Monkeys of all sorts...

Yes, yes - I know, I know I've been scarce, I've just been busy. And since I only ever do my blogging at work, if I'm busy I just don't get a chance. Sorry. Hope you'll forgive me and still pop in from time to time.

So, Easter's over and Jake's back at school again. Started last Monday. After just one day of school, I had to keep him home for a day though - I thought he had German Measles. It was very stressful, 'cos we'd been with a newly pregnant lady 2 nights before and I had visions of my child being responsible for her child's healthy development and the implications that it could hold for them. I made a doctor's appointment and turns out that he had an allergic reaction to something. I can only imagine that it was to the antibiotics that he was on, although those finished on Sunday and the rash only appeared on the Monday evening. It was penicillin, so I'm going to have to monitor that and see if he has any further problems with it in the future. The doctor did say that the rash should've started earlier on during the course, if he was allergic, but that it is possible for the rash to only have developed later if he's mildly allergic. Time will tell and I guess, rather know these things then not.

Before the holidays were up, we went through to Tygerberg Zoo for the day with my folks. There really is so much to see and Jake had a ball. Although it was educational for Jake, I always find this kind of thing upsetting - I just want to break the locks and let the animals free. The zoo is incredibly dry and there are not a lot of trees to give shade for the animals. I felt especially sorry for the larger animals; lions, chimps, bears - they don't belong there. We ended off the holidays with pizzas at The Blue Peter, still Jake's favourite spot.

My baby sister, Rosanne, also graduated last week Thursday. She's a fully qualified Food Technologist now and is working hard at getting her practical experience. She's worked at various spots, but is currently doing quality control at a Halaal Butchery - Excelent Meats. She's not enjoying the job as much as she should be, but then again she is working on her feet for 10 hour days at 8 deg C. Still, she's got to start somewhere and this is good exposure. We went out to The Ocean Basket in Kloof Street and it was really enjoyable. Joanne & Paul joined us and Rosanne's other half, Gareth, was obviously there to enjoy his girl's special moment. Wonder how long it'll be till there's sparkles on Rosie's finger. My guess is, not too long...

Besides that, there's not a lot happening at the moment. Jake's been waiting very patiently for his watermelon to ripen and we finally decided to pick it last night. He was so excited and couldn't wait to cut it up. Thankfully, it was actually ripe when we opened it up and was perfectly juicy and crisp - delicious and SO worth the wait. Jake was very chuffed. This winter we're going to be preparing a large area in our back garden to convert into a veggie/herb patch. Jake's excited about it and I'm looking forward to getting it going. It'll be quite big, so hopefully we'll get a decent harvest! We still have a few bits and pieces were waiting to pick (green peppers, gooseberries, pepperdew - there's only 1, beetroots & carrots), but the season's definitely coming to an end now. It's been such a rewarding, educational lesson for Jake and we've had so much fun digging in the dirt together over the past few months.

Oh, I'm also busy planning Jake's birthday party. It's a bit of a nightmare really. There are about 30 kids that I basically have to invite. You have no idea how offended people get when they're not invited, it's very hard to cut back. I've hired a jumping castle and we'll be having it at home again this year. Sticking with our holiday theme, we've chosen to have a Mickey Mouse party (which reminds me, I must order the cake). I've also decided to have a lunch time party this year and will be making up little picnics for the kids - I just think it's healthier then stuffing them with sweets (although, what would a party be without sweets?). Jake's birthday falls on a Friday this year, so his party will be on my birthday, 17th May. Lots of shopping and planning to do this weekend and, hopefully, invites to get out.

What would my blog be without some photos? Although I haven't even been taking many photos lately...

Jake & a Giant tortoise... Golden Crane posing so beautifully... Vulture... Ostrich... Sad Eyes... So human... My Monkey. Sometimes, I think he's the one that belongs in a cage. Just joking... Rosanne & Gareth... Rosie & Gareth with Jake... Getting ready to tuck in... The watermelon's ready... The "harvesting" begins... Just enough for one... Happiness is... mmm...

Hope everyone's well, sorry again for my blog neglect. Promise to try get my "20 things" list done sometime soon.

XXX