D A L Y W O R L D 2

Poole, Lulworth Cove in Dorset

2010-07-03T08:43:00.006+01:00

M and I went away for a night... to this lovely area in Dorset... the big arch is called the Durdle Door... and its all on whats called the Jurassic coast... as you can pick up your own fossils there!

Tea in Crookham Village

2010-07-03T08:42:00.005+01:00

We took my cousin Brenda to a beautiful little teashop which backs onto the fields of Crookham Village, aptly named Crookham village teashop! If you ever get over here, get me to take you there as they serve the BEST bacon sandwiches on the softest bread ever, perfectly crisp. Yum.

Queen show and Greek dinner in London, Jan

2010-03-16T11:54:00.002Z

Since my brother was with us and it was the first Chrismtas family gathering in so many years, my folks treated us to a lovely night out in London to see Queen and have a real Greek dinner at Konaki.... near the theatre. It was delicious... and the show was way better than I thought it would be... funny and with great moral undertones... Thanks folks for a night to remember....

New Years Eve 2009, The Elvetham Hotel

2010-02-12T14:23:00.024Z

The images speak for themselves... there were 10 of us... at a lovely country house hotel down the drag called The Elvetham.... there was lots of lovely pink champagne, canapes, food and great music.... it was fun being out for once AND we stayed over!

Travis' 3rd birthday....

2010-02-12T14:23:00.020Z

Happy Birthday our big boy! We weren't planning on a party, thought we could hold off another year but somehow a little seed got planted in your head and from Nov you started to talk about turning 3 and having 'my pahti'.... how could I resist? Then you helped yourself to my kiddie cake book and decided you wanted a 'wocket ship' cake. I obliged. It turned out okay... you were very very happy with it. On they day you woke up early and we all wished you happy birthday with loads of hugs and kisses... then told you to sit on our bed and close your eyes... with that your presents were brought in... including a thomas balloon and your first bicycle! Big sister lifted you up and on and off you went!

We had your party at a softplay, just 7 little kids... and lots of yummy food and running around... When we all sang happy birthday you looked completely enamoured and enchanted that it was all about you.. my heart melted. That night your nana and pops came over with a 'pwesent' and you loved all the attention... and now each time she comes over you think she is arriving with a gift! little rotter.... we love you Trav... happy 3rd birthday... XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Letter to my 3 year old...

2010-02-12T14:23:00.018Z

To my darling little brown eyed boy.

Gasp, my breath is taken away... in the blink of an eye, a number of sleepless nights, and lots of laughter you have morphed from this....

into this....

at 3 years of age, you are chatty, have surges of testosterone which make you growl at me in frustration, or fun and happiness. We play catch the mommy monster... and you squeal in delight...that cute baby laugh I love to hear and I know in my heart that each day that passes, its coming to an end. The fat little bum I love to pinch after bathtime and those chubby little strong legs that run away and jump and hide under the covers of my bed. You and your sister love to make ' a tent' with anything and everything. Often all the pillows, blankets, dollies, giraffes from upstairs will be dragged, dropped, thrown downstairs and made into a huge pile upon which you both leap and flop in delight and breathlessness.

You have taken rolled up easel paper and made a 'skedawope' or telescope to the rest of us... and peer through it at us, or the window at people passing by, or vans and cars... Thanks to the nursery, you have learned your manners so well always saying 'mummy, please I have a froot bar?' or ' thank you very much' to things that please you. You are starting to dislike nappies... and I will be happy the day I dont need to buy a pack of them... your digger undies are waiting at the ready.

You and Julianne still love a bath together and clamber all over each other riding trains and going 'chuff chuff', its so nice to see. At bedtime you love having your two stories, milk in a fruit shoot bottle and then you are so good and climb the ladder into your cabin bed... snuggle down and scooch your shirt up so that I can tickle your back, all the while listening to 'animal' music or 'train' music or whichever cd is flavour of the moment. I kiss your cheeks goodnight, say a simple prayer to Jesus and then you try to grab my arms and say 'I got you' in a sing song voice... and that turns into a little game. My heart continually melts. My precious little boy... XX Mummy

Family Four Seasons lunch in the snow

2010-02-12T14:23:00.017Z

My boetie, Dave

My awesome parents

Fireside snacks

Tromping through the snow

View of the Hotel

My folks decided to treat us and take us to lunch at the Four Seasons... especially in light of the fact that our little family was all together for the first time in so long. It was a fabulous afternoon. I had a yummy plate of beetroot gnocchi with winter vegetables and pumpkin seeds. So good. And all the more magical because of the snow...

Dinner with some neighbours....

2010-02-12T14:22:00.009Z

In November we had a long overdue dinner with some friends and neighbours, Vicy and Roland and Caroline and Will. Can't remember what I cooked, but we all ate and enjoyed and then ploughed into the game of the moment... Singstar.... Our resident superstars Roland and Vicky blew us away with their singing... and of course we know that a couple of neighbours appreciated the music as well. Thanks for a fun night people...

Snow, Snow, snow

2010-02-12T14:22:00.006Z

Woweeee, the images speak for themselves... Britains biggest snowfall in 40 years! We had about 7 inches here... it was awesome for the first 3 days! then just slush and annoying... but the initial magic made up for the pain later.....Kids are just not equipped... so I bought big snow boots in case of more this year... and so that they will last for next year.

2009, Christmas Day

2010-01-09T10:10:00.003Z

Christmas 2009

2010-01-09T09:53:00.002Z

This was our first 'my side' of the family christmas since 2001! My brother Dave flew out and with my folks here, it was an unusually busy Christmas, its normally so quiet. We decorated the house together... and had fun playing Wii Trivial pursuit on Christmas eve... lots of hot food, incl oven baked scallops. After checking the sky for reindeer and Santa in his sleigh, Travis went to bed easily. Then Julianne and I sprinkled reindeer glitter dust so that they would find our house (thanks Sian and Isabelle for that) and little madam went to bed. So then it was time for the presents to make an appearance, and make an appearance they did!

Christmas cookie baking

2009-12-17T17:29:00.004Z

Pumpkin harvesting - Celebrating our accessibility to great food

2009-11-23T18:58:00.003Z

As Autumn drew in finally... and nights darkened, temperatures dropped to cool, comfortable levels, we took a late afternoon trek out to Garsons farm in Surrey. The BEST pick your own farm ever. Maybe because its in a posh part of the country and is catering to popstars living in Chobham and all the fancy estates.

We rambled around the pumpkin field, dodging squishy pumpkins, posing and fooling around. It was great fun, especially since it was the time of day that everyone else had decided they would rather be in a pub or at home than out in cold fields. However for us the sun was stunning, it was peaceful, quiet and quite restful. We loved it.

After finding pumpkins to decorate our front porch we took a short hike to the beetroot and spinach fields. I had it in my head to make beetroot and chocolate muffins (much like a carrot cake I guess). And of course freshly picked spinach is yum, cooked with onions and small slivers of potato - Ouma style, my mom's mom. It was a special bonus to be doing this all with my amazing parents.

After hunting the fields we retreated to the car to have hot coffee and rusks... posed around on Martins new bike and then made a quick visit to the farm shop before heading home.

Come Dine with me - Round 2

2009-11-20T08:10:00.010Z

Time for round two, texan/cajun style at Billy and Carins fabulous London flat on the river in Barnes. With sweeping views across the water and an orange sunset, spicy pecan nuts and limey margharita's what could be more exciting? A blow up cactus in the corner, all manner of guns and smoke in girls garters... it was a sexy start to the evening.

OUR INVITE:

Billy the Kid & his sidekick Carin invite YOU, the ‘Daly Duo’ to the Thameside Saloon for an evening of Texan-Creole chow.

Y’all will be feasting on
Spicy pecans, washed down with limey margaritas
*
Butternut squash soup
with andouille sausage & diced apple
*
Louisiana-style crab cakes
served on a salad of spinach leaves with a bacon dressing
*
Spicy pecan crusted chicken goujons
Garlic Mash * Rosemary maple carrots * Home-made dipping sauces
*
Bananas Foster
*
Coffee
Petit Fours, Southern-style

We ate until completely stuffed and our arms could not move except sloth-like to our mouths, where our mouths chewed the pace of snails.... it was that delicious that we could not stop, could not end the yumminess of the experience. Spectacular... then we all decided that we were serious contenders in the pop star stakes and we can say that Darren and Martin kicked off the competition by singing a sick cat like version of Britney's Toxic!

London fun day - Carla and Mom

2009-11-20T08:10:00.005Z

On the 31st October, Mom, Carla and I treated ourselves to a great day in London. First off with a divine lamb lunch at The Wolesely. It is an art deco heaven, situated right next door to The Ritz hotel. If you have not been, you must. But book in advance. We chatted and lunched and shared a bottle of wine for around 2 hours... then took a black cab courtesy of Carla to Harrods down the road.

We wafted around the perfumery upstairs and checked in for our decadent 2 hour foot spa. Laid back in full on massage chairs, we had tea, then champagne and strawberries... and were soaked, buffed, polished, scrubbed 2 times over... then our toenails were painted.... I cannot remember the last time my feet felt so fabulous. I could feel the difference for 3 days afterwards. The therapists were like our long lost best friends and regaled us with stories of stars... including Rene Zellweger in wig, with dark glasses, unacknowledging and enjoying the same pedicure...

We then ambled around the shoe boutique... I obviously picked the prettiest shoes I liked - they were also the most expensive at £2500 a pair! Insanity I tell you. We admired the Harrods 'Wizard of Oz' window displays, a short hop across the road we found ourselves in Harrods food temple... and had ice-cream from Carla's pre-married name 'Morelli's'. Yum. Then another long cab-ride to the area of the London Metropolitan university and we embarked on the Jack the Ripper walk. It was Halloween eve and we saw incredible sights of young people dressed up on the town... knives sticking out of them etc... a firework was thrown at our group... yay, exciting and we freaked out then laughed in shock. The poor girl it nearly hit was abit upset.

It was a great day, lots of laughs, pampering and fun...can't wait to do it again.

Sally's birthday lunch - Oct

2009-11-20T08:09:00.008Z

We had a great lunchtime gas at the brasserie in Hartley Wintney - Happy birthday Sally xxx

Autumn mushroom walk - round our reserve

2009-11-20T08:09:00.006Z

The Elvetham Heath nature reserve - the one we overlook from the house... has its own ranger. He organised a funghi walk on Saturday the 10th October. My mom and I decided to join in and see if we could learn anything interesting. We were amazed at how many mushrooms there were right here on our doorstep... needless to say 99.9% of them are highly poisonous and I would not chance to think I knew which ones to pick and eat as most of the time if its the wrong one, you could be dead within 24 hours. Here are some pics... and some more on the sidebar if you are interested.

Martin's charity bike tour round the West Country

2009-11-20T08:07:00.003Z

Martin did a 2 night motorbike ride with work collegues to raise money for English charity 'Place2Be'. They went around the west country...
see some pics...and some info on the charity.
They visited two of the schools and met the kids... all very emotional.

Making a lifetime of difference to children in schools
The Place2Be is a charity working inside schools to improve the emotional well-being of children, their families and the whole school community.

The Place2Be was established in 1994 in response to increasing concern about the extent and depth of emotional and behavioural difficulties displayed in classrooms and playgrounds.

By giving children the chance to explore their problems through talking, creative work and play, we enable them to cope now and make better-informed decisions about their lives and help prevent more serious mental health and behavioural problems in later life. When children are happier and less preoccupied with problems, they find it easier to learn and so their educational chances are much enhanced.

We are currently working with 155 schools across the UK, often in areas of great deprivation. Our services are available to 51,000 children coping with problems such as bereavement, family breakdown, domestic violence, trauma and bullying.

Spain 2009, Malaga and area

2009-08-11T07:45:00.009+01:00

We had a great hot holiday on the coast of Spain, lots of yummy tapa's... lazing on the beach, decent coffee and churro's on a very fattening daily basis... it was super relaxing.

West Wittering beach day out

2009-08-11T07:45:00.006+01:00

The images speak for themselves, very very hot, very beautiful, luckily we were away from the masses and down the far end of the beach... it was sublime...

Bocketts farm summer day...

2009-08-11T07:44:00.010+01:00

Martin took a day off work during our long 6 week summer... to come with us to Bocketts Farm in Surrey. This is definitely the best farm we have been to. They have a castle and maze, huge animal petting area, indoor play area, outdoor pillow trampolines, pony rides, lots and lots of outdoor climbing frames, zippy slides, an apple orchard to laze in, pig races twice a day (ours came last!) lots of tractor rides, an amazing barn to have lunch in and the food was seriously healthy and top notch (this is for all the posh surrey mummies, people in sa, liken this to sandton kugels).

So we arrived at about 11am and only left at 6:30pm, it was a full day. The sun was so hot and delicious, the kids ran around like little lunatics. Julianne had her face painted. We lazed under the apple trees eating ice creams, the kids climbed the trees, Travis kept on picking apples and throwing them at the ducks - yes we did try to stop him :)!

Thoroughly recommend it.

Picnic at the river Wey, Farnham

2009-08-11T07:44:00.007+01:00

Near the beginning of our summer we spent a gorgeous sunny day at a park in Farnham which has the river Wey running through it, with our friends Sian, Isabelle and Daniel. The kids played on the climbing frame, then we picnicked and the best part was trying to climb the big trees and paddle in the river. It has crystal clear water and very shallow. I did let Travis have a wander in in his sandals... then he promptly fell right over into the chilly water! Lots of wailing and myself yelling at Julianne to pick him up (I wasn't jumping in for love or money - obviously if he was struggling for life I would)... he scrabbled over to the edge, wailed a bit more, then was right back in there, fell over a few more times, whimpered from the cold and then they had a great time with Isabelle, trying to chase and catch fish with the nets. Luckily for once I the foresight to bring extra clothes (as one moves away from babyness, we get a bit lazy in this department). So it was idyllic and an afternoon I wont forget. Something I hope we can do more of...

Our princess turned 6! My letter to her...

2009-08-10T19:15:00.001+01:00

Beautiful princess Julianne... our baby turned 6 on the 1st of August!
She objects to being the youngest in the class as sometimes she says the
'other kids go 'na na na na na... you're the baby''
I told her, 'don't worry my beautiful girl they are going to wish they were the youngest soon enough...' and anyway, didn't my friend Shilo who was the youngest in our year become the Head girl and an all round winner? Of course she doesn't understand the depths of this at all.

So she is a real little girl now... one who has left playing baby Annabel games, and who is now a serious little artist always creating a masterpiece or scrapbook or writing a letter to someone. She is a pixel chix player, Nintendo ds tinkerbell (she is really good at this), climbing trees is her new favourite pastime. Good job girl, that is more along the lines of what I used to do. She loves cuddles, attention and is a sweetie fiend!

In fact this morning she built a fort with Travis and then thought it was a good idea to have a 'feast'. She climbed onto our kitchen bookshelves and hung off a kitchen cupboard which broke right off! All I heard was 'I'm sorry mummy, I'm sorry mummy'..... at least she has an adventurous spirit and a creative mind. I have to forgive such a pretty face.

We took her to Paultons Park on her birthday, the first drizzly birthday she has ever experienced...but it was a blessing in disguise because the park was empty and we had endless access to the rides countless number of times...

She was nuts for the ride above, the cobra... no one else wanted to go much so by the time we left the park I was green. Julianne is a real adrenaline junkie... I hope this is the worst she will be.

So little girl, the day came to an end and your Daddy and I had so many thoughts of you as a week old baby in our arms... so pink and tiny and now you are a mini life away from that image. We are so impressed with how you have progressed, how kind and gentle you are to other children, how patient and loving you are to Travis. He adores you and waits excitedly each day for when you come home from school so that you can have adventures together. Bathtimes together are a treat and you both play with your rubber ducks and slide down the end of the bath on each others laps... its a mess but so much fun. Sometimes you like to be alone and put your goggles on... and we drop necklaces and 'treasures' for Julianne the mermaid to go find. What fun.

You are just into nail painting and you have even painted Travis fingernails! horror! But my little Hannah Montana girl is growing up, no more solitary girls clothes shopping for me, you are very opinionated on what you wear and need to be the sole selector from now one. I look on in interest and with pride. I love you baby girl... big hugs from mummy.

Elveden Forest, June

2009-08-10T19:00:00.001+01:00

We had a long weekend at Center Parc's Elveden Forest... it was action packed and we were sooo lucky to have awesome hot weather the whole fri to monday. We arrived at 12ish on the friday and had booked activities like badminton and earmarked time for swimming - thank goodness, it was sweltering.

Saturday saw Julianne and I try rock climbing, the kids went to bug hunt kids club and Martin and I flopped around in the heat trying to play more Badminton without the kids. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the pool and the slides... Travis is big enough to go on Daddy's lap down the big slides and was a bit frightened but had a blast.

Sat night we went to Huck's for some bad food and some country and western music and dancing... it was entertaining.
Sunday morning early we went on a woodland nature walk and met some nice people... then had lots of time doing whatever we fancied and then saw Roary the racing car show in the afternoon... riveting stuff! Travis loved it!

Monday morning was full again with swimming till 6pm when we dined at Cafe Rouge and had some good fish... then drove home for 10pm, exhausted and with a £250 voucher in our pockets! Just because the jacuzzi didnt work...

Come Dine with me - Round 1

2009-08-10T18:49:00.002+01:00

A great warm evening, about 4 months of menu planning, a weeks worth of preparation and Come Dine with me round 1 kicked off at our house at the end of July.

Menu was:

Prosciutto wrapped figs, walnut and blue cheese crackers and Pomegranate Cosmopolitans,

Scallops au Gratin with Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc,
Pineapple and Mango sorbet,

Slow roasted shoulder of lamb with red onions and oven roasted butternut, creme fraiche and fresh coriander salad, served with Beyerskloof Pinotage,

Mint and vodka pannacotta with hot sauted strawberries and strawberry coulis,
coffee with pistachio cookies

All made by moi!

We ate ALOT, drank ALOT, and then danced until 2am... when we all collapsed in a heap!

Carla and Jeff... a catch up

2009-08-10T18:08:00.000+01:00

At the end of July we had our very good friends Carla and Jeff over for a bit of an alfresco lunch. They know my parents and have done the Soweto trip together in Johannesburg a few years ago...So with the folks and our friends we enjoyed Pimms on the patio and lunch in the conservatory. It was a long overdue catch up and we never get to share all the things that have been going on... Of course then they were subjected to a around of Wii Trivial pursuit with us - boys vs girls.... and the boys won by the skin of their teeth!

Thanks Carla and Jeff for your fabulous friendship and the time you took to be with us...
xxs

Flowers in my garden

2009-07-09T16:47:00.000+01:00

Proudly South African

2009-07-09T11:27:00.000+01:00

You know you're South African if..

1) You can sing your national anthem in four languages, and you have no idea what it means in any of them. Same goes for "Shosholoza".

2) you call a traffic light a "robot", a pickup a "bakkie" and everything remotely fun/enjoyable/tasty as "lekker"

3) your employees dance in front of the building to show how unhappy they are

4) you get cold easily. Anything below 16 degrees Celsius is Arctic weather

5) you know what Rooibos Tea is.

6) you know someone who knows someone who has met Nelson Mandela

7) you go to "braais" not barbeques.

8) you know that there's nothing to do in the Free State

9) you can do your monthly shopping on the pavement

10) you consider hijacking cars as a profession

11) you reckon that the petrol in your tank may be worth more than your car

12) People have the most wonderful names: Christmas, Goodwill, Pretty, Wednesday, Blessing, Brilliant, Gift, Precious, Innocence and Given

13) "Now now" can mean anything from a minute to a month

14) you continue to wait after a traffic light has turned to green to make way for taxis travelling in the opposite direction

15) your travelling at 120 km/h and you're the slowest vehicle on the highway

16) you know that a bullet train is being introduced, yet we can't fix potholes

17) you know that you have to take your own linen with you if you are admitted to a government hospital

18) you have to prove that you don't need a loan to get one

19) you know that prisoners go on strike

20) you consider it a good month if you only get mugged once

21) you take lunch with you when go to the Post Office/Bank/Municipality

22) you love biltong and droëwors.

23) you pay with Bucks, not Rands

24) you don't worry if you don't have a drivers license or registration disc, as long as you have a hundred bucks.

25) you consider a bakkie being a vehicle, not a bowl...

26) you can never find the street your looking for, because the street sign is always missing or unreadable.

27) Cricket and/or Rugby is all the sport you need.

28) you perfectly understand the term "Bring a chop, dop en n pop" (meat, drink and girl)

29) the word "Eish" makes you worry horrifically, the word "Sharp" makes you worry somewhat less..

30) the police advise you not to stop if they wave you down in the middle of the night, but rather speed past them and drive to your nearest police station.

31) you continuously vote until the right party wins.

32) your insurance is higher than the repayments on your car.

33) you start joking about the crime rate.

34) Christmas is about watermelon, beach holidays and swimming. Even though we hand out Christmas cards with snowmen on them.

35) Aussies are usually considered nice people until we play them in cricket/rugby, after which they turn into the scum of the earth

36) You know and use the term 'die ref is blind'.

37) You have no idea how to calculate miles, gallons, yards or pints. Or the Farenheit scale.

38) You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from South Africa

Being South African... now

2009-07-09T11:22:00.000+01:00

For all of those who love South Africa and have received benefits for being South African!

We've probably got some of the most comedic politicians on the face of the earth... Jacob and his machine gun, Manto and her Brandewyn, Manto and the Rolex, Manto and her blankets from Botswana, Tony Leon's finger, Mangosuthu Buthelezi,

We've got great police chiefs... Don Jackie Selebi, and Robert McBride...

Taxi drivers who would feel at home on a Formula 1 track, especially the taxi drivers from Durban

Cab drivers who charge you R80 for taking you somewhere within walking distance, especially the cab drivers in Durban... R80 from Point to Sun Coast is a bit steep if you ask me.

We're also innovative:
We've invented the following-
Kreepy Krauley... which led to the invention of the Barracuda.
We probably invented the Jaegerbomb aswell... it sounds like something we'd do.
The first successful heart transplant!
Oprah claims she's Zulu... if she is, we invented her too.

The Aussies claim to have dangerous wild killer animals... spiders and frogs... bloody pansies, we got the Boerbul which can swallow you whole, we've also got the Big5... Os, John, CJ, Bakkies and Victor.

We've mastered the art called "The Black Label Hangover" with ease. Brandy and Coke is the staple diet if you live in Bloem or Pretoria.

We got the greatest sportsman that ever lived... his name is Bryan Habana. We also got a Weapon of Mass Destruction... we call it the Pierre Spies V2.0, a one man wrecking crew!

We've got great cricketers too. The forgetting, ganja smoking, hungover Herchelle Gibbs. Somewhere along the line, he forgot to play badly... and got suspended

We can do our shopping at the robots where coathangers cost you R20 for 20... you can also buy super glue at the robots, cellphone chargers, vegetables, fruit, newspapers... pretty much just about anything, even the Footskating101 DVD.
Is there a rockband out there named Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers or LA Galaxy??
No? well, there's one named Kaiser Chiefs!!!

We've got the world's highest bungee jump. We've dug up some of the biggest diamonds ever... but the Brits took them.

We've got 11 official languages, which means 11 times the paperwork. 11 Languages also mean you can choose to get insulted by a disgruntled Telkom employee in the language of your choice.

You can have a shag anywhere in the world, but you can only have a 'pomp' in SA.

We're the only country in the world that has fynbos. Fynbos comes in very handy if you're stranded in the wild without any toilet paper.

We drink people from other countries under the table... apparently we're alcoholics according to a recent study. But we just supporting SAB, which is the biggest Brewery on the planet.

We've got Naas Botha, and his legendary comments... "on the udder hand Darren".
We've got Leon Schuster.
We've got Joe Mafela, who's probably one of the few people that can speak ALL 11 languages.
We've got a paranoid cricket captain who would be a very good comedian.

When we lose on the sports field, we blame someone in the heavens or dodgey Aussie refs/umpires. How else would you explain "22 runs off 1 ball", Donald somehow deciding not to run, and then mysteriously dropping his bat. What about an injured Larkham executing a near perfect drop goal. The bloody rain in Durban, and Boucher's inability to count!

We've got 2010 (twenty ten)...

Legendary soccer players...
Siyabonga Nomvete's interview...
Marks Maponyane: So Siyabonga, how was the game for you?
Nomvete: Ehhh, it was delicious!

We've also got the coolest okes that ever lived... Madiba, he was stuck on some Island for 26 years, and came out and inspired millions.
We've got THREE Oscars, one for Charlize, one for Tsotsi, and the Blade Runner! Oscar Pistorius!!!

Disneyland Paris - week of 25 May

2009-06-23T19:47:00.014+01:00

This was a fabulous trip. We left home at about 4:30am to catch a 6:30am Eurotunnel to France... had a french breakfast on the other side and drove 3 hours down to Disneyland which is just north of Paris.

We arrived to 33 degree celsius heat.... it was divine. Checked into the Sequoia lodge hotel, dumped everything and ran as fast as our hot little bodies could carry us to the pool. The temp was perfect, we had a great time going down the slide and ducking under the waterfall. Dinner was at Newport Bay hotel, a buffet, it was good, not amazing but good options.

We were at breakfast at 7am, to be at the park gates at 8am (disney hotel guests get 2 hours before they open the park to the public), this was great as we managed to do about 7 rides before 10am. This included Dumbo, Peter Pan, the tea cups, the carousel, buzz lightyear, the rockets, space mountain and various others. We also had fast passes which we used for big thunder mountain roller coaster, tower of terror and rockin roller coaster (in walt disney studios). We saw the High school musical show, which Julianne got involved in throwing balls around, she loved the Mary Poppins show at the town gazebo.

I cried so much whenever the once upon a dream parade started, the music just makes you cry, it is so magical, so perfect and lovely to be there. We also loved the Mini mouse train... this was a favourite of Travis'. Of course the BEST part of the whole trip (since this was Juliannes birthday party in the form of a trip) was the Prince and Princesses lunch at L'Auberge.... where we all met Prince Charming and Cinderella, Princess Aurora and her prince, Belle, Snow White and some mice... the food was haute cuisine for kids and equivalent for adults. The actors and actresses playing the roles were perfect! I fell in love with 14 year old looking Prince Charming... who had his kind eye on Julianne. Everytime he walked past our table he enquired ' and how are you little princess? are you enjoying your meal? You look so beautiful today? Its so nice to have you here...' and so on, she loved the attention and I of course felt sooo old! but so happy to see the delight on her face...

We ate every night at the Manhattan hotel's Parkside diner which had incredible food, serious international dishes, made from scratch and one had to really resist being an absolute pig! One night I ate 3 churros! yummmy.

So it was a winner for us and we will definitely be back, I never thought I would say it with real meaning, but Disney makes everyone feel like a kid again, and thats okay.

Update

2009-06-23T19:47:00.007+01:00

It has been AGES since I have sent out a link with an updated blog. As we are all aware, life becomes more and more manic as the years go by. I have every great intention. Even as I sit here, Travis should have been in bed an hour ago, instead he has brought up all his train track and Thomas engines and created a playspace beneath my feet because I INSIST on updating and sending out this blog before another day goes past. He is 2 years and 5 months and I am falling in love with this little character more and more. He is extremely chatty and happy, happy to share, happy to play, happy to give loves and cuddles and at the moment anytime anyone asks him to do something he says 'okay' very fast and rushes off to do it. So cute.

Julianne is 5 weeks away from her 6th birthday, growing up and is really girlified.... if thats a word. Its all about beads, stickers, hairdo's, pretty dresses, barbies, giggling and feigning catastrophe and drama at every turn. Sometimes so tiring, but incredibly endearing. She is our little flower, ready to wilt at any point, but also ready to bloom.

I am in the middle of my Life Sciences degree, currently studying 'science in context' which is a second year course and involves looking at topics influencing our world today ito ethics, communication etc. The topics are BSE, Near earth objects and impact hazard, Water for Life and arsenic in Bangladesh, Climate Change, Medicinal Plants, Nanotechnology and Genetic manipulation. It is all very very interesting, one of my favourites. HOWEVER after two years off (due to T's birth) it is proving very very difficult for me to get back into the swing and be consistent with working 15 hours a week. I am struggling. I have just asked for an extension for assignment 3 (due this week) as with the arrival of my folks, our Disney trip and centerparcs this coming weekend I cannot get a grip on it.

That brings me to the best news of all. My parents have moved over for 2 years. My amazing mom at the age of 57 has been offered a post here with Rand Merchant Bank, to start up international banking for First National Bank of South Africa. She pipped 400 applicants to the post and I am just glowing with pride. In addition, their incredible brave attitude... and all the amazing time we will have together as a family. There have been many many tears. Of course my darling boetie has been left in SA to tend the kingdom. We look forward to Christmas when he will be over and it will be great.

In the meantime, can we all believe it is halfway through 2009? It has been great seeing updates from various friends and seeing babies growing... adorable and happy. The BEST happy news of all is the news that our friend Caroline Bicheno is well on her way to proper recovery after receiving a bone marrow transplant weeks ago. She is doing so well and everyone who knows her is happy and joyful that she is living her life with us. Be blessed you lovely lady.

On that note, I must shower, finish booking centerparcs activities, put Julianne to bed, make a salad for dinner, stare at my textbook with glazed eyes and perhaps go and watch 'I'm a celebrity get me out of here'... a myriad of things to do. Lots of love to each of you... send us an update and lookout for Disney pics and report soon.
KMJT

Nic Nic time - a Travisism

2009-06-23T19:32:00.003+01:00

Running off into the woods for a picnic... and to find cows, and swing swings and shovel faces full of food....

so delicious (I mean the children), my heart is ballooning with happiness.

see further pics in slideshow to your right

Pebble Beach - turning 34 years ancient!

2009-06-23T18:04:00.005+01:00

View of the isle of Wight

French Breton fish soup

The gang

Sally, myself and Carin

Open the door at Pebble Beach and discover a gem of a restaurant in Barton on Sea. Situated on the cliff top with stunning sea views towards the Needles, alfresco dining on our spacious terrace give way to fantasies of Mediterranean holidays.

The years are passing too quickly... and it is so good to actually mark each one in a unique way. So off we set to Pebble Beach restuarant which is in the seaside village of Barton-on-Sea. Recommended by Red magazine, Hardens food guide and AA guide... its chef Pierre is the one who gave Jean Christophe-Novelli and James Martin their lucky breaks years ago when he worked at Chewton Glen hotel.

Luckily for us the weather was super, the views, the food and the company... thanks to Sally, Darren, Carin, Billy and Martin for joining me. It was so good.

Saying good- bye

2009-06-23T17:41:00.005+01:00

This was one of the last days we spent with our special friends Alan, Jeanie and little Nathan (and little girl bump due in 2 weeks).

We met them at Worple road church in May 2001... so many years ago, so young and all of us not luuuuving England... but a friendship was formed... time over the ever forced south african braai in the rain and lots of indoor days at each others homes... till late at night. We watched babies being born... and school starting and all those wonderful moments. But in the back of our minds and in their hearts they were always leaving.

So the moment arrived and they are now enjoying living life in Sydney, Australia. We are so happy for them, so happy they are near family and all their dreams can now come true. Especially since a new Lindeque baby girl will be joining them soon.

We will miss you, but LOVE that you are still in our lives and will always be very special friends.

Blueberry baby

2009-05-21T07:53:00.004+01:00

For the longest time, Julianne has wanted a blueberry bush. They need lots of sun... so we found a small sunny spot next to the wall... and she and her Daddy planted one... she is now very proud of it and shows and tells everyone. It is currently full of green blueberries... and Travis is very good about not picking them, other than an initial handful, at which there were masses of tears from Princess Julianne.

Alice Holt 10km charity run

2009-04-16T19:24:00.003+01:00

On saturday 4th April myself and friend Sally ran a charity race called 'bolt round the holt' in namesake Nature Park: Alice Holt. It is one of the most beautiful in the area and the terrain is rough gravel and wooded. They offered a 5km, 10km or 21 km. We originally signed up for 5 and then the 10km which consisted of twice round the 5km trail. So an early arrival and warm up - the kids and husbands played in the park and we waited to start.

Off we went and promptly got stitches immediately! Although we were very good at not exerting and running too fast, unlike others who zoomed off way too fast and then we found them walking 15 minutes later! So we kept an even pace and managed to complete the race without stopping, our time was 64 minutes, not bad for not having run a race like this in 13 years! Apparently (according to our neighbour who is a triathlon professional), this is the hardest charity run. So now we reckon if we can do this, we can do ANYTHING! GO SALLY, GO ME!

Afterwards we had lunch at the Jolly Farmer south of Farnham, it has beautiful gardens and views over country fields... a lovely well kept climbing frame and the sun was shining, it was a great end to the day... although we did go on a bit!

So next on the agenda is a Cancer Research, race for life at Petworth Estate deep in the Hampshire countryside on sunday 13th September. Let the training begin.

Easter Sunday 2009

2009-04-16T19:23:00.003+01:00

Easter sunday this year was very special... our friends Sally and Darren decided to host an all out easter lunch and egg hunt. As you can see the kids had great fun following the 'treasure' egg hunt and working out the clues... and after they found the first lot of eggs proceeded to stuff their little faces whilst following Darren around with wide eyes waiting for the next chocolate to appear... so they could stuff more in! It was too cute and I think we all just let them have a field day in that respect.

The food was incredible... it always is, Sally is a fabulous cook and baker! Thank you Sally and later on as the day drew to a close there were the most divine leftover lamb sandwiches in soft white bread... Yummy.

Needless to say a precedent has been set and it will be lovely to repeat next year... perhaps it will be my turn! Happy Easter everyone and God Bless as we remember what this special time means and what an incredible gift of new life our Savioiur Jesus has given us. xxx

Easter Disco - Julianne in Blue

2009-04-16T19:22:00.005+01:00

Julianne has gone crazy for blue this year! The last few years it has been everything in pink... well most things... and now all the pink skirts and tops are left in the back of her closet and she only wears blue! Luckily for her we had not bought her entire summer wardrobe yet and we managed to squeeze in a few blue outfits including this cute summer coat from Ted Baker... in blue!

So this is what she wore to her schools Easter Disco, with sparkly shoes and my sparkly necklace. Thanks to my friend Emma for taking her for the hour - it is always a help that I dont have to lug Travis around for all these short and boring trips that a 2 year old just does not love.

11 years - Gordon Ramsay

2009-04-16T19:22:00.003+01:00

Sunday 29th March saw us getting togged up and leaving Fleet around 5pm to drive into London. Our destination? as you've guessed was dinner at Gordon Ramsay's in Claridges Hotel... we had a 6:30pm booking and decided to go for the 6 course tasting menu called:

Menu Prestige

White onion and wild garlic soup, morel toast

Marinated breast of quail and crispy leg, ballottine of foie gras, truffle dressing

Ravioli of lobster and salmon, lemongrass and coconut bisque

Suffolk pork belly, fillet and cheek, spiced apple purée, glazed shallot and carrot
or
Fillet of black bream, Oscietra caviar sauce, cucumber, samphire and apple fricassée

Rhubarb and almond trifle, sponge finger

Cold Valrhona chocolate fondant, banana and passion fruit sorbet

Birthday baking for Daddy

2009-04-16T19:21:00.005+01:00

Natural History Museum - London

2009-02-03T09:10:00.023Z

The day before the start of the January term we took the kids into a Christmassy London - mostly to give Julianne the opportunity to ice-skate. We chose the rink outside the NHM which is quite large and has all the trees festooned with fairy lights, a christmas market and the whole shebang. She had a good go with Martin holding her while Travis and I dashed around taking pics and having a hot coffee. Afterwards we went into the museum and took an educational wander around their 'ecology' exhibit. it was just perfect before heading off home.

Fishers farm park

2009-02-03T09:10:00.019Z

At the end of January we met up with my Aunt Anita, Cousin Brenda and her little boy Jared at Fishers Farm Park in Sussex. It was a lovely park and not too busy, but I can imagine what it will be like in the height of summer. It was great being able to get into the stalls with the animals. Travis was very excited initially but then his face turned to dismay if the animals grunted or moo'd! He loved riding the bikes, Julianne too and there were plenty of free rides and ice skating and snow doughnuting to do. It was very active, very cold but as usual good to be out of the house. The tofu and vegetable goulash there was not bad too.

Barton on sea

2009-02-03T09:10:00.017Z

We drove down to Barton-on-sea our favourite 'beach day out' for a winter walk, scouring the rounded pebbles for pretty shells... and having yummy lunch at the Beachcomber cafe on top of the cliff.

This town is also the town of our favourite 'posh' restuarant - Pebble Beach - which we treated ourselves to last year at the end of our camping trip. If you have not been, take a train trip down and make sure you book first. Its location is stunning.

Needless to say at the end of our walk, we stopped off again for one of the best carrot cakes and a cup of coffee before the 50 minute drive home. It was an invigorating day!

Snow!

2009-02-03T09:10:00.015Z

see side link to view all our snow photo's....

Stunning snow like we have never seen in this country... I've only seen this kind of snow in Germany and in Switzerland. We had around 8 inches and this layered everything like thick white cake frosting. It was such fun to kick the snowdrifts around and knock the layer off all surfaces... shake trees and behave like toddlers... well some of us are still toddlers! We also built a good size Frosty the snowman, view the other blog to see how he is melting/doing.

Christmas Day 2008 ...

2008-12-27T16:15:00.000Z

The great Christmas bake off!

2008-12-07T18:30:00.008Z

At the beginning of December, we made a Dr Oetker Christmas gingerbread house, Julianne loved making it... until a while later, whilst we were all out and about, Mr Travis reached his chubby little hands up without us knowing and helped himself to the entire door including the wreath! When madam and I decided to go and pick the first sweetie, we were surprised to find NO DOOR! None of us had seen the little thief eating the door, he must have snuck off into a dark little corner.

I tried to convince her that eating the black cat was even better... it was not to be...

We also baked christmas snowmen and hearts for most of the neighbours, presented in little white company red stripe pails... I did cheat on the decorating and thought it would be too much hassle to decorate snowman faces, so we just gave them a blob of milk chocolate sprinkled with silver, pink and blue balls...

Martin was involved in a chartiy decorate your own christmas cake at work... pay £10 donation and do your thing... well we thought he did it pretty well... what do you think?

Travis' dedication, 9th November

2008-12-07T18:29:00.013Z

We held Travis' dedication/baptism at the Edenvale methodist church on sunday the
9th November. It was very short and sweet and thank you to all our friends and family who made the effort to join us. This small event was so important to us. Also thank you to those who were able to make the lunch at Quills, we had a great time. Yes service was based on Africa time, but boy the food was good when it arrived.

Eco seasons golf resort

2008-12-07T18:29:00.012Z

We spent 4 days at a lovely golf resort north of johannesburg with Martins Mom and Pieter. I played 9 holes of golf on this beautiful course, there were a few zebra and buck running around, it was hot and just lovely. The kids swam in the pools, climbed frames, had a horse ride, we did a treatment at the spa each and it was just good to relax and spend time with his side of the family. Thank you family!

Friends in Johannesburg

2008-12-07T18:28:00.003Z

We spent the second week of our holiday in Johannesburg catching up with friends. It is always so good to see each of you and we are ever so grateful for all the effort each of you makes to accommodate our times and schedules. All we can say is we love you and value you immensely, thank you for your commitment.

We had a sunday morning brunch, a braai at Martins moms house, all sorts of impromptu visits at my folks house. Martin met up with his 'real' Dad after many years and it was a good visit. We took Julianne and Travis to Emperors Palace for a morning of roller coasters, games and lunch at the amazing spur with indoor trampolines and play stations. I spent a wonderful afternoon at the spa with my amazing friend Heidi. We had a great dinner and conversation at Laurinda and Rui's home, it was so good to get to know Rui more... Laurinda, you have a gem of a man - and it goes without saying your boys are adorable. We had a couple of nights out with Terry and Sue, to see a show, visit a club and dance - felt a bit out as we dont do that so much anymore, but it was so much fun. I played golf twice and loved it... so refreshing, in fact I got so excited, I played golf here last saturday for the first time in 5 years.

Overall, it was a blessed time with amazing people. xxx

Isimangaliso (St Lucia), what an incredible place

2008-12-07T18:27:00.014Z

Few places in the world rival the magnificence and wonder of the Isimangaliso (previously Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park. Situated on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, this World Heritage Site’s isiZulu name tells you that ‘you are in the land of miracles’.

It is said that when Zulu King Shaka died, Ujeqe, his aide given to keeping all his secrets, fled as it was customary for this person to be buried with his monarch. He wandered into Thongaland (present-day Maputaland) and on his return exclaimed, ‘I saw wonders and miracles in the flat land and lakes of Thonga.’

And so it is in this place where the sun rises to kiss each leaf and open every flower. The waves rush to crash on the beach in applause. The cry of the African fish eagle summons you. These, and other wonders, are all elements in one of nature’s greatest works of art.

Isimangaliso was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999. It covers approximately 300 000 hectares, including 220 kilometres of pristine Indian Ocean coastline. It extends from the north in Kosi Bay, where ancient fishing communities thrived, to the village of St Lucia in the south.

The park is a robust interaction of eight inter-linking ecosystems, which are home to a profusion of fish species and fauna and flora. Then there are the 25 000-year-old coastal dunes, which are amongst the highest in the world. They have been linked to old agricultural practices, trading routes and Zulu explorations.

The Park is also a haven for adventure seekers. For those wanting an adrenaline rush, Sodwana Bay with its deep-water coral reef has been rated 1 of the 10 best diving sites in the world.
Taken from www.southafrica.net

We had a fantastic holiday here in St Lucia...we stayed at a wonderful guest house/lodge called Seasands, and found the food and hospitality as well as whole setting very charming and professional. Even though the area has been suffering a drought for a few years and there were water shortages, the staff made every effort to do what they could to make our stay comfortable. They also gave us great tips for our days out to Cape Vidal beach, to which we visited twice as it was just so spectacular. Thanks Geoff.

My mom and I did a mornings whale watching, which was beautiful, but quite stomach turning... I had to concentrate on making mind over matter a reality! It was awesome to see the whales up close and learn about their habits. We also did a night game drive in the park which is always fun, however get so annoyed with all the 'tourists' from the rest of the planet who dont know to keep their mouths shut so that they dont scare away the animals... oh well, live and let live.

We had a babysitter twice and enjoyed a great meal out at Seasands indaba restuarant, it was good to be adult for a bit. We also really looked forward to a sundowner cruise on the St Lucia estuary, and were hoping to enjoy a drink at the same time. Sadly for us, the day before the police had raided the tour operator and suspended their bar licence because they didnt have one! So we had no sun, and no drinks!

Montecasino Birdworld - South Africa

2008-12-07T18:27:00.010Z

We spent a sweltering hot day of around 34 degrees at Montecasino bird gardens in Johannesburg. They were spectacular. Birds and birding is one of my favourite pastimes and Martin and I used to be big into bird watching when living in South Africa.

These bird gardens are excellently maintained and kept, the show was really lovely and Hampshires birdworld has some serious lessons to learn if they want to be as up to scratch as this south african counterpart. So viva south africa in this case, you really are no 1. There were very impressive walk through aviaries, and my favourite was the open space for all the parrots, I have never seen anything so free and beautiful. Enjoy the pics xxx

Toronto - Canada

2008-10-16T16:42:00.008+01:00

Most of you know Martin had an interview in Toronto on the 9th October. The long story is that we have been undecided for many years about where we want to live. Here, back in SA, Australia or Canada. I guess for people leaving South Africa there is a big push because of the crime... however since we have been in England for 8 years and mostly content, we don't have that big push factor, however still feel unsettled somehow. We are in a bubble here - we are in a 'gated' community, with an excellent school that Julianne is in, we are easily commutable to Martins work in Canary Wharf. We are only an hour from beaches and a couple hours car ride from France! We love Europe, we love the quick access to so many vast amazing cultures, beautiful places, different food and lifestyles... and if we need sun then the mediterranean and all those greek and turkish beaches are right there.

We were lucky enough to take a trip together to Toronto at the beginning of October to check it out and for Martin to have an interview with his company there. My parents flew over from South Africa to take care of the kids - they did an awesome job - and we disappeared for 6 nights. We stayed at the flagship Four Seasons Toronto in Yorkville - this is the Mayfair of Toronto. It was art deco at its best, stunning fixtures and fittings and the best service anywhere. I have never been called 'Mrs Daly' so much! and 'You're Welcome' - although that is the thing that stood out the most for us about all Canadians... the manners, politeness and respect was amazing. This not only from the hotel staff, but from teenagers on the street, shop assistants, old ladies, rushed businessmen... every one had time for us. We have so many email addresses and telephone numbers from people offering their assistance and help for our move - availabe to answer questions and give advice. I've never met friendlier people, they are markedly more friendly even than South Africans.

We did the open bus tour which was fun and very informative, we had a great guide Rychard who gave us lots of insight... and showed us where all the great film locations are. Apparently if you ever watch a movie that features Harvard or Yale universities... it is Toronto University. It has the same look and feel, however the previous do not allow filming on sight. The university is bang in the middle of the city and is really beautiful. And the city has lots of young people in it as a result.

We went up the CN Tower - at this time the tallest building in the world at 553m... I could not bring myself to stand, crawl, stick a toe on the glass floor - Martin lay all over it! We also visited a store called 'Williams Sonoma' - the best kitchen store in the world! I have seen the owner on the Oprah show and thought it sounded great, so was delighted when I had a chance to peruse. It had every kind of pot, pan, utensil etc you could think of... and they were gearing up for thanksgiving. You can see us having a taste of their thanksgiving stuffing and potato at the demo kitchen. Yum.

We spent two days outside of Toronto looking at the greater Toronto suburbs of Oakville, Etobicoke, Markham and Aurora... Oakville was nice, but too much industry around it... the Ford factory went on for 2 kms! and there was some major smokey plant there... very ugly, felt a bit like being next to the factory in Modderfontein. Markham was nothing special... but our favourite was Aurora. Apparently that is where Kiefer Sutherland went to school and grew up. It is quaint small town Canada... with lovely homes, streets and a good community feel and only 40 mins from downtown Toronto - althought the Torontonians think that that is a far commute! Martins here is about 1 hour 20 minutes.

On Saturday we took the ferry across to the Toronto islands - we walked from Ward island to Centre island. It was exquisite. A warm autumn day, quiet, lots of pretty views and very peaceful. There is a lovely beach there with an old wooden pier, swimming pools, petting farms and space for picnics, bike riding and roller blading etc. No cars are allowed. There is a small community of artists who live on the islands. If someone wants to live on the island, they have to put their names on a waiting list. When a spot becomes available, the first 10 names get chosen, put into a hat and a name pulled. That person is rung up and told what house is available and at what cost. We loved the morning on the island. From there we rode back to town and caught our city tour bus to the Distillery District.

This used to be the Gooderham Spirit factory and was derelict until about 5 years ago when all the old buildings were converted to great restuarants, shops, artists and their studio's... you can see a few pics of the artists working. Apparently most of the movie Chicago was filmed here. We had a great lunch in the sun...and bought chocolate from the chocolate shop Soma. It was nice, but Amanda and I have been to a serious chocolate shop/producer in Bruges, Belgium and this one had nothing on Belgian chocolate!

Afterwards we visited the famous St Lawrence market... a massive food hall full of fresh veg, meat, cheeses, breads and anything you could think of. It was crowded with people stocking up for their Thanksgiving dinner the next day. We then whiled the rest of the afternoon away back on the tour bus listening to Rychards funny banter... and managed to get his office to book the last 2 seats for that nights comedy show at 'Second City'. This is Toronto's top theater doing comedy and has seen the likes of Bill Murray, Julia Louise Dreyfuss, Mike Myers and others act there. We saw 'Barack to the Future' and laughed our socks off - and met a great young couple there who were very chatty and offered help to us again. Apparently there are other Second City's in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. So visit if you can, its worth it.

Sunday saw us eating a yummy breakfast in the very busy Bistro within the Four Seasons. We then visited the Royal Ontario Musuem which was a worthwhile stop, it was huge and very impressive. We really enjoyed seeing cool, big Dinosaur bones! Marie Antoinettes dress, lots of Native Canadian history and garments that were exquisite... as well as the headress of the famous Indian Chief named 'Sitting Bull'. What an amazing man he was trying to take care of his people in a very changing America and Canada.

Last but not least, Pearson Internation Airport was impressive from the outside, but we have to say that once through the departures gate it was dull dull dull. There were about four basic shops with nothing worthwhile in them (we could not find a decent toy representing Canada for the kids anywhere) a few burger type restuarants and that was it. Later that night we flew home on Air Canada which was very nice and had great service and food.

Overall we really liked Canada. It was very clean, well run... did you know that if run you motorcars engine for more than 3 minutes you get fined. And seriously, everyone does switch off their cars while waitng. It is very green, there are recycle bins for glass, paper and household waste on every street corner... lots of trees.

Maybe I am getting old but I just struggled to see myself moving there. I think most of this had to do with the fact that I've been through this before and I know how difficult it will be and I am full of apprehension. (Especially for me emotionally) On the other hand flying 7.5 hours to London and then another 10.5 to Johannesburg to see our families does not appeal at all. We spoke to many Canadians about the winters and ALL of them said that they were very frigid, very difficult and long. However in saying that they were also still very happy people and positive about being in Canada. We met a Zimbabwean man at St Lawrence food market who now makes his own condiments, he has been in Toronto for 17 years and says that he is now ready to leave, the winters have got to him! The homes that we visited were lovely, a lot more space than the UK, but I guess that is not our primary goal for wanting to move there. To me it was like a modern, crime free, clean Johannesburg. A big sprawling city with a good looking city centre and on a large Lake...Ontario. Lots of strip malls and malls. I guess in a snobbish way it lacked the charm and quaintness of England.

All this is moot of course because the final news is that we are not moving there at this time and I am quite relieved to have not had to make the decision. Martin would move there tomorrow! I don't know if this ongoing saga in our lives is now put to rest, or if there is just more food for thought. Let us know your views.

End of Summer... what summer?

2008-09-21T23:13:00.002+01:00

Its been another year of dull wet english summer, punctuated by the odd day/week of real sunshine. Who can we fool? no one. In eight years we have experienced three hot summers, the rest have been missed in a blink and we have found ourselves in autumn...

Mom and Dad arrive - for childcare!

2008-09-05T12:15:00.004+01:00

My amazing parents were able to be at our side when we needed the help and I know my inlaws would have reacted the same way too. Thank you Mom and Dad for taking care of our kiddies so we could do some much needed research.

Carin...

2008-09-04T17:38:00.006+01:00

Our good friend Carin came down for the weekend and we had great fun making this city gal do some good old bundu bashing (thats Africa slang for rambling). As with all quick visits to our area, the history stop is Old Basing castle and Olivers Bakehouse for homemade sausages and salad on a bap... then a quick, muddy ramble through whatever bush we can find...we high tailed it out when the midges started attacking us and made it back to the Blubeckers pub in Odiham in record time! Thanks Carin for your amazing friendship.

Camping in the New Forest

2008-07-23T07:39:00.016+01:00

At the end of August we decided to do some serious camping... 4 nights in a tent! In this country that is quite a step to take, never knowing what kind of weather we will be exposed to. However we prepared for the worst, bought a new totally sealed, waterproof and draught proof tent. With a living area, 3 pods and a porch big enough to fit the kitchen paraphernalia. .
We drove down to the New Forest on the Dorset Coast, booked into the Forestry Commissions campsite called Roundhill and found a spot to pitch. It took us an hour and a half to pitch the tent, kids did pretty well entertaining themselves, trying to fly a kite and just enjoying the big open spaces. We were opposite a field full of dairy cows which they loved and at night we had the gentle lowing and grunting of the cows in our ears as we went to sleep. It was lovely, of course we had the ponies from the New Forest wandering around the campsite munching grass and setting the scene. One night Martin and I lay down and looked at the stars in the sky, its lovely to see the universe like that and we also took the kids on a 'go to sleep' bike ride through the forest at about 8:30pm, it was becoming very dark and it was quiet and peaceful and litte Travis actually nodded off in his bike seat.

Each day presented something new, we visited Milton on Sea where Travis was not impressed with the cold waves splashing him and cried a while until we showed him how much fun he could have throwing sand around. Julianne was brave balancing along the wooden pier and being splashed as the waves crashed in. We also visited a pretty town called Barton on Sea, it had a beautiful cliff top teashop where we ate the best Carrot Cake we've found in ages whilst kids also played in their little garden. The next block along is a beautiful resturant found in Hardens food guide and which I had read about in Red Magazine, named Pebble Beach. We booked for lunch on our last day.

We also visited Mudeford beach, pronounced 'muddaford', and this was very picturesque with beach huts and lots of sand. Weather was questionable but kids dont care and us adults sip a coffee and enjoy the outdoors - boy are we taking on some English habits! We also visited a stunning beach called Lepe Beach, on the narrowest point between Englands mainland and the Isle of Wight, the sea in between is called The Solent, its very pretty, this is where you can see me sitting on the long whilst kids play. Did you know the Needles (broken cliff bits at the end of the Isle of Wight) are listed in the 1001 natural wonders of the world to see before you die? Oh well now we can say been there, done that!

The last day we were expecting to be the worst, because of packing up, however it went very well and of course the cherry on the top was lunch at Pebble Beach.
It was so spectacular in every way, the decor, the service the food, the french chef Pierre was very friendly and chatted whilst cooking. We will definitely be back... and will definitely go camping next year... maybe we will try the South of France though, some real sun and plenty of Petit Dejeuner at little French cafe's...

1 August - Julianne turns 5

2008-07-22T23:43:00.023+01:00

Julianne had a traditional little girls party in our garden the day after school broke up. We were blessed with 27 degrees celsius... we strung bunting around the garden and streamers from the trees. We played musical bumps, statues, had a big treasure hunt with a huge number of goodies stuck into nooks and crannies for the girls to find. We had a pass the parcel, decorate your own handbag as well as make your own named bead necklace. It was lovely, the fairy castle cake was admired by all, but not everyone was impressed with the taste! Oh well, you can't win them all. Thanks to my friends Claire and Emma for being mommy helpers... I couldn't have done it without you two.

Terry and Sue

2008-07-22T23:43:00.015+01:00

Our good friends Terry and Sue (now married for 1 year!) were in the UK for two weeks and came to spend the night with us. It was great to catch up and to really get to know Sue better after we have only had snatches of time with her whenever we go back to SA. They are both gems and we love them to bits.

We took them down to the Old Basing ruins, which are located outside the city of Basingstoke. In the day (1000's - 1600's) this was a big cheese place, on the way to the london of its times, Winchester. Winchester at the time was in fact bigger and more important than London! So you can see us posing around all sorts of areas... the one picture where Sue and I are together with our arms out is the main entrance to the castle. This is the actual threshold where the carriages would stop and nobility climb out. In fact this Old Basing castle is where Queen Mary the 1st had her honeymoon... so Sue and I are of course enjoying the moment, how amazing!

We stopped off at my favourite local spot - Olivers Bakehouse, a very quaint little place in the hamlet for homemade crusty rolls with roast lamb or farmers sausages and salad inside - yum!

33rd Birthday...Ronnie Scotts

2008-07-22T23:42:00.011+01:00

33...it arrives faster every year... and this year was no exception other than the fact that a few friends, Dianne, Carin, Sandra, Jenine and Lynne,joined me for a night away in London. We stayed at the Le Meridien Picadilly. We drank Cosmopolitans at Jewel, dinner somewhere in Soho and then visited Ronnie Scotts world famous Jazz Club from 11pm to 3am to see an american singer croon the night away.

The next day I hung out at the spa and spent the day relaxing and having room service and and afternoon nap... before going home to my beloved chaos.

Farnborough Airshow 2008

2008-07-22T22:37:00.013+01:00

This is the highlight of the year for us... especially me who loves and has always loved aircraft. The Farnborough Airshow is one of the premier Airshows in the world and is mostly a trade airshow, making suppliers and aircraft manufacturers very very rich as buyers from all over the globe come to be wined, dined and shown the best.

However on the Saturday and Sunday, the show is opened to the public and the actual airshow extended to include many different aircraft and aerobatic teams. The best of course being the Red Arrows! Britains finest RAF pilots get to fly for 3 years before going back to normal duties... some of them love it so much they have formed a new team called the Blue Blades... and I thought they were spectacular as well!

We had our friends Jeff and Carla over on saturday night... and then we all packed up the picnic and got to the airfield for 10am... set up our little tents and chairs and then walked around looking at aircraft. The show started at 12:30 and ended at 5pm with a new aircraft showing every 15 minutes. We drank Pimms, or I drank Pimms, took loads of pictures and freaked out every now and again because of the kids ears. We all survived.

The noisiest on show this year was the F15, the Typhoon and the Vulcan. The Vulcan is an interesting story... this aircraft was developed very soon after the 2nd world war... for its time it is extremely futuristic and advanced. The show was a big moment for it because it is the first airshow in history that the Vulcan has been showcased. It belongs to the Vulcan charity now and they are doing their best to preserve it as a piece of history.

They had loads of spitfires which were fun to watch... and of course the amazing new Airbus 380. Only Singapore Airlines operates them at the moment, but Quantas is soon going to take delivery of theirs... who knows Al and Jeanie... you might fly off to your new life in Aus in the A380!

Needless to say the long awaited and much anticipated aerobatic team of the Red Arrows was spectacular... I am in love....theirs was the longest display which included a red heart with an arrow through it! They have done this a few times over the last week near our house... its always good to see again. This year they had a great commentary during the show telling us all about each aircraft or flight crew... and the best of all was that every now and again they would patch through to the squadron commander so that we could hear his commands to the team for each formation... it was very cool. Sounded like a foreign language though... sometimes I could make out two! three! four! five! and so on and then 'fire the burners!'

So, now it will be another 2 years before the next show... 2010. If you are in town, make a plan! xx

Hartley Wintney Festival

2008-06-17T08:01:00.016+01:00

Hartley Wintney is small village just 4 minutes drive from our house... from Elvetham Heath we take a country drive through green fields and trees and arrive in the midst of Hartley Wintney's famous Oak Trees and Green. Apparently these Oak trees were planted in 1700's after the government and royal family of the time called for more oak to be planted so that more war ships could be built. They still stand like soldiers today and are so majestic and beautiful. Hartley Wintney is also an antiquers stopping point, there are some very posh antique shops as well as some more low key ones... and then some pretty galleries like The Strawberry Fish Gallery. There is also a courtyard coffee shop through one of the antique shops - I love taking friends and family there, especially in summer when the walls are adorned with climbing roses. Its like finding out a special secret.(This is where I took Carla)

The Festival is organised by Hart (name of our local council, named after the Hart Deer found in the area) Rotary Club. Like all other Rotary Clubs, they do it to raise funds for charity. We arrived there at 12ish and sat on the side of the road eating our picnic, and watched the procession go by. The marching band was awesome... they played very well. As soon as we were done we went on a few rides - this was Juliannes highlight of the day, she is becoming a regular little adrenaline junkie... I need not mention the roller coaster at Legoland...she pales and then perks up with endorphins soon after - they made me feel really ill though... I must be getting old.

And then we wafted around, watching people, eating ice-cream, watching the band in the arena... and then they had a kids show which Julianne went to watch. We also saw some vintage tractors which Julianne had a sit on. There were animals to pet, candy floss to eat, more rides in tea cups and trains, stalls to browse... so much. We ended it off with watching Julianne taking part in the kiddie races... she won a lollipop! They all did!

To cool down we walked down to the Cricketers Pub opposite the cricket green - which is one of the oldest in the country - and we drank Pimms and watched saturday afternoon cricket like all good Englishman. This kind of day is another good reason why we do love living here, like all countries there are good and bad, but life is what you make it right?

Four Seasons Lunch with Carla

2008-06-17T08:00:00.013+01:00

Last Wednesday, my good friend Carla came down from Wimbledon to spend the day with me. Carla and I met in the site developers office with our hubbies in 2001 when we bought our first UK home. They are American and were our direct neighbours on South Road for 3.5 years. We have become very good friends and we value them immensley. Carla decided to spoil me for my birthday this year and took me for lunch at the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire - this is a 3 minute drive from our house and absolutely spectacular.

We started off the day with coffee at the Courtyard Cafe in Hartley Wintney - this cute little out of the way place is accessible through an antiques store on the main road... and after going through a close little corridor, we emerge into the prettiest flower filled courtyard, walls adorned with roses... and old antiques here and there like the bicycle propped up against the wall. I look forward every year to having lunch in the pretty courtyard and in winter I peer out of the windows of the indoor cafe - where there is a wood burning stove - and long for summer.

After that we browsed around the Strawberry Fish Gallery, then took a drive to West Green House gardens for a quick meander through all the flowers. This is a national trust garden that is still private but open in summer for a limited time. Most of the flower pictures are from this garden. From there we went off to the Four Seasons where the camera was abandoned... in lieu of pink Moet champagne and THE BEST homemade hamburgers you have ever had in your life! We ate to the brim, shared some chocolate and vanilla pots, coffee and then I had a cute happy birthday chocolate platter delivered, courtesy of a very thoughtful friend.

It was a super special day, with a super special friend. I was spoilt and I really appreciated it and loved Carla's company. Thank you Carla, you are one in a million.

Centre Parcs - Longleat

2008-06-08T07:58:00.003+01:00

During the 2nd week of the April holidays we decided to try out Center Parcs Longleat for the first time. To be honest I have never been drawn to it... for various reasons, but we wanted to focus on the kids on this holiday.

There are a few of these Parcs across the UK, and apparently they originated in Europe. We stayed in a newly revamped Woodland lodge... very very nice. It was very modern, plasma screens in the lounge and both bedrooms, including satellite tv, a woodburning fireplace built into the wall, a very modern kitchen with every facility one has at home. And a HUGE blackboard painted onto the wall with lots of chalk for the kids to sketch with. Sealy posturepedic beds, the best linen, duvets and pillows.... I was very impressed so far.

We went from a Monday to a Friday... I had pre-booked a few activities for the week including 2 sessions for Travis and Julianne to go to the Time Out Club - where they did crafting, face painting, learning how to be a clown.... this was for about 3 hours a session. The one afternoon Martin and I went to the Aqua Sana spa and relaxed... the next afternoon we played pool and then a few games of Tennis! Tennis??? we have never done that and Martin has never played in his life, but after I explained rules and scoring he whipped my a..! He was very very good at it.

We also took the kids on a Pedalo on the lake which they both loved. Travis decided to spit his dum dum out onto the lake as we cruised past...that was fun to fish out! They then played on the beach for a bit.

While Travis had his afternoon naps, Martin took Julianne to play adventure golf, or to the amazing indoor pool plaza, this place has so many cool slides, water rapids that go from inside to outside, outside pool and jacuzzi...so even in winter you can swim outside! We did this swimming area as a family a few times too, and Travis screeched in delight at the wave pool (Like the Lost city but smaller) as he got facefuls of water.

One afternoon Julianne and I took the little road train to the other side of the parc to visit the Falconry and we saw and took part in an Owl show... she got to hold an Owl and I was used as a prop for one flying back and forth between people, really beautiful creatures... it was a lovely activity.

We went out for a breakfast to the Grand Cafe, which was okay but I reckon I could cook a better one! We also took the kids out to Huckleberrys which has a large climbing frame for the kids while the adults can relax and eat. The food was basic but we had great service. We booked a babysitter for the last night, they use local older ladies from surrounding villages...our lady was a large cuddly granny and we felt absolutely safe leaving the kids with her for about 2 hours. We went off to have a curry at the Parcs top resturant - Rajinder Pradesh.

Overall we were pleasantly surprised with the entire concept of the village. There are hundreds and hundreds of lodges, but being interspersed throughout the trees and they way they were designed just makes it peaceful and it definitely does not feel like you are in a crowd. Julianne is already asking when we are going back... it is fantastic for families and we will be going back.

Mothers Day...

2008-05-19T18:13:00.004+01:00

I booked for us to go to a little restuarnat in Farnham called 'Vienna', it was lovely... I love Farnham, picture the quintessential english town, very picturesque, 10 mins from our house with lots of cobbled streets, old shops and interesting shops, not just the usual chain stores.... we had a great time.

Snow in April

2008-05-19T17:43:00.008+01:00

Above is the view of our house in April this year.... below the kids playing...

and see the view in April this time last year...

Married 10 years... a weekend at Moonfleet Manor

2008-04-12T15:33:00.002+01:00

We spent a long weekend at this lovely country manor hotel in Dorset at the end of March, celebrating 10 years of marriage. It was in a beautiful, secluded setting. The food was award winning, facilities relaxing, lived in and just lovely. I had a hot stone therapy massage on the friday afternoon, we had booked babysitters for the evenings and were very civilised getting all properly dressed up for dinner. Drinks in the lounges next to open fires pre-dinner and then through to 3 courses of amazing food. Martin had a HUGE bouquet of flowers waiting for me in the room. That was so sweet and unexpected. I really do love the man, he is a gem and I know we need each other more than ever.

The best part of the weekend is that the childcare is included... so we dropped off the kids a few times during the day into the ofsted registered nursery to do t-shirt painting etc and play, while we went for a quiet walk alone along the estuary, or had Irish coffees in our room the one afternoon and read for 2 hours!!! what bliss, we never get to relax like that. We also played backgammon for a few hours and just joked around and enjoyed each others company... it really did feel like it was BC, before children. We took the kids swimming in the lovely pools, played outside lots and of course the wonderful indoor 'verandah', where the kids could ride scooters, jump on trampolines, play ping pong.... football, piano.... all while parents relaxed at the bar and lounge area overlooking the kids or ran around with the kids.

We were very very very relaxed and Julianne loved it, so did our little Travi Trav. Highly recommended if you are on this side of the planet.

Easter

2008-03-26T14:56:00.001Z

The Easter bunny came... since it was miserable and muddy outside we hid the eggs inside this year... and Julianne raced around finding them in record time. I actually meant to hide them the night before.... forgot, went to sleep and dreamt that I had hid them...then woke up feeling relaxed... and went into panic mode when I realized that I had 'dreamt' hiding the eggs and not actually doing it!

I snuck down and threw them around randomlly... okay, 'hid' them and then made enough noise for Julianne to be 'allowed' to wake up and find them! So as you can see I was fairly relaxed about consumption... however we hauled out he mini trampoline to use up all the excess energy!!!

Celebrating Daddy's '9th' birthday

2008-03-26T14:28:00.000Z

Julianne 'baked' this chocolate fudge cake for her Daddy on his birthday at the end of Feb. Since Martin is a leap year baby he only turned 9! Poor me, what with 3 kids in the house????

It is a Nigella receipe which is one of our favourites and even though we last made it at least 2 years ago... pre Travis pregnancy and 1st year. It lasted 3 days...

Brands Hatch

2008-02-22T18:38:00.003Z

Martin and his good friend Alan spent the entire day of 23 Feb biking down to Brands Hatch... doing race/riding sessions there all day and then riding home... exhausting but he really enjoyed it.

Apparently there are 3 groups, beginner, intermediate and advanced - who all use different sections of track. There were accidents in all sections... but the two hooligans were hauled off the track (not Martin and Alan!) Martin actually witnessed two accidents up close.

Martin also got some help from some professional riders who gave him a few tips which was fun for him. Now he's booking ANOTHER day!!!

Our little Travi Trav turns 1 year old...

2008-01-24T21:55:00.000Z

Our little 8 pound 10 ounces munchkin... born at 12am on Friday 26th January 2007 has turned 1! This time last year at 11:20 am we had 40 mins to go and in the full throes of pain! Utterly worth it.

He is crawling round like a little speed car... is up the stairs like a shot... loves playing 'crawling catchers', hiding under the duvet after bathtime and sqealing at things he loves. Closing doors and then shouting for someone to come and open it so he can close it again!

We are having a little party for him this afternoon, full of decorations, party boxes, a pinata for the older kids to whack, Noddy and Big Ears cake and just general crawling around and mayhem... pics to follow.

Happy New Year...

2008-01-08T16:39:00.000Z

Hi friends... Happy New 2008... we wish each of you the best, most fun, health filled and safe 2008.

We had a great Christmas Day, chaotic, tiring but fun. Unfortunately no parents to help us out... so we were exhausted by the end of the day and the only restful part was the quiet and special sitting in church for an hour at 10am that morning! nevertheless we go on. The kids had great fun with all the presents... we loved watching them...

New Years was quiet for us... we needed the break... and on New Years Day we took some hot chocolate, biscuits and went for a 2 hour misguided walk through the forestry commission land 2 minutes drive from here. We had an absolute ball, it was great getting lost and full of adventure.... see some pics...

Other than that we are in the swing of things... busyness is back and we plan for the 1st birthday of our little boy.... on the 26th Jan....
love us...

Christmas Run Up

2007-12-30T08:23:00.000Z

We had a great run up to Christmas starting with a visit to Martins brother Brendan and partner Kat plus sister Chanita. They live in the very desireable area of East Dulwich in London. It was like visiting a posh English village for the day. Lots of pretty little galleries, art shops, cheese shops, bread shops, deli's, lovely independent restuarants and the best of all was this traditional sweetie shop called Hope and Greenwood. It is styled like a 1950's shop but with a modern edge. It was stunning... click on the link to see their website and check out our pictures too.

On School break-up day the 18th, I took Julianne and a friends son and his granny to the ceramic cafe in Fleet to paint something Christmassy... which was fun.

On the 19th we had bought tickets to a childrens Christmas Party at Marwell Activity Centre... they had Father Christmas, a magician, disco for the kids, party food for adults and kids and a great atmosphere and it was good to see our friends Amanda and Devin and their little 'transformer' Kyle!

Saturday the 22nd was christmas food delivery day, haircut day (all the rats tails were deleted, what do you think of the new hairdo?) and dinner out with some new friends Lynne and Angus which was fun (Jenine and Paul were missed). Sunday we had a day out to visit Alan, Jeanie and Kyle in Epsom and stayed till very late but we always have a good time together. Monday was Christmas eve... relaxing until pantomime time at 2pm. We went to see Snow White and the 7 Dwarves at the Anvil Theatre in Basingstoke. I enjoyed the show very much and the dwarves amazed me by being real dwarves! I was more amazed by the venue though as it is much bigger, nicer than I thought. They have great shows lined up, the Moscow ballet, Chinese state circus, Jethro Tull, Jimmy Carr the comedian, Barney! the latter 2 we have bought tickets to.

Christmas Eve was spent with our good friend Dianne and her niece Jessica and friend David, hots snacks and cava, lots of candles, christmas music and conversation... and Santa eating the reindeers carrot!

A Day with Barnaby Bear (school pal)

2007-12-13T21:04:00.000Z

Breakfast with Barnaby...

Writing letters to Santa in Lapland together... Julianne desires a baby born swimmer, Gloe bear, Jack in the beanstalk game...what does Barnaby want?

Decorating Christmas chocolates together... very intense, she loves her art

Munching chocolate chips - forget the bear!

Time for bed, milk and 12 dancing princesses story... sweetheart

Busted already!

2007-12-13T20:54:00.000Z

Well, the tree has been up for 10 days and little Travi has grabbed all the silver bells, a few snowflakes and naturally grabbed the christmas lights and whacked them on the tiled floor with great glee.... needless to say they are busted already!!!

I embrace his gorgeousness wholeheartedly... who cares about lights when he is having fun???

1st December - Christmas begins

2007-12-02T14:26:00.000Z

One of our favourite days of the year has arrived.... and on a saturday too! Today is the day that the Christmas decorations go up and we get into the Christmas spirit.

Juliannes primary school had their annual Christmas fayre on this saturday, so off we went... and I thought it would be a bit lame, but I have to say that this is the best school christmas event I have ever been to! They had a santa's grotto, make your own christmas stained glass, numerous other crafty things, stalls from jewellery to handbags, cakes, childrens websites etc. then in the main hall they had a chocolate tombola, drinks tombola... lots of raffles and guessing games to raise money... books for 20p table.... face painting, reflexology.. girls and boys lucky dip boxes. I was very very impressed. So we spent a good hour and a bit there and then off to our local pub the De Havellind Arms for some lunch... then home to put up the decorations.

Normally we have a silver, white and glass decorated tree, and this year we added on some fun red decorations too, plus we have the added bonus of an extra stocking for Travis! Our tree is in the hallway, just outside the living room and viewable through the windows of the front door.... because for those of you not in England, that is one of the most festive sights around... when the evenings draw in and its dark... and you are walking past peoples homes... its stunning to see christmas lights on the house... beautiful wreaths on every door and christmas trees through windows... it really is storybook. We then danced the night away to old fashioned christmas music... Julianne is at an age where she just is enthralled by all of it.

To all of you our friends with kids or without, we send our love and best wishes as this blessed season begins. God Bless each of you with your hearts desires and bless your families with His love and grace. Praise to Jesus, the King of Kings and Glory to God for the birth of His amazing son.
xxxxx
The Daly's

Travis - camping

2007-11-15T09:47:00.000Z

Little Travis wearing his sisters beanie when we went camping in Sept...

for 1 night in the New Forest... it was cold, but we managed. What mothers do for their sons! I had to sleep with Travis' milk carton for the 6am feed... between my legs to get it warm!

Well how else was I going to get it warm at that time of the morning? in a cold tent? with a single burner?.... he was happy.... Julianne loved picking up the acorns and seeing the ponies trundle around through the campsite.

Poor Martin! we had such a chuckle on the sunday night when we got into bed exhausted! He said
'I went camping, but I never saw anything except putting the tent up and then down!'....

NEVER go camping for one night with children... for for a minimum of two!

2007-11-15T09:44:00.000Z

Hi all.. this is a collage of a few pics from my 2 day course at the above.... note our lovely looking Brazilian instructor Luciana... she teaches photography at university and is a photo journalist. We had a great time....

My dream car!!!!

2007-10-12T19:55:00.000+01:00

Any of you who know me well... know that I have longed and desired an suv for about 15 years... since I drove one as an Au Pair in Germany in 1993/4. I loved the high ride, the view... the sporty feel and of course the space, especially as a mommy now... So after much deliberation on which one to go for... (the short list was the VW touareg(boot too small), BMW X5 (boot too small and only 5 seats)... we chose the awesome award winner... Volvo XC90... HUGE... 7 seats for when family visit us... and a massive boot... plus all the safety features over and above what everyone else has. Another cool feature is Volvo on call... and Volvo SOS which we got with the car... they are buttons you press for emergency services or general information... and people talk to you inside your car. The first time I tried it whilst parked in the driveway... the lady said 'Mrs Daly are you stationary, engine off, windows up, doors unlocked???' Wow and yes I said! If you have an accident, they will be the first to call you inside the car and send assistance if they get no response...

Needless to say it is a powerful smooth ride and we are very very comfortable in it... I've always loved driving and now I love it more!

This little pumpkin went to school....

2007-10-12T19:38:00.000+01:00

Our baby started 'big' school about 5 weeks ago... she went half day for 4 weeks and now this week was her first full time week from 8:50am to 3:10pm... with a packed lunch! the most exciting part of the day!

She said to me today that she loves waking up and going to 'tree' school mommy... (tree school because they have a symbolic tree of knowledge planted out front... it was imported from Italy and is destined to be a real feature.) They visit the school library on mondays and we get to read them that book all week, this week she had one called 'the teddy bear scare'. On fridays is show and tell... she took her talking, crying baby Anabell doll with and we practised her little speech a few times... she really loves this stuff.

and off she scooted into the big wide world... and how our hearts ached and cried...

Fossi and Jutta's wedding in Gau Bischofsheim

2007-10-01T11:00:00.001+01:00

Some very good and special friends of ours finally got married on 18th August this year in their homeland of Germany. In 1993 I met Matthias in South Africa while he was backpacking with some friends. (Carrie Norval... do you remember meeting him and his friends through my german class?) A few months later I flew to Germany where I Au Paired for a bit... we saw each other once or twice with his friends... Since then, I have been married, and he and Jutta have been together for many years... we have seen each other on and off especially since they travelled to SA and the UK and it has been a 14 year mutual friendship which I think both couples value immensely. I WISH we could see them and their gorgeous boy more often.

Thank you Fossi and Jutta for a beautiful weekend, we loved sharing it with you and you made us feel so special... we love you lots and we need to plan to see you next year.
Till then xx Karen and Martin...
ps everyone else enjoy the photo's, it was a stunning wedding.
pss, Mom and Dad you were stars babysitting for us - we felt like a million bucks flying away for the night...and being picked up in Germany in a VIP shuttle used for the Tour de France... thanks Kallie
psss, the song playing is dedicated to Fossi and Jutta... isn't it gorgeous?

Dubrovnik...August

2007-09-29T22:44:00.000+01:00

Hi all

Its saturday 29th Sept.. a long time since our holidays and I am at the mac at 22:45 putting a start to this long overdue 'report back'. It might take a few days... we have just had a glorious evening with some lovely friends and I am taking some time for myself before sleep time.

We hope you our friends and family are all well, we have heard from some of you and some are going through a tough time and some not. Regardless remember always that God will never leave you or forsake you... you need to trust in Him.

Well our trip to Dubrovnik in Croatia was lovely and all the more special because my parents were able to join us. Most of you know that travelling is something Martin and I really enjoy about living here in Europe...we have so many amazing cultures to experience and visit right here on our doorstep. So Croatia's war ended about 10 years ago and the country is now becoming a real tourist hotspot... somewhere that is affordable to travel, still has its uniqueness about it, but has just the right amount of boutique hotels and good places to eat to attract visitors... not to mention the very interesting history. Did you know the birth place of intrepid Marco Polo was the island of Korcula? (KOR-CHOO-LA).

We flew in from a rainy England to a 40 degree heatwave in Dubrovnik. Two weeks before the locals were fending off fires about to threaten their historic town. Luckily not too much damage was done.

Of course our first day was spent at the amazing pool... see Julianne frolicking like a mermaid - she practically lived in the pool all 10 days of holiday!

We did a late afternoon city tour of Dubrovnik and visited the Franciscan monastery... had a beer in the square... and a short walk along the main street. It is a very beautiful, small old city. The only city left in Europe to be fully fortified by its surrounding city walls.

The next two days we relaxed and unwound by the pool... they had water aerobics and the all inclusive food option was amazing. Gorgeous fresh fruit, salads, fresh fish, HUUUGGGE prawns, calamari, thin crust pizza and the list goes on... at each meal time. The hotel was sweet, professional and the service very very good.

We took a 'spirit of the Adriatic' cruise on the Tuesday and travelled in an old looking pontoon style boat to various islands... floated up to a restuarant where we had a lovely fish lunch,
music and were entertained by the russians... dancing up a storm. they know how to have a good time. In fact Martin was latched onto by a russian guy called Mikhael on the boat who was drinking really strong stuff all day. He barely spoke a word of english, but they managed to communicate and he was very friendly. It was a lazy day and we loved the hot weather.

Mom and I did some shopping for Adriatic red coral... I found some earrings and a bracelet in silver... very pretty.
Julianne just wanted ice cream every day! Travis was a star... it was very trying to travel with a 6 month old but we had all his milk, steribottles, food, swim nappies and nappies shipped beforehand by a great website called 'tinytotsaway.com'... this was very useful.

We also caught a water taxi out to an island nature reserve called Lokrum for the afternoon where Mom and Dad looked after Travi and the 3 of us went swimming off the rocks... Julianne in a blow up boat! it was a bit scary, but we managed.

On the 2nd last night we found the most amazing resturant called 'levenat' it is mentioned in the guide books... the food is very good, but the most spectacular thing about it is its location. It was about a 15 minute walk from our hotel on the Babinkuk peninsula... it was past a very posh cliffside private villa and perched on the cliffs... with built in seating in the cliffs and amazing views. There were also very steep steps down to the sea where one could paddle, but it was a very special place... definitely go if you are in the area. For a posh drink, go to the bar at Hotel President Dubrovnik - same hotel chain as ours but posher... it has white couches on a terrace overlooking the sea...and islands.. see our pics.

All in all we had a very interesting, restful trip... punctuated with lots of good food... good local beer too. We adored having so much special time with my amazing parents whom I love so much. Thank you Mom and Dad for joining us and making special memories...

I have uploaded all our holidays pics onto Flickr.... please go and have a more detailed look there... there are some wonderful images and its entertaining... especially those who are into photography. You can click on the Flickr badge on the side of our blog to see them.

Also, don't be shy to post a commment on the blog... this is the way that the world is moving... all those Facebookers out there, I expect to hear from you!!!

Lots of Love
Karen, Martin, Julianne and Travis

Long time no speak

2007-09-14T20:31:00.000+01:00

Well, its been a month since I last posted... alot has happened. Martin and I went to see Prince at the Millenium Dome....picked up my folks on the 16th Aug... flew to Germany for a wedding on the 18th (without the kids, the folks babysat)these amazing friends we have known for years finally got hitched...in the most entertaining, charming wedding I've ever been to, flew back on the 19th... was shattered!

Went to the spa with my mom on the 20th, packed on the 21st... flew to Dubrovnik,

Croatia on the 22nd.... toured and holidayed and came home on the 31st... at 9:30pm. Had Juliannes 4th birthday party on the 1st Sept... plus people over that night for dinner. Met up with Carla and Jeff for Indian on the 2nd Sept... then the following week were busy every day with my parents... they flew home on saturday the 8th... we went to friends for lunch on sunday the 9th... and our beautiful baby started school on monday the 10th!

Lots of photo's and further info to follow.... we hope you are all well 'out there'
xx
Karen

ps tomorrow we are off on our first family camping trip (for 1 night) to sleep amongst the ponies of the new forest...

Baby boy blue...

2007-08-12T21:43:00.000+01:00

Our gorgeous boy, so delicious, so chubby, so happy and such a munchkin is 6 months old! Half a year! Wow... and this is such a special time. He is able to sit wobbly by himself, falling over occasionally. He chews and grabs anything he sees, his teeth must be arriving soon I am sure.

His cutie pie face lights up like the sun when he recognises mummy or daddy... and he will turn around and topple over in effort to find my face. Its so sweet.

The babbling and gurgling is starting and he makes funny little sounds by pursing his lips together whilst dribbling. And boy oh boy he just wants to stand! All the time... His chubby legs poke at the ground like a stomping dancer... and then give in. He is incredibly cheerful, happy to bash his toys around and has made it clear that he loves being outside on his playmat, with his toys and reaching for grass to chew!

Nursery Graduation!

2007-07-21T13:37:00.001+01:00

Can you believe our baby is almost 4? she has 10 days to go... in the meantime she has had her nursery school graduation party where they had to 'leap' over 2007 and into their future... how sweet is that?

They sang the song ....' one more step along the road I go, one more step along the road I know, for we are young and...... keep me travelling along with you!' I did cry... for definite. She has had some amazing nursery teachers and really loves going to nursery. I know they start school young in this country, but the first year or 'reception' is really just formalised nursery school. Then follows year 1, year 2 etc until year 7 which is the end of primary schooling.

So thanks Hatton Hill nursery... the best nursery in the area I think. From the fete days to animal farms visiting with mini pigs, ducks, geese, ponies etc to photographers, stretch and grow classes 'where we learn to eat food the colours of the rainbow!', to soccer kids on wednesdays... to getting the kids to make their own pizza lunch, or christmas biscuits... or just play with spagetti in tomato sauce... you have done a great job and Julianne has loved her time there. Travis can't wait to start his one day a week next Feb!

Go Julianne go!

Electric Cinema... La Vie en Rose

2007-07-04T21:38:00.001+01:00

A few weeks ago already I was lucky enough to go up to London to meet my very special friend Carin for the evening. She booked us tickets at the uber trendy Electric Cinema in Notting hill to view 'La vie en rose', the biographical life story of amazing French singer Edith Piaf.
It took me about 1 and a half hours to get in, but it was a fun trip. We walked along Portobello road - the one of the famous market yes - and secreted tightly in amongst some other buildings of art deco nature was the electric cinema! Big lush red leather arm chairs with footstools to stretch out your legs, large wine coolers for our bottle to share... and some japanese rice crackers! I have never enjoyed a subtitled movie as much... the actress portraying Edith was amazing and seemed to live her character. We enjoyed it so much. Afterwards we went for a light bite and a glass of port at the 'wine factory' up the road before heading home.
Thanks Carin for a great night out! xx K

Travis - 5 months beautiful

2007-06-26T23:06:00.000+01:00

Pink Cowgirl!

2007-06-23T22:50:00.000+01:00

Trying to enjoy what sun we have had this summer. Julianne was helping me prune a few things in the garden...My little cowgirl at 3 years and 10 months. She is a beauty!!!

Wales May 2007

2007-06-23T22:17:00.000+01:00

A MONTH ago we had a one week trip to the Llyn Peninsula (pronounced lin) next to Snowdonia in Wales. This was our front door.... We stayed in the most beautful stone cottage with a wood fired oven, welsh slate flooring and modern but old fashion style Aga cooker in the kitchen... and the most amazing views over welsh farmland and grazing.

At night we heard the fresh mountain spring stream who's source was the mountain we were staying on (Carnugwach) rush past the cottage and down into the 2 acre size trout pond.

There were two farm sheep dogs called Mot and Cai (don't ask me what that means, Welsh for something) and they were fun to watch as they raced around the land while the owners checked on the sheep and cattle. Look above at where I hung my washing... whilst cows chewed cud around me on the side of the little hill... wish I could hang my washing there every day!

In the distance we could sea farm vehicles harvesting something for a couple days and beyond that, the view stretched out to sea and peninsula. It really was one of the most exquisite, restful and peaceful places we have ever been. I could feel the tension and pressure leaving me each day.
In the picture on the left you are looking up to the cottages on Carnugwach farm. The farm has apparently been in the family for 500 years. The trout pond is in front of you with the little wooden bridge being the spring water flowing into the pond. On my birthday (23 May) we spent the day at Portmeirion, it is an Italian village on the coast of Wales and has its own little shops, gardens, walks, hotels. We had a fancy lunch in the hotel at the edge of the bay overlooking the estuary, it was very special. For any of you foodie's out there, you should know 'Portmeirion crockery'... Martin bought me some new modern stuff designed for Portmeirion by Sophie Conran, daughter of design guru and restuarateur Terence Conran. We went for a few short walks around, but mostly just sat on the terrace while Julianne rolled around the grass doing head of heels and hops over the little stream.

We also spent an afternoon on the Welsh steam Railway riding through the foothills of Snowdonia National Park. Very very pretty, Julianne got to wear the train drivers cap!

Interestingly most of the old locomotives originally built in England for the South African Railway service. However, Wales has bought them back from SAR and uses them proudly today, they seem well looked after. We plumped to travel 1st class, in style, it was lovely....

We ate out a bit... treated to fresh lobster at a local seafood restuarant, it was really good and the bonus was that the lady owner babysat for us! we got to eat our meal in peace!

So it wasn't the most exciting or dynamic place we have ever visited, but it was incredibly charming, pretty, friendly and restful. Isn't that what you need from a holiday?

xxx

The Daly's

Go Karting - Karens first attempt

2007-05-13T08:14:00.000+01:00

This was a really fun day out yesterday. Martin babysat and let me have a go racing around the largest outdoor track here in the UK. The first round I was apparently the slowest, it was a bit scary just letting go. But I wasn't last... one guy kept crashing too much and he ended up being last. It rained the first round so I skidded off the track a few times which was fun.

Second round the track was dry and I felt I could go much much faster and didn't brake as much.... put foot through all the bends and turns and did better... but still came second from the bottom! Can't wait to do it again... but with Martin. Thanks Lynne for inviting me!

Travis and Julianne

2007-05-13T07:41:00.000+01:00

She just loves to hold him! Struggles a bit with the heavy head, but coos and gurgles over him... kisses him all over the face and talks to him in a soft, high pitched tone. Its lovely that she has time for him... I hope it lasts..

He just smiles in a wobbly way.... gurgles back at her and they have full on mini conversations in a magical baby speak... wonder what its all about? Its so sweet. They are still breaking my heart every day... adore the munchkins.

Wellington Country Park, Easter Monday

2007-04-10T21:40:00.000+01:00

This was a great day out for us, Julianne was out like a light as soon as her behind hit her carseat! They had Punch and Judy, inflatable slides, face painting and of course all the great sandpits, water play, playgrounds, bus ride, train ride and walking... its a great space really close to our house - I think we will be going there a few more times this summer! (To view the pics better, click on the entire image)

See how courageous she has become as she jumps off the top of the slide! she actually did a somersault one of the first times and gave me a huge fright, but she was fine... growing up too fast.

Travis was so good, just relaxed and liked looking out at all the activity every now and then, we adore the little man so much... 10 weeks old this weekend!

Alum Chine

2007-04-10T21:30:00.000+01:00

Alum Chine beach, near Bournemouth

2007-04-10T21:20:00.000+01:00

We decided to be adventurous and find a cool beach for a fun day out last friday (a friend had told us about...thanks Emma.) We spent all afternoon at the beach, had the sun tent up, weather was warm enough for paddling and Julianne had to go in her undies because we forgot her costume! It was busy but not crowded, cute little beach huts dotted around and plenty of space. Afterwards we found a great Italian restuarant in Bournemouth and stuffed ourselves before a walk along the cliff above the beach. We only got home at 10pm! So much fun...

9 Year anniversary...

2007-03-31T23:22:00.000+01:00

We've made it to 9 years! Wow, can't believe how time flies... next year is a big one. Look at the most beautiful flowers my amazing husband sent me. Aren't I spoiled? love you M...

Travis...the first 6 weeks...

2007-03-12T21:31:00.000Z

Our beautiful boy arrived on the 26th January at 12pm... in a very similar labour to Julianne. He weighed 3.9kg as oppose to Julianne who was 3.5kg at birth. We were home by 6:30pm and all well thanks to Martin running around and food from M&S.

Thank you to all of you, our special family and friends who sent us wishes, cards, gifts and flowers over the last few weeks. Also the few who prepared a meal for me! We felt very cared for and loved, it meant alot.

Well 2nd time around it is just as exciting and special, we are loving every moment with our new boy and watching as Julianne adapts really well, she is such a sweet big sister. She loves to give him kisses and cuddles and show him her toys, but she is very happy to get on with her own things without needing too much of my attention, so I think she is adjusting well. However there are still small moments of difficulty.

Travis is eating well and seems to be a little more quiet and content than Julianne was... although this may be due to the fact that I know more about what I am doing this time and he can sense this. I am doing my best to take loads of pictures but there isn't much time these days. At 4 weeks he started to try and smile, I always thought this was wind, but the baby books do say that they can and do. We had a good 10 minute session today together where he was watching me and smiling... yelping if I disappeared but then smiling again when I returned, so rewarding to have that first little bit of interaction with him.

Martin was great during his 2 weeks of paternity leave, he really took care of everything! The poor man was exhausted at night. My precious mother arrived on the 16th Feb to spend two weeks with us, we had a great time. We were out daily for coffees, lunches, shopping, gardening... she gifted to us and planted a huge amount of snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils (daff'dils as Julianne says) in our driveway garden which are now blooming and looking beautiful. Thank you Mom. We also took a trip to Marwell Zoo with Julianne, it was lovely but cold.

Otherwise not much other news, just keeping up to date with the home and kids... trying to stay in touch with friends and really anticipating summer. This spring has been beautiful, it was about 17 degrees today and very sunny. We are enjoying our walks to Juliannes nursery school each monday, wednesday and friday... hope you are all well and send us a mail sometime.

xxx

Karen, Martin, Julianne and Travis

Merry Christmas...

2006-12-16T17:23:00.000Z

Merry Christmas everyone...

love the

Daly's

This year has passed really quickly for us like most of you I'm sure. We have had a very good year, good health, safety, fun times, all the important people in our lives are still with us and we are very grateful for that.

Julianne has blossomed into a beautiful little girl, not only to look at, but she is full of love and compassion, generous and shares her toys and sweeties with one and all, caring for animals and other little children or mommy when she has a bad back - 'I care for you' she says patting me on my back. My heart just melts. She at 3 years is able to write her name without copying or assistance, is keen on her maths (3-4 year workbook) and I think even though she will be one of the youngest to start school in Sept 2007 she will be up there with the rest of the class. She adores art projects of any kind, loves being outside in any kind of weather (which is a good thing in this country!) and is elated at the prospect of starting ballet classes in 3 weeks time. We just went to purchase her first proper satin ballet slippers this morning... so adorable.

This last thursday she was in her first nativity with her nursery school and she was a 'cloud'. We dressed her in white, made a large cutout of cardboard shaped like a cloud,

glued loads of cotton wool and jewels and gave it a silver lining... she was too cute. She even had her first speaking word on stage 'WHOOSH!' when the little blue star when flying through the sky! We were so proud of her!

Today as I write, we are 33.5 weeks into our 2nd pregnancy and all is well. I do unfortunately have terrible backache, this is due to a previous complaint but the pregnancy is making it worse. Thank goodness for the chiropractor which helps immensley. I'm enjoying the Christmas season and really looking forward to only 3 days of work over the next few weeks before I go on annual leave. Baby is still due on the 5th Feb and we can't wait to meet this cute little boy and be thrown into the depths of babydom again! He really is a kicker... Julianne defintely didn't wriggle this much! Julianne is constantly hugging, kissing and patting the tummy which is a good sign, but we think it will still be a tough adjustment for her not to be the centre of attention anymore. Any advice anyone???

Happily, most of you know that Martin has finally achieved his 1st degree (BSc) after his MBA strangely, but at least it is complete and over for ever! His now impressive title is:

Martin Daly Dip Comp Sci (Hons) BSc (Hons) (Open) MBA (Hons) (Bond)! Next up is his PhD he says! I passed my Biological Psychology course - not very well in the exam sadly, but a 72% average for the course so I have an additional 30 points toward my 360 point degree. This means I now have 160 points and still 200 to go... gosh its hard work and the 160 has already taken me 4 years of part time study and a weeks residential school. Next year I will only be doing one 10 point course - 'life in the oceans', a year 3 course, but otherwise will have the year off while I take care of our kiddies, back to the grind the year after. Martin is now busy studying some Microsoft certification through work, not sure how long that is going to take, but at least there is only one of us studying next year. It really is tough trying to run the home, iron, cook etc, enjoy and entertain the child and be a family as well as work and study... one of you always needs to let go and let the other get on... I'm sure some of you know what I mean. But the old cliche... 'what doesn't kill us makes us stronger' right?

We have heard from most of you over the year, thank you, it is good to share in your lives with you and be able to pray with you and support you. Others not so much sadly... they do say that when you move away you learn who your true friends are and we can sincerely say we have learnt this. Gladly there are many people who do make the effort and that warms our hearts... we are people persons and love company.

We have also had a few nice trips this year, most of you would have seen the pictures from South Africa at the beginning of the year. The 6 week trip for Julianne and I was a wonderful opportunity to be with family and catch up with friends. We missed Martin though...he only joined us for two weeks at the end, but that was still good. We also went to Barcelona for 4 nights in September which was a great break and a good city to visit, we had great food and saw some really interesting things. And I went myself with a very good friend to Brugge for the weekend just a few weeks ago. Now no more travelling for a while as we handle the new family adjustment. Maybe a week away somewhere in May - our last 'out of season' trip before madam begins schooling in Sept. Otherwise, it has been great getting to know our neighbours around here in Fleet more this year. Some of whom have become very special friends to us and we feel incredibly blessed to have you in our lives - you know who you are... thank you for sharing yourselves and your families with us. We love that! To our friends who are far away or more spread out in England, we miss you so much, we value the time that we do have together even though its few and far between and carry on emailing us, sending us pics of your lives and sharing with us. We will always be here for you.

With that and for the coming year, we wish all our friends and family Gods richest blessings. Look to Him for all you need, thank Him for all you have and always remember to pray for those who are less fortunate. Pray for those suffering and waiting for a change in Zimbabwe...
Lots and Lots of love, The Daly's

Michaelangelo in Brugge...

2006-12-12T13:05:00.000Z

Some of you may know that I love seeing any kind of artwork by Michaelangelo... have read a book all about his painting, sculptures and architecture. I have enjoyed seeing the Sistine chapel, his Pieta (Mary holding a dying Jesus sculpture) in St Peters in Rome, sculptures in the Louvre in Paris and lots more.

Imagine how excited I was when we found out that his 'mother with child' sculpture original was located at the church of our lady, in Brugge.

We hung around in the wet weather for the church to open and as you can see were able to get a good view and picture of the sculpture. It is really beautiful, what an amazing artist. Apparently it is one of very few artworks by Michaelangelo located outside Italy...

With love

Karen

Brugge Canals...

2006-12-12T13:00:00.000Z

We had a hair raising boat ride through the canals on the sunday... only the two of us were passengers. The wind was howling, it was raining and we had an eccentric English/Belgian man giving us tour. I had two umbrellas covering me and it was absolutely hilarious trying to keep them under control every time the wind blew them inside out AND ducking under the low bridges - with a 7 month old bump!

Beer and chocolate in Belgium!

2006-12-11T22:12:00.000Z

There were loads of cookie shops, chocolate shops, more chocolate shops, markets, knick knack shops, teddy bear shops, decorative shops....bottom left pic shows a chocolate shop called 'Depla' where I bought our chocolate from. And check out Mr Horse who wanted to be part of the pic in the middle!

Christmas, Brugge 2!

2006-12-11T22:09:00.000Z

Our Hotel 'Die hotel Heritage' was 4 star luxury and it was very nice.... nice Hermes bath products! We visited the folks museum, the chocolate museum and a good few pubs.... and cake houses.