Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal

This is a lovely challenge, and I see that many bloggers have posted beautiful nature pics for the theme.

To my mind, renewal means a bit of respite from the daily grind, and if one is very lucky, even a holiday.

Yesterday, we were on our way to Home Depot for the umpteenth time, to look at ‘stuff’ we need for redoing the kitchen. I spotted a Starbucks along the way, and we pulled in there for a bit of rest and renewal in the form of a cappuccino for hubby and a chai latte for me. I really don’t know why that chocolate brownie is sitting on my keyboard, but it seemed a shame not to eat it. 😀

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my home in South Africa. The summer holidays are coming up, and then the town and the beach will be swarming with work-weary holiday-makers, who have come down to the coast for a bit of well-earned renewal.

Moms will have time to sit under an umbrella and read, whilst dads will become little boys again, as they play sand castles with the kids.

Older couples may prefer to find renewal away from the crowds, and sit contemplating the waves in peace.

Dogs just love to run free along the beach. Their joy and exuberance just says it all.

Some companies send their employees down to the ocean for a few days, for a bit of renewal in the form of ‘Team Building’ activities.

At holiday time, I like to stay far away from the ‘madding crowd’, and find renewal just sitting at the top of our beach steps, watching the ever changing pattern of the waves.

What does the word “renewal” mean to you?

To be taken to more posts on the theme, just click here.

On display in Florida.

Ailsa’s travel theme, “On Display,” was still in my mind, when we went out and about yesterday. I had been busy unpacking our cases for most of the morning, trying to find space for all the ‘stuff’ we’d carted with us. One of the items, was a little Lladro fairy bell, which is the other half of a pair. I’d brought the boy pixie over the last time we came, and he’s had to wait six months to see his girlfriend again, as I only had one custom-made box to put him in. Anyway, they’re reunited at last, on display in my bedroom, so I can stop feeling guilty. 🙂

On our travels, we stopped in at ‘Whole Foods’ to get some groceries. Love this store, as everything looks so fresh and healthy.

One thing I really enjoy about being here, is that I can buy fresh berries all the time, and in nice big boxes, too. This is something I really miss when we go back to South Africa, as we don’t get many blackberries, raspberries and blueberries, and when we do, they’re in tiny little 125g packs, which are eaten in no time at all.

Outside, was a very cute pumpkin display for Halloween.

Home Depot was our next stop, to look for ideas for our kitchen revamp. A really helpful lady by the name of Jamesetta, gave us loads of literature, and arranged for someone to visit next week to discuss the design. I’m very excited about this, as it will mean all new appliances, and it will be great to have an oven that actually works. 🙂 The one that came with the house, is original, and I think the thermostat stopped functioning years ago, which makes it impossible for me to even bake one of my cheesecakes. 😦

On the way out, we went to have a look for an orchid, but although there were a myriad to choose from,

We didn’t buy one, as they were all fully in flower, and I prefer buds which will come out over time.

Also on display were these gorgeous little red cacti.

On the drive home, the sky displayed signs of imminent rain, which we had overnight, together with thunder and lightning.

One of our neighbours told us that it has rained every day since we left here in April. No wonder the grass is so green.

Today we have to drop off the rental car at Palm Beach International airport, which means that I have to follow on behind in our car. This will be my first time driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road since we arrived. Wish me luck, 🙂

To see more “on display” posts, just click here.