27 November 2011

So, what happens when you have two "girls" visiting Bath, UK - a day of wonderful memories, happy laughs and interesting and different sights!

Dee and I travelled to Bath yesterday. I had basically had the option of London or Bath, and based on comments by a couple of people (including both Dee and Andrea) I knew that if I didn't visit Bath I would regret it. In addition there is a literary link there too - Jane Austen.

What a beautiful city and what tales could be told by the cobblestones and many of the walls of the city.

One of the first sights that we had was of two women exiting a place wearing fuchsia pink jackets. The one woman had a part of her fringe of her hair black, a dash and flash of fuchsia pink and then the rest was grey - and the best thing about it was that she just looked stunning with the whole look. As Dee commented, whether it was the fact that the jacket complemented it or whether it was that it just worked for this animated woman we will never know, but there you are.

We "shuffled" through the traffic in comfort in Dee and Dan's car, and eventually settled on the "long-term" parking, which suggested a "park and ride". Well, we parked, and then walked. The plan of attack was that we were going to go and find one of the tourist open-top buses, climb aboard and see what there was to see from the bus, the jump off and go to places we identified.

So, we worked our way back, and eventually I think Dee thought she had a mad person with her as I was crossing streets in a relatively unsystematic manner as I hoped I was going towards what was signposted as the "Information Centre". In retrospect, I think that was actually the map of Bath that stood on a post outside the loos just off the parking, but, we thought it was an actual place - and it may well have been - but we never found it.

Then I spotted a stationer, and reckoned they MUST have maps - yip. Map purchased, handed over to Dee and she was back in the "driving seat" - I think much to her relief. In the mean time the camera was whipped out, and I became a "tourist" with Dee saying - "Yay, I love being a tourist" as she headed our foray into Bath centre. At the stationers she had found out that if we just went here, there and there, we would arrive at a bus stop and could catch the open-topped bus.

So off we headed, and on the way passed this shop!

I could not believe it - and there is poor Dee far right hand side looking around for her errant cousin - yet again!!! We actually went in to the shop after the bus journey and Dee bought me the most gorgeous Christmas decoration as a reminder of our time together in this beautiful city - two snowmen, arms around each other and "Bath" splashed across their bellies. As I said to Dee, I intend keeping it in my office as a forever memory of a wonderful day that has formed part of a wonderful holiday!

Well, we made it down to the Abby and as we arrived the bus pulled up, there was a chaos of people being ordered about in a very "jolly" manner by the bus conductor, the tour guide and various other official looking people. In fact, I have just realised who our tour guide reminds me of - and I really hope that neither are following this, as I am sure they will not like that one little bit - but he reminds me of Bruce Fordythe (sp? - the Saturday evening presenter on "Strictly Come Dancing"). a little "doddery", but ever so enthusiastic about things.

Dee and I occupied the seats at the back of the top of the bus, plugged in the ear phones and had a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable tour of the city. The guide describes himself as one passionate about history (and he certainly was on Bath's history), but also an English teacher - so much to entertain me with - and a whole load to inform me about!

Before I forget! As we started off on the journey, we came round the corner and went to turn at another corner and Dee tapped me on my shoulder and pointed out the "Father Christmas" sitting atop one of the buildings waving to anyone who was there to see him - mechanised, but a fun touch by someone with a sense of humour no doubt!

One of the main things that I recall of the tour was all the crescent shaped buildings. Evidently, some influential man in Bath (and I am afraid that my attention slipped here and so I cannot even begin to tell you the link - and am too lazy to look it up just now on the internet!) allowed people permission to build homes and such like in Bath, but they had to come to him in order to have the facade designed by him. Hence the fact that most of the facades in Bath look similar - with odd variations that were "permitted" by this chappie. Once one had done the facade, the rest was entirely up to the builder and owner - he couldn't care less.

We travelled past the back of his palace, and what a higgildy-piggildy mess. He was obviously one who reckoned that if one had a strength, you played to that and forget the rest!!! Quite sensible I think - but then I wonder whether he oughtn't have allowed his ego to shift aside and call in someone to assist him with the rest of his home so that it did not look like one of my early lego attempts - as opposed to my brother's (he always insisted that houses had to be built with the white and red blocks, and in a particular manner - and heaven help us if any of us took one of the white or red blocks we needed! Dave, you were born at the wrong time my wonderful brother - but I am so pleased you were ! :-)).

Bath was just beautiful. We spent some time at some of the various markets, we bought fudge at the fudge shop that sells the most divine (and surprisingly un-rich) fudge, we took a tour of what Jane Austen's house would have possibly looked like (the house they currently occupy was not lived in by her or her family, as the one that they did occupy is now a dentist's practice - which I am sure some students I have taught over the years would suggest that that is preferable to reading her books, but, having walked the streets of Bath, felt the atmosphere and seen the various sights and places mentioned in her books, I think it is time for me to revisit those and get an insight into the various elements of her satire and voice.

As you may have gathered, I am feeling a tad tired, and frankly am ready for bed.

Tomorrow it is off to Somerset to meet Mum's cousins who have kindly agreed to put me up (and put up with me) for the next week - and to show me about some of the parts of England that my maternal grandmother used to live in! Gonna be interesting!

And a special message to Mum - thinking of you and my bruvver and sisters tomorrow and sending loads of love as we remember a special person!

25 November 2011

What a wonderful evening! Taken out to dinner by my aunt and uncle and joined for company by Dee and Dan - and an evening that was spent full of good laughs and thoroughly pleasant family time. I will miss times such as this evening when I return.

I cannot believe how soon my time in the UK is drawing to an end. Just a couple of weeks and a bit and then I jet off back to SA and Uncle Dave and Aunt Pam leave the following day bound for the US to spend time with Alistair and Justine and their two children, Brianna and Josh. It was wonderful going around to Dee and Dan's home the other evening and having a chance to at least "meet" Justine via Skype. I now have a much better idea of who she is - and love the way in which she is so special to this family!

I must say, one of the things that I was really looking forward to was the chance to get to know my aunt and uncle and cousins and their families - some of whom I have either never met or met once or twice only. It has exceeded everything I had hoped for and I have really had such a very special time here. I have loved spending time with the various family members, and I will carry back very special memories from my time spent with each and every one of them!

It has also been wonderful to see Andrea and Vaughn, and to be "treated" by Trish as my personal chauffeur and guide for the week that I was in Farnham and surrounds. To see Andrea so very very happy, and taking on the responsibilities that she has taken on so capably (as I have always believed she could and would!) was such a treat.

Next week it is off to Somerset - the county in which my maternal grandmother grew up, and a chance to meet with three of Mum's cousins who all have different things to share and have all opened their homes in terms of having me spend time with each. I really am blessed - as Rev Dan would say! I look forward to that time - both because it will be a chance to see people I have met once (and with at least two of the people, I do not really recall the meeting as such), and also because it offers me a chance to spend some time "walking in the footsteps" in a very general sense of Granny Johnson. All rather warming in terms of my "bucket list" things! So, so lucky!!!

Well, nothing much else - and it is now just past the "witching hour" in White Chapel, Berkshire, so I think it is time to call it a night and try and ensure that I awake at a reasonable enough time to ensure that I am in time for a walk in the morning with Aunt Pam and the "pups".

My love to all!

19 November 2011

Life is interesting! I have commented to people, and often thought during this trip that if someone had suggested that I would be spending a holiday in the UK - spending time with Aunt Pam, Uncle Dave and my cousins - about 5 years ago, I would have thought that they were mad! And yet here I am. In the UK. In Wales at present, kindly being hosted by Dee's hubby's mum and dad - Jenny and Stan.

And as with all other things, there is always a story to tell. But before I get to that, I just have to say, once again, it has been both a pleasure and a privilege firstly to have the chance to come and spend time in the UK, and then secondly the incredible manner in which I have been so warmly welcomed. My Aunt and Uncle have welcomed me with open arms, and made sure that I have been able to just enjoy myself, experience things and most importantly relax and enjoy time with family and friends.

I have LOVED the fact that I have been able to get to know in particular, Dee and Dan, Nix and Peter, Luke and Emma - and a little of Ant and Catherine.

I have also now had a chance to spend a really welcoming and open-hearted gift of being able to spend time with Dan's parents, Jenny and Stan. Jenny has made sure that we have enjoyed some delicious meals, the house (and that is my story to tell) is warm and embracing and Stan has both a wicked sense of humour as well as a story to tell about all sorts of things. Thanks so much to Dee and Dan for driving the five of us here as well as to Jenny and Stan for welcoming me so warmly!

Okay, story time!!!!

This is the back view of Jenny and Stan's home, as well as a second property - the pink one, that once formed part of an old mill. The story, as I understand things, is that the two properties were at one stage, firstly a single enclosure (for want of a better word), and secondly, half of Jenny and Stan's house was not here.

They have had built onto their property, on the left, the kitchen and lounge areas, and in the process they have also been able to enjoy a gorgeous garden - at the bottom of which there is a "babbling brook" - well, a stream runs along the lower end of the property! The stream would have been used as part of the mill operation in the old days.

Then the pond that Stan has built is also part of what would have been the original mill operation, and now is part of their lovely garden. I had to smile as I recalled the times that Mum and Dad used to work on the garden at home, when I heard Stan describing the roles he and Jenny have in the garden. He states that he is the one who makes the things for the garden, Jenny is the gardener.

This is a quirky arrangement that Stan and Jenny have in the garden, that with me being starved of kitties, as it were, appealed to me - even if their Charlie kitty does give me a minuscule dollop of kitty attention now and again - in typical kitty manner!

Following breakfast, it was decided that we would go to the Botanical Gardens. What a treat in terms of the most incredibly beautiful scenery and some very interesting (and in the "world" section, I even had some plants that were oh so familiar, as they were from South Africa!)

When you enter the gardens on the right hand side there is the first of what once was a group of seven lakes. These were actually drained during the second world war, as the lakes were being used by the German fighter planes as a beacon in terms of giving them a position on the map in terms of where to drop their bombs. The Garden is in the process of re-introducing the lakes, and obviously, need to take into account all the varied things that are associated with reintegration of something from the past in the environment. This morning we were treated to a couple of ducks, both on the edge of the water as well as swimming.

I do think that this picture conveys both the beauty of the entrance, but also the tranquility of the entire place. It really is lovely - and the weather was a treat - again!

I loved this sign post - hence its inclusion.

We then took a walk up to the rather whimsically called, "double walled garden". What this is, is literally an ancient garden that had a double wall around the entire garden. It was divided into four sections, and each "housed" different types of plants that would have typically been grown in a garden of this nature in the past. What was also interesting was that the double walling, also meant that in the gap between the two walls, which I would hazard a guess was about 3 or so meters, allowed the gardeners to plant plants that might need a little more protection from the elements.

I loved this feature that was part of a school project vegetable garden. It is a "green house" - with Dan striding purposefully passed :-). But, have a closer look and you will see that a frame has been constructed, and then within that frame the walls and roof are made primarily of old plastic bottles. I think this is such an intelligent thing - and something that already has my mind running away with ways in which it might be able to be put to use for the various groups of people who we work with through the school. It can be extended, and in this way, even in cold climates or frost-likely areas, plants can be grown "for the pot".

On our way through the gardens, we came to a natural stop as it were, for the gift shop and cafe. In the window was this arrangement, which both Aunt Pam and I could not quite work out. On closer inspection we discovered that it is in fact an art piece made in a kind of mosaic style, but using broken crockery. So unusual!

From there we walked towards a castle effect, which now houses offices for some of the people who obviously work at the gardens.

We then made our way to the giant dome shaped centre - in which there were species of plants from all manner of places - and this was one of the places where I was able to find South African plants - although, none really looking in their splendour as such.

I also found this most beautiful, and incredibly tame robin! I was patient, and although I was using a slight zoom on my camera, this is really basically how close the little thing was to me. After he had finished posing for me, he then flew off - but for both my sake - and Andrea's (:-)), I have this gorgeous pic of a "robin redbreast".

The dome is huge and houses a massive variety of plants, basically from relatively tropical types of places. Australia also featured - and so Silks, this "kangaroo foot" (if I recall the name correctly) was taken as a memento for you!!

And now, the brain is tired, the eyes drooping and so I think I will call it a day! But herewith a pic of Dee, Jenny and Dan - all of whom found themselves frowning somewhat as they were looking into the sun!

Thanks to all for a wonderful, wonderful day.

All my love!

17 November 2011

Time sure flies! And I cannot believe that in three different messages, to three different people (well, the one was an email to more than one person, so I guess a few more than that!) I have casually stated that "tomorrow I am off to Wales for the weekend". Sounds so poncey and so forth, but, there you have it. So, what's been happening? A whole load, and I just NEVER seem to have the chance to catch up with people and make sure that I am keeping people updated - so advance apologies to everyone!!!

On Sunday, following Dee's birthday, we basically had a fairly relaxed day, apart from taking the dogs on a walk along one of the canals on the Thames. We had a chance to just enjoy the area, let the dogs run free - and then, my favourite, pop in for a hot chocolate (something I almost NEVER have in SA!) at one of the pubs.

Have a look at some of these pics - just gorgeous, especially as I am really not a person who enjoys hot weather, so this weather here has been perfect for me - and in fact people keep saying how lucky I have been with the weather!

Now, is this not just the most gorgeous scene?

While we were on our walk, the local canoe club were out as well and created such a colourful mix to the various water birds on the canal. And, although this pic doesn't really capture the scene, I like it for all the sentimental reasons of having my uncle in the pic, trying to get out of the way of me taking photos! (You can also see Fudge and Bella just beyond Uncle Dave - and Hengie you would go nuts for Fudge especially!!!)

We also came across a bull mastiff who was being "baby sat" by a couple who also had a Scottie kind of dog and who were out walking their dog and the "puppy". Made me somewhat home-sick for my lot at home - cats and dogs! He was full of the joys of life and romped about without a care in the world!

Tried something a little creative here as I thought it would be a good idea to try and capture the sun that was finally showing itself after a couple of misty, moisty mornings (and in fact this morning had started out that way too).

Monday was something special, as Dee had a day off and was able to take Aunt Pam and I through to Windsor, where we went to Windsor Castle and saw the changing of the guard.

But, before I get to that - Aunt Pam was bemused. We went to one of the public loos before walking up to Windsor Castle. As I came out, there was another woman on her phone taking a pic of the signs below as well as the beautiful paintings on the walls. I kept it to the signs, simply because I could not believe the fact that I was seeing signs up announcing that these were award winning loos - reassuring, but ????

I never knew the changing of the guard was such a performance. I mean all, the things I have seen have involved the "little 'toy soldiers'" marching from one spot to the next and then it was all over.

Well, this was anything but! First you do have group of soldiers standing guard in formation, but the whole thing takes about 45 minutes!

There was a whole thing of a brass band coming down ahead of the new guards who a were due to take over.

Then there followed a whole load of ceremonial, and I am sure all sorts of procedural "stuff" that the two sets of guards followed before the brass band took the "earlier shift" off and called it "a day".

Thus leaving the new group to stand their turn!

And then my camera battery died, and like a clot, I had not packed my backup with me and so was not able to take any more pics! I can assure you the weather was pretty chilly, so poor Aunt Pam, found a more sheltered area as she indulged her niece the chance to watch the whole performance.

After the ceremony was completed, we then went into St George's Cathedral(? I think it is a cathedral?). I am always amazed when I look in these buildings at the height of the ceilings and the work of both the stone masons and where applicable the various sorts of artists. How they got up to those heights and completed what they did is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Today, apart from all the health and safety checks and risk assessments that would have to be put into place, we have things like stable scaffolding, lifts or other devices that would work well, but what these artists must have had to go through must have been something else.

We went in and saw Queen Mary's Doll House. Well, this was something else! The teeny knives and forks, the attention to detail in each and every room and part of the house, it was just incredible.

Following this we went through an exhibit of two dolls that had been presented to the Queen and Princess Margaret when they were children. I made the comment to Dee that I wondered whether the Queen ever walked around this exhibit and thought back to her childhood and what memories those kinds of things conjured up. I also keep wondering with her, as well as with some other aspects of famous people on this trip, whether those people have ever thought what it might have been like to have been born into a different role in life.

Funny - when we were children, dress ups involved being the princess, cowboy or some other glamorous figure - what do you do for "pretend" if you are born into that glamorous life? Maybe that explains people like Paris Hilton?

After this we went for lunch at the Crooked House. It literally is a restaurant, with two stories and a basement, and leaning slightly to one's left if you face it. It apparently does this because when it was built it was built using green oak, and as this cured, so the warping of the timber caused the house to lean - hence the name. Caused much giggling between the three of us as to who would land where if the house actually fell over while we were inside it eating our lunch! :-)

And then back to the car and in a rainy fashion, Dee took us on a drive through Eton - the boys at Eton, have as their uniform a coat with tails. I have to confess that I wondered at some of our boys wearing that get-up. Not too sure what to make of the whole thing, I do have to confess!

Tuesday was a morning spent wandering the "high street" of Newbury to try and see whether there were any gift ideas or other things that could be added to my already overloaded suitcase, before Aunt Pam collected me and we were back for lunch, before rushing out and doing a little grocery shopping and then back a dinner prep, etc.

Yesterday was spent trying to finish as much as possible of Luke's jacket - and have now ordered the dinosaur buttons that are going to adorn the front of the jacket - and so need to wait their arrival before I can finish knitting up the front bands, as well as then finishing the collar and hood - and then Lukie ought to be all set, and I hope chuffed with the end product.

That has now given me the excuse to start one of my cross stitches that I have bought here, while at the same time knitting up patterned squares for a pram (but might convert it into a cot) blanket for a colleague who is expecting his babba next year. The cross stitch is created by the same people who created my other one that is all but finished and that I left at home as I had no desire to have it go missing when it is so close to completion. It is lovely, but I am CERTAIN the stitching is much finer than the other one that I was doing - or my eyes have got much worse.

Oh, that reminds me! I keep looking at the various hand made things that the ladies of the years gone by did and wonder how on earth they managed things when many must surely have been short or long sighted, or even going blind - it just amazes me - but then, those of you who know me, know that it doesn't take all that much!!!

Yesterday I also added to my list of "first time experiences" (and this year seems to have been abundant with them!) - two in actual fact!

The first was that while on our walk in the morning with the dogs, Aunt Pam and I were asked to assist a lone barge traveller with a lock that he was battling to manipulate on his own. So there we were working on land to ope (and then close) the lock, and he did his bit on the barge. So, I have helped with a lock on a canal!

Then last night we went around to Dee's as she was hosting a Jamie Oliver Party - similar to a Tupperware Party, but all Jamie Oliver stuff. Some fancy stuff, some very useful stuff, some very heavy stuff for a weary traveller :-), and generally just the kind of stuff one would expect from him and his work. I did wonder why he was not doing the same tihing in SA - but more importantly, why he was supporting Sri Lankan people who are vreating things for him, and South Africa, where I know there is a support base for his products by the "haves", do not offer something for him to market and uplift people in more impoverished circumstances in SA. Got me thinking about the Impendle group and now need to start putting something together me thinks!

Okay, I have waffled on for long enough. Mum, I am so glad you have finally been connected with the electronic world via the Telkom line again - I know how irritated you get with that - but at least things are hopefully back to normal. We will chat tomorrow (yes, in Britain, Friday is still tomorrow - even if the date stamp on this says that this was written on Friday!).

All my love to everyone - and to everyone who tells me that you are missing me, you have no idea what an eye opener that was for me - but, that is for another entry - maybe! :-)

Wendy

12 November 2011

And as I type that date, I am suddenly aware that this time in exactly one month I will be at Charles de Gaulle Airport awaiting my connecting flight from Paris to Johannesburg - oh my, and what a wonderful time I have had - made especially good by the fact that although my wonderful Mum is missing me - these blogs and various conscientious people who have been "checking in with her" have ensured that every time I talk or write to her, or receive an email, she is in good spirits. Thanks so much to all who are making sure that Mum is being "kept in the loop" of all our day-to-day things!!!

Firstly, a HUGE "shout out" to my wonderful cousin Dee who had her birthday today - and then also a wonderful birthday wish to my little sister's hubby, Charles, for Thursday - and I am sure, that knowing him, this has been a birthday weekend! HAPPY BIRTHDAY both of you!!!

Today was a wonderful treat as the Johnsons sure know how to enjoy a birthday! It is almost like a mini Christmas - all that was missing was the "Birthday tree", as Dee and Dan came over to Aunt Pam and Uncle Dave at about 9:45am. The lounge/dining room was decked out in a birthday banner, and then the most awesome balloons - with LED lights inside them. The gifts were all piled in a pile, and after Dee, Dan, Peter and Nix had arrived, all gifts, including the ones from Dan to Dee were opened in something of a celebratory manner. It was wonderful.

So here we have the family gathered around while the presents were being opened by Dee:



And here we have Dee modelling the wonderful "two feet" slippers that Aunt Pam and Uncle Dave gave her. They really are gorgeous, soft and fluffy and caused many giggles.



The one thing I keep meaning to remember to mention is the manner in which Dee laughs - and I know that she has been following this blog, and so, if you are reading this Dee, it is not said for any reason other than the fact that it is the truth! In much the same manner that a baby or young child has a laugh that seems to travel all the way from the tips of their toes to their throat - so Dee laughs. There is NEVER anything artificial about it when Dee laughs. It is wonderful - and just makes people around her (well certainly from what I have seen!) want to laugh with her. It is a laugh of sheer joy. Dee, may you never lose that!!!

Then, after a bacon, sausage and egg roll brekkie, we all jumped into cars and it was off on a surprise trip for Dee. I just loved the way that Dee embraced the whole experience, and to hear her saying that she was just so enjoying the experience and feeling so relaxed was such a pleasure.

The first stop, which I do think Dee knew of, was to a school nearby that was having a Christmas Faire. Some beautiful things there, and generally not too badly priced, but I kept thinking of my luggage weight and whether things would or would not work. I see to have accumulated quite a bit already! Anyway, the grounds were beautiful too, and we waled from one of sections where the Faire was being hosted, onto a "viewing place" and it was a gorgeous view. Unfortunately, I am afraid, I did not take a pic of that!

Then, after that it was back into the car, and off to Hungerford, where we stopped at a farm shop and had a lovely meal - THANKS DAN! That was followed by some shopping at the stall and then back into the car and another surprise. Off we travelled to the place where Dan proposed to Dee - and some lovely laughs and photo opportunities! :-)

So, I thought it would be quite some fun to have Dan "re-enact" the scene and "get down on one knee and do the whole traditional thing. Instead, he just walked over to Dee sitting on the bench where he "popped the question, and started cuddling her and hugging her:



This is the view from the bench of the park in which Dan proposed. Apparently it was filled with daffodils when Dan proposed, and when Dee said "Yes", she jumped up and started dancing around the field, with Dan calling after her something to the effect of "Just don't lose the ring", as it was a little big for her finger.



At the same time, on a bench a little way off, Uncle Dave and Aunt Pam watched bemused at the antics of the three of us: :-)



Then we decided to do a little more "formalised photo-ing - and so here we have Dan and Uncle Dave behind the bench and Aunt Pam and Dee on the bench:



Then Dan kindly offered to take another pic of Uncle Dave standing all lonely behind the bench and Aunt Pam, Dee and myself sitting on the bench. A lovely pic both for posterity, but also as a memory of a wonderful time spent with a wonderful family!!



Following this, we headed back on ourselves, and all the while, Dee was completely unprepared to for what was to happen. It was not aided by the fact that both Aunt Pam and Dee suffer car sickness and so the rather lengthy trip was not helping them too much. However, with a little shuffling about, we eventually pulled into a pub/restaurant and Dee announced quite sternly: "No, now! I Just want to go home and have some tea and cake!" (The latter she had bought at the farm shop!)

Dan basically said that that was a little of a problem as this was something scheduled, and so she would have to just accept that we were stopping there. As we walked in, there was a whole group of both family and friends gathered around and we enjoyed a lovely afternoon of "high tea". All in all, a really lovely day!

8 November 2011

I have just spent a little time catching up with some of what is happening in my "work world" - and which will need some attention tomorrow. Part of that has meant that I have written a response to two of the emails where I have made the comment that I finally "get" the concept of Christmas is the dim and dingy weather!
I think when you are in a country like South Africa, there is always the knowledge that those snow decorated images that are associated with Christmas are what Christmas is all about, and as some malls would have us believe, should be all about! (By bringing in snow machines and trying to ensure that everyone tries to live a second (probably tenth) grade Christmas as a result. Come on South Africa - we really need to find a way to make Christmas just as special in South Africa. There are some things that we can keep - but we do not have to keep all the things that really are a northern hemisphere thing!!! So, have got my thinking britches on, and we will have to start a new revolution!!

On Sunday I really had such a wonderful relaxing day with Vaughn and Andrea. Sunday evening I was even trying to hone my own knowledge about Farnham Castle as Andrea would have to start teaching it to her kids at school and we were playing with ideas in a way that was just so comfortably familiar!!

Then Monday, and Andrea's mum, Trish, offered to take me to Stonehenge and on our way back we would stop for a pub lunch followed by a visit to Jane Austen's house.









The environment definitely added to the mystique of Stonehenge. It was a grey morning, and as we got closer and closer, so the weather seemed to become more "biting". When we arrived at Stonehenge, it was definitely a case of one becoming more and more "beaten" by the elements. The cold wind came up (thanks SO much to Trish, who suggested quite strongly that I needed to take another fleece for Stonehenge - boy oh boy, did I both need and value having it!

We were both using the audio guide, and those are no longer the ones with headphones and so forth, they are now more like a cell phone. The hassle is that you have to use your hands to hold the thing to your ear, and when the wind was as cold as it was yesterday, I can say, without shadow of doubt, they are most impractical!! We both ended with hands that were so cold they were freezing! And to top it all, my wonderful Aunt Pam had presented me with a goodie bag, included in which were some very smart and warm gloves that I had thought about taking with me that morning, but for whatever reason I decided not to do so.

After the walk around the area and the commentary - which was fascinating, but as I said to Trish, I kind of wonder whether there will ever be any conclusive proof in terms of Stonehenge and what it is all about - we grabbed a hot chocolate each and headed for the warmth of Trish's car to enjoy those and a natter.

Then we travelled back towards Farnham and stopped at the nearby village where there is one of the houses in which Jane Austen lived. I think that in some respects this was a fascinating stop, but in others I kind of expected a little more for some reason.

I am going about things kind of backwards, but notice the autumn leaf covered creeping type thing mid-left of this pic?



On our way out, I commented to Trish that the brown autumn sap-drained flowers on the thing looked like it was a hydrangea. Trish wasn't too convinced, and then spotted a "name tag" - and blow me down if it was not labelled as such and the date either 1849 or 1879 - we could not recall. I think both of us were shattered at the fact that this was actually a hydrangea, and secondly that this was that old!!!

Anyhoo, back to the house. I think the problem that these people had with the house is that when Jane Austen was living here, she was actually the poor relation, and so no-one kind of expected things as such from her, so nothing was really seen as worth preserving, as it were. Secondly, after she and her family (mother, sister, and I think a sister-in-law), the home was then converted into something that would suit three families, and so changes were made internally to the home. So, the best that can be said, is that from her writings and what they have been able to piece together, all that we saw was actually possibly what things would have almost been like when she lived there.

They did have her original writing table - which was small - something that surprised both Trish and me! It is the tiny table on the far right that is surrounded by glass or perspex.



There was something surreal (there I go again, using that word!) about the fact that I was looking over "her shoulder" as it were when I looked at the table from behind the chair that was positioned next to the table.

I was fascinated by the very fine lacework that she produced, as well as by the fact that she was an accomplished piano player as well. I appreciate the fact that many women of her day (when they were I guess what one could call "middle class" - even if she was the poor relation being cared for by her brother who had inherited masses) were often in that situation, but, it was surreal.

Okay, Vaughn and Andrea back, so all for this evening!

6 November 2011

Firstly a HUGE 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY" shoutout to Uncle Dave Lawrence. Hope he had a fab day today and that the year ahead brings all things good and special!

Below is the "blog entry" that I typed up this morning before knowing how to connect to Vaughn and Andrea's Wi-Fi. So, it may make people a little confused when reading it. Just remember this was written on Sunday morning - and by the way, later this afternoon I did see some lovely birds - read the entry! :-)

Been a couple of days since I last wrote, and so much has happened.

At present I am sitting in the lounge of my wonderful South African friend, Andrea and her really stunning hubby, Vaughn. They live in Farnham, and right now I am sitting on one of the sofas, that they had in their home in South Africa, looking out onto their garden, where, at the far end, I can see a couple of bird feeders on a stand (which I think is pretty clever! Just not sure how I would get one into my bag and home again!). I am sure that I will get a chance to be able to see a couple of the birds coming down to feed.

But let me go back to Friday evening, because it really was special (and Dee, I know that you are following my blog, and so I need to tell you that what I write here is EXACTLY how I felt!).

Aunt Pam, Uncle Dave and I went around to my cousin Dee and her hubby, Dan,’s home for dinner. Dee and I were trying to work out whether we had in fact met before I came here and both of seem to recall that there was a time when the two of us had met when she was quite young, and I would have been a bit older, but both of us are fairly inconclusive on that matter – but no worries!

Dee and Dan (who seems to be getting sick, poor man) treated us to a “full on” three course meal! Needless to say, in true Johnson style, none of us were at all hungry when we left a little later! But I digress a little.

I have spent time since being here with both Dee and Dan, but it has been moments at a time, and nothing all that concentrated. On Friday evening we were able to just enjoy an evening of relaxation, laughter and chatting. What a wonderful time. We really did laugh and laugh at all sorts of things and I came away from the evening feeling just so fortunate – and once again, Rev Dan, blessed, to have these special people in my life – and more importantly, to be able to spend some wonderful time with them. All part of the cherished memories that I will carry from my time over here.

We had been chatting a while, and I must say, much of the evening was spent in laughter – just enjoying the moment! I finally got to the stage where I HAD to look at Dee’s wedding dress, and so, although I knew that it would probably be something for her to have to get it out, I asked if I could see it.

Some pics taken at the wedding to give you an idea why I wanted to see the "real thing"!



Dee with Uncle Dave and Aunt Pam:






And the whole "Johnson" clan:


Well, it was every bit as gorgeous as it looked on the pics, and within a short space of time after we had finished looking at it and getting it all “fluffed up” again, Dee decided (with a small prompt, if I recall) to try it on again. Again, much laughter, as she needed to find the layer through which she needed to get her head to ensure that she could put the dress on. Finally she got it on and it really was lovely – crazy, because it was without all the finery that went with the actual day, but lovely! Thanks Dee for indulging me!

Herewith a lovely pic of Uncle Dave and Aunt Pam taken on Friday evening with Uncle Dave holding an "authentic" Belgium beer mug - courtesy Dee and Dan after their recent trip to Belgium for Dan's birthday.


The yesterday morning it was a case of being up bright and early to pack and then shower to make sure I was ready for Dee to come and fetch me as she was driving me through to Andrea. I had been willing to catch the various trains to make my way here, but Dee was having nothing of that and insisted that she bring me through. Apart from that special act of generosity (which really is not at all surprising for Dee, as I think that she would give the shirt off her back to someone who she felt needed it more than her), it was also a wonderful hour spent just with Dee as we drove across to Andrea and Vaughn’s.

I guess many would say that we were typical women, as we nattered all the way across, about all sorts of things. It was wonderful to spend that time where we could be nowhere but travelling and chatting! Thanks so much Dee – very special!!!

When we arrived, it was just SO lovely to see Andrea and Vaughn in their own home in the UK. What I had not really thought about, and it was another of those surreal experiences! Andrea and Vaughn packed up most of their belongings (except I think most of the white goods) and they were shipped across to the UK when they made the move. So I walked through to the lounge and was welcomed by the surreal experience of being surrounded by all the furniture that had been in their home in Fourways, yet knowing that it was in the UK! It was a weird, kind of whip lash type of moment – and just a moment, but it was also something very welcoming to feel as though the furniture that was here was the self same furniture that I had enjoyed a number of afternoon and evening coffee chats with both Andrea and Vaughn back home in South Africa. I guess in a weird kind of way it was a bit like finding a long-lost teddy or other comfort toy.

I just could not believe that I was finally here, in their home in the UK. And while Dee, Vaughn, Andrea and I were chatting over tea and coffee, Trish, Andrea’s mum was just finishing up packing all her belongings to go and spend a week at Andrea’s brother, sister-in-law and niece and nephew’s home nearby, as I was “turfing” poor Trish from her room. All kept reassuring me that this was all good, but I do confess that I felt a little guilty. It didn’t help that I heard talk of an inflatable mattress, which just made me think that Trish was going to be spending the week on that! I was reassured that the mattress would be for Andrea’s niece and Trish would be sleeping in her granddaughter’s bed. So, I was a little relived at that news.

As it turns out the work that Dee and Dan do, is similar to the work that Vaughn and Andrea’s brother (who have their own IT contacting company), and so soon Dee and Vaughn were chatting about various work related things and there is even the chance that there might be a time when they are able to work something out where Vaughn and Shaun will be able to work with Dee on some of the projects that she is either working with, or alongside some of those projects. So, as the saying goes, everything happens for a reason, and I guess this was no different.

That gave me a chance to catch up a little with Andrea, and then with Trish when she came down to the lounge. Again, that feeling came over me of familiar in a different place being just so special, and again, me being blessed!

Trish has just finished up a temp job at one company here and so, until she gets the next phone call to go and help out somewhere else, she is in a kind of limbo. She has offered, jobs coming up permitting, me the chance to go and be shown some of the sights around here and even a trip into London, which is really so very kind of her. I have also said that I cannot do the whole touristy thing all the time, and so will need at least a day off, which they are quite happy about. It really is most generous of them.

We went into Farnham to go and fetch a rug that Andrea had sent in to have cleaned, and what a quaint town in so many respects. I had to smile as we passed a row of houses and Andrea commented – see the “Hobbit houses, Wendy?” and there were homes where they had doors I think more fitting for my dear Granny Johnson who was 5 foot 1 inches tall (and we were not allowed to forget the one inch!). Andrea is at least 6 feet tall, so I could imagine that she and Vaughn would have quite a time trying to fit in many of those homes. Vaughn actually commented that when they had been “house hunting”, he had been to one place where he was not able to stand up straight at all. I guess in the old days the armour worn ensured that all kept short!

While Vaughn waited to collect the rug, Andrea took me on quite “walking in a square circle” that brought us back to the dry cleaners. The whole inner town just shouted “I’ve been here for a long time!!!”. The buildings are all very beautiful and many very quaint. They have closed off some of the streets and converted them into public pathways, and so much of the walk was on cobbled streets where there were different kinds of surface coverings – mainly various stones – I will have to take a pic of some of the roads so that you can get a sense of that!

We then brought said rug home and went up to a local pub where we had a lovely relaxed lunch. It reminds me that the one thing I cannot get used to here is how to dress. Being someone who does not feel the cold all that much, I am constantly taking off and putting on layers – but I really have not got the art of that “down” as yet! We enjoyed lunch near a log fire, and then that evening were going to be going to friends of Vaughn and Andrea’s where they were having people around for “bonfire night” – as Guy Fawkes is called here.

Again, such a lovely evening and such lovely people to chat to! The evening was hosted by one of Andrea and Vaughn’s friend's Mum, and she was so welcoming. It was funny the way I kept being asked whether I was here to stay – and in fact the first time, and I cannot recall how the question was phrased, I was rather taken aback as it kind of seemed to imply that I would not be going home to South Africa, so I ended up saying that of course I would. Then I realised, once the poor person who had asked the question explained, that it was a perfectly sensible question about whether I was staying on for a while and then travelling home, or whether I had decided to move over here. I guess it was something that I ought to have understood a little more as a couple of the people there were not from the UK at all, and with me accompanying Vaughn and Andrea, people could well have put two and two together and thought that I was now here to start a new life in the UK. People were both interesting to talk to and interested in things about South Africa, so all in all a lovely evening. The only down side of the whole evening was the fact that all us came home smelling of fire, but that was nothing that a shower couldn’t rectify.

I am not all that sure what I am going to do here. Trish has offered to take me all over the place and fill my days with sightseeing – which is really kind of her. I have got into a rather lazy – and I think, when I think about it now, unhelpful – state of mind as I have not been planning anything per se. Part of it is due to the fact that I am so used to my own independence and being able to jump into a car and go off where and when I wish, and partly because I have not really planned all that much in terms of prepping myself for what is on offer – I guess because I am conscious that for all people concerned this is a slight imposition – one that all have been quite happy to accept, but none the less it is something that the independent me is struggling to accept things and just be more “forthcoming”. Not too sure, and this is becoming far too philosophical for a Sunday morning that is a lovely morning.

It is funny, so many people have made the comment that I have come at the wrong time of the year to enjoy the UK, and I have to say, for me this is great. The weather is mild to chilly – and that suits me perfectly. The people with whom I am staying and spending time have all been so warm in their welcomes – and of course their homes are all heated in one way or another, so I am not complaining at all. What is making this trip wonderful is meeting up with old friends, meeting some relatives for the first (?) time, and catching up with others, and with me being me, that is special above all else.

Well, I can hear noises coming from Andrea and Vaughn’s room, and I can feel another cup of coffee calling, so I think it is time to close this off. I will be posting it later than it has been written, as I am not at all sure of the Internet access at present and so the whole thing has been written in Word and I will copy and paste with pics a little later once that has been sorted out.

And the birds? Sorry – haven’t seen a single one, but then I have been watching the keyboard more than looking outside. Time to carry on with Lukie’s jacket/jersey after making a cup of coffee.

All my love
Wendy

3 November 2011

Once again today, as with so many other days that I have been in the UK, I find that I feel as though I am living in a surreal dream. There is this sense in a number of ways that I am home (I am sure in no small measure due to the wonderful manner in which my family have welcomed me into their homes and hearts). But at the same time I find myself trying to comprehend that I am no longer in the African continent, but instead on that little island off the coast of Europe that has always been pointed out as the motherland of my maternal grandmother.

I have been blessed that over the last two weeks I have gone out each weekday morning for a walk with my aunt and the two dogs. We walk in a variety of places and each is beautiful in its own way - all with the tree foliage turning all autumn shades and losing the leaves in preparation for winter, which seems to be around the corner. I can feel the chilly weather approaching.







The above photos were actually taken on our walk last week with my cousin's two children - Luke and Emma, who really are delightful. Aunt Pam looks after them each Thursday morning, and after lunch she then takes them to school and "day care" respectively - each place being just a brief walk from the other. Last week was the school half term, and so we had the children for the full day.

Poor Aunt Pam kept worrying about the weather as both Emma and Luke enjoy the outdoors. It was miserable in the morning in terms of raining, but the afternoon was a little more accommodating as we were able to go on a walk, where Luke could see the cows lying in a field (by clambering up and looking over a gate), enjoy a close encounter with a very friendly horse that was grazing on the one farm, and then peek through the fence of another to spot the chickens. We also saw some vibrant orange pumpkins, picked at that time, no doubt, for Hallowe'en. Luke also had fun finding and then mushing aound in the various puddles of water. Here a pic of Luke, Aunt Pam and Bella:


Time was also spent making some cup cakes with a Hallowe'en themed cupcake paper holder and toothpicks that could be stuck into the cakes, atop which were four different themes pictures - a witch, a pumpkin, a ghost and something resembling Frankenstein's monster (if I recall correctly). Great fun and excitement for Luke.



Needless to say, at the end of that lovely day, despite really enjoying being able to spend all that time with the children and Aunt Pam, I was exhausted, and Aunt Pam appeared for all the world to see as though this was just another day in her home. She is incredible with the kids and although they have the most incredible amenable personalities, she just knows how to handle them in terms of when to distract, change activities, or whatever. I was once again aware I was cut out to be a high school teacher and not a primary school teacher!

Well folks, that is all for the time being. Am trying to finish the jersey/jacket I am knitting as requested by Luke - who keeps taking me to task when he sees me with a "Why aren't you knitting?" the moment I put my knitting down. None the less, having probably pulled about half as much out as I have knitted, I am getting there and am sure that I will finish the jersey by the time I return from Andrea and Vaughn - who I am so excited I will be visiting next week - being delivered there by my generous youngest cousin this Saturday.

So, all for the time being.