November Cycles...

It's the first time in a few years that I have ventured out on my bike in November - at least during my time north of the equator. In previous years, it has been far too cold. But this year's unseasonably warm autumn has continued, allowing us to do some favourite outdoor activities, including lots of walking and cycling. :)

Interesting pattern in the clouds. My thought is that it is the shadow of a jet's contrail being cast onto the clouds far below.

Donning my winter cycling kit as this past Saturday morning was a little chilly.

Detroit City FC...

Riaan and I joined some church friends in watching Detroit's professional soccer team, Detroit City FC, take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL Eastern Conference Championship quarterfinal. It was a fun game with an energetic atmosphere. The game ended as a 1-1 draw after full-time, and then went to extra-time and penalties. Unfortunately, Detroit lost 3-1 in the penalty shootout. 

The opposite stands were packed with excited fans.

Corner kick view.

Riaan and I and our church friends. :)

Another Trip to Canada...

A couple of weeks ago, we spent another day across the border in Ontario, Canada. We visited Willistead Manor in Windsor, a lovely manor house with a country estate. It reminded me of the large parks that are dotted around London.

We also drove across to Belle River, where we visited the Saffa Shop. Here we enjoyed delicious lamb bunny chows, a traditional South African dish. It was also good to stock up on some South African groceries. 

On our way back to the USA we visited the Windsor Riverfront. A Royal Canadian naval ship, HMCS Harry DeWolf, was docked and open for tours - but we didn't have time to join the line. It was great to see a large naval vessel, though!

Family selfie in front of Willistead Manor.

The Saffa Shop sign in Belle River, Ontario.

With Steve, the friendly manager.

Eliza explores some South African gifts.

My delicious lamb bunny chow.

We drove to Belle River Marina. It was a beautiful, albeit chilly, day!

Riaan took this photo of Candace and I. :)

Our three beautiful children.

We swung by the Canadian Legion, so that I could pick up my poppy for Remembrance Day.

A very colourful Canadian house!

Really cool mural on this comfort station along the river.

The Detroit skyline, as seen from Windsor, Ontario.

Another family selfie with our hometown in the background. :)

School Year 2024-25

We were a bit late this year in taking our annual school photo, but here it is! All three of our children are getting so big. You can see the change from last year's photo here.

Cotton Wool Skies...

More glorious clouds drift overhead. :)

Household Projects...

It's amazing how completing a really tiny home improvement project can feel so rewarding. We recently managed to do two of these small projects. 

Firstly, I organized my braai/bbq equipment in the garage. Candace also found a lovely metal cabinet for stacking our wood. That same day we put up a quilt display rack above our stairs. It looks lovely!

It may not look like much, but this made me quite happy!

Autumn Flowers...

Despite being well into the month of November, we still have some plants continuing to produce flowers. It has been unseasonably warm recently, and I think a lot of plants are quite confused. This is the pretty bloom of a hollyhocks plant that flowered this past week. We also have lots of calendulas showing off their beautiful yellow flowers.

Beautiful rose outside our front door.

Candace's calendula in the back is still occasionally attracting bees.