MY VISIT WITH MICHELLE - DAY 2

The very first thing to do in the morning is of course go and see how Blaze is. He is amazing, I bought him for Michelle for her 14th Birthday, when he was just 4 years old, He was a scrawny looking gelding, which I found in the local newspaper stabled on a plot on the West Rand. I could afford him, but was not really sure, but he had the sweetest nature and Michelle immediately fell in love with him, so we paid and took him home. He has served Michelle through Juniors Show Jumping and has won several prices in Showing as well. She took him with for a year to The Equestrian Academy in Summerveld, Kwa-Zulu Natal when she did her Equestrian Certificate after she finished her Matric. He has moved with her, she  has slept in his stable, he is her best friend and his birthday is 5th October where he turns 21. Is  he not beautiful ? Aaannnd He Loooooooves his Grammy ! I was kissed and pushed and snorted on and just about hugged by this wonderful horse when he saw me and I called " Blaze Boy, where are you?" He came running with a nicker so high that Wilfred burst into laughter " He knows you Ma !"

Wilfred looks after Michelle's 2 horses and also the grounds with the help of Wiseman, who was off that Friday morning. Wilfred's girlfriend Precious helps in the house, but she has just given birth to little Denzel and is off for a couple of months resting and  getting used to motherhoood. 

 Looking good for his age, hey ?

Lockmead, Michelle's new horse that she bought in Zimbabwe to ride Polo Crosse on.  He is not allowed near me, Blaze is so jealous it is comical. "My grammy", he clearly says, pushing Lockmead away, it was quite a mission trying to give them their feed as they both wanted attention and their bowl first. 

When I was visiting in 2010, we went to try Lockmead out and I am pleased to say, I was not wrong about my gut instinct. He is lovely and can turn on a tickey which is what she needs. 
They are in horse sickness at the moment, so to my great disappointment we could not take them for a nice out-ride down to the river. 

Twiggy the cat, also came with all the way from South Africa and made a new home in Bulawayo. She loves to lie in the hay by the horses, suppose the mice come for the feed and Twiggy catches them. 

this is Sabrina, a cat that came from the SPCA , she is lovely and so sweet, follows Michelle everywhere, much like my Mousie follows me.  

She looks like one of mine with all the dogs and the cats following her to the paddocks. 

We needed to go do some shopping for food, so went into town on the way , I had to yell at Gary to stop as I spotted a Grey Heron  on top of a lamp post. 

and in a tree sat a lonely Pied Crow, shouting for all and sundry to hear.........

I could not believe how the shopping centre had grown and expanded, you can get everything there now, US Dollars are used for currency, mainly, but you can pay in South African Rands and Botswana Pula as well, the tills automatically works out the currency and your change. If they are short of coins you get a Chappie or 2 (chewing gum) or some Toffees instead...........

The garden into the centre, provides a natural beautiful oasis. 

 Back home Michelle is squishing oranges the neighbour gave her, 

I am totally amazed at this old fashioned contraption, she found in the pantry when they moved in.........................it works fantastic and soon we have  a 2 litre bottle filled with fresh juice for our break fast tomorrow. 

In the outdoor buildings they also found an old potters wheel, I assure Michelle I know how to use it and will show her how to make her own pots and bowls.She glares at me and tells me Janice, Gary's sister who is arty farty wants it, she has a kiln as well for her pottery. Oh well. I did try. the young of today??

It is time for  a night cap, the sun is going down,

I am totally finished and exhausted, we are having a Braai, (Barbecue) tonight. 


I am too tired to feel hungry  but make an effort as surely they have spend a lot of money on meat. 

Tomorrow we are going to Matopo Hills Reserve, I was there 2 years ago, so excited to re-acquaint, Kenneth has never been and has only looked on Google and reckons just some big rocks and hills. He sure has a surprise coming up. 

Until tomorrow when the story continues, that is if you are still with me and interested, even remotely?