Tuesday, 15 December 2009

Evil Mother Takes Revenge!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Friday, 4 September 2009

New Beginnings

Spring has sprung, and it's time for new beginnings!

I've spent two days spring-cleaning. No it has nothing to do with the 'Great New Zealand Spring Clean', and everything to do with the fact that hubby is in SA, and I have no urgent assignment to do this weekend. In other words: I have time!

Also, It is very likely that we will have one more fourteen-year-old living with us pretty soon. We're still waiting to hear the final verdict, but we're hoping we can give her a chance to be part of our happy family.

Today Rae, Kerry (a friend) and I scrubbed the walls, de-webbed the ceiling and rearranged the furniture of the spare room.
We didn't like the decor, so off we trotted to the Warehouse, and spent a pleasant hour or so gathering a smattering of red, white and black items for her new room.There must be few things more satisfying than standing back, after a day of hard work, and being able to see the fruits of your labour. Can't wait to see her face when she sees it!

So, in a short while, a new chapter of our life in New Zealand starts. If she comes, we will be complete, and we can really settle into our life here. If we don't gain the opportunity to bring her home, at least we will be seeing much more of her, and her room will be ready.

Now if Dan comes home in January too, my cup will runneth over!

Saturday, 25 July 2009

Legally Loud!

Joe had his 18th birthday yesterday, which means he's legally a grown-up now! (Yes, it's 18 now, and no longer 21!) At 18 he is ready to conquer the world. I must admit, the young man in this slideshow is a different person to the 15 year old that I went to meet at the airport just over 2 years ago, when he first came to New Zealand. He admits that he has a much wider view of the world now, is more tolerant of diversity, and knows that kids from all over the world are fundamentally similar in their thinking. Also, he has become a hard-working and confident young man, who has a clear vision for his future.



The kids that came to the party were such a nice bunch of young people, and although several of them are old enough to drink, they were well behaved - even when tipsy - polite and full of energy. We had a good mix as there were kids from New Zealand, South Africa and a number of Brits, including some exchange students. The party ended with the Bokke playing their fabulous match,and giving the All Blacks a hiding - much to Joe's delight! (This was by 4:30am in the morning - so we old folk didn't get much sleep!) I went to bed long before the match, but heard it all happen - from the rather off-key Nkosi S'kelele at the start of the match to the 'Yes, Bokke' and 'Go Bokke go!' at the end! Yes, and they did slip in 'De La Rey' too!

For the family and friends that couldn't be here with Joe, enjoy the slideshow!


Monday, 20 July 2009

Sensational Singapore!

We were able to spend four days in Singapore. What a fantastic, efficient, vibrant and exciting city to visit! We loved browsing through the many ethnic markets, and were astounded at the cleanliness and size of the cool malls. The food was so cheap, and we were able to buy fantastic, clean and tasty meals at the street vendors, which gave me more money to spend on shopping! (Of course we kept to the meat-free dishes, as some of the dishes were rather suspect. Dishes such as pig kidneys, strange looking sea-animals and funny jellyish deserts were proudly advertised outside each stall.

And of course I have to mention the fruit - freshly squeezed, deliciously sweet, icy cold tropical fruit juice for to quench your thirst in the .

The famous Raffles hotel is famous for it's Long Bar, and the Singapore Sling. We went to have a look, and it felt so colonial and stylish- like stepping into a previous era!




The markets are a mix of colour, noise, smells, and happy, relaxed people milling around. It is so hot, you can only stand 15 minutes or so browsing amongst the bargains, before nipping back into the next cool mall.

We explored the Arab quarters and the Chinese quarters, and next time I will definitely be looking at the famous Orchard Road and get to the Indian quarters. Our hote, The Golden Landmark, was so central, we could get to everything by foot. We ate every night at the street vendors in Bugis Street, for about $2 per meal, accompanied by the most delicious freshly pressed exotic fruit juices, for about $1 each.


I love Singapore - I love the food, the shopping and the retail therapy. Can't wait to go again!

Beautiful Bali


We have just returned from a marverlous, sun-soaked week at the Club Med in Nusa Dua, Bali. The long awaited holiday was a gift from my Mother-in-law, who want all her sons, with their wives and children together in one place for a change.
Planning the holiday was quite a feat, but at last, on a sunny July day in Bali, we all met - some for the first time.

Our holiday was absolute bliss!
The resort is so well run, clean, and
the GO's are friendly and efficient.


We had lots to do - I tried windsurfing, para-gliding and loved kayaking and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters.


The warm evenings were spent lazily sipping cocktails at the bar, before strolling into the buffet restaurant with the family to partake of the evening feast. I have never seen such a variety of food together in one place, and it was different every night. The buffet is arranged according to countries, and one could choose from every manner of Asian dishes - Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian and more! For my vegetarian tastes there was always more than enough choices.


The beaches are pristine. The palm trees laden with real coconuts. And the margueritas were plentiful, and kept reappearing in front of me, as if by magic! A holiday to remember, for sure!


Thursday, 19 February 2009

Going, going, gone...!


Well the big day came, and my first chick flew. He will be landing in Cape Town in just an hours time, and I'm suffering from empty nest syndrome. Only the nest is still pretty crowded...

Here's a photo of us all on his last evening at home!

Tuesday, 20 January 2009

How bad is it really in Zimbabwe? A sequel.

The situation in Africa may be no laughing matter, but I had to smile at these typical scenes this morning!


I got an email from my Dearly Beloved with these photos attached. You gotta love Africa, and in particular Zimbabwe.

These people don't let a few challenges deter them....

This month's specials: No fuel.










The new 2009 model Toyota Corolla. Made in Zimbabwe. (Someone forgot to tell the oxen to keep to the left.)





Taking car-pooling to the ultimate level. I wonder how many trillions of Zim $s each passenger paid for this lift?








We'll get there eventually... hopefully before it's too late!





Although the situation in Zimbabwe is unbearable for most of the people there, they are doing the best they can, with what they've got.

My heart continues to burn for Africa, but what can we do, but pray?


Monday, 19 January 2009

Hooray for Howick!

Howick Village is the sleepy little shopping hub closest to our house in Cockle Bay. It has all the charm and atmosphere reminiscent of days gone by.

Today, having done some errands that needed doing in Howick, Rae and I spent the afternoon browsing the many antique shops, bookshops and junk shops. (See a video of Howick here.)

We found a lovely little coffee shop, Cafe Paris, with probably the cheapest Flat Whites in town! They have delicious light meals, and the aroma of freshly baked quiches, and other decadent goodies, was quite mouth-watering. None of your bland bit-of-frilly-lettuce-in-a-wrap here! I was quite impressed with the vegetarian choices too. The decor is quaint and choc-a-block full of delightful French-style knick-knacks and objects d'art. The furniture is a collection of mismatched antique and old-fashioned chairs and tables, or bunched together cosily. Outside, a couple of young people were chatting away happily, on the side-walk tables.
Browsing here, and touching there, we didn't realize that there was no shopkeeper in the shop.
Just a few doors up we wondered into the equally interesting Antique Shop. Browsing here, and touching there, we didn't realize that there was no shopkeeper in the shop. After quite a while, in walked a lovely little lady. She had popped in to a neighbour a few doors down, and she could see into this shop with their video surveillance system, but as she smilingly told us: 'I don't actually switch it on, most days.' We chatted for a few minutes about how wonderful it is that we live in a place where one can wander into a shop filled with knick-knacks and bric-a-brac, and the shopkeeper is out! No security doors, no threat to our personal safety, no lack of trust.

Around the corner we came across one of the op-shops, or second hand goods store. I bought a beautiful handbag, that looks almost like a mini satchel, 100% genuine deer leather, for $4. Rae wanted a red designer-type shoulder bag that is large enough for her school books, for $6.

Feeling quite happy with our day of shopping, we drove home the scenic way, past the pretty little beach, and within 10 minutes we were home.

Unfortunately, no aroma of freshly-baked quiche awaits us at home, so I'll have to get off my butt, and start cooking supper for the hungry lads. Bangers and mash, and mixed veg, anyone?

Wednesday, 14 January 2009

Big Boys, big toys!

The hardest part of parenting, is when they grow up so suddenly!

My boys are children no more! Here is their first car. I'm starting to feel really old now! Joe got his licence last week, so he is the main driver at the moment. Dan is going for his on the 31st of Jan, so hold thumbs everyone!












It's a gunmetal grey, metallic, 1991 Suzuki Escudo, 5 door, 1600cc engine (for the men who care), 4 wheel drive, and we bought it for cheap-cheap at an online auction.

Juan was born in 1991, so he feels a great affinity with the car. They're the same age!

Of course, that's Niel in the back seat, playing silly buggers. At least he is still a boy... for now!

Sunday, 11 January 2009

How bad is it really in Zimbabwe? A True Story.


Living safely in a country where crime, violence and hardship are rare, one tends to forget about the true situation in Africa. I have just had really bad news, which hits home the reality of what people close to me are experiencing.

In December 1977 I travelled on a train from Bulawayo to Salisbury. For many hours the train was held up by landmines which had been planted on the railway line. Soon after I emigrated with my parents to our new safe country, South Africa.

Image: http://www.charity.org

In October 2005 I was held up at gunpoint by an armed robber. I was on my way to lead a Church Service at the NGO where I was training unemployed people. It was the final straw in a long line of really bad incidents, situations and difficulties in my home country. By 1 December we were on our way to New Zealand.

We have left behind the fear, the poverty, the stress of me not finding a teaching job, my husband being too white, too male and having an Afrikaans surname. But, my family is still there. Today I got distressing news of my 'brother' Laphious, who I have written about before. I am hoping that someone out there may want to help.

This is his story:

Laphious is a Zimbabwean man, with a beautiful wife and clever, hard-working children. He lives in South Africa to earn money to feed his family who he has left behind in Zimbabwe. He became close to my parents through their church where they worship together.

When I visited my aging, but healthy parents in July last year, Laphious was there to help where he could. He took the job of making sure that they were looked after, heating their home properly, and got help with odd jobs. Although they cannot afford to support Laphious, they help him with meals and emotional support where they can. He has become like a son to them, and he calls me his 'sister'. It is a title I bear with pride, for this is a man of character, and a true son of my Father in heaven.

Laphious went home to Zimbabwe for Christmas. He had been very excited and also wanted to make sure that his wife and children had enough food to exist. He reports that the situation is unbearably bad. Even if there was money to buy food, there is no food in the shops. The fields are bare. People are scrounging for food, even scratching for roots and wild berries, and many are dying of hunger.

This morning a tired, hungry, traumatized and penniless Laphious limped into our parent's home. On his journey from Zimbabwe he had been robbed at gunpoint by the taxi driver, and left without his passport, cellphone, clothes or any money in a field somewhere between Johannesburg and Vereniging. He has nothing left. For a few days he stumbled around, and he was fortunate to find odd jobs and make just enough money to make it 'home' to my parents. My mom has taken a few groceries out of her meagre store cupboard to keep him going. They have very little for themselves. Laphious has lost his job, as the factory where he was working has closed. He is able to do basic carpentry and odd jobs.


You and I cannot help every family in Zimbabwe, but maybe we could make a difference to this one.

Please help, if you can. As little as $10 would keep him, and his family going for a while. If you are willing to help, please email me at raenette.taljaard@gmail.com and I will furnish account details, or an address to which you can forward clothes or food. Your prayers would be appreciated too.

(Please note: For safety reasons, I cannot furnish any more of Laphious' details.)

Tuesday, 6 January 2009

10, no 11 things I know for sure. I think.

Every month Oprah writes a list of things she knows for sure. With my son leaving home, and wanting to give him some wise advice for his future, I've been thinking about what I know for sure.

Now for those of you with literal, digital brains, usually of the male gender, and often with Bezuidenhout family connections, most of this is meant to be tongue-in-cheek, okay!

1. Don't give your teenage son (or daughter, I presume) advice when he leaves home for the first time. He doesn't want it. Not yet. And he doesn't believe you anyway. Actually more often than not, advice given to anyone over the age of 10 is wasted. Keep your advice for yourself.

2. If you want to be thin, healthy and beautiful you have to eat very little, exercise a lot, and spend money on good skincare products. There's no other way. Well, not with my family gene pool, in any case.

3. Do not disagree with your Mother-in-law. Or if you do, don't verbalize it. Her son will side with her. He may not say so, but in his heart he thinks 'mother know best'. I should know - I have two MILs.

4. Get-rich-quick schemes, and Lotto are not reliable sources of income. Rather, plan, work hard, be honest, and marry well. I'm not saying you should marry for money, but do love where money is...!

5. The law of attraction is real, and it works. What you pray for, say, think and believe will manifest in your life. It's your choice whether you use this in a positive or negative way.

6. You will get as good as you give. Be nice, and others are nice back. Be evil, and you'll be on the receiving side of evil. It's as simple as that. You can check it in the Bible ('harvest what you sow') or call it karma, or anything you like. It's still true.

7. Teenager's internal clocks are set differently to the rest of the world. Their day starts at 12 noon, and their night ends at dawn. There is nothing you can do about it. They can't help it. Learn to enjoy being awake when they are still asleep and vice versa. You will be more sane.

8. All mothers have a favourite child. It might not always be the same one everyday, but there will always be times that one of them is much easier to like. Do not feel guilty about this. Your feelings will change soon. Also, give the favourite of the moment no more attention/love/smiles than the others.The current 'unfavourite' will notice and hold it against you when you are least prepared for it.

9. Do not buy budget diswashing liquid or laundry powder, ever. Even if it is strawberry scented, and only costs $2. You will need more of it, still have bad results, and spend more time cleaning than you need to.

10. Talk less, listen more. I mean really listen with attention. (I'm still working on this one.) You will learn more from what is NOT said, than from what IS said. And while your mouth is moving, your ears stop listening. (Actually, this last sentence is only applicable to men. Women can actually have multiple conversations at the same time. I have a video tape to prove it.)

11. This one I know for sure: God does exist. I know, because I experience His small wonders every day. Trust me on this one.

What do YOU know for sure?


Image: http://imagecache2.allposters.com

Monday, 5 January 2009

Saying Goodbye to my baby!

Annemarie, my sister, sent me this photo taken these holidays at Addo Elephant Park. I know how this Elephant Mum feels!


Almost nineteen years ago, I gave birth to my first baby. He was a crumpled up, dark-haired boy, who was never-endingly hungry, never-endingly awake and always aware and inquisitive about the life around him, and to his mother, never-endingly beautiful. He was the first baby I had ever actually held, or cared for, or loved!

Now he is tall, handsome and still hungry - for food, and for life! Soon, in a few weeks, he wants to leave home and to spread his wings. He is going back to South Africa for a while, and will be using his visit to try and figure out what he wants to do with his future.

And I'm letting him go.... But like the elephant in the picture, in my heart I will be protecting and nurturing him. As much as he allows me to!