Heater!

It is chilly enough to be using my old bar heater. It creates a surprising amount of warmth and Thomas likes to toast himself in front of it.

Plants and Cobbles

Work has begun on my new garden! The beds have been dug out and edged with a row of cobble stones, and most of the new plants have arrived. Tomorrow planting begins.

Convenience Shopping

Popped in to Woolworths at the Engen Garage on the way home today - for bread and milk and chocolate. You know, the basic essentials ;-)

Planning the Route

I love maps! Mine are well used (in fact, getting rather tatty). I pore over them and still find new paths to walk and new areas to explore. Today I headed to Silvermine. I've been feeling anxious about walking on the mountain after being mugged last month, but it was time to get out there again. Today was the day... a beautiful still warm winter's day, perfect for walking. It was a wonderful walk, really good for me to be out and about again.

Easy Peelers

Hooray for bright orange citrus fruit!

The Big Top

I was lucky enough to get some last-minute complimentary tickets for Madame Zingara tonight (thanks Gerlinde). This show, the Love Magic Tour, was even better that the ones I've seen before... astounding acrobats and performers, delightful entertainment. The food was fabulous too and it was altogether a fun evening!

Missed Connections

I love the internet! Artist Sophie Blackall's Missed Connections site is one of it's delights.

Dragonfly Girl

It was a fine day so I went for a walk after work - and saw some art. Sea Point Promenade is currently home to a series of sculptures by artist Marieka Prinsloo. More info here.

Bye Bye Bafana

I don't usually follow sport but I can't believe how much I've been drawn into this soccer World Cup. I watched the France-South Africa match this afternoon. The first half was electrifying... two goals... but unfortunately we couldn't score again in the second half, so even though we won the match we have been eliminated from the tournament. What a pity! But the team played well, gave their all and did us proud. Well done Bafana Bafana.

Commute

It was nice to have a (brief) break in the rain for the drive home today.

Dog in a Blanket

It looks like all my friends' pets have their own brightly coloured fleece blankets! Max has a Spiderman one, and today I saw Michele's old girl Dinkie wrapped up warmly in a Winnie the Pooh one. How absurd... such spoilt animals :-)

Winter Scarves

When I tidied my wardrobe this morning I found a couple of scarves I'd forgotten about. So far this winter I've been favouring the cream woollen one. My brother spun the wool and knitted it up... it is extremely warm and soft.

The New Wall is Up

A couple of plants survived, but most of my garden has been trashed. But at least the noise and the mess is over! On to the next phase, already planned with my friend Iain of Green Cat Landscaping... painting the wall and replanting the whole garden.

Hats Off

For the last few months I've been knitting woolly hats in my spare time. Today I attached little tags, parcelled them up and sent them on their way to my friend Carla who runs a farm stall on the Garden Route. Hopefully she will be able sell a few... it is certainly cold and wintery enough to wear a knitted cap at the moment. Now I need a new project!

Max

Went to Jenny and Iain's for tea and cupcakes this afternoon and their cat Max was snoozing under his spiderman blanket. He wasn't too happy when I pulled it back to say hello. It's cold out there. Please cover me up again. Right now, ok?!

Garden Chaos

Today the work finally started on the new wall around my garden. I knew it was going to be rather messy but I'm rather horrified at the destruction.

Off to the Game!

Vanessa, Dorothy and me clutching our World Cup tickets as we set off to watch our first ever soccer match. We met Sue on the fan walk and made our way to the stadium on foot. Despite the rain and freezing temperature we had a great time... the stadium is very impressive, the atmosphere was fabulous and game (Italy v Paraguay) was really good fun. I'm sorry I decided not to take my camera. [Guest photographer: Gerhard]

The Tudors

This afternoon Claudia and I got stuck into the third season of this costume drama. I know it's not very historically accurate, but it is highly entertaining!

Winter Soups

Michele and I went for a walk in Kirstenbosch today, and popped in to the Tea Room for lunch. I went for ham and pea soup - with croutons! - and Michele choose beef goulash soup. Both were absolutely delicious.

World Cup Fever

I've been enjoying the excitement that has gripped the whole country the last few days. I watched the World Cup Kick-Off Concert on TV last night and today a couple of friends came over to my place and we watched the opening ceremony at Soccer City. I cheered when Bafana Bafana scored the first goal of the tournament!

Sweetie-pie

When the paw covers the nose I could die from the cuteness.

Waving Flag

At midday today the sun came out and the city erupted with the sound of vuvuzelas and car hooters tooting in celebration of the start (almost) of the soccer World Cup. It was fun! Feel it, is is here. And I can't get K'naan's lovely Waving Flag song out of my head.

Fireplace

It is freezing cold today! One day I'd like to have my own fireplace - nothing warms up a room and one's spirit like a crackling fire. Photo taken last night, Dom's house.

Warm & Cosy

Dinner party at Dom's place tonight. His home is so warm and welcoming, isn't it. I love a table set for dinner, with candles, heavy silverware and large linen napkins.

Mr Grumpy

Tom hasn't been feeling well the last few days... not eating (as much), rather smelly and definitely not himself. I think something is wrong with his tummy. He's been to the vet and he doesn't have a temperature, so we're not sure what the matter is. Feel better soon little one!

New Toy

I've replaced my camera. This is the new version of my old one. I'm disappointed that my favourite feature on the last one (super macro mode) has been done away with. Instead there are some new ones, like this fish-eye effect. Kind of silly!

Laptop Bag

Things are NOT going my way at the moment. Laptop refused to boot up last night, so it got put into its ratty old bag and sent it off to be repaired today. I've been intending to replace it sometime, but hopefully it can be fixed and keep going for a few more months. In the meantime, no computer, no internet for the weekend. Boo!

Elephant Whisperer

I've finally got around to reading this book which has been recommended to me numerous times. It is delightful. And I have new specs!!!

St George's Mall

I had to go down to the bank today and walked along St George's Mall. Wow, looking very festive with all the flags... World Cup starts in ten days!
(Canon camera, you are missed)

Punching Numbers

My entire day today has been chores, paperwork and admin... month-end at work and so much household upkeep stuff to do at home. Sigh. I think I need a holiday!