Dedicated to Alfie 2006 - 2010

Dedicated to Alfie 2006 - 2010
Dedicated to Alfie 2006 - 2010. Our Alfie was attacked and killed by poaching dogs from the farm across the road on 28 November 2010

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Cold, 'tiz

Last night we had a bit of rain and this morning the temperature was +3 degrees C.  There was snow on the Bulwer mountain and across from us there was a light sprinkling of snow on the hills.  The fire is lit and I'm in my winter overalls and a light jacket.  We are in for a cold winter this year but hopefully we won't be snowed in. 

The garden is having it's last trim for the season and so the place looks better.  This morning I heard over the Farm Watch radio that many cattle were stolen in the Bushmans Nek area.  The local farmers in the valley are tracking them with the help of the SAP Stock Theft Unit and the Parks Board.  So far they have recovered over 70 head of cattle.  Hopefully they will recover them all.  Stock theft is a terrible thing and one or two of our farmers have been put out of business as a result.  I am waiting to hear more news over the radio.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Elections Underberg Style

The municipal elections are over so we don't have to stand in a line for 2 hours until the next time.  We went off to vote at the Catholic Church in Underberg.  I don't think voting should be held in a church but I suppose decency no longer applies to our government.  With a bit of luck we will have more councillors that are capable of constructive thought and the village can be tidied up.  Himeville village, next door to Underberg, is virtually impossible to drive around in as every road there has huge potholes.  The old story applies; "I saw a pair of rabbit ears sticking up out of a pothole but when I got closer I realised that they were a pair of donkey ears!"  I am of the opinion that the name of Himeville should be changed to Kwa Pothole (bad Zulu for "The place of potholes".)

The cold is here with us and mornings are becoming more difficult to deal with.  I think my mornings should start around 11am so that the cold does not grab me.  This is winter at Underberg and the cold is normal.  I suspect we get a lot of snow on the mountains and even in our garden.  As far as I'm concerned snow belongs on the top of mountains and on postcards but not in my garden or on my roof.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Expensive Start

Monday mornings!  This morning the truck would not start.  Now I find it difficult for myself to start on a winter's Monday morning but this was a real menace.  I turned the ignition key and "click!" nothing.  After jump starting I got myself and the truck to the Super Quick agent in Underberg.  R650-00 later the new battery was installed.  This is really expensive start.  Well, the old battery had done me well for five years so it did not really owe me anything.  The garbage, just by the way, was in the back of the truck and did a tour of Underberg and Himeville as I had things to do in both villages.  On my way back to the cottage I dropped the trash off at the sawmill dump.  Nothing like well travelled garbage!

Yesterday was my 61st birthday and I celebrated by painting part of the bathroom and repairing a fence.  I was told that normal people celebrate their birthdays with cupcakes and champagne.  Liz had her birthday on the 13th and she celebrated it by working at the SPCA thrift shop.  The odd couple!

And that's life in the hustle and bustle of the mountains.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Blackberry?

Good news.  I have bought myself a blackberry which means quite an upgrade for me at my age.  I have added a picture of the new item for you to see.  It is quite a remarkable thing as it is a "home grown", so to speak, South African product.  I find it very simple to use and it has no strange or hidden facilities and an operator's manual is not really necessary.


Proudly South African!
Made at Rainbow Farm, Underberg. 033-7011736
Give Rainbow a ring and taste some wonderful jams.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Gorgeous Young Gal

This morning Liz called me to the guest room.  She pointed out the window and there stood a beautiful female Grey Duiker.  This is our gorgeous young gal and what a lovely sight she is indeed.  We were fascinated as she stood there looking at us, not at all afraid.  I have seen traces of her since we moved here but this is our first sighting of her. We have named her Celeste.  I do hope she continues to stay here with us.

Celeste


Our neighbour's son, Benjamin proudly arrived on his motorcycle.  Now this little guy is seven years old and we are very impressed with him and his older brother, Kelly.  They are both fine and bright boys and really enjoy their "farm boy" lifestyle.

Benjamin

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Frosty Mornings

The frost has arrived.  We have had a couple of really frosty mornings and still much more is on the way to us.  The fireplace is a busy part of the house now and keeps us nice and warm.  The days are warm in the sunshine, so the sunshine is the place to be.

I have been painting things around the house.  The kitchen cupboards and back door are now painted white and this really brightens up the place.  The shower is ready for its second coat of white and soon we will be able to see where the soap is.  Painting is a big improvement and makes our house more comfortable for us.  to