A big 'Hi ' to you all, do hope you are enjoying our trips out and about.
Before we start travelling, a little bit of news. Have persuaded Klaus to write down and  let us have some of our favourite recipes. I know all our friends love his cooking, so look out for them on top of the page as and when put there.

Zomba a very pretty town that nestles in the mountain. They have a lovely hotel here that has balcony rooms built out on the side of the mountain. I had thousands of butterflies in my tummy when I first walked out onto one. Looking down that steep drop, the mountain side falling away under you, but what a view, and the smell of the fir trees. This was the one place where walking in the forest you came across fantastic toadstools. Huge ones with red on the top and spots, just like you see in the fairy story books. Then round a corner under a tree other brightly coloured ones.  In the so cold african winter, nothing like the english ones, but noticeable when the temperature dropped at night, there would be a huge log fire in the lounge. Just the place to sit around with a drink in hand( No I'm not an alcoholic) and spend a relaxing evening before retiring to bed. A good night's sleep with all the fresh mountain air.
 I wish we had digital cameras then, as I would love to have shown you more of the place.  I think we take more photos these days than in the years before as it is so much easier and cheaper. I have been through all the photo albums and the odd picture here and there to show you this wonderful country.

Zomba Town

This was where my folks lived for a few years and I would think nothing of bundling the children and nanny and drive to see mum for a cup of coffee. 50-60 miles one way, this was nothing out there, you just watched out for cows and bicycles as you followed what seemed like a straight road going off into the shimmering distance.

You would frequently see the local barber set up on the roadside to catch the passing traffic. The men in the family never quite got the courage for a trim, or was it just the thought of sitting at the dusty roadside.

                                                         

We would pop down to the local dressmaker in the town, choose some material and show the picture of the dress we wanted out of a magazine. 2 days later it was ready for you and a perfect fit.

                                       
I can remember going to the local shoemaker like that and having your foot placed on a piece of paper and having it drawn around. Hey presto a shoe of your choice in leather made up, and one that lasted years. Of course later on shoe shops arrived.Now there are all the modern conveniences that become the norm.

That's it for this week, do join me next time for a trip down memory lane. I HAVE NOTICED I AM GETTING FRIENDS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES AROUND  FOLLOWING ME, LET'S SEE IF WE CAN EXTEND THIS TO OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.. LET YOUR FRIENDS KNOW, AND I CAN THEN TRAVEL TO PLACES  I MAY NEVER REACH IN PERSON.

This weeks picture  

'My Beautiful Daughter'

                                                               
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'What's happening on the art side?

Well as you can see I have filled in more of the body, and going down the legs. This all takes time A start on some of the area around the dog, which will have scrub land put in as well later. I have not quite decided what all else I will do in the foreground when I reach that area. 

Join me next week.
If at anytime you would like to know a little more about pastel  or the artside do e-mail me