July rolled into August at alarming speed bringing with it slightly warmer weather, although we still had a very cold spell during August with snow on the mountains.
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| Always beautiful |
We went to Richard, Matt's best mate's, parent's house for a meal. They live quite close to where we were staying so it was amazing not to drive on the N1 to get there. We had a lovely afternoon with them.
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| Richard |
The driveway to the farm house was a 1 km dirt track which was flooded for most of our stay. The gate had to be opened manually as the solar panels to run the gate had been stolen. I was on gate duty and had to dodge the puddles to push open the heavy gate and close it again.
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| Wrestling the gate was worth it for this view |
What you can't see in the distance is the road and the intersection of the R304 and R302, which takes you to Paarl, Durbanville, Stellenbosch or Klipheuwel. We could not believe how busy this road was. All types of vehicles, big and small, traveling at all times of the day and night.
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| Load shedding vibes |
We took advantage of being close to the wine farms in the Durbanville area, buying wine by the case and having the odd lunch when the sun was shining.
We felt quite disconnected from the elements while living in a house, so lighting a fire at sunset and watching the sun go down was good food for the soul.
It was wonderful to be able to have family come over for a braai. Thank goodness the house is large as my side of the family is big. We were about 26 people for lunch. One of my brother's and my sister both live overseas so we did not get to see them. It was weird being in Cape Town, passing my sister's old turn off and not seeing her.
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| Siobhan and Toni |
My long-time friend, Toni and her family joined us on the day. It was lovely to see how the children all connected again, even though they haven't seen each other in years.
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| My brother, Eamonn |
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| Family |
Matt and Kay came to stay a night or two, which was wonderful. They brought their (our) dog Abby who loved seeing the cows. I'm not sure the cows enjoyed seeing her.
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| Abby waiting for her treat |
Laura and I met up with Toni and Kesley, her daughter and Laura's oldest friend, at The Clay Cafe in Paarl. Despite the freezing cold and rain, we had a wonderful catch up.
Matt decided that after 9 years of dating Kay it was time to get serious. On the 19th August, he proposed.
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| Bedouin tent style proposal |
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| The nerves!! |
We were all in on the surprise. Moira, Kay's mum, had taken her out for the afternoon while Andrew, Laura, and I helped Matt set up the spare room and then we had to skedaddle. Once the question was asked and answered in the affirmative (thank goodness!), we went back to his house to celebrate!
I needed to keep busy during the winter months whilst watching tennis, rain and the cows. It was definitely weather for puzzles and crocheting. I made Matt a hat and then went on to make a Father Christmas.
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| Trying it on for size |
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| Still needs a pom-pom |
Our friends Paul and Jen Morris, who we know from the yacht club, (Paul's boat was opposite ours on the dock), were very kind and invited us over often. We watched rugby, had supper and bumped into Paul at the club several times. Sadly I only have one picture of when we were at Paul's house.
Pete, Andrew's brother, celebrated his birthday in August. We joined him and Margie for lunch at Rhebokskloof. As it was a Monday, the place was empty but the food was delicious.
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| Pete and Margie |
Andrew's favourite restaurant, The Diaz, has opened a branch at Villages. It was frequented often so that Andrew could get his fill of his favourite meal, Joe's Special - steak and calamari, with chips of course!
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| After a Diaz lunch |
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| Cousins - Laura and Lauren |
August melted into September, bringing earlier sunrise and spring flowers, my favourite time of the year.
