Quiet Time

It was far too hot to do anything or go anywhere today (37C!!). I spent the day in front of the fan, feet up on the coffee table and reading my book (the new one from Joyce Carol Oates). I was just about as lazy as Thomas, who snoozed on his bed all day long.

Box Office

The heatwave continues... it was an unpleasant 35C today. I escaped for a while to the air-conditioned cool of the movie theatre. Michele and I finally got around to seeing Sherlock Holmes at my scruffy local independent, The Labia Theatre. It was a fun movie.

Sudoku

I played a few games of Sudoku online this evening. It helps me relax and clear my head - just the thing after an incredibly busy and tiring work day (annual stock take).

Afternoon Drive

After work yesterday I got a lift with Dorothy out to Vanessa's place for book club. We took the scenic route, via Hout Bay (where we stopped for a bite of sushi) and Chapman's Peak into Noordhoek and on to Fish Hoek. It was a glorious afternoon to be out and about.

Toothbrush Texture

I replaced my toothbrush the other day and it seems I bought one with some sort of weird textured tongue cleaner on the back. It feels freaky-strange in my mouth. Shudder.

Not Enough Hours

Life is crazy-busy at the moment. My work days are flying by. Stock take and financial year-end are coming up this week and even though I'm about as prepared as I can reasonably be, there is still so much to do. I am feeling really tired and it's only Tuesday.

My Cat is a Fool

Both my cats love it when I strip the bed and make it up again with clean linen. They dive under the sheets, attack the pillowcases and generally behave like little hooligans. Tom is such a clown... when he rolls over like this it's an invitation to play. How can I possibly resist? So, naturally, I end up playing with him and it takes me ages to complete the chore. And by then the bedding is covered with black fur!

Tucking In!

I've been eating out a lot lately. Today a bunch of us enjoyed a lazy Sunday lunch at the Black Marlin Restuarant in Simonstown. Everyone was far too busy tucking in to their delicious seafood to look at the camera. Except for Richard. Hi, Ric, bon appétit!

Stuffed Mushroom

This dish didn't look like much but mmmm, the aroma and the taste were good! Mushrooms stuffed with brie and then baked with a mess of spring onions, garlic, parsley and butter (recipe here). This evening I took a plate of these yummy appetizers to a dinner party to celebrate Vanessa's birthday.

Folding Chairs

I've been on the look-out for a couple of new folding chairs to bring out when I need extra seating and to use in my garden. I finally found some and, as they were so inexpensive, I got four! The best thing is that they're only 4cm wide when folded up, so they store away very neatly and efficiently in a corner of my bedroom. Perfect!

Lecture

Ian, Dorothy and John under the fever trees outside the SA Museum this afternoon. We went to listen to a talk about the potter Hyme Rabinowitz, part of the Iziko Summer School.

Ian's Pot

I was woken up early this morning by Trixie rampaging around the room after a large fluttery moth. The little monster sent a candlestick and other ornaments flying, clatter clatter, and came very close to knocking this pot down too. It is one of only a couple I own by my brother and I love it, so phew, I'm very glad it was safe.

Light Reading

This month's books. I've been so looking forward to reading the new AS Byatt, but I'm finding that I just don't have the energy or concentration span to tackle it at the moment. Instead I've been working my way through all the the other books... light and easy reading!

Birthday Girl

Joined friends for burgers and milkshakes at Royale Eatery this evening to celebrate Michele's birthday. Best birthday wishes!

A Reluctant Subject

Come on, Trixie, look at the camera... c'mon Trix, over here...look at the camera...that's right... good girl... how about a smile? [harrumph]

The Chop

I had my hair cut today and it ended up much shorter than planned! Will take some getting used to, I reckon. And I'm still in an awkward transition stage as I grow out the last of my old colour and embrace the grey. I think I'll start to grow it long again later this year.

Moody Sky

Michele and I walked up the mountain this evening. The weather started to turn, clouds gathered. The sun broke through for a few moments and shone down on the Atlantic.

Neutal Palette

Finally, I got myself some new eye make-up! This trio is called 'nougat'.

Frangipani

My frangipani tree is covered with these lovely pink and yellow flowers. A few got blown off this morning in a rain storm. I adore them... their sweet scent is one of my favourites.

Sitting Room

The new cushion covers for my armchair and throw pillows for my sofa arrived today! I'm so happy with them, love the shade of green. I think my living space is calm, cosy, comfortable. Thank you Claudia for all your advice and help.

Chana Masala

I tried a new Indian dish for supper tonight. It was dee-licious! Recipe here.

SA Museum

This afternoon my friends and I went down to the South African Museum to have a look at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2009 photographs. They are lovely, very inspiring!

Mr Cuddles

Tom has started sleeping on my bed again. In the morning he drapes himself over my legs to let me know he's ready for a session of ear-scratches and belly rubs. Purr!

Gym Routine

I've got a bit of momentum going at the moment... managing to get to gym a couple of times a week! And I've been enjoying working out. I like my gym - it is downtown and very low-key, so much less pretentious than the gyms in the 'burbs.

Cat on a Gatepost

It was gorgeous day today, still and sunny. This afternoon Trixie was to be found in her usual spot: on the gatepost, watching the world go by.

Sugar Substitute

Claudia came over last night and after supper we ended up online, browsing for recipes. I love food blogs and regularly visit Smitten Kitchen, Tarlette, Bakerella, Steamy Kitchen, Orangette, Gluten Free Girl, Pioneer Woman Cooks, Chocolate & Zucchini and Cook Sister amongst others. The pic above is a delicious-looking chocolate meringue pie from a new blog I came across recently, I Made That! Looking at yummy sweet baked goods online is kind of like pornography for me at the moment. I've cut sugar out of my diet almost entirely so this is as close as I'm getting to the real thing. For now, at least!

Beep Beep Beep

I'm not a morning person at the best of times. Today was worse than normal... I stayed up really late last night (for no good reason, just faffing about) and was not at all happy to be woken up by my beside alarm this morning.

Headache

I got a nasty headache today - no idea why. Had to take the strong painkillers.