Running a BnB post-retirement is the best job I've ever had, but when things were literally falling apart all around after ISSA, it's been really difficult having to still provide meals for our young guests who come for training.
What to feed hungry young guys when you can't even think straight every time you look over the fence and realize just what a disaster we've just been through. I'd forgotten to check beforehand about their dietary requirements; one of them has an allergy to red meat, so we mostly ate chicken, fish and a vegetarian pasta.
Gorgeous sweet cherry tomatoes lying on a bed of Oregano.
Our new guests arrived on Easter Monday, and fortunately the menu was Roast Chicken, so that saved the day!
Our friends home restoration still somewhere in the future!
A bobcat was sent by the insurance company to start clearing the mud around our friends' home, just two houses down the road.
They've found a very nice house close by to rent from next month while their home is being rebuilt/ restored? They still don't know the extent of the damage until the mud is cleared so the structural engineers can assess the damage.
They both are exhausted, as someone needs to be present while the clearing is taking place just in case something precious turns up among the mud. Kalai's hubby and our gem of a gardener-cum-handyman Bongikosi, who also works for them, take turns to be there.
Of course, there is no water and lights at their property, so our home is becoming a base during the day while their property is being cleared; with my friend receiving and making calls most of the day. My head spins thinking of all the aspects they have to consider like canceling, moving and putting services on hold, plus dealing with the insurance company and all that needs to be done in that respect! To say it's a humungous task for all involved is an understatement!
It is so sad that this had to happen to them of all people, both wonderful and special souls who lost their daughter under tragic circumstances just over a year ago! They're also semi-retired with the hubby doing maths tuition; so of course that's come to a halt until they can move into their temporary home!
However, despite the awful circumstances, I am enjoying spending time with my friend who insisted on making us the most fragrant and spicy beans curry for lunch in between the telephone calls, while I was busy with guest bookings and invoicing. She wanted to make Rotis, says she cannot sit still, but although I'd love to have freshly made Rotis, I said next time; she admits the reality of it all still has not sunk in!
We enjoyed dipping my fake sourdough homemade bread into these beans!
We are getting really busy with guest bookings via the training centre, which is most welcome!
Chicken was on the menu a number of nights, and I varied the dishes - crumbed chicken with a savoury rice, a spicy chicken curry which I should have asked my friend to make, mine pales compared to her curries, and really nice chicken sausages & mash with a barbeque sauce!
Variations on a chicken theme ;)
A simple tomato, onion & red pepper sauce served on bow-tie noodles with a cheese sauce (out the packet!)
My hubby is trying to keep sane with the activities all around by restoring an old bench that started showing huge wear & tear on the rattan seat and rust on the arm rests. The steel was rubbed down and painted with a hammerite paint by Bongikosi, and the damaged rattan seat removed. All that remains is for hubby to make a frame for the wooden slats and paint the wood in a heritage green, and then he'll be done with his little project. I must say the bench looks really pretty already!
Edit at this point - as per Fiona's suggestion, we looked at the bench again, and will simply protect the wood with a clear outdoor sealer!
Before I go, I have to share the feathered families that visit the hair salon I go to; all looking in real need of a haircut ;)
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