Old School

Last night I went to the Sacrement of Reconcilation. The last time I went was 28 years ago. This blog has featured a lot from my past. Well here is a photo of the Primary School I went to in Johannesburg. It is now called Crestview Primary. I was hoping to have it painted but it looks good and I'm sure I'll find another school that needs it more. It is situated in the south and was known as "Stork City" because of all the babies that were delivered.

Weekend Again

I have done a lot of driving this week. I went to Makwassie and then to Pretoria 4 times. I couldn't resist taking this photo today. A most unusual name!! I have just recieved my weekly contact from my little baby. Have a good weekend all. I have no plans but am sure something will crop up.

Proud Father

Here is the father to my Grand children. I remember how proud I was at the birth of my children. Well done Ian you have reason to be proud. I can't help but notice Matthews face. Is he proud too???

National Bird of South Africa

What is the National Bird of S Africa?

Most people would say it is Patricia Lewis. She is an icon here and sings Country Music. I did a google search to get a photo of her and found out that she stars in porno movies. I wonder what her husband and child thinks??? Her father is Clive Derby Lewis - he murdered Chris Hani and is still in Prison.

London or JOEburg

I visited the Monte Casino today. Cabs are now a common sight in Jo'burg. The bird park was worth seeing. I have just put a few pictures of some of them here. The Blue Crane is the National bird of S Africa. They are on the endangered list and are only found in SA. there are only 21 000 left.

Uvongo Beach

Just to show how the tides were on the KZN Coast. Here are 2 pictures of the pier at Uvongo. I will be in KZN over the Easter weekend!!!!!

1960's

I lived in this house for about 5 years in the 60's. I wrapped treasures in plastic and buried them in the garden (A place known only to me!!!) I often wonder if they are still there???

Who knows .............. One day I may go and dig them up. Some of the things I buried were letters and coins from a penpal in Canada.

Ian's Apprentice

This is a rather cute picture of Abigail JO's brother, Matthew. Like father / Like son.

Abigail Jo

Well here is a close up of the newest member of the blog........ and she has such a nice name.

Lion Park

I have just received news that Angela's daughter has been named - "Abigail Jo"
When she was born on the 19th I put a reminder in my phone and didn't know what the name would be and without thought just entered the name Gail. Both Angela and Jenny have a "Jo" in their second names. The photo's below are of no significance to the name. I was going to write about my drive to the Lion Park earlier today but maybe the photo's speak for themselves.

New Addition

A sister to Matthew and daughter to Ian and Angela. A healthy girl born on 19th March (Spring Baby) in England at 21h02. She weighed in at 3.52 kg. Congratulations to you both.

Spring Tides in KZN

The first pic is of the tidal pool at Brighton Beach (Where I grew up) The other is the Durban North Beach. Wind and rain and now high tides have been battering the KZN coastline.

My Third Grand Child on her way soon!!!

Angela is expecting her second child within the next week. A girl I believe. That rounds it of nicely ....... one of each. I feel strongly that we should replace ourselves. There is a negetive growth rate in England and amongst certain population groups in S Africa. Well done Ang and Ian. We will be holding thumbs for you this week and pray that all goes well. A gift for you to cherish. PS I like the door

Old Mine

Well Patrick had his funeral service yesterday which was well attended and a wake at the Shellhole afterwards. I couldn't get to Durban again this weekend so missed it. Ok Patrick - R.I.P.

I visited the first payable mine in the "Transvaal" this morning. The tunnels into the hills only went in for a few metres. They seemed to dig in all directions. At the tunnel where I am standing there was a bee hive. It reminded me of the times I have had wild honey in Zululand. Ek verstaaan die feit dat hierdie blom die Nationale emblem van Suid Afrika is. Hulle groei wild in hierdie omgewing.

The last photo is of the water tower on Northcliff Hill not far from where I stay. I've seen better looking lighthouses.

Edenroc

This photo was taken on the roof of Edenroc on North Beach Durban. It is a retirement block. The owners hired out the roof for the A1 Grand Prix. There is a good view of a large portion of the track. Directly below is Minitown with the Snake Park to the left. The person with me is a retired Personnel Manager who lives there. I used to share a flat with him at Grosvenor court in 2005/6.

Happy 26th Birthday Jenny !!!!!

As you can see she is still my little baby.
Twenty six yeas ago I found Jenny in the cabbage patch in the garden where I lived in a little town called Eshowe in Zululand. I called her my Little Zulu. Before she could speak properly she maintained that she wasn't a Little Lulu. I have previously blogged an article called Little Lulu - that's how the name originated. I was lucky enough to be in Durban on Saturday to share a "Birthday Braai" with her. Happy Birthday Jenny. May you have many more. I am proud of you and love you lots. You have always been so hospitable and loving.

Tragic News

I awoke this morning to 3 messages on my Cell phone. I called Daphne and she informed me that her brother Patrick had been killed in a motor bike accident a few hours ago. This is what we looked like in 1972. We have shared a great deal together over the last 35 years and one of our passions were motorbikes. He bought his first bike from me in 1978. A blue Honda 750cc CBK. The photo of it was taken in the back yard of his parents house. When I returned from England I didn't have a car he lent me his bike a Red 250cc which was my only transport. It was on this bike that he had a head on collision not far from the school we attended together.
Patrick was a friendly man who often went out of his way to help others sometimes going short of things himself. Patrick, a true "Bluffite" survived Iraq and died at "home". Long Live Patrick.