be reproduced???

Why are people so ready to accept advice or designs or whatever, but so unready to acknowledge that it is in fact a service I am providing - and NO - they would not have just harped on that idea or layout on their own!!! I am quite sick of it now - it's the third time! Clearly I am missing something. Is there some clause I should be putting on all my quotations. Should my logo and address or whatever be stamped all over the designs I send to potential clients? I think I need to learn to manage my anger and then manage my freelance better. These people are taking me for a ride and I'm letting them.

And - what about websites that advertise so much work you could get - post you portfolio and we'll be sending you clients by the shipload - I got fooled by that one once and once only. Just as my husband predicted the website is no longer and the offices somewhere in Kenilworth are completely untraceable. Luckily it was still in the days when I had some cash, but still - what is one to do? Are there any reputable companies/sites where you can see what needs the good citizens of the marketing and advertising world need and actually just provide those services? No strings attached no hoopla just good design within deadline and budget and without the red tape!!!

Far too many exclamation points and question marks so I must be tired. Plus also the 4th day of not smoking. Will have to go to bed now.

Max of the Rhenosterveld

2006-05-15T21:17:00.000+02:00

And this - is little Max as we got him in October last year, at 3 & a bit months in December and yesterday. He could literally fit into one of my hubby's size 12 slippers when he first came home with us. His mom is an English Bull Dog and his dad was a lucky bugger who jumped her when her owners were trying to mate her with another pure-bred. Needless to say they were quite disappointed with the outcome, but we are stoked! Just wish he would stop eating my shoes now.

Max decided to take a dive into the swimming pool about a week ago. He was fished out just in time huffing and puffing and finally got back to his old ways. Dogs have very strange and peculiar digestive systems. Right now both of them are on our front stoep chasing and eating moths - yum! More photos of him later, having serious trouble uploading.

The Darkness

2006-05-15T20:57:00.000+02:00

This is Schumi doing her little dance and sleeping in her basket.

She's half short-haired Daschund and half who knows what. We got her April last year. Named after Michael Schumacher when he was still my favourite (I like Alonso now...).

Coming up roses

2006-05-15T20:49:00.000+02:00

Ok, so third time lucky. I've just tried to upload some pics and this is my 3rd time. Once again we'll see if I succeed. Don't know if it's my internet connection or just Murphy at it again.

Anyhoo, my hubby took this pic yesterday. Was going to do a whole schpeel on how the roses in our garden just pop up every so often without much attention from us at all, but the mood is gone.

Also wanted to upload some pics of my dogs, but will see if this works first.

My very first time

2006-05-14T23:17:00.000+02:00

Don't know if anyone will ever read this, but here goes anyway. My first entry. Feels good!

Ok, so some intro. I live somewhere out there in the country. Close enough to Cape Town to feel the beat, but far enough away to smell the fresh air and look at the lovely Lillies in our garden. My husband and I moved out here, after a longish stint in England, almost two years ago. We bought our guest house and pub on a whim while on a camping holiday after dreaming about living in the country for as long as we've known eachother.

I think we thought it would be easy - coming back and all. It's been a journey of sorts. We've learnt alot. Our small B&B is still not profitable and the pub for which we waited forever to get licensed and all has proven not to be worth it at all. We live in a quiet village which is just not ready for tourism yet. Don't know if it ever will be. The tourism associations are so useless and the truth is that people either love it or hate it out here - and you just don't know which until they get here.

Us, we can spend forever on the front stoep watching the sky change colour, the sun go down and the bright stars come up and twinkle in the sky. The season's changing now so it's a delight to see the fields turn green. Slowly, but surely life is coming back to the earth. In summer everything is sand coloured and brown. Some people call it golden, but you have to be in the right mood to accept that. Ok, so until next time...