VGA

Aha, a cable to make my laptop speak to my LCD TV means I can watch things on my big screen! Quiet night in with a pile of movies for new year's eve this year I reckon.

City Suburbs

This was taken at the top of Molteno Road, one of the steepest roads in Cape Town. I adore living in the city bowl, but it is very windy in my corner. Wouldn't it be wonderful to live in the calm quiet leafy streets of Oranjezicht or Higgovale?

Agate

One of my favourite things: this old pendant. I love the translucent stone, the old-fashioned setting and the fact that it is so worn. I wear it often.

In with the New

That time of year again! I've got a new diary for my handbag and spent a few minutes today writing in birthdays and other important information. All set for 2010.

Meeting Scrap

I visited Michele today, in order to meet the little stray cat she has adopted. Scrap is adorable and such a sweetie-pie. I like her.

Chuckle

My friend, Dorothy, as usual, smiling and laughing.

Crackers!

Today: picnic at Kirstenbosch with homemade crackers by Claudia. Merry Christmas!

Mince Pie

I'm really not into Christmas, but I do like the seasonal foods :-)

3D

I saw Avatar in 3D tonight. It was awesome, a visual treat. Hooray for new technology!

Five Minute Break

Work is still very busy! I needed a breather this afternoon to clear my head, so clicked over to Daily Coyote, one of my favourite blogs, for a few moments while I sipped a cup of tea.

Laundry Pile

Today I'm catching up on all my washing and ironing.

Sibling

My brother Ian. He and John came and spent Saturday night with me in Vermaaklikheid.

River Swims

The Duikenhoks River at Vermaalkikheid is wonderful for swimming.

Paddahoek

Paddhoek, the cottage I'm staying in at Vermaaklikheid.

On the Way

I had to drive on a dirt road through the dry and dusty 'vlakte' to get to Vermaaklikheid.

Hitting the Road

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go! I'm off for a long weekend in Vermaaklikheid.
(As there is no electricity or internet where I'm going I've attempted to schedule photos - old ones from previous visits - to appear for the days I'm away. Let's see if it works)

Waterfront Flags

I went down the Waterfront this evening for a bit of shopping and our work end-of-year dinner. These flags, flapping in the breeze, caught my eye - never noticed them before.

Gorillapod

I brought some Gorillapods home from work for a friend to have a look at this evening. They are such fun to play with. I really ought to get myself one.

Storm Damage

Last night a gale force wind storm blew into town, with gusts up to 75km per hour. Buildings lost roofs and trees were blown over. I didn't get much sleep. The wind was whistling through the windows, doors rattling. The wooden fence on the boundary of the property came adrift and was banging. In the morning I saw that some of the wooden slats had been split and ripped off. My neighbour helped out with a temporary solution: extra boards secured with cable ties and rope. Hopefully it will be good for a few more weeks - the fence is due to be replaced early in the new year. The wind is still blowing and will only die down tomorrow evening. I reckon it is going to be another long night.

Beach Towel

My morning was spent on the beach, lying under an umbrella, reading my book, chatting to Dorothy, watching people, nibbling treats from Olympia Bakery and swimming in the ocean. It was a wonderful way to spend a day. And I do love the cheerful colours of my beach towel. It is by far the brightest thing I own!

Sprinkler

It has been very hot all week... time to give my poor wilting garden some relief.

Earl Grey

I've been working very hard and not feeling very well the last couple of days. At times like these, more than ever, nothing comforts more than a cup of tea.

My Turn

I play backgammon online every day. Love the game!

Holiday Reads

I picked up a nice pile of book at my last bookclub meeting - varied light reading for the holiday season. Not sure how much I'll get through, though, as I'm not going to have much time off! The White Queen was a pretty good read, and now I'm onto The Secret Scripture.

Happy Couple

Richard and Claudia on Muizenberg beach late yesterday.

Blueberry Cheesecake

Claudia baked this delicious ginger and blueberry cheesecake - and other treats - for Sunday afternoon tea at her place.

Stacks of Dishes

Friends came over for a casual dinner party this evening. I enjoy the tidy up afterwards, especially stacking all the used crockery; the washing up, not so much.

Dirty Sexy Nate

I've started watching the second season of Dirty Sexy Money. It's silly nonsense but such fun. Of course, I'll watch anything starring Peter Krause (although I had to look up his real name... he'll always be Six Feet Under's Nate Fisher to me).

White Agapanthus

My Agapanthus is bravely coming into flower despite the south-easter's attempt to flatten it.

Gently Lapping

After an incredibly busy work day I headed down to the Atlantic coastline for a walk along Sea Point Promenade.The south-easter has been blowing for a couple of days in town, so it was lovely to get out of the wind for a little while. The sea was calm and clear, and the sound of the waves lapping onto the rocks wonderfully soothing.

Cat Box

Thomas got bundled into the cat basket this afternoon for a visit to the vet.

Knitting Needles

I'm making an effort to finish a knitting project that I put aside mid-year. Progress is slow.

Thomas the City Cat

This piece of ceramics is very special: it is my 'Thomas the City Cat' bowl, a birthday gift. It was made for me by John, and was inspired by my cat Tom and the twinkly city lights that made up my wonderful view from my old flat.

Cold Smoothies

After a walk in the morning Michele and I needed refreshment, so we popped into Kauai for delicious smoothies. I had the C Monster. Hit the spot, perfectly.

Stripey Cat

Trixie chilling in a corner of the garden late this afternoon.

Under Lock & Key

Last week my garden hosepipe was stolen. I didn't want the same thing to happen to the replacement so I've had to buy a chain and padlock to secure it to the tap. I find the whole business so absurd and annoying.

Pink!

A few days ago I noticed pink on the slopes of Devil's Peak, Curious, I took a walk long Tafelberg Road to see what it was. Carpets of Watsonia borbonica, flowering more profusely than imaginable after the fire earlier in the year. A spectacular sight!

City Imagined

Is this not the cleverest cover for a book about Cape Town? A City Imagined, edited by Stephen Watson, is well worth the read.

Left & Right

One of my pairs of hiking socks has worn out completely. Finally got a round to replacing them today. Selected two new pairs: Falke Left & Right Hiking socks, my usual choice. And a pair of lighter Bridgedale Bamboo socks, hopefully cool and comfy in hot weather.

Subway to Swim

First swim of the summer! Later than usual this year, but worth the wait. With Dom and Ant, at Danger Beach, St James (access via subway beneath railway line).

Botanical Garden

I spent a couple of hours strolling around Kirstenbosch today. Looking at plants, relaxing on the lawn reading my book, and lunching with friends at the restaurant. More pics here.

Veg on Sourdough

Delicious sandwich for lunch: the vegetarian option from Jardine Bakery, honey-roasted sweet potato, avo, sprouts and rocket on rye sourdough bread. Yum, yum!

I *Heart* This

I just adore the pattern and the colours of this, the fabric of my favourite blouse. The only issue is that it creases like crazy! And it's getting old - purchased in Malaysia, 2005.

Breakfast Bowl

Home-made muesli, made with oats, barley and other flakes, seeds, nuts and dried fruit, served here with fresh banana and plain yoghurt. All that I need to do is add a dash of milk and I'm good to go. And a good breakfast tastes even better when eaten from a beautiful bowl. This one is by Barbara Bruce.

Special Delivery

A cd I'd ordered was dropped off this morning. I really like unwrapping parcels... can't resist bubblewrap and cellophane. I'm excited to have David Gray's new album Draw the Line - he's one of my favourites.

Fresh Green Leaves

My peach tree is in leaf. I love this shade of green... the colour of Spring!

Lily Bouquet

This gorgeous arrangement of my favourite flower caught my eye at the Cape Quarter this morning. Dorothy, Michele and I popped in to visit a friend working there, and to have a browse at the stores in the new section of the shopping centre. They are mostly upmarket design, decor, lifestyle and fashion outlets. Lots of lovely things well above my budget.

Deep Cleanse

I had a relaxing facial this morning. The beautician has so many lotions and potions for the skin... creams, toners, scrubs, protectors, exfoliators, serums, masks, gels, balms. All I do daily is cleanse and moisturize. And apply sunscreen!

Blue Skies

After so much rain it was wonderful to see the sun shining again today. This was the view from my office window in the morning (oops, smudges! I didn't realise the glass was so grubby). By the late afternoon it was raining again. *sigh*

Handsome

The cats recently got smart new collars. Trixie's one is an elegant black velvet. And here is Thomas sporting princely purple.