Remember When...

These past 2 weeks have taken us on a trip down memory lane: remembering old times, resuming old plans and reconnecting with old friends.

While on what has become an annual trip to a delightful bakery in Noordhoek, my good friend Michelle and I started chatting about high school. It was at some point in the conversation that I commented on our 13 year friendship. "Are you sure?", Michelle asked, "I only met you in standard 8". We quickly did the math: 3 years of high school, 5 years of uni, 5 years in the working world - yes, we've been friends 13 years!

The Lovely Michelle xx

Just a few days after that, Andel and I met up with his school friends at their school reunion. What an experience it was stepping into a part of Andel's world that I had never been part of. How entertaining to see a bit of history unfold in front of our eyes.

Grabouw High 10 Year Reunion

Time flies! In 10 years, so much has happened in our respective circles. We have au paired in America, left our home towns, started new businesses, cruised the seven seas, starred in reality TV, brought life into the world, changed our perspectives, our hair, and our names. And yet, when we look back on these friendships, not much has changed at all.

Like Michelle and me: even though she spends 50 weeks of the year on the other side of the world, when we are together we are able to pick up exactly where we left off, reducing the 13 years between us to a mere 13 minutes.

Inviting The Inlaws

Since Andel's brother got married in May, I think we've visited his parents once - by accident, when we were on a roadtrip with my parents and decided to pop by for tea. It's not that we don't enjoy being there. On the contrary, we usually go for the entire weekend. However, work and other commitments have made that we haven't been able to go for a while. So in an attempt to bridge the gap between Cape Town (where we live) and Grabouw (where they live,) with something other than the N2, Andel and I invited them for lunch today.

It should have been a very good plan. I mean it involved us getting to see them, sharing a hearty meal, and not have to use up half a tank of petrol. Then I remembered a very important little detail: I don't really know how to cook.

Can you imagine the panic that ensued? Andel comes from the farm - and I don't mean that in a bad way. My point is simply that he grew up eating what he calls "real food" (not grilled or microwaved), which is always home made, served in large portions, and laden with flavour and calories that linger long after lunch has been served.

My immediate instinct was to call in some aid. You can't have a brother-in-law (my side of the family) who's a chef, and not put him to good use once in a while. As it turns out, perhaps I have played that card one too many times, on a few levels: If I rock up anywhere with a dish I'm usually met with, "Hi Robyn, did PJ make that?". And sadly, most times he has, meaning that there is a pretty high expectation already set. I was hoping this little explanation that accompanied my plea would work in my favour. Unfortunately it did not. PJ was unable to help.

Did I mention that around the same time, my family confirmed (only a week after being invited and a mere day before the lunch) that they too would be attending - children and all? And my lunch for 4 became a lunch for 10.

So yesterday, I earnestly began putting together a menu, and frantically searching for recipes that were easy enough for my virgin hands to follow, and still with enough ingredients to constitute a decent meal.

I cooked for 6 hours, simultaneously juggling my latest Unisa assignment, doing a quick coffee with the girls, and baby-sitting Zoe and Reece. After mixing, washing up, frying, washing up, baking, and washing up again, I got to bed at midnight: exhausted, but pleased that a mere 20 minutes in the oven would have everything ready.

Then we woke up this morning to a neighbourhood without electricity!

Thankfully, alls well that ends well. When we got home from church, our electricity was back on, and Hendricks and Klaasen families together enjoyed a lunch of: butternut soup and bread for starters, chicken and broccoli pasta bake with side veggies for mains, and pear tart with custard for dessert.








And the best part: I MADE it all myself... not that I plan to repeat this any time soon!

Annual Hendricks Weekend Away

This last weekend was what has become our Annual Hendricks Weekend Away at Coaton Cottage in Bainskloof. Since 2008 we have been making the hour long trip into the mountains above Wellington for some much needed rest and relaxation. Much has changed since the first trip: small children (in the form of nieces and cousins), big children (in the form of boyfriends who have become husbands), new cars (to transport all the children), and dates. For the last two years, we have gone over the Women's Day long weekend, which means we have been there for both parents' birthday.

As most of us did not have an early end to the week, we decided to drive through on Saturday morning. The family weekend however started in full force of Friday evening when my parents had all their kids, their spouses and their kids sleeping over - six of us side by side, asleep on the lounge floor in front of the fireplace (and the TV). It definitely set the tone for the rest of the weekend!

On our way to Bainskloof on Saturday we stopped for birthday breakfast with Mom: in addition to feeding us all, it also gave Jorja an opportunity to play, the girls a chance to pee, and the boys the luxury of picture rugby!

We had hardly been at the cottage 10 minutes before we got our first visitors: Paul, Ronel and friends. It was a nice treat for Mom's birthday.

Sunday we did the whole birthday thing again - this time with homemade breakfast (ala PJ), and with Roger, Carolyn and their friends visiting. Later the afternoon Annie joined us (she had been dancing the previous two night so didn't make the trek with us). What a presence Annie brings to a room... I wish I could post a video on here!

Monday was a little more chilled (birthdays over and all). Being a school holiday, Paul returned with uncle Jamie Poole for a boys' day. The weather was particularly warm and sunny so we took a walk down to the river in the mountains. What a majestic sight! While some of us lazed in the sun, others were skipping pebbles across the water, and still others exploring in between the rocks. Jorja was the most fascinating thing: this was her virgin river expedition experience.

The drive home Tuesday was bitter sweet. I love being away. I especially love that there is no mobile phone signal - for my phone anyway :) - and when returning from holiday I always wish I had one extra day to pull myself towards myself before starting the week.

It's funny, when I reflect on these holidays, I think about all the things that I get annoyed or impatient by: waiting to leave, forgetting important ingredients, being too cold or getting fluey. I think about how sometimes, the end of the weekend away comes at just the right time because I seem to be all 'familied out'.

And then I think about how that doesn't really matter, how most times my favourite times are our family times, and how I must really love this annual holiday. I mean, why else do I keep going? :)

ps. I went into so much detail so that I could post all the pics... And now they don't want to upload :( I'll keep trying!

Sundays

In the Klaasen household, Sundays - the commonly referred to 'day of rest' - has a certain routine to it.

We wake up (sometimes early, sometimes late), and attend our local church, Kaleidoscope. We leave feeling blessed, challenged and refueled. We then usually go to Newmans Avenue (lately more often than not). It seems Andel has a growing attachment to that place - probably because of the DSTV! Some Sundays we watch sport, other Sundays we just share lunch. On special Sundays we take a drive out somewhere in the green bus with our tea and sweet things packed in.

Regardless of the afternoon's activities, Sunday evenings are always the same. Andel and I meet with our best friends, Karl and Tarrin (sometimes at our place, mostly at theirs), and enjoy our standard dinner of toasted baguettes with yummy filling. Whether we watch a movie (or next episode of a series), play boardgames, listen to music or simply catch up, it's always the perfect end to the weekend, and the preferred start to the week.

This weekend brings the last of such Sundays - for now anyway - because on Tuesday Karl and Tarrin move back to Ireland. A move that was inevitable, and dreadful all the same.

It's funny how such a simple thing has become such a defining part of our lives. While I don't think we necessarily took it for granted, I know now that we haven't really appreciated the 90-odd Sunday evenings as much as we could have.

Come next Sunday, I'm not sure what we'll be doing. I do know though that we will feel a little lost because, as Tarrin once said, "Sundays just don't feel like Sundays without you guys"...

Blogger's Block

It has been 40 days since I last I last blogged. It seems I have a serious case of Blogger's Block!

Well then, I have also been quite busy: I work, I study, I play in a band, I'm married, I have a large (extended) family... But I don't think it's that.

I'm a Wordsmith. I like to write, I like to talk, I like to read. I love that I know many people who blog, and I thoroughly enjoy following them. What's happened to me then that suddenly I am carefully counting my words before posting, afraid that what I have to say may not be significant or profound enough? I seem to be in my own competition called "Battle of the Blog"!

I think that, sometimes, with everything, when you get to that wall in the road that you seem to be constantly banging your head against, you need to remember why you started the race in the first place. And I started to blog so that I could look back and see all the wonderful things God has blessed me with, protected me from, and taken me through.

So while things may be tough, and time rather tight, I will boldly blog about the simple and the striking, what I'm thinking about and what I'm thankful for, and regularly reminisce on what's been.

Time To Say Totsiens

On Friday we said goodbye to a great man: a champion sportsman, legendary grandfather, exemplary husband, proud daddy and faithful Christian. We laid to rest our beloved Izak (Ikey) Geduld.


Gramps Ikey in his very first Argus Cycle Tour, over 20 years ago


His passing on 3rd June 2011 could not have come as a bigger shock. I realise that nothing can prepare us for death. Knowing that someone is ill or old may make it easier to digest, but it doesn't make it easier to deal with.

Having said that, knowing that Gramps has gone to be with Jesus in a place where he feels no pain, breathes effortlessly, and is able to cycle for hours on end does bring a measure of comfort. Thank God for sending Jesus to remove the finality and separation of death.

There are so many things we will remember, and even more that we will miss. Here are some of the memories shared at the funeral - just to mention a few.
- sharing Flanagans crisps and guava juice on the backseat of his Honda Ballad
- watching him flick his false teeth out, and then back in, in a quick snap
- hearing him call us the many names he used on us (including aapdrol and peophol)
- being held in one of his warm embraces
- listening to him sing
- having him comment on our latest work/sport/life development

Gramps Ikey, you will be sorely missed, but never forgotten! Until we meet again...

Terrific Two

Sunday 5th June marked the 2nd anniversary of Jorja Sarah du Plessis' birth.

I can't believe it has gone so fast. I remember, like it was yesterday, the downpour that Friday afternoon as I was driving home from work, when I received a text message from PJ, announcing with unbridled pride, the birth of his (nameless) daughter. I remember visiting Ash in hospital that same evening, and being introduced to this tiny beetroot-like baby with the big eyes (and rude hands). I remember the conversation Andel and I had in the car on the way home, when we thought for certain, that she looked just like a Jorja.

And yet, was there ever a time when Jorja wasn't part of our lives? She is such a big part of everything we do, I don't think we remember (or care) what we were doing before her. She's this explosion of love and affection, a wealth of knowledge and wit, and an eternal spring of energy!

Her birthday, although remembered in a time of much sadness, was a celebration of note. She had all her friends over, playing in the garden, and diving into the many delicious treats that were on offer while she readily added, "my daddy make this".

Jorja is growing into such a lovely little girl. Not only is she fully potty-trained (go Yaya!) and David Foster's biggest fan, she knows and can do so much.
Ash and PJ are doing a terrific job! It almost makes me feel a little broody...


Sleepy birthday girl catching 40 winks!


Cups and Cupcakes: made by Robyn and Ashleigh, from childhood memories we share


Jorja modelling the coat she got from Callum and Caitlin

Wedding Weekend

On Thursday evening, after a long work day and a frantic shopping spree, Andel and I packed a suitcase (I kid you not) and half our home possessions into the car, and drove to Grabouw in preparation for the much anticipated Wedding Weekend.

We were looking forward to the break. We had not stayed in Grabouw with Andel's family since early February, and having worked EVERY day since arriving back from England, we were hoping it would be a relaxing weekend. As it turned out, we were kept rather busy. And having gone through a number of weddings myself, as a bride, bridesmaid, sister and friend, I was roped in and put to work. My brother in law (the groom) went so far as to say that it was my job in the family to plan, organise, execute and manage!

The day did not come without its obstacles: Lexi (3-year old daughter of the bride) not wanting anyone touching her (or her mother's) hair, missing rings, rain showers reminiscent of The Flood and the minster (Andel's godfather) marrying Andel off to the bride! In the end though, for the happy couple, it was perfect.

I realise that each wedding is unique. It's lightly flavoured by the personalities of the bride and groom, and shaped by those helping (and paying). At the end of the day, it doesn't matter who sang, or how the speeches went or if that uncle you never speak to pitched up or not. It's about two lives becoming one, separately and together plugged in to Christ. It's about promises we choose to make, day after day.

Weddings are just the first day of a new life. Marriage is forever.

Vote: Hope

Today, in South Africa, it's election day. And while others are exercising their democratic rights, I'm exercising my self control and perseverance at work.

I don't think you can experience a voting day and not be introspective. Whether we like it or not, voting tension is everywhere: everyone has their own opinion, their own agenda, their own reasons to vote or not to vote.

I find myself wondering how much South Africa has really changed: since our last vote, since our last president, since our first election. It's clear that there are people living here who are still deeply hurt by the events in our country's history: a past and pain that not even 15 years of democracy can erase. There are young people still captive in prejudices they were brought up in. There is still poverty, corruption and crime.

But there is also hope. I love how people in South Africa are embracing their cultural diversity. I love how children, like Natasha, see kinship, not colour(she reckons she is a white Catholic). I love people are able to play their sport, excel in their profession, see the world regardless of their background or differences.

And there's our Living Hope: that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present, and entirely in control gives me such perspective. With Jesus in my boat, I can smile at EVERY storm!

I've heard that in choosing not to vote, you give up your right to have a say. I'm going to vote. I choose to have my say, make my mark, and be hopeful for this country.

Home, Sweet Home

It's funny how people always want the best of both worlds. I'm no different: having spent a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable 3 weeks in the UK, I became completely familiar and at home, and found myself inconsolably sad to be leaving. At the same time though, I was so looking forward to returning home - to our little house, and our big families.

And I was not disappointed by our welcome! I wish I had a photograph to capture the love that Jorja shared with us when we arrived at CT International. That girl gives THE BEST hugs! I was fortunate to have one that lasted 20 minutes: from the moment she greeted me, until we stopped in front of the house.

For me, one of the best parts of receiving the blessing of this holiday, was being able to bless others on our return. (Did I mention that we had 35kg more coming back than we did when we left?) To see expressions and exclamations of delight as we handed out little gifts warmed and swelled our hearts immensely - in particular: Annie's, Andel's Mom's (Thanks uncle Ed for your retail assistance!), and his sister, Shantel's! :)

Sadly, during our time away, Andel's aunt passed away. Although it's a time of loss and mourning, we are so grateful to have been able to spend time with her, and are learning (daily) to appreciate our loved ones while they are with us.

We miss England terribly: we miss the sun (it's overcast and cold here every day!), we miss the food (Andel and I have put on 4kg and 2kg respectively), and even though we really miss our family... it's good to be home.

ps. Blog was done Friday when we left. Update and pics to follow soon.


Home, sweet home... and waiting :)

Thankful Thursday

While living in Argentina (and doing a daily blog, I kid you not!), my sister Ashleigh started the Thankful Thursday tradition. I've decided, having come to the end of a wonderful holiday, to make a reflective note on all the things we're thankful for:

- Unrivalled blessing of God's presence, provision and protection here
- Knowing the pleasure of having a spouse to travel with
- Health (especially that we were able to still travel and holiday despite being ill)
- Opportunities to see and experience all the beautiful things in this country
- Loving and lavishly generous family in London, Norfolk, Grabouw and Cape Town
- Incredible savings! :)
- Dreams that have been realised, and more that have been birthed
- Amazing weather - basking in sunshine nearly every day
- Years we'll get to look back on this time, thankfully

London Photo Update

I think, knowing that we are set to return home so soon now, I have subconsciously been avoiding the blog. Hope this makes up for it some...


An evening in London (it's actually 20h00 already in this pic!)


Our faithful tour-guides and home-rides


All our chocolate treats needing a space in the suitcase


Kirsty's beautiful hair on a rare day down


Some last minute shopping


Dinner at Bella Italia with the Wilcox's


Fruitiser, a long-lost cousin of Apple, Grape and Peartiser


A good meal should be followed by a good workout: Andel and Kirsty's idea of home-based training!

Norfolk Photo Update

Train trip to Norwich


At the quaint shopping village of Holt


Uncle Ed at the market in Sheringham


The Spenceley Clan (Chris, my brother from another mother, is in blue)


Tim, Tim, he's our man - if he can't do it, no one can


Exercise for the day: a cycle in the countryside - bliss!

The (second) Last Supper

It's come to that time of the holiday: the inevitable countdown to the end; when knowing that there is nothing you can do to stop time doesn't deter you from your desperate quest to do just that.

Actually, we are just short of a week from the end. Still, we are in our last weekend in the UK, and we are in Norfolk with the Webers to say "tot siens", so the end really has started.

Yesterday we took the scenic route to Norwich. We decided to take the train, and found the 2 hour trip from London rather enjoyable. The English countryside really is very beautiful. If it weren't for the fact that I was doing my UNISA assignments during the journey, I couldn't have enjoyed it more!

Aunty Lynne came home from the hospital yesterday. We are happy to say that she's doing well, and moving around, and trying to follow the doctor's order to rest! :)Of course though, this does mean that we have had to get a new tour-guide: uncle Eddie.
(we are very grateful that he's taken time out of everything to host us this weekend)

Today uncle Ed took us to Holt (an award-winning little village, well known for its many shop spots), Sheringham (a coastal village where the Webers used to camp) and Wroxham (on the Broads, where Roy - whomever he is - owns all the shops!). In addition this, we got to see Tim play in the Norfolk Cup (which they won), and visited the local cricket club (where we got to meet the entire Spenceley clan). So after a long day, we are preparing for our last braai (SA style) in the country.

Being here feels so much like home. Andel and I have wondered about how and why we feel so comfortable and welcome here, and have come to this conclusion: home is where your family is!


ps. The camera battery died this afternoon while we were at the rugby so once I've collated the camera and phone pics, I'll do a photo update.

Down Time (well, sort of)

Following yesterday's walk through London that took us all the way to Greenwich and back, Andel and I decided to take it easy today.

Actually, I had to work. Due to the fact that I have pretty much neglected my studies up until now, I had to complete two assignments that are due on Friday.

We did manage to get in a training session at our local Virgin Active though. And as a reward: a good plate of home made food, and ice-cream!

Here's the photo update:


We used every mode of transport yesterday: car, train, bus, tube and tram!


Buckingham Palace


The view of London from the Greenwich Observatory


Aunty Michelle's home-made chicken pie with mash and veg... mmm


Especially for PJ and Ash (and Jorja, of course)

Some Things I'd Like To Bring Home From Here

I'm a realist. I know, first-hand, that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Every place I have visited, both on this trip and before, has its good, bad and ugly. I even know how not to multiply everything by the exchange rate! :)
Still, if there were just some things I could bring to SA from this trip, it would include these:

1. IKEA
This place is home-makers' heaven! We wandered through real-life kitchens, bathrooms and living areas, beauti(and)fully fitted, from closet to spacious size, and we had to physically restrain ourselves from purchasing anything: not because it would be too big (because everything is sold flat for you to assemble at home), but because it would be too heavy to fit into our already bulging suitcases. Cape Town could do with one of these stores. I alone would keep them in business!


Doesn't that just look inviting?

2. POUNDLAND
Don't be mistaken. This is not the equivalent of the Crazy R5/R10 store. I'm sad to say that South Africa's concept of this is simply, crazy. Poundland actually has useful, every day, for every thing, products that people actually need and buy! We got batteries, toiletries, kitchenware, camera accessories and luxuries - you guessed it, for 1 POUND each!

3. PRIMARK
This is a budget store. My days of chasing labels and looking like a walking advert for the latest fashion trend ended around the turn of the century. I now shop for comfortable, (hopefully) stylish clothes that I can actually sit down in. And I was not disappointed by what I found at this store. Can you imagine buying 10 really decent items of clothing for less than R200? Been there, done that! :)


Some retail therapy

4. BURGER KING
While this has been added at Andel's insistence, I have to admit that I have been well impressed with their vegetarian options, and I have frequented their establishment more than once since being here! :)

5. KIRSTY
Kirsty is (was) my cousin. She is now Andel's cousin. They are inseparable, and I fear they will both be suffering from withdrawal symptoms when we leave. They are currently in a bid to break the World Record for the longest continuous gaming challenge on their PlayStation/Wii/Nintendo (whichever they are playing at any given moment).

But that's not all Kirsty has been good for: she has been a very gracious hostess (giving up a lot of her room space), tour-guide (walking many miles), shopping companion (waiting outside many a fitting room), and yet another example of the fantastic family we have here!

Our Royal Vacation

What a great time we are having! Britain is celebrating a weekend of festivities, and Andel and I are being treated like, well, royals.

Speaking of which: the wedding was quite an occasion in the Wilcox house yesterday (as I'm sure it was in many homes all across the world). Uncle Neil was up at 06h00 when the television build up to the wedding coverage started. By the time we were up he was dressed in an SA FIFA World Cup tee, festive tie, and draped in the England flag.

Having not been entirely interested in the wedding preparations prior to landing here, I must confess that there is something rather patriotic about all the pomp and grandeur, and it feels rather special to have been here to experience this memorable event.

After that balcony kiss most of Britain attended one of the some-thousand street parties that were held throughout the country. Right next door, practically in our back yard, there was a party in the park.


Just in case we weren't sure!

Today we (bravely) went into Central London, and walked the route of the Royal Wedding (Westminster Abbey has been left exactly as it was yesterday for the wedding, so naturally there were queues of people waiting to get inside). We passed through the Horse Guards Parade, and got to witness an inspection of the guards. We also visited just about every store on Regent and Oxford Streets, including Hamleys - which Andel found very impressive!


Nothing like some caffeine to kick start the day!


Andel, phone home :)


Checking out London's (next) biggest attractions (after the wedding, of course)

We are truly feeling very blessed to be able to enjoy this time with family who are spoiling us rotten!

The Amazing Race

Andel and I are ready to enter the Amazing Race. We have proven that we can travel together, and fast too!

Our second day in Ireland was sunny and warm, mostly. We lazed around in the hotel until check out time, and then spent the best part of the afternoon picnicking in St. Stephens Green. Despite having a later flight, we decided to make our way back to the airport early in the evening to ensure that we were well prepared for our trip back to London.

Our picnic spot

As it turns out, there was little preparation for what was to come:
At 22h00 were notified that our 21h55 flight was delayed, and would be leaving at 22h30. We only left at 23h00. This meant we would only be arriving at Stansted at midnight, and would have to really move it to make the last train at 00h30.

So we raced to the front of the check-in point at Dublin. We queued for over an hour! We ran to the plane, and took seats in the very first row (no jokes). As soon as we arrived at Stansted we jumped on the tube that would take us from the terminal to the main arrivals section, before sprinting to UK Border Control. Ordinarily, the exchange at Border Control can be a stressful encounter. There are a million questions regarding your “business” in the UK. This time, although the wait was long, when we got there, we were let right through. We head straight for the train station only to find that we had missed the last train.

At this point we had to call on our resources for some assistance. Together we worked out a new plan to get us home. We managed to get tickets for the last coach back into Central London. Again, we had to run (and jump over fences) to get to the bus just as it was leaving. As soon as we stopped at the coach station, we jogged to London Victoria train station. There we got tickets for the 03h00 train to Croydon.
(Have I mentioned that through all of this Andel is carrying a 8kg backpack, and I a 3.5kg handbag?)

Thank God for aunties! In the space of 48 hours we were blessed by sacrifices from both of ours here. This time it was aunty Michelle’s turn to collect us at the station at 03h30 – and on a work day!

This kind of mayhem seems to be following us around on this trip. Having had a good 8-hour sleep though, we are now well rested, and ready for some more adventure!

Everything is better together

Driving to Dublin

On Tuesday morning, after a wonderful weekend in Norfolk, we left for Ireland. Being the unseasoned travelers that we are (were?) we didn’t plan our journey well. We were booked on the 06h00 (the cheapest) flight, out of Stansted which is 90 minutes from London and Norwich. So dear aunty Lynne, bless her, drove us to the airport at 03h30!

The flight to Dublin is not long. It’s approximately one hour, of which about 20 minutes is spent in taxi at either airport. The runway at Stansted is so big and long that Andel actually asked, “Are we driving to Dublin?”

We were greeted by typical Irish weather: icy wind and rain. True to form (for those of you who are aware of the ‘no rain’ blessing that I have) the rain stopped as we reached the City Centre. Thank you Lord! We literally spent the next 9 hours walking across what felt like every square-metre of Dubln - what an experience! (There are literally too many pics to load here, so you’ll have to visit to see them)


Our first view from the bus


Yes, it was THAT cold!


The home of Guinness


Much better weather!


Andel at the local Spar! :)

We were delighted to meet up with Karl and Tarrin later that evening. We checked into our hotel, and had dinner together. Unfortunately their flight from Italy had been delayed, and their flight back to SA was really early Wednesday morning, so we didn’t get to spend too much time together. Still, I have learnt that the best times are not necessary made up of long times. Even a few minutes with the best friends can feel like forever!

Asparagus and Pork

Some of you will know how, for weeks before we even left, Andel was paranoid about getting sick when we arrived here. He wanted to get Vitamin B injections, and pack in as much winter clothes (and preventative medication) as he owns. Well, I'm happy to report that he is germ-free! I, on the other hand, am voiceless, on a cocktail of tablets and syrups, and hopefully nearing the end of a chest/throat infection. Not that this is dampening our spirits in any way! :)

Yesterday we took a 3 hour trip with the Wilcox's in 5 hours. The traffic throughout England this weekend has been insane. It seems that even the most irreligious want to be around their family for Easter. The journey took us out of London and into the county of asparagus and pork farming (the number of farms of this kind in this area is mind-blowing!): Norfolk.

The countryside is beautiful. It's so tranquil, just being in the area makes everything seem more relaxed. It's even more wonderful to be able to visit the Webers again, and enjoy the easter weekend together with all our "British" family.

Today we visited Norwich, and spent a good afternoon in Cromer on the coast. Apparently the UK is experiencing a heat wave at the moment, if the number of people swimming in the (freezing, North) sea is anything to go by!

Our first purchases:


Genuine leather work shoes for Andel


True Religion shoes for Rob

As I write this, Chris, Tim, Dan, Andel, Kirsty and aunty Michelle are playing cricket in the back garden. The sun is still shining (and will be for 2 hours more), and soon we'll be preparing dinner for the masses.

I'm pretty sure: this is the life!