Observations in Observatory

For the month of October the Princesses decided to venture into the Southern Suburbs and ended up in Observatory eating at a quaint little restaurant called Panchos. It is very popular and full to capacity most evenings.

I can see why! The food was outstanding, not to mention the lively atmosphere and interesting decor.

I was the first to arrive and was shown my way to a table set up against the windows looking out onto the very busy Lower Main Rd.


Being as observant as I am, I was most startled when hand grabbed me by my shoulder from behind as I sat day-dreaming, waiting for my lost bookmates. It was Jax, out on the pavement, clearly excited for the festivities to begin.

(Jacky and I have decided that city life is a thing of the past and are most keen to venture into pig farming as a source of income, but that's another story, and perhaps another life time.)


And so my mates began arriving. Designated-driver Sands arrived looking cool, calm and collected with her charges all looking slightly bemused. (I hear Sandy has a rather heavy foot?)

Of course Jo was true to form and made a grand entrance 40 minutes or so later than the rest of us. But she assured us that this time she knew exactly what she wanted. Phew, her orders can be alarming at the best of times!

Somebody suggested that we order a jug of Margeurita, just to get started.

Well, the stuff tastes like cooldrink, let me tell you, it seemed like such a good idea at the time. Funny how these good ideas look so different the next morning. Again, another story for another time. Jayni elected to drink hers through three straws, feeling that this would somehow lower the alcohol intake of the beverage. Still trying to figure that one out!

So we got stuck in. Our excitement levels have now reached fever pitch as this is our last meeting before we embark on our quad bike trip.

We have decided that we require a pre-weekend away meeting to discuss important things like what to wear, drink and take with to eat. I believe Woolies will be sponsoring some of our meatier snacks?

At various stages of the evening a number of glasses of Marguerita were knocked over, and I think the wheels started to come off when it was suggested that we take false teeth along on our trip, in order to scare the living daylights out of our guides when it gets dark. I am not sure who is meant to be scaring whom, but some of the booklets started making little yelpy noises about the dark etc, etc. We discussed the possibility of hillbillies who eat each other living in the vicinity, the yelping got louder and the subject was changed. We also wondered if there were proper toilets or pits, like in the real wild. I suggested that we nominate toilet buddies, so as to protect each other while in our most vulnerable moments. This is still to be discussed.

Kerry, please remember to find out about the other guests expected at Houw Hoek that Saturday evening, ie age, marital status and shoe size! (Jokes hey, for the hubbies possibly reading this.)

Ladies Bite at Col Cacchio

September 28, 19h00, place, Col Cacchio Big Bay. Ladies Bite, little surprise parcels wrapped in gauze and tied with pink ribbon. Facials and manicures, cute waiters, Amarula and sparkling wine. These are some of the items making up our ladies night out on a balmy Monday evening.

Big on the agenda now is our pending trip to ..., well who knows, all I know is we get there via quad bike. Are there showers? Who is going to carry our luggage? Snakes...??? I have prepped my camera in anticipation of some wonderful photo ops that are sure to present themselves.

A night to remember

A while ago I mentioned that my 40th birthday was looming and I had planned a birthday bash worthy of a 40th. It was my intention to make it a night to remember, as there is little chance of my having another party like that. Well, it appears that hubby and the other 8 princesses had something similar in mind.
The venue looked lovely. Fairy lights were dotted around the inside of what were once stables housing horses,turning the lovely rustic area into a fairy tale wonderland. The tables looked beautiful and the sherry fountain made a welcoming entry aperatif.

Imagine my surprise when the projector came out and photographs of my life over the past years were splashed larger than life onto a wall for all to see. Apparently this afforded much amusement, from the giggles and laughter coming forth from my friends. Then there was a presentation, during which hubby decided to enlighten these people as to what I got up to in my youth, including a highly embaressing modelling career. Suffice it to say that I am now known as Miss PE.

I had been placed on a chair in the middle of the room right at the front to watch the presentation. I was then told that the princesses had something to say.

Funny enough I had wondered momentarily right at the start of the evening how it was that they all dressed so similarily, but I was easily distracted, understandably, and did not give it much thought.

Then I heard it, the music that sounded so familiar. Imagine my surprise and amazement as my 8 friends danced onto centre stage (OK, floor) and began performing an entire sonnet written by the princesses themselves, and performed to Abba's Mama Mia. They had all draped themselves in white feather boas, and were the ultimate professionals. Apparently they had been practising for 6 weeks already prior to the party, and had managed to keep it a secret all that time.

It is not often that I am speechless, but this was one occasion where words are not enough. How incredibly blessed am I to have friends like these. They were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, and guess what, my 40th birthday party was a night I will never forget.

To all of you, and my dear hubby, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you. xxx

Bookies in their 40s

It was with trepidation that I approached book club this week. But before I go there I must mention that I am reaching my 40th birthday milestone this weekend. Much preparation has gone into organising a bash to be held at a lovely venue called Mountain View Farm. The venue was originally used as stables and these have been converted into a lovely bar and dance area.

I have mixed feelings about turning 40. On one side I know that I have acquired a confidence and "don't care much what you think of me" attitude that is scarce in younger people. I am reasonably financially stable and have achieved most of what I wanted to by this stage of my life. On the other hand this is pretty much half way, is it all downhill from here?

Somehow I don't think so. I sat observing my beautiful friends at book club, a number of whom have already passed this esteemed landmark, and I see a group of women who know who they are, what they want and how to get it. I think it is a good place to be.

But I digress, we had an agenda last night. One of our close male friends has a girlfriend, Arlene. They have been seeing each other for some time now and it is becoming awkward that she is not in our little book club.

I need to explain at this point, for those who have not already picked it up, we are not really a book club. No, really, you can stop laughing now. I mean, some of us read for sure, (no, really, stop laughing!!) but what we are is more of a "support from your friends and having a good time while doing it" club. We have known each other for a long time. We confide in each other, we lean on each other and we know that we can trust each other.

We all like what we know of Arlene, but nobody has really gotten to know her very well, so what will a new addition to the club do to the dynamics of what is a very special and rare friendship among 9 women? Sure, we would have an even number. Also we would not have to feel awkward at braais when we want to talk about book club.

It was suggested that we initiate her by stringing her up by her ankles and then each take a turn to slap her on the backside as we walk past her in turn. But we soon realized that a case of abuse lodged against the book club may not do much for our image, so we decide against that.

We agreed that Arlene should join us on our November quad bike trip, and take it from there. Unusually for us we were unable to come to agreement about pretty much anything, however for once the bill worked out perfectly. Go figure!

We ate at Primi Wharf at the V&A Waterfront, a popular and trendy spot it seems, albeit a little noisy for a discussion as delicate as the one on our agenda. Once again we tried to formulate a few rules to guide us in situations that require serious debate, and came up with the following:

1. What happens at book club stays at book club (excludes Blog of course)
2. We watch each others backs ie, we can rag each other but we must pound anyone saying anything negative about any one of us.
3. Be honest, even if it is difficult
4. Be free to discuss anything within the group, safe in the knowledge that it will never get out

Not too bad for starters. We are all very protective and possessive over what we have, and I think knowing I have this support I can face my 40th birthday with absolute calm and even excitement.

Thank you ladies - can't wait for Saturday.

Tong Lok, Parklands

Bookclub ran late for the month of June, and we only got together on 1 July. We met up at Tong Lok in Parklands, our second venture there for some of us, to make the most of their Sushi half price Wednesday special.

To be honest I went there feeling quite miserable and convinced that the whole world is out to get me. On arrival I was asked if I was joining “Kelly table” – I must have looked confused until somebody else clarified, er, Kerry. Ah, Inge aka Pam, yes, that was the one.

I thought that our reputation had preceded us, as I was led to the back of the restaurant away from the other diners into a private room. How exciting, we had a whole room filled with Chinese porcelain treasures all to ourselves. We could do whatever we liked without the customary dirty looks to which we have become accustomed. Turns out our esteemed chair lady organised the room for us on arrival when she realized where we were sitting. Well done Mel!

Our poor waiter spent the next hour trying to urge us to order something to eat other than our liquid refreshments. How are 9 women supposed to make decisions under circumstances like this? As it is Sandy and Jax did not arrive, causing much consternation as we had all arrived with birthday gifts and clothes to donate to the needy. We must have all looked like we were all leaving home.
Eventually we ordered and received our Sushi starters, a new experience for some. At one stage Jo became so excited her nose started running, she was so embarrassed to be trying to blow her nose in front of everyone, and got up to do so quietly in the corner, as you will see by the relating pic of her leaning over the very expensive Ming vase. Hope she enjoyed her Nigiri snot ball!


As so very often happens the conversation steered all over the place, including our loving children and their very honest observations of our ageing process. (I have been seriously contemplating banning all mirrors in our household for some time now, the only deterrent being how to apply mascara without stabbing yourself in the eye.)

Jayni’s son very kindly pointed out that she is beginning to cultivate something resembling a moustache. As it turns out most of us have secretly been waxing for some time now. This of course led to a debate of whether to wax or shave. I won’t go any further because this could become graphic. I will just say that Jo needs to report back on how it works out with the cookie cutter. Charms, how is it going with Fagena?

We discussed Michael Jackson, Joost and Hansie – pretty much coming to the conclusion that where there is smoke, there’s fire.

My foul mood dissipated fast. What with Ke confusing the fish tank with a karaoke machine (no, I have still not figured that one out), Tashie helping me out with the strange looking food on the menu, Jayni’s special beef with lettuce leaf we laughed and laughed, again. I think a book or two were actually mentioned this time too, I’m proud of you girls.

Lastly, the good news is that we have finally planned our weekend away for this year. We are going for an overnight quad biking trip in Grabouw, followed by dinner and some relaxation at the Houw Hoek Inn. I believe that some of the more disgruntled hubbies are worried about our being led astray by errant, muscle-bound tour guides - (we should be so lucky?).

Till next time – love you lots.

BOOK CLUB ON BICYCLES – a Mexican evening

It was a particularly cold and rainy Thursday evening as we all gathered around the fire at Casa Santos. Yes, it was our monthly book club meeting hosted this time by Princess Jo. The theme was Mexican and we sat cross-legged on pillows on the floor at a beautifully decked table groaning under the weight of plates of nachos, burritos, fried chicken and beef strips and all the other goodies that go with a Mexican menu.

We were greeted with Marguerites on arrival and did I mention the warm fire? Sandy had already taken over Jo’s panda bear socks and those slippers, well I don’t think words are adequate – please view photo.

Of course the hot topic was where are we going this year for our end of year trip? Our esteemed chairperson, Mel, is becoming understandably irked by the lack of decision so far. 9 women trying to agree on something? I don’t think so!

There are so many options but it seems none of them have grabbed us. Of course there are also the ever unwilling-to-let-go husbands also putting a spanner in the works. Some of the options were:

Cycling through a wine route. Of course this poses a number of problems, primarily how dangerous can driving a bicycle be while under the influence of the various wine farm treasures we are bound to unearth?

A cruise on a ship larger than the Rhapsody to the Islands. I am not sure where these Islands are, however they apparently require 5 days away, something that we are sure won’t go down well with previously mentioned unwilling husbands. I did suggest cutting the cruise short and Charmaine was happy to jump ship mid-way and row home. Hmmm, I think this one needs further thought.

Kerry aka Pam aka Inge’s suggestion of a 5 day hike was greeted with hoots of laughter, say no more.

A trip to Durban was put aside due to the havoc sure to be caused to Jayni and Tash’s hair by the humidity. Jax suggested stocking caps as these apparently help straighten hair, very sexy.
House-boat in Langebaan – 9 inebriated women in charge of a boat for a weekend. I don’t think so. Just getting certain people’s coffin, I mean suitcase, on board is a whole day’s worth of planning.

Camping – this idea met with Silence, followed by hysterical laughter.
Shopping in Singapore and/or Thailand – wonderful idea. Now if we can only persuade the husbands to go overseas first, they will not have a leg to stand on.

And so it went on. We are still no closer to making any decisions, but that’s OK, when it comes it will be fantastic, I am sure.

Thanks for the love and laughter girlfriends, we are amazing!

Back to Pronkies

I don't know what it is about that place! It's dusty, very rustic, there is not enough hot water or space, but we love it.

We headed out again on Thursday 9 April and by the time the sun went down 17 adults were seated around a roaring fire, surveying the most beautiful sunset and listening to twenty odd kids run riot around Tony and Sula's farm.

Drommie outdid himself this time with his ghost stories about Patricia from Piketberg, with Darren and Gavin scaring the living daylights out of the kids by appearing as Darth Vader at various stages over a couple of nights. Even Darren was scared hiding out in the bushes in the pitch dark waiting to scare the kids, all the time hoping that Patricia was indeed just a story, and not about to tap him on his shoulder.

Thomas and Jason prepared wonderful pooitjies again, food that was woolfed down by the hungry packs.

The girls spent lazy afternoons at the pool drinking Vodka and Cranberry Juice, eating mussels and crackers, we read our books and magazines and laughed like mad.

The little girls got to bake bread, the young boys fished and rode their bikes and the big boys made fire.

Suikerkaskenades had us all in stitches. We had sack races, egg and spoon races and egg throwing competitions.

The Easter egg hunt became a bit stressful at one stage, but things were sorted out and of course the kids were on a sugar high for most of Easter Sunday.

It was a very special, fun and relaxing weekend, and I can't wait to do it again.

Claire

It's a very sad day today. At two 'o clock we are burying Claire, beloved sister of Jayni, Tash and Adie. She died on Sunday morning, the 1st of March in a terrible car accident.

Needless to say all of her friends and family are devastated and trying to make some sense of this tragedy. Claire was going to be 30 in a couple of weeks time, and she leaves behind her beautiful three year old daughter Cammie.

We all remember Claire for her incredibly infectuous laugh, her love for a good party and especially her love for her family. We had some really good times and these are memories that will stay with us forever.

I am so glad that I got to see her one last time on Saturday evening before she went out. It was just the girls and as usual we had a laugh and a really good time.

Rest in peace Claire. xxx

Cows, quad bikes and bunnies

Each year our families get together some time over the Christmas holiday and we go away somewhere. This year we went to Pronkies holiday farm, just past Piketberg up the West Coast.

Needless to say the kids had a ball. The farm is built on wasteland in the middle of nowhere and it suited us down to the ground. We booked out all 7 chalets, ending up with about 20 over-excited, hyperactive kids, not to mention the over-excited, hyperactive parents to go with them.

We were there for 4 very hot days, and were extremely grateful for the little shaded oasis and swimming pool overlooking the beautiful wide open plains and mountain space. The kids got to ride horses, bottle feed a lamb, milk cows, target shoot, ride bikes, fish in the dam (poor fish, they get tossed back each time. I just can't imagine why they are stupid enough to get caught time and again. I assume they are used to it now. I imagine it has become something of a game to them now..hey guys, let's see who can catch this sucker's bait..) anyway, I am getting ahead of myself.

All of these activities meant the adults got lots of time off while the sprogs did their own thing.

The Drummonds arrived in their little red fire engine, with not even enough space to pack one more pair of jeans for Drom, but they did manage to bring Flopsy the Bunny, who had recently been liberated of his home due to a penchant for garden flora. He was placed in a cage with a very aggressive new mommy bunny who chased poor Flopsy until he was utterly terrified. Charmaine decided to try and save him by climbing into the cage (no, not a large cage, a rather small one) and proceeded to chase the already traumatised bunny around while falling flat on her face on a couple of occasions. This of course provided much entertainment for the on-lookers. (See pic.)

We had our usual wonderful all night braais where the wise-chirps flourished amid much laughter. The food was great, especially the potjies prepared by Thomas and Jason on Saturday night. The Suikerkaskenades held on Saturday afternoon were a special treat, especially when Charmaine challenged Darren, who dressed for the occasion. (see pic). BTW, I still don't sleep well since seeing that particular outfit Darren!

What stunning memories guys, they will be cherished always. It looks like we will be returning for the Easter weekend. Somebody should warn the animals!

Old Year's eve 2008

For the first time in a couple of years we all spent old year's eve together. In the past we have had differences of opinion as to where this occasion should be celebrated. This year a buddy of ours invited everyone to his smallholding in Morningside. It was great!

There was a crowd of 80 - 100 people, and we had about 6 fires going. We had a live band (very good), lots of bubbly and we had a jol. We are giving the hubbies and other friends the honorary status of appearing in pics on our blogsite, just this once ... (OK, maybe there will be more). Pics to follow!