Winter 2000
How slack have we been? Very, I suppose when it comes to updating the web site. Judging by the fact that no one really complained I don't suppose any one has lost any sleep over the fact heh heh heh.
Well what can we tell you. I think our last note goes as far back as September. Well since then we have done some major home improvements. We had the house painted, The wooden floors sanded and re-varnished, wooden floors put in all the room that had tiles (they all dated back to the sixties when the flat was built - we were hoping they would come back into fashion but alas no luck) and we put a brand new second hand kitchen Cindy got cheap from a lady who was leaving to go back to the UK. Cindy also retiled one of the bathrooms (unfortunately although she is a good labourer she refused to work without a shirt on or wearing those baggy pants that show your bum crack). So the flat is looking presentable - we have lots of other plans but no money so for now we are hanging in there for the next cash injection.
We have taken our house in the mountains for winter again. We looked for a cheaper smaller alternative with no luck. So instead we are sharing he house with some friends. The snow came early and in a big way this year - so we have had some great skiing/snowboarding. Karen and Raymond, our Cape Town friends who have settled in Zurich, have spent a bit of time with us in the mountains (with their dogs Tandi and Zing) It has been great for the kids to have the dogs around and it has been great for Cindy and I to have someone to share the great conditions with.
Nicola was here for the month of December and my folks were here as well so we had a full on family Christmas up in the mountains with snow falling and great food it was wonderful. Karen and Raymond and the dogs were also with us so it was really special. The old knee has been bearing up under the strain - it is still very sore when I ski but boarding is a lot better - especially in powder as it so soft that there are no jarring movements. Every now and again I do something silly like jump - forgetting that I am a 38 year old cripple. Calvin and Nicola's boarding has improved a lot and we have been taking them a bit off-piste with us. Catrina's skiing (when the mood grabs her) is going great. I must say our kids (bar Nicola) are quite lazy - both Calvin and Catrina are quite happy going to mini club rather than skiing. It is quite sad that we have failed to make our kids understand how lucky they are to have these opportunities. Can you imagine playing game boy inside rather than skiing - maybe they swapped my real kids at the hospital when they were born.
We had a quiet New Year - ate a huge meal and watched the fireworks display over snow covered mountains. My folks and Nicola went back at the end of December so the house is very quiet now. With January the kids went back to school me back to work Cindy once again had the house to herself. Cindy is thinking of going back to work or at least thinking of doing something else - she is getting a bit bored with staying at home, despite it being more than a full time job she feels she requires some more mental stimulation.
I have to admit that the only reason we have time to write this update is that Catrina is sick so we have not gone skiing this weekend - its tough and I am having withdrawal symptoms - but I will survive and I am sure Catrina is looking forward to getting better - she looks so sad with her flu, shame!.
Anyway take care all - until the next letter ciao!