Today I officially became British (dance). My passport was delivered to the door and considering it is a little over 3 weeks since I applied for it and it has been the silly season and the application process included an identity interview in Brighton I am very very impressed!!!!!
Over and above the added lift said delivery gave me I have had a lovely past two day. Yesterday Kerry and I hit Brighton for her birthday "day without children" and after getting completely drenched in the rain we decided a long lunch at Jamie Oliver's restaurant, Jamie's Italian, was a much better idea then trudging around shopping. The atmosphere was wonderful, the wine perfectly chilled and the food delish and of course the company fantastic - after around 3 hours we finally made our way back to the station having only seen the inside of about 3 shops -such fun that we have decided to make it our birthday tradition.
This morning Catherine collected Nicholas and I nice and early and it was off to the Garden Center in Ditchling to take advantage of the fab new year sales. England goes sale mad from 27th December until the first week after New Year and items are often reduced by as much as 75%. I had a wonderful time choosing my new Christmas tree and considering before Christmas it was £100 and I ended up paying the princely sum of £34 after all the discounts I was a very very happy little shopper and now can't wait for next year to use my new "baby"
Tomorrow Linda and family arrive for 3 days so such a lovely time to look forward together, and hopefully it bodes well for a fantastic 2010.
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
Monday, 28 December 2009
Monday 28th December 2009
After another lazy morning we made our way down to Wakehurst Place to join friends for a walk followed by coffee, cake and a long catch up chat. It was good to see this group again as we haven't been together since before schools broke up and I am very used to having the girls in my life on a far more regular basis....we exchanged Secret Santa for the babies and it was so sweet to watch them opening up their pressies - hasn't taken this group of 18 month olds long to realise that inside wrapping paper is invariably something lovely.
Once the group broke up Si decided that as he hadn't visited Wakehurst before it would be nice to let the kids have a good run around and play on the grass followed by a wonder through the Millenium Seedbank.
This seedbank is the most comprehensive in the world and is run by the Kew Gardens Trust, apparently it has an example of every seed in the world in it's archives and although I must admit it leaves me bored stiff, the rest of the family enjoyed the exhibitions and even Nick Nick seemed to really get into things.
Once the group broke up Si decided that as he hadn't visited Wakehurst before it would be nice to let the kids have a good run around and play on the grass followed by a wonder through the Millenium Seedbank.
This seedbank is the most comprehensive in the world and is run by the Kew Gardens Trust, apparently it has an example of every seed in the world in it's archives and although I must admit it leaves me bored stiff, the rest of the family enjoyed the exhibitions and even Nick Nick seemed to really get into things.
Friday, 25 December 2009
Friday 25th December 2009
As I sit typing this post Christmas 2009 is all but over....the presents have all been unwrapped, the wonderful meal finished and all three children are tucked up in bed fast asleep, a wonderful peace has settled over our home and I admit to feeling a deep sense of well being.
I have to be honest and say I really had no idea what to expect from our second Christmas in England, I found myself praying that it would be easier then last year but at the same time not daring to hope that the dreadful longing for family far away would be lessened in the last 12 months. The only thing I knew for sure is that I owed my children the wonderful memories I myself had of Christmas growing up and I think that this driving force has held me together this year and enabled us to have a truly special holiday season despite the fact that we miss our family so much.
Christmas eve was spent with our "English" family (the Viljoen's) singing carols in their home and enjoying fellowship with their extended family and friends - I think that this stunning evening really set the tone for the rest of the holiday and left us all feeling spiritually uplifted and excited for Christmas morning.
Thanks to the wonders of skype my parents were able to join us in our lounge this morning for present opening and this helped tremendously with missing them - it really did feel as though they had popped in for morning tea and I think it was wonderful for them to see us so happy and settled and be able to join in and experience Christmas morning with the children - they could see the gifts as they were opened, hear the excitement (and occasional squabbles lol) and enjoy an hour in our company before we parted ways for the remainder of the day.
A huge Christmas lunch was served, again at the Viljoen's, and without them I really don't know what we would have done - Robert, Kerry and their 3 children have totally opened their home to us in the last 19 months and, as I have said so many times before, have truly been a blessing to us from God - I am sometimes astounded that we haven't known them all our lives so close has our friendship become.
Before bed we were able to catch up with almost all of Si's family in JHB and again the marvel of skype allowed us to spend time with loved ones which all goes such a long way in making this experience bearable.....so how would I rate Christmas 2009.....good, really really good!
I have to be honest and say I really had no idea what to expect from our second Christmas in England, I found myself praying that it would be easier then last year but at the same time not daring to hope that the dreadful longing for family far away would be lessened in the last 12 months. The only thing I knew for sure is that I owed my children the wonderful memories I myself had of Christmas growing up and I think that this driving force has held me together this year and enabled us to have a truly special holiday season despite the fact that we miss our family so much.
Christmas eve was spent with our "English" family (the Viljoen's) singing carols in their home and enjoying fellowship with their extended family and friends - I think that this stunning evening really set the tone for the rest of the holiday and left us all feeling spiritually uplifted and excited for Christmas morning.
Thanks to the wonders of skype my parents were able to join us in our lounge this morning for present opening and this helped tremendously with missing them - it really did feel as though they had popped in for morning tea and I think it was wonderful for them to see us so happy and settled and be able to join in and experience Christmas morning with the children - they could see the gifts as they were opened, hear the excitement (and occasional squabbles lol) and enjoy an hour in our company before we parted ways for the remainder of the day.
A huge Christmas lunch was served, again at the Viljoen's, and without them I really don't know what we would have done - Robert, Kerry and their 3 children have totally opened their home to us in the last 19 months and, as I have said so many times before, have truly been a blessing to us from God - I am sometimes astounded that we haven't known them all our lives so close has our friendship become.
Before bed we were able to catch up with almost all of Si's family in JHB and again the marvel of skype allowed us to spend time with loved ones which all goes such a long way in making this experience bearable.....so how would I rate Christmas 2009.....good, really really good!
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Wednesday 23rd December 2009
19 months after arriving in England I finally went for my identity interview for my British passport today and hopefully by 1st January I will officially be a British Citizen. The best part was that due to the fact that both my parents were British at the time of my birth I didn't have to waste time obtaining permission from the South African government first - and trust me anything to do with the South African Embassy in London is a HUGE waste of time. Am feeling very positive tonight and hoping to finally have travel documents for Nick by the end of Jan.....then it will be watch out Europe here we come!!!!
Saturday, 19 December 2009
Saturday 19th December 2009
Although we didn't have a fresh fall last night the snow was still thick on the ground all day today and temps hung around the -3 mark. Even though I woke up with no voice, after lunch we decided to get the kids out for a bit and took a walk down to a meadow near our home with the intention of building the world's biggest snowman - unfortunately the snow is still too dry and simply won't compact enough to build with but the children still got to have a bit of a run around and Nick actually seemed to enjoy the experience today.
Friday, 18 December 2009
A little bit of a laugh
It would seem that the snow has turned me a little bit mad and brought out some of my criminal element (she says blushing furiously), in the last 24 hours I have broken the "law" twice and am lovin it ;0)
Last night Katherine rang to say she has some cream cakes that needed sharing and could she pop in for tea......obviously Si and I eagerly agreed, and before long she was walking up our outside stairs commenting on how dangerous they were going to be in the snow....well that was enough to send me into 50 fits and I became convinced I was going to fall going down them the next time I was carrying Nicholas - in an attempt to settle my shattered nerves I begged Si to sneak down the road and get some grit from the council grit box so that we could grit the stairs before the impending snow.
Of course my husband would have nothing of it so Catherine and I grabbed our pink bucket (not at all conspicuous) and set off down the road at 9.30pm on a recce mission. We couldn't stop laughing as we half filled the bucket and then hot footed it home to sort out the stairs....my first foray into theft????? Well fortunately it would seem not as I have since found out you are able to help yourself to small quantities of grit free of charge to ensure that your home is safe.....shew a close call lol
And then.......
Earlier today my friend Kirsty (another photo nut) sent me a text suggesting a photo expedition to Wakehurst place....even though the roads can be dangerous it seemed sacrilege to miss such a fantastic opportunity so it didn't take much for us to make a plan and off we went.
Unfortunately Wakehurst was closed up pretty tight so we set off for Bordehill Gardens, which was also closed, but not as tightly.....before I knew it we had decided to scale the (very low) fence around the property and were inside happily snapping photos of the most amazing scenery. All was going swimmingly until I spotted an official looking person standing outside the manor house looking straight at the very big exposed area Kirst and I had to cross in order to get back out of the gardens....
Well on seeing him (and wondering how I was going to explain to Si I had been arrested for breaking and entering) I decided to jump down a 6 foot wall to make my escape while poor Kirsty (shorter then I am) hid behind a tree waiting for said jumper to disappear. He finally turned his back and while I kept watch ducked down behind the wall Kirsty made a mad 100m dash in a foot of snow towards our escape path.....I haven't laughed like that in ages - as she said later the worst he prob would have done is ask us to leave and explain that we couldn't be there, but the little tiny element of danger was such fun ;0)
Thanks for such a good laugh Kirsty, def an afternoon to remember and not just for the stunning photography!
Last night Katherine rang to say she has some cream cakes that needed sharing and could she pop in for tea......obviously Si and I eagerly agreed, and before long she was walking up our outside stairs commenting on how dangerous they were going to be in the snow....well that was enough to send me into 50 fits and I became convinced I was going to fall going down them the next time I was carrying Nicholas - in an attempt to settle my shattered nerves I begged Si to sneak down the road and get some grit from the council grit box so that we could grit the stairs before the impending snow.
Of course my husband would have nothing of it so Catherine and I grabbed our pink bucket (not at all conspicuous) and set off down the road at 9.30pm on a recce mission. We couldn't stop laughing as we half filled the bucket and then hot footed it home to sort out the stairs....my first foray into theft????? Well fortunately it would seem not as I have since found out you are able to help yourself to small quantities of grit free of charge to ensure that your home is safe.....shew a close call lol
And then.......
Earlier today my friend Kirsty (another photo nut) sent me a text suggesting a photo expedition to Wakehurst place....even though the roads can be dangerous it seemed sacrilege to miss such a fantastic opportunity so it didn't take much for us to make a plan and off we went.
Unfortunately Wakehurst was closed up pretty tight so we set off for Bordehill Gardens, which was also closed, but not as tightly.....before I knew it we had decided to scale the (very low) fence around the property and were inside happily snapping photos of the most amazing scenery. All was going swimmingly until I spotted an official looking person standing outside the manor house looking straight at the very big exposed area Kirst and I had to cross in order to get back out of the gardens....
Well on seeing him (and wondering how I was going to explain to Si I had been arrested for breaking and entering) I decided to jump down a 6 foot wall to make my escape while poor Kirsty (shorter then I am) hid behind a tree waiting for said jumper to disappear. He finally turned his back and while I kept watch ducked down behind the wall Kirsty made a mad 100m dash in a foot of snow towards our escape path.....I haven't laughed like that in ages - as she said later the worst he prob would have done is ask us to leave and explain that we couldn't be there, but the little tiny element of danger was such fun ;0)
Thanks for such a good laugh Kirsty, def an afternoon to remember and not just for the stunning photography!
Walking in the wood
Sigh, this much snow is the photographer in me's greatest joy....if you are bored, I would suggest missing the next couple of days as am sure there will still be loads of photos to come :0). All of these were taken with my little Lumix so I love it!
and more.....
Simon the scientist measuring the depth of the snow ;0)
Luckily for us we were lent some snow suits for our upcoming skiing trip and the kids were able to really try theirs out this morning...such fun, but jeans weren't enough for me and I ended up with a very cold wet butt lol
Friday 18th December continued.....
Some of my fav scenery shots so far.....
Our house from the front
The snow on the table gives an idea of how deep it is
The back garden looking back at the house
Our road
Our house from the front
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Wednesday 16th December 2009
The temperature has really dropped over the last week and I am once again reminded of the huge necessity for gloves and scarves and hats before even attempting any kind of trip outdoors.....On Tuesday night Megan's farm club hosted "Carols in the Barn" and I must say it was absolutely lovely....if a little chilly....okay that is putting it mildly, it was (inappropriate word) freezing....-3 degrees and we were standing in a barn singing - thank heavens for the mulled wine otherwise I think I may have expired on the spot, my clever friend Michelle thought to bring hot water bottles along with her which was a godsend as I had left aforementioned gloves and hat at home in my rush to get the children there in time. Such a stunning stunning experience and another FIRST for England.
This morning dawned crisp and white and the frost was thick on the ground on my way to drop children at school - temps bottomed out at around -5 which made my hot chocolate and donut breakfast at the Ditchling Garden center with Catherine even more enjoyable.
View from our terrace this morning - white with frost
Some of you may recall my awe at the garden center last year and this year is just as wonderful, this time I remembered my camera and was able to snap a few shots of the displays.
Must confess to starting to feel the Christmas spirit this year and watching the first snow fall of the season through my bay windows while the christmas tree lights twinkled in the glass was a magical moment.....really a time to count our blessings.
This morning dawned crisp and white and the frost was thick on the ground on my way to drop children at school - temps bottomed out at around -5 which made my hot chocolate and donut breakfast at the Ditchling Garden center with Catherine even more enjoyable.
View from our terrace this morning - white with frost
Some of you may recall my awe at the garden center last year and this year is just as wonderful, this time I remembered my camera and was able to snap a few shots of the displays.
Must confess to starting to feel the Christmas spirit this year and watching the first snow fall of the season through my bay windows while the christmas tree lights twinkled in the glass was a magical moment.....really a time to count our blessings.
Saturday, 12 December 2009
Saturday 12th December 2009
As both Northern and Southern Railways were running specials on their tickets into London, Tanya and I just simply couldn't resist the opportunity to meet up in our fav city for the day and spend some quality time together before Christmas.
It was one of those perfect days filled with laughter over the simplest things and there were times when my mascara was literally running down my cheeks - after a bit of a false start to the Spitalfields market (which we now know is only open on a Sunday) we made our way across the city to the famous Camden Market and spent hours winding our way through the tiny isles, trying on hats (reason for much of the laughter) and exploring this London Landmark.
Late afternoon spent in Oxford street trawling the shops along with literally thousands of shoppers before a peaceful drink in one of the street side pubs and a quick look at the Christmas lights before catching our respective trains home - days like today are one of the very special gifts this move to England has given me and is another one of the many reasons that I am very grateful that we are here.
It was one of those perfect days filled with laughter over the simplest things and there were times when my mascara was literally running down my cheeks - after a bit of a false start to the Spitalfields market (which we now know is only open on a Sunday) we made our way across the city to the famous Camden Market and spent hours winding our way through the tiny isles, trying on hats (reason for much of the laughter) and exploring this London Landmark.
Late afternoon spent in Oxford street trawling the shops along with literally thousands of shoppers before a peaceful drink in one of the street side pubs and a quick look at the Christmas lights before catching our respective trains home - days like today are one of the very special gifts this move to England has given me and is another one of the many reasons that I am very grateful that we are here.
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Tuesday 8th December 2009
Today was Phillip's Christmas play at school and I must say I was really really impressed - each year (year 3 to year 6) did a 10 minute performance based on the Christmas traditions of different countries around the world. The standard was so high and the children spoke with confidence - I normally find the parts of these shows were my own children aren't on stage a little bit like watching paint dry (I know I know, but it just isn't my thing), but today was really different, the children were engaging and the subject interesting....such a lovely afternoon.
Year 4 chose Russia as their country and my precious son was selected as the narrator - those who know him well will know just what a big deal this is.....this from the boy who just 2 short years ago wasn't able to be a sheep in the play because he had to stand too close to the front of the stage. Phillip handle his role with finesse and I was a very proud mommy sitting in the audience listening to parents around me commented on just how well he was speaking. The production was closed by the school choir and once again I was stunned to see my boy up front and center - Well done Philly you are our super star!!!!!
Year 4 chose Russia as their country and my precious son was selected as the narrator - those who know him well will know just what a big deal this is.....this from the boy who just 2 short years ago wasn't able to be a sheep in the play because he had to stand too close to the front of the stage. Phillip handle his role with finesse and I was a very proud mommy sitting in the audience listening to parents around me commented on just how well he was speaking. The production was closed by the school choir and once again I was stunned to see my boy up front and center - Well done Philly you are our super star!!!!!
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Sunday 6th December 2009
A happy end to a happy weekend.....Janine and Andrew joined us for a late lunch which was very chilled with good food and even better bubbly ;0)
Cuz got to spend time playing with his god children and it was lovely to just be with family.....he really is the closest thing I have to a brother and time with him and his lovely girlfriend is always very precious.
Cuz got to spend time playing with his god children and it was lovely to just be with family.....he really is the closest thing I have to a brother and time with him and his lovely girlfriend is always very precious.
Saturday 5th December 2009
I FINALLY applied for my British passport this morning and with luck should receive it within the next 3 weeks or so - this will hopefully mean that before long little Nicholas will also have his British passport (I have given up on ever receiving his South African one) and we can look at doing some traveling in 2010.
Spent the afternoon at the Christmas market at Phillip's school, he is singing in the choir and it was very special to watch my once audience shy little boy standing in the front row pelting out Christmas carols at the opening of the event...his choir mistress actually approached me during the day to tell me what an outstanding voice (her words) Phillip has and to mention the fact that one of the other teachers had also noticed it during assembly and had approached her with regards to him joining the choir....life is often so effortless to my middle one and I am so thrilled to watch him achieving in yet another area.
Kerry and her kids joined us for dinner this evening which as usual was lovely....I really count myself lucky to have this amazing woman (and her amazing family) in my life, she has become such a close friend in such a short time and I often wonder what I would do without her.
Spent the afternoon at the Christmas market at Phillip's school, he is singing in the choir and it was very special to watch my once audience shy little boy standing in the front row pelting out Christmas carols at the opening of the event...his choir mistress actually approached me during the day to tell me what an outstanding voice (her words) Phillip has and to mention the fact that one of the other teachers had also noticed it during assembly and had approached her with regards to him joining the choir....life is often so effortless to my middle one and I am so thrilled to watch him achieving in yet another area.
Kerry and her kids joined us for dinner this evening which as usual was lovely....I really count myself lucky to have this amazing woman (and her amazing family) in my life, she has become such a close friend in such a short time and I often wonder what I would do without her.
Thursday, 3 December 2009
Left early this morning to join friends on a Christmas stopping trip to Brighton....Tanya, Jess and I all left our babies with child minders and it was stunning to spend "adult" time chatting and shopping and eating and being girls. Such a lovely lovely day and the best part is that it is only the 3rd of December and my Christmas shopping is FINISHED!
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Tuesday 1st December 2009
Officially only 30 days left in 2009 - Wow, quite a scary thought, feels like just the other day we were preparing for our first Christmas in England and now we are just a couple of weeks away from our second, certainly has been an eventful 12 months and one I will look back on with fond memories....but more of those reflections on 31st December :0)
Last night was our first frost of the year and I was downstairs bright and early this morning defrosting the windscreens before the school run....has def been a very mild autumn by all accounts, and with only 22 days till the longest night, the days will soon start to lengthen and before we know it it will be Crocus and Daffodil time again and I will be the happiest little camper in England.
Last night was our first frost of the year and I was downstairs bright and early this morning defrosting the windscreens before the school run....has def been a very mild autumn by all accounts, and with only 22 days till the longest night, the days will soon start to lengthen and before we know it it will be Crocus and Daffodil time again and I will be the happiest little camper in England.
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