Wednesday, December 31, 2008

HAPPY HEALTHY & PEACEFUL 2009


Sitting here in the quiet of the early morning, on the first day of a brand new Year, I am reminded of my days at boarding school some years ago! ! Autograph Books were the popular thing - I guess the precursor to Face Book; someone wrote in mine and I quote -

The future lies before you like a sheet of driven snow Be careful how you tread on it as EVERY step will show.


I never forgot that!


......and this is how I feel facing a brand new exciting Year full of fresh opportunities and exciting possibilities. Of course there is an economic down turn, there are hideous things happening in the world, but if we just start off by having time for our neighbours, or that smile at a stranger in the street or supermarket, then we can generate a happy and positive vibe and see it grow.


Anyhow enough of the homily ! We wish all our past Guests, recent Guests and future Guests, our way too much spread out family in France, Australia,(and Rorie & Isabel in Tasmania) Ireland, Switzerland (you know who you are!) happiness and health above all.


South Africa is on the cusp of a real shift politically this new Year with elections in the first half and the recent birth of the new party COPE! it is still the most diverse and really great value for money country to visit with food and wines of superb quality. - each Tourist to our beautiful land will enable us to employ more people, and they, in turn, can grow their childrens' futures by the resultant education and upliftment. You are all so welcome so make this your year to visit us. But not all at once as Johan says!


We have had the busiest time over the festive season with some really quite wonderful and appreciative Guests, we even had a Wedding on our premises out on the lawns. Our Staff have been tireless and in the middle of January, when it gets a little quieter, we will be taking time out to have mini-breaks. - but not all at once as Johan reiterates!


I hopefully shall have more time to blog as I have neglected this space horribly - the question " Is anyone out there actually reading it??"


Think Love; Work hard; and the rest will surely follow! Happy lives to you all!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Johan having a very hard day @ THE ARMAGH


Johan is supposed to be hanging the new curtains in the Rafters Restaurant but along came Jonathan from Bramon Wines, between here and Plett, and no second invitation needed!... and what beautiful wines! Of course I had a wee taste also! not bad before 11 am! The Methode Cap Classique is absolutely stunning as is their Sauvignon Blanc AND many others so our day is not all about living in paradise smiling at Guests...the even better news is that he has ordered some cases - so do look out for them when you come to Dinner at Rafters at The Armagh as they will be on our Specials board! By the way anyone can come to Dinner here it is not just residents...AND we have a really special Christmas Lunch planned - Christmas Lunch without all the frills But also particularly catering for the budget conscious Let us know by email if you are interested in Booking. We have a particularly good Menu. It was a real hit last year and this year we have thought out some new dishes for your pleasure.


Happy day!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Mini-Holidays & the NEW Candlewood Cottage







We went away up the Wild Coast for a tiny holiday - 9 hours drive - BUT what a wonderful time we had...I am putting some photos on this Blog so you may see what an absolutley beautiful place it is; peace and tranquility like a byegone era and emphatically ' far from the madding crowd'



Before we left we had virtually completed the Candlewood and I am now posting a few interior shots...Bookings are rolling in and we expect our first occupants later this week when the final tweaks have been tweaked by us and the Builders.






- we are looking forward to a very busy Holiday season.