SA2011: The Boom

One of the special places in Magogong is Kobus' Boom. His plot is on the outskirts of the scheme so it includes a bit of veld which he has turned into a little game farm. It's great being able to see some wild animals right on our doorstep. The name comes from the massive thorn tree where the lapa has been built. It is great sitting around the camp fire under the boom with your bare feet in the red Kalahari sand. Usually it's a gathering of family and life long friends which makes it a really special occasion. Young and old will agree that cooling down in the Kalahari jacuzzi is awesome especially with a magnificent Magogong sunset as a backdrop. Another reason why I like it there is because it was one of Oupa Paddy's favourite hangouts and I feel close to his spirit when I'm there.

See Janine's post A few things
for a variation of the same theme ...

SA2011: Magogong Christmas

The nice thing about spending Christmas is South Africa is that we get to celebrate it twice (or even four times for the lucky few!). The other nice thing is that each celebration has different traditions, all of them making Christmas is very special time for us, the one thing they both have in common is lots of delicious food and plenty of pressies for the kids. Thanks to everyone who spoilt our boys rotten!

This was the kids helping Gogo, the Christmas Queen, wrap the last remaining presents. Not sure what they were thinking because we were all making a big fuss of Santa and the Reindeer and all that good stuff!

And this is Nicholas' great excitement when he matched the big teddy to the photo of him when he was a month old, smiling for the first time, when Gogo opened her first Christmas present for him. Made me realise how much he has grown in 5 years!

See Janine's post Christmas part one
for a variation of the same theme ...

Snow Take 2

The big freeze continues. Earlier this week we went to check out the half frozen pond in Cannizaro Park. Luckily Nicholas could read the 'Danger! Thin Ice!' sign. It made him change his mind about walking on the ice!


We got a new dusting of snow last night, quite unexpectedly, just as the last of the Sunday's snow disappeared. Even though it was lighter this time it left a far more dramatic scene. Absolutely everything was coated with a layer of snow. Unfortunately it melted fast so I didn't get to do my photoshoot after dropping Nicholas at school and taking Daniel to his swimming lesson. I did get a couple of shots when we stepped outside though!


When we picked Nick up after school we decided that we should go for a walk in Putney Heath anyway. It was really quiet except for the drip drip dripping of the melting snow. It looked magical with the low sunlight shining through the trees. Unfortunately the troll pond wasn't either frozen enough for walking on. I think we need to go to Holland for that!


With all this snow here in London it seems kind of silly traipsing all the way to Scotland in search of the white stuff. I am sure it will still be nice being on holiday for a week, fun seeing old friends and snowboarding in a new location. Just hope we survive the icy driving conditions!

Freezing Football

Every term Donhead has two football matches against two other schools. Today they had their away game against Squirrels. This was the home game last term. It's amazing to see how the boys' skills have developed in such a short time. I was so proud of Nicholas, not for scoring goals, but for playing like he meant it with a look of determination and a massive smile on his face throughout. Best of all he got a sticker from the headmaster for his performance!