Thursday, December 31, 2009

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.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

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?

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

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.

Monday, December 28, 2009

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.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

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.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Chuckle


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

Friday, December 25, 2009

Crackers!


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

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Mince Pie


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

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

3D


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

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

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.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Laundry Pile


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

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Sibling


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

Saturday, December 19, 2009

River Swims


The Duikenhoks River at Vermaalkikheid is wonderful for swimming.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Paddahoek


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

Thursday, December 17, 2009

On the Way


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

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

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)

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

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.

Monday, December 14, 2009

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.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

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.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

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!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Sprinkler


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

Thursday, December 10, 2009

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.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

My Turn


I play backgammon online every day. Love the game!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

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.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Happy Couple


Richard and Claudia on Muizenberg beach late yesterday.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Blueberry Cheesecake


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

Saturday, December 5, 2009

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.

Friday, December 4, 2009

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).

Thursday, December 3, 2009

White Agapanthus


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

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

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.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Cat Box


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

Monday, November 30, 2009

Knitting Needles


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

Sunday, November 29, 2009

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.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

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.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Stripey Cat


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

Thursday, November 26, 2009

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.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

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!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

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.

Monday, November 23, 2009

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.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

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).

Saturday, November 21, 2009

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.

Friday, November 20, 2009

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!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

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.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

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.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

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.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Fresh Green Leaves


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

Sunday, November 15, 2009

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.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

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!

Friday, November 13, 2009

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*

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Handsome


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