HOMEMAKING AT ITS BEST

HOMEMAKING AT ITS BEST

It was with great delight that I ventured on a road trip to Port Alfred to visit with a very dear friend (of long-standing) not old! There I had the pleasure of experiencing #homemakingatitsbest. Ronwyn is one of the most capable, crafty homemakers I know.

During my stay, we had an entire week without water in the taps due to the shenanigans in the local council and the municipal electricity bill not being paid to Eskom, this meant no pumping of water from the dam etc.

Despite this misfortune, and due to Ronwyn having the foresight to install three or four very large water tanks in the garden to collect the rainwater off the roof, we were able to stay clean, drink as much coffee or tea as we wanted and enjoy the marvelous home cooked meals.

HOMEMAKING AT ITS BEST – INVOLVING GREAT HANDWORK

In every room in the house there is hand work done by Ronwyn at some stage of her life.

I recall that when she and her late husband, Neil lived on the farm how she always was busy with some project or other. She would make various items to put away for her three children for when they moved into their own homes.

It amazed me how much she got through. Her hands are never idle.

When we visited Grahamstown, they were on the farm Inniskillin, just outside of the City (yes Grahamstown is a city – it has a Cathedral), Ronwyn knitted a lovely blue jersey on her knitting machine for my husband.

He absolutely loved that jersey and wore it for many years until one day it disappeared.

He must have left it in the Church Hall at some stage and someone picked it up and the next time we saw it was when it appeared on the Clothing Stall at  our Church Fete. He was not  in the slightest bit amused.

TAPESTRIES AND SAMPLERS MADE WITH LOVE AND CARE

The photograph of this beautiful tapestry which hangs in the lounge certainly does not do it the justice it deserves. The colors did not come out as they should. This is just one of the many tapestries hanging in Ronwyn’s home.

How I wish I had the patience to sit and do the things she has created to make her home just as she wants it.

When one looks around, it is obvious what amount of love and care has gone into everything she has made.

Each time I have visited over many years, I have come away inspired to try something new.

HOMEMAKING AT ITS BEST WITH THE HELP OF THE LATEST CRAZE

Once again Ronwyn has something new she is trying and succeeding at. This time she is learning to paint with Acrylic paints .

Stacked around the lounge were painting Ronwyn has done.

She attends painting classes in Kasouga with a great Artist named Trevor and she kindly took me over to meet him and I had the pleasure of attending a class in Acrylics.

Having painted extensively in oils for many years it was great to watch as his painting progressed and of course dried at a much faster rate than I was used to.

Am definitely going to give this a try. Fortunately, Trevor very kindly sends me hints and tips which are going to be a big help.

It was great fun, most interesting and I really learned a lot as I watched Trevor painting a gorgeous Seascape.

After a welcome cup of coffee. We took a walk through the river and onto the beautiful beach at Kasouga.

There were a group of scholars on an outing and it was great to see them enjoying their learning about the coastline in nature.

What a wonderful opportunity to learn while enjoying the great outdoors.

HOMEMAKING AT ITS BEST INVOLVES SHARING HER MANY GIFTS AND TALENTS

Twice a week Ronwyn attends or hosts a group of ladies all occupied with the craft of their own choice. She is always on hand to help when it is needed.

It is a great time of fellowship and great friendships are formed.

I wonder how many people have sat around this table sharing their stories. Many, I am sure. A place of safety and comfort.

They encourage one another and learn new crafts from observing what the others are doing.

We, as women, are so blessed in this way that we are able to share our joys and sorrows in a group and boost morale when it is down.

THE JOY OF FRIENDSHIP

What an amazing time I spent with Ronwyn, who made me so welcome. We laughed until our stomachs actually ached. Shared a few tears at past happenings. In fact, doing what friends of long-standing do.

I shall always be grateful for having such a loving friend.

Realizing the true worth of friendships, don’t take them for granted. They are to be treasured.

There are so many people who will be able to relate to this experience and be grateful that they too have amazing friends they can trust and turn to when their spirits need lifting.