We left Pretoria at 6:50 am on Friday - we were off to Cape Town. Yay! Neil drove us to Jo'burg (about 35 to 40 minute drive) as he had to go back to Pretoria and in to work for a meeting. He will join us in CT around 16:00. At the airport, the parking system entails booking a valet to meet you in a designated spot and he takes the car and parks it until you return. Usually washing and cleaning the car are included in this process. You call them on your return and they bring your car to you. At the car rental place, George and Sheryl were at the desk making some changes to our contract so Sheryl could be the primary driver -she is a good driver. Grant and I were watching the top 10 of animals and golf courses on a TV monitor screen. Number 3 was a sea gull picking a golf ball off the green and dropping it into a pond. This question was not answered: where does the golfer play from? Our car was a white Lexus which had all the bells and whistles.
Our place was in the de Waterkant area which is pretty upscale and uphill. Lots of skinny alley-like roads. Parking again was a bit of an issue at that time of day so we finally went into a parkade and walked to the check-in place. We toured our apartment and decided it was perfect and had all the things we needed and wanted. Grant and Sheryl went to move the car closer while George and I relaxed. Sheryl brought us watermelon and mint drinks which we enjoyed on the top terrace. Luckily there was an umbrella to keep the sun off our heads.
Lunch was at "Table 13". The presentation of our meals was delightful. Avocado appears in most sandwiches. The greens are called "rocket" and usually accompany every food. Also spinach is on the menu in many places. We started on the patio but soon moved out of the sun. I have a kind of ugly hat that I planned to wear in the sun but it was nixed! We visited the "Spar" grocery store so breakfast would be covered. Then back to the airport to pick up Neil. He was pleased with the Lexus.
A Cooking class of Traditional SA food: what could be finer! We arrived at Leopard's Leap, a winery near Franschhoek--lovely landscaped place with an outstanding winery house. The decorated Christmas trees were interesting--made of branches that were cut and arranged in a triangular shape like an evergreen tree and then decorated. George took a photo so maybe I will try to make one sometime, next year? We were met at the door with refreshing cocktails and proceeded into a room that was like being in a TV cooking show. Pieter, the chef talked and demonstrated what we would cook. He is an Afrikaner (descendant of the Dutch and Huguenots) and used words from the language and also spoke to some of his staff in Afrikaans. He made some lamb sausage in the fashion of my childhood memories of making sausage. (I thought this was way beyond what I thought we would do!) However, after the demonstration we were served some which was lovely. Our first job was to make an appetizer using figs, blue cheese, puff pastry, biltong, pea shoots, spices and a wine sauce which we also made. There was avocado and cream cheese dip for garnish. We were in groups of four wearing large white aprons and each had their own station. What fun! After the prep, we joined the rest of the group of 13 and ate together. We met a couple and their two kids from the Utah who had been in Jo'burg for 3 years and were on their way to Geneva at the beginning of January. At the other end of the table with Sheryl and Neil were a couple from Durban, a woman from Germany and a father and son who lived nearby. Our next task was to cook venison (from Springbok) which we were to butterfly and stuff with Feta, Dijon mustard and celery leaves and then, wrap in "net vet" which is the fatty stuff that covers one's stomach. Of course, it was already washed and prepared so all we had to do was touch it and wrap it around our piece of meat. Sheryl needed to only touch the meat with one finger which complicated the butterflying procedure. It was very tasty but a bit of a challenge to get it cooked so it wasn't running red, right Grant? Mine was cooked too well on one end and not so much on the other end. The chef also made a salad with samp (a sort of pasta), snoek (a fish which was smoked) and other stuff salad. After each cooking, we sat together and ate what we made with some additions from the chef and his minions. Oh yes, the beef tongue! Pieter had prepared and cooked it although it still looked like a giant tongue. He cut it with grace and ability and then added a marinade and arranged it with aplomb on a place. I could hardly watch this! Surprise!! It tasted really good--kinda soft and beefy and the marinade was the finishing touch. Did I mention wine was presented and enjoyed at every possible minute! We were treated to Malva pudding with custard which is very traditional and resembled Sticky Toffee Pudding. Yum! And really, who could complain about custard. There was also specialty coffee and tea. What a wonderful experience. Yay.
Parking is a source of income for many here and in other parts of the country. The way it works is in parking lots or on the street, there are men, well, mostly men, who help with parking for a tip. This probably includes insuring that your car is safe in some areas. Anyway, upon arrival the Parker guy will wave you forward and in the direction of where they is a spot in his "area". You drive to where the spot is and he directs your parking. You either give him a tip when you leave the car or when you return. He will also direct you out of the spot. Well, we arrived at the Good Neighbours Market with thousands of others and parking was hard to come by. Unfortunately, we were spotted by two Parker guys nearly at the same time. Neil turned down a street toward one Parker guy's spot and the other thought we were his. The two nearly came to blows. Using the wisdom of Solomon, Neil offered to pay them both. Parker guy 1, insisted that we indeed go with Parker guy 2. (Maybe Parker guy 2 was more senior in the job, maybe tougher, who knows!) Finally, Parker guy 2 went back to his area with some outrage but accepted the money. We parked and scrounged up some change--the payment is usually between 5 Rand and 10 Rand which is between 50 cents and one dollar. In Pretoria, N & S keep a cash of change in the car for this parking game but we were driving our rental Lexus in Cape Town, so we paid both Parker guys and went off to the Market. This little dance happens in any parking situation, whether on the street or in a parking lots.
Lunch on Saturday was at Devil's Peak. It is a craft beer place which pleased Grant and Neil. George ordered a taster which was five shot glasses of different beers. They served lovely hamburgers with rocket as part of the garnish. I requested a strawberry milkshake. It arrived and was blue and had no strawberries. We all agreed that it was tasty. When we quizzed the waiter about its contents, he said they were out of strawberries so he choose what he thought was the next best thing.
Imagine Kirstenbosch Garden with a hillside of 2000 glo sticks waving in time to the music. That was the end of a Christmas Carols evening we attended. We took a picnic as did nearly everyone else--others's picnics included wine and wine glasses that sat on a stand that was pushed into the ground and had a loop at the top to hold the glass. Picnicking here is serious business. There were many lovely Christmas carols, angels and all the characters from the Nativity scene. Imagine again a soloist singing "O Holy Night" in the coming darkness--spectacular. The last song, of course, was "Silent Night" which is when we sang and waved our sticks. All the lights were turned off so it was pretty dramatic. Another parking story--finding a parking spot at first, was quite a challenge and we were all glad to stop the car and as Neil put the car in park the GPS person's final instruction was "drive to highlighted route". She was a tad behind us.
Sunday, coffee and breakfast at "Origin" a cool breakfast place. Some of the waiters had t-shirts which had " Some like it Black" on the back. "Origin" was near our place--lovely coffees and teas. The teas came with a small black teapot with tea leaves to add and a timer. Then we drove to the Waterfront and experienced the "parking dance". Although this one had an added component--the Parker guy, while riding his bike, lead us through the underground parking garage to a spot where we parked. He rode along waving us to follow him and then he waited for his tip. Later, we wandered around downtown, through Company Gardens by the Parliament and into a book store. One of the books I looked at was "Zuma, Goodnight" It was fashioned after "Good Night Moon" a childhood fav. George looked at one called "Where is Zuma" fashioned after our kid's childhood fav called "Where is Waldo". We hear a lot about Zuma on the news, he is the not so popular president of SA. There were some marches on Reconciliation Day last week that included some "Down with Zuma" sentiments. Lunch at "Truth" cafe which is a place we have been to before--sort of a warehouse decor with many tables and one long table with extension cords coming down from above resembling old time light bulbs. These are for charging cell phones.
We had a mountain top experience on Sunday afternoon. The weather was perfect, clear and cloudless. We drove up to Table Mountain, a must experience when in CT. We took a cable car to the top. The car revolved so we had great views of where we had been and where we were going. There are many paths to walk and see the views at the bottom of the mountain. The only wildlife is the Dassies (read dussie). A child called it a badger and an adult was heard saying "some varmint". We wandered and enjoyed and then waited an hour for the cable car to return. If there are clouds that cover the top of the mountain, it is called the "tablecloth".
A marvelous dinner at the Taj hotel--you can guess the ethnicity of the food. Some friends of S & N joined us and it was a party. We ordered a variety of Indian food and each tried everything, kind of like a family dinner. George and I are not too experienced with this food but really enjoyed all the flavours and textures. A highlight was between the appetizer and mains--it arrived at the table in a seemingly smoking dish. In the insert was mango sorbet and in the outside dish was dry ice. What a delightful treat. There was also some yogurt to cool our spice-hot mouths. It was fun to be included in this fantastic dinner and evening.
Monday, we had another sit on the top terrace and then headed out for a drive along Chapmans Peak--many stops for photos along the way. The scenery was breathtaking. Then a visit to see SA penguins at Simons Town. Love the way they march like shuffling soldiers not moving their arms(?) We poked along in the kiosk markets stalls. Lunch at "Lekker". The word seems to be a noun and a verb and an adjective and means like or good. Continued the drive back to Cape Town to visit a comic shop that Grant had read about. He wasn't impressed so we headed to a winery for a tasting.
As we approached the site, there was a security guard who Neil chatted with. The guard admired our car and Neil told him that unfortunately it was a rental. The guard suggested we give it to him, tell Hertz it was stolen and he would lend it to us the next time we were back at the Constantia Winery near Cape Town. Driving down the lane to the winery house was so green and lush with purple flowers and giant cork trees. I think we all had a feeling of peaceful relaxation just viewing it all. I was happy to skip the wine and sit on the front terrace.
Then back to the airport--had to stop to gas up. I think we can all relate to the stress of trying to find a gas station to fill the tank before returning a rental car. There was one at the exit to the airport but not at the entrance. Getting to it could be quite involved. At my suggestion, we made a slightly illegal turn and saved a bunch of GPS instructions. Our flight was delayed an hour so by the time we got back to Pretoria, it was midnight. Good night, Moon!
What a grand time. Sheryl did some great planning. Neil was the primary driver--a task he is master at. Grant helped with setting up the GPS. George had booked the car and he and I were the encouragers. Great group to travel with and a great weekend.
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
Monday, 14 December 2015
Six days in Mauritius December 7 to 13, 2015
After 12 hours in airplanes, we arrived in Mauritius. A shuttle drove us to our resort in Flic En Flac--along the way we viewed mountains, sugar care farms, lots of construction and a few small towns. We checked in and went to bed. 12 hours later, we were revived and ready for the beach. Had to buy a "woggle" for me, water shoes for George and then we spent most of the afternoon floating in the Indian Ocean. Yay. This resort has themed buffets and tonight it was Mauritian and ending with Mauritian dancing. The drumming and singing sounded like our Aboriginal music and the dancers had yards and yards of fabric in their skirts which they whirled around in. Very lovely.
Today, a tour to a Tea Factory and a vanilla museum. Did you know that all tea starts from the same kind of leaves and the way it is processed makes the tea? For example, to make vanilla tea, they add vanilla powder to black tea and it sits together for 3 months and voila! Vanilla tea. I am no longer surprised that real vanilla is so expensive. It is quite a process to get vanilla. I have to admit that I only like herbal tea which isn't actually made from tea and I never use vanilla as I don't like the taste of it. However, it was an interesting day--although a long drive. Mauritius is really quite small--only takes an hour to drive across. It is a beautiful island with many lakes, mountains and of course, the ocean. We visited a couple of plantation houses and had an excellent lunch at one. The lunch started with smoked marlin--delicious.
Today, a tour to a Tea Factory and a vanilla museum. Did you know that all tea starts from the same kind of leaves and the way it is processed makes the tea? For example, to make vanilla tea, they add vanilla powder to black tea and it sits together for 3 months and voila! Vanilla tea. I am no longer surprised that real vanilla is so expensive. It is quite a process to get vanilla. I have to admit that I only like herbal tea which isn't actually made from tea and I never use vanilla as I don't like the taste of it. However, it was an interesting day--although a long drive. Mauritius is really quite small--only takes an hour to drive across. It is a beautiful island with many lakes, mountains and of course, the ocean. We visited a couple of plantation houses and had an excellent lunch at one. The lunch started with smoked marlin--delicious.
I think if our dermatologist could see my skin, she would be shocked. I got quite burned today and I don’t know how it happened. I was almost never in the sun without sun screen and mostly when I have a swimsuit on, I am mostly under water. Oh my! On Tuesday, we didn't get sunburned so why did we on Thursday! My skin is hot and hurts. When I am out I must us an umbrella to keep the sun off me. Sheryl said that it is possible to get burned even under water. The temperature here is between 30 and 35 in the daytime and 25 at night.
Our next tour day involved visiting a ship model making workshop. There were models of the ship Vasa which we saw in Sweden. It was built to the King's specs but was too high so on its maiden voyage it sank after 1 kilometer--didn't even make it out of the harbour in Stockholm. It spent 300 years under water, was raised and is on display in its very own museum. Kind of cool! We visited and were blessed at a Hindu shrine and temple. There is a shrine to Shiva who is one of their many gods. Over 300 thousand people go there to pray at the annual pilgrimage . We saw a volcano crater, a waterfall, huge tortoises, a rum distillery and many other sights. It is a small island but there is lots to see.
Our next tour day involved visiting a ship model making workshop. There were models of the ship Vasa which we saw in Sweden. It was built to the King's specs but was too high so on its maiden voyage it sank after 1 kilometer--didn't even make it out of the harbour in Stockholm. It spent 300 years under water, was raised and is on display in its very own museum. Kind of cool! We visited and were blessed at a Hindu shrine and temple. There is a shrine to Shiva who is one of their many gods. Over 300 thousand people go there to pray at the annual pilgrimage . We saw a volcano crater, a waterfall, huge tortoises, a rum distillery and many other sights. It is a small island but there is lots to see.
If I summed up our time here, I would say our schedule was: arrive, float in the Indian Ocean, tour, float in the Indian Ocean, tour, float in the Indian Ocean, leave for Jo’burg and Pretoria. The food has been excellent--every evening there is a theme at this resort. There is happy hour every night for a few hours. We usually go down to the bar, get a drink and then play "Take Two" which is Neil's game. Well, sort of, it is played with Scrabble tiles and no board and when he plays, it is called "Take One".
George read that Mark Twain once said that God first created Mauritius and then used it for the blueprint for paradise. I think he is right.
And on to South Africa. Yay.
George read that Mark Twain once said that God first created Mauritius and then used it for the blueprint for paradise. I think he is right.
And on to South Africa. Yay.
Monday, 7 December 2015
Six days in London, England, December 1 to 6, 2015
Arrived on a flight from Charlotte, NC, a tad early and with some sleep as the plane wasn't full so we could stretch over a couple of seats. We took a bus to our B&B--the hosts are fine. Our first task was to get an Oyster card which allows unlimited travel by bus or tube. We always try to sit on the top level in the two front seats. We spent some time wandering around Trafalgar Square--lots of buskers. We visited Leicester Square looking for discounted show tickets. Saw a bus that had "If you wouldn't eat your dog, why eat turkey? Go vegan!". I thought: dog, turkey, dog, turkey--seems like a no-brainer! Also there was a demonstration against bombing Syria which caused our bus to take a diversion, read detour. There would be vote tomorrow night which would be pro bombing and so it goes--the bombing would start on December 2nd. We had a lovely dinner at St. Martin in the Fields. Who could have known how much I like custard on dessert.
We took a ride on the London Eye which is spectacular. Visited some parts of the Tate Modern. I just don't get modern art! I think that I need Grant to give me a tutorial. We had hoped for a guided tour but the guide didn't show up. There was a lovely Christmas market nearby. We walked to buy Sheryl some tea at Twinings of London--tasted some delicious tea with lavender in it. The tea was made using boiling water from a tap. Seemed like a great way to scald oneself.
Shows: First "Sunny Afternoon" which was a musical about the "Kinks" who I didn't remember but George knew most of the songs. A couple of women sitting next to us and in fact, the whole theatre loved the music. Our seat mates told us that the story line fit what happened to the group. Very talented group.
Second "Cats"--amazing. Could be the best musical we have ever seen. The dancing was superb and the music and singing was great. The orchestra was perfect. We loved every minute of it.
Third--"The Illusionists" which was right up my alley. What amazing talented people. Everything was done with a camera transmitting it to a large screen. One fellow was extremely funny.
Had a great guide at the Victoria and Albert museum. The guide quoted Prince Albert as saying that happy people are easier to rule. I wondered if Mr. Trudeau would agree with that. The guide inspired us to consider training to become guides when we settle in Ottawa again. He is a retired architect and was so passionate about the museum. He pointed out how the museum puts old and new art side by side. There is a gallery which is cast courts which contains copies of wonderful sculptures from places all over Europe. Students could study them without having the expense of travelling to the different places. Of course, Michelangelo's David was there. There was a sculpture of a mother breastfeeding her baby. What a marvelous place! We had coffee at a cafe which we entered through the garden. The eating rooms were magnificent. Also tried some pistachio cake which I wouldn't recommend.
The Lighting of the Christmas tree in Trafalgar square happened on Thursday. The tree had been cut and sent from Norway. London is very dressed up for Christmas all the trees seem huge. It is a tad windy this evening.
Moved to a different B&B. This one is more rustic. George went to the Churchill War Rooms and Museum and was pumped when we met up again. I went to the National Gallery. Monet's painting are so amazing. We had coffee in the cafe and chatted with Claire and Brienne on facetime.
Our Oyster cards make travelling around so simple and easy. We still walk lots but it is great to just flash our cards are ride merrily along. On our last day, we attended a service at Westminster Abbey, wandered through a few markets and briefly visited the Portrait Museum. Most museums have free admission so it feels OK to spend a short time and get a brief look.
So an hour by coach to the airport and then on to Mauritius. London is a wonderful, people filled place--great to be there.
We took a ride on the London Eye which is spectacular. Visited some parts of the Tate Modern. I just don't get modern art! I think that I need Grant to give me a tutorial. We had hoped for a guided tour but the guide didn't show up. There was a lovely Christmas market nearby. We walked to buy Sheryl some tea at Twinings of London--tasted some delicious tea with lavender in it. The tea was made using boiling water from a tap. Seemed like a great way to scald oneself.
Shows: First "Sunny Afternoon" which was a musical about the "Kinks" who I didn't remember but George knew most of the songs. A couple of women sitting next to us and in fact, the whole theatre loved the music. Our seat mates told us that the story line fit what happened to the group. Very talented group.
Second "Cats"--amazing. Could be the best musical we have ever seen. The dancing was superb and the music and singing was great. The orchestra was perfect. We loved every minute of it.
Third--"The Illusionists" which was right up my alley. What amazing talented people. Everything was done with a camera transmitting it to a large screen. One fellow was extremely funny.
Had a great guide at the Victoria and Albert museum. The guide quoted Prince Albert as saying that happy people are easier to rule. I wondered if Mr. Trudeau would agree with that. The guide inspired us to consider training to become guides when we settle in Ottawa again. He is a retired architect and was so passionate about the museum. He pointed out how the museum puts old and new art side by side. There is a gallery which is cast courts which contains copies of wonderful sculptures from places all over Europe. Students could study them without having the expense of travelling to the different places. Of course, Michelangelo's David was there. There was a sculpture of a mother breastfeeding her baby. What a marvelous place! We had coffee at a cafe which we entered through the garden. The eating rooms were magnificent. Also tried some pistachio cake which I wouldn't recommend.
The Lighting of the Christmas tree in Trafalgar square happened on Thursday. The tree had been cut and sent from Norway. London is very dressed up for Christmas all the trees seem huge. It is a tad windy this evening.
Moved to a different B&B. This one is more rustic. George went to the Churchill War Rooms and Museum and was pumped when we met up again. I went to the National Gallery. Monet's painting are so amazing. We had coffee in the cafe and chatted with Claire and Brienne on facetime.
Our Oyster cards make travelling around so simple and easy. We still walk lots but it is great to just flash our cards are ride merrily along. On our last day, we attended a service at Westminster Abbey, wandered through a few markets and briefly visited the Portrait Museum. Most museums have free admission so it feels OK to spend a short time and get a brief look.
So an hour by coach to the airport and then on to Mauritius. London is a wonderful, people filled place--great to be there.
Friday, 4 December 2015
Brienne, You are our wonderful granddaughter.
Brienne Victoria McLaughlin Klein born January 24, 2015. What a joy!
We spent a week at Oak Island at Christmas before you were born. Your Mama was big and we watched your footprints go across her tummy when you were being active. I gave her tummy massages just for fun. Your Dad's family was here as well so we had many fun visits while watching your Mama and waiting. Christmas was fun.
We got a call from your Grandma Klein on January 24 saying you were on your way. It hadn't been a cake walk for your Mama but I will leave her to give you the details at a later time. On February 1, we arrived on Oak Island and stayed in a cottage on 13th St. You were such a lovely baby - reminded me of your Mama when she was your size. You cried a bit but mostly ate and slept and we could hold you a much as we wanted to. Your Mama was studying Engineering and we were here for two months to help take care of you. We all had to hold you carefully because you could only just lay there. We needed to support your back.
We four grandparents are in charge of food and taking care of your parents. Your Klein grandparents will be here for a few more days. You are doing well--it is so lovely to hold you. We went along to you first doctor's appointment. You are perfect. Your Mama comes over to visit and has a nap while we take care of you. Your Mama also works on her studies. You sometimes wear a baby sweater that belonged to your Mama. It was knitted by your great aunt Beth. The bonnet fits--there is also booties and leg warmers neither of which stay on very well. Ours days are filled with you.
At your one month pediatrician visit, you weighed 12 pounds. You are growing perfectly. Grandad and I went with your Mama to a baby massage lesson--very interesting. You seemed to like the process.
In March, we moved to Myrtle Beach. Your parents joined us for the weekends, then back home so your Dad can go to work. You and your Mama came to visit nearly everyday. Your Auntie Sheryl and Uncle Neil arrived to meet you--both enjoyed holding you. They went to OKI to take care of you while your Mama attended Science Olympiad. Arleigh, Krista and Violet arrived for the week. Everyone, including Violet got to hold you. You like to lay underneath a baby toy thing and kick and look at the toys. Your Mama is a very relaxed mother. Your Aunt Rebekah came to see you as well. We had a houseful of people to enjoy my birthday celebration. You had lots of other visitors. What a darling you are!
Your Uncle Grant arrived on March 24. He was happy to hold you and in fact, you were the very first baby he had ever held. On March 26, you had your first vaccinations. You were not impressed.
What a wonderful time we had watching you grow from birth to three months.
You had your first airplane ride to Manitoba in June. Your Mama brought a yoga mat so you could lay and stretch in the airports. Your Dad brought a stuffed whale for you to look at. You are such a darling--smiling and enjoying stroller rides. You don't sit yet but your are moving a bit--launching yourself forward off the blanket. Everyone loved you and held you. You fell asleep in the arms of my best childhood friend's Mother and also with a friend of great Aunt Arleigh. (We were in Neepawa for the memorial service of your great Grandma Gladie. A lovely time to introduce you to the McLaughlin relatives.)
A highlight (for me) was you and your Mama having a photo with Al Simmons who is an entertainer who performed at Clear Lake on Canada Day. (He was a family favourite when our three were young.) You were wearing a Canada Birthday red onesy and I had my Canada Day t-shirt on and we had a photo together as well.
We are back again for another three months with you and your parents. Grandad and I were here to take care of you and we had a pact with each other to go to the beach every day possible. You had already learned to dance with your Dad as the teacher. (08/09) You were smiling and sweet. You had learned to crawl since we saw you in June and were gliding around furniture. We had a routine in September of a morning walk and nap, play and then another nap in the afternoon. We didn't worry about feeding you and your Mama was mostly here to give you your milk and her motto was "food before one is just for fun" so any extra food was to practice being part of the family at the table. By 16/09, you had learned to wave and would sometimes wave when someone was leaving. We played PattiCakes with your hands and feet and by 17/09, you were clapping. You were crawling and cruising around furniture. Your other Grandma arrived and then you went to stay with her in Wilmington on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She took you to the library to a lap session which you loved. What a joy for us, grandparents.
You are a smiley, lovely baby. When we arrive or you arrive at our place, you are very excited to see us. Grandad gives you whatever food is on the menu. Some things you like are avocado, mashed bananas, sometimes baby cereal and scrambled egg. You also like to suck on a piece of celery. Your Mama puts the food on your highchair tray and you eat some and mess with the rest. You will no doubt see photos from Halloween, where you have green eyebrows, face and hands from eating avocado. You have become a toddler--stumbling along like a drunk with your hands up. On November 9th you were walking around carrying an empty milk jug. You are as happy with empty yogurt containers and formula bottles as you are with actual toys. You still love to dance--you wiggle you bottom and sometimes shake you head and move your arms in time to the music. Your Dad taught you well. You also like to try to open our kitchen cupboards so elastic bands are holding the sink one closed. You played with plastic stuff in our kitchen. Grandad put some toys in another cupboard but you haven't discovered it yet. You like to play with a large magnet on our fridge and now you can remove it as well as put it back.
You are a treasure and we are delighted and feel fortunate that we are here to be part of your first year. You love books--you will study them closely, turning pages and now (November 11th), you love to sit and listen to the same book again and again. Current favourite is "The Paper Bag Princess" You also love to go on stroller rides--sometimes it puts you to sleep and on others you just ride happily along. You also jabber and I think if we understood baby jabber, we would be impressed with what you are saying to us. Sometimes you talk to yourself while looking at books. You often bring a book, wait to be picked up and read to. You like to touch the "furry" or "slippery' parts of the book. Maybe you be will left-handed. You like to drum and imitate anyone who beats time on the table or milk carton.
Today you were the star of the Art Show--walking around and smiling at all the people when they talked to you. You and Mama came over for cookies after and you stayed to play with us. You were busy pushing a walker kind of toy and when you ran into something, you would just steer it around the obstacle. Clever girl. We bought you a stuffed puppy with places to push for music. You know where to push but don't push hard enough. You love to hear the songs. You move with the music.
Today we went to Leland for lunch and an errand. You were delighted to sit at the table in the high chair and watch and see all that was around. The cook came over to remark on how you were watching him with such interest. You had a bit of flat bread to eat. We went to "Fuzzy Peach" to celebrate your Mama being accepted into Engineering. You were happy to be there.
You love the "I am gonna get you game". You giggle and walk/run away and then wait to be grabbed and hugged. You and I love the Hands, Finger Thumbs book--if I drum, you keep time. Also you like to imitate the drumming. You love to play when we also sit on the floor with you. One time you were giggling and walking around me and leaning on my back. Then you spun around and to my side and fell. I just caught you before you hit the ground. You like to have piggyback rides.
Your hearing is excellent--always hear small bells and sounds. Yesterday, your Mama was giving your Grandad a reflexology treatment in the bedroom. They were chatting softly and you perked up your ear to the sound. You and I were in the living-room.
Today is our last full day here until February. Your Dad is away in DC for your Great Grandma Klein's funeral. So we spent the day with you and your Mama. We went to the playground--you walked around, had a swing and went down the slide into Grandad's arms. Then we went to the beach. Your Mama took your socks off and you walked in the sand--you were delighted.
I forgot to write about "Baby Signing Time". You love to listen to the music and watch the small children sign. The purpose is to help you communicate with your caregivers until you have the real words. We love it too and look forward to continuing with it in February.
Tomorrow is November 30. You will stay with us while Mama goes to an Extreme STEM tour. Then we will go to Wilmington to the airport. This has been a fantastic time for us. We will always treasure our time with you and your parents. They love you and take such great care of you. See you on January 31 at the airport. In the mean time, we will face time with you whenever we can.
We spent a week at Oak Island at Christmas before you were born. Your Mama was big and we watched your footprints go across her tummy when you were being active. I gave her tummy massages just for fun. Your Dad's family was here as well so we had many fun visits while watching your Mama and waiting. Christmas was fun.
We got a call from your Grandma Klein on January 24 saying you were on your way. It hadn't been a cake walk for your Mama but I will leave her to give you the details at a later time. On February 1, we arrived on Oak Island and stayed in a cottage on 13th St. You were such a lovely baby - reminded me of your Mama when she was your size. You cried a bit but mostly ate and slept and we could hold you a much as we wanted to. Your Mama was studying Engineering and we were here for two months to help take care of you. We all had to hold you carefully because you could only just lay there. We needed to support your back.
We four grandparents are in charge of food and taking care of your parents. Your Klein grandparents will be here for a few more days. You are doing well--it is so lovely to hold you. We went along to you first doctor's appointment. You are perfect. Your Mama comes over to visit and has a nap while we take care of you. Your Mama also works on her studies. You sometimes wear a baby sweater that belonged to your Mama. It was knitted by your great aunt Beth. The bonnet fits--there is also booties and leg warmers neither of which stay on very well. Ours days are filled with you.
At your one month pediatrician visit, you weighed 12 pounds. You are growing perfectly. Grandad and I went with your Mama to a baby massage lesson--very interesting. You seemed to like the process.
In March, we moved to Myrtle Beach. Your parents joined us for the weekends, then back home so your Dad can go to work. You and your Mama came to visit nearly everyday. Your Auntie Sheryl and Uncle Neil arrived to meet you--both enjoyed holding you. They went to OKI to take care of you while your Mama attended Science Olympiad. Arleigh, Krista and Violet arrived for the week. Everyone, including Violet got to hold you. You like to lay underneath a baby toy thing and kick and look at the toys. Your Mama is a very relaxed mother. Your Aunt Rebekah came to see you as well. We had a houseful of people to enjoy my birthday celebration. You had lots of other visitors. What a darling you are!
Your Uncle Grant arrived on March 24. He was happy to hold you and in fact, you were the very first baby he had ever held. On March 26, you had your first vaccinations. You were not impressed.
What a wonderful time we had watching you grow from birth to three months.
You had your first airplane ride to Manitoba in June. Your Mama brought a yoga mat so you could lay and stretch in the airports. Your Dad brought a stuffed whale for you to look at. You are such a darling--smiling and enjoying stroller rides. You don't sit yet but your are moving a bit--launching yourself forward off the blanket. Everyone loved you and held you. You fell asleep in the arms of my best childhood friend's Mother and also with a friend of great Aunt Arleigh. (We were in Neepawa for the memorial service of your great Grandma Gladie. A lovely time to introduce you to the McLaughlin relatives.)
A highlight (for me) was you and your Mama having a photo with Al Simmons who is an entertainer who performed at Clear Lake on Canada Day. (He was a family favourite when our three were young.) You were wearing a Canada Birthday red onesy and I had my Canada Day t-shirt on and we had a photo together as well.
We are back again for another three months with you and your parents. Grandad and I were here to take care of you and we had a pact with each other to go to the beach every day possible. You had already learned to dance with your Dad as the teacher. (08/09) You were smiling and sweet. You had learned to crawl since we saw you in June and were gliding around furniture. We had a routine in September of a morning walk and nap, play and then another nap in the afternoon. We didn't worry about feeding you and your Mama was mostly here to give you your milk and her motto was "food before one is just for fun" so any extra food was to practice being part of the family at the table. By 16/09, you had learned to wave and would sometimes wave when someone was leaving. We played PattiCakes with your hands and feet and by 17/09, you were clapping. You were crawling and cruising around furniture. Your other Grandma arrived and then you went to stay with her in Wilmington on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She took you to the library to a lap session which you loved. What a joy for us, grandparents.
You are a smiley, lovely baby. When we arrive or you arrive at our place, you are very excited to see us. Grandad gives you whatever food is on the menu. Some things you like are avocado, mashed bananas, sometimes baby cereal and scrambled egg. You also like to suck on a piece of celery. Your Mama puts the food on your highchair tray and you eat some and mess with the rest. You will no doubt see photos from Halloween, where you have green eyebrows, face and hands from eating avocado. You have become a toddler--stumbling along like a drunk with your hands up. On November 9th you were walking around carrying an empty milk jug. You are as happy with empty yogurt containers and formula bottles as you are with actual toys. You still love to dance--you wiggle you bottom and sometimes shake you head and move your arms in time to the music. Your Dad taught you well. You also like to try to open our kitchen cupboards so elastic bands are holding the sink one closed. You played with plastic stuff in our kitchen. Grandad put some toys in another cupboard but you haven't discovered it yet. You like to play with a large magnet on our fridge and now you can remove it as well as put it back.
You are a treasure and we are delighted and feel fortunate that we are here to be part of your first year. You love books--you will study them closely, turning pages and now (November 11th), you love to sit and listen to the same book again and again. Current favourite is "The Paper Bag Princess" You also love to go on stroller rides--sometimes it puts you to sleep and on others you just ride happily along. You also jabber and I think if we understood baby jabber, we would be impressed with what you are saying to us. Sometimes you talk to yourself while looking at books. You often bring a book, wait to be picked up and read to. You like to touch the "furry" or "slippery' parts of the book. Maybe you be will left-handed. You like to drum and imitate anyone who beats time on the table or milk carton.
Today you were the star of the Art Show--walking around and smiling at all the people when they talked to you. You and Mama came over for cookies after and you stayed to play with us. You were busy pushing a walker kind of toy and when you ran into something, you would just steer it around the obstacle. Clever girl. We bought you a stuffed puppy with places to push for music. You know where to push but don't push hard enough. You love to hear the songs. You move with the music.
Today we went to Leland for lunch and an errand. You were delighted to sit at the table in the high chair and watch and see all that was around. The cook came over to remark on how you were watching him with such interest. You had a bit of flat bread to eat. We went to "Fuzzy Peach" to celebrate your Mama being accepted into Engineering. You were happy to be there.
You love the "I am gonna get you game". You giggle and walk/run away and then wait to be grabbed and hugged. You and I love the Hands, Finger Thumbs book--if I drum, you keep time. Also you like to imitate the drumming. You love to play when we also sit on the floor with you. One time you were giggling and walking around me and leaning on my back. Then you spun around and to my side and fell. I just caught you before you hit the ground. You like to have piggyback rides.
Your hearing is excellent--always hear small bells and sounds. Yesterday, your Mama was giving your Grandad a reflexology treatment in the bedroom. They were chatting softly and you perked up your ear to the sound. You and I were in the living-room.
Today is our last full day here until February. Your Dad is away in DC for your Great Grandma Klein's funeral. So we spent the day with you and your Mama. We went to the playground--you walked around, had a swing and went down the slide into Grandad's arms. Then we went to the beach. Your Mama took your socks off and you walked in the sand--you were delighted.
I forgot to write about "Baby Signing Time". You love to listen to the music and watch the small children sign. The purpose is to help you communicate with your caregivers until you have the real words. We love it too and look forward to continuing with it in February.
Tomorrow is November 30. You will stay with us while Mama goes to an Extreme STEM tour. Then we will go to Wilmington to the airport. This has been a fantastic time for us. We will always treasure our time with you and your parents. They love you and take such great care of you. See you on January 31 at the airport. In the mean time, we will face time with you whenever we can.
Thursday, 3 December 2015
Oak Island, NC September, October, November, 2015
Well, after driving and driving, we arrived at Claire and Noah and Brienne's house. yay.
Our little cottage is great, quite compact but has what we need--air conditioning is very important as the temperature in usually in the 30s. (that's Canadian) A bonus is an outdoor shower which is great to wash the sand off after being at the beach. We have a pact to go to the beach everyday when the weather is fine. We usually go after Brienne goes home and after 17:00.
We are here to take care of our darling grandone while Claire studies and Noah teaches. So we have her every day from about 8:30. Our routine is a walk that includes Claire--Brienne usually sleeps for the hour we are walking. Then back to our place to play. Did I mention how much energy it takes to care for a 7 month old!!! She is crawling and gliding around furniture. Our place is baby proofed so she goes everywhere. We are protecting the wires of the TV, etc with pillows and suitcases. George usually gives her some food at lunch time and then she has a long nap. Claire goes to the University on Tuesday and Thursdays and the other days she studies at home. She is taking 3 courses--2 are online.
Brienne has figured out how to clap. It is so delightful to watch her learn--she has great concentration. She will also bounce up and down if you say dance to her. I have been trying to remember little rhymes from our children's babyhoods. She does like "PattiCakes, PattiCakes, Bakers' Man.)
We went to church for the last two Sundays looking for friends to have dinner with. Everyone is very friendly and different that we wonder if, in fact, this is really a Lutheran Church. It is called St. Peter, there are two services, two choirs and it is full of geysers like us and older. There is also a nice coffee hour but no Sunday school. And we lost our keenness and found no friends. We did meet our neighbours across the street and spent the turtle vigil with them and chat when we see each other.
Last evening, Brienne, George and I met Claire and Noah for a fundraiser at Brunswick College. It was many restaurateurs serving morsels and we got to sample them Yum--some delicious southern dishes!
This was our second trip to Myrtle Beach. We went on Labour Day Sunday and were amazed at the amount of traffic compared to March when we are usually there. We had a Sunday to Monday, sleep-over there and stayed at a hotel by Barefoot Landing. Did some chair swimming. This was the night of the big moon and the eclipse but it was too cloudy to see anything.
Well, I have become a coughing Snuffleupagus--haven't had a cold in forever but it has me now. I am doing everything to get it under control before Linda and Larry come for Thanksgiving. I can't tell you how often I wash my hands! The germs have me! Yes, I ended up going to see a doctor and I have acute Bronchitis which is a drag. After a week if antibiotics, my lungs are clearer but I will have the cough for a few more weeks. Being sick sucks!
So another trip to MB to pick up the L's. We had a little walk on the beach as they have not been there before--also a Krispy Kreme doughnut. Hey, Sheryl said there will be a KK in Jo'burg. What about that. We had an amazing Thanksgiving feast--Claire and Linda did the cooking and we all enjoyed. While they were here we had a tour of Southport via a golfcart. Southport is a quaint town nearby where many movies and TV shows have been filmed. George and Linda and Larry and Claire enjoyed touring the Battle Ship in Wilmington while Brienne and I rested at home. The week sped by and there was more to do but alas another trip to MB and they were flying on home. So this weekend we took it easy, went chair swimming and walked on the beach.
Oh, yeah, we had a gecko invasion, well, one came into our cottage. Linda and Larry were here to help hunt him down. I am not a hunter so I joined an advisory committee of one while the others chased him around the kitchen. They all had plastic bags on their hand so they wouldn’t actually have to touch it. He came toward Linda but she lost her confidence and missed him. Then he sped under the fridge. I had visions of seeing him crawl up the wall and onto the ceiling. Linda saved the day by using the broom to encourage him to come out from under the fridge. And he did. George was the hero and snatched him up and put him outside where he might be living happily ever after. It is hard to know as the chase may have put a damper on his joie de vivre! Now George says he is an international gecko hunter as he saved us from one in Pretoria, too.
We are enjoying chair swimming again, (October 24th)--nothing like sitting in the waves and watching them crash into shore. The water is very salty and of course, wet! George celebrated his birthday with a lovely dinner at Claire and Noah's. One of our friends summed us up like this: "Cathy and I want to wish you a Happy Birthday. I don't know what the number is (year of birth) and it does not matter. The essential thing is that you and Pat have filled the past year with amazing adventures. You are not a year older, you are a year richer for the experiences you have had. We definitely miss your presence. Nevertheless we are truly delighted that you are going places, meeting people, and doing things that we think are wonderful. When you tell us about your travels, we get to share in your experiences vicariously. So - keep on moving! We look forward to seeing you again in Ottawa, when the time comes."
Our little cottage is great, quite compact but has what we need--air conditioning is very important as the temperature in usually in the 30s. (that's Canadian) A bonus is an outdoor shower which is great to wash the sand off after being at the beach. We have a pact to go to the beach everyday when the weather is fine. We usually go after Brienne goes home and after 17:00.
We are here to take care of our darling grandone while Claire studies and Noah teaches. So we have her every day from about 8:30. Our routine is a walk that includes Claire--Brienne usually sleeps for the hour we are walking. Then back to our place to play. Did I mention how much energy it takes to care for a 7 month old!!! She is crawling and gliding around furniture. Our place is baby proofed so she goes everywhere. We are protecting the wires of the TV, etc with pillows and suitcases. George usually gives her some food at lunch time and then she has a long nap. Claire goes to the University on Tuesday and Thursdays and the other days she studies at home. She is taking 3 courses--2 are online.
Brienne has figured out how to clap. It is so delightful to watch her learn--she has great concentration. She will also bounce up and down if you say dance to her. I have been trying to remember little rhymes from our children's babyhoods. She does like "PattiCakes, PattiCakes, Bakers' Man.)
We went to church for the last two Sundays looking for friends to have dinner with. Everyone is very friendly and different that we wonder if, in fact, this is really a Lutheran Church. It is called St. Peter, there are two services, two choirs and it is full of geysers like us and older. There is also a nice coffee hour but no Sunday school. And we lost our keenness and found no friends. We did meet our neighbours across the street and spent the turtle vigil with them and chat when we see each other.
Last evening, Brienne, George and I met Claire and Noah for a fundraiser at Brunswick College. It was many restaurateurs serving morsels and we got to sample them Yum--some delicious southern dishes!
This was our second trip to Myrtle Beach. We went on Labour Day Sunday and were amazed at the amount of traffic compared to March when we are usually there. We had a Sunday to Monday, sleep-over there and stayed at a hotel by Barefoot Landing. Did some chair swimming. This was the night of the big moon and the eclipse but it was too cloudy to see anything.
Well, I have become a coughing Snuffleupagus--haven't had a cold in forever but it has me now. I am doing everything to get it under control before Linda and Larry come for Thanksgiving. I can't tell you how often I wash my hands! The germs have me! Yes, I ended up going to see a doctor and I have acute Bronchitis which is a drag. After a week if antibiotics, my lungs are clearer but I will have the cough for a few more weeks. Being sick sucks!
So another trip to MB to pick up the L's. We had a little walk on the beach as they have not been there before--also a Krispy Kreme doughnut. Hey, Sheryl said there will be a KK in Jo'burg. What about that. We had an amazing Thanksgiving feast--Claire and Linda did the cooking and we all enjoyed. While they were here we had a tour of Southport via a golfcart. Southport is a quaint town nearby where many movies and TV shows have been filmed. George and Linda and Larry and Claire enjoyed touring the Battle Ship in Wilmington while Brienne and I rested at home. The week sped by and there was more to do but alas another trip to MB and they were flying on home. So this weekend we took it easy, went chair swimming and walked on the beach.
Oh, yeah, we had a gecko invasion, well, one came into our cottage. Linda and Larry were here to help hunt him down. I am not a hunter so I joined an advisory committee of one while the others chased him around the kitchen. They all had plastic bags on their hand so they wouldn’t actually have to touch it. He came toward Linda but she lost her confidence and missed him. Then he sped under the fridge. I had visions of seeing him crawl up the wall and onto the ceiling. Linda saved the day by using the broom to encourage him to come out from under the fridge. And he did. George was the hero and snatched him up and put him outside where he might be living happily ever after. It is hard to know as the chase may have put a damper on his joie de vivre! Now George says he is an international gecko hunter as he saved us from one in Pretoria, too.
We are enjoying chair swimming again, (October 24th)--nothing like sitting in the waves and watching them crash into shore. The water is very salty and of course, wet! George celebrated his birthday with a lovely dinner at Claire and Noah's. One of our friends summed us up like this: "Cathy and I want to wish you a Happy Birthday. I don't know what the number is (year of birth) and it does not matter. The essential thing is that you and Pat have filled the past year with amazing adventures. You are not a year older, you are a year richer for the experiences you have had. We definitely miss your presence. Nevertheless we are truly delighted that you are going places, meeting people, and doing things that we think are wonderful. When you tell us about your travels, we get to share in your experiences vicariously. So - keep on moving! We look forward to seeing you again in Ottawa, when the time comes."
Brienne is trying to walk. She is delightful--she will take a few steps and then realize that she doesn't actually quite have the balance to walk so she plops down and giggles. We are so fortunate to have this opportunity to watch her grow. Starting in November we will have her everyday again. Noah's Mom was here and took charge on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She will return to NC in December.
Well, Halloween has come and gone. Lots of neighbours decorate but nary a child appeared for candy. Brienne turned into green baby while eating mashed up avocado with her hands. It was even in her eyebrows and her face had a green tinge. Her costume when she visited Noah's school was Batman. Sunday we went go to Southport to see "Blythe Spirit"--very well done, excellent actors.
November is here already--my health is still not back to normal. I am still coughing but improving--although I have sore coughing muscles. Brienne has definitely become a toddler. She rises from the floor and steps out and around--still a tad wobbly but she is only 9 1/2 months old. She is such a treasure. We spend our days caring for her and then we visit, do chair swimming and do the errands that keep life going. Time is flying but it has been great.
The arts group I joined has a show in the middle of November. I have been puzzling over what I would paint for it with no inspiration. The first Friday of the month, there is a Gallery Walk in Southport a lovely little town nearby that is Clear Lake times 10. We wondered around from gallery to gallery, drinking wine and enjoying appetizers and looking for a turtle souvenir of the hatchlings. Then a light came on and I decided to paint one myself. So that is what I did--finished it the day before the hanging deadline. I volunteered at the Show and discovered that my painting got an honourable mention. Pretty cool, eh? The coordinator and I were working together a couple of times and she told me she was starting to talk "Canadian" eh?
We spent a delightful weekend in Myrtle Beach--saw two Christmas shows and walked on the beach. We have great memories of being there near the ocean as we have stayed there for the month of March for the past 6 years. Krista and I walked there together many times. We shopped a bit and had doughnuts at KK and headed back to OKI. Brienne is definitely a walker. She loves to be read to as well. She brings a book, waits to be picked up and helps turn the pages. What a joy.
November 30 has arrived and that means "pack up and move on". It was definitely difficult to leave that darling baby and of course, her parents. We spent most of Monday sorting--we will leave our car and lots of stuff here until we are back in September. Since our first year of being Meaderthals, we have slept in 44 beds, been in 8 countries and delighted in the adventures we have had. Life is good.
Well, Halloween has come and gone. Lots of neighbours decorate but nary a child appeared for candy. Brienne turned into green baby while eating mashed up avocado with her hands. It was even in her eyebrows and her face had a green tinge. Her costume when she visited Noah's school was Batman. Sunday we went go to Southport to see "Blythe Spirit"--very well done, excellent actors.
November is here already--my health is still not back to normal. I am still coughing but improving--although I have sore coughing muscles. Brienne has definitely become a toddler. She rises from the floor and steps out and around--still a tad wobbly but she is only 9 1/2 months old. She is such a treasure. We spend our days caring for her and then we visit, do chair swimming and do the errands that keep life going. Time is flying but it has been great.
The arts group I joined has a show in the middle of November. I have been puzzling over what I would paint for it with no inspiration. The first Friday of the month, there is a Gallery Walk in Southport a lovely little town nearby that is Clear Lake times 10. We wondered around from gallery to gallery, drinking wine and enjoying appetizers and looking for a turtle souvenir of the hatchlings. Then a light came on and I decided to paint one myself. So that is what I did--finished it the day before the hanging deadline. I volunteered at the Show and discovered that my painting got an honourable mention. Pretty cool, eh? The coordinator and I were working together a couple of times and she told me she was starting to talk "Canadian" eh?
We spent a delightful weekend in Myrtle Beach--saw two Christmas shows and walked on the beach. We have great memories of being there near the ocean as we have stayed there for the month of March for the past 6 years. Krista and I walked there together many times. We shopped a bit and had doughnuts at KK and headed back to OKI. Brienne is definitely a walker. She loves to be read to as well. She brings a book, waits to be picked up and helps turn the pages. What a joy.
November 30 has arrived and that means "pack up and move on". It was definitely difficult to leave that darling baby and of course, her parents. We spent most of Monday sorting--we will leave our car and lots of stuff here until we are back in September. Since our first year of being Meaderthals, we have slept in 44 beds, been in 8 countries and delighted in the adventures we have had. Life is good.
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