day twenty five - chillin' in canada

Not much time for anything today, so a late blog from me. Sorry. 

This morning we had a lovely breakfast of waffles, fruit and maple syrup and then re-packing cases for our three day trip to a retreat for the reunion. This was not before there were dishes to be washed and beans to be picked. A hectic amount of dishes with a house of 19 to feed.

Yesterday was a home day which started with a walk to the neighboring farm to collect the milk. Milk straight out of the cow and in a jar. You cruise in, pop your $3 into a tin on top of the fridge, say hello to the menagerie of barn cats and stroll back home through the fields (in the rain). The weather has been cooler and there has been quite a bit of rain.

It was Michael's niece Jaye's birthday and Peck (Steven's son) had had a birthday the previous week. So a double celebration dinner with Stephen having his seven children all together for the first time since they had Christmas in South Africa in 2010. A fun day which ended in the usual Kotze way with Stephen, Joe and Sadie singing. 

Another highlight for me was discovering a new drink. Clamatoe (I think). A seriously spicy tomatoe cocktail with vodka - pretty strong. (Nic, you will love it!).

We have just stopped for lunch on the river at a small town called Almonte. Lovely shops and boutiques and we had time to spare as we can only check in at the retreat after 3. I am writing this up in the car now and hopefully can post it when we get there. No one seems sure about the internet access there but more scary is that we are struggling to find a wine store. Not that my drinking is a problem ;) but hells bells....

Stephen and Rosie's home

A walk to a farm down the road

Flowers everywhere

Cats in the cowshed - cows in the background

Chris (Jaye's fantabulous husband)

The talent Rosie carved wooden figurines

Theo (belongs to Jaye and Chris) and Lily (belongs to Lulama)

Stephen, the host, organizer and entertainer

19 for supper

Jaye, the birthday angel (with halo)

birthday cars, presents and flowers

and wine

Jaye and Peck

Tourists in Almonte this morning

Love these two cards

Windows and flower boxes all so pretty

Picnic lunch at the river

Lovely sky

PS We have arrived at the centre. Amazing place. Wait till you see the pics tomorrow. 

Where Michael will be sleeping tonight. Watch this space!!

day twenty four - goodbye massechusetts

Traveling day! We left Littleton mid-morning and set off on our 10 hour journey. We travelled through New Hampsire, Vermont, over the Champlain Islands and back into New York State up to the Canadian border. The trip was great and oh so green. Trees and lakes and cows and flags.

We stopped for lunch on the Champlain Islands at an amazing store which had tables on the water. We stretched and ate. We drove some more and chatted and looked at maps, attempted some crossword puzzles. Some of us napped. 

We drove along the last stretch of USA, the pretty desolate Indian reserve with garages, bars and casinos and James Taylor and Carole King joining our party.

The trip was not all plain sailing, we were stopped by border control and spent nearly an hour being questioned (as a group and individually) in a very clinical customs office. Eventually we could go and came to the conclusion that Roy, our interrogator (not really) was just trying to add some excitement to his pretty boring day spent watching cars and busses filled with other tourists fly through the gate without any problem.

Our first stop in Canada was a Tim Hortons (on every corner) for quick snack. The sun was setting and we still had a way to go to get to the family at McDonalds Corners. It was nearly 11, we were warmly greeted by Rosie (sister in law), Theo, Lulama, Peck, Lily, a dog, a cat and a cute frog. The rest of the family were at Blue Skies - their local music festival. It was too late to join them and we were very happy to flop into our beds.

It is lovely to be back in this charming, rickety home in the country. A home with rooms on top of rooms (Stephen and Rosie have 7 children), a large farmhouse table, overflowing bookshelves, art and musical instruments. It took time, admin and effort to get here but it is going to be worth it. 

It is morning now. 17 of the 30 people meeting for the reunion are sleeping in this house at the moment. Best I get to the bathroom first.

Pictures of Canada later. These were yesterday's ones

Segregation American style

Lunch on the water

The store that sells everything from across the street

South African wines

So many boats on the lakes

Welcome to Canada

Good morning Michael

day twenty three - final day in boston

This means only one week left

Today was our last day in Boston. Another beautiful day which we started with a walk around the neighborhood. It is so pretty here, mostly wooden houses (they do have a name but I can't remember), rolling lawns onto the road, long driveways and so many trees.

You would think this was a forest and not a back garden

Derek and Judy's home from the road

Their back garden which, if you look hard enough, you will see three deer grazing at the back (promise).

Old school post boxes

The American flag flies proudly outside many homes. Not like in SA when you hang your flag outside the window when the Springboks play, but proper flags with serious flag poles

We had brunch and then the girls went off to the shops. Caroline had some shopping to do and I was going along as support. It worked in reverse and I ended up being the shopper. Nothing major but a few things on sale which I could not resist

At last. I thought Boston was home of the Boston Terrier but I have not seen one. I thought the shops would be full of stuff but not so. So Alfie will have to be grateful for his packet of chews and a birthday card.

This was pretty cool. Did not buy it. Top line reads 'A dog taught we everything I need to know....

Did not buy any of these either

Or these

Caroline had also not yet been to Kimballs Farm so for the third time I had a Kimballs ice cream (dark raspberry this time). Such good ice cream. I have not had a Ben and Jerry's Cookiedough yet (still tomorrow, I suppose). I also have not been to Trader Joes (next time).

This afternoon we took a longer walk (in the heat) in anticipation of a long day in the car tomorrow. We cooled off with a swim at the lake as the sun was dipping.

Lovely gardens

Awesome homes

Littleton Lake

from the shore

My Man from Atlantis

Me and The Man (he is often awake, you know)

Good times

Home to Judy's famous Gin and Tonics and delicious home made Clam Chowder for supper, with salad and garlic bread. A lovely end to our time in Boston.

It is now 1.45 am and South Africa is starting g to wake up. We have to be up early to pack and we are off to Canada. A long drive ahead.

I did buy this cute little journal for myself

Well perhaps it is time to play dead

I should take lessons from a professional.

Have a good Sunday. Can't believe that next week, this time we will be on our way home.

Come on Canada and Kotze Reunion, I am ready for you!!