Bob, Biltong And Sheepskin Soles.

A great way to start the new year.

Isn't it ironic what with the almost spring like temperatures we are having, that Bob is kitting himself out for extreme cold weather? Soon his leave will draw to a close and with it a new chapter in the vineyards will commence. Of course he's hardly a stranger to working in the vineyards but during January, is a new and welcome adventure for him.

One can't dress too cumbersomely as one still needs to be mobile and light footed. Well, that is where the sheepskin enters the fray...Albert has cut up a prized sheepskin with woolen fur into shoe soles for Bob. At first Bob looked a bit sceptical ( it had a touch of cave man about it ) but once he slipped it into his Merril shoe and christened it with his feet, he was in heaven. If he could he would have purred and it was sheer willpower to not wear them to bed!

It looks as though Bob's is ready for any cold coming his way. When I noticed how comfortable he was in his shoes I started a cunning train of thought. Any leftover cuttings would be marvelous for our Tigger's new mini house. A retro 70's style feline pad indeed and today as we got back from Rechnitz, a bag with some sheepskin was dangling on our door handle. Tigger will snore in great style tonight....

The one thing Bob misses about South Africa ( apart from family of course ) is Biltong. One could almost call it a national dish eaten at the oddest or most normal occasions...watching Rugby with friends, walking out the supermarket, mingled with fried eggs or avocado on a sandwich and after supper whilst lounging about.

Bob's brother had made him a Biltong making box and only recently it was put through its paces. Due to our cat having the run of the house, we had to ask my parents to help and keep the box at their place to avoid any depletion before completion.

You know, if we had a horse we wouldn't have needed this box...Bob informed me that back in the day the Afrikaaners used to put slices of raw meat under their saddle for days on end in order to cure it. Glad we aren't so horsey after all. Well, normally I am not a fan of Biltong but sorry for you my love, this batch you made tasted delicious and very moreish...

Biggi