'He' is still alive!

.... oh the joys of getting 1ml of milk successfully down, every hour.... followed by a successful potty.... followed by a successful nap.

VICTORY in such small doses is what makes "life " alive. ;)

We certainly think he is going to qualify for a really spectacular name. ????
And me? Well, my name is sleepyhead.

hAPPY monDAY!!!

Dwarf Mongoose

Ken & Micaela went out yesterday evening to try and find the new calf born yesterday... no luck on that one, but they came home with a newborn baby dwarf mongoose. It's Mommy was nowhere to be found, and this tiny, black, VERY noisy, stinky, squirming baby is smaller than my thumb... With feeding it hourly (using the smallest syringe I have) my brain feels like putty! Poor little thing is sleeping in my hand, so this typing job has gotten a whole lot harder!

"Swinging Along"

Back into the swing of things - 2011 is hear already. I'm so proud of myself - I FINALLY got our news letter out, and emailed. If you didn't receive it (and want it), PLEASE let me know. We have had such difficulties with power cuts and internet disconnections - it has been a real challenge. BUT - it's always that way this time of the year. Rain and thunderstorms constantly challenge our communications. Never mind the spam blockages on many email accounts - I've had about 70 messages bounce back undeliverable. :( shiawela@mweb.co.za is the best address to use for contacting us. The .com one is a little unreliable.

The planning for Ken's trip this year to the USA is ticking along nicely. LOTS of work to do for me, but I'm getting there. He will be travelling alone this year and will spend time in Gerogia, Grand Rapids and South Carolina Lord Willing. Carol will have her hip replacement op in February, and with our recent trip to Australia, I'm staying home. Yes, I am quite happy and at peace about it - but I will so MISS seeing you all!

School started again this morning, and my dearest darling daughter snuck her CAT AND ALL FIVE KITTENS into the car!!!!!! When I popped by there just now - she was as 'tickled pink' as she could be! She told me to my face (with a twinkle in her eyes) that she didn't ask as she knew I'd say no!!! Fortunately for her (and me) I did know that this morning was more about sorting / planning / preparations and refocusing, so it was not of any major consequence! All five horses are visiting Grandma and Grandpa's home - helping to mow all of their nyummy long grass... so she is like a little pig in mud there!

I'm also a bit like a 'piggie in mud' this morning, as our Nguni herd have come back to the house today, and are all lazing around in the field in front of our home. I just love watching them all, especially all of the little calves. This little lady is "Bella" ;) named after my niece in Australia!
Here's to a very happy new year to you all! Blessings, favor, success and heart peace in all you do!!!

Remembering HIM

Christmas has come and gone... amid three days of power cuts, thunder storms, and much rain. The veldt looks like a picture, and it is such a privilege to be in this quiet paradise, enjoying the farm, the birds, the new births, the butterflies, the quiet, and the joy of relationship with our Father.

Christmas morning, Ken spotted a new born buffalo calf! We have yet to photograph him/her, and hope to see the herd again soon!

We are so blessed in so many different ways. We are grateful for our family and friends - all over the world, and we pray that your time of reflection - enbracing the new and perfect year ahead, will be blessed with His Presence.

All our love and fond regards,
Ken, Jo, Micaela and JohnD xxx

Blue Jeans and Cruising Pleasure

We were absolutely BLESSED by the Sparrow Family - two yearling quarter horses. The gentle temperment of both of them is lovely, and we are enjoying the dynamics they have added to our three. Young Sir Prize is especially fond of "Cruiser", who is pictured here with Micaela.

"Blue Jeans" also enjoyed a cuddle, and she is particularly fond of being rubbed down. You can touch her anywhere!

Australia! 3 weeks & so many memories!

Pete - What wonderful memories - thanks so much!!!

Claire, Mom and I.

Zara with one of the chickens! Claire has 3 layers who kept up an amazing supply of fresh eggs!

Us with Ken's cousin Tracy, and her two boys Declan and Connor. It was such a special time of catching up.

Us with the Greig family, at Sea World in Brisbane. What a special day!!! Gary, Elizabeth, Daniel and Jonathan (our Godson).

Both JohnD and Micaela had a surfing lesson, joining up with Ben and John at their class. Just a quick lesson on the beach, and both of them were standing on their boards, within an hour!!!

We took to the beach at every opportunity we got. Sydney is surrounded by the most unbelievable beauty. Thanks so much Pete & Claire, for trecking all 12 of us all around!!! ;)

Elizabeth (Womble!!!) and I on Kings beach in Brisbane. 20 years of wonderful friendship and so many miles between us - really doesn't change a thing!

Beautiful sunny Sunday, the 12 of us took to the trains, buses & ferries, painting the town red. So many beautiful sights, sounds and places! Experiences and memories to treasure forever!

The three boys just burned it up, every waking moment! Dunno who got the most worn out of the three of them! ;)

Yet another amazing beach - with too much fun to be had...

Annabel & Zara on my lap, getting their nails painted.

All six kids together, this is what it's all about!

Claire and I got the giggles!

Daddy and I at the airport.

Out on the farm an hour from Sydney. At the back - Pete, Claire & Ken

Middle - Micaela, Dad, Mom & me. Front - Ben, Annabel, JohnD & John

Catchup... ? ! :)

We had a lovely day with Mom, on her 70th birthday - celebrating with family and friends. We had a light lunch at the lodge, and despite the short notice, we had a wonderful turnout. Mum has not had her hip replacement op yet, as it had to be postponed. Hopefully they will re-schedule it for early in the new year. This picture below has (from left to right) Jo, Chantal (back), Rachel, Mom, Ken, Micaela, JohnD, Richard, Dad & Angela.Mum's circle of friends.
JohnD's surgery went well. His thick head of hair is quite something! ;) He is 100%. Thank you LORD!

The long awaited arrival of "Sir Prize" was an extremely special evening! 10pm, all of us were out in the back paddock, under the most amazing stary sky... and Jasmine allowed us to stroke, talk to, kiss, and handle her beautiful little wet colt. She is a wonderful mommy!

Micaela thinks he is the most PERFECT horse in the world. She lifts his feet, has a little rope halter on him, grooms him, handles him, hoses him down, takes him with on rides, and kisses him lots!

We had fun in Kariba with family at the end of August. My parents visited from Australia, and we spent a few days fishing. JohnD and my father were the only ones to catch a tiger!

Here is a picture of Jenny, Derek, Michael, Myself, Kyra, Micaela, Ken & JohnD.
After a month and a half of internet problems, and being BLOCKED at the server... my difficulties have hopefully been sorted. Sorry for the long silence. I somehow got a terrible virus that just knocked me off the system for ages.