March news

We obviously have very happy bunnies….lots of them. Since moving them from the farmyard to the enclosed run they have multiplied. Fun to sit in the swing chair and watch, however bunnies are not just cuddly and soft and have ‘karate kid’ sparing games which amazes some little people. Charlotte the tortoise, appears to be just as confused by the weather as we are and seems to have already started to head toward hibernation. Pacing up and down and heading for higher ground when the clouds roll up…only to head back out to look for food.
We are still waiting for the quinces to ripen but have been able to serve home grown raspberries for the first time in many years thank to a neighbor splitting up her plants and boosting our garden. We are watering from the river every day but it is still not the same as a good steady rain. George totaled rainfall stats and we are down on last year by two thirds for January and half for February, maybe it is still coming but the poplars and liquid ambers are already starting to turn yellow.
Our pumpkin patch (actually it qualified as a pumpkin field according to a local farmer!) has been a little disappointing. When I suggested it and we planted it everyone said they were going to overtake the driveway… I am maybe too impatient to be a farmer but the crop looks a little sparse to me. We wait with baited breath…
The cosmos starting to bloom means it’s nearly Easter….We have two specials for families coming up – quote this newsletter to qualify:
20% discount between 25 – 30 March and also the 11 – 13 May 2012. Round up the kids and Grandparents.. or Grandparents round up the kids!! And come for a refreshing fun filled break, no cooking, no driving and cell phones ringing once you pull into the carport, just fresh air, great food, warm hospitality, wonderful walks, horse rides and bunny cuddles – are you convinced yet?
A reminder that we have some exciting weekends planned for this year. Stargazing with Joyce and Robert Faltermeier on the weekends of 22 – 24 June and 12 – 14 October. They are enthusiastic and great with children - maybe time to learn a new hobby? The ‘Walking with Wild Flowers’ weekend with Dr Ashley Nicholas on the 2 – 4 November for all of those who have enjoyed hikes though our mountains – time to stop and take a closer look with an expert ‘in the field’ so to say. The Fun Bowls week from the 25 – 30 November is proving to be popular so give us a ring if bowls is your thing.
Thanks to all who entered our monthly draw on the website. The March winner is Stephan De Kock
George and I went up to the Ou Hout camp on Ventersburg for a night camp – road is a great 4x4 route – all you off roaders would have been proud of me… but I leave you with this calm and beautiful picture.

Get planning – we look forward to having you all visit. Greetings from us all!

Husky heaven...

22mm of hail and rain fell on Wyndford = Husky heaven!! All the hail ended in a pile which made a wonderful bed for Dodge - who spent a happy hour making 'snow angels'! Interestingly enough neither of our neighbouring farms had any rain..
Anyone who remembers the melted candle picture.. they were put to use this week by turning them upside down, a bit drippy but worked nonetheless!
Most beautiful day here today, crisp blue skies and a cocophany of birdsong. Enjoy your day!

Yesterdays cloud patterns over Wyndford.

Interesting an beautiful cloud patterns over us yesterday - huge winds - but no rain. The length of this cloud stretched as far as the eye could see. The poplars, liquid ambers and grasses have started to turn - it would appear that this part of the Eastern Free State is going to have an early autumn!

February already..

Was about to say welcome to 2012… and here we are already bouncing up to Valentine’s day! We trust that the year has started well for you and your family.
The Wyndford family is changing and growing. Someone just asked how Angelique and Celvin’s baby was – so here is a picture of her sweeping and not such a baby anymore! Shane and Patricia have decided to move on and we wish them happiness in their future.

As the candle photo shows, we have had some extremely warm days over the past two months – topping 40° one day – when we all felt like the candles looked! As I write this we have had a short sharp shower but the river is still only ankle deep. Bad news for tubing… and especially worrying for farmers in the area, as crops and grass feed for cows and horses are affected.
For all those who have milked the cows…interesting bit of information…not sure you will ever really need it, what with a Woolies on every corner. Our cream and milk has been turning sour overnight – the cows are so hot when they come home in the afternoon, it is affecting the life of the milk and cream. Can you just picture cooling showers for cows?! Or alternatively just pop down to the cow shed with some Milo for instant hot chocolate.
Our wonderful fruit year continues, and we are now waiting for the pears, apples, quinces, figs and grapes to ripen and then another frenzy of jam and jelly making will ensue. Our cider and wine making was not a viable option – it would appear we have ‘tea total grapes’ as the last batch never ‘kicked’ and we still have a bucket of two year old grape juice.

A reminder that we have some exciting weekends planned for this year. Stargazing with Joyce and Robert Faltermeier and a Walking with Wild flowers weekend with Dr Ashley Nicholas in November. Many trips are planned for those who do not want to negotiate the roads themselves. Keep an eye on our new website or give the girls in the office a call…

So many children who come say when they grow up they would love to work at Wyndford. If you know any growed up kids who might fit the following description and would like an opportunity with us please send us CV’s to reception@wyndford.co.za.
Young, dynamic, energetic couple who are happy to work in an isolated environment. Previous hospitality experience essential. Passionate about guests satisfaction, able to master housekeeping, maintenance, Food & Beverage and administration.
Him: Night manager to help monitor maintenance, kitchen, evening entertainment & lock-up.
Her: Excellent communications skills & computer literacy. Duties include hosting guests, Front Office & Housekeeping.

Our monthly draw winner this month is Bernadette Arlow
We look forward to being able to welcome you to the wonderful Eastern Free State and Wyndford soon!
Have a fabulous February,
Greetings from us all

Looking for Management Couple:

Young dynamic, energetic couple who are happy to work in an isolated environment. Previous hospitality experience essential. Passionate about guests satisfaction, able to master housekeeping, maintenance, Food & Beverage and administration.

Him: Night manager to help monitor maintenance, kitchen, evening entertainment & lock-up.
Her: Excellent communications skills & computer literacy. Duties include hosting guests, Front Office & Housekeeping.

Send us your CV to reception@wyndford.co.za

Isolated thundershowers...

I always thought that the weathermen were just hedging their bets when they forcast 'isolated' thundershowers. The Eastern Free State is looking wonderful, green and lush. However,dig down and it is dry dry dry. We get the build up and can see the rain falling on our neighbours farm, they get 30mm and we get nothing! Definately no tubing down the Caledon River, which is only ankle deep.
Needless to say the pool has been put to good use and the sparkling waters are very inviting.
Enjoy our new website and we look forward to hearing from you soon!
Have a great day today.