Blog for Tuesday 8th September 2026

Today we have another birthday in the family – yahee! this time it is Matt’s – Paddy and Ren’s youngest who is going to be married in March next year! “Happy Birthday big guy we hope you have the very best day and may the year ahead be your best one yet!” Matt' turns twenty-six today!

I woke up very early this morning and then again a lot later and only rolled out of bed after five o’clock. Even the rooster was late in crowing this morning! Poor Pumpkin had to wait for her food again this morning and she was ot amused poor feline.

Today was another outage on the farm so I was organized for that – as it was from 9am until four o'clock, I think. At least the stove has gas hot plates so one can boil water on them for teas and coffees.

Without electricity I have not access to water as the taps do not work, (I have already a large pot of water on the stove for teas et cetera) but I cannot get to mopping floors and cleaning – that will just have to wait.

Frik, our fisherman and ex-South African friend is meant to be coming out today to the farm to do some fishing, and I thought he would arrive early as he normally does, but nope, not yet and it is after nine already!

I am so happy we had a few drops of rain last night – only 1.5mm but hey, any drop of rain is very welcome as the ground is dry, very dry.

Seeing as I cannot continue my cleaning here, I think I will begin to pack the bowls or plates that I need down in our new little home and also try to make some headway in cleaning up the mess here that we left when we moved.

Aha! Frik arrived at about morning teatime, and he brought gifts galore with him – a caramel mud cake, a bottle of red wine and some beers too, plus loads of positive thoughts about catching fish!

We had coffees together with the chocolate biscuits I had put out and then Frik headed off to the river to out smart the fish therein!

W-e-l-l. I did not get to pack the bowls et cetera instead I hunted around for sheets, blankets and duvets and made the double bed up in the main shed area for Frik as he was staying overnight with us.

Unfortunately for Frik, the fish were too clever or too cold and did not rise to his baits today! They remian well hidden for another day of fishing.

In the late afternoon we had tea time this time with Frik’s caramel mud cake – delicious! “Thank you Frik!”

Later we had some cheeses, a chicken and truffle pate and savory biscuits before a supper of lasagna and salad.

Then it was “to bed – to bed you sleepy head!” and the three of us headed for our respective beds to snuggle down and snooze. Marvellous.

What lesson did I learn today? To be adaptable.

What am I grateful for today? A good friend.

My saying for today is …