Spring has arrived in Benoni.

Well, it's the first day of Spring, & with it came some high winds & low temperatures. I couldn't believe it when we took my car in for it's first service this morning, it was only 2.5c.

John & I returned yesterday from a two night trip to see my Daughter Heidi, son-in-law Steve & Grandson Luc. We had a lovely time,especially the 4 hours that we spent on our own with Luc.

Much as we love our children, there is nothing to beat having Luc by ourselves.Being called Granny & Granddad, & finding a little hand clasping yours is happiness to the best degree. He is fast approaching 4 years of age & any time that we can spend with him is precious.

We came home to find our pool full of blossom from our Prunus tree, it had obviously been very windy while we were away.The whole garden was littered with debris & our front stoep was covered with leaves & pollen. This morning has been operation clean up for me but there is plenty more to come before we have any decent rain to dampen things down a bit.

Once the rains come it will be time for spring cleaning again. Any effort now will be wasted as the dirt & dust just keeps blowing.

My brother Tony & wife Gill phoned yesterday, but they may regret that they did, as I realised later that we spoke for about an hour & a half!!!! Much as I like the internet, there is still nothing to beat a phone call for one on one conversation.

As a family we are all living in different places & travel is still an expensive option. Last year John & I went to Nova Scotia to visit my Daughter Hazel & her family,UK to see my sister Joy & various good friends & John's Mum & sister in Nottingham. We finished our travels with Spain to spend some good times with said brother & sister-in-law Gilly. All in all it was a wonderful 3 weeks,time & money well spent, but the memories being priceless.

In October we are travelling to Australia for the first time, visiting my sister Cheryl & husband Ross, & also my son Michael & daughter-in-law Caron with their 3 sons Colin, Brody & Alec. We haven't seen them for over 9 years so I expect conversation to be very easy as there will be so much catching up to do.

I am currently keeping up with the latest hurricane Gustav & feel so sorry for the people who once again have to leave their homes.The current weather patterns are certainly playing havoc with peoples lives & hopefully all our Governments will sit up & take notice.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Olympic's this year & wish that the spirit of " We are all just members of the human race" could continue after all the pomp & ceremony is over. It is wonderful to watch 10,000 athletes having a ball together.

The wind has quietened down again now & it is looking good for a lovely afternoon. My washing is fluttering on the line,so I have some ironing to do later.I am looking forward to the next few weeks as we plan what to plant in our hanging baskets. Before too long there will be new signs of life everywhere.It still seems like a miracle to me that all the plants & trees renew themselves every year & we can enjoy every individual thing coming to life again.

Well hopefully all the joys of Spring will transfer me into a happy bunny with lots of zest for the new tasks at hand. I'm sorry for you northern hemishere people who are now beginning to see your days shorten again, but luckily what goes round comes round again to you.

Much love people everywhere & God Bless.