Flapjacks for Tea...

After Shirley made flapjacks (like mini pancakes) on our final day in Cape Town, I decided to follow the same recipe and make them for our afternoon tea one Sunday several weeks back. Yummy!

X Marks the Spot...

A striking X is made in the sky by two jet streams. 

Another view of the contrails above rural Indiana.

Winter Woodpecker...

We had a beautiful visitor in our garden last month. This is a northern flicker woodpecker - easily identified by its striking plumage. It was enjoying looking for bugs and insects under the bark of our maple tree on a cold winter's morning. :)

First Winter Snow...

After a couple of weeks settling back into life in Indiana - and recovering from mild cases of COVID-19 the week after we arrived back home - we had our first measurable snow of the winter early on Monday, 17th January. It wasn't much - barely an inch (2.5cm) but the kiddos loved being out and exploring the snowy landscape!

Riaan. :)

Eliza. :)

Eliza and Anya. :)

Rusty. :)

Anya and Candace. :)

Travels back to Indiana...

We had a rather eventful time at Cape Town International Airport, both in the terminal building and on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner plane parked on the tarmac, but we were soon on our way back to Indiana. (I won't go into any details here, but we were not impressed with United Airlines.) 

We flew direct to Newark and then on to Indianapolis, arriving back at our car - still parked in the economy parking lot where we had left it three weeks prior - at 14h45 in the afternoon of New Year's Eve. From there we drove the two hours straight back to our home in Washington, Indiana, where we were reunited with an overjoyed Rusty. We were exhausted and the two older kiddos promptly fell asleep and we all caught early nights - I was in bed by 19h30! (7:30pm.) So much for seeing in the New Year! :)

With Shirl and Mom awaiting security at Cape Town International.

With the statue of Nelson Mandela at the International Departure terminal.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at Cape Town International Airport.

Ready for the long flight back to the USA.

On the tarmac at Newark - and on our second and final flight.

Waiting for departure at Newark - but not before our bags outside were loaded!

Our flight tradition - tomato juice!

Cute little Anya playing peek-a-boo.

Coming in to land at Indianapolis International Airport.

Our trusty Ford Flex still parked at the economy parking lot.

Family selfie as we head off home.

Riaan sleeping on the chair.

Eliza fast asleep on the rocking chair.

Rusty was so happy to see us again!

Our bags in the living room...

And the mess the next day! What a fantastic trip to Cape Town, South Africa!

Final Afternoon in Cape Town...

Once we were back at my parents' house, we had a bite to eat and enjoyed spending time there. I walked around the garden and the house while Riaan, Eliza and Anya played and had stories read to them. After saying a sad farewell to Flicka, we went back to Shirley and Montassir's house for the remainder of the afternoon.

We sorted out our COVID test results (which had some spelling mistakes), did final packing and luggage checks, and then enjoyed flapjacks for afternoon tea with the family. My cousin Adrian also popped round to say farewell - and to see Candace and meet Eliza and Anya for the first time. Riaan and I spent time at Adrian's house on the Monday (December 27th) afternoon - when Riaan had a playdate with Adrian's son Matthew.

Before too long, it was almost 17h00 (5pm) and we were loading up our luggage into the cars and saying sad farewells to Montassir, Rhyenn and Jesse. Shirley and my parents drove us to the airport in two cars. It was very sad leaving 22 Silveroak Avenue, which had been a relaxing home base for the previous almost-three weeks. Thanks to all our Cape Town family for making this trip to South Africa such a wonderful, special time! :)

View of my parents' house and the back stoep from the back garden.

The hut.

The braai.

Another view of the stoep with Riaan, Candace and Anya.

Grandad showing Riaan his MG car collection.

Riaan on the raised bed upstairs.

Eliza pushing Anya through the dining room.

Special snuggles with Grandad.

Eliza and Adrian.

Soaking up family time before our departure.

Grandad enjoying his cup of tea.

Riaan working out some of his energy with Jesse before the long flight.

Conversations in the kitchen/lounge area.

Sad farewells. Riaan wore Rhyenn's old Shark helmet - given to him by Rhyenn - as we headed off to Cape Town International Airport.

Starke Ayres Garden Centre...

We were up early and had our COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for travel done at 09h00 at Testaro Mobile Health in Goodwood. Thankfully, we received four negative results for all of us with the exception of Anya - who was not required to be tested. 

Mom and Dad then drove us through to Starke Ayres Garden Centre in Rosebank where Candace and I (with Anya) enjoyed an hour browsing at this beautiful nursery. Riaan and Eliza went and spent some final quality time with their Granny and Grandad.

There is a lovely tea room/restaurant at Starke Ayres and we enjoyed a lovely brunch in beautiful surroundings. We then walked back to my parents' house. Cape Town truly is blessed with many amazing places!

Candace and Anya walk amongst the plants.

Selfie at the restaurant.

Candace had a yummy latte.

I had a delicious salmon sandwich.

Candace ordered a fruit salad.

Devil's Peak was shrouded in cloud - and there were even a few light sprinkles of rain.

Candace and Anya again. Being in a nursery like this makes our hearts happy!

Bee-friendly flowers and plants.

Lovely display.

Succulent plant display.

A view of Starke Ayres from outside - as we begin our brief walk back to 6 Norfolk Lane.