— Lowry 21:1995
Monday 24th September was National Heritage Day in South Africa. here
The Zulu ladies in the Valley always dress in beautiful traditional outfits. Yesterday I joined them; albeit wearing a gift from my Guest House kitchen staff in Tanzania - way back in January 2015.
Gugu, Cecelia, Jo and Happy on the shopping center veranda
I had guests in The Bunker over the long weekend. So after closing the shop at 3pm, I drove up to the unit, cleaned it and changed the linen. On my way home, I always pass Thokosiza Lifestyle Center . Yesterday I popped in to drop information with the info center and then walked around to see Mavis, whom I knew would be dressed traditionally.
... she was!
Mavis and I smiling for the camera!
Mavis is my house-lady, Thandiwe's sister. Mavis often helps me to explain something to Thandi . Thandi is pure Zulu and my Zulu leaves a lot to be desired! So Mavis is a great help when either of us need to communicate. Mavis also sells Avon Skincare for me in that Center.
And as if the day wasn't full enough, I had a surprise visit from extended family. Many of my blogger friends have read about my SIL, Shelley, who's also my birding mentor. Early on Monday morning, a couple walked into my shop. The man asked if I was Jo Hedges. As he introduced himself as Shelley's brother, Laurie, I recognized him. He and Lynn had been visiting in the Berg and Shelley told him where to find me. I was so touched that they popped in to greet me. I hadn't seen them since Grant and I attended Shelley's younger daughter, Kerry's wedding four years ago!
Jo, Laurie and Lynn
While writing this post, I got to thinking back on how blessed I've been this past month. On the first Friday both my brothers visited me - the younger one I hadn't seen since 2009.
In the middle of September Cheryl and Chris made a special detour to stay in the Berg. We'd last seen each other 24 years ago; and for me to meet Chris.
Yesterday, Laurie and Lynn stopped off to say hello. How cool is that!
I'm linking to Our World Tuesday here
HAPPY TUESDAY TO YOU ALL!
What a truly beautiful celebration.
ReplyDeleteLovely celebrations!
ReplyDeleteso glad you are getting these visitors when you need them.. hope your car is home soon. I love the photos of you and Mavis, and you both fit well under thte title rainbow nation. all the smiles of of the four of you in nuber 2 photo say JOY with out words..
ReplyDeleteHello, Jo!
ReplyDeleteYou all look lovely, beautiful ladies. It is great you have had so many surprise visitors. Enjoy your day!
You look great in that outfit, Jo.
ReplyDeleteHow happy to spend time with relatives and friends, and I like all the cheerful patterns in the clothes at this time of celebration.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful time you had when the surpise visitors showed up. It does make the occasion very special. Nice colourful outfit, it looks great.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome celebration. Love all of the colors... Wow!!!! And you, my friend, look AWESOME.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
Hi Jo, you have indeed had a blessed September with so many visits from loving family and friends. I'm so glad for you. I also love that Mavis helps her sister understand what you need and helps you sell Avon. She sounds like a lovely lady and she looks very beautiful, as do you on Heritage Day. It is always nice to celebrate diversity. ♥
ReplyDeleteGreat that you are getting visitors. Love South African traditional dress. Take care Diane
ReplyDeleteFun celebration sister Jo and thank you for sharing it with us. But all of you are beautiful!!! Just passing by to drop a warm Hello and God bless you always.
ReplyDeleteVery colourful!
ReplyDeleteI love all the colorful outfits. Nice to have all those visits from people you haven't seen in a while
ReplyDeleteI love your colorful outfit ! Suits you very well ! How nice that you get visitors you haven't seen for a long time !
ReplyDelete