Sunday, March 31, 2013

Well, hello there!

It's been a while since last posting and as I have a small breather with school break I thought I would just make note of what has been going on over the last 3 months or so.

Chickens enjoying digging over empty beds
My eldest daughter will finish her homeschooling journey in just under 6 weeks...then we will start the process of applying to UCT for her studies for next year. She is keen on studying English Language and Literature and Film and Media studies. Drivers license, National Bench Mark Exams are also on the cards for her...and I hope REST! She is working so hard to achieve her goals. May God go before her and make her paths straight.
Beautiful Figs...so many from our little tree daily.

They found their way into breakfast, lunch and puddings.

Long school days have been the highlight of the last months. 3 highschoolers and one middle school child are enough to keep any mom on her toes! Needless to say besides cooking meals, schooling, cleaning house and driving kids to sport and tutors there has not been much happening.

Except I have started swimming for exercise. It's been almost 3 months and I am loving it. The 5.30 in the morning start does not make me jump for joy, but after a few lengths my body soaks in the exercise.  Not sure about the cold wet Cape winter mornings yet...but I hope to keep it up.

We have been trying to make the most of the season with peach and granadilla butter, plum jam and loads of tomato sauce.


Our winner vegetable this year has been the surprising Aubergine (brinjal/eggplant) which has given us over 30 fruits from the 5 plants. There are still more growing and they are delicious. Thank goodness my Sister sent me the Riverside Cottage Veg book and there are some fantastic recipes for Aubergines in it.

The biggest decision we have made related to the garden is to reduce the growing area by 1/3. The two areas that are in full winter shade are undergoing a change. The first area has been grassed over and a border of herbs and edible flowers will be planted sometime.


The other area is a funny triangular shaped area that we are going to make into a container garden. Gravel and paving will cover the ground and we will find a cheap little table and chairs for the area and make it pretty.

Both these areas I have struggled to keep up with now that the children's school work loads have increased and we can all do without the stress.

Besides for this, the kittens are growing, and Tiffany has become the Grande Dame of the house, but Toby has the better cuddly personality.

Miss Tiffany Halfpenny
So, that's all folks, hope you are all well and keeping on.
Wendy