A night at the cricket

The fireworks display after the game.

Joshua and Bradley having some fun!!

Matthew Hayden (Australian Cricket player) playing for the (will have to check up on how it is spelt....LOL)

Kurt Darren - Local singer

Gareth and Lindsey (Gareth is a friend and colleague of Ant's)

Me in my 'skinnier' jeans...........LOL

After the first cloud burst....

Last night we took the boys to their first cricket game and in a way Ant's first too.  That man has led a way too sheltered life.  LOL

The day started off a bit gloomy but it cleared up and the sun brightened up the sky.  By 15:30 a bank of dark angry clouds started looming.  "Oh No!!!" I packed the picnic and hubby walked in the door, we did not hold out much hope.  Off we headed to the stadium, and found a parking spot albeit a very EXPENSIVE parking spot - R40.00, little did we realise that from that moment on everything was going to cost a fortune.  LOL  As we walked into the stadium, the heavens above opened up and the rain came down.  We found a spot in the passage and huddled together while those who had been there for most of the day were going on loudly around us.  Something the boys were not used too.  For me it was a flood of memories rushing back from years gone by.  LOL  Some moments were tense at the stadium due to racial slurs (yes, it is still very real) and one young guy, who had one to many beers in him could have done with having his mouth clamped for him - thankfully we all managed to ignore him as best we could.  A sharp look from police officers helped as well.  And then of course there were the ones with one to many beers but who were just plain silly and provided some entertainment.  I couldn't wait for the rain to stop so we could head to the grass embankment where our tickets were allocated.

The rain stopped and what was left of the sun for the day came out - casting beautiful colours over the stadium.  The people who look after the pitch and field then came out to start frantically clearing what water they could, putting sand/sawdust down and getting the field ready for the game.  And just as we all held our breathes that the game would start shortly - the heavens above opened up again, covers were frantically returned over the pitch and it was a waiting game again.  At this stage the stadium emptied somewhat with lots of people giving up hope that the game would be able to take place.  A lovely group of people under a gazebo offered us some shelter as the 4 of us were just not fitting under our tiny unbrella.  Not to long after that - the rain stopped.  The same process all over again.  The cricketers warming up, the staff trying to sort out the field and all of us hoping that this rain would finally stay away.  

The game started but was reduced to 18 overs a side.   I think we were going into the second over and the heavens opened up - thankfully the players and umpires stayed.  Thankfully it did not last long and the game went on.  Huge **sighs** of relief.  It was magic, and about the only time you would see me supporting an Australian cricket player - Matthew Hayden was 'klapping' that ball.  He hit quite a few 6's, much to the delight of all us.  Before we knew it the 18 overs were over and it was time to switch sides.  The other team did well to chase the runs, but didn't quite get there.

After the game was over, there was an amazing fireworks display and then a Kurt Darren song was being played.  I was in 7th Heaven - next thing, hubby says look on the big screen, it was Kurt singing live I was jumping around like a teenager much to the amazement of Ant's work colleagues who clearly did not know this about me.....LOL  You see I'm very English - no hint of Afrikaans in me.  LOL  No way were we leaving just yet.  He only sang two songs but that was great!!  

With two tired boys in hand we left the stadium and headed home.  We had loads of fun and cannot wait to do it again.

Having the Indian Premier League here has been fun....seeing the teams mixed has added to the excitement.  Australians and South African team members playing on the same team amongst the Indian teams.  

What can I say - we love our sport.  Especially cricket and rugby.  My Aussie and New Zealand buds will clearly understand.

Have a super weekend.  Don't forget to check out my new blog - Me, Myself and I

Hugs

Michelle

Beautiful rain and last nights sunset!!

There were storm clouds about yesterday afternoon and the hope was that we would have some cool afternoon showers to cool everything down. It missed us!! But sometime in the night I woke up to thunder and lightning and the gentle patter of rain on our tin roof. I was duly lulled back to sleep. This morning we woke up and the rain is still with us. I love it!!

I hope it does not mess up my brother's plans for his daughters 1st Birthday party. I'm actually braving it and going even if half the family members I could quite happily do without as family are going to be there. They are not immediate family members!! But an uncle and cousins who made life miserable, my memories of them anyway. Needless to say I have no time for people who enjoy tearing others down!!

I managed to find a 'Character Education' that I want to incorporate with our homeschooling. Naturally, I could only find it in the USA. The group I am buying our curriculum from here did not want to sell me there 'Character Builders' without selling me the whole Bible section as well. I found it very sad that they practically said that sharing, trustworthiness, responsibility and other traits are only Christian traits. Made me go 'hmmmm' and reinforced why I beat my own drum when it comes to religion. Had to laugh though, the postage cost me more than the books themselves. But it was worth it!!

Cross fingers that after close on a 6 week wait our curriculum should arrive next week. Although the bits and bobs that I've found on the internet have been fun and we'll still be using them, especially Math Mammoth by Maria Miller. It seems to speak to Bradley and he gets Math with the way she brings it across.

Have a super weekend!! I intend too. I have some Amarula to go with those sunsets now!!

Raining cats and dogs.........

We have all been looking up to the sky today and patiently waiting for the rain we all knew somehow was on it's way!! From selling my wares at a friends house this morning to a braai at at my best girlfriends place this afternoon.

Well it happened and is still happening. LOL The road home was treacherous!! Visibility was as we say here in South Africa - 'Kak'!! I'm night blind as it is and I think that poor man of mine was ready to boot me out of the car with all my backseat driving. "You're going to kill us" - sort of rings a bell. And as it was the poor guy was being careful. On the highway we were travelling with our hazards on, well 99% of the cars were - those born idiots that wanted to drive like maniacs still did.

My rugby team lost. (Sad face) Did I watch the game. Nope!! Far too busy socialising. LOL Thank goodness for dad's who keep their 'little girls' updated. Yes, I'm daddy's little girl and proud of it. (grin) Can someone please tell me how we survive without cell phones and sms's. Those sms's from my dad were appreciated!!

I am very happy with some of the wine stoppers I made last night. I also sold my last ring. Hoping I can convince my silversmithing buddy to help me put some more together. I can proudly say I have raised enough cash to clean the carpets. Woohooo!! Sad I know but an achievement in itself. Oh, and I managed to buy my two boys Rugby jerseys from the side of the road - much much cheaper than the shop kind.

I'll bombard you with pics from today a little bit later.

and a note for Elaine - yep, those pieces had to be kiln fired. I got them from my friend Rika this morning. My painting technique needs some work. (GRIN!!) But all in all for my first projects - not too shabby if I say so myself.

Night night!!

To market, to market............

to be filled with dread!! Not too positive, right!! So we'll try: 'To market, to market..........to make some good sales. (Grin)

Tomorrow is the Midrand Urban Market. I have paid in advance, got a picnic thing going and have some new stock. Okay, not a lot - but I have some. It should count for something. I have wine stoppers, can you believe it. I've tried photographing them, but they're buggers to photograph and they're my BEST implosions ever. Even if I do say so myself. LOL

So some of you would like to know where we would think of relocating too. New Zealand, would be the place. Do you know they pay you if you homeschool your kiddies. Not that I would expect to be paid but isn't it amazing how some countries approach HS. Our local government is trying to draft new Legislation basically making it very difficult to HS in the Province we live in. It has added some spin into the tailspin I'm already in. LOL First time I've ever written an objection letter to the Government. Hehehehe!!! BUT Elaine is very right. Moving is stressful and we all know how I handled a simple move of about 10km's. Another Country would be interesting..........

Yep, the Rand is going kablooey. And yes it is hard to stay positive in a Country where everything seems to be well, NEGATIVE currently!! Yesterday, a man was ambushed on the freeway. The BASTARDS placed rocks and other destructive paraphenalia over the road to ambush/hijack a car. This caused significant damage to his car and then killed him with his own gun. If there was ever a reason to purchase those Firestone All Road Hazard guarantee tyres - I guess this would be it.
Taxis are a rule unto their own. And I'm questioning the so called Democracy we live in. Because let me tell you everything is VERY black and white!! If you get what I'm saying. I have to wonder if we will every be able to get past that in our Country. Yes, I did have a bit of a Road Rage incident where I want to RAM up that Taxi's ASS and give him what for!! But that would have been just plain STUPID!! I could handle things going to pot, seriousley I could - give me recessions, give me a crisis, give me anything BUT RACISM!! Are we forever going to have to pay for the past?? Will APARTHEID be the blame for everything. Will we be able to as a Country put it behind us and move on. Oh, and Trevor Manuel. I don't think the unemployment in South Africa is grossy over exaggerated or whatever you said to the BBC.

The good news is: It's thundering etc. etc. and we're having our first rain. Woohooooo!! The dust will be settled and tomorrow will be SQUEEEEEEKY CLEAN AND FRESH!!! I'm comtemplating running around nekkid in the rain - but I might just scare it all away. It feels that good. As for the market - the weather might just have other plans. Then I get to stay in bed and read a good book. In my dreams, but a girl can dream can't she!!

Have a good one!!!