The Willing Hostage

Coffee Wisdom

Tuesday & Wednesday - The Week that started so well, turned sour, by water!

It started with a burst water pipe right underneath a bulky retaining wall. To cut a long story short, the pipe had to be bypassed as it was deep on the other side of the retaining wall. They did a temporary fix and came back the next day to do a proper job. I had to dig deep into my pocket and will have to claim from my insurance.

Thursday - Roundabouts and the confusing instructions from the navigator's spokeswoman!

I had to pick up documents from the attorney handling hubby's estate.
There are many roundabouts, with new roads and bridges in Umhlanga, a place I used to visit frequently without using a navigator.

When that lady starts talking about roundabouts, I freeze; 'take the first exit at the roundabout', that one I understand, but the second exit always confused me.
Why does she not simply say:
'Take the second exit at the roundabout, and drive straight ahead on the same road.'

When she talks of third and fourth exits, I feel like just stopping my car and wait for someone to rescue me!

But...thinking about that complex network of roads, all leading to snazzy office parks, if there's another fork in the road before the one you're on continues, there will be a second exit, and that would make third exit the road straight ahead!

Does that sound confusing? Yep, it makes my head spin!

I had a co-driver this time, my dearest Cynthia, who knew most of the area well, but she didn't know that particular area. The navigator lady confused her as well!

We eventually found the offices and escaped to the big Gateway Shopping Mall to have a delicious toasted sandwich, served with super-thin potato fries and a good cappuccino.

Friday - An angel to the rescue

My bestie Josh is a spur-of-the-moment gal, and when she called and asked if I wanted to go with her to the SPCA, I immediately dropped everything as it had been a not-so-good week.

I was only too willing to run away on Friday after this costly episode!

I'd not visited the Kloof and Highway SPCA since crawling flying solo. This Animal Rescue organization was a favourite escape from the usual commercialism for hubby and me.
There aren't many places like this where you not only get to enjoy yourself and pick up real good bargains, but you're also helping abandoned animals, as every cent you spend there goes to the animal rescue.

I've spoken before of how part of a farm was donated to the SPCA, who have turned the grounds into a very unique experience.

Glenholme Nature Reserve sits in the middle of the grounds. I still have to take a walk there, but there's so much happening once you arrive at what once was the farmhouse that there's no time left to go for another walkabout.

The large tea garden under massive trees serves teatime treats and light meals; their apple tart and cream is my favourite!
We were there early and it was still quiet, it usually is filled with people, big and small ones, as well as pooches, on leashes of course!

They have set up a plant nursery, and many small stores selling pre-loved goods donated by caring people.
It takes a lot of walking and digging for treasure, very exciting as one always finds real treasures there.

They have made quite a lot of changes, all good ones!

The animals are taken good care of, but you want to avoid going to the shelters unless you intend to adopt a pooch or kitten, as many hopeful eyes are waiting for new parents, or just a Mom or Dad, in a loving home!

The tea gardens and various shops keep you walking from one end of the little village walk, taking you on an exciting treasure hunt - clothing, haberdashery, toys, games, homeware, music, books, artwork, furniture, plants, etc.

This painting of an old Coca-Cola advert was not for sale.

Josh is young and full of energy; we both wanted photo frames. She did the digging and found some original artwork, as well as lovely frames! I did not take photos of her stash, but will share mine with you.

I went home with frames, mixed-media artwork, and gorgeous tableware, much of which will be used in our cottage.

Josh found this sign, perfect for my sister-in-law who loves her Dachshunds.

A quirky way to use old shoes as potplant holders, although the plants, and the shoes, look worse for wear. Not for sale of course but now you know what to do before discarding old shoes ;)

A last goodbye back to the real world!

I thought there would be peace in the home again, until...

Saturday Drama

I had to dig into my pocket again today after finding a pool of water on the kitchen sink shelves. Luckily Bongikosi could do this job, and luckily, or rather not what I really want, no guests.

I need them!

Many Durban BnB's are suffering because of the municipal strikes, as guests are postponing their plans with the dirt piling up in places.

Our once-flourishing tourism industry is in jeopardy, no thanks to a corrupt government whose founding fathers must be turning in their graves!


Thankfully there are many gems still to be found. Communities are banding together doing the work our tax money should be used for, but that seems to be the only way to save what can be saved.

Kloof & Highway SPCA is the place to go if you're looking for an escape, and pre-loved treasures, from the animal kind to homeware.

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