A Short Hiatus

Posted on March 7, 2013 by thecompletebook

A Short Hiatus

I forgot to take a pic of the garden to leave you with while I am away so here are my 3 fur babies taking a time-out – they are such professionals at relaxation.

I have come to Johannesburg to be with my Mom while she recovers from an op she had on both her feet the other day. She doesn’t really need any looking after, it’s more just to lend a hand with a few chores and cooking as Mom isn’t allowed to be on her feet for 2 weeks – this is going to be quite a task as she is used to dashing about town every day and on occasion after all of her 6 grandchildren over weekends.

I will see you all in a couple of weeks when I am back home. I will try and keep up to speed with as many of your posts as I can as I would hate to miss out on anything.

First things first, sushi takeaways for supper tonight, so best I go get hold of Dad so he can bring our takeaways on his way home. You didn’t think I wasn’t also going to take a few nights off myself…

62 thoughts on “A Short Hiatus”

Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial on March 7, 2013 at 07:08 said:

Take care, Mandy. I hope your mum recovers well, and you enjoy your short break! See you soon.. xx

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- thecompletecookbook on March 7, 2013 at 07:46 said:
  
  Thanks Celia. It’s lovely being here with the folks. I’m taking mom out this morning just to get out of the house for a while. Seems cabin fever set in all too soon with mom. Have organised a wheelchair so we should be good to go for the morning. Have a lovely day. 🙂 xo
  
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Choc Chip Uru on March 7, 2013 at 07:17 said:

I hope your mum recovers soon my friend and have a fun time together on time off 🙂
Beautiful photos of this cutie!

Cheers
CCU

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- thecompletecookbook on March 7, 2013 at 07:47 said:
  
  Thanks so much CCU! It’s always nice visiting with family – this time just involves a little extra TLC. Have a lovely day. 🙂 xo
  
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suckitupnotin on March 7, 2013 at 08:10 said:

Awww look at those little feet!

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- thecompletecookbook on March 7, 2013 at 15:09 said:
  
  My little babies are so precious – I can’t wait to get some more shots. Thanks for stopping by Caddie, have a super day. 🙂
  
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Maeve Heneke on March 7, 2013 at 11:07 said:

Lovely pictures -thank you for a cheerful start to a cold, grey London day. A quick recovery to your Mom.

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- thecompletecookbook on March 7, 2013 at 15:11 said:
  
  Thanks very much Maeve and thank you for your email, very kind of you to take the time to share your concerns. Have a super day and sending you lots of warm sunny South African regards. 🙂 xo
  
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Bluejellybeans on March 7, 2013 at 11:19 said:

Dear Mandy! Enjoy your time with your mom 🙂 see you soon!

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- thecompletecookbook on March 7, 2013 at 15:11 said:
  
  Thanks very much Giovanna. Looking forward to catching up soon. 🙂 xo
  
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Chica Andaluza on March 7, 2013 at 11:21 said:

Hope your mum manages to relax as much as your fur babies and that you get to enjoy some quality time together 🙂

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- thecompletecookbook on March 7, 2013 at 15:13 said:
  
  Aren’t kittens just the best at relaxing. Mom and I had a fabulous morning out – home now for some R&R. Have a wonderful day. 🙂 xo
  
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Jed Gray (sportsglutton) on March 7, 2013 at 14:11 said:

Hope your mom recovers quickly!

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- thecompletecookbook on March 7, 2013 at 15:14 said:
  
  Thanks so much Jed – mom is doing extremely well – very proud of her. Chat soon again. 🙂
  
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Bam's Kitchen (@bamskitchen) on March 7, 2013 at 14:36 said:

Sending some positive thoughts for a quick recovery for your mum

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- thecompletecookbook on March 7, 2013 at 15:14 said:
  
  Thanks so much Bam. We had a fun morning out and now enjoying a relaxing afternoon on the couch. 🙂 xo
  
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My Inner Chick on March 7, 2013 at 14:40 said:

–Mandy, how nice to spend time w/ your mommy! Enjoy.

I love your Fur Babies above. SO Sweeeet.
Who will take care of them?

Love to you, dear. xxx I will miss u.

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- thecompletecookbook on March 7, 2013 at 15:19 said:
  
  It’s always fun spending time with the folks – mom and I always have so much fun together. Our handyman/gardener is looking after our fur babies – he goes twice a day to feed and play with them and is at the house twice a week for work so the babies are very well cared for. I do miss them terribly though! Have a beautiful day friend. 🙂 xo
  
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  - My Inner Chick on March 9, 2013 at 21:54 said:
    
    Ahhh, he plays w/ them, too? I loooove Xxxxx
    
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    - thecompletecookbook on March 10, 2013 at 07:26 said:
      
      🙂 xo
      
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ChgoJohn on March 7, 2013 at 16:21 said:

How nice that you could be there for her. I hope she’s well soon.

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- thecompletecookbook on March 8, 2013 at 16:31 said:
  
  Thanks so much John. Mom is really doing well. I take her to the doctor next week Tuesday to have her bandages removed and to assess the next step. have a super weekend. 🙂 xo
  
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Norma Chang on March 7, 2013 at 16:36 said:

Wishing your mom speedy recovery, have a great time out and wonderful time with your family.

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- thecompletecookbook on March 8, 2013 at 16:32 said:
  
  Thanks very much Norma! I am having a lovely time being with my folks. Have a lovely weekend. 🙂 xo
  
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cravesadventure on March 7, 2013 at 18:37 said:

Enjoy spending time with your mom and your break. Loving the fur babies – oh so cute:) Have a Great One – Take Care!

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- thecompletecookbook on March 8, 2013 at 16:32 said:
  
  Thanks so much Renee! It’s great being with my folks – always special times and mom is doing very well! Have a beautiful weekend. 🙂 xo
  
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Angie@Angie's Recipes on March 7, 2013 at 19:43 said:

Hope your mom recover soon and well, Mandy.
Your kitties are so sweet.

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- thecompletecookbook on March 8, 2013 at 16:33 said:
  
  Thanks so much Angie! I am missing my kitties so much! Have a beautiful weekend. 🙂 xo
  
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Karen on March 7, 2013 at 21:12 said:

I know that your Mother must appreciate you taking time to spend with her. Enjoy being with your parents and I hope your mother is back on her feet soon. You left us with adorable photos.

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- thecompletecookbook on March 8, 2013 at 16:34 said:
  
  It is amazing how well Mom is doing Karen. I am eager to see what the doctor says next week Tuesday. Have a beautiful weekend. 🙂 xo
  
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Hotly Spiced on March 7, 2013 at 21:59 said:

I wish I could spend a day just being a cat – doing nothing but catching up on sleep while lying around in the sun. That’s lovely of you to help your mum. I hope she recovers quickly. I can’t imagine not being able to be on my feet for two whole weeks xx

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- thecompletecookbook on March 8, 2013 at 16:40 said:
  
  I agree with you Charlie, a day in the life of a cat must be heavenly! Mom is doing really well with having to keep her feet up but must say it is taking quite a lot for her not to run around like she does on a normal day. Have a beautiful weekend. 🙂 xo
  
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dianeskitchentable on March 7, 2013 at 23:28 said:

Oh my goodness, if that isn’t just the picture of contentment. They are sooo cute I just want to grab them & snuggle up. Enjoy your visit with your Mom & I hope she has a speedy recovery. I’ve had foot surgery but only had 1 foot done at a time but I will say on the 1st surgery I did what the doctor said about keeping off my feet & the recovery was so much faster than the 2nd surgery when I decided I knew better than the doc.

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- thecompletecookbook on March 8, 2013 at 16:53 said:
  
  Aah thanks Diane – I am missing my little fur babies SO much! Wish I could bring them with me – although it’s great that they can stay in they own comfy environment and are getting lots of love while I am away. Oh my, you were very brave having one foot done at a time Diane – not sure Mom would go through this again. She has been very lucky and had hardly any pain at all – mainly just discomfort. We will see what the doc says on Tuesday when he removes the bandages. Have a beautiful weekend. 🙂 xo
  
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  - dianeskitchentable on March 9, 2013 at 01:58 said:
    
    I know exactly what you mean about missing the fur babies, even when you know they’re getting good care & have each other for company.
    And I just heard from my blogging friend Anastasia in San Francisco – she’s passing on Happy International Women’s Day! So I’ll pass it to you.
    
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    - thecompletecookbook on March 9, 2013 at 09:35 said:
      
      How lovely Diane, thank you and Happy International Women’s Day to you too!. Have a lovely day. 🙂 xo
      
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gourmetgetaway on March 8, 2013 at 00:25 said:

It is so good that you are there to give your mum a helping hand. I hope she recovers well and is as relaxed as your little fur babies look.

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- thecompletecookbook on March 8, 2013 at 16:55 said:
  
  Thanks so much Julie. Mom is doing so well – very proud of her. Have a beautiful weekend. 🙂 xo
  
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kathryningrid on March 8, 2013 at 18:32 said:

As always, the kittens are acting as vigilant sentries–as long as they can lie down across points of entry! It’s long been clear to me that there’s a perfectly good reason I’m a Kat too–I can’t function without tons of sleep. 🙂 I know your little fur babies will be as glad to have you home as you will be to see them! Meanwhile, how wonderful that you’re able to be with your parents and lighten the load of getting them through your mom’s healing process. Having you with them will help both of them cope so much better, and I suspect will also make it a bit easier for you not to worry overmuch as one can do when not getting firsthand information. All the same, I hope you will have some respite as well and come home hopeful and refreshed and not too worn. Good health and loving comfort to all of you!
xoxo
Kathryn

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- thecompletecookbook on March 9, 2013 at 09:33 said:
  
  I get a lot of pleasure out of watching my fur babies sleeping – very satisfying. I can’t resist giving them a tickle and smooch which always results in purring and a little stretch like only a cat can do after which more sleeping is required. 🙂 Its been a wonderful time with the folks so far and I am looking the rest of my stay. Sadly Pete has to leave us tomorrow for another trip to Malawi. Have a beautiful weekend dear Kathryn. 🙂 xo
  
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Zirkie on March 9, 2013 at 17:14 said:

Enjoy the time there! I hope your Mother will up and about, soon!

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- thecompletecookbook on March 10, 2013 at 07:20 said:
  
  Thanks very much Pink. Mom is really doing very well. I’m sure the doctor will have encouraging news on Tuesday. Have a lovely week ahead. 🙂 xo
  
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Michael Beyer on March 11, 2013 at 18:08 said:

Hi Mandy–Hope your mom recovers quickly and that is so nice of you to help her out while she literally gets back on her feet. I love the first picture of your baby in the wicker basket. It could win a prize!
– Michael

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- thecompletecookbook on March 12, 2013 at 14:43 said:
  
  Michael, thanks so much! Mom is doing really well – quite sad to be leaving her again. 🙂 xo
  
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moi du toi photography on March 12, 2013 at 13:23 said:

Love love love this first shot of your little girl! Get well soon Mommy ♥

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- thecompletecookbook on March 12, 2013 at 14:46 said:
  
  Aah, thanks my friendy! I haven’t taken any shots for the past couple of weeks so I’m starting to get a bit antsy! Need to get my a into g! LOVED the pics of custard cottage. Can’t wait to come and see it. 🙂 xoxoxo
  
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Purely.. Kay on March 12, 2013 at 16:46 said:

Enjoy your hiatus Mandy. And I hope everything with your mom gets better. I know all too well how real life comes in and the blog has to go on hold. Enjoy this time with your family

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- thecompletecookbook on March 13, 2013 at 07:12 said:
  
  Thanks very much Kay. It’s wonderful being here with the folks. Special times – just a pity mom is a little out of action with her feet. Have a beautiful day. 🙂 xo
  
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Promenade Claire on March 13, 2013 at 00:56 said:

Oh my yur fur babies are the sweetest things EVER. Hope your mum is well and all is well x

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- thecompletecookbook on March 13, 2013 at 07:15 said:
  
  Aah, thanks Calire! They are my precious little lumps of sugar who ooze so much love. Can’t believe how much I miss them when I am away from them and I feel so guilty too! Mom is doing really well. The doc removed her bandages yesterday and is very happy with both feet. Last night was the first time mom had any pain – not much thankfully. She has to wear these odd velcro stretchy things over her feet and toes for the next 4 weeks which help stretch the ligaments and reduce the swelling. Shame, quite a thing is op. Wish I could stay with her for the next 4 weeks. Have a beautiful day. 🙂 xo
  
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bitsandbreadcrumbs on March 17, 2013 at 18:34 said:

Adorable babies! Reminds me I need to get some pics of our girls. So glad to hear your mom is doing well. Hope you have a super week! 🙂

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- thecompletecookbook on March 18, 2013 at 08:21 said:
  
  Thanks Betsy! Have a super week too. 🙂 xo
  
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Ashley @thedrivencook on March 18, 2013 at 13:35 said:

Glad your mom is doing better! Hope things continue to go well for you.

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- thecompletecookbook on March 18, 2013 at 13:56 said:
  
  Thanks very much Ashley. Have a super day. 🙂
  
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Karen on March 22, 2013 at 01:39 said:

I wanted to stop back by and see how your mother was progressing. I’m glad she is getting along well…wish she didn’t have to go through the pain of stretching the ligaments.

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- thecompletecookbook on March 22, 2013 at 15:51 said:
  
  Karen, thank you so much for your concern. Mom is really starting to feel frustrated with the “healing” process of not being able to be on her feet and having to be driven around – not good for an independent woman like my mom. It’s just a few more weeks and she will be back to normal. Such a blessing though that she has had no pain at all. Have a beautiful weekend and I am looking forward to catching up with you soon. 🙂 xo
  
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  - Karen on March 22, 2013 at 15:53 said:
    
    Please tell you mother I’m thinking of her and hope she is fully recovered soon.
    
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    - thecompletecookbook on March 22, 2013 at 16:19 said:
      
      Thank you so much Karen, I will do. 🙂 xo
      
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zirkie on March 24, 2013 at 21:33 said:

How are you and your Mom?

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- thecompletecookbook on March 25, 2013 at 11:06 said:
  
  Hi Pink, thanks so much for checking in on Mom again. She is really doing well – she has had no pain at all – she is just extremely frustrated with being limited to the amount she is allowed to stand and walk still for the next couple of weeks. Each day gets a little easier and knowing how worth all the inconvenience is at the end of the day keeps Mom focused on the end result. Thanks again for your concern. Have a super week ahead and I am hoping to start catching up with everybody again this week or by the latest next week. 🙂 xo
  
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Geni - Sweet and Crumby on March 27, 2013 at 22:43 said:

Awwwww. I absolutely adore the pics of your fur babies.

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- thecompletecookbook on March 28, 2013 at 10:58 said:
  
  Thanks Geni! I am hoping to get a few more shots this long weekend. Have a super day. 🙂 xo
  
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