Good news: Anchen's parents have adopted him! We've gone for a trial period while we're still in SA, and at this stage he hardly seems to notice us when we visit. Of course it's a little sad and on our side there's quite often still the odd old tear if neither thinks the other is watching, but all in all, I'd say he's clearly being spoilt to unknown ends and couldn't have asked for a better home. Thanks to Ouma Anna and Oupa Joe!
Anchen pondered on the fact that he probably thinks life consists of three phases: One, where you have to stay outside with another large dog and gettting attention takes the form of destruction and punishment.
Phase two sees the large dog leaving and suddenly one is permitted into the house but still with extremely strict controls and hardly any room for fun inside the house while the people animals are only around on weekends and evenings for entertainment.
....and then phase three: a 'Father Christmas' type man and a lovely lady allows you anywhere you want to go, while they feed you all kinds of nice things. You have a new friend your own size, you go for long walks on an almost daily basis, and there's always someone around to either talk to, or just snuggle at their feet as much as you like.
Phase three must be his idea of heaven.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Giro!
Of all the things (apart obviously from family and friends and taxis) we might leave behind, or rather can't take with us, I think we'll miss Giro the most (and of course my motorbike - that's shallow!)
We've run the stats: It takes 6 months in quarantine - of which at least 3 must be in SA, Jbg in specific. The kennels in Jbg are fully booked until June next year, which really translates to 8 plus 6 months (a year and 2 months - in case you ran out of fingers like me) that he'll be "kennelised", not knowing what happened to us, and also not knowing that he must wait for us. In addition, the SA leg of this excursion will cost around R30 000! Yep, you've guessed it, we've decided that he'll miss the taxis too much and will have to stay.
Now take into consideration that we don't have kids of our own, and that he has kinda taken over that role in our home, plus, he's about 6 years old and can probably easily do another 6, plus he's just become tame (ie not eating plants or digging in the garden) and most of all, he's around the house when I'm not there, and even though he's just a dog, he's really quite a persona and a really great companion, now imagine how we feel about having to leave him behind. At this stage we're counting on family or friends to provide a home. "Ouma" and "Oupa" Coetsee have got Eddie, but what the heck, we believe the two will get along fine - now we just have to convince them as well!
We've run the stats: It takes 6 months in quarantine - of which at least 3 must be in SA, Jbg in specific. The kennels in Jbg are fully booked until June next year, which really translates to 8 plus 6 months (a year and 2 months - in case you ran out of fingers like me) that he'll be "kennelised", not knowing what happened to us, and also not knowing that he must wait for us. In addition, the SA leg of this excursion will cost around R30 000! Yep, you've guessed it, we've decided that he'll miss the taxis too much and will have to stay.
Now take into consideration that we don't have kids of our own, and that he has kinda taken over that role in our home, plus, he's about 6 years old and can probably easily do another 6, plus he's just become tame (ie not eating plants or digging in the garden) and most of all, he's around the house when I'm not there, and even though he's just a dog, he's really quite a persona and a really great companion, now imagine how we feel about having to leave him behind. At this stage we're counting on family or friends to provide a home. "Ouma" and "Oupa" Coetsee have got Eddie, but what the heck, we believe the two will get along fine - now we just have to convince them as well!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Removals
We've contacted 4 removal companies - of which one didn't even bother to respond after two prompts. Yep, they're probably too busy advertising "being the biggest doesn't mean that you're the best - well, actually, it does..." You know, the one that was 'crowned' the "best" - yep, they didn't even bother to reply to my queries.
Of the 3 we got, the prices on a similar offering varied from R40k to R60k. We eventually signed with Stuttaford Van Lines.
The actual move takes about 2 months of which around 5 weeks are spent at see. They can collect within a 2 week warning period and their busiest time is toward the end of the month. We intend packing and getting everything ready in the week of 10 November 08. I think it's better that we get it done as late as possible for two reasons: one, we need to be in the country to receive the stuff, and two, we first need to find a place to rent!
We thought of staying in a b&b for a few days until we find a place to rent for 6 months to a year after which we'll try and find something to buy.
Of the 3 we got, the prices on a similar offering varied from R40k to R60k. We eventually signed with Stuttaford Van Lines.
The actual move takes about 2 months of which around 5 weeks are spent at see. They can collect within a 2 week warning period and their busiest time is toward the end of the month. We intend packing and getting everything ready in the week of 10 November 08. I think it's better that we get it done as late as possible for two reasons: one, we need to be in the country to receive the stuff, and two, we first need to find a place to rent!
We thought of staying in a b&b for a few days until we find a place to rent for 6 months to a year after which we'll try and find something to buy.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Selling stuff
I've realised that I'm too soft when it comes to people buying stuff from me. The sad stories and droopy eyes are my death blows when it comes to negotiating a price. I've decided to not make things negotiable anymore. Once one knows what a good and fair price is for something, stick to it, and if someone wants it, they can make one offer which I will accept or reject.
I've been dragged down by sympathy to a ridiculous price for Anchen's car and eventually let it go for much less than fair. Anyway, I was a little upset at the start, but am over it now. I've realised that greed is really as bad as we were raised to believe. It makes you unhappy. The thought that you 'could get more' is a horrible thought, and I'll be trying very hard to focus only on getting / paying what is fair and not try to wing another few coins either way for the sake of a "better deal", and hopefully people will do unto me... (...and by the way: Cash is still king!)
I have also received a few quotes from removal companies, but as previously said, that's another story for another time.
I've been dragged down by sympathy to a ridiculous price for Anchen's car and eventually let it go for much less than fair. Anyway, I was a little upset at the start, but am over it now. I've realised that greed is really as bad as we were raised to believe. It makes you unhappy. The thought that you 'could get more' is a horrible thought, and I'll be trying very hard to focus only on getting / paying what is fair and not try to wing another few coins either way for the sake of a "better deal", and hopefully people will do unto me... (...and by the way: Cash is still king!)
I have also received a few quotes from removal companies, but as previously said, that's another story for another time.
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