Extra-Murals and Pitta Bread

My girls have been asking for pitta bread the last few days. I meant to make it last night for supper with meatballs, but forgot and ended up making shepherds pie with the defrosted mince instead. So this morning I’ve kneaded up some dough and left it to rise, hoping it will be ready in time for lunch after a leisurely start to the day.In term time we treasure our Saturday morning lie-ins, which

Summer Holidays Draw to a Close

Swimming in the dam and trying out the kneeboardIt’s the last day of the summer holidays. Back to school tomorrow with Youngest starting Big school – Class 1. She has been apprehensive about the change and not sure whether she’ll like her teacher; worried about whether she knows enough for Class 1. She is only slightly reassured when I point out that she already knows a lot of her letters and

Which manner of luggaging is the best when you're homeless

That all depends on the circumstances and amount of items you need to lug around. For some, an item from Rimowa fits the bill. Some need just room for two, such as a single mom with a child under 12, while there's the needs for a two parent family with four or more children.

Straps are an issue as well. Seams split easily when overloaded, and while wheels and 'carryabouts' may seem attractive there's always the issue of dirt, grime, and other residue...not to mention the problem of the body not being correctly upright while pulling the load.

Before spending ANY money on an item, take the time to actually walk around the store with it for 20 minutes. Get a feel for what you're in for. If it's a 'drag', then imagine having to depend on it for what your life will depend on.

Taking a few precautionary moments can mean the difference between being able to concentrate on what's necessary, or having to deal with simply another negative issue of being homeless.

The reactions of children are the same regardless of homes

The time of the holidays is passed. The trees have been taken down throughout America, as they prepare for the next holiday of love, Valentine's Day, even in the homeless community. Where you see a family experiencing homelessness, you will be able to see the signs of this love even in the overture of despair they may go through.

It's called life.

And for the little ones there's still the need for the occasional toys, no different than any other child.

When you hand a child a gift, you can see it in their eyes the reaction at first, no different color, number of parents, or where they live.

Even for the child of a homeless family.

Be good to yourself, and those you love today.

Mosquito Frenzy

Today I have been sewing sequins onto our mozzy nets. Not just to make them look pretty, but in a last ditch attempt to patch up every single last tiny hole or ladder that could permit entry to the desperate breed of mosquitoes that have just taken up residence here.We’ve had these nets ever since we got here seven years ago now. It is dry where we live, so usually we only have a few mozzies

A Water Holiday

A summer holiday in South Africa absolutely must involve water of some sort.It could be a swimming pool, where, even if it isn't warm enough to swim, you can fish for leaves with your new nets, in front of a stunning view.Or a lagoon at low tide where you can paddle for miles and collect hermit crabs until your net is bursting.Or a forest rock pool with peaty brown water fresh from the mountains,