Merry Christmas

Due to the fact that our suppliers close their businesses for the season today (Friday 16th is a public holiday here), thus forcing us to take our yearly break as well, on Saturday morning RMan and I are escaping to the farm until round about the 7th January.


This will be the first Christmas we celebrate on the farm.  NGirl, WGuy and MKid will be travelling down from Johannesburg, and hopefully RSon will also be able to join us.

But, before that, we'll have plenty to keep us busy over our "holiday".  Our neighbour, CGuy, is in the process of completing his own house, and needs the solar panels he lent us after we had our burglary in January this year as he wants to install them on his roof.  That means we have to remove all the panels, and the supporting frame from our roof, detach CGuys panels, and replace them with some panels we have just purchased.  Bearing in mind that each panel weighs in excess of 14kgs, and there are three of them, it's going to be quite a mission to get the contraption off our double story 45° roof, and then re-hoist it up again.  At least three people are needed to successfully accomplish this feat.  And by three people, I'll talking about man power (as opposed to woman power LOL).

Then, I also have b-i-g (g-e-r) plans for my shadecloth greenhouse, so that is sure to keep me busy.  And we have loads of lemon trees to plant...


Finally, I want to create a water-wise indigenous garden at the front of the house.  I have taken most of the plants to the farm already, so it's be a case of turning the (rock hard) soil and adding plenty of compost.  I am also planning on planting the berry bushes (blackberry, raspberry and gooseberry) and some strawberry plants which I have had waiting in limbo at our town house.  My helper, John, says he is available, and his employment will naturally be shared with Roy and Teach who found him first - should they require his services.

I also want to use my solar oven as much as possible - the sun shines far more on the farm than it does in town LOL  Bread, vegetables, dinners - even biscuits - I can't wait to get going again.  The weather that we've been having in town this Spring / Summer (so far) has been overcast most days, with only the occasional single sunny day which was suitable.  Now I'm going to indulge myself - and my oven :)


It's going to be really strange having so much time to spend there - the most time we've had before is a week - 9 days at the most.  20-days is going to be a luxury :)  A foretaste of things to come... :)


RMan and I sure need the break.  It's been a really tough year - mentally, financially and emotionally, and that always drains one.  Even though we'll be "working" on the farm, it'll be a different type of work - one that is good for the soul.  And for the body.


I will be taking the laptop to the farm with me, but as I will be connecting through my cell phone, the connection is very slow as we are on the "edge" of our cell phone providers area.  I'm not sure how many photo's I'll be able to upload - even on our ADSL line in town that can sometimes take a while. (we have the old analogue line - not the latest fibre optic cable.)  So, I will still be able to follow your postings, and comment, but my blog posts may be restricted.

So, in view of that I would like to take the time now to wish you all a Spiritual, merry, peaceful, relaxed, convivial and enjoyable Christmas, filled with good food, family warmth, laughter and, finally, all best wishes for 2012.


These wishes go especially to all those people who give of their time, and themselves, whilst we are relaxing with our families and celebrating the season - the police, firemen / fire women, doctors, nurses and paramedics, taxi, train and bus drivers, etc.  Thank you - you are appreciated :)