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.