JUNE 2010
ALLY IS CHOSEN FOR THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS EP HOCKEY TEAM TO PLAY IN OUDSTHOORN IN AUGUST
ALLY IS CHOSEN AS THE CLARENDON PARK HOCKEY TEAM CAPTAIN
NICCI, STEFAN AND FAMILY HOLIDAY IN NAMIBIA
START OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP SOCCER TOURNAMENT
BAFANA BAFANA DRAW THE FIRST MATCH AGAINST MEXICO. THEY LOSE TO URUGUAY AND WIN 2;1 AGAINST FRANCE AND ARE ELIMINATED AFTER ROUND ONE.
PATRICK AND MARIANNE GO TO VENICE AND BULGARIA
CHARLES & INGRID PURCHASE A HOLIDAY HOME IN BUSHMANS
WE DRIVE THE KAREL LANDMAN, AMAKHALA AND ADDO ROUTE
BARBARA AND I WATCH THE GERMANY VS SERBIA GAME IN STYLE
BARBARA LEAVES FOR CALGARY, CANADA WITH GAIL
ALLY AND I WALK THE OTTER TRAIL
JULIA AND LAURA ARRIVE FROM NY
I was in East London this week for work. Travel means that I miss out on the run training which I enjoy so much. I returned home on Wednesday evening. Thursday evening Barbara and I had a meeting at the Gelvandale Astro for the EP Hockey sides to travel to Oudtshoorn in August. We first thought the meeting was at Westering School but later found out it was at Gelvandale so arrived a little late.
Michael moved to a new house in 7th Avenue Walmer. Lene's Mother will also stay here in the Granny Flat.
Wednesday 2nd June is Rachel's Birthday.
Friday 4th June is Isabella's Birthday.
Saturday 5th June.
Ran to the Pier and back with Gerald and Alf Zemkhe. There was a reasonably big group but they are just too fast for myself and Gerald. This afternoon I had my second DBA group meeting in the Hospital at Kirkwood where Nelis works. Barbara came for the drive. I thought that she might want to walk around the Festival that they have here but she chose to stay in the car and read. It is a mental hospital and some of the patients disturbed her.
Friday and Saturday: as part of the build up to the World Cup, Clarendon Park had a soccer derby weekend. Ally and Jessica played in the various teams and made it to the finals before they were finally beaten. They both had a lot of fun. Ally stayed with Michael who later dropped her off at WMC where David Glover was getting married. Ally went to the reception with the Mitchleys who dropped her off close to midnight.
Tis week Ally was chosen to be the captain of Clarendon Park First Team hockey. It is the players who chose their own captain.
Barbara and I visited Michael in the new house in 7th Avenue. We played a bit of bridge and had supper with them.
Sunday 6.06.2010: Only five days to the Fifa World Cup Soccer kick off. During the past week I had been told that we had won a pair of tickets to a game in PE. So Barbara and I will go to the match between Germany and Serbia. In PE the vibe for the soccer had heated up. All over the city people are displaying flags on car windows and rear view mirrors. Shops have flags as to the street lamp posts.
Hockey at Clarendon this afternoon. A good turnout and some good hockey being played.
Monday 7th June: I left for Mthatha early this morning. Then on Tuesday morning left for Mount Frere and Bizana (now called Mbizana). After work I (and work colleague, Julia) drove to Port Edward rather than stay in Bizana. This is a Terrible road at night and I will not do this again. It adds around 60kays to the day's driving. From Mthatha it is about 250kays to Bizana. Wednesday morning was Flagstaff and Lusikisiki and then back to Mthatha. Thursday morning I drove through to Idutywa (Now Dutywa) and then back home for an Otter trail meeting with Hannes, Maryna and Fred. Maryna looks like she will not be able to hike as she has a foot injury and came to the meeting on crutches.
Friday morning: All abuz with the prospect of the Kick Off of the FIFA world cup this afternoon. I left work early and Barbara, Ally and I spent the afternoon at Charles' where we had a Braai and watched the first of 64 games of soccer that would be played in RSA. At the Braai: Barbara & I (& Ally), Charles & Ingrid (& Jamie), Ant & Lana (Plus two children and boy friend), Gordon & Megan (Plus two boys), Brenda, Jaco Viljoen, Sean & Diane, The opening game was between Bafana Bafana and Mexico. We scored the first goal and then Mexico returned with an equaliser. The game ended as a draw. Later that evening we heard that Cathy was in the Fan Park in CT and she went to the France vs Uraguay game. She seemed to really enjoy her evening.
Saturday morning: I was up early for a run and then off to work. We heard from Nicci who is in Namibia on a holiday with Stefan's sister Lynette and a friend (three cars). They seem to be having an adventure of a lifetime. Lots of struggles and car problems etc. But still seeing the real wilderness. This afternoon there is a Soccer match in PE: Greece play North Korea at the NMM stadium (NK2, Greece 0). And then later this afternoon Argentina play Nigeria. Also Rugby today as France Play Springboks at Newlands. Sprinboks played a strong game and beat the French 42 - 20.
This evening we drove out to Draaifontein road where we loaned the old Mercedes to Debbie Gordon (mother of Shimone). They are having car problems. And as we arrived at their nieghbours it seems that the Merc developed a petrol leak. We drove back to the petrol station where we bought a can of petrol but the car again gave trouble.
Sunday morning we went to church where Ally played on the drums in the music group. Barbara and I went to Builders Warehouse where we purchased the Curtain Rails for the Main Lounge. Lene had some spare curtains that she gave us to use. We spent the afternoon mounting the racks after taking down the old holders. Then it was time for hockey at Clarendon. The afternoon was cold and windy with some drizzle so only three girls turned up. We had a good work out.
Then it was time to drop Mark off at the Greyhound Bus where he would leave for Pretoria for a three week break to stay with Crystal and Samantha.
NEWS FROM PATRICK AND MARIANNE FROM VENICE AND BULGARIA
This makes very interesting reading but you will need a map of Europe to understand where they are traveling.
Well here we are ensconced at the embassador's residence, Embassy of the Republic of South Africa, Sofia, Bulgaria, which comes along with a driver for Sheila who resembles a weight lifter (very nice guy), chef Ivo, and KGB look-alike Vinnie who is the housekeeper.
Drove the long route from north Italy through Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, the road getting increasingly bumpy and narrow as one went further east, dilapidated houses alongside, to arrive here in a city which is pretty poor but they are trying - one can see the money has gone into nuclear plants or the pockets of ministers, but the history is really interesting and the people, although never smiling, rather pleasant.
Met a Cape Townian last night who met and then married a Bulgarian at the conference on racism at Durban, and who edits the english weekly here. The function was a South Africa day at the library and our flown in rep a certain Mr Tsebe gave the most depressing address on the role of the national library in South Africa! His own original contribution was his prediction of the final score of the World Cup final. Which was his kind of joke. He accompanied us today to Rila Monastery, and I found out we knew people in common, university people.
Sheila of course is perfect for the job, i'm sure Pretoria has no idea of what she's achieving in a difficult country.
Venice was fantastic, such a pity St John wasn't with us. And the conference a lot of fun too. They had given me a room to share with a black cassocked Russian orthodox prienst Dmitri with a long black beard, so I quickly took the decision to join Marianne at her flat, rather.
Spoke to St John this evening on skype phone and he's excited about getting to the US, the first weekend they're taking the train to NY, I suppose to stay with Rachel, for four days, he says. It appears increasingly likely he'll be a day scholar from next year in Durban, quite a change for us all, I'm very much looking forward to it, although he had a romance about Michaelhouse - it's just too difficult to get into it, perhaps if his marks had been a lot higher. So there it is.
We're skipping the function at the Italian embassy tonight, tomorrow night it's a dinner party here, I'm glad the C.T./bulgarian couple are coming, she's very interesting. And we're off to the Black Sea some time and then also visiting Thessalonika next week, so we're busy enough.
Bulgaria on the Black Sea is very different to Sofia, much more like tourist cities, smart, lots of restaurants, masses of beach umbrellas already pitched on the beaches, with cafes on boardwalks; hotels for families; and of course all the ancient orthodox churches ready for tourists, some of them built sunken because of the law during the 500 years of Turkish (Ottoman) moslem rule which stipulated no churches could be seen above root-tops.
We stayed in a holiday hotel in Sozopol the first night (near the city of Burgos), swam in the sea early morning (Sozopol used to be Polis Appolonia when it was a Greek city, the ancient Greek philosopher Anaximander came from there; renamed the "polis of the saved" around 800 when Bulgaria became Christian). (Sozopol was sacked by the Romans when they took over from the Greeks, but Nesobar nearby where we had lunch) capitulated first. Of course no real waves.
Then we drove up the coast to Varna, the other very big city on the coast, biggest harbour of the country, nothing like Durban of course, but a history of trading by ship since ancient times. There we stayed at Eukixonagrad - which means (grad = city) nice sea city/town which is a most peculiar institution, the hotel next to the president's palace, in the same grounds, but restricted to diplomats and their families now; used to be the king's palace and then was for the communist bosses, and since the fall of communism has been in limbo, really, now it's falling apart! terrible beds, flaky paint, no one staying there, about 70 tables laid on the beautiful terrace and we were the only ones eating!
For each item (blob of butter, slice of bread) there is a price, and you have to order each separately, very much communist accounting I think; and for the privilege of being allowed to stay there you get shouted at by various officials at the pool telling you to shower before coming in, stuff like that; large private beach but I was the only one who swam in the sea (it's a bit colder than further south at Sozopol), no waves, it is a bit black looking.
These coastal towns are the holiday destinations for Russians and for Romanians and others.
On the way there we stopped off at Kazalak for the annual rose festival ceremony, quite amazing, I really enjoyed it, the president was there getting garlands of roses thrown around him (around us too), then the girls in traditional dresses served us rose brandy, and everyone danced on large circles while hundreds of people in the rose fields plucked the petals and collected them.
Big parade through the town after that, with children and grandparents and sports people parading their trophies.
Nice drive back through the mountains, the road a bit better than the one we took to get to the coast, more like we're used to, although as soon as you leave the main road you'll find dirt tracks, so development has a long way to go; the villages are cute but the roofs caving in of the houses and the population growth rate is negative so lots of old people in the villages doing nothing.
Keep you up to date later, got to do marking, Marianne has a meeting in town so a driver is coming out here to pick her up for lunch.
Wednesday 16 June 2010
Today is a public holiday in South Africa. We remember the day as Soweto Day or Youth Day. On 16 June 1976 the black pupils of South African Schools in Soweto protested for improved education. And they protested against the compulsory language requirement of being taught Afrikaans by teachers who themselves could not speak Afrikaans. The result of this protest is that SA police used teargas and live bullets to stop the protest.
This morning I started the day off with a run. It was a cold and windy morning. It had been raining the previous day when the NM stadium was host to the World Cup Soccer match between Portugal and --- which ended in a goaless draw. Then we collected Charles and Ingrid from their home and we drove through to Bushmans River where they met an Estate Agent to make an offer on a house that they had seen there. The Price that they offered was R770 000.
This is a five bedroom house with two kitchens and two bathrooms. There is a permanent tenant in the house at present. The house is not in wonderful condition but is certainly livable. We picked up a few problems such as the design of the bathrooms, the stoep, the middle kitchen, the septic tank, the unusual front door etc. But the house has a huge potential for making it into a comfortable home. The house stands on 800SqM and is located at the entrance to Bushmans in a cul de sac.
From here we drove to a new coffee shop that has been established on the main road between Alexandria and Nanaga. We had a coffee and pancake and chatted to the owner, Isabelle Mc Donald. She gave us a bit of the background of the shop and their life on the farm. Her husband makes furniture and farms (Cattle I think).
Isabelle told us of her project to plant 1000 indigenous trees. This has been thwarted to some extent by vandals and nasty neighbours but she now plans to continue the project at the stall. Isabelle gave us some Tree Seeds which Charles & I will try to plant.
Isabelle then told us of an interesting monument nearby. We had the day to spare and so decided to take the detour to the monument. Probably about 9kays (West) of their stall or about 20kays East of Nanaga is a turn off the the Karel Landman monument. We have driven past this many times. But today we turned up the, reasonable quality, dirt road. As we reached the top of the hill and a sort of T junction, Barbara spotted the monument. It is a Globe or World about 3meters diameter and is a tribute to Karel Landman who was a local farmer and headed up a Trek of local farmers to Natal.
"In 1837/8, people of Dutch decent, referred to as the Boers, decided to move away from British rule and trek northwards. In doing this they founded the old Transvaal and the Free State as part of the Great Trek. This monument was erected in 1938 (during the centenary celebrations of the Great Trek) honouring Karel Landman who farmed in this area until 1837. He became a leader in the Great Trek and took a party of about 180 trekkers and their servants on a trek of 885 kilometres into Natal. Landman became prominent in several battles with the Zulus and was the second in command of the Boer forces at the pivotal battle of Blood River."
The following placques are on all four sides of the Globe or Monument.
Monument onthul deur Ds. W.A.Landman. 16 December 1939
Feesterrein Geskenk deur Mnr J. A. Scheepers, J. C. Seun.
Opgerig deur inwooners van Olifansthoek (Alexandria Distrik) met Dankbaarheid Teenoor sy stoere Voortrekkers
Argitek G. Moerdyk. Boumeeters Lupini Broers
ENGLISH TRANSLATION:
Monument unveiled by Dominee (Pastor) W.A. Landman. 16 December 1939
Showgrounds or arena donated by Mr. J.A. Scheepers, J.C Seun.
Erected by the inhabitants of Olifansthoek out of gratitude to the staunch Voortrekkers , or committed forefathers.
Architect: G Moerdyk. Materbuilder Lupini Brothers.
Charles pointed out that this was the time when the nationalist party was trying to establish itself. Hendrik Verwoed erected a series of monuments to the Voortrekkers to establish an Afrikaaner Nationalism while the English were in Europe fighting the war. The Nationalist Party wanted to overthrow the United Party that was predominanty English speaking with an Afrikaaner political party.
This road continues into the Amakhala Game Reserve. (Amakhala is named after the Xhosa word meaning Aloes) (7500ha reserve)(Resident African wildlife includes the Big Five animals, Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo). However as it is part of a throughway there is no entry fee. As we drove through the road we came across large herds of Red Hartebees and a large group of Wildebees; and Charles spotted a group of Four Rhinoserous. We had an interesting time as we drove slowly through the reserve enjoying the game spotting but feeling a little guilty for taking advantage of this freebee. Amakhala Game Reserve visitors can explore the many wonders of the bush on Big Five safaris, river cruises. We had experienced the River Cruise from the small river boat that Charles has at Bushmans river mouth. We has seen both Rhino and Cheetah at close range on that occasion.
The Red Hartebeest is a large, reddish-fawn antelope with sloping back and long narrow face. Both sexes have heavily ringed horns. Of the 12 subspecies described in Africa, the Red Hartebeest is the only one which occurs in South Africa. Due to its re-introduction onto game farms and nature reserves, it has a wider distribution today. Adult bulls weigh 150 kg and measure 1.3 m at the shoulders, while cows only weigh 120 kg.
Territorial bulls often present themselves on prominent mounds and mark their territories with dung piles. The Red Hartebeest is swift on foot and gregarious, occurring in herds of up to 30.
The Amakhala Game Reserve began in 1999 as a joint conservation venture. Today, six independently owned lodges of The Heritage Collection, are all TGCSA Star Lodge accredited. The lodges are owner managed by the descendants of the original families who arrived here with the British settlers of 1820. The lodges offer various styles of accommodation, which include two gracious colonial homesteads, two classic bush lodges, an historic inn and a Settler farmhouse.
Amakhala Game Reserve is a unique conservation initiative that allows animals to be re-introduced to the area where they once roamed freely and so making a contribution to the conservation of our natural heritage. The land was used to ranch sheep and cattle up to the turn of the century. The challenge has been to re-establish the original flora and fauna species to the area and to return the land to nature.
We exitted the reserve about 60kays from PE on the N2 and soon afterwards came to a turn off to the Shamwari Game reserve and Patterson. Normally we rush past this turn but as Isabelle had given us directions we turned right and drove past the very famous Shamwari. Here we did not see any game but soon arrived at Patterson from a completely different direction to that which we know.
We stopped at the crossing that would take us to the Olifants Pass if we turned right and PE if we turned left. Here we bought some organges before crossing and driving on to the Addo Park area. And to our delight we saw herd of Elephant and Zebra to our right. This had been a real treat and all thanks to a really friendly lady at the padstalletjie. This road leads to the Addo main entrance. By now my passengers (Charles and Ingrid) had become quite sleepy and we soon heard the low breathing of sleeping beauties.
Back home that afternoon we dropped Charles and Ingrid off. Ally had spent the day with Michael and then Lara O. The temperature remained low and we fired up the gas heater. I paid a short visit to Adrienne Wilson to meet Gavin Cameron who is Adrienne's brother visiting from West Canada (Vancouver). This evening, Bafana soccer team virtually put paid to their World Cup round two aspirations as they lost dismally to Uruguay 3-0. The Soccer tournament enters it's second week as the last of the first round games were played today and the first of the second sessions begin.
Friday 18th June:
I had won an inter-company competition and the prize was two tickets to the World Cup Soccer Match. I won two tickets to the Germany vs Serbia match. I took the day off today and while Barbara was running her Holiday School I lit a braai and grilled sausages on the braai for the little children. This was a huge hit with them as they loved the Wors Rolls and kept coming back for more.
Then I dropped Ally off at Hockey Practice with Dean Gower at Clarendon and Michael took Barbara and I to a point close to the stadium. We were given special "Hospitality Suite" tickets. It was awesome. We walked to the stadium and soon found our way to the Suite. We were ushered around the suites area like royalty and each of us had a pre-numbered chair that resembled an airplane seat. Ours was in the back row of the suite area which allowed us to move around as we wished. Here we found that each patron was given a packet which contained a free blanket and a souvenier booklet.
Drinks were free. Barbara and I had a Budwieser. There was more than enough to eat with a full meal on offer as well as abundant snacks. Security was excellent as was the service in this area. I was surprised to find Jaco and Abe were in the same suite area. I had thought that they were going to be in the "cheap seats".
The game itself was a lot of fun. Unfortunately a lot of yellow cards and one red card issued. The Serbs won the game 1;0 much to the dissapointment of the many Germans in the stadium. 48 000 people watched the game. Barbara and I were really impressed with the organisation. Security and service was world class.
After the game Michael collected us in Mount Road. I then had to collect my car from service at Maritime. I also had to go to the office briefly and on the way up Russell Road we gave a lift to 5 German Students who had been at the game and were on their way to the Fan Park at St Georges Park.
We collected Ally after a really worthwhile day. On our way home Charles phoned to say that their offer for the Bushmans House had been accepted. This is a very exciting time for them.
Now it was time for us to prepare for our Otter Trail and for Barbara to pack up for her Canada Trip.
Monday morning 21.06.2010
I dropped Barbara off at the airport. I collected Geralds Trailer that we would take with us on the trip. Ally and I did our last bit of shopping for the trail. We were in bed early and the next morning I was up and packing by about 5.00am.
OTTER TRAIL STORY
See separate post for the Otter Trail story.
After we returned from the Otter Trail Ally and I had a late sleep in on the Sunday morning. I think that it was partly the influence of the American Cousins as well as the fact that I was now finally able to finish my book.
This afternoon Ally's Sunday Hockey attracts only a few takers. It is a bit cool and windy.
Monday morning it is back to work for me. Ally visits a friend to work on their Entrepreneurs Day at school next term. Barbara phones from Canada. All seems to be well and they appear to be having a good and busy time. They saw a couple of bears; Black Bear, Silver Bear and a Grisly Bear.
Ally goes to the Fan Fest with the Zeelies. Julia and Laura are having a blast, Debby Dean is showing them around including a trip to the Lion Park where they are able to pick up cubs. They go to the Fan Fest a couple of times. And they meet up with their friend Betina who takes them out. The Manager of the Costa Rica reserve is in PE for the Soccer. he no longer works on the Reserve. They all plan to be in Wildcliff sometime early in July. Then off to CT where they hope to stay with Nicci before Laura flies back to NY.
29th June 2010
It is Ena's Birthday today. 94. She has 16 people for lunch and bridge but cannot play herself as she simply cannot see the cards. It is also Marianne's Birthday (Plus twin sister).
30TH June
The weather is cooler than it has been recently. I run in the morning. Not far and not fast but at least I am out there. Adrienne Wilson has a Drinks evening for Gavin. Julia and Laura are also invited. As is Ally. At this little get together are Gavin, Peter & Adrienne, Jean is a work friend of Adrienne, Val is an old friend from Diving I think, Wayne is Adrienne's god child who is now living in West Canada, they knew him from Zim Days, Suzanne Gendall, Paula and boyfriend, Sean, Danielle, Matthew, Dee and Ray Kemp who run the B & B the Lemon Tree Lane opposite us. They make really delicious eats and snacks. L & J love the evening. Peter W makes a fuss of them. An enjoyable evening all round.
Showing posts with label patrick giddy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label patrick giddy. Show all posts
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
PATRICK & MARIANNE WEDDING PARTY DECEMBER 2008.
PATRICK & MARIANNE’S WEDDING PARTY
WELLINGTON
SATURDAY 27 DECEMBER 2008.
Early in 2008, Patrick Giddy & Marianne Camerer decided to become a married couple. The wedding ceremony took place in February 2008. Marianne asked her parents for a wedding party to take place at a time when more of her family and friends could celebrate the occasion with her.
Barbara could not go to the wedding party as Cathy & Saul were at our home as well as Nicci and her whole family. So when Patrick asked me to go to the party in Cape Town I asked Richard Kumm (Dawn is Barbara’s sister and Richard is Dawn’s husband) if he would be prepared to drive down with me. Once he had accepted and I had approval from Marianne we made plans to drive down to Cape Town on Boxing Day 26.12.2008.
Richard and Dawn had recently acquired their Canadian Permanent Visa and Dawn asked if she could use the opportunity to drive to CT with us as she would go to say good bye to her family and friends in CT at the same time. Richard and Dawn have two daughters who both live in Calgary. Calgary has oil and for this and other reasons, has been a growth economy for a number of years.
Raylene has been in Calgary for something like 15 years with her husband Steve. Tracey and Mark plus two children; Asher & Kayle moved to Calgary from East London three or four years ago. They have a country home where Dawn and Richard share a basement flat that has its own entrance and view across the valley. Dawn tells me that she has plans to become involved in community activities now that she has residence. There is a tiny village near to their home called Priddis. Richard has become part of a Ham Radio group.
Ian’s two daughters; Julia and Laura arrived in SA on Friday 19th and I collected them from the airport that evening. Julia is in the final stages of her Geology studies at Michigan University while Laura completed high school this year with excellent academic records and is now in her first year at Michigan. Please note that Michigan is not pronounced with a T as Mitchigan. It is pronounced as Mishigan. They stayed for a few days with our son Michael who lives in Target Kloof (River Road).
Sunday evening we attended a carols by candlelight service at Clarendon Park School. This was the second year that our church has arranged this evening and it was a huge success. There was a great vibe on the field before the service with Mike Perks providing games. Most of us had a small picnic or bought some boerewors rolls. Both children and adults did quite a bit of socializing. There were 19 in our group: Barbara, Peter, Dawn, Cathy and Saul, Nicci, Stefan, Christian, Aaron & Zara, Ally and friend Ali, and Julia and Laura; Michael, Lene, Jessica, Joshua and Daniel. Our only missing family is Jacqui’s. Jacqui, Michael, Emily and Anabelle are still in London. Jacqui arrives in PE on 1st January 2009.
Then on Monday 22nd I drove J & L to Plett where Patrick and Marianne had been staying for a few days. Ian and Jenny met us there. Ian had stayed the previous night at their house in Springer Baai near to Mossel Baai. They had done some shopping for Wildcliff in George and we loaded J & L’s stuff in the back of the Toyota.
I had a quick lunch after saying my Hello’s to; Ena, Ian & Alice Spence and Alice’s brother Steeg and then headed back to PE. There was a strong tail wind and I flew home in quick time. The road works had been opened and suspended for the holiday period. Unfortunately the opposite applied to Ian and his family as they had to drive into the teeth of the West wind with a fully loaded bakkie. It was a bit of a nightmare of a drive for them.
That week seemed to fly as we were busy at home with family, busy at work and I tried to stay as fit as possible with jogging and swimming in the mornings at Hobie beach with Adrienne and Elmarie. Adrienne & I have been running partners for as many as 25 years. One of her daughters is Jenny Wilson who represents SA in Hockey at the Olympics. Adrienne herself is an international Dive judge and was in Bejing together with Jenny. Elmarie I have met more recently and she is the wife of Peter who is a good friend of Ron who has been a family friend of ours for over 25 years. Ron is currently visiting his son Craig in the UK. On the morning of 24th we did a short run through the Golf Course and ended up at the cars at Grey with a mug of Champagne that Adrienne supplied. One little sip at 06.00am and I felt the “warmth” in my tummy.
All this time Barbara had been trying to keep her family entertained and active while being busy with her traditional presents purchasing and wrapping. Barbara puts huge effort into this activity and at the end of it we had a Christmas tree with a mountain of presents under the tree. Our children’s family’s also placed their gifts under the tree and it was a wonderful time for the younger children to enjoy on Christmas day.
Christmas morning saw a beautiful sunrise and stockings being opened. I collected Sydney, the car guard, from Jerusalem Ministries to guard our house while we were in church. Unfortunately Michael was late for the service so we were not able to all sit together as a family.
The rest of Christmas day was spent in doing the present giving thing. There were piles of papers and boxes all over the place as wrapping was torn off the gifts and excited children examined their prize and then searched for the next one. Ally was quite conservative and took her time in opening the gifts. Each child had a huge red bag or stocking with the smaller gifts. I was given two shirts and a pair of shorts, a gift pack of toiletries, socks and a hanging sign for the front of the house. We had a good relaxed morning and afternoon which included a couple of naps on the couch. I washed and cleaned the car in preparation for the next day’s drive.
The following morning was Boxing Day and I collected Richard and Dawn at their home at about 05.00am. We had a reasonably easy drive to Wildcliff with a stop at Wilderness for a sandwich and then at Albertina where we stocked up at the Gekerfde Biltong shop and Richard bought Dawn a Magnetic Bracelet. This Biltong shop we discovered a few years ago and has become a compulsory stop each time we drive this road.
As we drive to WC I receive a phone call from Patrick asking me to “say a few words”. ‘About what?’ I ask. Patrick in his normal vague way tells me that I should talk about myself. While I know that I am an expert on this subject, I decide to talk about family instead.
We refueled in Heidleberg and stocked up on a few provisions at the Spar. As we arrived at Wildcliff we met up with Keith and his family. Keith has taken on the job of manager of WC for a year. He is ex US Air force and has traveled the world for his work. Now at the age of Mid Forties he has been able to take an early retirement and has committed to WC for a year. He has a wife Paula and two children; Abigail (10) and Bryce (6). They have been fixing up the White House and this is now a completely livable home. They are in the process of finishing off the fittings and providing some furnishings. They are presently staying in the Weaver’s Nest but should be able to move into the WH shortly.
Ian tells me that the Aloe that I planted on the Island of the Pond has survived. ‘Let me see’: thinks I. I take a swim in the pond. The top layer of water is warm like a bath but just below the surface the water is quite brisk. And yes, the Aloe is healthy and growing well. Jenny made up a good lunch of salads. Ian suggests that we take a walk up the Fynbos Road. I was stiff from the drive full from eating and happy for some exercise. As we were about to leave, Bryce calls me over to look at a Puff Adder that he had found on their front doorstep of the WH. It was a healthy looking animal and completely relaxed. Keith told us that he saw it move off later.
We hiked up the road for a bit before Paula caught us up with the Bushpig and we drove the rest of the way to the end of the old Wattle forest area. Where the Wattle has been felled, a forest of new saplings are emerging and will have to be sprayed soon. From here we walked up to Ena’s Falls. As we go up Fynbos Road we again see the impact that the clearing of both the pine and the wattle is already making to the reserve.
Laura had been up to Laura’s Peak before and was keen to show us the view from the top. The wind was quite chilly and this again reminded me of my own rule: never walk without a backpack and basics. Ian had some tape and we were able to mark a trail leading up to the Black Rhino Rock (or Dinosaur rock). And then up to Laura’s Peak. It is a short walk but worth the effort as from here you get a good view of the Hidden Valley and down to the Talari Valley.
Bryce is a bright youngster pointing out the Dassie Midden and the various types of Lichen. I have to ease my way down from rock to rock. Bryce simply jumps where my knees would not stand a chance. He feels the chill in the air so lies down on a warm rock out of the wind. On our way down, back to the bakkie, he tripped and fell. He cut his knee but this did not phase him as he was soon back on his feet sprinting downhill. The next time we saw him was at the driver’s seat of the Bushpig.
Jenny again made us a delicious meal of Turkey and salads. I was ambitious and tried to read in bed, but after five minutes my eyes were closed and the book was on my lap unread. The next time that I was conscious was at about 05.30am when I woke up to join Keith for a run. Keith and I jogged down to the stream and then walk/jogged up to the main gate. Here we turned left and jogged down to the quarry where there was a truck parked. Keith says that this truck has been here for months. I had a look and saw that the keys were still in the ignition. I am pretty sure that the truck is not in running order.
We saw two Heron on the field across from us and startled a buck in the bush near to the road. We turned and headed home and then just as we were approaching the WC gate at the weir, Keith pointed out two Reebuck in the road ahead. We also saw a good number of baboon in the oak tree meadow that morning.
After the run I had my shower and a bite to eat. Including this really great Smoothie that Jenny has made from Raspberry, Banana, Yogurt, ice cream and ice cubes. I check the TV for a cricket score and see that the Australians are in the process of giving us a hiding. They scored 394 in their first innings and, at the end of day two, we are at about 150 for 6. I turn off the TV in disgust. I see myself lazing the rest of the day away until we were to leave at about noon when Jill and family were due to arrive. Not so! Ian had other plans for me: Dig a hole for the Yellow Wood tree next to the pond.
I had made some pancakes and burnt a finger on the pan so was a little sensitive to wielding a pick. No Mercy: said Ian. Dig! So we dug a hole for this tree and finally with great difficulty had the tree secure in position. Off I go to wash and make a cup of tea which I intend to enjoy with Richard who is standing on the stoep watching and enjoying my labours.
Not so for the second time. There is a second hole to dig: this time for the creeper in front of the stoep. We hit rock. No trouble says Ian: move the hole to another place. Paula invites Ian to look at Baboon Poo under microscope. An excited Ian leaves me to dig the hole. So now we are on to the third hole of the day. I know that if I did this on a regular basis I could get fit for digging holes but, despite being in the shade, I am sweating and tired. Finally we have the creeper in place and I am able to pack the car and ready to leave. ‘But first my tea’; thinks I.
Not so for the third time! ‘Are you ready to leave?’ asks Ian. I look at him and with fear in my heart, admit that I am. Water the garden! he orders. So still no tea and no feet up on the bench. Eventually I hide myself in a corner, pour some tea and sit down to relax. Jill arrives and we drive off. We had decided to drive to CT via the Gysmans Hoek pass road but as the Bushpig had no petrol we had to turn around and go via Heidleberg. We stop off at the Wimpy for lunch. It was chock-a-block. We order take-away. They mess up the order but we have to leave and head off for CT.
Richard is not feeling that good. Julia is in the car with us. We drive on to Swellendam and phone Jenny to drive straight through where we plan to turn right to Ashton and Robertson. But somehow I mess up the instructions. After a bit of back and forth including chasing another Toyota which stops after we told Jenny to stop we finally drive off towards the N1 where we plan to off load Julia so that she can drive the last bit with Ian to Wellington. Really funny as we drive ahead then wait for Ian a few times. Each time he drives past us and we catch him up and hoot and wave as we pass him. I don’t think he saw us once! We manage to take time to stop off at the Spanspek Plek and buy a few Sweet Melons.
Finally Julia gets into the car with Ian and we drive through to drop Dawn off with her cousin Sue who lives near to Stefan & Nicci. Richard and I have a quick shower (cold for Richard) and put on our smart clothes. We follow Marianne’s (Lala) instructions & arrive at the wedding party which is being held at Marianne’s family home at Welgegund www.welgegund.co.za in Wellington at 18.30 exactly.
Lala’s Parents: Alex and Sheila Camerer live on a wine and olive farm near to Wellington. It is a wonderful home with a lawn where we are greeted with Champagne and snacks. Richard and I are introduced to family members. I almost make the mistake of calling Lala’s sister (Lissy) Marianne but realize just in time that this is a sister. A twin sister I am told later. I am able to sit down with an old friend of Patrick and of Mike Dean; (Margie) and her husband (Ian) plus two children Megan and Rosa. Megan & I find out that we share a birthday. Mine is just 38 years ahead of hers.
While sitting and chatting; a musical trio of a violinist, a flute player and a cello player serenade us with delightful music. Throughout the evening this trio plays in and around the guests. They accompany the background music when it is time to dance and they walk around tables making the evening even more romantic.
I see Shauna. She looks terrific. I am introduced to her husband Trevor and girls: Josie (10) and elder sister and younger brother (Names?). I am really sorry that I did not persuade Ally to come along as Ally loves to meet family. Shauna has a wonderful family and we are able to chat about Lloyd and Judy who I am delighted to hear still live at Little Falls Mooi River. I tell Barbara about this and we determine to try to visit them when we are in KZN for Nippers later in 2009.
Ena, Alice and Steeg arrive. They look good and dressed for the occasion. I am sorry to see that Ian Spence could not make it as he was not feeling his best. Ian, Jenny, Julia and Laura are there and look very smart. The two girls seem to be enjoying being in South Africa and being part of our activities. I love having them around as both of them are mature, intelligent and active young people. Add to that their good looks!
After a period of meeting people and chatting on the lawn we move to the dining area which is a covered stoep area. There is a very long table where Patrick and Marianne sit plus three smaller tables. I am fortunate enough to be on one of the small tables seated with some young people. On my left is Julia (a cousin to Lala) who is studying at Oxford University. I meet Shamus, Julia’s boyfriend. I like Julia: she tells me I look younger than my younger brother! She also tells me that she has rediscovered Christ and now attends the evening services at a vibrant Anglican church in Oxford.
I also sit next to Lissy. Lissy is married to an Ian. I meet him later that evening. And I see some children but lose track of who belongs to whom. The Minister says a short speech and then says the Grace. He does so in Latin, reminding me of my school days. The Grace ends something like Payasim Christim Dominum Nostrum: Amen. We learn that this invites us to the Heavenly Banquet. Later that evening I meet his wife Cecelia. We are served a delicious pastry with tomato mush and then there is a buffet of salmon plus a variety of salad. This is a real treat. I have heard that there is pudding so I avoid seconds.
Meanwhile Sheila makes a speech and tells us a bit about her experience of the couple. I think that the family has reservations about Patrick marrying their lovely daughter. But ultimately have no choice despite the fact that he does funny things like keeping his cap on his head during breakfast. As long as Lala sees the humourous side of Patrick they will be fine. Sheila loves Thomas and that cannot be put aside. Alex seems to be easy going. I have not met the Grandmother but I hear that she is still questioning this strange relationship. Lissy appears happy that Lala is happy. Everyone does a great deal of hugging.
Lala takes us through a very interesting chronological history of her coupling up with Patrick. (I have asked her for her notes). Sarah, a family friend makes an impromptu speech. And I am asked to say my bit as well. I have two points that I have decided to make: firstly it is really good to see Patrick so happy. And Secondly I try to introduce the people who originate in some way from ‘Patrick’s side’. Our Mother: Ena, her sister in Law & best friend: Alice and Alice’s brother Steeg from Sweden. Then there is Shauna, Trevor and their children. Our elder brother Ian, his children Julia and Laura and his wife Jenny. Patrick’s friend Margie and her family. Richard, who kept me company on my drive from PE.
Lissy orders all the men to stand and move four places in a clockwise direction. This applies to the main table only and everyone gets a chance to meet some new people. Then Pudding is served. It is a kind of Baked Alaska with Meringue and ice cream. Yummy! I have some of this while sitting at Richard’s table. Then, while the dancing is going on, I help myself to seconds. To avoid looking like the glutton that I am, I move to another table for this helping.
I encounter Rebecca (mother of Julia) and daughter Rebecca. Alex joins us and announces that we are sitting over the drain. We decide to move outside to the lawn for coffee. Julia and I dance. This has been quite an outing for us. The evening has been quite enchanting. The weather played its part as it was a clear, starry sky with little or no dew. Lissy and her team have run the logistics of the evening with precision. The meal was both healthy and tasty.
Both Richard & I have met a number of people who seem to fit into Marianne’s family in some way. Richard had a lady at his table who seems to think that he was a Hit Man and wanted him to take care of some problem people. Alex and Sheila are being shipped out to Bulgaria for a four year period to set up a South African Embassy there. I will have to look up on the map to find Bulgaria. Sheila, who is a lawyer, works in the Government as a Politician. Alex tells us that he will have to commute back to RSA to see to his farming activities. His son, who I did not meet, will be taking care of some of the business aspects as well. They are having to learn Bulgarian which is similar to Russian with a funny alphabet.
I have been a really good boy and only had my one glass of wine that I used for toasting and am quite fit for the hour drive home when Richard and I decide that the witching hour is upon us. We greet as many people as we can and head off back to Stellenberg where we flop into bed for a 5 hour sleep. Nicci & Stefan Steenkamp operate their Photographic business from their home in Stellenberg. www.zara-zoo.com
Nicci and Stefan have recently launched a wedding planner called the little pink book. The launch in Cape Town was a huge success and demand for the book both from Retailers such as Executive book and individual orders far exceeded expectations. As a result they are presently in the process of launching the Gauteng version.
We arranged to pick Dawn up in Wynberg at cousin Joan at 06.00am. Richard takes out his PC and finds the map that takes us directly to her home. After coffee and a chat we set off for the N2. Richard is in doubt of my ability to navigate our way out but finally concedes a mutter of agreement when he sees that we are on the N2 and not lost. I look out for a BP filling station and only find one in Gordon’s Bay.
Now on the road, we encounter fairly heavy traffic. But we are not rushed and I am not impatient. We have decided to stop in Albertina again as I need to stock up on Biltong for Gerald. Richard wants to purchase some of the Magnetic Bracelets for his Canadian Family. We listed to the wireless for a Cricket score. The Protea’s are playing Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). And to our amazement and great delight we hear that JP Duminee and Dale Steyn have steered us to an incredible 465 and that the Aussies are now going to have to play for a draw. This is a three match series and we have already won the first.
Near to the Biltong shop we find a shop selling toasted sandwiches. I have a toasted Cheese and Tomato and a Chicken Mayonnaise. Both sandwiches are great quality. This shop adjoins the filling station and while it does not look like much there is a nice play area, a place to walk the dog a good Biltong shop and a liquor store that boasts a wide variety of wines. It is perfect as a mid way between PE and CT.
The coffee we order is similar to that which we used to be served by the South African Railways when traveling distances. It is thick strong coffee with bits in it. Dawn tossed her coffee out. Unfortunately the food does not agree with Richard and again he is not feeling his best. Long periods of sitting seem to make Richard feel very uncomfortable and he has ongoing back pain.
The traffic remains heavy and I am able to ask Dawn to take over the driving for a while. In the back seat I lay down and fall fast asleep. As we approach Knysna we are in Bumper to Bumper traffic. We refuel and from here we make our way through a constant flow of cars and trucks to home. My family has been on the beach and enjoying the slides at McArthur Baths.
I drop Dawn and Richard off at their home where they are staying with friend Brenda. Brenda is a Fisherman and currently in Knysna where she is attempting to source a supper from the sea. I am glad to be home. We make a Seafood Paella for supper and turn in early. Stefan & I go out for an early morning run on the promenade and a swim at Hobie Beach the following morning.
It is Monday morning and I know that my office will be quiet and I will have to be creative in organizing a full day. As I get to work I see that the cricket has now taken an even more dramatic turn. The day’s Cricket in Melbourne start at 01.00am our time and now at about 09.00am we have bowled the Aussies out for just 240 and need something like 183 runs to win. And we have a full day to go. Graham Smith scores a steady 30 runs before stumps and so, with a day in hand, and no wickets down, we have to score just over 150 runs. The following day they won the match creating an historic first time ever to win a Series in Australia. Ian dropped J & L off at CT airport to fly back to New York and he & Jenny drive back v through the Hugenot Pass. They stop in Robertson at an antique shop and purchase a Chest of Drawers for WC which they load into the Bushpig.
The wedding invitation:
Saturday 27th December 2008
6.30pm until late
Sundowners, Dinner and Dancing
Dress is “festive”
With love,
Marianne and Patrick
For catering purposes please RSVP by 1 December to let us know you are definitely coming; email, marianne.camerer@gmail.com or 083 2668316
Directions to Welgegund (www.welgegund.co.za):
(Coming from Cape Town, 75 km on good roads, and 50 minutes)
Leaving Cape Town, follow the N1 north towards Paarl. Prior to reaching Paarl, take the off-ramp on to the R44 to Wellington. Stay on this road until you come to a T-junction. You are now in Wellington, on Champagne Drive, with a cemetery on your right. Turn left into Piet Retief Street (R301), and at the first robot – with the Andrew Murray Church on your left – turn right into Church Street. This is the road leading to Bainskloof (R301). After exactly 1 km from the Church, you will see the Wellington Museum on your left. Turn right into Berg Street – indicated on the pavement. After crossing three 4-way stops, continue for 1½ km through agricultural land until you see a small farm school – Saal Charl Cillier – on your right. After about 100 m, a dirt road goes off to the left. Welgegund is signposted. Follow the dirt road to the end – approximately 1 km – into Welgegund.
Peter Giddy
peter@wildcliff.org
December 2008.
WELLINGTON
SATURDAY 27 DECEMBER 2008.
Early in 2008, Patrick Giddy & Marianne Camerer decided to become a married couple. The wedding ceremony took place in February 2008. Marianne asked her parents for a wedding party to take place at a time when more of her family and friends could celebrate the occasion with her.
Barbara could not go to the wedding party as Cathy & Saul were at our home as well as Nicci and her whole family. So when Patrick asked me to go to the party in Cape Town I asked Richard Kumm (Dawn is Barbara’s sister and Richard is Dawn’s husband) if he would be prepared to drive down with me. Once he had accepted and I had approval from Marianne we made plans to drive down to Cape Town on Boxing Day 26.12.2008.
Richard and Dawn had recently acquired their Canadian Permanent Visa and Dawn asked if she could use the opportunity to drive to CT with us as she would go to say good bye to her family and friends in CT at the same time. Richard and Dawn have two daughters who both live in Calgary. Calgary has oil and for this and other reasons, has been a growth economy for a number of years.
Raylene has been in Calgary for something like 15 years with her husband Steve. Tracey and Mark plus two children; Asher & Kayle moved to Calgary from East London three or four years ago. They have a country home where Dawn and Richard share a basement flat that has its own entrance and view across the valley. Dawn tells me that she has plans to become involved in community activities now that she has residence. There is a tiny village near to their home called Priddis. Richard has become part of a Ham Radio group.
Ian’s two daughters; Julia and Laura arrived in SA on Friday 19th and I collected them from the airport that evening. Julia is in the final stages of her Geology studies at Michigan University while Laura completed high school this year with excellent academic records and is now in her first year at Michigan. Please note that Michigan is not pronounced with a T as Mitchigan. It is pronounced as Mishigan. They stayed for a few days with our son Michael who lives in Target Kloof (River Road).
Sunday evening we attended a carols by candlelight service at Clarendon Park School. This was the second year that our church has arranged this evening and it was a huge success. There was a great vibe on the field before the service with Mike Perks providing games. Most of us had a small picnic or bought some boerewors rolls. Both children and adults did quite a bit of socializing. There were 19 in our group: Barbara, Peter, Dawn, Cathy and Saul, Nicci, Stefan, Christian, Aaron & Zara, Ally and friend Ali, and Julia and Laura; Michael, Lene, Jessica, Joshua and Daniel. Our only missing family is Jacqui’s. Jacqui, Michael, Emily and Anabelle are still in London. Jacqui arrives in PE on 1st January 2009.
Then on Monday 22nd I drove J & L to Plett where Patrick and Marianne had been staying for a few days. Ian and Jenny met us there. Ian had stayed the previous night at their house in Springer Baai near to Mossel Baai. They had done some shopping for Wildcliff in George and we loaded J & L’s stuff in the back of the Toyota.
I had a quick lunch after saying my Hello’s to; Ena, Ian & Alice Spence and Alice’s brother Steeg and then headed back to PE. There was a strong tail wind and I flew home in quick time. The road works had been opened and suspended for the holiday period. Unfortunately the opposite applied to Ian and his family as they had to drive into the teeth of the West wind with a fully loaded bakkie. It was a bit of a nightmare of a drive for them.
That week seemed to fly as we were busy at home with family, busy at work and I tried to stay as fit as possible with jogging and swimming in the mornings at Hobie beach with Adrienne and Elmarie. Adrienne & I have been running partners for as many as 25 years. One of her daughters is Jenny Wilson who represents SA in Hockey at the Olympics. Adrienne herself is an international Dive judge and was in Bejing together with Jenny. Elmarie I have met more recently and she is the wife of Peter who is a good friend of Ron who has been a family friend of ours for over 25 years. Ron is currently visiting his son Craig in the UK. On the morning of 24th we did a short run through the Golf Course and ended up at the cars at Grey with a mug of Champagne that Adrienne supplied. One little sip at 06.00am and I felt the “warmth” in my tummy.
All this time Barbara had been trying to keep her family entertained and active while being busy with her traditional presents purchasing and wrapping. Barbara puts huge effort into this activity and at the end of it we had a Christmas tree with a mountain of presents under the tree. Our children’s family’s also placed their gifts under the tree and it was a wonderful time for the younger children to enjoy on Christmas day.
Christmas morning saw a beautiful sunrise and stockings being opened. I collected Sydney, the car guard, from Jerusalem Ministries to guard our house while we were in church. Unfortunately Michael was late for the service so we were not able to all sit together as a family.
The rest of Christmas day was spent in doing the present giving thing. There were piles of papers and boxes all over the place as wrapping was torn off the gifts and excited children examined their prize and then searched for the next one. Ally was quite conservative and took her time in opening the gifts. Each child had a huge red bag or stocking with the smaller gifts. I was given two shirts and a pair of shorts, a gift pack of toiletries, socks and a hanging sign for the front of the house. We had a good relaxed morning and afternoon which included a couple of naps on the couch. I washed and cleaned the car in preparation for the next day’s drive.
The following morning was Boxing Day and I collected Richard and Dawn at their home at about 05.00am. We had a reasonably easy drive to Wildcliff with a stop at Wilderness for a sandwich and then at Albertina where we stocked up at the Gekerfde Biltong shop and Richard bought Dawn a Magnetic Bracelet. This Biltong shop we discovered a few years ago and has become a compulsory stop each time we drive this road.
As we drive to WC I receive a phone call from Patrick asking me to “say a few words”. ‘About what?’ I ask. Patrick in his normal vague way tells me that I should talk about myself. While I know that I am an expert on this subject, I decide to talk about family instead.
We refueled in Heidleberg and stocked up on a few provisions at the Spar. As we arrived at Wildcliff we met up with Keith and his family. Keith has taken on the job of manager of WC for a year. He is ex US Air force and has traveled the world for his work. Now at the age of Mid Forties he has been able to take an early retirement and has committed to WC for a year. He has a wife Paula and two children; Abigail (10) and Bryce (6). They have been fixing up the White House and this is now a completely livable home. They are in the process of finishing off the fittings and providing some furnishings. They are presently staying in the Weaver’s Nest but should be able to move into the WH shortly.
Ian tells me that the Aloe that I planted on the Island of the Pond has survived. ‘Let me see’: thinks I. I take a swim in the pond. The top layer of water is warm like a bath but just below the surface the water is quite brisk. And yes, the Aloe is healthy and growing well. Jenny made up a good lunch of salads. Ian suggests that we take a walk up the Fynbos Road. I was stiff from the drive full from eating and happy for some exercise. As we were about to leave, Bryce calls me over to look at a Puff Adder that he had found on their front doorstep of the WH. It was a healthy looking animal and completely relaxed. Keith told us that he saw it move off later.
We hiked up the road for a bit before Paula caught us up with the Bushpig and we drove the rest of the way to the end of the old Wattle forest area. Where the Wattle has been felled, a forest of new saplings are emerging and will have to be sprayed soon. From here we walked up to Ena’s Falls. As we go up Fynbos Road we again see the impact that the clearing of both the pine and the wattle is already making to the reserve.
Laura had been up to Laura’s Peak before and was keen to show us the view from the top. The wind was quite chilly and this again reminded me of my own rule: never walk without a backpack and basics. Ian had some tape and we were able to mark a trail leading up to the Black Rhino Rock (or Dinosaur rock). And then up to Laura’s Peak. It is a short walk but worth the effort as from here you get a good view of the Hidden Valley and down to the Talari Valley.
Bryce is a bright youngster pointing out the Dassie Midden and the various types of Lichen. I have to ease my way down from rock to rock. Bryce simply jumps where my knees would not stand a chance. He feels the chill in the air so lies down on a warm rock out of the wind. On our way down, back to the bakkie, he tripped and fell. He cut his knee but this did not phase him as he was soon back on his feet sprinting downhill. The next time we saw him was at the driver’s seat of the Bushpig.
Jenny again made us a delicious meal of Turkey and salads. I was ambitious and tried to read in bed, but after five minutes my eyes were closed and the book was on my lap unread. The next time that I was conscious was at about 05.30am when I woke up to join Keith for a run. Keith and I jogged down to the stream and then walk/jogged up to the main gate. Here we turned left and jogged down to the quarry where there was a truck parked. Keith says that this truck has been here for months. I had a look and saw that the keys were still in the ignition. I am pretty sure that the truck is not in running order.
We saw two Heron on the field across from us and startled a buck in the bush near to the road. We turned and headed home and then just as we were approaching the WC gate at the weir, Keith pointed out two Reebuck in the road ahead. We also saw a good number of baboon in the oak tree meadow that morning.
After the run I had my shower and a bite to eat. Including this really great Smoothie that Jenny has made from Raspberry, Banana, Yogurt, ice cream and ice cubes. I check the TV for a cricket score and see that the Australians are in the process of giving us a hiding. They scored 394 in their first innings and, at the end of day two, we are at about 150 for 6. I turn off the TV in disgust. I see myself lazing the rest of the day away until we were to leave at about noon when Jill and family were due to arrive. Not so! Ian had other plans for me: Dig a hole for the Yellow Wood tree next to the pond.
I had made some pancakes and burnt a finger on the pan so was a little sensitive to wielding a pick. No Mercy: said Ian. Dig! So we dug a hole for this tree and finally with great difficulty had the tree secure in position. Off I go to wash and make a cup of tea which I intend to enjoy with Richard who is standing on the stoep watching and enjoying my labours.
Not so for the second time. There is a second hole to dig: this time for the creeper in front of the stoep. We hit rock. No trouble says Ian: move the hole to another place. Paula invites Ian to look at Baboon Poo under microscope. An excited Ian leaves me to dig the hole. So now we are on to the third hole of the day. I know that if I did this on a regular basis I could get fit for digging holes but, despite being in the shade, I am sweating and tired. Finally we have the creeper in place and I am able to pack the car and ready to leave. ‘But first my tea’; thinks I.
Not so for the third time! ‘Are you ready to leave?’ asks Ian. I look at him and with fear in my heart, admit that I am. Water the garden! he orders. So still no tea and no feet up on the bench. Eventually I hide myself in a corner, pour some tea and sit down to relax. Jill arrives and we drive off. We had decided to drive to CT via the Gysmans Hoek pass road but as the Bushpig had no petrol we had to turn around and go via Heidleberg. We stop off at the Wimpy for lunch. It was chock-a-block. We order take-away. They mess up the order but we have to leave and head off for CT.
Richard is not feeling that good. Julia is in the car with us. We drive on to Swellendam and phone Jenny to drive straight through where we plan to turn right to Ashton and Robertson. But somehow I mess up the instructions. After a bit of back and forth including chasing another Toyota which stops after we told Jenny to stop we finally drive off towards the N1 where we plan to off load Julia so that she can drive the last bit with Ian to Wellington. Really funny as we drive ahead then wait for Ian a few times. Each time he drives past us and we catch him up and hoot and wave as we pass him. I don’t think he saw us once! We manage to take time to stop off at the Spanspek Plek and buy a few Sweet Melons.
Finally Julia gets into the car with Ian and we drive through to drop Dawn off with her cousin Sue who lives near to Stefan & Nicci. Richard and I have a quick shower (cold for Richard) and put on our smart clothes. We follow Marianne’s (Lala) instructions & arrive at the wedding party which is being held at Marianne’s family home at Welgegund www.welgegund.co.za in Wellington at 18.30 exactly.
Lala’s Parents: Alex and Sheila Camerer live on a wine and olive farm near to Wellington. It is a wonderful home with a lawn where we are greeted with Champagne and snacks. Richard and I are introduced to family members. I almost make the mistake of calling Lala’s sister (Lissy) Marianne but realize just in time that this is a sister. A twin sister I am told later. I am able to sit down with an old friend of Patrick and of Mike Dean; (Margie) and her husband (Ian) plus two children Megan and Rosa. Megan & I find out that we share a birthday. Mine is just 38 years ahead of hers.
While sitting and chatting; a musical trio of a violinist, a flute player and a cello player serenade us with delightful music. Throughout the evening this trio plays in and around the guests. They accompany the background music when it is time to dance and they walk around tables making the evening even more romantic.
I see Shauna. She looks terrific. I am introduced to her husband Trevor and girls: Josie (10) and elder sister and younger brother (Names?). I am really sorry that I did not persuade Ally to come along as Ally loves to meet family. Shauna has a wonderful family and we are able to chat about Lloyd and Judy who I am delighted to hear still live at Little Falls Mooi River. I tell Barbara about this and we determine to try to visit them when we are in KZN for Nippers later in 2009.
Ena, Alice and Steeg arrive. They look good and dressed for the occasion. I am sorry to see that Ian Spence could not make it as he was not feeling his best. Ian, Jenny, Julia and Laura are there and look very smart. The two girls seem to be enjoying being in South Africa and being part of our activities. I love having them around as both of them are mature, intelligent and active young people. Add to that their good looks!
After a period of meeting people and chatting on the lawn we move to the dining area which is a covered stoep area. There is a very long table where Patrick and Marianne sit plus three smaller tables. I am fortunate enough to be on one of the small tables seated with some young people. On my left is Julia (a cousin to Lala) who is studying at Oxford University. I meet Shamus, Julia’s boyfriend. I like Julia: she tells me I look younger than my younger brother! She also tells me that she has rediscovered Christ and now attends the evening services at a vibrant Anglican church in Oxford.
I also sit next to Lissy. Lissy is married to an Ian. I meet him later that evening. And I see some children but lose track of who belongs to whom. The Minister says a short speech and then says the Grace. He does so in Latin, reminding me of my school days. The Grace ends something like Payasim Christim Dominum Nostrum: Amen. We learn that this invites us to the Heavenly Banquet. Later that evening I meet his wife Cecelia. We are served a delicious pastry with tomato mush and then there is a buffet of salmon plus a variety of salad. This is a real treat. I have heard that there is pudding so I avoid seconds.
Meanwhile Sheila makes a speech and tells us a bit about her experience of the couple. I think that the family has reservations about Patrick marrying their lovely daughter. But ultimately have no choice despite the fact that he does funny things like keeping his cap on his head during breakfast. As long as Lala sees the humourous side of Patrick they will be fine. Sheila loves Thomas and that cannot be put aside. Alex seems to be easy going. I have not met the Grandmother but I hear that she is still questioning this strange relationship. Lissy appears happy that Lala is happy. Everyone does a great deal of hugging.
Lala takes us through a very interesting chronological history of her coupling up with Patrick. (I have asked her for her notes). Sarah, a family friend makes an impromptu speech. And I am asked to say my bit as well. I have two points that I have decided to make: firstly it is really good to see Patrick so happy. And Secondly I try to introduce the people who originate in some way from ‘Patrick’s side’. Our Mother: Ena, her sister in Law & best friend: Alice and Alice’s brother Steeg from Sweden. Then there is Shauna, Trevor and their children. Our elder brother Ian, his children Julia and Laura and his wife Jenny. Patrick’s friend Margie and her family. Richard, who kept me company on my drive from PE.
Lissy orders all the men to stand and move four places in a clockwise direction. This applies to the main table only and everyone gets a chance to meet some new people. Then Pudding is served. It is a kind of Baked Alaska with Meringue and ice cream. Yummy! I have some of this while sitting at Richard’s table. Then, while the dancing is going on, I help myself to seconds. To avoid looking like the glutton that I am, I move to another table for this helping.
I encounter Rebecca (mother of Julia) and daughter Rebecca. Alex joins us and announces that we are sitting over the drain. We decide to move outside to the lawn for coffee. Julia and I dance. This has been quite an outing for us. The evening has been quite enchanting. The weather played its part as it was a clear, starry sky with little or no dew. Lissy and her team have run the logistics of the evening with precision. The meal was both healthy and tasty.
Both Richard & I have met a number of people who seem to fit into Marianne’s family in some way. Richard had a lady at his table who seems to think that he was a Hit Man and wanted him to take care of some problem people. Alex and Sheila are being shipped out to Bulgaria for a four year period to set up a South African Embassy there. I will have to look up on the map to find Bulgaria. Sheila, who is a lawyer, works in the Government as a Politician. Alex tells us that he will have to commute back to RSA to see to his farming activities. His son, who I did not meet, will be taking care of some of the business aspects as well. They are having to learn Bulgarian which is similar to Russian with a funny alphabet.
I have been a really good boy and only had my one glass of wine that I used for toasting and am quite fit for the hour drive home when Richard and I decide that the witching hour is upon us. We greet as many people as we can and head off back to Stellenberg where we flop into bed for a 5 hour sleep. Nicci & Stefan Steenkamp operate their Photographic business from their home in Stellenberg. www.zara-zoo.com
Nicci and Stefan have recently launched a wedding planner called the little pink book. The launch in Cape Town was a huge success and demand for the book both from Retailers such as Executive book and individual orders far exceeded expectations. As a result they are presently in the process of launching the Gauteng version.
We arranged to pick Dawn up in Wynberg at cousin Joan at 06.00am. Richard takes out his PC and finds the map that takes us directly to her home. After coffee and a chat we set off for the N2. Richard is in doubt of my ability to navigate our way out but finally concedes a mutter of agreement when he sees that we are on the N2 and not lost. I look out for a BP filling station and only find one in Gordon’s Bay.
Now on the road, we encounter fairly heavy traffic. But we are not rushed and I am not impatient. We have decided to stop in Albertina again as I need to stock up on Biltong for Gerald. Richard wants to purchase some of the Magnetic Bracelets for his Canadian Family. We listed to the wireless for a Cricket score. The Protea’s are playing Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). And to our amazement and great delight we hear that JP Duminee and Dale Steyn have steered us to an incredible 465 and that the Aussies are now going to have to play for a draw. This is a three match series and we have already won the first.
Near to the Biltong shop we find a shop selling toasted sandwiches. I have a toasted Cheese and Tomato and a Chicken Mayonnaise. Both sandwiches are great quality. This shop adjoins the filling station and while it does not look like much there is a nice play area, a place to walk the dog a good Biltong shop and a liquor store that boasts a wide variety of wines. It is perfect as a mid way between PE and CT.
The coffee we order is similar to that which we used to be served by the South African Railways when traveling distances. It is thick strong coffee with bits in it. Dawn tossed her coffee out. Unfortunately the food does not agree with Richard and again he is not feeling his best. Long periods of sitting seem to make Richard feel very uncomfortable and he has ongoing back pain.
The traffic remains heavy and I am able to ask Dawn to take over the driving for a while. In the back seat I lay down and fall fast asleep. As we approach Knysna we are in Bumper to Bumper traffic. We refuel and from here we make our way through a constant flow of cars and trucks to home. My family has been on the beach and enjoying the slides at McArthur Baths.
I drop Dawn and Richard off at their home where they are staying with friend Brenda. Brenda is a Fisherman and currently in Knysna where she is attempting to source a supper from the sea. I am glad to be home. We make a Seafood Paella for supper and turn in early. Stefan & I go out for an early morning run on the promenade and a swim at Hobie Beach the following morning.
It is Monday morning and I know that my office will be quiet and I will have to be creative in organizing a full day. As I get to work I see that the cricket has now taken an even more dramatic turn. The day’s Cricket in Melbourne start at 01.00am our time and now at about 09.00am we have bowled the Aussies out for just 240 and need something like 183 runs to win. And we have a full day to go. Graham Smith scores a steady 30 runs before stumps and so, with a day in hand, and no wickets down, we have to score just over 150 runs. The following day they won the match creating an historic first time ever to win a Series in Australia. Ian dropped J & L off at CT airport to fly back to New York and he & Jenny drive back v through the Hugenot Pass. They stop in Robertson at an antique shop and purchase a Chest of Drawers for WC which they load into the Bushpig.
The wedding invitation:
Saturday 27th December 2008
6.30pm until late
Sundowners, Dinner and Dancing
Dress is “festive”
With love,
Marianne and Patrick
For catering purposes please RSVP by 1 December to let us know you are definitely coming; email, marianne.camerer@gmail.com or 083 2668316
Directions to Welgegund (www.welgegund.co.za):
(Coming from Cape Town, 75 km on good roads, and 50 minutes)
Leaving Cape Town, follow the N1 north towards Paarl. Prior to reaching Paarl, take the off-ramp on to the R44 to Wellington. Stay on this road until you come to a T-junction. You are now in Wellington, on Champagne Drive, with a cemetery on your right. Turn left into Piet Retief Street (R301), and at the first robot – with the Andrew Murray Church on your left – turn right into Church Street. This is the road leading to Bainskloof (R301). After exactly 1 km from the Church, you will see the Wellington Museum on your left. Turn right into Berg Street – indicated on the pavement. After crossing three 4-way stops, continue for 1½ km through agricultural land until you see a small farm school – Saal Charl Cillier – on your right. After about 100 m, a dirt road goes off to the left. Welgegund is signposted. Follow the dirt road to the end – approximately 1 km – into Welgegund.
Peter Giddy
peter@wildcliff.org
December 2008.
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