PICKFORDS ON THE MOVE

... Here we go!

Well, at last there is finality with various dates and appointments confirmed. Life is slowly getting back on track and huge sighs of relief are the order of the day. Pickfords starts packing on Thursday morning 22 November, continues on Friday, 23 November and loads the truck on Saturday, 24 November. They off-load at Kinross Ave, Fernridge Estate, Fourways on Monday, 26 November 2007, where I just have a frantic picture in my minds eye of yours truly standing at the front door directing to which room each box should go. Mmm ... foreseeing serious unpacking for several weeks - hopefully by Christmas 2007 the Fourie household will have calmed down for the first time in months.

In the meantime there is a to-do-list longer than my arm that has to be executed before finally saying goodbye to Unit 4, Sandlea on Saturday, 24 November i.e. transferring the Telkom line & ADSL to the new owners * applying for a Telkom/ADSL line @ Kinross * transferring the post box to the new owners of Unit 4 * applying for a new post box in Jhb * terminating the municipal account * booking a carpet cleaning company for Unit 4, Sandlea * changing addresses * setting up appointments with interior decorators for Kinross * and on it goes .....

I am posting some goodbye messages from some of my scrapping friends/students. Thank you all for your support. Many of you have, on numerous occassions, offered your company during Sunday afternoon show houses as well as being prepared to be there for me should I have any security problems at night being on my own. I have been alone now for 11 weeks and all your kind thoughts and offers to help have definitely made the 11 weeks go by much faster. Love you all.

Kerry Harper: "Not sure what to say !! Of course thrilled for anyone's success - that will be great for you both. Conroy and you make the most out of every situation - and you will succeed in all that you do you - having each other by your side ! But a big loss to many of us.........our scrapbooking inspiration! and special friend. You have a special place in my heart and always will. I have noted the two dates and will be there without a doubt ! Chat soon. Everything happens for a reason - the right reason !"

Robyn Keulder: "Libby just told me the news and we are both devastated!!!! Its not all for selfish reasons - we really are going to miss you. Not just because we won’t have the best scrapping teacher in the world anymore but it feels like we are losing a friend! We do however wish you and Conroy all the best for the future. Well its not “good-bye” yet – and still many scrapping nights to come!" " Hi Desire, .... Thanks hey – and thanks for all the things you have taught me over the past few years, the experience I have gained is invaluable. Im really gonna miss our weekly get togethers…but I know its not the end as we have January to look forward to! ... Thanks Robyn

Tracy van Zyl: "Although I am very sad and will miss my scrapbooking evenings in the blue room I wish you and Conrad all the best in your new adventures. Now I think I will go and buy a huge slab of chocolate and console myself!! xx"

Sheila Corfe: "Hi Desire, I don’t know what to say!!! I know that congrats must go to Conroy in his new venture and it is very important that he has stability and fulfillment in his job. On the other hand to say that I am devastated is an understatement. You will always be an inspiration and my idol in scrapping, and will have to just arrange some lessons in JHBG, as I am sure you will set up lessons in JHBG. I will definitely be attending your two days at Makaranga in the new year, so have already diarized this. Best Regards Sheila" "Well I am slightly consoled by this message!!! I also hope you will be doing some online lessons, However, one slight problem I foresee, is that your selection of paper for the pictures is always so perfect. I will have to email you my pics, and you can send or let me know what paper to choose! You see I already have it all worked out!!!!! Ha Ha Cheers Sheila "

Nicola Jennings: "Wow, your news really threw me. I am going to miss you and all the good times in the blue room. Just thought I would let you know scrapping will never be the same without you. And you will never be replaced by anyone. Lots of love Nicola.xxx" / "Wow, this makes it truely official. I have been waiting to wake up and told this is all a bad dream.... (that is of course for me) Desire I have no words to describe how much I will miss you, our Thursday nights and the TP Gang, it was always something to look forward to each week. Having our own lockers at the teachas new home is a great honour.Just make sure you give us Conroys weekly itinerary so we can slot in when he is away.Wishing a very special person and her hubby, lots of love, luck and happiness with their new venture.All my love Nicola"

Carol Liebrandt: "I have had a good cry and now I want to say I will miss u so much and thank u for teaching me so much - you are irreplacable in my scrapbooking world"

Sophia Allison: "Hey, I did not know all this was happening, will you still be at my party on the 18th, hope so…oh my goodness I hate farewells, but at least it is not forever. Will most definitely attend your days, at least get to see you then…will miss you, but I’m sure Doing Life will keep me updated with your happenings and look forward to the new sister site. You will have to make sure you keep updated on my Blog to see how we are coping with the new baby when it comes along… Scrapping fulltime….COOL, which will be up your alley!!!! As for the BLUE room, why not a PINK one??? Change is good… "

Stella Fischer: "Hi Desire, Just wanted to let you know that I am still not comprehending your news from last night, .... I am very happy for Conroy & yourself in your new venture together and I am sure it will be a big challenge, but then again you are both strong people, good at what you do and I know that you will eventually make the most of your situation and will be happy. Like everything new and unknown it is a little daunting. I just want to tell you that you will be sorely missed, even though I am not to sure of my creative scrapping side, you have in deed taught me a lot and for that I am truly grateful to have met you and privileged to have been able to come to your lessons. Last night came as a shock and I really felt bad that we did not comfort you after you had told us, but I suppose we were only thinking selfishly of ourselves and not of you, who has been carrying this on your shoulders, I am sure for quite sometime. I know that you will not leave us out to dry and we will certainly support and be grateful to have your kits that you endeavor to make and which I know will be stunning as everything you have done in the past. You need to now move on together and I know that everything will work out fine for both of you. Until next scrapping lesson. Lots of Love. Stella"

Jenny Reid: "So sorry to read of your imminent move back to Gauteng, but naturally Bruce & I wish you and Conroy all the best for your new Adventure." "Pass on our good wishes to Conroy for the new career path he has chosen."

Michelle Ramsay: "That is indeed a very sad state of affairs, but ... when life throws an opportunity like that, you have to grab it with both hands and say thanks.You and Conroy have worked hard and deserve all good things coming your way. I wish you both a huge amount of success in both your new ventures.I look forward to the monthly kits and remember my offer is there to be used, please.I think quite a few people could become "frequent flyers", so hope you have enough bedding for the regular visitors.Desire, you have been an inspiration to me and a whole lot of other scrappers. Thank you for everything you have always done for me - I have really learnt a lot.You are going to be HUGELY missed.Lots of loveThe OW and MoBHG who is a TPGC akd is the MFV the DLA and also DLEWotN" (OW - outside walkerMoBHG - member of the Botha's Hill GangTPGC - Teacha's Pet Gate CrasherMFV - Most Frequent Visitor on Doing LifeDLA - Doing Life's Aassistant (from 27 Jan)DLEWotN - Doing Life's Eye Witness on the Net)

Beverley Dow: "I cant even read to the end - I AM OFFICIALLY MORTIFIED !!!! - How are we all going to cope, this is the best thing in my life .... Sorry to be soooo selfish, congrats to Conroy ( I am going to make you pay big this weekend - just got to think of a challenge for you ) Never fear I WILL come up with something GOOD.Congrats to you both and our loss is definately Joburgs BIG gain.See you tomorrow. Sorry still in shock !!!Love AlwaysThe Green Mamba"

Brenda Moon: "Desire', Please send my congrats to your husband, but know that I will miss you very much. I may not have been a 'constant lesson attender' but it was so comforting to know that you were a few minutes away should I need help, advice, supplies! Please keep having Scrapping Days down here in Durbs-we are losing a GREAT asset-and put me on that distribution list for that monthly kit!Lots of love, Brenda Moon"

Libby Houareau (The Real Self Proclaimed Teachers Pet: TP): " Hello my darling teacha - I'm still so devastated that you are moving. Spending Thursday nights in the Blue room with you has become so much part of my life and I am going to be so lost once you have moved. I've been trying very hard not to think about it and your email has just reminded me again......... I'm not good at dealing with change as you can see. I s'pose I must be positive and be thankful that at least you are not leaving the country!! and we'll still have contact with you at scrapping days and via your website, etc. I know that your kits will be so successful and you will do extemely well at your fulltime scrapping venture. Will see you tomorrow night and will be trying very hard not to cry :(Lots of love Libs X X X "

Kirsten Bennett: "Hi There ... Yes it sounds like a great opportunity you and your husband have, and Im sure you will settle well there and build up new students quickly!! And thats really great that you will be able to do scrap booking full time!! And we will miss you here but we will see you every now and again when you come down. The internet site that you are busy making sounds awesome and My sister and I will be sure to make use of it. That way we can carry on with our scrapping and start to do projects on our own.Yes pls will you let us know when there are bookings for your scrap booking days at Makaranga..we would love to attend those if we can.... Enjoy the rest of your day ...Luv Kirsten =)"

Lynn Hulland: "Hi Desire, Kerry sent me your e mail telling of your exciting/sad news. How exciting for you - congrats to your husband on his promotion. We know that you will be very successful up there, and will soon be in the thick of everything. So sad for us - we love having you around the corner and your expertise with your scrapbooking is legendry. Still now we look forward so very much to your workshops which you will come down for - travel safe and only our best wishes go with you. LYNN HULLAND"

- Signing off: What are friends for?

Its official, Unit 4, Sandlea, 4 Coghill Avenue Kloof is SOLD!!!

KINROSS AVE, FERNRIDGE ESTATE, Fourways {Our Brand New Address} - Monday, 22 October 2007 My weekend did not start off on a good note. Mike, a driver from Toyota Tsusho collected me from work at 3:45pm, Friday afternoon, taking me to Durban Airport for my flight at 17:40pm. At the SAA check-in counter I was informed, in a business-like-as-a-matter-of-fact-manner that the flight has been delayed and is scheduled for departure at 18:30pm - sans friendly apologies.

Fortunately Conroy has given me his Premier Lounge Club card on which he had loaded some credit for me (just one of the million little/huge favours he had done during our nearly 23 years of marriage). On entering the premier lounge, I noticed that it was jam packed and only one comfy single couch open amidst a group of business men busy closing deals, sorting out business problems and catching up with loved ones on their cell phones as well as others catching up with their emails on their laptops.

I got myself the latest Sarie handbag sized magazine at Exclusive Books before checking-in, and made myself comfy amidst the business buzz. It seemed as if time stood still, no sooner did 6:30pm arrive and the overhead flight schedule tv monitor updated and to everyone's dismay our flight and every other flight to Jhb was delayed by another 40 minutes with the estimated time of departure now being 7:10pm. I could not get hold of Conroy on his cell to inform him of the delay. He was flying to Jhb from Kenya with our time of arrivals co-ordinating at more or less 7pm. I gathered that he would note our lengthy delay on the other side.

At last we boarded at 7:10pm. But actually lifting of the ground was still to be seen to be believed. As everyone boarded, by now totally impatient/irate and exhausted, one of the passengers (a young guy, probably not 20 yet) 'shot a cat' [direct translated from Afrikaans 'skiet-'n-kat'], for short, vomited the biggest vomit I have ever witnessed all over the isle and that before we were even in the sky. So to make spirits plummet even more, a ground crew had to be called out to come and clean the mess. So another 20-minute delay piled onto the already excruciating delay.

We took off to the skies at 7:35pm whilst being informed, for the first time, that the reason for all the Jhb flights being delayed was that there were severe storms in Johannesburg which resulted in the planes not being able to land. We were also asked to keep our safety belts on because we could hit bad turbulence as we reach Jhb. After our vomit incident and the turbulence warning I made sure that I had the air sickness bag in sight. Fortunately we had quite a smooth flight. Met Conroy at 8:45pm whose flight was also delayed and he only waited an hour for me. Our dinner appointment was off the cards and we settled for Woolies take-out dinners.

Saturday morning, we had some breakfast and did some shopping at the new Nelson Mandela/Sandton City shopping mall, bought the Star newspaper and spent the rest of Saturday 'unwinding' at Conroy's apartment in Bryanston. 'Unwinding' meant scrutinising the three property guides that comes with the Star newspaper, for possible properties for sale, worthwhile visiting during Sunday's show houses. Yours truly spent about three hours narrowing down and cutting out house adverts. And off course, we watched the Bokke humiliate the English and once again felt proud to be South African.

We started Sunday with a McMuffin Breakfast at Fourways' MacDonalds after which we revisited and met the agent of Century 21 at 1 Moreno Crescent, Dainfern Ridge Estate. This was the house that we originally put an offer on during August conditional to our home in Kloof selling by the end of September. We did not renew our offer at the beginning of October having second thoughts and not wanting to make rash decisions we might regret later. We told Anne the agent for Century 21 that we did not wish to put in another offer and are rather looking out for a brand new home which has not been occupied before. We did see such a house when I visited Conroy during September. Ann informed us that this brand new house we saw was still not sold. There were quite a few offers on this house, but the builder was waiting for a better offer.

So off we went to the estate, Fernridge, situated adjacent to Dainfern Ridge, to go and have a look at the brand new home, we both loved on our first visit, but were restricted to putting in an offer due to the offer we put in on 1 Moreno. This time round we were cash buyers, having sold our home in Kloof. Once again we just loved the home. After travelling for a few hours visiting adjacent suburbs and estates, reassuring ourselves once again that the location of Fernridge Estate was 100% to our liking and practical, we telephoned Ann and said we would like to meet immediately to put an offer in. Our offer was compiled and signed at 4:30pm yesterday, Sunday, 21 October 2007 and the Seller had until 8pm Monday, 22 October 2007 to accept.

Well I flew back from Jhb this afternoon Monday, 22 October praying that the Seller would accept our offer [I knew that if it was not accepted, it was not meant to be]. It felt like a huge weight just fell of my shoulders when Conroy phoned me just after 5pm to let me know that our offer was accepted!! It is amazing how life just sometimes seems to work out for the best. Our occupation date is 28 November the same date when our home in Kloof's new occupants are moving in. However, there are lots that needs to happen before 28 November. First of all, Kinross being brand new, we need to have blinds and curtains custom made for it - so I probably have to fly up to Jhb one more time to meet up with an interior designer to select the colour schemes.

Enough yapping about our house saga's here are the specs for 122 Kinross:

[Apologies for poor quality brochure pictures. Will have better quality photos when visiting Kinross with my own camera.]

Entrance Hall * Formal Lounge * Family Room * Dining Room * Fitted Kitchen with cherry wood veneer cupboards, granite counter tops * Separate Scullery * Under Floor Heating * 4 Bedrooms (MES with dressing room) * 3 Bathrooms * Study or 5th Bedroom * Covered outdoor patio with braai * Swimming Pool * 2 Automated Garages * Staff Accommodation * Lovely small flat grassed garden (can't wait to create an indigenous jungle) A big thank you to all our family, friends and scrapping students/friends holding their thumbs and toes for us. It worked!!! Signing off with another wonderful creature visiting our Coghill Garden.

A SERIOUS OFFER - NEARLY A DONE DEAL

13-14 October 2007

It has been quite an eventful weekend. Whilst teaching my scrap lesson on Saturday morning and having a couple of house hunters sassing out our home, Trish from Acutts Estate Agents phoned to ask whether she could bring around a very interested client, who has already seen the outside of our home, at about 2pm. I said that would be fine. The couple promptly arrived with Trish (punctuation being a trademark of Trish's work ethics) at 2pm. As usual, I was expecting to have freedom of our home again within about 20 minutes (which is the usual duration for home hunters to enlighten themselves about our home). But alas, this was not to be. Half an hour went by, 45 minutes went, a whole hour went by at which time the couple requested a tape measure - now like most of you who probably have sold or bought a home - when the word tape measure comes up you know matters are turning serious. Shelley was visiting the afternoon, and me not being able to put my hand on a tape measure right away, Shelley promptly pulled a tape measure out of her handbag. No sooner did the tape measure appear and the garage's height was measured to make double sure that their 4x4 will fit. Another half an hour went by and only after the couple made another tour of the house and garden, did they depart.

Trish had promising news on their departure informing me that they are definitely putting in an offer and wanted to know whether we would be able to meet the following conditions:

Condition ONE

Occupation date, 3 December 2007

Condition TWO

Permission to have 3 dachshunds (miniature sausage dogs) on the premises (complex rules state only two animals per unit).

Condition THREE

Rose (our home executive) has to stay on.

Condition ONE was the least difficult to meet, apart from it perhaps leaving us homeless for a while having to evacuate by 30 November - leaving me with only six weeks of enjoying living in the unsurpassed beautiful lush green and peaceful environment of Kloof and enjoying the company of my dearest scrapping students.

Condition TWO was quite a hurdle to overcome. The complex's rules states that only two animals per unit are allowed and if the rules are bent for one unit, it could set a president for future new Sandlea unit owners. I got hold of Conroy, who was at his apartment in Bryanston about this issue, who soon made work of this and contacted the chairman of Sandlea's body corporate. The chairman could not be persuaded to allow three tiny sausage dogs instead of two - so it seemed like one little miniature sausage could cause a serious deal to fall through the cracks.

On Sunday, Conroy phoned the other two members of the body corporate who was totally relaxed about allowing three little sausages instead of two. With the approval of the other members, Conroy got hold of the Chairman again, who this time round, having heard that the other members gave their approval, also gave his stamp of approval. This was a huge relief. Trish also got hold of the Chairman and got his stamp of approval personally and even offered to assist Sandlea's Body Corporate with the wording of its rule regarding animals.

Just as a matter of interest, the couple actually have FIVE little pedigree dachshunds. They have already found new owners for two of them. A third one is 12 years old and recently had a huge back operation and has a serious heart condition. It was apparently a miracle that it came through the operation alive.

Condition THREE was another serious stumble block. As most of my scrapping students know, Tracy (ex Bundu Chick) has offered to employ Rose and has already been waiting for Rose since the end of July and said that she is willing to wait for Rose as long as it takes to sell our home. It took a lot of courage for me to ask Tracy whether she would be willing to give Rose up. Thanks Tracy for being so understanding and being willing to find another home executive. This meant a lot.

Condition ONE has changed since the signing of the offer to 28 November 2007, which gives us 5 days less to organise our move and find a home in Gauteng.

So a big thank you to:

First of all Trish, Tracy, the Chairman of Sandlea's body corporate and Shelley with her tape measure who made this offer possible.

I got the ball rolling with setting up three removal companies for quotes and am seeing the first tomorrow morning. The reality of relocating to Gauteng has kicked in and life will be moving along a bit faster for a while. I am flying up to Johannesburg on Friday, visiting Conroy for the weekend. Looking forward to seeing him again for the first time in three weeks.

- 'Scrapping Teacher on Offer' Signing off

WEEKEND HAPPENINGS Saturday, 6 to Sunday 7 October 2007

Saturday kicked-off with an early rise at 6am for my hair appointment at 6:30am. Michelle came to collect some ink pads for stamping at 9:45 and stayed for tea and a chat during which time Sothebys had an appointment at 11am to bring a potential client.

My blood was boiling once again when the agent (the house sitter of last Sunday's show house - a lady quite advanced in her years) arrived just before 11 announcing that the client forgot about the appointment but she would like to bring another client through. It was clear that this other so called client, was definitely not a buyer. She was also quite advanced in her years and the house would definitely be too big for her. I made the assumption (could be wrong) that this so called client was a friend of the agent. What a cheek to bring a non-buyer to walk through our home, invade our privacy and not having the decency to just pick up the phone (a handy modern tool) and let me know that the appointment is cancelled.

Sorry Michelle for being a sound board for my frustration. Michelle left at 12 for her hair appointment down in Durban North, but not before she mauled a poor little baby Variegated or Spotted bush snake (we think it is). See pic.

Some good news is that old Scrap is back and it looks like he had after all not been murdered by the roof contractors. It is always a nice welcome when I drive into the garage and see that old Scrap is on guard at the front door whilst gobbling up ants.

After Michelle left I started a new layout. I have been teaching elements of this layout during the past week in my classes and just had to do a layout myself. For those curious amongst you lot - it will be for sale in kit format (R230) on the Shoppe called 'Shades of Autumn' early this coming week. There is also a new category 'stamps' so go and have a look at the new product under this category.

I also managed to complete a layout, which I have been working on and off during the past two weeks, with some of our Cathedral Peak Breakaway ditch crawling pics. Girls I have not forgotten about the CD compilation of this weekend's pics - I promise, it will materialise in due course.

Michelle arrived at 4pm this time not to chat but to scrap. Whilst scrapping we brain stormed something unique for my Scrapaganza (19 January 2008) and could not stop laughing about this brain wave of ours - so girls be warned - if you are thinking to book for this scrap day - you are definitely letting yourselves in for a thing ...

Today, Sunday is the 8th show house in a row and Trish of Acutts is hosting it. Trish brought us an offer for our house late Friday afternoon, but we decided not to accept it yet and rather hang in there and see if we can get an offer closer to the market price. Thanks to Trish who has already been quite active in marketing our home. So keep those fingers crossed. Conroy flew early this morning, for his first business trip to Mauritius this coming week. The following Sunday he is off to Kenya again and I will be flying up to Jhb for the weekend of 19 -21 October. We are planning to book tickets to go and see the Lion King during this weekend.

- Home Alone Signing Off

DOING LIFE SCRAPAGANZA

[Saturday, 19 January 2008]

(7:30am-5pm)

RESERVATIONS HAS OPENED

Price: R600.00 (non-refundable)

Come and treat yourself once again to a day filled with scrapping therapy at Makaranga’s Conference Centre in Kloof, Durban. Create & Complete 2 double page layouts - inclusive of photographs (Kits provided)

Refreshments throughout the day, including lunch. Grand Prize Draw at the end of the day! Doing Life's Shoppe will be stocked with basic scrapping goodies and a surprise new item or two. To reserve your scrapping spot ... email Desíre at desiref@iafrica.com

Bookings close 17 December 2007.

Looking forward to seeing all the regulars, TP's, mambas and perhaps a new face or two!