Sunny Days

I am laying outside, enjoying an unexpectedly clear blue sky and lounging in our new hammock.  I am determined to get outside as much as possible when the sun shines. Durban has been too much like Vancouver these past few days.  As I lay here, I am reflecting back on the past six weeks and marvelling.  Derek arrived safely home from Nigeria on Saturday morning.  We immediately jumped into the car and made a trip out to a nearby suburb called Hillcrest, about 30 minutes drive from our place in an area known as "1000 Hills".  Overlooking a lush valley, we discovered a tea house in a roadside market.   "Hillbillies" is part tea house, part nursery and part petting zoo.  Families of ducks, rabbits and pigs provided us with some entertainment.  We then had tea while watching the local monkey population frolicking in the children's play area.  The monkeys are sure the play area was developed for their exclusive enjoyment, the trampoline and hammock being their favourite hang outs.  They also believe that the bags of feed humans have to pay for to feed the petting zoo critters are free for monkey thieves.  The bravest monkey is sent on a mission to grab a bag, escape the angry humans, then dash up one of the many pathways and rip open the bag for his gang to devour.  One young monkey was having a veritable feast of tasty pellets while we humans feasted on tea and crumpets, covered with mint crisp, caramel sauce and whipped cream.  If that monkey only knew what he was missing out on just a few feet away!  As fate would have it, one of the market stores was having a sale on hammocks.  Inspired by the fun our little primate friends were having, we bought one to take home, a wedding gift from Teresa and Marc Varty.   Along with the hammock, we have also purchased a clock for our dining room and a hand blown glass plate... memorabilia of our time in Africa.  Thanks, guys!  We've put your gift of SA Rand to good use.

"1000 Hills" - African artefact shopping

Young monkey enjoying his feast of stolen pellets.

Petting zoo piggies

Crumpets.
Oh. My. Goodness.

Enjoying our first swing on the hammock.

Our unique clock... made out of an old record.
What a creative way to recycle!