Friday 4th March 2022
It rained through the night and on waking early, I noticed how dark it seemed. A sure sign that Autumn is getting closer. My early client postponed which meant I was showered and ready to roll earlier than expected. I saw there was a lull in the weather so I decided to visit the Oliewenhuis Art gallery and gardens before I had breakfast.
The building is a stunning Neo Dutch style which was finished in 1941and was home to many 'dignitaries'. Even Queen Elizabeth had stayed there for 3 days (as a princess) with her family, and father, King George V1 in 1947 on their tour. It was 'released' as a state residence in 1985 and was officially opened as an art gallery in 1989. I think it's better suited to house the variety of works of art and be appreciated by the general public than just a limited few. The gardens are stunning and I walked a huge labyrinth which I realised I'd never done 'properly' before. My brain gets too distracted but the cool weather today was conducive for me to walk slowly round while contemplating the marvel of my life, particularly the last 7 weeks.
From Dad's funeral, to siblings, to driving mountain passes, desert, Milky Way of the Karoo, trains, boats, sunrises and sunsets, the sea, sand, museums, churches, art galleries, to running, walking, tolhouses, and many other treasures, my life has been a beautiful full tapestry. As I turned corner after corner, a new memory would pop up and the images seemed to reflect my thoughts. I realised I had reached the tree in the middle and suddenly I was hungry. ( told you lol)
I headed off to the Hobbit Hotel which is the birthplace of famous author, JRR Tolkien and had a yummy breakfast before going to my last museum, the Freshford. The delightful Shani gave me a detailed personal tour of the immaculate interior, but unfortunately no photos are allowed. It's a great example of Edwardian style home, having been a war headquarters and hostel for the lost and weary before being restored back to it's former glory. Nothing was wasted in the early 1900s but I am really glad I was born in the decade that I was. Phew, that was hard work. Making own butter, cheese, soap, candles and the men only bathed once a year!
I then got in my prize car and drove a long stretch with some really heavy rain on route to Parys, which is on the Free State side of my 'home' province. Cosmos and sunflowers in bloom in the drier stretches of road made me feel cheerful.
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