Noordhoek | Rambling Litchi

If your memory’s sharp – mine’s not, so I’m envious – you’ll remember we had my last office end-of-year party in January, technically celebrating Christmas 2013 in January 2014, so it seemed way too soon to have the 2014 Christmas version a week ago, but have it we did, and it was literally grand as we spent the afternoon at Grand Beach near the Waterfront.

As Mother was still on our coast visiting, there was also lots of sightseeing, such as lunch at Cousin Janet’s – she lives in the most jealousy-inspiring house in St James, remember? Seeing as we were that side of the city we took the long way home, all through Noordhoek and along Chapman’s Peak drive – click here for a reminder of last time we did this pretty trip. But, as always, there was more to fill our weekend…

Thursday, 11 December 2014: Bizcommunity end-of-year lunch at Grand Beach

Of course the first thing you do when sitting at a table on icing-sugar sand is kick off your shoes... — Of course the first thing you do when sitting at a table on icing-sugar sand is kick off your shoes…

Delicious strawberry shake pales in comparison to the bright pink menu, but no worries - I always prefer this pale fruity variety to the brightly syruped alternative — Delicious strawberry shake pales in comparison to the bright pink menu, but no worries – I always prefer this pale fruity variety to the brightly syruped alternative

Starters are served! We had a few of these long pizzas per table, as well as a fishy salad option

Ended with a delicious coffee caramel martini before we played Bad Santa

Friday, 12 December 2014: Cloudy, rainy and cold

After the sunny sunshine of Thursday. Friday was drizzly and grey. Luckily that's the last of the off-colour weather for a while... — After the sunny sunshine of Thursday. Friday was drizzly and grey. Luckily that’s the last of the off-colour weather for a while…

Saturday, 13 December 2014: Decembraai-ing with the Cape rellies, scenic trip through Noordhoek, along Chapman’s Peak

See? beautiful sunshine reigned supreme again on Saturday. This was taken in Janet's garden in St James — See? Beautiful sunshine reigned supreme again on Saturday. This was taken in Janet’s garden in St James

Mother surreptitiously sipping her wine, Husband and I happy in the sunshine

Des - 91 in a few months - and Sybil, separated by a lovely lilac bloom — Des – 91 in a few months – and Sybil, separated by a lovely lilac bloom

We try a variation of this shot each time we visit Janet's house, lol — We try a variation of this shot each time we visit Janet’s house, lol

Can't miss the Trading Post in Noordhoek on the way home. Sipping a very chocolatey shake — Can’t miss the Red Herring in Noordhoek on the way home. Sipping a very chocolatey shake

Husband opted for a beer instead, of course.

First bit of Hout Bay peering at us as we travelled along Chapman's Peak — First bit of Hout Bay peering at us as we travelled along Chapman’s Peak

Such a pleasing mix of nature's elements — Such a pleasing mix of nature’s elements

Then the sun started to sink, adding a touch of magic

Sunday, 14 December 2014: Breakfast at Bread & Butter, cake at Mum

It's a bad idea for me to start the day without coffee. Helps if there's a heart shape in the foam — It’s a bad idea for me to start the day without coffee. Helps if there’s a heart shape in the foam

Husband can't eat a savoury meal without Tabasco sauce. Went well with his poached egg, bacon and avo croissant — Husband can’t eat a savoury meal without Tabasco sauce. Went well with his poached egg, bacon and avo croissant

Mother was pleased with her salmon eggs benedict

Homemade carrot-pineapple cake at Mum's. With (more) coffee, of course — Homemade carrot-pineapple cake at Mum’s. With (more) coffee, of course

Tuesday, 16 December 2014: Breakfast at Captain’s Kitchen, Big Bay; cocktails at Catch22

Proper eggs-n-bacon breakfast for once! With obligatory coffee

Much, MUCH later that day - this is the rainbow-coloured 'Catch23' at Catch22. Pretty, but I preferred the vanilla flavour of Husband's Robben Island Ice Tea — Much, MUCH later that day – this is the rainbow-coloured ‘Catch23’ at Catch22. Pretty, but I preferred the vanilla flavour of Husband’s Robben Island Ice Tea

And with that, we’re on the brink of the NEXT weekend already! Am not taking any leave other than the public holidays coming up, but Husband’s off for a few weeks so expect some pics of his DIY and home fixes in my next update!

Ah, Christmas time. I am fully in Christmas mode once I’ve had my annual viewing of ‘Love, Actually’ for the year. And while December’s not exactly a ‘mistletoe and wine, snowy winter wonderland’ in South Africa, it’s still a favourite holiday for many.

Last year was a different one as it’s the first Christmas in almost a decade that we didn’t spend with hubby’s family (click here for a reminder).

This year was especially special for us as some of the Joburg rellies we’d not seen in months came down to spend time with us. In addition to brother-in-law Spec (click here for more of his early Cape Town adventures), we have Gords and Natalie in the house… and their visit is all the more special as they got engaged at Sunset Beach on Christmas Eve! So, lots of excitement all in all.

Added to this, it was our first ever year hosting the main Christmas meal, but with minimal stress (mainly on my part, as I’m the worrywart in this family), we produced an excellent spread! Clifton braaied the turkey based on a combination of advice from his dad and recipes he picked up online, mom made her famous potato salad with sausage and gherkin bits, there was gammon with candied clementines, and for dessert mom outdid herself with the best trifle ever (cherry jelly, custard, a base of Christmas cake, cream and fresh cherries and blackberries, mmm).

Here are some pics of the celebrations…

Christmas Eve – 24 December 2013