This month of June has flown by so fast, and has had the most typical winter weather we have seen in a long time. Crisp and fresh early mornings and evenings... cloudless blue skies and the coldest temperatures yet! Don't think that because we are in Africa, that it's only ever hot here.
We have had the joy of David Harrell's company from Texas, and his 10 day hunt has been quite unusual. All of his desired trophies were harvested within about five days, so he has just been 'having fun'... Talk about no pressure! Ken, David and Micaela also took a three day trip to Kruger National Park, and were blessed out of their socks with spotting ALL of the big five.
Micaela took him for her very last ride on Chloe. On Tuesday I delivered Chloe to the same man who purchased Jasmine from us. Both horses are now settled in their new home, and it is a relief. Our original intention to have "a horse for Micaela" somehow turned into SIX horses ... so our two "starter ponies" have now moved on to someone who has just started. No doubt he will also learn how quickly 1 + 1 = 15 "when it comes to horses!"
JohnD has got to play in two cricket matches this month, and both times his team won. He is really enjoying it. The kids are both looking forward to their winter school holidays, and will finish up with their tests tomorrow.
Ken has his birthday on Sunday. We have a few days break before the Brantley Family join us from Charleston next month. Hugs to you all. Keep warm and remember to enjoy every single day.
SHI-AWELA ...What's happening in the bush!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
April, May & June all rolled into one...
Ohmygoodnessme... does anyone out there still even check our blog? I wonder.... I certainly have been really pushed for time, and my computer has been a little cranky on me... too little free memory.
After John Knowles from Boise left us, we had the privilege of having Terry and Jo here from Michigan, for their 6th Safari here. Terry, as usual, didn't waste any time with his package. We had the joy of Derek & Jen visiting us from Zim, with Michael and Kyra. The cousins had fun catching up; having not see each other since August last year. We were also glad to see Nicol, Karia and young Jean for a few days too! He is growing up so fast, and really is cute!
Great excitement while they were all here - Ken finally traded in his very old blue broken tractor for a shiny little RED MASSEY. No more pull starting every morning. No more "boer-maak-a-plan" repairs. No more worries!!! (This is actually a very long story, but I won't bore you all with the details.)
We have had a steady stream of simply BEAUTIFUL little Nguni calves being born, and while Steve & Tina Deierlein (from Charleston) were with us, they had the fun of meeting CbarC - a little bull who was given their brand name. :) He was born while they were on safari with us.
JohnD asked to be baptized in May, so he along with a group of family and friends from Johannesburg, all got baptized in our Mucha Dam. :)
We also had the pleasure of Dave Sebright and Denny Sprick, also from Michigan. They hunted with us 1x1, so we enlisted the help of Ron Sparrow for this hunt. :) Thanks Ron. Two calves were born while they were here. Dad & Mom celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary! Dad celebrated his birthday too.
Just a week ago, Brian & Dannette Reed arrived with us from Charleston. We have them with us now! Boy oh boy - they have been blessed. The weather has been really great and we were all wowed last night with the total eclipse of the moon. I gave us all dinner in the boma, and we had our own private show. By about 10:30pm we were all pooped though, and went to bed... just as it was really red!
We also have the joy of a new arrival - Prince Rocky. A tall, handsome, 11yr old Gelding Thoroughbread horse. Boy oh boy does he make Jasmine and Chloe look like little ponies. Sir Prize has now been weaned from his Momma (Jasmine). He and the two young quarter horses are at Silverbank (Dad and Mom's place), until such time we can arrange for Cruising Pleasure to be gelded... We don't want any more horses!!! In fact, we really should find good homes for Jasmine and Chloe. Anyone needing a good child's pony? Six horses is really too many for us!!! You try talk to Micaela about selling Sir Prize. Well, she just about comes undone.
Ken and I now have the BlackBerry phone ... :) I finally got it right. I'm constantly amazed by how many of my emails just do not get through. I really should have done it years ago. PLEASE everyone - if you don't hear back from me fairly promplty regarding anything - chances are the emails are not getting through. Ken is still getting his driver's licence for it, but we will get there! Anyone who has a blackberry... we'd love to be able to add you to our bbm!! It's just the BEST!
Carol is doing really well, and is pretty moblie. Well done Ma!!! She lost her skype again, so anyone who was in skype contact with her, please add her as your contact again! ;)
Since the end of last year, I have only had three domestic ladies full time, so I have been pretty stretched. We all miss Esther, but she was very unwell, and needed some R&R.
The winter is really cold this year, and I wear my coat EVERY SINGLE NIGHT! I thank my Heavenly Father for it every single time I put it on!!! I had another kiss from my Heavely Father in Australia when my Claire blessed me with another 'dream' - some tall leather boots. Boy do they also keep me warm - and they fit !!! (another long story!)
Well, I really have rambled on long enough. I must get this posted. Will try work on some photos, but no promises!!! Big hugs to you all, and hope this makes up for all of the silence.
Love Ken, Jo & Kids xxx
After John Knowles from Boise left us, we had the privilege of having Terry and Jo here from Michigan, for their 6th Safari here. Terry, as usual, didn't waste any time with his package. We had the joy of Derek & Jen visiting us from Zim, with Michael and Kyra. The cousins had fun catching up; having not see each other since August last year. We were also glad to see Nicol, Karia and young Jean for a few days too! He is growing up so fast, and really is cute!
Great excitement while they were all here - Ken finally traded in his very old blue broken tractor for a shiny little RED MASSEY. No more pull starting every morning. No more "boer-maak-a-plan" repairs. No more worries!!! (This is actually a very long story, but I won't bore you all with the details.)
We have had a steady stream of simply BEAUTIFUL little Nguni calves being born, and while Steve & Tina Deierlein (from Charleston) were with us, they had the fun of meeting CbarC - a little bull who was given their brand name. :) He was born while they were on safari with us.
JohnD asked to be baptized in May, so he along with a group of family and friends from Johannesburg, all got baptized in our Mucha Dam. :)
We also had the pleasure of Dave Sebright and Denny Sprick, also from Michigan. They hunted with us 1x1, so we enlisted the help of Ron Sparrow for this hunt. :) Thanks Ron. Two calves were born while they were here. Dad & Mom celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary! Dad celebrated his birthday too.
Just a week ago, Brian & Dannette Reed arrived with us from Charleston. We have them with us now! Boy oh boy - they have been blessed. The weather has been really great and we were all wowed last night with the total eclipse of the moon. I gave us all dinner in the boma, and we had our own private show. By about 10:30pm we were all pooped though, and went to bed... just as it was really red!
We also have the joy of a new arrival - Prince Rocky. A tall, handsome, 11yr old Gelding Thoroughbread horse. Boy oh boy does he make Jasmine and Chloe look like little ponies. Sir Prize has now been weaned from his Momma (Jasmine). He and the two young quarter horses are at Silverbank (Dad and Mom's place), until such time we can arrange for Cruising Pleasure to be gelded... We don't want any more horses!!! In fact, we really should find good homes for Jasmine and Chloe. Anyone needing a good child's pony? Six horses is really too many for us!!! You try talk to Micaela about selling Sir Prize. Well, she just about comes undone.
Ken and I now have the BlackBerry phone ... :) I finally got it right. I'm constantly amazed by how many of my emails just do not get through. I really should have done it years ago. PLEASE everyone - if you don't hear back from me fairly promplty regarding anything - chances are the emails are not getting through. Ken is still getting his driver's licence for it, but we will get there! Anyone who has a blackberry... we'd love to be able to add you to our bbm!! It's just the BEST!
Carol is doing really well, and is pretty moblie. Well done Ma!!! She lost her skype again, so anyone who was in skype contact with her, please add her as your contact again! ;)
Since the end of last year, I have only had three domestic ladies full time, so I have been pretty stretched. We all miss Esther, but she was very unwell, and needed some R&R.
The winter is really cold this year, and I wear my coat EVERY SINGLE NIGHT! I thank my Heavenly Father for it every single time I put it on!!! I had another kiss from my Heavely Father in Australia when my Claire blessed me with another 'dream' - some tall leather boots. Boy do they also keep me warm - and they fit !!! (another long story!)
Well, I really have rambled on long enough. I must get this posted. Will try work on some photos, but no promises!!! Big hugs to you all, and hope this makes up for all of the silence.
Love Ken, Jo & Kids xxx
Monday, April 4, 2011
John Knowles
John Knowles from Boise joined us on our first management hunt for the year, and it didn't take long for him to find himself a beautiful Gemsbuck!
The same afternoon he shot this big bodied Blue Wildebeest - whose body dressed out at 143kilos!
This young Impala ram is feeding a needy family. Thanks John!
The same afternoon he shot this big bodied Blue Wildebeest - whose body dressed out at 143kilos! 
This young Impala ram is feeding a needy family. Thanks John! 
Friday, April 1, 2011
The joys and sorrows go hand in hand
How is it possible that the human heart can be so completely captivated with one tiny little fur covered, creature? Our Creator alone knows! We are so grateful to Him for the really amazing two months we had with our little Goosley. She saturated our lives with laughter and such joy. She taught us so much about the beauty and miracle of life, and how fragile it is. We will forever remember her little peeps, her tickles, her chasing her tail, her games of hide and seek with the dogs, her unsatisfiable appetite for grasshoppers and cheese, her purring cuddles, and most of all her soft sweet face. She is buried in our little pet graveyard out front, overlooking the bush. While she had become such fast friends and a favorite with Lady and Champ, sadly the kittens did not share in affection for her. The Mommy cat had a very great respect for her, running away at each meeting. The young kittens considered her to look too much like a mouse.... and sadly our Goosley was not much more than a large mouse in size. Champ & Lady had gone with me for my usual morning walk, but Champ somehow got tangled with a mother warthog, and required some urgent attention from the vet. I rushed him into town for stitches. While away, our little Goosley snuck out of the house through the doggy door.... she was killed by one of the 8 week old kittens, and my lady who works in my home just could not get to her in time.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
At little catching up to do. ! :)
Trevor & Rhyanne, Welcome to South Africa! We have full moon over the bush veldt, and lots of memories to make! What a joy to open the season with our 11 year old "South Carolina Huntress".
New friendships and new challenges. So who is going to shoot the most birds??? :)
The three children have clicked and there is much laughter and fun filling each day. "It truly is a blessing to hear the laughter of children"! (to quote Bill Snow)
We have had a little (much needed) rain, but otherwise our days are warm, sunny, clear, and beautiful!
Rhyanne made such a fantastic shot on her Gemsbuck! He dropped on the spot, and she has every reason to be very proud of her self!!! I think the hogs and impala need to beware. ;)
On a family note - Mom is doing very well. She is pretty mobile now with her crutches, and she is back into the teaching mode with the children. They will break for school holidays at the end of March. It has been a long first term!
Young Goosley has made the adventureous journey outdoors several times now, and has befriended the dogs! They play endless games of tag and hide & seek! The cats are pretty weary of her (giving her a wide bearth), and she has the run of the office! She is extremely playful, purrs like a kitten, and is very affectionate.
The three children have clicked and there is much laughter and fun filling each day. "It truly is a blessing to hear the laughter of children"! (to quote Bill Snow)
We have had a little (much needed) rain, but otherwise our days are warm, sunny, clear, and beautiful!
Rhyanne made such a fantastic shot on her Gemsbuck! He dropped on the spot, and she has every reason to be very proud of her self!!! I think the hogs and impala need to beware. ;)On a family note - Mom is doing very well. She is pretty mobile now with her crutches, and she is back into the teaching mode with the children. They will break for school holidays at the end of March. It has been a long first term!
Young Goosley has made the adventureous journey outdoors several times now, and has befriended the dogs! They play endless games of tag and hide & seek! The cats are pretty weary of her (giving her a wide bearth), and she has the run of the office! She is extremely playful, purrs like a kitten, and is very affectionate.Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Mom is home!
We are so thankful... After a successful hip replacement operation last Monday (21st Feb), Mom and Dad arrived home yesterday afternoon. We missed them so much, and are so grateful that it all went well. It was a very tough time for them both, particularly Mom. We value your continued prayers for them both, and thank you for all of the calls and smses!
Curled up asleep on my lap.
Playing 'hide & seek' first thing in the morning while Micaela is trying to do her school work!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Great Anticipation!
Great excitement in anticipation of Dad's return. Micaela spent the afternoon in the kitchen, and look what she cooked up! It doesn't only look good, but believe me - it tastes heavenly! We got to sample some of the 'regular' cookies / biscuits from the rest of the batch.
Here is our little Gustav with a monster size grasshopper... he took about ten minutes to tackle this snack! "CRUNCH CRUNCH" ... My stomach struggles to cope with it, but his doesn't!!! :)
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