Good Ghoul Night

One of our greatest blessings, is that our neighbors are our friends.  Having lived in a number of places...and a number of neighborhoods, I can honestly feel I hit the jackpot here in the South.  But it's funny how you can live next door and many weeks only have enough time to wave and say a quick hello.  Jodie (on our left) is always orchestrating something to bring us together though.

Jodie made a big and delicious pot of Chili -- and if that wasn't enough, she provided 'Dirt Cake' and 'Witches Hats' too.  Her husband Cornell is always outside playing some 'ball' sport with the boys.  On our right are Christie and Charles -- who are always lending us a hand in something, whether it be some words of wisdom or a tool.  We very much appreciate our neighbors and their upbeat, playful sides.  

It was an entertaining evening as expected -- however, as usual, I passed on the 'Witches Brew'.  Thank you Jodie for your thoughtfulness! XO

I Love our Neighborhood!

An Introduction to South African Biltong

If it wasn't for our blog, I don't know if our friends, Arno and Simonette would truly believe I was married to such a wonderful man.  We have been trying to get together for a 'getting to know you' visit for well over a year now.  

I've talked to Matthew time and time again about my dear friends and once neighbors, and I've talked to my dear friends about my hubby...but until last Saturday, they had not met him!

A Luxury Dwelling in Kruger National Park

We had such a great time.  As Arno and Simo are from South Africa, Matthew begged to hear of all the history and culture of their country.  We heard fascinating stories of Kruger National Park, and I watched as Matthew tried not to salivate in front of his new friends.  It's a man's man haven in his eyes and I think he's quite serious about taking up the offer to travel their together with this fun couple one day...It's a great goal.  

But I think I'm with Simonette, 'we'll go shopping while the guys are led by an armed escort in hopes of spying lions and tigers and hippos(?) oh MY!

Dried Biltong - it's like jerky

We were surprised with a beautiful spread of South African treats as well.  I watched curiously as Matthew ate one piece of 'biltong' after another.  It was crumbled on crackers and served plain.  I was FORCED (I swear) to break my diet and eat the peppermint crisp pie that Arno made -- dairy free to my delight!  It was DELICIOUS.  As was everything else.  I am dying for another bite of the sausage pastry -- it tasted just like the kind I used to eat in England!  Oh I miss those!

The time flew by too quickly.  We are so thankful for Arno and Simonette as well as all our friends and family.  God Bless you all near and far! XXX

P.S.  Dear Arno and Simo...thanks for sending home a peppermint crisp...it lasted about 10 seconds after the children spied it.  So Good!

Friends

I drove into our old town on Friday to run a few errands and visit my good friend and old neighbor Simonette.  We have been trying to get together for several months, but married life is soooo busy isn't it?  I popped over to see her for a few minutes -- and give her, her VERY belated Christmas chocolates.  It was wonderful catching up and laughing about old times and new times, even if it was only for 30 minutes or so.  Simonette and husband Arno are very much looking forward to meeting my husband one day, but for now, they are enjoying getting to know him through this blog.  I'm afraid they know far more about him they he does them!

Toby enjoyed Gugu, Simonettes little Yorkshire Terrier.  Gugu means "Jewel" in Simonette's  Afrikaans language.  Thankfully, I remembered to pull out my camera and snap a couple photos before leaving.  I truly do miss our old home and neighbors -- but I love our new home and new neighbors too.

I'd rather be posting more here, but I MUST get the house CLEAN, as mom and Frank arrive this Wednesday (my birthday -- yay me -- not really).  It's Donna Reed day for me...X