First, a pic of how we looked at the end of 2008.
The year starts with great anticipation - we have a definite buyer for the the guest house. The contract is signed and we are off house hunting. Having found one, we put in an offer which is accepted. Then at the last minute, the buyer for the Guest House pulls out (using a sneaky clause) so we are back into the guest house business again.
The New Year brings Guy into senior school (although only 11 at the end of January) and Lauren into her third senior year. After having grown 20cm in 2007 we see a big change in both her stature and character. She is still a keen artist and keen on various sports. Guy takes the change from junior school pretty much in his stride and continues to seriously take part in his cricket. He had already proved himself as a competent wicket keeper by this stage although he is still keen on both batting and bowling. He has regular training from Chris Ridley who is an old style coach who teaches not only the basics but the principles behind the game. Sadly Chris has cancer and dies later in the year - but will always be remembered for that grounding in cricket.
Fiona starts the year at the University having had some serious negotiations regarding her job and now has a 5/8 post. She also begins her masters which is now a requirement of the job.
As always there is our annual visit to Maynarville to see the Shakespeare and of course both the Argus and the Two oceans Marathon which bring Hout Bay to standstill. (If the guests want to go anywhere on the Sunday of the Argus - they have to park on the other side of Victoria drive as we are totally cut off from the outside world!)
In March is the 50th party of Paul's friend, Steve. Paul flies up to Joburg and spends a fun afternoon catching up with Midge, Colleen and Liz. The party starts in the evening with a few strong drinks Paul is out for the count until 12pm - he wakes up with everyone gone and the musician packing up. Some things don't change!! (sorry Steve - but it was still great to see you). The rest of the year brings a couple of other similar parties (although he stays awake for those) - those of Simon (Nicks) and Chris (Laurie). May the second half be just as much fun!
In April we have a brief break in Bettys Bay but with the guest house we only get a weekend at a time, this is followed by a visit from Fiona's folks and then in May Paul's big 50th birthday party. Great to see many old (not aged!) friends again. We dragged out two turntables and played all the old music from Electric Ladyland Disco.
Thanks to all those who visited from afar - especially Liz (nee Bacon) who flew down from JHB and Rob (Fiona's brother) from Durbs!By now both Lauren and Guy have signed up for Camps Bay Soccer club. Guy is a serious goalie and Lauren is in it for the enjoyment and the exercise. It all adds to their busy schedules - school until 3.15, school sport until 4.30 and then Camps Bay soccer until 7.30. At least the club has pub! In addition both got involved with sailing and the end of term variety show.
In June we took our big overseas break and go to the Canary Islands - partially because of an excess of RCI points that needed to be used but also the need for a really relaxing holiday. We go to Barcelona, Tenerife and Gran Canaria and enjoy a different way of life. Apart from the timeshare lifestyle, there is plenty to see and do. Volcanoes, rugged coastline and great weather. For more details on this, visit the rest of the blog - although it has yet to be full updated.
Back from Spain and the start of a new guest house season. As always a few August September guests, but things don't really get busy before November. The summer weather is totally un-predictable from rain to heat to gale (and even hurricaine) force winds - leaving the roof less numerous tiles and the main awning in tatters for Christmas. Still bookings are good over the season considering how bad the economy is!
The children sadly say goodbye to their headmaster - Pelham Lindfield-Roberts - who has helped to ensure that the new senior school will eventually be built and also got the education up to the necessary standards for the International Baccalaureate. It was his children, though, that will be missed - although of course with Facebook and e-mail, no-one is that far away! We also say goodbye to Julie and Lionel who head to Australia and most sadly to Sammy our old dog who has been in our lives for over 17 years.
For the third term there is still the Camps Bay soccer for the first few months. He then signs up for the Western Province Cricket Club. He is immediately taken on as wicket keeper and has a regular position in the team. Towards year end, tries to catch a ball with his mouth (well accidentally) and ends up with more plastic surgery and two more broken teeth.
The end of the third term is taken up with rehearsals for the year end play - Mamma Mia. Its a lot of fun and both Lauren and Guy are involved. Finally in to the last term sees both children hard at work for year end. Brag time - both children excel themselves at year end. Lauren and Guy both win the class academic prizes, Lauren got the school art prize and Guy the school sport prize (even though he's only in year 1). He also wins the Camps Bay goalie award.
So on to silly season, starting with Lauren's birthday and then our end of year Christmas Party (now being held in early December because of guests at christmas time), the wine tasting christmas party (we still taste wine once a month) and finally the year end bash at Chris Laurie's house (his daughter was born on 31 Dec - and is now 6 years old!).
We have an extended season with the last of our guests signing out a couple of days ago and now its quiet for a week or so before the February rush. With 2010 soccer this year, all holidays are on hold (unless we can sell of course - there is a buyer but we are not getting excited).
So its another year gone. A little older and a lot greyer. Fiona continues into the second of her masters with lots of work still to do but the chance of finishing by the end of the year. Lauren is into the first of two years of her IGCSE ('O' Level to us old Zimbos) and Guy becomes a second year with a growth spurt and tooth repairs. Paul hopes that by the end of 2010 he will be doing something else - not sure what yet and not too sure that will happen.
Hope that you're having a great year so far. For many 2009 wasn't the best, but for us, we can't really complain. We still have a good way of life as well as great friends and family.
Wishing you all the best for 2010 and may it bring you all you desire of it - and if not - may the surprises be good ones!
Lotsa Love
Paul, Fiona, Lauren, Guy, Ben, Cotton, Mistophelese, Victoria, Mischief and of course Soot.
