retha's rambles

Lesson 2: aperture

2012-01-28T11:51:00.001+02:00

So you will know; this post is only about me taking lots of photo's of the exact same thing, one right after the other. The only objective to learn something, without spending lots of time at an institution nor paying a whole heap of money.

Found Aimee via a blog, via a blog, via ...You get the picture, I sit and doodle much it seems.
I have always wanted to take photographs instead of the pictures and snaps I do.Timelessly, I have given up reading through books, manuals and blog posts. This is the first time I have understood enough to actually take the camera and waded into the depths of changing one setting off auto.

I like how she describes the feeling of fear and anxiety I experience, shows me she knows exactly how it feels not to know. Totally different from what I used to experience, being shown I do not know and won't be or should not be able to know because this is rocket science. She is demystifying the numbers and language of taking photo's.

Enough of Aimee's praises. I am going to do what she shows, although I am already a few lessons behind some others, I can do what I can. Rather late than never is what I am focusing on.
(Yes, I know my packing and buying list has lots more to accomplish.It is there and lists are patient. So now I am doing THIS.)

All or any pun has been unintended.

We have one camera, I am the main user, I am the one turning out the worst infront of it. It is a FinePix S5600.
Aimee said for us to make sure the white balance and the ISO is set to automatic.
The white balance was easy enough to find. ISO? After referring to the manual I could still not find a place to check it. Will use it just like that and see what happens.

Try it all at once sister! While you're at it try upload a picture from the cell phone.
Go dig up the manual. Only a manual does not exist. After you loaded it onto your PC from a very small CD that you did not know is the CD with all the knowledge you are ready to go.

What I saw after I've gone manual on aperture.

As you can see, or not see, difficult to get those scribbles readable. In the rectangle, next to the 40 that is next to the red block with the A, is written F8 with an up and down arrow. I don't know if it is the camera or my setting selection but I can only see 9 F numbers, compared to Aimee's 19!
(exactly why I don't like science, it is the same my experiments does not do what it should.) Then maybe photography IS rocket science. Or maybe I have reach my saturation point for electronics after the above mentioned cell(mobile) phone picture.

What I did find, is that nothing exploded and here is my first try at manual aperture.

f 3.2

f 3.6

f 4

f 4.5

f 5.6

f 6.4

f 7.1

f 8

Al right, I am showing all, my brains was or is a bit slow. For this lesson I should rather have taken a row of objects. Following the principal of monkey sees monkey do.

Even still I am able to see

a) the lower f number the more blinding the picture

b) my candle piece is not clearly distinguishable on the lowest f number.

Suppose I have then learned that if I am standing right infront of a window taking a photo of one specific thing, it is better to use the highest f number. On this camera.

Now a REALLY have to start with my list so we can leave tomorrow.

I'll be printed versions of the next lessons maybe there will be opportunity to try these things.

The week in the bush

2012-01-22T19:30:00.000+02:00

This last week we have been away, again with Jason working and us two being on holiday

while trying to also do some learning.

The morning started so much earlier there.

Always beautiful to have a brand new day. And knowing one has it makes it even more amazing.

The geese walking freely,

luckily they were not behaving like guarding geese,

else I would have been scared be outside.

Have you ever experienced a guard dog goose!?

Then to a forbidden spot for some respite.

Every day on our walk down the farm dirt road

we came across this small herd of cattle.

Their curiosity is a bit intimidating.

To have a few meters between one of these and me was not really what I planned.

Believing they are used to people I chose to continue as if I am used to walking past them everyday too.

Faithful Friday #7

2011-10-28T14:00:00.000+02:00

Joy, began Faithful Fridays as a way to share our Christian faith in the blogging world, in hopes that it would encourage others in their Christian walk as well. If you would like to share, please leave Joy a comment.

This week we have done many kilometres - by car. Ethan and I have been watching the speedometer rolling over and over. And still we have only gone from here to there, from there back to here. During the journey of this week it happened more than once that we ended at the same place we have been just hours before. In and out in and out of the car is a tiring experience.

As I sat thinking about me feeling tired up to my emotion. Allowing myself to just be and let the tiredness wash over me I had a thought or two.

This is the time I show the fruit of the SPIRIT. When the family want or need something, what is my inner thoughts then? When the phone rings, am I then someone showing kindness and friendliness? How much of this I show is directly related to how much I have allowed the LORD to live in me.

This is the time for allowing the LORD to extend me. The more I die to myself the more HE can extend me. (Explain that to a mind taken up by thinking!)

He chose me not because I was the best of the best. One who has what it takes to imitate the master, not at all. He chose me because HE is everything.

Even more of a puzzle, how is it that the more I choose to do what is GODLY the more refreshed I am.

Trying to think about GOD only brings me back to this one truth; GOD is GOD.
How grateful I am that HE chose me.

Real rain

2011-10-19T21:44:00.001+02:00

Although a bit too cold. Normally not this cold when the rain comes, more or less the time we are used to getting the first rains.
Even some hail. Mostly small pieces. Because one never knows how long it will continue or how big it will get as soon as the first stone falls people scatter to get their cars under some type of cover. Often it ends up being the garage(filling station)
Today we were one of those, rushing for cover.

I am always amazed at how rain binds strangers together, adding a scatter of hail the huddling turns into chatter. A lovely vibe to experience.Specially in our country where so many are working to bring separation between people.

Nature is amazing, there for our enjoyment! Let it come the first and the latter, rain on us.

Artistic?

2011-10-18T18:13:00.002+02:00

Once too many I now have heard "I/my husband and I, are artistic/creative people" being used as an excuse to be late, untidy, or whatever else people think to make excuses for.When the only creative or artistic evidence one sees with these people are the way they make excuses.

Artistic is no excuse to be feather brained.

The reason I get irked by this, GOD created us to be like HIM. All of us has some or other way of being a creator. Artistic is not only with paint, clay and brushes.

Interesting how all want to be scientists and engineers, but so few are willing to go through the sweat of becoming that. Just adding those words to an occupation does not make one a clever person.
But artists are still an elite type of mystified personality!?

Strange is what I want to say.

Remember down the road from us.

2011-10-10T07:34:00.000+02:00

We went to see a company in a light industrial area. Great was my surprise when we arrived to these beautiful works of art.
I got tired of taking snaps, there are so many.
Being there at around midday was no help n taking the photo's

The next three are a lion kill.

Some of them has been damaged by water.

It is huge!

Still difficult to picture dimensions?

How does this help in making a judgement of the size?

Down the road from us.

2011-10-09T11:26:00.000+02:00

If you thought this is a painting

you are absolutely correct.

Any idea where it is from?

I'll show you

A bit more patience.

There

here it is.

Friday photo #12

2011-10-07T09:00:00.000+02:00

Friday photos #11 Faithful Friday #6

2011-09-30T08:37:00.002+02:00

Has never happened at our house.

It is Friday

It is spring

(although I had to put the blankets back on the bed)

Life looks a bit like this road.

I can see what I need to see

Sometimes a bit further,

but it does not say the road is going there directly

there might be something totally different in that dip in the road.

A dip in the road does not naturally mean something unpleasant.

There is always water there, when the rain comes.

Water is what nourishes my soul.

Often I can make the dip a place of shelter

enjoyment, fun and rest too.

I am earth.

The earth is the LORD'S, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Let what dwells within me be what GOD is.

I did not intend to take part in Faithful Friday, now I see this can also fit in with that too.

Faithful Friday #5

2011-09-23T15:05:00.003+02:00

Joy, began Faithful Fridays as a way to share our Christian faith in the blogging world, in hopes that it would encourage others in their Christian walk as well. If you would like to share, please leave Joy a comment.

I always struggle to speak my head ( I know mind) here. Not because I don't know what is there. When I see it written it either feels like a sermon or it must be irrelevant to others. To not even start thinking about the way the words are strung together, the tenses and all that.

Have never been able to take the everyday happenings censoring it of me being the accused or accuser and sugar it all up to look and sound wonderfully educational or even entertaining.

Now, after my health experience earlier this year, it is even more difficult to get my fingers to the keys.

One thing I have always tried to avoid is to 'warm the air'. Talking and talking just to say something.

This inability of mine could have so many meanings. It might be true that I'm not willing to be transparent, maybe I have not yet decided what flavour my rambles must have. Or even that I weigh myself and finding me to light in this world of blogging.

My prayer is let me learn to know when to speak and when to talk.

Friday photo #10

2011-09-16T07:32:00.001+02:00

I'm confused

Faithful Friday #4

2011-09-09T14:00:00.000+02:00

Joy, began Faithful Fridays as a way to share our Christian faith in the blogging world, in hopes that it would encourage others in their Christian walk as well. If you would like to share, please leave Joy a comment.

How do I look at provision from the LORD?
Person A and B met at the shops. Person B, I've a blanket and a sleeping bag I want to give you. With no plan what to do with it A thanked B and knew the LORD will have a plan.
That very night A met a homeless person who had a desperate need for these things.

How often is the thought pattern; here am I there are those things how can I get that to me. When there can also be the reality of I have this LORD send someone whom YOU want to have this.

Friday Photo #9

2011-09-02T15:29:00.002+02:00

Seems this year has been the year of medicines.

Oh, see the beautiful sun,

A bit of what we get this early in summer

during the late afternoon.

Faithful Friday #3

2011-08-27T09:05:00.000+02:00

Joy, began Faithful Fridays as a way to share our Christian faith in the blogging world, in hopes that it would encourage others in their Christian walk as well. If you would like to share, please leave Joy a comment

During any normal day there are so many thoughts that goes through a person's head. When I went through the time of difficulty this year there were thoughts of what is important and what is not.

To me there is just one thing that is important. GOD is everything. I do know there are many scripture verses one can add in here, for now all I am thinking of is, GOD is All. I am nothing. It does not matter with what thought I came up with, it ended in the same thought.

I was thinking about my son. So many things I wanted to still teach him, let him experience and go though with him. At times I thought oh, I must quickly show him this or that. Make sure he has a knowledge or understanding of these.

Then HE came to me, I can't teach him anything. If GOD is not the One showing us the way there is no where to go to.

In this time I had to acknowledge and live that GOD knows how to care for what belongs to HIM.(remember this line of an old song?)
If GOD does not care for me or my son nothing we do can have any result.

How long?

2011-08-25T07:35:00.000+02:00

Last time I posted

it was about that kist

someone will open after 100 years.

some more waiting for that.

There are so many things we are waiting for right now,

I'm certain you all are waiting for something too.

What I do not need to wait for any more,

for now anyway,

is the

SUN

When I wake up in the morning,

(good thing I do not wake up at night)

Although it has not yet crested

It is already showing light

I can see what is around me without looking for a light switch.

I am so grateful for new days,

and bright sunny days

makes it even better.

Friday photo #8

2011-08-19T19:00:00.000+02:00

This chest must be opened December 2038

In 1938 there was a commemoration of the great trek. Wagons trekked from different places in South Africa to arrive at the Voortrekker monument. This chest buried and covered with concrete on one of the routes. Apparently there are many items of daily use(of the day) as well as books buried here.

Thatha

2011-08-16T10:40:00.000+02:00

The name Ethan calls his grandfather, for his birthday Ethan with a bit of help made him these coasters.
And I was glad there are not more letters. It was somewhat difficult to think up pictures that has relevance to Thatha. The animals is more Ethan's liking.

The weather.

2011-08-15T14:59:00.000+02:00

Yesterday I was almost convinced summer arrived.
This morning we woke to a black sky. Very strange for this time of year. I am happy to say the sun came back, not long after we wake we see the sun. Not like few weeks back when the sun only appears after Jason has left for work. So much better to handle the cold when the sun is out.

Since the weeks of me not being allowed to drive has passed, I have not had the need to drive. Today was only the second time I drove in about 5 months. For a moment or two I had to think while taking off at the traffic light.

Long story short, Ethan and I was at the shops when the rain came down and I heard it snowed again not too far away from us. About two hours drive and all the roads from here to Durban are closed. Not that I was going to drive there now.
Anyway I did drive back home, in heavy rain with small soft hail. Now I am really confused. Is this the first summer rains or is it out of season winter rain?

Will have to wait and see what happens next to be able to know if summer came or not.

Ps. A week ago I saw a masked weaver building a nest. Maybe I'm not the only one confused.

Faithful Friday #2

2011-08-13T06:30:00.000+02:00

I've seen people using the word faithful to manipulate situations and people. Using it even in a way to take credit for themselves. GOD is faithful, not merely a character trait.
Being born of HIS incorruptible seed I should be faithful as HE is. JESUS said; "Be holy" In this there is no space for growing into 'holy'. Because of HIM we are 'be holy'.

Do I say this because I am so great in accomplishing holiness? No, no and no again.

HE has done it all.
HE made me, HE brought the salvation plan, HE fulfilled that plan, HE saw me, HE saved me, HE intercedes for me, HE lives in me and HE tells me how I should live.

The more I live that I am nothing the more I will display being faithful. Again not because I have achieved it, but because of grace.

How cold is Durban?

2011-08-10T13:09:00.000+02:00

Durban is not a city one associates with low temperatures. In the years we've been going there I have never felt cold. Maybe late at night in the middle of winter there could have been a need for me to put on a light jersey.
This time I felt cold, even Jason wore a jersey. And that not because he had a new one that needed wearing.

Some weeks back snow fell in the country. On the way we saw the snow capped mountains and experienced some chill. Nothing of what the locals felt when the snow came or directly after that.

We did get to see 'old' snow from close, even touching it. (not to worry, this was not the national highway)

More snow fell before we passed here again on our way home.

As I've said previously, no matter how cold I can't just look at the beach. We did go and touch the warm water. Strange feeling to have your feet in warm water and the rest of your body shivers.

Does anyone still remember "Ke nako" the 2010 soccer world cup. One of the stadia that was built for the event.

The colourful walls are part of a casino.

Friday photo #7

2011-07-29T16:03:00.000+02:00

Way back we bought a wardrobe and this cupboard, remember we eat in the lounge for a while. In the mean time many things happened. The wardrobe was too rotten at places, I kept the doors, the two sides as well as the shelf. The shelf I painted before I could put any type of protection on the wood I went to hospital and there my laughter stood in the lounge with the full African sun on it. It warped so much, it fell off the sill.

The other cupboard I 'stuffed' in the passage - we have just enough space to walk past it. There it stood, until I could not take it any longer to see it like that, knowing the painting of it is indefinitely postponed. I'm still being cured from my anti-dust-collecting thoughts. This layers upon layers of stuff is starting to grow on me.

No, the shelves aren't so clean it seems invisible. They are non existent.And my stars are not inside yet.
In case you saw the splotches on the wall behind the cupboard, this is what it is. On the wall it is definitely in focus. Did that one day-or rather two days- when I could not stand those almost yellow almost beige colour any more. I won't do that in a hurry again. What's it you asking, it is poly filler, and I cut the stencils from cardboard.

There is a bit of open space by these pillars, a drawer in the middle, the other side looks the same. And then the legs.

Hope you can barely make it all out on the photo's.

What did we do over the weekend?

2011-07-25T12:09:00.000+02:00

Saturday morning had a late breakfast, before we left to go see what work is being done in the nature reserve.
After the veld work was done we had a braai. Allow me to reveal my South-Africanism by reminding you, braai might be similar but is not the same as BBQ or cook out. It was very pleasant to be outside and in a bit of bush.

Took hot water to friends because they were out of electricity. The evening we took them a hot meal, we had that together before the rest of the friends arrived. We had a good time together and we were not watching any rugby.

It was very late when we drove home. As we approached the stadium where the rugby was played we saw there will still a few spectators on there way to their vehicles far from the stadium and others who were still enjoying their time at the stadium. It struck me that the police was actually patrolling where these vehicles are parked. That's why I saw the policeman starting running towards us. As we pulled away from the red light turning to pass the stadium. Next moment there was a woman screaming.
Someone was trying to hi-jack a vehicle. Lots of things happened at the same time.

Strange how things happens in slow motion at such a time. The 'runner' did not expect the police to be on him so quick. Maybe he was just as surprised when he got shot at as he ran away. The police man caught up with him and he was taken away. Must add, the shots was to the mans feet.

The one girl in the car was totally out of it. She did not want the other to speak to us. We were the only other car besides them in that stretch, on the one hand I do not blame her. It seemed the on guy was injured in the process. We were busy driving infront of them to the nearest hospital, but two blocks before it they turned the other way and sped away.
It was a bit disturbing to know they were too scared to accept the help. Just pray they did get to medical help in time.

Afterwards Ethan said, he could see the being fired but the sound did not seem right. Totally different from the movies. It is actually a very muffled sound. Those who have experience with guns will know what it is like.

On Sunday we were at home recovering from the weekend. Jason has a flu or something and Ethan has a lightly strained groin and ankle.
He got that Friday evening when we went to watch indoor soccer. How on earth one get injured watching sport! He was playing on the sideline.

Faithful Friday #1

2011-07-22T15:54:00.000+02:00

You'll find Joy a young lady with a thinking head and a compassionate spirit. She is hosting this as encouragement.

Today, all I want to say is this; after the surgery and the pneumonia my body was doing very well in the recovery. Going on holiday was on the one hand not so good. The driving did have some negative effects.

Yesterday, I went for a short of a walk, bit further than the day before, without being bent over and slowly putting one foot before the other. I can feel my body is at a place where I can do this type of exercise without it feeling abused.

Going to the shops I do not have to look for the parking closest to the door any more. I am able to walk without all the pain I used to have. Every time we go to the shops now, we can stop further and further from the door because I can walk.

In all this all I can say is the LORD is good, compassionate and merciful.

Seashells

2011-07-18T10:38:00.006+02:00

I'm a typical Vaalie(person from inland) when at the sea. On the beach when it rains, swim in the sea when it is winter cold and picking up seashells. E-v-e-r-y-t-i-m-e and all the time while at the sea.

Why am I doing it, I don't know. But I am. Result - bags and bags full of shells. Using it in vases or glasses to decorate, glueing it on things and calling it craft. Think of it, doing and at times naming it. Still it won't be the end of the sea shells. What to do with it?

Maybe I became a bit desperate to show I've been to the sea or something. This is what I came up with.
Did not think of taking pictures of the others. Some are bigger, flatter or more round you know how these are. Some lie nicely flat others I have to make a plan with. Don't have big enough ones to use with napkins, serviettes works beautifully.

Next time on the beach you'll find me looking for bigger shells.

Friday photo #6

2011-07-15T18:17:00.002+02:00

The morning we left on holiday.

(taken while we drove)

Friday photo #5

2011-07-07T13:41:00.011+02:00

We are home again.
At times it was bitterly cold,
snow on other mountains not too far off.
The closest we get to snow
is to drive past the high mountains and see it on their peaks.

Typical people from inland we enjoyed the sea and the beach.
Without the swimming.

At times it does not just feel as if you drive in the air over the sea
you actually do.
Is it really just me thinking about that?

One has to drive here to get to this area
(where we come from)
the other option is a gravel pass at times only space for one car.
We have travelled on that before,
lets just say I rather be on this road hanging of in space.

The sea seen from a view point on this road.

Friday photo #4

2011-06-17T10:35:00.002+02:00

If I got this right, you will read this while I am many kilometres from home.

Either I'm smelling the sea or seeing it already.
Oh, I love the sea and the mountains.
The desert we have to drive through is also beautiful,
having the sea and the mountains next to each other is such a sight!

So excited about the old dictionary we found.
1951

Even got thumb tabs.

Long ago, today

2011-06-14T15:57:00.002+02:00

Maybe we are only teenagers in being married, but we have had a few bends in the road to get around. We never said the wedding vows as it is traditionally known; for better/worse, sickness and all that. But Jason did more in this last while than anyone could have thought up to tell him to promise all those years ago.

So often people are caught up in what the tradition say must happen that the essence of a happening is lost on them. May I never get to such a place in my life. Rather I want to live, see and feel. Even if it is not exactly what another intended for me to experience, but to be happy for what another has or are doing.

Today is our wedding anniversary.

GOD knows what HE is doing! I think it is now 6 weeks since the last surgery. On Thursday we are leaving for a long holiday. This is not coming too soon nor too late, just the right time.

While we are away it will be Ethan's birthday and he still wants to have a rearing horse cake in 3D. Trucks I could, a race track I did, a flat horse head is apparently just not good enough. This time he'll have to be satisfied with another flat horse head cake. Or no horse at all.
I love him having confidence in me, but I know it is pushing it way past the limit to say: "I know you can make a horse rearing with its mane flowing in the wind. The front feet pounding the air."

Friday photo #3

2011-06-10T08:40:00.004+02:00

I experienced a something that Rip van Winkle must have felt. Winter arrived and someone invited her to stay, while I've been locked in doors. For a moment I thought I was transported elsewhere, but maybe it is just the fright the weather got seeing me out of doors it started to rain.
Rain in winter!? Well if the rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain, I suppose it can rain here in winter.

How good to get to the post box and get this.

Thank you MotherMayhem,
how kind to even have received a prayer that was said for me!

Friday photo #2

2011-06-03T13:13:00.008+02:00

Does this look like an ordinary reusable sopping bag,

taken in bag lighting?
That is all it is,
but what is that I'm seeing there?

Maybe I have never worked in a language department,
nor do I have 'birthright' to this language.
My knowledge of this language does not
allow me a picture of how this can be possible.

Friday photo #1

2011-05-27T12:22:00.008+02:00

Seeing it used to be photo challenge day on a Friday, I think I could try an continue posting a photo on Fridays.

No need for you to get up to get the screen cleaner, this dust is on the photo.

Right now there are surfaces, nooks and crannies that are over flowing with dust. Hope it is only dust and not some creatures breeding. I am working very hard in telling myself there will come a time for cleaning too. All in its time!

Let me tell you the saga of my absence

2011-05-24T15:00:00.003+02:00

The evening the 16th of April, I was busy making cake pops that did not want to stay on their sticks, for a family visit the next day. When I felt a not too unfamiliar pain in my abdomen on the right. I must be ovulating, let me just lie down for a while then I'll be able to come finish this off.

Wrong!

It ended with us going to two hospitals in the late night hours. Looking back I think it is so funny how I was telling my husband to drive, from a the back seat while I could not even get myself up straight nor lying down. DRIVE, don't wait at the red lights. Encouraging him to even over take the taxi's at the traffic light. (that you can only understand if you've been to SA)
Never have I felt such pain, severe pain I can not equate to anything. Even the labour pains I experienced was more manageable than this.

I was admitted to hospital. And that to a hospital that is basically run by people whom I have worked up a prejudice about. A good time to be convicted of sin!

Anyway, they took very good care of me and was assigned a doctor. With all honesty I can say I have never come across a doctor so caring, I just felt I'm in good hands. As I watched the nursing staff interacting with the doctors I could tell they all have respect for this doctor. I'll get to what happened, first want to say this; this doctor saw me twice then did an operation looked at the wound and discharged, had another appointment with him and he still did not touch me! Yes, I know he had to touch me while operating. One of my major complaints against doctors. You go see them about one toe nail then you must take your clothes off and they must feel, poke and press on your whole body.

From the sonar he could tell the pain I experienced was a haemorrhaged cyst.

I got tired of telling doctors I think I have poly cystic ovarian syndrome, and allowed myself to be treated for an over active thyroid. This gynaecologist said the tablets caused or worsened the cysts. I think this was used in sparing my life. He did a laproscopic cystectomy and a D+C.

I felt great and went home. The pain killer was making me feel sick so I stopped taking after the first run to the toilet. Seeing this is not such a huge operation I felt all right without the pain killer.

After some days the doctor's office called to come see him. Not good to hear that. It always means something bad. This time was no different. He explained carcinoma was present in some of the cells from the lining of the uterus. Because of the laproscopy he knows what the organs look like on the outside, he thinks it is only on the inside. In his opinion it is necessary to do a total abdominal hysterectomy. Although Monday (2nd May) is a public holiday he is willing to do the operation first thing or I can go enjoy the day with the family and come on Wednesday, I may choose.

Great choice. Monday thank you, the sooner the better. (laat ons die swaar kry met lekker kry klaar kry)

I can't tell you how a person must or should react through such news. What the best methods are of preparing yourself for what ever is to come, I do not know. All I can say if a person does not have JESUS the CHRIST as their LORD and SAVIOUR I do not know how they cope with life.

The weekend went by with many thoughts and conversations in my head and some with Jason. I made a very short list of people to notify, packing a bag and doing some shopping. Strange no matter what happens in life there are always shopping to be done.

I was prepared for theatre. All those papers and questions of allergies and family histories. And the most beautiful of it all the wardrobe. You know those back to front gowns with the ties one must try to tie behind your back. Beware if you did not do gymnastics or ballet, impossible you can't reach the places they have sewn those little strings. All the while trying to keep the shoulders in place before the whole caboodle falls to your feet.
When you have accomplished this task, one has to find the back or front of the beautiful blue bloomer you have been provided with. Let me tell you, even Einstein in all his cleverness would not have been able to calculate this one.
I'm still figuring on this one; the girl who wheeled to the theatre area greeted me with these words; "Okay, enjoy!" (ja well)

The doctors did what they had to do, I suspect they all followed the right procedure, after all I am here able to type and tell the story.

The pathological report says it was carcinoma and was completely removed.

After one or two days in bed I know a person must be over sickness, and when I felt bored of lying down I decided it was time to have a good wash. I should have stopped and used a bit of the brains I do have. One night of feeling clean when going to bed, ended with many nights of struggling to get over the pneumonia I caused myself to get.
What did I learn from this (as I would ask my child) willingness to listen to my husband and obey.
I have not been doing a thing and only started to leave the room when he gave me permission to do so. My two guys have been working very hard.

This the story of my absence.

Photo challenge - Bird

2011-05-06T07:16:00.002+02:00

Chania over at Razmataz has been hosting this photo challenge on Fridays. She'll be taking a break. For this week she asked we take photo's of a bird.

The last almost 3 weeks I've been in and out of hospital twice. That is a story for when I can sit here and type for long. Don't know when that will be, we will see.

For this one I had to go into the 'archives'.

A wattled plover

African Fish eagle

An eagret, there were lots of fish coming down after a huge rain.

A monotonous lark.
Let me tell you, this little bird it named well.

And a Pied crow

We take photo's without a zoom lens, the zoom function is NOT made to take photo's of birds.

For the photo of the African fish eagle I was able to walk, very slowly, to right under the tree. After every step I took a photo. You'll be able to see it was looking at me, turned around after this photo or maybe it was already turning, and took off.

Photo challenge - Dresser

2011-04-15T14:30:00.000+02:00

As strange as it may sound, it is true that I do not have dresser or dressing table as I would refer to that. I chose to use this sideboard in Chania's challenge for this week instead.

The mismatched teacups on the top have an absent friend, it was used and not been replaced yet, because I have a box standing there that should not be there. Pass the glare of the window you'll see a pot on the stove.

My decoration might be a case of
come-what-may-I'll-have-one-of-these.
A small vase I turned upside down.
It is standing on a coaster, an indication its size.
Even if you did not notice those chains are the size of a pencil,
how I stuck it you ask, with great difficulty.

(it also seems I've had a tower of Pizza moment)

A paper chain made from old telephone directory paper,
few shells, a piece of drift wood
and polystyrene balls covered with tissue paper and dried rose petals.

I'm exhausted

2011-04-13T18:18:00.000+02:00

Today has been overcast with a bit of a chill in the wind. Almost seems it wanted to rain, but it didn't. It is not the weather that exhausted me, no it was technology.

As you might have noticed I've got a ballerinas doing some stuff at the top of the page. I found them at The graphics fairy. It was easy enough to get them from their home at her site to also be here on my computer, but to share her with this other programme and Blogger that was challenging for me.
As most often with these type of things, the only way I get things right is by accident. This time no exception. To wait for accident to appear the way I want it to look is extremely time consuming. Hope I'll be able to remember how this happened the next time I feel for change.

Lest you think is all I did today, I did make a few meals that we gobbled up in the standard few seconds. Dishes now that is a different story one can not give them quick few seconds attention. That take hours upon hours to fix, just like the meal preparations.

Am going to celebrate my achievement with a cup of coffee.

My showing offs

2011-04-12T17:11:00.000+02:00

A places I like to go to when in Cape Town, the Milnerton flea market. There one can still have a conversation with the seller behind, even next to, his or her table. Although many accents are present with careful listening one can understand each other. Not like at most other flea markets around here, actually those are just a store outside on a table and the person manning the table are not able to speak one word of English, Arikaans, Pedi, Shangaan or even some German.

Found these for R20
(exchange rate is something like
R7 for the $1)
Never been used, still got stickers on each glass
"hand painted" it says
Might not be the finest of crystal, but there are three and it was cheap.

I happened upon this item, with no idea what it is. Now it seems so obvious. I looked at it, touched it (have to) opened it (have to, too). Still not knowing what it was I did recognise there were two of it. The gentleman of the stall stood a bit closer and said to me: "in all my years I have never found a lady to show such interest in an old ships lantern"
Oh, is that what it is. I still liked it.
While slapping on layers of sunscreen, because he is the original rooinek (his words), he explained to us how it worked, where it is from and why it is for sale. He donated it to this charity, having the table there.

It still works with oil, has not been altered to work with electricity like the other one.
We bought it, the gentleman kept assuring us it is an investment.
Maybe, I am definitely not planning on selling it.
Afterwards I've been coming across so many types of ships lanterns even an article or two.
Although I thinks it is something nice to have
I am extremely grateful I am able to have electricity when I want to use that.

Won bids for the next items. To me the word winning in this sense always sounds a bit out of place. Auctions aren't really places I hang out at. In fact I've only been to a handful, and those were for livestock.
I liked these for the Peacock on it. Rich colours. Some might find the cups a bit too small. I think it is a good size for good, strong breakfast coffee. Anyway, one many have seconds. It was marked for R295.00 I got it for R54.00.

I have not found information on it yet,

Koenigszelt Silesia

These reminds me of those glasses at the top from the flea market. You'll see they were R95.00 for a trio, got the three for R155.00

These are from between 1891 and 1918

Our rubber house is definitely nearing its limit of stretching.

Photo challenge - Southern Hemisphere

2011-04-08T08:18:00.000+02:00

Chania's words of last week: "since it Spring for half of us and Fall for the rest, I thought we could capture an OUTDOOR SHOT of your choice."

Autumn starts for me when the cosmos appear. Strangely it seems I have never taken a photo of it. This week where ever I drove I was expectantly looking for those wild flowers. Believed to have come from Mexico during the Anglo-Boer war and, I believe, seen as a weed here.
Both times I saw them it was where on typically find them, right on the shoulder of the highway. Nowhere to stop for a quick snap.

The rain should have stopped long ago, but we are still getting good amounts of rain. The plants look like it is hight of summer. (I do know the horses has started to grow their winter coat) Today we have an overcast sky and lots of wind. This first photo is what it looks like outside today. Those branches are swaying in the wind even if I could not capture that.
The next photo's are all from previous years, to show you what autumn can look like as well as finding it for myself too.

Accommodation in the Free State where we stayed 7th of April 2009

A spoonbill preening itself
the river is starting to have that floating stuff it gets
when the rain season is over.

Mongoose foraging early in the morning
I like these creatures, they seem to be startled-curios
then run off.
These two stayed, ignoring us most of the time.

Waterbuck

Photo challenge - A Door

2011-04-01T15:42:00.000+02:00

Seems the only time I make an effort to get to this spot, is on a Friday. At Razmataz you'll see others taking photo's of her challenge. This week it was a Door.

We have a huge front door, from the floor to the ceiling. That is what I wanted to take a photo off at first, I lost interest because every angle I tried showed the ugly burglar guards we live behind.

A different choice.

An 1880's buffet with a 2000 something, chenille hanging out.

I do not know anything about French, maybe one or two read about or heard of things. I had to go to my friend -Mr. G of the Net- to see how this word is actually spelt. There I learned this material is named for the process by which it is made. It is also the French word for caterpillar.

Photo challenge - white

2011-03-17T18:09:00.000+02:00

I'm still getting back into our normal routine since coming back a few days ago. Razmataz gave us the challenge of white this week.

I found this to be very difficult.

There are much one can take photo's of that is white. I could not get the true white on my photographs.
When visiting at the hospital I thought it the ideal place. White everywhere!

I did see something very surprising, at the same time encouraging.
Maybe the instant, plastic era does have some competition.

Spruced up bottles

2011-02-28T08:26:00.000+02:00

Before I get to that, we had a bit of hail on Friday.
Others might be used to it, but not us
we left all and ran to the windows for a glimpse at this phenomena.

Some time ago Jason was with me at the hospice shop. There one can get mostly junk. I go there mainly for the books and the children books more in particular. At times there is a something that one could buy. This day Jason saw the brown bottle, turning with it in his hand he said to me: you can make something of this. At first I was disgusted, for the bottle, but had to take it because of the confidence placed in me.

The plan I made was to buy the bottle next to it too. Can't remember the price, but do remember at the time I thought it is too much for such junk.
Immediately when we got home I scrubbed it thoroughly. No, that was after I took a photo of it. Then left it in the sun - the hot African sun- for a few days. Could even have been more than a few days.

After which I started my very intricate home decorating project (hie,hie, hie) tearing brown paper into small squares and modge podge it onto the plastic. Added a few embellishments.
The other one, I used new raffia to tie a chunk of cassia. Yes, the other bottle got a bit of raffia too and a cinnamon stick.

Here they are, ready to stand in the kitchen, hand soap in the brown one and lotion in the other.

Photo challenge - People

2011-02-25T11:48:00.000+02:00

For today Chania from RAZMATAZ gave us the challenge of people.

May rather look like a photo of horses, than people.
Could not get closer for the photo, having been there I was struck by
the difference in each child's behaviour before the ride.

A glimpse of a South African braai, at a function.

New tables

2011-02-21T15:56:00.000+02:00

Remember way back when? The day before I bought this one from the hospice for R25. I thought even if I won't get it perfect I'll be able to make it a table again. And how much more can I spend to make it usable?
Way before my new toy. Sanding had to happen by hand. Fist this hand then change to that one, back and forth until I was satisfied. The difficult -for me - part was to get the leg to stay level. At first I tried glue. Do you know wood glue does not work on wood? Tightly tied string taking the place of clamps.
In the end Jason put two small nails and I wound the rope. Used the glue gun to stick it and fill up some gaps.We have another small table I don't like. Thought I'll paint the two the same colour and use it together as bedside tables.

Helper to painting the primer.

The end product.

We have been busy getting rid of critters since we got back, with the result I have not been able to use my new toy on this poor piece of destruction. Our dinning room table is still in the lounge at the moment loaded with lots of kitchen things, while exterminating. Tonight we will start to put the things back in the kitchen as well as putting the table back. I hope to be able to start on this by Thursday.

Photo challenge - Food

2011-02-17T21:39:00.000+02:00

This first photo challenge for the year is food. Over at Razmataz you could see good photo's of food.

When ever stop anywhere for something to eat, even a cuppa I try to take a photo of it. Seems one has to not only be on top of it, the light has to be just right too. I will stay a novice for much longer unless I give lots of time to taking photographs. Then again so many other things I want to do. Oh, well I'll be satisfied with being the typical jack of all trades master of none.

I was in bed, when Jason got home he made me a sandwhich. I had to get up to take a photo of this "finger sandwich" perfect timing for my challenge of today.

As is

After I played with it a bit.

I liked the wood grain of this table
wanted to have a bit of that in too.

Some think chocolate cake is the best.

For me?

2011-02-12T23:02:00.000+02:00

Sunday evening we came back home to the unpleasant site of crawling critters. Jason took the day off on Monday to help me with extermination. We also went to do a few errands seeing we've been away for so long.

One of the stops was the post box. It is always such an excitement to find a slip in the box to fetch something from the counter. And the anticipation of what it would be. Fist we decided it is a parcel Ethan receives monthly, but has he not received it before we left. We'll then it must be that letter I'm waiting for, Jason wanted it to be.

What for me! Yes, you. Thank you Sandra.

A very interesting story!

With the book there was a persian mouse mat, and some dates niceties. Even if I did have a picture to put here, I am not able to show you the taste. Whole dates stuffed with almond and covered with chocolate. We have differing opinions here. Ethan would have had it all right there and then. As a date hater I am so proud of myself, I ate one whole date. Not too bad. Sorry Sandra, I do remember you are also not too munch into dates, think you will understand.

Many thoughts related to our time away.

2011-02-12T22:47:00.000+02:00

I think the whole universe got the pest people out while we were away, all those critters came to a safe haven in OUR home! We have not even brought all the luggage up when we had to do some extermination. This week has been filled with cleaning from the ceiling to the floor, from the back to the front and putting poison out. Two things I prefer not to do in our house, having a maid and putting out poison, I had to.

I just love the Coloureds! I know they can be very unsightly when under the influence, but still. I am not referring to the Malays nor the Muslims, but the real Western Cape Coloureds. Difficult to believe there is any other group of people in the world that can use language with such feeling and colour. To translate any phrases or sentences is impossible, unless you have had contact with these people. Have you seen those little ones, it is as if music is happening inside of them and they just have to get it out by jumping and jiving.

I never knew the southern end of our country get so hot. It was hot, real African-heat-hot while we were there. Where we stayed was like a furnace. No drafts, but a beautiful view.

Vineyards in The Valley.

We unexpectedly ended at a flea market, during the seriously burning sun, part of the day. I now sport a permanent shirt as well as these sandals.
It's the ceiling there in the background, while lying on my back reading the internet on my phone, I got this inkling you are waiting in anticipation to read about my feet. For some reason my feet were very swollen while we were there, I have an extra ankle (tue!) none of them were visible, it is near normal now.

A beautiful little beach, but where is the sand?

Seashells! layer upon layer of seashells, all I found upon digging a bit deeper. Alternating between coarse and fine layers, never seen the like before.

Man and his dog, rather a case of man and the dog of the neighbours of where we stayed.

One long last lingering look.

Luckily we did not use this tyre all of the way. So you'll know my husband is not irresponsible, this is not our car.
Not long into our return journey smoke, vapour or dust kept steaming out of one of the air con vents. My scientist man understands happenings under the hood, this time he could not see anything strange, on we went. Our precaution was to bring the fire extinguisher from the boot to my feet. (safe for one situation and dangerous for another) It happened once or twice more then disappeared.

I have never seen the Karoo so green. Water puddles all over, actual rivers where there normally are only dry river beds. We even saw maribu stork and one fish eagle!

Now THIS is what I call accommodation.

(I'm certain the frames were straight. Blame the photographer)

This we found on the desk in the room. The top of the desk was made to look like leather.

(in a new page you could zoom in)

Did you think I forgot to take pictures of toilets?

We're back

2011-02-08T11:07:00.000+02:00

We have arrived home safely!
How long it will take me to be back here I do not know.
I feel as if a part of me is still down there.

Some of it due to my new toy.
A sander with many attachments.

Few of the other 12 days.

2011-01-13T11:28:00.000+02:00

Last time I ended with day 4. The 12th day has long since been forgotten and we did not get any further than day 8. I won't view it as us being behind, rather we are ahead for 2011.

5 golden rings

6 geese laying eggs,
seems one is a gander.

7 Swans swimming
unfortunately these are still without a pond.

8 Maids ran away
only their bottles of milk remained.

And this is where life in the new year has over taken us. I do have a hope some things will slow down in the following weeks. We won't be here until somewhere in February.

Last week I found these two lamps at the Boeremark (Farmers market).
I do not know if it is really antique or just old or even just dirty,
for R25 and R30 I thought it good enough to have.

I often go to the Hospice close by
to see if there is something I can use or for niceness.
Still meant to show some of what I found and 're-made' last year.
This I found the other day.
The while stuff and liquid in the bottom is to clean it.

What is it you ask, exactly what Jason said.

I thought it is some or other laboratory thing,
maybe he said, but nothing he has ever come across.
What ever it is I'll do something with it.

The reason for our dining table standing in the lounge? I'll show you when we get back. Two somethings I will be able to show you before and after pictures of. Did I work a bit of curiosity up in you, hope it will keep thoughts of me alive in your mind - specially when you are talking to the LORD.

Day 3 and 4

2010-12-29T21:31:00.000+02:00

3 French hens

4 Singing birds a drying

before they'll go on stick

We'll have to see what will happen with the 5 rings, we plan to be out the whole day tomorrow.

Our 12 Days

2010-12-28T21:20:00.000+02:00

Seeing I made an effort to have Christmas this year. I decided we should try to become great artists - no just play together. After breakfast Ethan reads us the 12-days- of- Christmas up to the day we are at. Then we make the gift of the day, using home made play dough. Seeing I'm a bit behind the time with the posting of this, here is day one and two.

What!
You can't see the partridge,
it is the one in a pear tree.
I know, the pear the most identifiable.

These two are beautiful turtle doves.

Christmas at our home.

2010-12-28T15:17:00.000+02:00

Rudolph seems to be happy here by us.
I have been able to leave all the decorations up
the sticks even got a new flower

and Ethan wanted 'Merry Christmas' up somewhere
my plan was this.
(Hope gun glue is not too strong.)

Three years ago Ethan asked to put up a tree, with gifts. His boring parents did not do any of that before. We decided to each buy and make a gift for one person. That we have done three times now.

This year Jason had to get gifts for Ethan.
My academic husband made this.
I think it came out very well,
most important Ethan likes it.

Christmas lights

2010-12-27T23:38:00.000+02:00

The garden of a hotel not too far away.

Don't know what these hideous animals
are doing in a Christmas theme.

Although you won't find
a drop (or is that a crumb) of snow
anywhere close to here
this old man and his team is also found
at this time of year.

From the hotel to the garden.
I like the changing lights they had on the trees.

The same trees on the hill of the previous photograph,
but much earlier and more blurrier.

A good cup of coffee!

2010-12-27T16:03:00.000+02:00

Brought to me while being at the computer.

Ethan made this by himself
AND I did not even ask.

Photot challenge - Festive

2010-12-11T11:11:00.000+02:00

Festive is the word Chania of Razmataz gave us this week.
Chania, as I said last week I'll show you what an accountant home is. A home with all that what is necessary and some more, but not at all how you would have decorated it.

For some reason countries and other map related topics arise,
whenever we are at the table.
That is why we have the maps on the back of our front door.

Hey! I do have some stof gaarders
(dust collectors)
in the lounge.
This year I said I am going
to make a real effort to decorate our home for the season.

Seeing it is summer here, this is the only hint of winter.
Sinter Klaas rounding his deer.

I still need to make a few more things to hang from
my sticks.
Two pieces of home made soap,
(boerseep) made by my grand mothers.
Even the chairs
I've really gone over board!

Oops, some evidence of our day out in the sun.
I still need to cut the letters for my buntings.
I used an old book,
at first it was very difficult
seeing it was for free and a bad book
I got over that feeling quickly.
As soon as I find broad white and sliver lint I'll add a bow.
Living up in the sky one needs a pet that is low maintenance.
Patsy does not eat and only sleeps.
(still need to find a spot to put the hamster cage away)
A few more things to find a place.

If I make it to Monday with all this clutter, I might be cured of my need to put everything away.

Photo challenge - Vingette

2010-12-03T12:43:00.000+02:00

This is what Charnia said for us to do:

Photograph a Vingette (a small view, window or area) of a room or area of your home or anything.

Then back up and photograph it again.

The purpose of this challenge is to show what a vignette reveals, and what it hides.

Giving it context.

I firstly thought if these type of scenes. One the one side of the road nature, well manicured lawns and gardens. Something one want to look at, on the other side - well this is what one get. I decided against it, but still give you a glimpse into the ugliness. Next option, our own home not much of a chance, because it has the accountant feel. No 'dust-collectors'. I am trying hard to break away from that during this season. We'll see what happens!

Arriving, to the right of the door
is this bold greeting.

Organza curtain with beads as a tie back.
A unique table.
The space a bit small making it difficult
to show the detail on the tiles and what is in this earthen pot.
There in the mirror you can see; it is a rose.
A painting made with lint is places above the table
More roses on this lovely basin stand.
"where am I?"
Yes, the ladies facility in a coffee shop.
Where ever we go I take photos of this area,
I think: if the restroom is well taken care of
it will be a good business to deal with.

Photo challenge - Handmade

2010-11-20T08:36:00.000+02:00

This weeks challenge was to photograph something that illustrated work by hand. If you go on over to Razmataz you will see others who follow these prompts of Chania.

Most of us have had an interaction
with these
at some time or other in our lives.

Workman ship is not the most important,
as the worn out areas shows.

This might be a strange angle
the only one I had access to.

Was that on the lsit?

2010-11-15T08:27:00.000+02:00

When ever the three of us are at home, we go everywhere together. If you see one of us you are most likely going to see all of us. That is just how we do our stuff.

Jason could quickly go up the road to get the odd tomato, milk or what not. Yesterday before we went to visit we had to get a few things from the shop and get ready at the same time. Not a problem, Jason went and was not much longer than expected, but when he came in with this greeting;

As I came past the park-

I could not think what the worst happening could be. Nothing bad, he said.

Telling the story of how he saw two guys carrying tables, my mind rushing trough many scenarios as to why they would be carrying tables on the road early on a Sunday morning.

I'll shorten the story, Jason came home with all the things from the shop PLUS two tables he bought from those guys, on the road.(it was not stolen stuff. I think) The fizzy water was needed, I knew what to do with that and where to place it, those other two items a different story.

Here they are.

Apparently it is African mahogany,
maybe, maybe not.
I know pine, oak it is not, neither imbuia.
Even if it is meranti it is as solid as can be.
At some time I will sand it to get rid of the sealant stuff.

For now the one will stay in the lounge
with the typewriter on it.
What else I'll have to look and see.

To do list for today:
Rearrange furniture
Cook supper
Do washing
Rearrange furniture
Learn how to care for tiny baby puppies (will tell this tale some other time)
Re arrange furniture
More learning
Before bed time hopefully the furniture will all have a spot. A spot where my toes won't get busted.

Actually I am happy for the tables - one can never have too many. Just took a while for me to fully warm up to them.

Photo challenge - Pattern

2010-11-12T12:19:00.000+02:00

Chania at Razmataz said for us to photograph pattern this week. If you go on over there you will see some others who follow these prompts of her too.

At first it was very difficult for me
for days all I had was this handbag of mine.
Elephant pattern
Cross pattern
Stripes, diamonds and squares.

Until it dawned on me
PATTERN
that is everywhere, all over.
See this beautiful paper.

Here they are together,
don't tell I used the bag to cover the part
I've used.

There! Even the bicycle tyre has a patter.

Coffee in the foyer

2010-11-08T18:14:00.000+02:00

This morning Ethan and I had the opportunity
to go with Jason when he went to see a company.
The people there were very friendly
and so hospitable towards us.

I just had to take a photo of the cup
we received good coffee in.
If I did miss a security camera
maybe they had a laugh at me trying to take this photo.
At list no one came with a gun in hand to whisk me away.

The saucer is not square, it almost looks like a leave.

Read all about it #9

2010-11-06T08:54:00.000+02:00

I find it very uncomfortable to be in the front of the camera. The following is my visits to professional photographers over a period of about twelve years.

Yonks ago, when I just came to the Town
I stayed in a hostel, going to the photographer with many others I know
was not too bad.
Who's ever room you went into during this time
had the exact poses and back ground photo's
only the face was different.
It reminded me of those photo's one take on holidays
where you stand behind a figure, only your own head sticking out.

A long story involving a friend who knew someone
who knew ...
that was looking for a model for some or other product.
No, I do not think it was ever used.
You are the privileged of being tortured.

I had a photographer friend who had a studio in his home.
One time while visiting there he said it won't be too difficult
We had long conversations, him walking around
occasionally fiddling with the camera on a tripod.
when he said: done!
Huh!
Yes, remote control

Photo challenge - shadow

2010-11-04T23:05:00.000+02:00

Chania at Razmataz said for us to photograph shadows this week. If you go on over there you will see some others who follow these prompts of her too.

Think it is the fist time I noticed
the complete shadow of a huge tree.

The name of some or other
town house complex.

The one I like best,
almost midday at the side walk market
Jacaranda trees.
Their flowers will appear soon.

Another tea garden

2010-11-04T08:16:00.000+02:00

Arriving at the gate of a tea garden I saw advertised a bit out of town, I was disappointed to see are only open certain hours during the week and not at the time we got there. Driving in the area we looked to see if we could find any other.

And we did. So many times have we driven on this road and past this building. I have always thought it is a church. Looks like one. Actually it is a conference and wedding venue with a ... Tea garden!

The doors and windows are arched,
and big.

The reception area,
I did not take any photo's of the chapel
that is also huge.

The doors might not be of
old yellow or stink wood
still impressive.
We did not choose to sit in the sun
this summers after noon.
The food was good enough to want to go back there.

Photo challenge - architecture

2010-10-29T15:21:00.000+02:00

Chania at Razmataz said for us to photograph architecture this week.

Recently came to know of this house,
it belonged to my great grandfather.
Closest I could get for a photo.

Old wood cutters house
falling into disrepair.

No matter where the old churches were built
it has a tall steeple.
Andrew Murray's church.

An English church with some detail,
don't miss the burglar guards.

Very different era.

Not just any cricket match

2010-10-21T19:01:00.000+02:00

Our own cricketer
What brilliant fielding is THAT!

A school with a few extra places
allowing homeschoolers to make up their team.

Photo challenge - Red

2010-10-21T18:17:00.000+02:00

Chania at Razmataz said for us to photograph something that illustrates nicely the color red. Red can be peeking out, so subtle it is barely noticed, or blaring at you. You may go over there and see what others have seen this week.

Red and roses always go together.

What, you did not see the red!
I'll show you
rooibokke - freely translated red buck
or impala for those linguistic purist.

Old bleached still red.

My hessian curtain

A fun place to sit
with one very pleasant boy
who has a lot of good conversation.

Pionier museum

2010-10-18T22:18:00.000+02:00

One or so of you may recognise the garden and the tables from here. I am not promoting the museum today, but rather am showing off a bit.

From this photo you might not be able to judge
it is already 6 o'clock.

A long story how we got to go there after closing time,
that is not what I want to speak of.

It is about this little girl.
The one lying down.

Only one week old.

I do not know what 'brand' the dame is
but the sire we know is a Basoto pony.
Don't be fooled by the pony part, it is a big horse.
The foal is tall, its withers is at the hight of the udders.
(Miekie, you can give me the correct word for that hight)

Here the cow sleeps.
Now, longing for some of the teff the horses are having.

Photo challenge - food

2010-10-15T15:01:00.000+02:00

Thought I'll hold my nose and take the plunge-
no water
and I won't be able to smell all the beautiful food
at Chania at Razmataz

I start of with a scone
someone else styled (that sounds wrong)
and I clicked before I gobbled it up.

A piece of meat waiting patiently
for me to finish the 'photo shoot'
some might remember this chunk became biltong.

And back to something sweet

'N'

2010-10-09T10:33:00.000+02:00

At many of the hand crafted hawker stalls/tables one find crosses and hearts made with pebbles and wire. I like the look of it but not the shapes and white stones. I thought I'll 'improve' their product.
One of the hawkers agreed to make it according to my liking.

I took garden stones I had.
Was used as decoration on a dinner table.

Painted it-
left over paint from my lounge wall.

If these guys do make letters I have not seen it before.
I think it was very well made.
The stones are matt, why it shines don't know.

The place I had in mind.
Don't mind the empty lamp.
Indoor red lamp oil seems hard to find.
I like these
only to me it looks so calculated.

One of the dining room chairs has its home in the lounge
for now my N has its resting place there.

Budding photographer

2010-09-28T21:30:00.000+02:00

A few days ago we spoke of cameras and lenses. Not that either Jason or I are master photographers. To see anything beautiful is always pleasant.

During our talk Ethan said he doesn't want - can you believe it - a camera. All you do with it is to take a photo. (well, obviously son. Most people do.) I do not want to go and look for something to take a photo of, he said.

That is all right with me I said, I do not like driving 18-wheelers. No, I did not am only thinking that now. Photographs appeared mysteriously in my photograph folder. Seems this same shorter person took it!

Shamelessly, I am bragging with the photo my non-photographer-son took.

That paper

2010-09-27T09:42:00.000+02:00

This weekend we went to a market. I am not too certain if it was a flea-, antique, food-, organic or a junk market. We did get a good cup of Hollandse koffie, coffee if you were wondering. I also has a home made toffee with nuts and cranberry (I think) Never tasted something like this before. Not too sweet or sticky.
Sorry, I do not know where MY font went. Hopefully it will be back next time.
Anyway, I gobbled that toffee up before the camera could be reached, else you could have seen how beautifully it was wrapped too.

So did (where did this come from) we buy anything? Not much; a kilogram of potatoes as well as what I want to show you here. It might be that I am behind the times, but I have found this so organic product only now.

When ever I am where I use this paper
I get a smile because of the little dogs.
Can you see the puppies, they are there.

At the market I got some of these.

A bit less on the roll,
apparently it is better for the earth and our body.
It is made of some or other tree pulp-
next time I'll try the sugar cane.

The colour seems to be more orange on the photo
it is brown.
Brown like the paper bags.

I am not too convince about the greatness of these type of products. To me it seems like a marketing gimmick to get those who have too much of money and are looking for a way to justify their using or abusing it.

So, for the next while I am willing to go brown, oops green. But I still think it is brown ;o

In my ignorance I thought paper ARE made of trees.

Dishes

2010-09-20T13:43:00.000+02:00

Dishes will always be with us.
Some of us are more affected by its continual existence than others.

Maybe making fun can help with the dread of it.
Or it will make more dishes.

At least a few laughs are always good.

Burning

2010-09-13T10:44:00.000+02:00

I know we should be burning on a hill
be the light of the world.

To make bonfires has never been part of our salvation.

Instead of looking around what the enimy is doing
and fighting those taking part in that
those professing to be believers on the LORD JESUS the CHRIST
must - yes has to-
look to their saviour and be transformed.

What love is showed
by fighting with those
who are lost, sinners, seekers and infidels?

Water and game

2010-09-06T08:42:00.000+02:00

Why we did not have water is an open question.

All I know is that
we have, until next time.

Sorry bad photo, but I was not going to waste any.
At least we have never been without
water and electricity at the same time.

We got these containers from my brother
and the water too.

Underneath the name it says
"wishes you a great day"
It helped us having an easier time.

We can't drink the water from these containers,
but could bath(wash) and use the toilet.

The dishes and washing was done before we left for a visit on the farm.
Before you think this is African cattle,
it is a game breeding farm.

These two cows arrive from the veld for the morning feed.
Only get fed in the morning
the rest of the time they are like other wild animals.
But don't think they are tamed either.

Watching us watching him, from a distance inside the vehicle.

Closer, closest.

It is difficult to show their size without anything as a reference.
All I can say
believe me this bull is huge, long horns!

Fox terrier?
No, a lamb.

2010-08-25T19:51:00.000+02:00

How wonderful it will be to have water, again.

A complaint

2010-08-24T11:14:00.000+02:00

When I go into someone else's bank account and take out money - I won't know how, mind you- it is seen as theft.
If the blue and green cell phone company take money and give it to another company, it is their policy the see it as I agreed to a subscription if I did not sms 'STOP' to opt out. Even if I did not say 'yes'!

If that company take money from my account for 4 months before I get a sms to say I am subscribed it is my loss, because I did not 'STOP' as above.

If I do not know what this is for, tough!

Strangely the same company say my husband - the technologically blind one in the house - down loaded 6 games to his phone and took R260 for it. Interestingly absolutely no one can show us where the games are or the names of it.

To try for any of these glamorous people to get pass the stage of unsubscribe is impossible. The are like boomerangs. Does not matter what you say how you say or explain the situation their response is:
1. we will usubscribe you.
2. with a huge smile of accomplishment, we have unsubscribed you, now.

Another better experience.
A toy shop took a box of that metal building toys for boys back. Those sets with nuts and bolt and metal plates, yes those.
Even without me asking them to do that!
I went with the parts and the picture asking for assistance where we (me) got stuck. Seems every person from the cleaner to the manager came to look and fiddle with it. That irretated me. When no one could find the parts looking like those in the picture I got a gift voucher for the toy. Rather Ethan did.

A bit of learning

2010-08-19T19:08:00.000+02:00

Always a pleasant activity to do an experiment. When the outcome is as the book say or I anticipated even more pleasant. Else I have to go read as well as think why and what happened for the different result.

Today it all went according to my plan.

M&M's on a drop of water.
Coloured water spotted onto coffee filter.

Place paper in developing solution
and there you have
magic.

Liquid food colouring gave a clearer result.

A few days away

2010-08-14T19:07:00.000+02:00

Bliss, someone else is making the bed!

We went a few kilometres north.

As we arrived at the lodge
so did the cold front.

My guys made use of the entertainment in the games room,
I stayed with the heater.

We rested!

Eland roamed
we kept our distance.

I think they won't easily try walking on the stoep.(veranda)
I hope!
At least this time they did not.

Don't think animals roam every where and one can walk up to all wild animals for a snap shop. These are so used to people they are more wild pets than wild game. At another place I won't stand so close.

What's this?

2010-07-19T14:02:00.000+02:00

As soon as the sun turns to go north I start counting the days for it to come back. No too religiously, calculating to see how long I still have to feel cold. I know our winter is only felt during the morning and at night. Still I do feel cold.
Let me not forget we do have a cold front or three during winter when the cold is felt the whole day. If a wind accompany the cold front I do not leave the house unless it has to.

I felt I need to look for something to take a photo of, before we left for our walk I told myself to look for something.

The first sight I had was of the woman-working-from-the-road. Have not seen them the last two months or so, the world cup you see. Telling myself not to concentrate on the efficiency that was I tried to look for something else.

On our way back, almost on the doorstep I saw some colour. (did you see the busy bee?)

Spring can't start yet! We still need a time of winter.

I have seen a masked weaver already in its breeding plumage, heard someone say he saw a few nests built. Wonder what that is saying to us?

Better subjects

2010-06-21T13:45:00.000+02:00

Somehow some of these animals
know when and how to turn the better side.

Some just are not successful in this.

The newborn could get it right.

What shall I say?

2010-06-16T17:24:00.000+02:00

Sometimes that is just how life is.

Read all about it, read all about it #8

2010-06-14T18:47:00.000+02:00

First day of high school.
If you think that smile says
I like school,
let me correct it.
On Mondays I said; argh Monday.
Wednesday I say; yeah it is 'klein Saterdag' (little Saturday)
On Thursday I could tell myself it is almost weekend.
And so good to get to school on Friday morning
because it was weekend.

People used to say don't wish this time away.
When you are a grown up you'll wish for it again.
Not one day have I wished that!

Between these two photo's
I did not just grew up a bit
I also blew up.

First day of my last year at school.

This was the first day of my brothers time at high school.
On the two photo's I have of us
one can see the difference of this first day experience on our faces.

Some unimportant thing,
when my eldest sister was in standard 8 the second sister started high school.
The second sister was in standard 9 when I started
and me in standard 10 when my brother started his time in high school.

What I did with a chunk of meat.

2010-05-29T09:43:00.000+02:00

It won't be my choice to buy a piece of meat like this.
Because of my ignorance concerning meat
as well as my dislike to work with it.
Seeing it is not my habit to look a gift horse in the mouth,
I had to find a way.

Biltong is what I decided on.
If one can say a Ferrari is like a VW Beatle,
then I suppose you can also say
biltong is like jerky

Cut as much off that you do not consider meat.
(I do not like fat)
Or till you are tired of the job.
Later as you cut the strips
you might be invigorated to tackle the last bit.

Cut strips with the grain,
not too thin it shrinks as it dries.
I thought I'll rather go a bit thinner,
did not think I'll be able to stand the smell of meat in the lounge for too long.

Sprinkle vinegar over the meat.

Layer the strips,

not in something that will react with the vinegar.

Sprinkle the salt mixture over the meat as it is layered.

Place it over night in the fridge.

While waiting for the strips to soak

make little hooks like these.

If you soak it over night do go to bed

do not wait up for it.

The next morning -

or later in the day if you did not think about it again -

put the hooks on the strips of meat.

Seeing the lounge was going to be the drying area

I wiped the stripes first.

Let me tell you serviettes can not do the job towelling paper can.

Patiently waiting for the rest to be hooked up.

The beauties hanging over our arts and craft table cloth.

Position a fan to blow on the strips

and in a few days it will be ready to eat.

The lounge hardly smelt like biltong. To have someone over was not too difficult either. It had to be in the lounge as it is the airiest room in the house.

Almost done

2010-05-23T16:42:00.000+02:00

I have always thought my mother is good at what she can do.
For years she has used any excuse in the world not to use her talent. The past few years every time we go visit I took equipment she needed and might not need. Begging and nagging her to at least make something for me.

The last time we went to see her she had three sketches finished one for each of us. There right infront of my eyes she tore the one saying there is a mistake on it. I am still taken aback. She quickly(!) made a small sketch in the place of that one. As soon as I have a plan for how it must be framed, we'll do it.

We got these two back on Saturday.
To get the holes drilled is another huge mission. Just through the plaster the bit come on the steel rods keeping the building up. Till now when we - Jason - drill we end up with more holes than we planned. When we leave here, I'll have a job filling all the holes up.

All this talk just to show you this.

One of the books.

2010-05-17T21:38:00.000+02:00

One of the books we received from the family. It is part of a series, unfortunately we only have this one.

Facts and fiction was used to write this story. We try to read one chapter after supper, mostly been successful in that too.

Something I am glad for I found on the internet is an interactive map of the Marco's travel to and from the east as well as an article on the travel of his father to Cathay. Maybe not so good to say so, but it is the first time I hear of his father.

If you know how to preserve the cover
please tell me how.

First published in Great Britain May 1936
This book was printed in March 1963
That making this an old book! - in my eyes.

I love books

2010-05-10T21:10:00.000+02:00

A homeschool family we have met with once, invited us to come see if we can use any of the books they are finished with. Thought we were one of many invited, great my amazement that we were the first ones invited!

We left with many books!

Only recently did I meet face to face with this maths people.
To say I am impressed, is an understatement.
Good to know this is sorted for the next many months.

You probably figured these are Afrikaans titles.
And from years and years ago.
Two story books
the other two we can use in our learning.

More rain

2010-05-03T21:55:00.000+02:00

I know the farmers, plants, grass and animals needs the winter to be rainless for the respective reasons they have. Then there are those people who do not want rain to come in or out of season.

Me, I enjoy the rain in season, out of season, many days in a row, pelting rain or mist rain even a quick thunder shower and afterwards the sun comes out again. Maybe because Jason and I like the rain we make each other up to enjoy it even more. One of us will be at the window staring out.
The temperatures has dropped, I rather sleep with an extra blanket and have the window open to be able to hear the rain outside.

Water running after just a few minutes of rain.
The autumn leaves on the ground.
Grass and some trees are so green
one could think it is summer.

Some trees flourished in this untimely rain,
others continued on their biological course.

First coffee and cake

2010-04-30T22:01:00.000+02:00

Although most of the cold has left, with all the windows open one can still make use of a throw. The winter snuggle feeling goes with a cup of coffee and cake.

Seeing we had all these on hand and I know of someone feeling hot in the desert, thought I'll invite you to come chill for a while Sandra. Hope you take part in such indulgences.

I keep remembering the song we sang many years ago, of JESUS' words:
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in GOD, trust also in ME...
You know the way to the place where I am going.

I see you as someone who do exactly that. Not allowing what is behind to hinder you. Your heart is calm and free, you do not let it be troubled, because you trust GOD. Knowing the way you share that too. For this I want to thank you today, although I know you know your reward is not here.
Because you do not look to things around you, your trust can not be shaken it is in HIM.

Pardon to those who won't understand the following.
Sandra, ek dink dit is merkwaardig dat jul besluit het om steeds n Afrikaanse gesin te bly daar ver. En dit aanhou doen het!

The curse of winter

2010-04-27T22:23:00.000+02:00

It was a public holiday here, ideal opportunity to visit with people. They've left, Ethan asleep, Jason watching some sport and I sitting reading here and there, while my mind is racing to decide if I want to eat something or go have a bath. Or just be and try warming my frozen toes.
This out of season continues drizzle has caused my blood to freeze up much earlier this year.

I am grateful for
1. a brick and mortar home
2. jerseys
3. blankets
4. electricity so that if I really want to I can use a heater
5. food, cake, coffee and hot chocolate
6. hot bath
7. oh and definitely thermal socks
8. and more things.

edited

2010-04-24T22:00:00.000+02:00

After some difficulty and a bit more misunderstanding we are the happy owners of a new monitor. Apparently the previous one stopped serving us because of too many electricity spikes, oh well. We can now resume the hours we spend infront of this box.

Some of what we did in this time of absence.

I think this guy or girl
and the other friends have
left for warmer parts by now.

A beautiful tea garden where Ethan and I visited.

Although so long ago I wanted to share it.

Friday the second of April, we saw this at a reasonably busy intersection.

The whole weekend we had rain, out of season for us. But always wonderful to me.

Read all about it, read all about it #7

2010-04-01T00:07:00.000+02:00

Firstly for some reason I do not see a photo, but lots for AAA's and "s. The preview does show a photo. Hope what I see under preview is what you will see when it is posted.
The photo's are old and it was not of the greatest quality.

The girl in the photo does not have a face because it is not me. Now that does not mean I am the only girl with a face, it says if it was me the face would have been there.
At the time she was about twelve years - a tall girl, this eldest sister of mine. This time my story is about the dirt mark.

Measured straight through the air, about 5 km from our house is where one of the mines did the blasting for or. Every afternoon just before four o'clock the road past the hole would be closed for traffic, both ways. When the warning siren goes off it was the time my mother would stop all she is doing to make coffee. When my father walks in it will be ready to have.
This day my brother was asleep on the bed while my mother was doing some sewing. As her habit she woke my brother and walked out the room with him. Closing the door behind them because the air conditioner was running. A few steps down the passage she heard an explosion. The air-conditioner in her mind. Smoke - she thought- already filling the passage, strange no burnt smell.
When my father came home, he went to see what happened. Through a haze he saw something strange.

How does something like this happen? The wardrobe doors was wide open. The lock broken out of the wall.

This rock came through the roof, from this mine. At first they said no never. Had to do the repairs in the end.
On this photo the haziness of the dust is still visible.

Never before, never after this incident has something like this ever happened again. There is a reason for that. Not because man has made better plans, but because a man made too many plans and he had to be stopped. Stopped to take stock.

My father has been a person who was successful at what ever he put his hand to. I know it is not a gifting but hard work that causes people to be good at what they do. He thought he could do all he want to. Before this incident with the rock, there was a path of preparation the LORD has taken my father on. This evening when he did not come to bed my mother went looking for him. She found him sitting on the front door steps. All he said was;
"I now see when GOD wants to open doors HE'll open it anyway he wants to."

Because of the conviction my father got that night all our lives changed forever. For that I am grateful!

A happy day

2010-03-14T10:02:00.000+02:00

Yesterday I saw a photo, one of the game rangers took in the morning.
A new rhinoceros calf!

Hopefully we can spot it soon too.

A very sad day.

2010-03-12T20:02:00.000+02:00

The past two Saturdays we had our heads more towards the clouds than on the work and animals on the reserve. Looking to identify any and all planes flying over the reserve. Seeing the game rangers driving up and down trying to see if they can prevent what they knew was coming.
Tonight we got this e-mail we did not want to receive.

Criminals have found our rhinos on Rietvlei Nature Reserve and killed 2 of these magnificent animals this week.

We need to be extra vigilant and please join the Friends of Rietvlei and get involved.

When you visit the reserve with your families please keep your eyes and ears open and report any strange activities to the main gate.

This must include any low flying aircraft.

Without your help all the actions we put in place might not be enough to stop the killing.

Litter

2010-02-27T22:15:00.000+02:00

I have never seen something like this.
An area of 2mx5m under fungi
and a fungi I have never seen before,
not that I am a fundi on fungi.

Those believing in the
little winged people
would certainly have started to look for their houses.

A beautiful sight!

After 'bursting' at the top
it looks like flowers of snow.
(picture I have of snow anyway)

House progress 1

2010-02-04T06:21:00.001+02:00

Which side of the track?

I am not certain at all,
no trains drive here I am told.

What I did wonder was how could someone be so bold as to go onto someone else's property and chop their tree down. I had to decide not to get angry. Now I see our porch will probably start right there. And it is cheaper to take a stump out than having to remove a huge tree.
On this photo the tree seems to be part of the neighbour's palm tree.

We met with the architect.
I did not think it would be so easy, the time with him not that we met.
He kept telling us it is a process, we must not feel we waste his time to change and change the plan. I feel a bit like I have overnight became a person who can't make up my mind.

Years ago we bought this piece of ground, then thought we do not want to stay there. After trying to sell it for a time we had an offer - very low I must add. This person was asking for a photo, when we went there again the town seemed to be more friendly and clean. That is what made us to start think.

This last time like all the other times we were at the property the neighbour lets his pool water out onto our property. Jason has spoken to him, we've hanged the pipe back over his fence. I did cross my mind to cut it off.
This time I got an idea to phone the municipality. Great amazement! After speaking to one-two people I was at the health department. They'll go speak to him!

Two parts I am a bit disappointed with, but I know all will end for my good.
The bank does not want to talk with us unless we have approved plans,
the municipality say this will take 6 months.

Still with such delays, we could be living in our own home by the end of the year.

Quiz #5 - revealed

2010-01-31T19:25:00.000+02:00

Not too many options as Sandra said.
I saw it walking towards the right,
and you will see the 'thorns' lies to the back.

I remember in the early years there used to be many.
Underneath the trees a crawling mass,
crossing the road, roaming every where.
They would just fall out of the tree
and start walking to where they are going.
Towards a place to burrow and become a pupae.

I have never eaten it,
will try my best to keep it that way.

Remember seeing the ladies came into the yard asking permission
to 'harvest' the worms.
I used to be so impressed
how fast they work to 'empty' the worm
and at the same time feel too disgusted to watch.

This is a Mopani worm.

Quiz #5

2010-01-29T02:46:00.000+02:00

Where is front and where is back?

Have you ever tasted one of these?

House

2010-01-21T19:45:00.000+02:00

We are busy thinking and planning to build a house.

At times I think no it can't to many things to think of. I find myself having to sit down, it feels so overwhelming.

We know we would like a wooden house, but not a Wendy house.

Today Jason found a company building wood frame houses. We are going to see them tomorrow.

The problem with us, we know exactly what we like and do not like. It has to feel right.

Our holiday: 5th session

2010-01-19T01:12:00.000+02:00

Two family stories
Story one
My eldest sister takes care of very young children at her house - as a business. At some time there came a boy a bit too young for the age she prefers, because she liked the mother from the start she decided to 'take' this boy. Two years the mother had a birthday party for him during the 'daycare' time. Long story short, the school terms changed this one time, the mother (she is a teacher) decided to have a birthday party for him at her own house. All the children were carted there for the fun and eat. My mother went with to help my sister with the children in the new environment. The farther of the boy's mother came to meet the grown ups, saying I am So-and-So. Oh, said my mother who knows lots about the families, that was my late husbands name. Where are you from? This grandfather of the boy my sister has been caring for for the last few years is a first cousin of my father.

The second story I would never have seen was it not for the biological that went with us on holiday. My mother is from a farming family, her grandfather farmed on a farm that is now next to one of the national highways. The farm actually belonged to the grandmother. For years no one of the family lived here because the grandmother tried to rule two generations from the grave. The farm could only be sold when her youngest grandchild turned 21. Her last child was something like 15 years younger than the sister just older than he. That makes a long time for his last child to turn 21. Only recently the farm was sold.

I am thinking why did they have to sell it anyway! That nothing to do with me nor my story.

We stopped next to the road close to the house where my mother visited her grandparents, Jason and I got off to go have a good look. Even though it was from the fence, we could see the house - I won't speak too much of why it has fallen in such disrepair, and the inhabitants could see us - where the paddocks (kraal) used to be, the wind pump, where the river must be and what ever else we could make up in our minds eye.

What the house looks like today.
I am in the process to see if any body in the family
has a photo that shows the whole house
during the time they stayed there.

I am now the proud owner of one rock
that once was part of the paddock walls.

My husband, he was willing to climb through the fence to fetch the rock. Carry it back to the car
and see to it through our whole holiday that nothing happens to it and that it does not happen to anything else of our luggage.

Why you might also ask. I do not really have a reason just that it will be an ornament with the then and now photo's. This rock was there before the house was built, maybe as part of a bigger rock. For many years it formed part of the wall that protected the animals, one can see the years on the house. But the rock is unchanged!

Eventually the end of our holiday story.

Our holiday: 4th session

2010-01-02T12:20:00.000+02:00

A bit of friendliness cost nothing, but could take one so far!

After our horse ride in the forest we were dirty, tired and the older ones already a bit stiff, we waved at a man on a tractor ploughing. We stopped to take a picture of the view. Not certain what he thought we are doing, he came back and invited Jason to take our pictures from within his property. With his heavy Italian Accent it was at first not too easy to understand what he wants us to do.
It was such a pleasant time with him and his wife. They showed us the farm, the animals, implements, everything they do. And invited us for coffee and cold drinks!

Ethan got to pet the pigs
and huge ones they were

one day old calf,
born two months too early
and a very friendly mother.

We met Willie the dog
and tasted some of the water
from the better borehole.

The scene we stopped for.

No photo can ever show what a person see.
The area hasn't had the rain they need, one can see how the water has receded.
Not a clear day, but one does get a bit of the outstrechness of it all

The Swartvlei
(not a march, not a dam, not a lake, this time I do not know how to translate vlei)
the sea is behind the mountain on the horizon.

Only one more about the holiday, this time a bit of family history.

Our holiday: 3rd session

2009-12-27T17:35:00.000+02:00

A lot of concentration needed
on this gigantic dandelion.

Our national antelope
Springbok with one blesbuck.

Although the Karoo is described as arid
there are many living creatures to see.

Like these springbok (national antelope)
and one blesbok in the photo

Black springbok

Meerkat, the sentinel.

Far back in the photo are three cattle,
look for the blue crane.
Our national bird, occasional one could see a few wild
Not even 10km later we saw a flying flock.

These critters are here too,
although it might be too difficult to recognise them on this small photo.

Almost at our destination,
the platform I am on is level the road is sloping, steep.

This dog stays close by,
we were told,
it comes down to the beach to play with who will play.
You'll see it has more experience of the cold water
than our short human had.

I am still fascinated by the rocks we saw there
it is sand, not like sandstone.
With a bit of effort you can scratch sand loose
and painful to step wrongly over these.

During our time there we were lucky enough to see a few
African Black Oystercatchers.

We always try to find the highest point
for a panoramic view- but not a building.
For some reason the roads to these places are very steep, narrow
and not maintained.
I sat in the back of the car
going down one can see part of the road,
down theeere.
This one kilometre up was not as nerve wrecking as some other places we have been.

Mountains upon mountains,
someone is living far from it all in their own world.

Moorhen

As Ethan says
another bird.
and another

It was very cold and very windy while we were here
still I think it a wonderful place.

this time not a raptor
but a gull,

Although I can see what us up here refer to as mountains
are an insult to these,
our hills will stay mountains in my eyes.

Back in the Karoo

the tasty Karoo lambs growing.

No Karoo visit will be complete
without an ostrich.

Our holiday: 2nd session

2009-12-21T22:06:00.000+02:00

In the tarred parking lot of this stop-over
we found these chickens peck-peck
at some easels.

(Generaal De la Rey probeer n nuwe roer.)
For some reason only known to him,
he wanted to have this never used gun with.
And it was the only time he touched it during our time away.

Not so much about the merchandise
it is the ceiling.
Huge thorns forms an attractive alternative.

One of us had this for tea,
scone with nightshade(nastergal) syrup.

Another fascination I have is church buildings.
Here most towns was built around the church.
Sometimes there are not much of a town, but
a church with an enormous steeple in the centre of it all.
And then they still had arguments which led to a new church.

Impressive and old.

Old, in the centre of this small Karoo town
but not so visible from afar.

So tall and so white in the dusty old town.

The inside of one of these are basically
the inside of them all.
Someone cleaning, else it would have been locked.

The cart is the lively hood of a certain Mr. Happy Donkeycart.
Apparently he is parked here ready for a ride the whole year through.
We only had time for a quick pose.

What we will remember the most about our holiday accommodation was this staircase.
Arriving at the top one has to stop to allow
the blood in your head to stop spinning.

Concentration

A wild animal at the beach.
No not so brave,
a bit stupid and trusting.
That stick is held by a local guy "knowing" snakes.
He found it at a fishing spot and moved it with this stick to the nearby bush
when we happened along.

I'll recommend this accommodation any time!

This was is so high up I could not take a close photo
and show the proportion
believe me it is big.
Here paper is sold that is hand made of the dung of elephants.

All these houses where the 'forest rangers' used to live
are either being inhabited by people not caring how the house comes to an end
or it is empty and already fallen apart.

One of the few left,
accepted to be 850+ years
33m/108 feet high

Prince Alfreds pass -
one of those built by Thomas Bain -
built 1860-1865
The pass is still a gravel road,
seems this bridge is still the original
These rocks still like it was stacked
more than a 100 years ago.
This is not the only place on the pass where this was done.

One cross this small river many more times than you can remember to count.
Some or other name has been given to each crossing,
this is new.

Cold water bend

Although only on the lake
we are a bit tentative for all this water around.

The area where we stayed
is a wild tortoises protected area,
we saw two.

Ready to take the road,
very pleasant horses!
Oh and a very good trail lady too.

Fish, fish where are you
a bite for you,

is a bite for me-e.

I chose to rather not go to monuments and other places of attraction,
because of those who think they are important enough to have their name
next to or on top of something older than their grandparents.

There is a reason this rock has been declared a national monument.
But Thebogo decided he/she
(it could be either)
is so important everybody else has to have his/her name
glaring in their photo's
I cut it off, but will still remember that.

This plaque tells the story why Herrie is on the rock.

The long road back

At the Stop/Ry/Go
only one lane is available for the going and coming traffic
while road works are in progress.
At some places the whole lane was dug up.

The Karoo is a very dry area

at this stall one can see the frustration of probably
someone who did not grow up here.
It also shows a something of the SA sense of humour.

Nothing (a bit of a crass word) grows here 4 metres high.

We were able to watch this bird eat
when a car pass it would go sit on the electricity poles
and come back for another bite.