Thatchwick Cottage
"The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; Yea, I have a goodly heritage." - Psalm 16:6 KJV
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Friday 16 September: Shopping for sandals in Tauberbischofsheim
1
The pitstop at Tauberbishofsheim was a snap en route decision. It certainly did not include wine and asparagus but an early morning coffee at a open cafe. My main concern was the need to purchase a pair of stout German crafted sandals, suitable for foot-slogging over the cobbles. The climb through the vineyards to the castle at Wurzburg in South African-made sandals designed for a stylish trot around the mall had left me with blisters on the soles of my feet. Now sore feet can ruin an overseas trip in a jiffy and turn one into a most undesirable travelling companion, so I deemed a new pair of sandals a must.
The most ergonomic, health-wise sandals were purchased with ease thanks to toursit sign language, a friendly German shop assistant and the wonders of my credit card.
The pitstop at Tauberbishofsheim was a snap en route decision. It certainly did not include wine and asparagus but an early morning coffee at a open cafe. My main concern was the need to purchase a pair of stout German crafted sandals, suitable for foot-slogging over the cobbles. The climb through the vineyards to the castle at Wurzburg in South African-made sandals designed for a stylish trot around the mall had left me with blisters on the soles of my feet. Now sore feet can ruin an overseas trip in a jiffy and turn one into a most undesirable travelling companion, so I deemed a new pair of sandals a must.
The most ergonomic, health-wise sandals were purchased with ease thanks to toursit sign language, a friendly German shop assistant and the wonders of my credit card. Monday, September 5, 2011
Monday, 5 September '11: Kaela update
Kaela has settled in remarkably in just a week. Where she was nervous and skittish (who wouldn’t have been?), she now strolls confidently through the house and has appropriated the rug in my study as her special place. That suits Gal who prefers to flop in the dining room. Instead of being terrified of the world on the pavement, she ventures out of the gate cautiously for a short walk. She socialised in a most elegant fashion with everyone who arrived for Bible Study on Thursday evening, before obediently retiring with Gal to the kitchen.
Galahad? He is experiencing a new lease on life. He gets far more attention simply because he is awake more often to demand yet another tummy rub. Every now and again he wrestles Kaela on the mat, noses his way with her through the jungle of budding spring clivias or enjoys a companionable swim in the pool.
And at last I have someone to do ‘girl’ things with – a dog who observes with concentration when I put on mascara and who agrees to lie still and watch ‘Swan Lake’ on television.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday 30 August 2011: Adopting Kaela
Kaela's adoption took place on Saturday in a flurry of excitement for Galahad, tears for her former owner and with some trepidation on my behalf. All has gone remarkably well. A friend and dog trainer, Erna was at hand to give advice and take control. But in the end it was up to the two dogs to get acquainted.
Kaela is gaining confidence daily and adapting to the rhythms of a new household. Here she is an inside/outside dog; previously she was an outside dog.
And Gal, an nearly 11 year old who likes to snooze the day away has encountered a lively lady friend. Kaela's previous companion dog was a very exuberant 5 year old, who, I am glad to report, has also found a new home.
So we are all in the interesting process of forming a new three-dog life. Gal has discovered new energies; I am firmly using the Sit, Down and Stay commands to endorse good manners; Kaela is happily proving a ready and intelligent pupil.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Friday, 19 August 2011: Living life backwards
In February I was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Research at my institution. A prestigious prize that I was very surprised to win. Dear friend Leone, Events Co-ordinator of any friendship circle, arranged a celebratory luncheon with book club friends, work friends and just plain old good friends. The Blue Crane Restaurant overlooking the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary was the venue for vegetable quiche, salad and chilled sauvignon blanc.
Jansje regaled us with her story of childbirth in a Spanish village during the 60s. She, lying on an old iron bedstead and accompanied by the village midwife, struggled in the upper room; downstairs the rest of the village gathered to see what an Englishwoman (she’s full-blown Dutch) could do. Each time her moans became audible, the padre fell to his knees and besought Our Lady for aid. Succour duly given, a healthy baby girl entered the world.
What fun a ladies lunch party can be! You guys have just no idea!
Back home the family gave me this bunch of sweet pink roses which would have been the envy of any bride. Mmm, February 2011 had its moments.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
17 August 2011: First stop - Wurzburg
Wurzburg on the Main - our first stop on the Romantic Route through southern Germany. We arrived at Frankfurt airport, at 6am on Thursday, 16 August and found the railway station and a fast train to Wurzburg.
What a magical introduction to Germany this peaceful town was to the three of us – with the Mareinberg fortress set high above the vineyards and the River Main winding lazily below.
This is an old unversity town, episcopal see and the former home of the medieval woodcarver par excellence, Tilman Riemenschneider, whose altars topped our To See list during this trip.
A glimpse of St Kilian's Cathedral.
Labels:
Romantic Route,
Wurzburg on the Main
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Thursday, 11 August 2011: Could this work?
This morning I went to meet Kaela, a 6 year old spayed Labrador bitch, who is looking for a new home. Will Sir Galahad find the lady as sweet as I did? She loves to swim as you can see but has not been walked on a lead.
Will I manage?
Labels:
a new pet,
introducing a new pet,
rehoming
Sunday, August 7, 2011
7 August, 2011: Turning sixty
The event was passed in a happy blur of activity. I had arrived back from Europe just two weeks’ earlier and shopping and preparation for my brother and his wife’s visit and the arrival of Ruth and family was squeezed between the pile-up of work that occurs when one is Out of Office for any length of time.
The winter lunchtime menu was simple: homemade minestrone, garlic ciabattas from Woolworth’s Deli, my and Catherine’s lasagne made according to each’s favourite recipe and open salads.
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