Long walk and a small piece of cake

It's raining today. We therefore decided it was cake day as the raindrops hit the windows and the thought of a warm stove beckoned.  Mary Berry's cakes are a doodle. Flop-proof and delish.  Now it's time to button up and attempt a walk (to walk off the cake - but will probably just end up having another slice later ha) as its starting to clear.

Country air

One of the best parts of my day is my daily walk or run... I can't think that I will ever tire of the wide open fields or the little paths through the woods.  Regardless of what I may be reflecting on or wrestling with on the inside, it always lifts my heart.  Something about drinking in gulps of fresh fragrant air, open skies and beauty for miles... as I take in the view, so my point of view is altered.  

All the tractors have been going back and forth for the last two months with the hay stacks, wood and more.  Now its time to store for the winter months.  Beautiful.

Indeed, the earth does rejoice and declare his faithfulness! 

Sweetness

What a lovely nature our Austy has.

Life in pictures

We have been enjoying the last few weeks of summer and trying to get outdoors as much as possible...

This is my favourite part of our late afternoon/evening walk (sometimes Wayne is 

on a bike) - the path through the pine trees

At our favourite market in the sunshine... good good good

 

We have grown the most beautiful and tasty tomatoes ever this summer. 

Some of which got turned into puree... yes!

Cycling in Meerendal

and food, food, food... we have been trying out different places lately.

Its such an adventure as Cape Town has so much to offer.

Pickles

We eat a lot of pickles at our place... sauerkraut, beetroot, curry beans, and these gherkins which are the easiest to make and the jars are empty in days.

Almost empty jar

The last few days

The last few days have been busy ones as it always is at this time of year.  Entailing deep cleaning of wardrobes and pantry, planning, christmas gift shopping, studying for exams, spring planting and garden cleaning.  Going to local markets is always a good way to get refreshed and restocked.

My girl normally leaves with something sweet... this time it was brownies.

Actually its usually brownies if they are not sold out.

Starting the week off nice and slow

I had quiet time in bed this morning...  my coffee, my bible and a little Joyce Meyer.  It was the best!

Tea drinking

I have flu this week and I have gone off coffee (hopefully it won't last) so its lots of ginger and lemon tea and chamomile tea...

Everyday beauty

Winter lunch

This is how lunch has been looking... out in the sunshine with my Austen.

Afternoon shadow

Was having a cup of tea, watching the light change.

My latest thing

I thought I would never use this adult colouring-in book but when I have a few minutes its so absorbing and fun... I don't think I would call it therapy but it is certainly fun and relaxing.

This one is almost done...

Last night

Dusk... Its the best part of the day... breezy and the heat is bearable. A good time to go for a walk.

It was so hot that it was almost 9pm when I ate... quinoa, salad and pumpkin & kale stew.

Christmas scene

Santa's favourite elf!!!!

We put up our trimmings this weekend! Its all festive.

Time to bake the Christmas cake

It begins to feel Christmassy when the cakes are baked. To have it wrapped up in the pantry always feels special.  The first gift wrapped actually. Tomorrow is my day for it.

Game on

These two play table tennis every evening... its pretty tough to get a picture as they are always moving.

A glorious sunrise

This was my treat this morning as I was finishing my run. That is my house in the 

distance. A very beautiful and welcome sight.

The Cape wildflowers

This is in the fields just behind our house where we walk. 

Netball and stawberries

Yesterday afternoon at the school's inter-house netball tournament... she had a blast!

Afternoon treats, chocolate strawberries and smoothie... hmmm, one is Becca's and one is mine.

Beautiful orchids on Sunday afternoon

Simple beauty