Time to say good bye to the Campbells

Saturday 26th January
David's birthday today. Sorry that we were not with you but we hope you had a really good day, we certainly did. The morning was spent on the deck overlooking the beach. The breezes coming off the sea were lovely. I set up the sewing machine and made a kaftan for Tracy while Dale and Ian went off to the fish market to get a box (or three) of queen prawns and some crab to go with the scallops that we had bought earlier. All the shopping was in preparation for a fish braai that was planned for Sunday.
The evening was a highlight for all of us. Ian and I went with the extended Campbell family to meet Beth and Cliff as well as Robynne and Dave for dinner. Cliff had been away on business when we visited Beth so it was wonderful to see him again. It was probably 28 years since I last saw him. Although it was difficult to have a really good catch up with Cliff, it was a memorable evening  and I'm so happy that we were able to meet again. Megan and Beth immediately found something in common and that is the Midmar Mile. It's a charity swimming race that Beth is attempting for the first time and Megan has done twice before.

Sunday 27th January

Molly

It was an overcast start to the day and the grey clouds hung moodily over the sea. A thin line of shimmering  silver divided the sea from the clouds. I was sure that the sun was shining over the horizon and as I watched, a break in the clouds allowed a sunbeam to light up a patch of the sea like molten gold. how beautiful the mornings have been. As usual, Molly, the family dog kept me company as I enjoyed a cup of tea and a tranquil moment.

The household was soon buzzing as the young people filled every available space and multiple conversations were going on at the same time. How they have all grown since we saw them last.

Tracy, Dale, Trevor, Ian & Grandfather Ian, Megan and Mike's back

Mike & Jacque

Megan & Nick

The fish braai (BBQ as we know it) was a tremendous success. and there were even some prawns left over to make a prawn and avocado salad for the following day.








Monday 28th January

I had been promising Molly a walk on the beach for days but each time we had gone out, somehow we had managed to leave her behind. I guess that we are not used to having a dog with us. This morning we fulfilled our promise but it was more like a joyful Molly who took us for a walk to the beach. Tracy and I walked along the water's edge while Dale and Ian preferred the higher ground. Molly was happy to race between all of us when she was not digging holes looking for sand crabs. It was so funny when she finally unearthed one, she really didn't know what to do with it and when it nipped her on the snout she quickly lost interest.

Cherryl, Dale and Tracy