Instagram

This weekend I started to use Instagram. It's easy and fun.

I've decided to take a break from posting here on Daily Helen and post there instead - maybe daily, maybe less, maybe more. We'll see. I may change my mind and come back here (but probably not). 

To the two dozen or so people who click on this blog every day... thank you so much for visiting!

I hope you come visit me across on the other platform too (you'll find me here). Better still, install the app and follow me :-)

Tidal Pool

Spring high tide at Dalebrook pool today...  we had a most excellent swim! 

~ A year ago today the nation was mourning ~ 

Streeeeeeeetch

Duvet doing cat yoga.

~ A year ago today I was buying olives ~ 

Heading South

On the M3 early this evening, dramatic skies above.

~ A year ago today I was washing my hair ~ 

Eating My Greens

Today's lunch: a slice of quiche and this simple salad made from soft leaves, watercress, tomatoes, radish and garlic croutons, with a simple vinaigrette. Pretty good!

~ A year ago today I was eating chocolate ~ 

Building Site

I see this signboard in our complex every day. The renovations next door are on-going.

~ A year ago today Thomas was being a good cat ~ 

Pretty Pan

Yet more shopping for my kitchen! I was thinking about buying this pan anyway, but when I saw it at 60% off I snapped it up chop-chop. I think it's going to be extremely useful.

~ A year ago today I was enjoying flowers and sunshine ~

False Bay Day

I left the house this morning (first time since Wednesday). We went down to the False Bay coast... swam at Clovelly and Simon's Town, looked at Kalk Bay Harbour, visited a friend in St. James. It was a perfect warm, still summer's day.

~ A year ago today I had new books to read ~ 

Soldier

Things to do during loadshedding power cuts: watch Sean Bean in another episode of Sharpe on my laptop.

~ A year ago today we also had power issues ~ 

Add to Cart

I've bought this and that online before, but never food. But as I'm still feeling unwell and not able to drive, I did my grocery shopping from my bed today. My goodies get delivered tomorrow. So quick and easy! 

~ A year ago today I was in the garden ~ 

Too Many Pages

I'm finally reading The Goldfinch. It is taking forever, but I am determined to finish it. Why is it so looooong?

~ A year ago today I was putting out snacks ~

Ceiling

I have vertigo from an inner ear infection. Spent much of today lying flat, with this as my view.

~ A year ago today I was doing admin ~ 

Flipped

I made an omelette for my supper today. Delish! 

~ A year ago today I admired a flower ~ 

Whistle

Latest addition to my ceramics collection: this sweet little bird whistle, made by my cousin.

~ A year ago today I bought some new tops ~ 

Mars

I went to the 30 Seconds to Mars concert this evening. Fun! 

~ A year ago today I bought new mugs ~ 

Open Garden

At the Ina Paarman garden in Constantia.

~ A year ago today I was eating pineapple ~ 

Carpet Slug

The Duves was catching some morning sun when I left for work today. I felt like lying down on the rug next to him and staying there all day.

~ A year ago today Noogi was nibbling ~ 

Plastic Tarp

Today we had to prepare the offices for some renovation work. Part of the floor has to be redone. The noise and mess were something else. More tomorrow, and then again end of next week. Aargh! 

~ A year ago today I was watching Scandal ~ 

Scarecrow

Currently singing along to Alex & Sierra's catchy tune Scarecrow.

~ A year ago today I was doing some writing ~

Wispy Wisps

This afternoon the tablecloth on Table Mountain was a particularly pretty and lacy one.

~ A year ago today I was replacing a lightbulb ~ 

Curry Spices

I used my new casserole pot to make a big ol' vegetable curry for supper. It cooked beautifully. I'm really enjoying my new stove.

~ A year ago today I was baking ~ 

Malva

This Pelargonium is in flower all over at the moment. Such a fantastic and vibrant shade of pink! 

~ A year ago today I was visiting the Scrap ~ 

Into the Frying Pans

New cookware! I got the large frying pan as part of a set, and bought a smaller one to match.

~ A year ago today it was looking stormy ~ 

Flashing Lights

Very happy to see a line of green LEDs again.

~ A year ago today I was reading thrillers ~ 

Dried Berries

I added goji berries and dried blueberries - my new obsession - to my morning muesli today.

~ A year ago today I was eating fresh tuna ~

The Three Boys

Kind friends gave me a whole lot of catnip on the weekend. The cats have been having it twice a day. Usually ends in a playful wrestle - here Noogi is about to pounce on Tom.

~ A year ago today I was going for a walk ~

PKCT

This evening I went to the PechaKucha event in Cape Town. It was really interesting!

~ A year ago today I was admiring a new monitor ~

Punch

Sitting on my desk today: a new paper punch. The old one died last week.

~ A year ago today I went out for breakfast ~

Miranda

Day five of no internet at home. Sigh. To make myself feel better I have been watching Miranda. She is ridiculous, but so, so funny!

~ A year ago to today I was spring cleaning ~

Walnut and Oat Cookies

I did some baking in my new oven today, with excellent results.

~ A year ago today I was sitting in traffic ~

Banks

I'm lucky to have an excellent kitchen supply store very close to where I work. I can always find things I want there.

~ A year ago today I was sitting in traffic ~

Ian H.

At First Thursday this evening I popped in to Chandler House to see the wonderful paintings of my old friend Ian.

~ A year ago today I was answering emails ~

Cera

Turns out my new ceramic-glass stove top is rather high maintenance. I saw that specialist cleaning products are recommended, so bought them online. Delivered by courier a day later - so easy! 

~ A year ago today Thomas was eating cat grass ~

H4 Shoot

They were filming Homeland in my neighbourhood today. A fleet of trucks and gazillions of extras - and pouring rain. 

~ A year ago today I had Royals on repeat ~

After the Rain

It was gloomy and wet today. Cloud lingered even after the rain stopped.

~ A year ago today I was lying on my bed and reading ~ 

1087m

Walked from the Upper Cableway Station to Maclear's Beacon this morning - the highest spot on Table Mountain. Not much to see there, just a pile of rocks and a fallen down trig beacon. But great views in all directions. And it was fabulous to be outside and in the sunshine.

~ A year ago today I was an owl ~ 

Beach Shoes

I was planning on buying a new pair of sandals for the summer but haven't done so yet. For now I'm still using these scruffy old things. Not pretty, but they're very comfortable. 

~ A year ago today I was smiling at the surreal sign ~ 

Paper

Phew, the end of the busiest of months. After work I went to have a smoothie, and spent a few minutes reading The Top of the Times. First moment I had to relax the whole day.

~ A year ago today I was listening to the Talking Heads ~ 

In With The New

And here's the shiny new appliance.

~ A year ago today I was having a bubble bath ~

Out With The Old

I've been using this scruffy old oven/mini kitchen for way longer than originally intended. And now - at last! - it's been replaced. I've moved it out of the kitchen and into the living room, and it will be gone forever soon.

~ A year ago today I found a flower in my garden ~

Not Quite White

Noogi is such a grubby little boy. Too much lurking under cars.

~ A year ago today I was reading a very enjoyable novel ~

Orphan Black

I really like this show (including its title sequence). Tatiana Maslany is terrific in all her roles.

~ A year ago today I went for a walk ~ 

Summer Rose

Beautiful blooms, at their best today.

~ A year ago today there was cloud swirling around on the mountain ~ 

Framed

I got my two pictures back from the framer this morning. They will sit on this shelf with my brother's pot until I get them hung on the wall.

~ A year ago today I had cats at my house ~ 

Cola

I drink Coke only very occasionally, but I had a little today - and it was perfect.

~ A year ago today I was wasting time on Tumblr ~ 

Cosy Corner

Had guests this evening. Bunged some fynbos in a jug... decorating done! 

~ A year ago today I was wondering what to have for supper ~ 

Tatty Ol' Recipe Book

This is a collection of recipes I put together when I left home. I still use it every so often. Today I referred to it for an apple and walnut cake recipe.

~ A year ago today I had the windows open ~

Fresh Cut Flowers

I had a look at the flowers for sale today, but couldn't decide which ones to get. I thought I'd get my groceries first... but then completely forgot to go back and choose a bunch.

~ A year ago today I was drinking water ~

Upside Down Cat

The cats seem to love the new rug, Thomas especially. He's been sleeping on it, stretching on it, rolling around on it, asking me to play with him on it. I think he knows he's irresistible when he does this overture to play.

~ A year ago today I was watching a movie ~ 

Carpet

Latest addition to my sitting room. It's bold, but I like the colours and the pattern.

~ A year ago today I went to a birthday party ~