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Lockdown ♡

A posy of quickly foraged flowers from the garden to save them from the wind brings a bit of cheer to our mantlepiece.

Who could have predicted that 2020 would be the year that it is?

We have been in lockdown since March with stringent lockdown measures, bans and curfews. Our family has managed to stay productive, thankfully, but these difficult times are far from over.

As a distraction I'm finally updating the blog with pics from now, as well as simpler times.

I've taught myself to crochet Granny Squares and have made a lovely keepsake blankie in jewel colours (made mostly from scraps as stocks are low) inspired by one of my Mother's beautiful paintings.

Update: My latest blanket, in complementary colours, incorporating knitting from 3 generations:

And now this one, a rainbow hexagon blanket for winter cheer:

Subscribe, follow me on instagram and pinterest for some unique inspiration.

Stay safe!
X♡X♡

Memories ♡ Botswana Safaris

Memories from Mashatu trips 2012 - 2019

I'm finally getting around to going through my numerous photographs and hope to do memory posts with more pics from these (mostly great) experiences and trips in due course.

My posts about our awesome experiences on safari at Mashatu have had many many views over the years:

MASHATU LODGE 5/5 Consistently great animal sightings

This was our 6th year in a row visiting Mashatu from South Africa. It's a long commute but worthwhile it was great to see the thriving big cats (leopards, cheetah, lion) so often and about their daily activities again. We alway enjoys seeing the gentle elephant herds, variety of birds and animals. Our ranger is a particularly talented and enthusiastic tracker (finding mewing leopard cubs in a bush etc), but even if you're on the last vehicle to a sighting there are opportunities for most photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Service is always very friendly, and our rooms were again beautifully clean and luxurious. The camp manager and his staff are most professional and amenable. The meals were frequent, generous and hearty, but could do with more variety as there was some form of stew for 3 out of the 4 nights of our visit. There's also scope for improvement with the range and quantity of stock in the lodge shop as we'd happily buy more mementoes to support the local community if possible. Note that Wifi is only available in the lounge and can be intermittent, which is all part of the laid-back bush experience.

MASHATU LODGE 5 Outstanding elephant and leopard sightings

This is really the place to go for exceptional elephant and leopard sightings which is why we keep going back each year. Over 4 days we were fortunate enough to see several beautiful leopards, 2 with a kill, and watch large herds of elephants with their babies at water holes. Other highlights included seeing a bushbaby, porcupine, wild cat and 5 lion cubs as well as a tiny baby giraffe. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and some of the rooms are now being upgraded. Food is plentiful as always but we found the offerings not quite as good as in previous visits.

MASHATU LODGE (MAIN CAMP) 5 Wonderful even in the rain

Despite adverse weather after rain (muddy roads and flooded rivers) which made viewing game more difficult than usual our family still had a great time at Mashatu this year. Our ranger and staff went out of their way to find memorable animal viewings, and the food and camp was as enjoyable as always. A highly recommended spot for families to enjoy the bush and experience fantastic leopard, cheetah and elephant sightings!

MASHATU MAIN LODGE 5 Amazing cat central

Oct 2013 Our family returned from a few days at Mashatu this year, amazed again at the fantastic experience we had.
The game sightings of leopards (including playful young cubs), lions on a kill, cheetah and elephant were stupendous and plentiful. Our game ranger was very knowledgeable, patient and a fantastic tracker. Every game drive was a magical experience, appreciated by even the most experienced game viewers and photographers amongst us.
The camp itself is attractive, with a pool and various spots to relax including a pub and airconditioned lounge with wifi. The generous home-style cooked bounteous meals are taken above a scenic water hole or around a boma. The family room was well decorated, cool and very spacious. The staff are extremely helpful and attentive.
Children are allowed on open vehicles by arrangement so this is a great opportunity for them to see wild animals in a genuine game reserve. They are also given kids packs with activities, and can explore and learn about the area and animals in the informative display room.
It is in short an unassuming quality setting from which to enjoy superb game sightings. There is a good natured understatedness at camp, without sacrificing creature comforts, and a focus on the abundant wildlife. It will hopefully become a tradition for our family to return to Mashatu every year.

Our hugely experienced and talented ranger has become a friend for life!

Hope these Safari memories inspire you to visit the African bush!

X♡X♡

Salad Days ♡

Thought it time to share some delicious and simple platters that I make. Hope that these ideas make summer lunches and al fresco parties easy and enjoyable.

Colourful salad with edible flowers, nuts and feta cheese - a feast for the eyes.

I like to combine something green, something crunchy, something creamy and something slightly unexpected (like fruit or flowers):

Serve with some rustic bread or garlic rolls and sliced gammon served hot or cold:

Do all the prep beforehand and assemble before serving.

Roast chicken or sliced fillet is fabulous as well.

In winter a platter of oven roast veggies (in this case aubergines, peppers and artichokes on grilled cabbage) with balsamic drizzle works a treat too.