New Yarn

I get excited about new balls of wool... so many possibilities! I think I'll be knitting these two up into a woolly hat.

World Cup Tickets

This afternoon I collected the tickets that I bought on a whim last year. I'm not much a sports fan but it should be fun to see the spectacle. I'll be able to say I was there ;-)

Beware the Fraudsters!

This morning I got an sms from the bank notifying me of a large debit on my account. As I had made no such transaction I immediately rang their call centre and then had to go down to the bank in person to complete a bunch of paperwork (letter of dispute and affidavit, stamped at the police station) and get the debit card cancelled. How this happened is a bit of a mystery as I very seldom use this card and had it my possession all along. Never thought I'd be the victim of fraud! Even though it was a lot of hassle, the bank was very helpful and hopefully all will be sorted out in a couple of days. Phew!

Zest

My favourite new kitchen gadget: a fine Microplane. It is wonderful for grating fresh ginger and garlic and zesting oranges and lemons. Best grater ever! I spent the afternoon this Freedom Day in the kitchen.

Dayeen, Dayoud

Last night I found a blog so delightful I was clicking through the archives way past my bedtime. Go and have a look at The Libe ob Don Estorbo de la Bodega Dominicana. Estorbo is clearly Thomas's long lost cousin. Oh I love beeg blag cads!

The Wonders of Life

I spent this perfect autumn day with friends walking in Helderberg Nature Reserve where this sign on the gatepost reminds us what it's all about.

Macarons

I took a box of these yummy Parisian macarons to a my friend Dom's birthday celebrations today. Aren't they gorgeous?! I couldn't resist the beautiful colours.

Movie Night

I really enjoyed reading Cold Mountain a few weeks ago and so passed it along to friends Dorothy and Vanessa to read too. We decided we needed to watch the film version again. This evening I hosted movie night at my place... we ate a tasty pasta supper, scoffed chocolates and watched the film together. Lovely movie; relaxing way to end the week.

Hacked to Bits

We've has the tree-fellers in this week clearing out some enormous overgrown strelitzias and trimming some other trees in preparation for the new (higher) wall that will soon be replacing the old wooden fence. My frangipani and peach tree both lost several limbs, poor things. The worst thing however was watching the doves this morning: they were hopping along in fence this morning in a state of confusion as to where their beloved strelitzias have gone. They've lost their home :(

Parking Garage

This is where I leave my car every work day. Isn't it funny how all parking garages have the same feel... I think it must be the lighting and all that concrete.

Masque

This delightful yellow gloop is a new hair conditioner I've been trying out. It is half the price of the salon stuff and seem to work just as well. And I love the honey fragrance.

Shelves, Revisted

This weekend I finally got around to rearranging the books and ornaments on my new wall unit. I think I'm done. It has been a really successful improvement to my little flat. Now I can tackle some issues... like those flying saucer light fittings!

Sour Dough

I eat bread very seldom these days, and when I do it is usually rye. However, this morning, on impulse I bought a sour dough loaf from Cassis. It's the perfect white bread: hard crust, soft chewy centre. My brother and I made half the loaf into sandwiches and took them up the mountain. When we got back we each ate another slice with lashings of butter and jam. I'll probably have the last crust for supper. Not very good for me, but so incredibly delicious!

Hospital Bend

Yay, the road-works on this busy stretch of road are finally coming to an end. The new flyover from De Waal Drive onto the M3 southbound is open! This new interchange feels much smoother and safer, and a pleasure to drive.

Morning Show

I only listen to the radio when I'm driving, so it's just a little while each day. I usually tune in to Kfm and enjoy the weekday morning show.

Necklace

I decided to make a bit of an effort with my appearance today... even put on jewellery ;-)

Vinaigrette

I love making salad dressings. This morning I wasn't feeling adventurous so just whizzed up my usual one: white balsamic, olive oil, salt, pepper, honey and wholegrain mustard.

Dom on the Mountain

My friend Dom and I had a lovely walk along the pipe track today. Lots of news to catch up!

Lazy Fluffball

Trixie-stix is growing her winter coat and getting super-fluffy. She likes curling up and snoozing on my mohair rug... I think she must be the laziest creature in the world.

Purple Plectranthus

I strolled around Kirstenbosch this morning and was completely captivated by the Plectranthus. These gorgeous lacy flowers are in full flower at the moment, carpets of blue, purple, pink and white, in the shady sections of the garden.

Laundry Day

I always find the sight of clean washing fluttering in the breeze cheers me up. I especially like white linen. Clean sheets, yes please!

Grey Day

View of the city this rather miserable afternoon.

Aches and Chills

I've been fighting off a cold for the last couple of days. Today I started with the achy body and a bit of a temperature. I'm dosing myself up and going to bed early. Will not get sick.

If Murdered...

There is no end of silly and trivial sites on the internet and they are one of my guilty pleasures. The black humour on this site had me chuckling today.

Lunch boxes

I think plastic boxes with snap-shut lids are fabulous! I've got them in various sizes and I pack my lunch in them most work days. Today was home-made hummus with carrot sticks.

MP3

The CD player in my music system is misbehaving so I've plugged a pair of new speakers into my laptop and am playing some MP3s through good ol' WMP. It is fun to hear some new tunes and play some old favourites while I curl up on the sofa and read this Easter Monday. Cancelled plans to go out - am feeling lazy, low-energy and reclusive today.

Brunch

Easter was celebrated today with a relaxed brunch at The Annex. Good company, yummy food and a no plans for the rest of the day... I do like long weekends!

Book Selection

My turn to buy books for book club... I think I got a rather nice selection.

False Bay

I went back down to St James today to collect some books and visit Dorothy. It was a perfect day and we had a lovely lazy time drinking tea, eating hot cross buns and staring at the ocean. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'll never ever get tired of this view!

Apple and Cheese

My favourite snack: a crisp Royal Gala apple eaten with mature cheddar.