Our story in Sunny South Africa

DeOudeHuize
De Oude Huize Yard 

This is a repost of a previous post.  
Trading the fast pace and bright lights of bustling city life for life in the slow lane is not an easy decision to make. The road may be longer towards Harrismith, but after finding our nest, we instantly know that we prefer the scenic route. Harrismith is an old historical town in the Eastern Free State, South Africa 

It is the second oldest building in Harrismith that has survived modern life
It was built in 1860 

We named it  . . . . . 

After alterations and renovations using old building materials De Oude Huize Yard as it is standing proudly 

Summer is a blessing but we also love winter 

The Platberg (Flat top mountain) and it's presence 

In 2009 we opened the doors of De Oude Huize Yard Bed and Breakfast 

I think it is appropriate to introduce you to the men in my life.

On the left is Gerald-Cecil the baby of our family but he stands 2 meters in his stocks
In the middle is Hennie and we got married in 1981 and he still loves to open all doors for me
A gentle man in an old fashioned way
On the right is Pedri 1984 - 2008 and we can only say thanks for walking the last mile.

On 5 October 2013 Gerald-Cecil got married to Lesinda
A beautiful girl whom we love dearly 

Our two dogs Leonardo (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) and McLeod (Springer Spaniel)

And need we say more  . . . .  

 

Thanks for visiting. 

We make a life by what we get, but we make a living by what we give!  

Blessings to you all
Sandra

When there is time

When there is time I like to tell a story and my medium is quilts.   Over the year my stories just grew.  I have posted this original in 2011 but would like to give you a glimpse of what happened in the mean time.  

After the passing of our eldest son five years ago I made the first one.  A sort of memory ... or perhaps it started as something to keep my going. Now every one tells a story of our family.  It is a part of us. 

Worn jean, red heart made from a little chair that was re-upholstered. 

I do not go on any road trip without stopping somewhere to purchase a piece of cloth.

To create one is a "battle" . . . I cut perfect and not so perfect pieces in the 30cm blocks and then when there is 72 blocks the process can begin.  

Little keys add a bit of history 

Some charm from Graphic Fairy 

The kittens was a piece of  cloth used for pillows when the boys were still toddlers. 

The story quilts are every where in our home and else where.  

Thanks for visiting 

Lots of love 

Sandra 

Garden and Sandstone

After a couple of years our garden wall has been completed. 

We were thinking of a gabion set-up. 

There was a lot of sandstone pieces available after our building project and in the area. We therefore decided to fill the baskets with the sandstone off-cuts. 

Our first project was a water feature around a 100 year old oak tree. 

The lilies is spouting water into a little water pond.

Gabion waterfeature

The original garden fence entrance gate and mail box

Hennie made us a new gate with a new post box.
The mail box as seen from the street

The old un-used oven door is now the inside door of the mail box.
The mail box as seen from the the inside of our stand. 

The start of our stone pack walls.  

Going slowly 

The end result 

The wall is completed 

Thanks for the wonderful parties that we have joined

Cherished Treasures 
French Country Cottage 
Romantic Home 
At the Picket Fence 
The Charm of  Home 
Ivy and Elephants 
Hope in every season
No Minimalist here
Too much time
Shabbynest
The trifty home
Very merry vintage style 
Elizabeth & Co 
The Ivy Cottage

Thanks for visiting and may you have a wonderful time 

Love 

Sandra