Holiday been...and home again

I cannot believe it has been so long since I blogged, but I see my last post was the day before we went away on our long awaited and well deserved holiday.  The last break we had was in 2008!!!!!  Since then we have had the odd weekend away here and there, but it has always coincided with a birthday or a wedding or something like that.  So Christmas time last year we decided that we were going to do our best to get away sometime this year.  The last few years have been very stressful on us all, what with NiQi's health initially dropping so quickly, the burglaries, Johan's work and general climbing crime rate in our area...it has taken it's toll on us. Fishing is always a hit with Johan and NiQi and I had thought maybe a trip down to Chelmsford Dam again would be a good idea, as we have done a couple of times in the past.  Johan thought otherwise though and decided a trip to the Free State to his cousin and wife would be nice and relaxing, and we had so hoped that Matthew and Jess would be able to join us too, however they were unable to.

As you may...or may not...know, for us all to get away from here at the same time is not easy at all as there is a lot of work to be done every day just looking after our animals...and the birds...oooooh the birds are the most work of all.  Initially we thought to ask Wilfred if he would be able to come up here again as he knows how we do things and the animals are familiar with him...sadly we had to re-think our first option as he was needed down in KZN, with Matthew and Jess moving to their own place.  Then Johan had an idea to ask his sister Mariana and her hubby, Bryan.  They have lived here in our flat before and basically know our routine, as complicated as it is, so it made sense.  Thankfully they agreed, so after making copious notes for them on the daily, morning and evening regimen...stocking the fridge, freezer and grocery cupboards with enough food for them and the animals....and spending the previous 10 days making double food for the birds, to freeze in advance...we were 'A' for away....

Maselspoort here we come....the next few blogs will be on our journey and visit......