Home Sweet Home

Back home again after my two weeks holiday in South Africa and it feels like the sun has followed me. I probably shouldn't feel too smug though as I'm sure we still have another snowfall due before winter bids us a final farewell.
It's was so exciting to see Craig and Amber again and even Jemma was able to escape working in the City to spend the weekend with us. Feeling just a little jet lagged, I slipped back into my role of Mother hen :) I feel relaxed, regenerated and happy that I was able to spend so much time with my mum, dad, sister, brother and auntie, as well as meeting quite a few extended members of my family for the first time too.
It was my birthday just a few days after I arrived and my sister Heidi was very sweet and organised a little get together at her beautiful home to celebrate.

The two weeks flew by so fast and were filled with fun times, delicous lunches, and interesting African sights. Johannesburg is booming with many new businesses, buildings, roadworks, traffic and people! Quite different to where I live now in Nova Scotia.

My little sister Heidi, spoiling me on my birthday

The day and night at Sun City can only be described as pure luxury, in our own suite at The Palace!! (very swanky) My mum, sister and I had some precious girly time together followed by several pampering treatments at the Gary Player Spa.
Below is the spectacular view from our balcony!

Another lovely place we visited a couple of times was a restaurant called Bellini and alongside is an old style home that has been converted into several little shops. It was all so beautiful I just had to get my camera out to try to capture it.

Lunch at Bellini with mum and auntie Joy

A week into my stay my auntie Joy came over from England to stay with Mum for a month and I was able to spend plenty of time with her too, it must be about 15 years since we have seen each other!

My little brother Kevin

Well all good things must come to an end and I have some great memories to treasure and will not be waiting so long until my next visit. It's a long way to travel, but well worth it.
It's also good to be 'home sweet home' back in the valley ready to start some serious Spring cleaning. The Canadian geese are already back and I have spotted a few squirrels and chipmunks awake from their long winter sleep looking energetic and hungry.
Hazel x