1/25/2011

An Evening with Billy and Judy


Drinks on the patio at Billy and Judy's

We all went to Billy and Judy's house on the day we visited the Shongweni Farmers' Market. We were delighted that Barbara was going to be there, but we were really pleased to find Mary there as well. We were meant to go for tea, followed by drinks, but we found Barbara's explanations of Reiki so interesting, that the time flew by and we ended up having dinner there as well.



Judy teaches Shannon a forward somersault, 
but Jordan can't wait for his turn!


This is how you do it!



 Cartwheels too!

Judy is amazing, she not only whipped up dinner for all of us, apparently from thin air, but also managed to entertain Shannon and Jordan by teaching them somersaults and cartwheels. It's always a fun evening at Billy and Judy's.

The following Monday was Sean's birthday and Viv and Lindsay cooked a magnificent curry for us in  celebration. Unfortunately, Gary had to miss this occasion as he was on duty that night. I think we left some curry for him, but it was so delicious that we ate loads, so I cannot be sure.



Viv and Lindsay cooked a magnificent curry.


Sean really enjoyed his birthday


Shannon watched some of Gary's National Geographic DVDs


...and Jordan watched too!



Gary ready for duty.

1/22/2011

Shongweni Farmers' Market


 Jane, Jordan, and Shannon stroll through the market

Judging from the early start of the Shongweni Farmers' Market, shoppers must be keen enough to arise at dawn in this part of South Africa. Turn over for some extra shut-eye and you'll miss it altogether. Shongweni is in Kwa Zulu Natal, not far from Durban, and the market is renowned for its fresh and home-made produce, as well as its crafts section. It runs from 6 am to 10 am every Saturday, and it is well worth getting there early, as one needs to have time to browse all the stalls and savour the mouth-watering produce.



We stopped by the pet stall so the children could see the animals


This strange-looking creature is an angora goat

The Shongweni Farmers' Market attracts visitors from far and wide, and many people go there to breakfast with friends and family as a special treat at the weekend. This is a wonderful place to buy organic produce like hormone-free meat and free-range chicken and duck eggs; as well as a wonderful selection of farm-fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and home-made pickles, conserves, bread and cakes.



 We came across some Zimbabweans, selling their metalwork animals.


We loved these hats. Jane bought the blue one, second from the left, and I bought a black and white striped one.

Although the Shongweni Farmers' Market began as a place to buy healthily produced food, it has expanded to add crafts as well. There is so much on offer that one could easily come away laden down with all sorts of exciting finds. Unfortunately, Jordan wasn't feeling quite well, so we had to cut our visit short, but it is definitely on my itinerary for next time.

 
Homeward bound. Jane is wearing my hat, while
Shannon is wearing Jane's.

1/16/2011

Spider-Man's Third Birthday


Spider-man, Jordan, throws his web.

Jordan loves the comic-book hero, Spider-Man, so it was no surprise that this was the theme for his third birthday party. He was especially delighted to receive a Spider-Man swimming costume from Jane's friend, Heather, and proudly wore it for his pool-side party. All the children has such fun and they swam all afternoon, and on into the evening (although, I must confess, the water was far too cold for me to even think about venturing in!).



The children enjoyed the pool


Jordan loves swimming


...and so does Shannon.


Travis tried to run across the pool!

Heather is famous for her baking, and even came up with a Spider-Man cake to round off the celebrations. Jordan thoroughly enjoyed his day and he was a very tired but happy little boy when he eventually went to bed!


Heather's Spider-Man Cake


Jordan loved his cake


...and wanted to cut it all by himself, but Jane insisted on helping him.
(Guess what the dads were trying to watch on television?) 


Heather shared out the cake.


Spider-Man's mother, the lovely Jane!

1/01/2011

New Year's Eve in South Africa

Jane and Sean invited some of their friends and neighbours around for a New Year's Eve party. The children amused themselves with play station and movies, until they fell asleep in a heap, while the rest of us ate, drank and took part in Gary's quiz-night. I was Viv's partner and we had great fun, especially with the general knowledge section. Unfortunately, the questions on music of the 80s had us completely stumped - we must have seriously missed out on that decade! Regrettably, I was too busy enjoying myself to take many photos, sorry about that!


Shannon looked beautiful in her princess dress


 Jordan was his usual cheeky self


Jane relaxed before the guests arrived


The children played play station and watched DVDs

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I couldn't resist this one!