Email to Dani from Cape Town

Sun, 23 Sept 2012

Hi there gorgeous

Greetings from a rather chilly and wet Cape Town.  I arrived after midnight last night and have just woken up to be blissfully reunited with my wonderful nephew and niece.  They came rushing into my room first thing this morning to wake me which was a tad embarrassing as I wasn't wearing anything!  I can't believe how they've grown - Sam especially.  They're so excited I'm here and it's great catching up and hearing all about their lives.  Jason, the new family dog, is a cute as can be - although he had a penchant for licking feet when you don't expect it, gave me the fright of my life under the table. at breakfast!  Nearly choked on my bacon. Now I'm off to see my mum and Mike and their new house.  Will be so great to see them.

I must rush off but I send you lots of hugs and smooches.  I hope the rest of your weekend was good.  I was disappointed you didn't see the blue whale but it sounds like you had a good paddle.  Hope work is not to busy today - after the busyness of last week, you need a bit of a break.

Unfortunately my phone does not seem to be working here but I'm going to borrow a phone from my mum so will send you a text when I'm up and running.

Lots of hugs  /  G

PS  I watched 3 movies on the plane.  The best one was "Brave" - highly recommended if you like animated movies.  I love Pixar.

Mon, 24 Sept 2012

Morning G-star !

Glad to hear that you got in OK. Was the flight OK ? Any turbulence ? Is Brave the Scottish-themed animated movie ?

Must be great to see your neice and nephew after such a long time. You must be the centre of attention at the mo ! How was the reunion with your mum ? What did you get up to yesterday ?

Had a lovely paddle on Saturday morning. Just went over to Manly had a coffee and came back. Nice swell to bounce around in. I spent some time chatting to Elaine on the way over so went pretty slowly and didn't get my heart rate up. I went around the rocks on the way back so could go a bit faster. Jules' boyfriend Chris fell off his ski (same place where Kaizer did) but didn't panic and got straight back on - just as well as there was a fairly large wave coming and he was pretty close to the rocks ! No whales unfortunately and the only wildlife we saw was a pelican scavenging off a fishing boat.

Had my Strata AGM Saturday arvo. Not as painful as usual, only 3 of us there so we got through everything pretty quickly.

You'll be pleased to know that I made the chilli ginger beer yesterday afternoon ! It actually took a while to prepare the chillis, fresh ginger, boil it etc. Now I'm just waiting for the fermenting to start and the bubbling to commence. Bit worried that I'll have to leave it for a few days whilst I'm at the conference and the water won't get topped up. Fongers crossed :) 

I'm being really naughty at the moment and trying to watch Alaina paddle whilst at work on the live stream of Na Wahine O Ke Kai - 72km Molokai crossing race :) They didn't get a medal (VERY competitive high profile race) but hopefully they had a good race.

Big hugs,

Mon, 24 Sept

Hi there D-Lish

I had a lovely, relaxing day yesterday catching up with the family and taking it easy to recover from my long flight.  The flight was pretty painless actually and I got to sleep quite a bit (one of my most appreciated talents).  Unfortunately there wasn't much turbulence, so didn't get to grin uproariously while everyone grabbed for photos of their loved ones.  Yes, Brave is the one about the young Scottish lass with Billy Connelly playing her dad.  Great fun.

The kids are wonderful and it's school holidays here at the moment, so I'm getting to spend lots of time with them.  Lots of games and joviality, including taking Matthew on at computer baseball where he severely whipped my butt!  He's definitely got my competitive streak and he didn't let me forget it for the rest of the day!  Three years ago, when we played the same game, I had to try really hard not to win too much and let him shine.  Yesterday, I had to fight for my life!

Sam has matured into a such a lovely young lady.  I just can't believe the change in her.  She's got a lovely sense of fun and is as sweet as can be.  She's definitely going to be breaking hearts in a little while.  Time to lock her up I think!  She's really bright and came top of her class in her recent exams.  Obviously got her uncle's brains :)

Jo and Anthony are really well too.  There house is looking amazing after lots of recent renovations  and Jo's totally passionate about her garden so everything is a blaze of spring colour. Jo and I have had some lovely chats walking Jackson, the dog, around the block several times yesterday.  Jackson is adorable and helping me get over missing Mack. Talking of which, Liza has already sent me photos of Mack - and he's looking very content indeed.  I reckon she's spoiling him rotten.

I also got to visit Mum and Mike at their new house yesterday and it was great catching up and tucking into delicious home made soup and other goodies.  I do so miss my mum's cooking.  Today, they're coming over here for a braai and mum has promised - wait for it - chocolate mousse!!  I can't wait.  It's the closest thing there is to an orgasm :)

Last night, one of my oldest and dearest friends, Ivor, came over for dinner with his family and we all had an awesome time.  Lots of laughter and fun.  He never looks a day older and I always find that within a minutes of being reunited - even though neither of us are the best corresponders, its like we've never been apart.  A sign of a great friend I think.

So, you've made your brew!  Sounds delicious and I can't wait to try it when I get back. Glad your strata was relatively painless, I hate mine although its only once a year thankfully.  You must be looking forward to your trip!  It always nice to spend some time away from the office and your presentation is going to be great!

I must run.  Breakfast time.  I've done nothing but eat since I got here.  Better go for a bit of a run later with Jason!

Lots of hugs

G