It just happened to be Valentine Day two weeks ago when we decided we needed a day out. Valentines day has always struck me as a celebration of the power of commercialism and going along with the flow mindlessly, rather than any romantic notions. So, it wasn't a Valentine's picnic - it was just a much needed Smell-The Country- Air expedition. I made egg mayo sandwiches and slapped some cheese and jam onto rolls, packed some flasks of hot water for the tea and coffee, made a few cupcakes and we were good to go. We picked up TD's significant other, and headed out to Betty's Bay.
We knew where we were headed - there is an botanical garden with a very pleasantly priced indigenous plant shop, We have a few gaps in the garden and were scouting for hardy plants that can withstand our trial by error gardening method. It was a beautiful day - raining and windless - perfect for a hike up to a waterfall in the kloof.
The rain didn't last, and the walk was a meander up a river bed with shady trees and extrovert frogs. It was a good day.
By contrast today is searingly hot - 37 degrees at 2pm, and my energy has evaporated. I can think of so many projects I could or should be doing, but it all seems too much effort. TD has been back at school everyday since mid February, and we are settling back into routines and schedules. This has been good for her. Glucose numbers react favourably to timetables and patterns, and TD has managed to get better control of the stubborn highs.
It is TDs final year of school. Hard work, new challenges and leadership roles will accompany her on this year's journey. Her official childhood is almost over, as she is about to leap off the cliff into the puddle of responsibility called adulthood. But she will always be that magical person who talks to extrovert frogs on hikes to waterfalls.
