We decided another game drive was in order and so 12 of us hopped into the "dassie" and off we went. There were no objections from the wildlife-crazy Warren.  The view of the farm from way up high.  A herd of curious kudu. You can learn more about them here.  We came across some weaver nests.  Warren has always been a bird lover and bird watcher and couldn't resist a closer look while I ...

It's Christmas. It's hot. It's Africa. When in Africa...braai! (BBQ) on Christmas Eve.   My brother got/earned/volunteered for the job of chef for this one.   Braai-ing is a skill. No gas fire here. The coals have to be just right.  This sausage is what many South Africans live on. It's called borewors. I make it from time to time.  Baby potatoes speared with rosemary.  Broccoli cheese.  And that's how it's done. Christmas dinner, enough for ...

Christmas Eve in Africa.  This is an African Christmas tree. Yes, we have the regular Christmas trees too but when you're at The Lodge, this is the best kind.  Simple decor.  The table on the deck was set. The food was ready and we had filled our plates.  The candles were lit and the table looked perfect.  And then my sister photobombed my picture. Ain't she purrrrty.  All 15 of us around the table. The Stone ...

Today is Christmas Eve. Today we went horseback riding.  I love looking at horses. They are amazing beasts.  My kids love to ride. They haven't ridden much in their Colorado-based lives mainly because riding lessons are so darn expensive.  Everyone was game - except for my parents and my sister-in-law Rozanna. She was too nips to ride. My sister and brother-in-law opted out too. They had a quiet morning together which I'm sure ...

My brother-in-law, Aaron bought this vehicle for The Lodge and called it "The Dassie" (duh-see).  In South Africa, all the cars are right hand drives. This vehicle is a 1970 left hand drive (series11) Landrover originally made in the German factory.  The original roof was removed and replaced with game viewing seats.  It seats 11 people comfortably.  I was so impressed with this car. It was like a rhino. So tough. The "dassie" (duh-see) ...

"I have a farm in Africa." My sister and brother-in-law (BIL) can say that. Doornkop (translated "Thorn Hill") is a large acreage property on a ridge southwest of Johannesburg. My sister and BIL share this property with a few others. All had the same dream. A quiet place for recharging the batteries.  They call this home away from home "The Lodge".  This home away from home is gorgeous. It's sturdy. Concrete. River ...

This is my mountain. It was created for me. It's mine but I'm good about sharing.  Right on the far edge of Table Mountain is what I call "the pimple". It is the cable car station and that is where we headed tonight.  We arrived at the base of the cable car station and I was thankful my sister had bought our tickets online because the line waiting to purchase tickets was ...