This year has been the worst for New Years resolutions. I had some, I really did, like watching my weight (again) and updating the website more regularly. So on the first of January the first resolution went out the window with all the choices that I got for Christmas, and here I am on the 13th of January, updating the website with things that happened last month (and before that) Oh well, I think that I will make Valentines resolutions and see if that works better.
Back to the update though, and considering that the last update was in August, this one will be whopper so be prepared!
In October, we celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary and we decided to go on a local trip. So we bought 2 mountain bikes and a roof rack for the car and then took ourselves to Devon for 4 nights. What a beautiful part of the country, so quite and quaint. All small windy roads (glad I wasn’t driving) and beautiful views. As it was out first trip cycling, we only took about a 2 hour cycle along the Coastal Path (a public path that stretches right across the coastline). It was brilliant and the bug has definitely bitten, although it does take guts too cycle during winter in the UK.
November was also a busy month, beginning with my birthday. As usual, Lawrence spoilt me rotten and apart form a West End show (Hairspray) and dinner, we also went to a guesthouse in the Cotswolds, and needless to say, the bikes went with. We went on an epic 30km cycle, and I was the only casualty of the day, having taken a fall right at the beginning of the ride. I am a brave little soldier though and carried on for the rest of the cycle which was worth the effort. Pity that we forgot out camera , so we missed some fantastic landscape and of course proof of the bail.
I also graduated from my CPP course in November, at the Barbican (very posh). Mom came down from Manchester for the occasion and stayed the week which was great. She managed to visit a lot of the museums and Harrods etc, and what a treat to come home where mom has already made dinner. Moms are welcome anytime.
The cake decorating is still going strong and I finished a second course, and managed to get my first commission for a Christmas cake from one of my colleagues. It was a 9 inch fruit cake with a snowman and kiddies in a bed. Very cute and a lot of hard work, but rewarding nonetheless.
From November, it was full steam ahead to getting ready for our trip to SA for Christmas. We flew out on the 13th December and it was non stop from the day that we arrived.
Shawn and Nadia (our previous London flat mates) got married on the 15th December and it was a brilliant wedding, and we managed to spend time with good friends as well. The next day though, we (Bowen and Bevan families) all travelled down to Westbrook Beach on the South Coast of South Africa. We had booked 2 holiday homes close together so that we could all spend some time at the coast together. Unfortunately, Lawrence and I both came down sick on day 1 of the holiday, so we spent the majority of the time coughing, spluttering, feverish and in bed, but we still managed to have a good holiday on the coast with our families.
I have to go and finish the ironing now, so over to Lol….
On the very day that we drove back from the beach we had a braai and garden cricket with the buddies (Guru’s et al). Like the good old days but with wives and children, oh and Jonny’s sister Gaby was having a birthday party on the side. It was great seeing everyone again all be it just for the couple hours we had on our action packed trip.
Christmas Eve was celebrated at the Bowens with the traditional gifts opening (Dutch style) and turkey and followed with Christmas Day at the Bevan’s and a braai. 2004 was the last time we had Christmas in SA and it was really great to celebrate it with the families. We were both spoilt rotten (thank you all) and felt like roly-polies after consuming so much lekker food.
Next we went up to the Kruger Park for a couple days to scatter Oupa’s ashes at his tree (a baobab near Olifants camp). We stayed at Mopani camp which was lovely with the huts set in the natural bush and all the creepy crawlies. Game viewing was not too hot as the park was lush green and the animals could only be seen if they were in the road waiting for you. None the less we got to see loads of elephants, some stunning birds and the usual suspects (no cats unfortunately, even though we did a 4:30 am drive looking for them). Oupa’s ashes are now scattered around his baobab, he loved nature so much and I think this was the perfect place for him to rest, alongside a tree which exhibits characteristics similar to his own, strong rooted, free, mighty and majestic. Rest in peace Oupa.
On the way back from the park we spent the afternoon with Gwyn’s dad Dave on his farm near Pietersburg (now called Polokwane). We had never been to the farm so it was great to see where he lives and all that he has done with the farm.
Before we knew it we landed in London after what seemed to be the fastest holiday ever. New Years Eve was spent in club duvet and we were back in the office on the 2nd of Jan. Today we bought tickets for our next adventure which will be taking us to Malaysia to visit Terence, Melissa and their kids, and then on the Australia. What a tranquil life we live!
Enjoy 2008 and don’t forget we have a sleeper couch here in London if you are interested in visiting.
L&G
