2nd May. It does feel as if winter is coming. We have had quite a lot of rain of late and it has been cooler. In fact it has been just about justifiable to turn on my lovely new gas fire of an evening. Not only does it look great but it is extremely effective. We had a blustery walk above Hout Bay this morning under a glowering sky but were lucky, it did not rain.
Tues 8th May. I have been meaning for some time to take a picture of the lovely old restored Manor House at the top of the road on the way up to the Tokai Forrest mountain biking trails. This attractive old building is now used as offices for the Parks Department.
19th May, Georgie’s big day. Non of us has touched sides, certainly since I arrived on Wednesday. Helen has been busy with the cake, a whole platoon of women from the village, friends and family have been working with the flowers in the church and the boys have been working in the Marque. Nothing much left to do now till kick-off at 2.30.
20th May. What a super wedding. Everything went off like clockwork and even the weather was beautiful. The morning started with the make-up lady coming to get the Bride, Bridesmaids and Helen made-up and hair done. Everyone looked gorgeous and Georgie’s dress was amazing. The food was great, the marque looked very festive and the DJ got everyone on the floor.
22nd May Arrived at the Marina today after a couple of days on the farm with Helen, Tim, Archie and Isla. They have hens, hogs (rare breeds like ‘Old Spot’) and Jacobs Sheep on 27 acres. Jon arrive in the evening to help me with the painting.
23rd May. Jon and I got to work on the boat today. He has bought a fancy sanding machine and by the end of the day we had all the machine and detail sanding done and had masked one side.
24th May. Today I started the painting on the masked side while Jon finnished masking the other side. I think it is going to be OK. Jon finnished masking by lunch time and set off home. I completed the painting, it took about 6 hours.
25th May. I have to say it is looking great. Now it is the fidlely details, the cream back ground for the name, the cream and red at the back and the red on the T piece and the rear bollards. A new coat of non slip on the gunnels just leaves the mat black sub gunnle for tomorrow.
26th May. Last of the painting finnished and the planters planted with the new seasons salad seeds.
27th May. Sunday, a day off. Robert and Stephen came over for lunch, had a look at the boat and walked to the lock to watch it working. It was really lovely to see them again and I really enjoyed their visit.
28th May. Got the boat back in the water today and moved off Peter’s this gave him the opportunity to cruise down to Tixal, he will be parting with his boat soon which he has sold. Took a ride into town and bought new centre ropes and bits and bobs from the Chandelry. Arranged for dry cleaners to pick up curtains for cleaning, great service, got them back the same day. Had dinner with Graham and Jean Bevan on “Maid of the Mist”, lovely to see them again and catch up.
29th May. Cycled into town to stock up on groceries. Laid low for the rest of the day, feeling bloody! Not feeling 100%, think I have Sinus infection and Bronchitis may have to take antibiotics.
30th May. Quiet day in hope of shrugging this malaise off ASAP.
31st May. Working on schedule and lining up visit from Lisa Li and Anne and Stuart. Have decided to go into Birmingham.
capetocarpe 