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.

Wet Cozzie

It has been cold and rainy for a full week. My favourite exercise is walking outdoors, but as this hasn't been possible because of the bad weather, I've been spending some time in the pool instead.

Twinkle Toes

My poor neglected feet got a bit of a mini-pedicure at home this evening.

Returning the DVD

Had such a busy work-day today I almost forgot to take back the weekend DVD (a not-uncommon Monday chore). And I had to resist taking out the next disc of Dollhouse - it's good fun and I can't wait to watch more episodes.

Handful of Pills

For the last few days I've been fighting off a cold. I've added extra vitamin C and and an immune system booster to my daily supplements, and also been taking Echinacea drops. I've had plenty of rest, drunk a lot of water... and successfully managed to avoid getting sick!

Midmorning Nap

The cats and I have are having a quiet, relaxing day at home today. It's a treat for me, but the cats are this lazy every single day. What a life!

Honeysuckle

The honeysuckle at my front door has burst into flower. Its pretty flowers and sweet scent greet me when I come and go. Love it!

Salmon Roses

My day ended with an early movie (Moon) and sushi with my girl friends. I really enjoyed the movie, very thought-provoking. Good review of it here.

Concertina File

My tax return is in, my insurance revised and all my paperwork neatly filed away. It is a good feeling to have my affairs in order.

Into the Fridge

I picked up some fresh groceries from Woolworths on the way home from my walk this evening. Salad for supper.

Hornet's Nest

At last! I've got my hands on the third book in Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy, The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. Loved the first two. I'm going to start reading this tonight.