things I love

the past six months were filled with joy and laughter.  

midwinter in July 

the wonder of awakening in September 

the full burst of summer in December 

In July we posted our hand knitted face cloths. 

These little treasures are still favourites.

These are easy to knit.  Cast om 50 stitches.  Knit 100 rows in your favourite pattern. 

Then we posted our hand made quilts.  You can read more here
These treasures keep everyone warm in winter when the temperature drops to below 12oC and the snow covers the landscape.  

I have collect antique pieces of lace to use as decorations on the quilts.  

As Spring started to draw closer the patio was given a make-over.  
A ceder wood server is the showplace of an antique collection.  The old grape press forms the centre.   

An old butter churn, a scale, some shoe moulds, and a grape press.  

We live in the shade of Platberg (Flat mountain) and you were taken on the beauty of what the mountain offers. De Oude Huize offers beautiful views of the mountain. There is to read here 

What you will experience when visiting Platberg.  

Spring is our season that is filled with preparation and love.  Read more about the preparations for Summer in the garden 

Little garden displays 

The peonies stole our hearts.  Watch them blooming here.  

De Oude Huize was filled with the wonderful blooms for weeks on end.  

Love from South Africa 

Sandra 

Peonies

DeOudeHuize

The peonies are blooming.  

Here is part of a poem by Mary Oliver, “Peonies.”

“Do you also hurry, half-dressed and barefoot, into the garden,

and softly,

and exclaiming of their dearness,

fill your arms with the white and pink flowers,

with their honeyed heaviness, their lush trembling,

their eagerness

to be wild and perfect for a moment, before they are

nothing, forever?”

The entire poem can be found at http://www.poetryconnection.net/poets/Mary_Oliver/3114

You are only here for a short visit
Do not hurry do not worry
And be sure to smell the flowers along the way 

The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. 
But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions.

Earth laughs in flowers 

There is no time to be bored in a world as beautiful as this

A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it. it just blooms. 

The artist is the confidant of nature, 
flowers carry on dialogues with him through the graceful bending of their stems 
and the harmoniously tinted nuances of their blossoms. 
Every flower has a cordial word which nature directs towards him. 

Start the day with a smile and finish it with champagne

Thanks for visiting 

May your week be filled with lots of blessings 

Love 

Sandra