On the weekend I had the luxury of going shopping on my own. Anton was glued to the couch after hernia surgery, and I left the girls at home to keep him company while I went to the supermarket to buy a few groceries. On the way home as I walked up the last street … More A wet Autumn morning
We have a friend in South Africa who unfortunately witnessed our Beth in one of her more uncompromising moments, and his observation of “The force is strong in that one”, has stuck with me ever since. That was more than two years ago- even before her second birthday. Ian was right- my little Elizabeth is … More Raising the Beth-meister
I know, I know… two in one day, you must be wondering! I’m sorry. “What are you letting your children do while your husband is away, and you get to do all this writing?” you may ask… Well since I have just seen le petite monster throw a cup of water over an electric fan … More Back to School-update
Yesterday I made myself a cup of tea, sat down at the table in my kitchen to reflect, and my eye set onto the 3 teeny tiny plant pots I have sitting on my kitchen window sill. My mind lapsed into a revery of day dreaming, one full of clichés- the hot African sun, the … More A Pot Full of Herbs
 WE ARE ONLY HALF WAY THROUGH OUR SUMMER HOLIDAY and I am in bad, bad form. Mind you, 4 weeks as a half-way point and I haven’t lost ALL my marbles yet, but regardless of ridiculously sad achievements, I am hurting. Words have been buzzing around in my mind for the last fortnight, especially … More How to (not) be a SAHM
NO DOUBT EVERY COUNTRY HAS ITS’ LITTLE NUANCES WITH PROCEDURES. Naturally, the French are no different, and I suspect the French are quite notorious for their admin and paperwork demands.  One day I will tell you about the rather frustrating process I undertook with school registration (- which is, in fact, mostly incomplete still, I might add.) When … More A visit to the Paediatrician
Today has been an interesting day as far as motherhood goes. I have seen excitement, determination and utter despair of a group of 6 year olds. I have glimpsed a whole new set of challenges coming up my way, and I don’t know if there is a specific method of dealing with them. For 4 weeks, … More The drama of being 6
I have to say quickly, thanks everyone for the Skype, iMessage and Whatsapp messages and the Facebook broadcast wishing Happy Mothers Day,  I promise I will bear it in mind when the French celebrate Mothers Day in 2 weeks. Only the French could throw the proverbial spanner in  the works and destroy my peace…. So … More Mothers day, everywhere but in France
For 2 whole weeks I have planned this blog in my mind, on the bus, waiting for one, or even walking to one with the hands of my girls grasped firmly in my grip. I am sure you understand with everything else traversing through my mind, you will know why I have not actually written anything. … More Happy Birthday
Mid spring 2014 Nearly 4 weeks have passed by since I wrote to you last, and I was quiet for a long time, simply because I could not bring myself to lift my hands to the keyboard. The extent of my motivation levels was to put my hand over the mouse, and click the drop … More A personal one, from me, to you.
Coming from a family of avid readers, my Mum is the source of a great number of deliciously serious, deliciously light-hearted books. She is was one of Exclusive Books in the Maritzburg Mall’s most loyal customers.  My sister  and I would never return to the Big Smoke after a weekend at the farm without an … More “Book Review”
Pinot, Bretzels, and Cathedrals 