A Special Day



Franschoek, Cape Town 1999

 When Georgie saw this photo, he asked slightly alarmed  "what's the black stuff on dad's head?" That will be hair, George.

It's our wedding anniversary today and amazingly Tyler got the day off, so reason enough in itself to celebrate. Not that we need another party.

Last night we went to the islands answer to Truman Capote's Black & White Ball held in the 60's, although ours was just white it was equally as glamorous.  This island is very good at enjoying itself. On Wednesday evening we had our Grade 3 class parents round for a drink (I'm Class Mom) on the balcony and despite a power failure and a heavy storm, everyone only went home when the wine ran out. On a Wednesday...

The boys are cooking dinner for us tonight, and I can hear much debate and planning going on in the kitchen at the moment (I've just heard James say "I need some stations"). We have provided the roast beef bought in St Thomas (US Virgin Islands) a few weeks back but the rest is up to them. Tidying up is also part of the treat. William is determined to make an apple pie and Jame's wanted to have chilli con carne as a starter, until we explained that beef folllowed by beef was a bit much. Now I think it's nachos. I've also noticed that there's a bottle of Lanson in the fridge, so who's worrying?

It was exactly 2 years to the day that we decided to move back to the BVI, where Tyler was born and grew up. We had a big 10 year anniversary party in our Johannesburg garden (frankly we never thought we'd see the day, so a party was definetly in order) and at 5am sitting in the bedoiun tent, winding down after everyone had left, we thought "what next" and here we are.

Although the move has been a huge test on our relationship and we have our 'moments'  like everyone else - things have been good. The role reversal has been a shock and Tyler's hours as a chef have been gruelling for all. I've ended up doing a lot of single parenting and still struggle, in my post-modern feminist way, with the housework & endless Driving Children Everywhere. However I have a strong sense that we'll survive (despite dinner tonight) and hopefully grow old gracefully together.

Love you T. Thank you for a wonderful life. xxx