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Monday, November 15, 2010

Weekend away!

Would you be able to remember what you did on the weekend of 13 - 14 November 2010? you never know when you may need an alibi. Gattina from Writers Cramps hosts this fun and interesting meme. So please do join us by clicking the link below. I'd love to hear what you did over the weekend.

We spent a quiet Friday afternoon in the garden and after a light supper, retired early. The next day we were off to see our precious John and Debbie in the Berg and of course, our four lovely Natal grands. (more about our "visit" in tomorrow's post)

Friday afternoon is the best part of my weekend. The gardeners have all left, the garden services have mowed the lawns and I wander, camera in hand, throughy my own piece of paradise. Here Shadow shadows his Yoomen !
 Angie and Eddy, who are the best of friends, have a rough and tumble in the garden. You can see the loose grass on Angie the way they've rolled around on the newly-mowed lawn

On Saturday morning, after feeding the cats and dogs and securing Shadow inside the house (he had plenty of food and water for the next two days), we loaded the motorbike, hopped on and were off! As usual, we were blessed with the most amazing weather. The countryside is also very green and lush after widespread rains across the Free State last week. (more of the surrounding scenery tomorrow too)
We enjoyed coffee and cheese sandwiches on the side of the road

We always stop for a bottle of still water at Golden Gate which is about an hour-and-a-half from home.  The National Parks Board offices have beautiful gardens. I couldn't resist photographing this indigenous Scilla Natalensis (Blue Squill) on the way to the shop

...and close up

Walking from the National Parks Board offices/shop, I spotted this juvenile Red-winged starling on the cross piece of the gate. He was calling his parents whom we heard answering from the roof of the building nearby. Isn't he gorgeous?

I always take photos with my little Sony Cybershot fromn the back of the bike. Above I tried a different angle by holding the camera low down - almost level with my boot -  to share the feeling of the bike leaning into the corner. Bikers love corners aka "twisties" and the trip down to the Berg from Golden Gate Highlands National Park has many of these!

Champagne Valley road with the majestic Cathkin Peak in the distance. John, Debbie and family live a few kilometers to the right

To see what others around the world did this weekend, click here

8 comments:

  1. Jo, this is super. I can barely remember what I did today, never mind yesterday, but you have photos of what you did! Wonderful!
    The only thing I know for sure is I was looking for my little netbook computer, and today I found it. That makes it a memorable weekend in my mind.
    Don't ask me why it was under a pillow on the spare bed, because I have no idea. Then, I had no sooner found it, and set it to be charged up, than I discovered I'd lost the cord that connects my Sony eBook Reader to my computer.
    If something isn't lost around here every day of the week (and twice on weekends) we have cause to celebrate. It's usually my keys, or Dick's keys, or his glasses or my glasses. Without my glasses, I can't see well enough to look for them.
    We have a special place for keys, but Dick won't use it. And I have a special place for my glasses, but if I take them off in another room, I can lose them easily.
    SO looking forward to pictures of the grandchildren. Give Shadow a hug from me.
    Luv, K

    Kay, Alberta, Canada
    An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

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  2. What a great trip for you two... Glad you left Shadow safe and secure at home... I can't wait to see your kids and grands... I hope you had a wonderful visit.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  3. Looks like a wonderful weekend :-)

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  4. That bird shot is really something!!! How do you like being back home? Your gardens look beautiful.

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  5. Beautiful pictures ! the sperling looks so majestic !
    I had a look on your children's blog, what a life they choose ! I think I would get crazy I like to live on a country side but please close to a city !

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  6. Hi Jo,
    Well I can honestly say that your weekend was a lot more exciting than mine! LOL
    Fun pictures from the motorcyle!
    Have a great week.
    ☼ Sunny

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  7. Hi Jo...

    Thanks for visiting me and for your kind words about the recent death of my sweet golden. I really appreciate that you took the time to share your thoughts. I still need that kind of caring support some days. Not sure how you ended up at that blog. I haven't written there in a few months.

    Looks like you had a spectacular weekend. It is certainly beautiful where you live! That's a really nice shot of the juvenile starling. I also like your creative angle from the bike. However, I'll admit to you...motorcycles scare the dickens out of me!
    :)

    Kat
    http://inmydreamssfk.blogspot.com/

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  8. Beautiful ride. Can't wait to see the Natal family tomorrow.

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Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate your feedback. Jo