Where did the time go…if I don’t catch up now, I will forget everything that happened during the last 4-5 months. Winter came and went and was mild according to the locals. It was, but with some freezing days, mild for the rest. I worked hard in the garden …large rockery actually! Jonathan, my hardworking gardener, and I cleaned, cut, weeded, fixed the front fence, and erected a new 30m back fence…I learned a lot! Moved hundreds of stones (no gym required), river stones that litter my property. The garden is now clean and neat, and I can see the wood from the trees and am rearranging my little landscape.

I adventured out a lot, took many photos and lived the life I had hoped for:) I 4×4’d and cycled all over the area. We had some fantastic rain! More in January than the whole of last year!

I was involved with the Marketing for Prince Albert Open Studios which kept me busy right up to Open Studios on 3rd January. I painted the inside of my house, with help from so great painters. This we did in three sessions and my home looks great now, what a difference a coat of paint makes. I also converted my “office” into a small gallery called Studio 51 where I sell my own and work of other artists.

I collected my daughter and granddaughter from Cape Town International on 24th November – I had not seen them since she was born, and she was then eighteen months old. What a joy and privilege to be a Granny, I was a little nervous that she may not want a hug or connect…but it took about a minute, and she lifted her arms to me to pick her up and she gave me the best hug ever – what a gift:) She has named me Gaya:) I love it

We spend some time together in CT and here at home and the extended family joined us for Christmas. It was a great time. And then they were all gone! So quiet…but I am glad they live in Europe and have a better future.

And then Covid-19……!!