Dragonfly

A Tale of Two Kitties

2012-01-11T15:10:00.000+02:00

It was the best of times, it was the - sorry, wrong tale.
On 21 December, a shoe box containing four kittens, barely five weeks old, was dumped in a driveway. No judgement. Our friend rang Rowland as she knew we were needing a cat, our home being without one for the first time in about 40 years. .
I was sent to choose. A foolish idea. Three boys and a girl, not being at all sexist I declared that I only wanted a female, boys can be naughty you know. She gave a tiny meeow and snuggled in when I lifted her out of the (copy paper ) box.
"O.K. we would love to give this sweet thing a good home, I'll be going now".
Oh but, "just look at that sweet face, such big eyes, so adorable"
Which is why we have two kittens, Alice and Tom and they are so gosh darned cute.
You don't just "get" a cat, well we don't anyway. Off to the vet we went for a check up, deworming and de fleaing, a basket, two free sample sets of kitten food, kitty litter and I was on my way.
For the first three days our new babies came to work with us, we made a tiny playroom for them and a discreet area to hold the sandbox. After eating I would pop each one into the box, scratch the paws through the sand to send the right message and so far we have two very well behaved children.
What a joy to watch, it's rather like having new babies but not nearly as much work. The timing is right, the (human) children are all grown up (and some), the grandchildren are wonderful but it's kinda nice to watch babies grow up once again.
It's an education in observation, Alice and Tom started out in one tiny area of the house, not locked in by us but restricted to what they were able to cope with at the time, slowly the horizons became bigger, currently they're at the stage where they bravely play outside in the garden but will still come charging inside to use the sandbox. Sweetypies.
We're not the only ones fascinated by these tiny bundles, Daisy and Zoe couldn't believe their eyes when two fluffy toys were dumped on the floor, Zoe ( a Yorkie) followed silently and still sneaks in to see if they're still around. Daisy (Spaniel) seems to have shed a couple of years and allows them to walk between her front legs, rubbing up as cats do. She's showing amazing restraint where the food bowls are concerned, cleaning our (the sadly deceased) Amber's bowl was one of her fun things to do. I'm pretty certain Merlin thinks the kittens are wind-up toys, boy is he in for a shock.
At food time I find the two of them sitting patiently in the empty spot where the food bowls should be, play time after eating and then its time to snuggle the humans, purr as loudly as possible and just relax.
Thanks to the person who felt she had to dump those babies, the other two kittens found homes the same day and we'll all be having our companions spayed (no, not the human ones) as soon as we can.
So here's to Alice and Tom, new companions for a new year, I hope they enjoy 2012 as much as we intend to and I hope that you and yours have an outstanding year, happy, healthy and if it should be so, wealthy and wise..

like a virgin

2011-12-07T13:13:00.000+02:00

I do yoga at the gym, it's different. The setting is nice, a large, airy room, fake wooden floor, a wall covered in woodland paper, soft music. It's just............it's a gym.
Our teacher is lovely, soft spoken, limber and explains the positions well. She will start a pose at my level (-2) and then gradually add variations to suit the more agile. But there's no continuity, one week 12 eager yogis, next week 3 and somehow I doubt we'll hear Mr Patanjali's name in class because it is after all a gym, not a retreat.
As you know, I miss the old ways, perhaps Caroline was a once-off, but her classes weren't just about flexing the body, there was a whole lifestyle involved and a permanence brought about by seeing the same friendly faces each week.. Now I don't know if I'll be peering at a plumber's crack or a tramp-stamp, a full class or just me.
Perhaps I hanker too much after a gentler way. There's a wonderful studio in Gardens, unfortunately too far for me, perhaps one day I'll find something similar close by.
Until then it's yoga to the sounds of the Boot Camp Dance Class next door and the chemical smell of the swimming pool. The silver lining is our yoga teacher, I hope she stays around for a long time.
As an aside, when I joined the gym the young man who signed me up seemed so excited, I think I'm the oldest person he's had on his books. However, the chap who showed me around seemed determined to steer me away from physical activity into the swimming pool for water aerobics. Hmm, he just didn't understand when I tried to explain that I only swim in February.

.

But there's more

2011-11-22T13:13:00.000+02:00

and it's good news.
Yesterday, 21 November 2011, in The Hague, the International Children's Peace Prize 2011 was awarded to Michaela Mycroft, age 17, from Cape Town, South Africa.
Chaeli was born with Cerebral Palsy. At the age of 9, she, her sister and friends started a project to raise money to buy a motorized wheelchair for Chaeli. In just seven weeks they had raised enough money so Chaeli decided to help other disabled children and The Chaeli Campaign was born. This (now) professional organization helps children with disabilities, supplying equipment and therapy and defending the rights and acceptance of disabled children.
Reading the blurb about this remarkable young woman I love the description
"where others see limitations, she sees possibilities; with her positive attitude, she is an inspiration to many"
To find out more about some of the ones who don't just sit around tut-tutting but get off their butts and do, Google KidsRights, (a Dutch organization) and be inspired.

Suffer the little children........

2011-11-22T11:58:00.000+02:00

Four young children died this week, walking in blistering heat to find food. Ages, 2, 6, 7 and 9 years old. I expect the young one was the first to go.
You know how it is, you're carrying a little too much weight but it's okay, the diet starts on Monday. By lunch time Monday you're really feeling peckish but you steadfastly wait until 1pm to have your Provitas and skimmed milk. By Thursday, you've had enough of this tough regime and slip back into the old ways.
Just imagine, that strict regime would feel like absolute luxury to someone who is starving. They had only a small bowl of porridge, the night before, and set off to search for their mother, granny or food.
How does it feel to starve to death? Thankfully I doubt anyone reading this will ever know.
We cried, we were outraged but will we do anything about it, probably not. Oh, we make our teddy bears, Christmas gift boxes and make certain that our old clothes go to those we know of who need them. We feel rather good about it. We recycle and care for our planet and yes, I think we're helping but, we're only scratching the surface.
A Hong Kong business man has set up a fund to help the impoverished people of the Northern Province, we can all contribute and hopefully it's going to benefit the ones it's intended for but, they're not the only ones. Drive the back roads of the Free State and be saddened by the extreme poverty there. Once the small towns had railways and busy roads keeping them going but "progress" robbed them and they are dying. It's not just here in South Africa, the extremes of lifestyle exist the world over, the old saying "The rich get richer and the poor get poorer" is achingly true but when will THEY do something about it?
But wait, someone threw a racial slur during a soccer match. By god, heads must roll! We'll all jump onto the bandwagon and condemn the man who dared utter those words. You see, posturing and blustering by politicians and celebs. means they don't actually have to do anything. They are seen to be caring but really, are they? Our fat cats seem more intent on buying trendy purple suits and building mansions than caring for the plight of their own.OMG the 12th wife of the king of Swaziland has been kicked out! Twelve wives!!
I wonder what the food bill is per month in that household, a tad more than the folk in the Northern Cape will see in ten years, assuming they don't starve to death first!
Please say a prayer for those four children and millions like them who have starved to death because those who CAN do something are too preoccupied with status to notice their plight.

Hush, hush

2011-11-07T13:56:00.003+02:00

My favourite T.V. programme is NCIS. They can take the sinister and flavour it with good humour. I presume it's true that all the American letters dislike and distrust one another. NCIS, CIA, FBI, OMG, LOL. Sibling rivalry. But, it's not just on T.V. My private life is affected by the same wierd need for secrecy.
We all need passwords, digitags, code numbers to allow us access to our own.
I receive an email and lo and behold, I can't open it because my adobe hut apparently has cracks and I have to upgrade to a better, more swanky one.
A statement arrives in my "in box" but I don't know what it's about because you see I have to download something that sounds like an Italian ice cream, vanilla with chocolate stripes - stracaccia I think. Or perhaps it's my brand of coffee that doesn't work, almost every day I'm offered a new and improved version. Can't they get it right first time?
I miss out on warbling frogs and squirrels on tightropes because my windows can't see the language they're presented in - some housewife I am.
Furthermore, when I sign up for something, the computer has the cheek to tell me my user name is taken.
Yikes! all the stuff that was delivered by the post office, safely is apparently at risk now on the big, wide web.
It doesn't end there, it seems people are becoming almost paranoid about their privacy, we're not all celebs you know. I've tried to make contact with a possible cousin, for the family tree, on FaceBook. clearly she thinks I'm a stalker, grooming her for sinister things. Yes, teach the kids about stranger danger but really, about 12 family members on FB with the same (unusual) surname would have to be a pretty elaborate plot. Get over yourself Connecticut.
So when the page I'm on has a message telling me that my browser isn't compatible with gobbleygook etc. I feel just like Jethro Gibbs when the geeks talk IT.

Monkey See, Monkey Do

2011-11-02T13:11:00.000+02:00

On my way to work today I sang along to Deva Premal, the Gayatri Mantra, in Sanskrit, I know all the words and it leaves me with a great feeling of peace. But I have no English translation.
I love to watch the Russian or Japanese pop music fans, they sing along Karaoke style to songs whose words they don't understand but they enjoy them nonetheless. I believe the ABBA ladies knew no English and were taught the songs phonetically, gosh all that and the numerous key changes, they were indeed talented.
We learn so much in life by example.
For example, a child sees a parent throw the KFC wrapper out of the car window and, because mom and dad know EVERYTHING, the child assumes this is the thing to do. Likewise, dad gives mum a clip around the ear and we have a budding spouse beater growing up.
Kelly (number 5) lost a tooth and along with said tooth she put a thank-you note into her slipper for the tooth fairy. How polite! and one hopes, learned from her parents.
Raising kids without a handbook is a huge responsibility, look around and clearly some parents lost the plot but, many did a wonderful job and have given us good, honest, hardworking citizens.
Lead by example, not just for your children but for all of us. If a politician dips his hand too deep into the honey jar, how many will follow suit? Your favourite celeb sets up shelters for quake victims, please, go with the flow.
Let's try to be the example our world needs, like the young man in Pay It Forward, set the ball rolling and watch things go well.

New kid on the block

2011-10-24T07:54:00.001+02:00

There's a new granny in the neighbourhood, I saw her out walking her (obligatory) small dog and appearing to be familiarising herself with the area.
How difficult it must be to reach a stage where you move into "the granny flat". Do you feel old? less in control? or is it a feeling of relief to be with loved ones.
My mother once pointed out that it's a sad time of life when you have to ride in the back of the car with the kids. No more front seat for you, you are no longer in control. My dad died 45 years ago today, it means that my mum is just a few months short of spending half of her life without him, her soul mate. She's been through it all, single mother, granny, great granny, granny flat and finally a lovely assisted living facility where she is very happy.
She talks about the ladies (for most of the residents are female) who have wonderful family visits and the ones who are forgotten and neglected. Not even the back seat of the car for them!
I wish our new kid all the very best that Edgemead has to offer, it may perhaps take a while for her to settle in but it's a very friendly area and there's nothing wrong with starting the road to old age here.

Growing up

2011-10-20T09:59:00.000+02:00

I was stuck in a traffic jam this morning, most unusual because my route to work is against the traffic, I'm glad I don't have that every day. It got me to thinking (sorry Sandra) about my childhood, a sure sign that we're getting older.
I grew up in a small Welsh town and my parents didn't own a car, in fact as I recall there were only two cars in our street, the puddle jumper across the road and the black taxi owned by John James, a man with a most interesting vocabulary and a lovely black spaniel called Mickey James.
But I digress.
We walked to school and the shops and only took the train when visiting Manchester. Everyone walked or so it seemed unless they took the bus or train. The man from the Prudential rode a bicycle as did the District Nurse.
I don't recall any traffic jams.
Later we lived alongside the Chester Bypass and yet crossing the road was not a serious mission although when my dad bravely bought a silver Volkwagen (pronounced vokes wagon) they would sit in heavy traffic when visiting family in Rhyl or Colwyn Bay.
In the early days of our marriage, living in Pinelands, if I had a need to go to Claremont I would gather the brood, probably aged around 2 and 4, we would walk the half mile or so to the main road, catch a bus to Mowbray and then another to Claremont. It was nothing out of the ordinary but, the traffic was certainly getting heavier. (I wasn't, with all that walking).
Edgemead in the seventies had no bus service but we had splashed out and bought a bakkie (LDV) for Rowland and I had the use of the mean gold Cortina. I ran out of petrol three times, just couldn't learn!
Our children either rode their bikes or walked to school, Fairbairn is about 5kms away. We all survived this healthy lifestyle. I remember a friend of Rowland's, he lived at the YMCA and walked everywhere, miles and miles.
Today, it's all about personal transport. From the parking boom on the roof of Canal Walk to my front door takes about 4 minutes by car, how could I waste the hour or so that it would take me on foot.
That's just it, we have to chase around far too much, our grandchildren have schedules that would make Barac Obama even greyer than he is now. It's rush to school, sport, dancing, music, art and for the grown-ups, rush to work, to the shops, to home, rush around the house.
I don't believe there was any road rage when I was growing up, perhaps this generation needs a more relaxed pace, after all, the baby boomers created so much with, I think, far less stress.

The evolution of the trouser pocket

2011-06-15T16:07:00.000+02:00

Once upon a time all a man needed when he went out was a hanky in his left pants pocket, his wallet - either in the right front or right rear pocket and, if he was fancy, a comb in his sock.His wallet contained only money and perhaps a condom as the devil hadn't yet invented credit cards.
What a happy fellow he was and, he was able to scoff at the ladies with their silly handbags that held everything except the kitchen sink.
Sadly most women still carry those small suitcases but, no matter the designer label, they can't compete with
THE MANBAG
What do they keep in there you may ask, as do I. Let me guess
His wallet, cellphone, Ipod, Ipad, Wii, Swiss army knife, Leatherman, lip ice (I'm clutching at straws here) and perhaps a change purse.
I see younger men walking through the shopping centres wearing backpacks. Are they perhaps due to embark on a safari? going to gym? or do they have to carry a laptop, just in case.
Well, I vote for the bumbag, it's reasonably compact and doesn't hurt your shoulder. It seems that we're becoming slaves to gadgets and even though the love of my life has a modest manbag which he rarely carries, I guess he'd be happier with just the pants pocket.
And no, he doesn't have a comb in his sock.

Whatever

2011-06-10T15:51:00.000+02:00

I played hookey today. I decided to join Rowland when he went out to do collections. It was really good, sitting in the car, driving around on a "work day". It's almost like meditation, you sit still and comfortable and allow your mind to wander, noticing things along the way.
Alongside the freeway, in a large grassy area is a pizza oven. It's been there for years, sitting, all alone, no advertising board near it. I often wonder, do the vagrants have Friday night pizza, is there some secret Italian Pizza Clan who come along at full moon and have pepperoni pizza?
whatever.
It's good to see all the renovations going on in and around Cape Town, old buildings being given a facelift, they must feel so good.
On the way out of town, walking along the shoulder of the highway towards us was a man pushing a wheel chair. The cushion still had that sitting indentation hhmmm. "So tell me Sir, where is your patient?"
Eish
We stopped off at Canal Walk, managed to find parking and even found time to glare at the 40 something woman and her two teenage daughters who had just parked the Merc in the "Elderly" parking bay. We don't even park there and we ARE elderly - or so they tell us.
Rushing through the centre I passed an underwear store - his and hers. In the window was a set for him, matching vest and briefs with a twirly design on the fabric. Seriously? Do you want your man to look like a 1920's wrestler?
whatever.
I've just been visited by friends, he is very ill but doing so well and she is ever strong and supportive. What a good way to end the working day and week, on a happy positive note.

The best laid plans

2011-05-02T12:10:00.002+02:00

We'd been talking about it for ages, finally taking leave. Thanks to all the public holidays by taking three days off work we could have 11 glorious days to ourselves. Wake up in the morning at around 7.30, stretch and say "Hmm, what shall we do today?"
HAH!
Fate has a wicked sense of humour.
Days one to four, pleasant,
Danielle and Kelly slept over on Saturday, Easter Tea, family and 90 garments to embroider for a customer. As they say in Oz "No worries Mate".
HAH!
Tuesday, much anticipated, the first official day off work, we planned a trip up the West Coast to Paternoster, lunch somewhere and we wanted to buy some local jams.
01.05, the hot water cylinder burst. It's situated just a couple of metres away from Rowland's Mom's bed, we heard the electricity trip, the burglar alarm went off and she stepped out into a minor bog.
The love of my life is very handy and in no time he had water turned off, mom placated and we were back asleep by 01.30.
Santam insurance were outstanding and by 11.30 two hard working young men had removed the old geyser (not me) and fitted a new one. There was, however, a gaping hole in the ceiling. No prob. number one son brought over a piece of rhino board, he and Rowland hammered it to the ceiling and, voila, almost as good as new. Who am I kidding, just as Mom was falling asleep the board fell down!
Wednesday, public holiday, did some cleaning. Thursday the ceiling guys came in, Friday the carpet people were there. We were feeling so sorry for ourselves by then we went to buy an IPad2, do I really have to tell you they were completely sold out, everywhere. Wha, wha, their loss, we changed our minds and bought a fireplace instead. Who says retail therapy doesn't work?
Saturday morning the love of my life started embroidering some caps, of course the embroidery machine broke. Sob. He's nothing if not versatile and though it took about three hours, he (my Hero) repaired the machine.
Sunday morning, free at last, we went to Green Point and had outstanding coffee and croissant at Giovanni's, we'd been home for around an hour when I felt as if someone had laid into me with a hand made selection of sledge hammers. My thoat was sore, nose bunged up, running a temperature and with aches in every joint. I should point out that I haven't had a cold for some 15 or so years.
I took Daisy to have her nails clipped and popped into the only pharmacy I could find in that rotten part of town, I described my symptoms to the "pharmacist", sore throat, aching body, headache and shortness of breath and really bunged up nose, thinking that I could have a bit more than Panado and Strepsils. He indicated that I was either (I promise this is true) having a mild .heart attack or an anxiety attack!!
I went home. got into bed and slept for more or less 22 hours. Dear sweet Rowland made toast soldiers with Bovril and looked in on me. Today I feel much better, why wouldn't I? we're back at work tomorrow.

Ooops

2011-04-22T09:24:00.002+02:00

Silly me. As my loved one pointed out, Nokia make cellphones and Nikon make cameras. What can I say?

Above average?

2011-04-20T13:44:00.000+02:00

I happened upon a list of the top companies in the world, I think it's based on their share value. I've worked out that it's not just those with money who make a brand, the rest of us contribute to the enormous earnings of the big boys.
Here they are, from number one to number ten.
It seems your average family will drink COCA COLA, they'll have at least one MICROSOFT computer and perhaps something from IBM. Their appliances will be made by GE ( I believe once known as General Electric) and those computers the kids use will light up with the words INTEL inside.
The family camera will be a NOKIA and no doubt mum will drive a TOYOTA. Toys, clothes, funfair visits, movies and books will revolve around DISNEY and after a visit to the theme park they'll fill up on MACDONALDS before getting into dad's MERCEDES.
Happily I've also heard of the next ten and it seems a lot of folk bank with CITI and MARLBOROUGH man will no doubt have a few HEWLETT PACKARD appliances in the office. She'll use her AMERICAN EXPRESS card to shop and might even try to use it to buy a BMW for her dad. Her dad still uses a GILLETTE razor and her mum would love to own just one item from LOUIS VUITTON.
The neighbours are more interested in CISCO computers but of course, they drive a HONDA and have a SAMSUNG big screen TV.
Are we all totally predicatable? I know that in our home (and the driveway) we have ten of those products and we're just poor church mice.
P.S. Yes, one is a Louis Vuitton:)

Spiffy

2011-03-24T14:01:00.000+02:00

What makes a spiffy dresser? I suppose it's in the eye of the beholder but to me, men can be spiffy, not women. Ladies are elegant, chic, tarty, whatever, but never spiffy.
Men in Speedos are not spiffy but a gentleman in a tuxedo, well, Sigh.
Today I saw a spiffy man, or perhaps his outfit was just plain Sharp. He was clearly someone with next to no income and yet, he carried off the ankle length (fake) fur coat to perfection, striding through the shopping centre like the emperor in his new clothes.
There's a beautiful young man I see at another centre, he wears skinny jeans, stilettos and usually a slim fitting blouse. His long dark hair in a ponytail he defies anyone to disapprove.
Liberace was not spiffy, nor was Sir Elton.
I do believe it's an inborn trait, you either have it or you don't. I remember years ago a short, fat, plain faced American politician who apparently could charm the pants off any lady he met yet, he looked like the kid the school bully would pick on.
I believe it's inner confidence and perhaps this.
Women rarely judge a man by his looks alone. For some, it's the eyes, the sense of humour, mannerisms, we
all have different tastes so, perhaps deep down, a man knows that he can more than get by even if he looks like the back end of a barn, as long as he's spiffy.

Where is the Love?

2011-03-22T12:30:00.000+02:00

In Japan apparently. Timothy pointed out that since the earthquake and tsunami we've heard no reports of looting, rioting, attacks on the innocent. Just stories of people helping one another, accepting that life goes on and getting on with it. Men going in to repair a nuclear reactor, for heavens sake, knowing they may not come out alive. Heroes!!
I listened to a lady in the US lamenting the fact that General Motors spares may start to run out??? BECAUSE A LOT OF THEM ARE MADE IN JAPAN.
Honda spares, understandable but GM??
Why is it that so many western countries have allowed local industry to fail? Surely there's at least a small sense of achievement to be had in knowing that you've produced an item your country can be proud of. Even, your area. I called to ask about a repair to my (once again) broken dish washer and was patched through to a call center in Johannesburg. It may as well have been Russia for all the knowledge the guy had about my area, only 3 kilometres from the repair shop I might add. Why? Why must a local workforce be sidestepped? Needless to say I found a local man to repair my dishwasher.
Please, wherever you may be, love your local music, local radio station. Support your community, neigbours and local workforce.
Who knows, one day we may be in the same situation as Japan, I'd like to think we can handle it in just such an adult fashion.

Gently does it

2011-03-16T14:19:00.000+02:00

When I get home from work there are various tasks to be carried out, most of them guaranteed to make me feel relaxed.
Walking the dog. Daisy and I go once around the block, exactly 500metres, just fine for a couple of old ladies after a busy day. (in her case busy doing nothing). That fills my lungs with fresh air and loosens the muscles that've been squashed up on an office chair all day.
Other boring housework related stuff, cleaning, ironing, laundry, etc. - very BORING.
Watering the garden - so soothing, I may have mentioned before that it's like a gentle meditation, just me and nature. Aah!
Then it's time to cook. I really enjoy that part of the evening.
Last night we were having fish fingers and chips. Nothing pretentious in our house. It turned out I only had baby potatoes and although they do indeed make fine chips I wasn't in the mood to peel those tiny things.
I set the potatoes to cooking and prepared my veg. Carrots cut into chubby matchsticks and green beans, topped and tailed and cut to the same size. Popped four baby onions into the water with the potatoes, just to soften up and when ready, left everything to drain. Into a roasting pan with some olive oil and garlic, I squished the potatoes gently so that they broke open and just for good measure popped in a couple of knobs of butter.
In to the small oven and later, the fish fingers were added to the same dish to cook. Cooked the carrots and beans on top of the stove and let them steam themselves to keep warm. It was a very simple but delicious meal and I so enjoyed the preparation. That's why I don't buy those packs of ready prepared veg, I would miss out on the relaxation and frozen veg just don't do it for me.
After dinner I watched a Jamie Oliver programme, he was in Italy and at one point made Minestroni Soup. It was outstanding. He strolled through a veg. garden and collected onions, garlic, carrots, peas, kale, lettuce, celery, courgettes and the flowers, just think of it and it was most probably in there. He took the left over end of a piece of pancetta, put that into the pot and threw in some tiny noodles. (Thinks "I'll have to see if I can get the tail end of something at Giovanni's this weekend"). As the soup simmered gently for abour 20 minutes he made a quick basil pesto and dolloped it on top of his bowl of soup. Yummy.
It's really all about chilling at the end of the day. I often wished that I enjoyed red wine so that I could sip it as I cooked and chatted wittily with my partner. Well, perhaps red wine's overrated but my partner isn't.
So, try to find your chill factor, after all, there's more to life than work, work, work.

and you call yourself a reporter!

2011-03-08T09:39:00.000+02:00

Qualifications being so important today I'm pretty certain some sort of degree is required if you want to be a journalist. So where did these three study?
"He also assaulted a second officer who arrived on the scene and fled, but was found later in the bushes near his abandoned car."
"If xyz is not wrapped over the knuckles now ........."
"A political analyst has cautioned that such wreckless statements may just .........."

And they want to lower standards in the schools.

Amber Theodore Stanton

2011-03-07T10:37:00.000+02:00

Amber strolled into our lives one day almost ten years ago. A big fluffy orange cat. We tried to check the rear end, it seemed somewhat rude but after a brief peek we decided Amber was indeed a girl. An intensive search was carried out for the owners, the usual door to door, notices at the vet etc. We eventually decided that some despicable person had dumped this adorable cat because she was no longer wanted. Scoundrels!!
Judging her age to be about 6 or 7 she fitted in well with our other cats and she and Daisy became close friends as they were the "newbies" in the house.
Amber would wake Rowland every morning with gentle nudges and purrs, tender bites and, if he was sleeping too well, harder ones.
She was my Reiki companion. Many an unsuspecting soul would be lying, eyes closed on the Reiki bed only to have a cat land on their stomach, she wanted some of the action. Amber sat in on Reiki classes when I was sharing my knowledge with others, the perfect model when I was demonstrating her chakra points. This was the one who sat on my lap while I meditated and followed ma around the house at weekends.
What a treasure and we were blessed to have her share her life with us.
Last week Amber was unwell, Saturday she was at the vet and Sunday she was put to sleep.
During our visit we discovered that she was in fact a he, adding credence to my friends communication with him. She was told that this cat had lived in (probably) Constantia and his name was Theodore.
Those mean owners just don't know what they gave up.
I've cried a million tears and no doubt will cry a million more, but, I know that Amber Theodore is happy and well with the cats who've gone before - Tabatha, Tony, Tao, Tai-Lu, Emily, Muffin, Gunner, Rosina and our two sweet dogs, Snoopy and Miz Emmy. This will be the first time, since we moved into our house in 1972, that our home is without a cat. Not good enough I say so we'll wait for the next house guest to come our way.
Love you Amber :)

Party Poopers

2011-02-15T09:46:00.000+02:00

We have a Sunday evening, reveal all, show on T.V.. It tends to put a damper on the weekend and while we're not ostriches, I take exception to their motto "You have the right to know". Frankly I don't believe we always have the right to know, some things should be kept secret.
I'm keeping an open mind on the whole Wikileaks saga, where do you draw the line? some revelations are good for us, others may put us in danger. What do I know?
However, in the news recently, the actual original recipe for Coca Cola. Seriously! Next I suppose it'll be the secret seven herbs and spices or maybe the recipe for Britny's latest perfume.
It's not always fair to reveal all, after all the burlesque dancers fully understand the sense of mystery that's so tittilating.
So, why are we to have a T.V. programme revealing how the best magic tricks are done. How to make a tank disappear, how to get out of a giant vat of water while bound with chains and weighted down by three African elephants. (don't try this at home kids).
I don't want to know. I understand that I have the right not to watch and someone else has the right to tune in. I just don't understand why anyone wants to break the spell. It's magic folks, please don't burst the bubble.

Yesterday, today and tomorrow

2011-02-03T11:09:00.000+02:00

Yesterday the temperature in Parow was 32c, I walked outside and the heat was like a warm blanket, wrapping itself gently around me and giving a cosy safe feeling.
Today the temperature is around 33c but the humidity is really high. I walk outside and it's like stepping into a Turkish bath (yes, I have been to one). Skin with a damp glow and hair sticking to the back of the neck.
And tomorrow?

That's life

2011-01-27T13:26:00.000+02:00

When I was young my mother would recite
"There was a little girl, she had a little curl,
Right in the middle of her forehead.
When she was good, she was very, very good
But, when she was bad she was horrid"
I think that about sums up life in general.
We have so many friends and acquaintances who are going through rough times. Be it health, finance, family ties, work or whatever I'm sure that some days they wonder when it's all going to end.
I also see the resilience of some of these folk, the "get on regardless" attitude, it's good.
This morning, skimming through "snips & snails" I came across a blog on her list - julieliveshere. I read the most amazing open letter to the person who has her wallet, give yourself a treat and read it. I will certainly be checking in on her posts when I can.
So if it's been a rough start to the year, just heed the words of the great Mr Sinatra
"Each time I find myself, flat on my face,
I pick myself up and get back in the race."
That's Life, I hope it's a good one.

How the weekend flies

2011-01-24T14:04:00.000+02:00

Never mind the fact that we're heading for Feb. at an alarming rate, the weekends go by in the flash of an eye.
We spent most of this one rearranging the furniture in our house. First though we went to a few places to find a low cupboard - I expect there's a fancy name for it - to hold the new TV (so kindly donated by Timothy and Marleze).
We saw 3 really stunning ones at a sort of Indonesian import place, all to our liking and not overpriced.
On Saturday, once "he who works the occasional Saturday" arrived home we went to Green Point. First stop Giovanni's to buy some parmesan, cold meats and bread.
Then on to a store I shan't name because their prices are so over the top that I get the giggles when I look at the tags. The only table/cupboard we vaguely like was on the wrong side of R7000, too steep for us.
What a contrast seeing the men lining up outside the homeless shelter close by.
Final stop, Tafelburg, they sell a nice range of middle of the road home furnishing and usually come in cheaper than most on their appliances. Hawk-eye spotted the ideal unit, a simple, low counter, 1400cms wide and with just one shelf, simple and really nice. Still, I wouldn't mind something from Ikea.
But you see, this is how we make work for ourselves.All that moving, emptying and the repacking of cupboards. Fortunately Danielle and Kelly dove in and packed my knick-knacks into the cupboard, a huge time-saver.
Talking of time savers, Sara-Jane finished the Meccano clock she and Grandpa were building. I mention the two of them but in truth Sara-Jane did most of the work, Grandpa admitted defeat and left her to finish the job. I may put it away as her wedding present - ho ho ho.
Best of all was having enough space elsewhere to put the record player back on top of the sound system.
It's abour 30 years old I suppose, but it still works like a dream. I don't think the term "built in obsolescence" had been invented back then.
What a treat, going through the LPs (ask your mum).
The grandchildren all came to see how it worked, the first LP was Michael Jackson, 1971, he looked to be about 14. They were suitably impressed.
But Granny had much more fun after they left, music brings back so many memories and let me tell you, vinyl sounds just great.
I put on one of my old favourites, a compilation disc called "All this and World War 2" and sifted through the rest.
What appeared to be the complete Bob Marley and Peter Tosh collection, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Niel Diamond, Francois Hardy (remember her?).
The list is endless, from the Beatles and Queen to the 1812 Overture. So much more to listen to.
I sent the dust bunnies off to find a new home and hopefully by the end of the week order will be restored in our house.

.

Free Range Friday

2011-01-21T13:58:00.000+02:00

Many of us are well and truly into Meat Free Monday, it just seems part of our normal lifestyle by now.
However, let's face it, we're not all ready to become vegetarians. Some would say Never, others, like myself, are sort of working towards it.
I see the day when I won't eat meat at all, I don't imagine I'll go vegan but certainly meat free. I do count chicken as meat.
As you no doubt know, none of the takeaways, restaurants etc. use free range chicken, this means that I don't buy chicken sandwiches and sadly have to have a Thai Chicken Sandwich on wholewheat with no chicken. Still yummy.
So here it is. On a Friday, if you're eating meat, make sure it's free range. I do have a chuckle picturing battery sheep, a la Glen Larson, but apparently it's not all "free range" who knows? Some places already sell free range egg sandwiches so just check up. If you think the beef in your burger is suspect, order something else, likewise the rack of lamb at the fancy restaurant.
My theory is that if we don't buy none-free range every Friday it may lead to the production of less non-free range and the promotion of free range. Quite a mouthful I know and not quite what PETA have in mind.
Baby steps.

Mensa Invitational

2011-01-21T10:07:00.000+02:00

Apparently The Washington Post's Mensa Invitational invites readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting or changing one letter and, supplying a new definition.
The list is long and extremely funny, here are a few of my favourites
Ignoranus : A person who's both stupid and an asshole (see this weeks blog)
Karmageddon : It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.
Arachnoleptic Fit : The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
The Washington Post also has a contest in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words, e.g.
Coffee : The person upon whom one coughs
Flabbergasted : Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained
Flatulence : Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller
Rectitude : The formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.
Pokemon : A Rastafarian proctologist.
Have a laughter filled weekend xx

just a few words

2011-01-20T11:09:00.000+02:00

"It is amazing how much people can get done if they do not worry about who gets the credit" -
Sandra Swinney

Names have been changed to protect the innocent.

2011-01-19T14:40:00.000+02:00

I was in my fave store yesterday buying a rather nice tshirt. Standing at the counter, waiting to pay I and the lady next to me, heard a loud voice coming from our right. You know how it is, you all pretend that you can't hear the commotion but this guy was something else.
"I'm the nation wide manager for Pigs Bottom Clothing, you don't speak to me like that!!!"
We have no idea what "she" said but each time she tried to speak he said
"don't talk" and then for good measure he repeated it in what I think was supposed to be Xhosa. What would I know, I'm not a nationwide manager.
"I want to talk to Betty Bulemia" "Now! I know she's in the store tell her I'm here"
"Don't talk"
and so it went on, stupid man, he's probably had the job since 02 Jan 2011.
My young assistant took my card and said
"cheque or savings?"
"savings" I replied,
she swiped the card and said
"cheque or savings?" to which I replied
"you have to multitask, listen to him with your left ear and listen to me with your right"
That was when the lady standing next to me snorted in amusement.
I could complain to big mouth's boss but lets face it, he won't be working for Pig's Bum for much longer with that attitude. He reminded me of the tea advert where the man in a suit says to the airline lady
"Do you know who I am?" so she broadcasts an appeal "Does anyone one know this lost man?"
What an ass.

The best laid plans..........

2011-01-17T11:18:00.000+02:00

Finally, the weekend arrived for the PiratesoftheCaribbeanathon. Three movies and lots of fun with the six grandchildren. However, once they arrived we realised that the PG ratings of 10, 10 and 13 should be observed. I know they're only guidlines but still. So, by democratic vote (it's not really democratic when the big ones have a louder say) they decided to start with "The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy" not a bad choice, enjoyed by all but Jeremy (7) who thought it was silly.
Dinner was chicken drumsticks, potato wedges and corn on the cob. I was in disgrace for not providing chocolate mousse for dessert, even though I'd made REAL popcorn with a choice of buuter or salt! I did, however, serve Shirley Temples which I think I enjoy more than they do.
Grandpa was a star, bravely staying up to the end. In the lounge (room) we had Kelly's two man tent (for her and Olivia) and Jeremy's one man tent so they slept there, Sara-Jane and Danielle slept in the guest room and Jessica had to go home just after ten in order to be up at 4.30 am to go to ice skating practice.
Movie number two was Toy Story 3. We thoroughly enjoyed it, I cried at the end and look forward to seeing it again. No wonder it was the highest grossing movie in the world for 2010! Jeremy and I shared a seat so I had someone to cuddle during the scary bits.
The fact that we were all in bed by 11pm doesn't mean all was quiet. At around midnight Sara-Jane sent an SMS to Olivia to tell them to be quiet. You've gotta love modern technology.
Sunday am was coffee in bed (Grandpa is so good) for Granny and once the troops were organised we had a cereal, juice, bacon, egg and toast breakfast. Jessica was dropped off from skating to join us and they all
watched The Princess Bride. It's such a fun movie, I love it!
Timothy and Marleze invited us to lucnch so we squashed the eight of us into the Honda (thank goodness for spacy cars) and headed south. Timothy cooks a mean steak (I don't eat it, sorry) and Marleze a superb mushroom sauce. As they said, they don't need to visit a steakhouse any more.
Granny and Grandpa were home by 4.30, all children safely fetched or delivered. What a good time.
Sion had directed us to UTube for some Big Bang Theory interviews at Comic.Com 2010. Will Wheeton was the interviewer and it was so good for the fans. Really my favourite comedy.
All in all a very good weekend, it's a pity we didn't get to watch Captain Jack Sparrow but, there's always next time.

What about the workers!!

2011-01-13T16:05:00.000+02:00

Every January I'm amazed by the usual nonsense. Children not enrolled in school, teachers forgetting to go to work and supplies not ordered. Does nothing change?
Actually, yes, no news of GM this season. even though some of the minstrels played up as ever.
The thing that's really getting to me though is this " poor me" attitude shown by kids who can't go to 'varsity.
In my opinion it's about time the whole world realised that you're not an idiot if you only have a secondary education. Not everyone needs a degree. Especially one of those no name brands that just says you're a bachelor.
There's no shame in having a regular job. Not everyone can be a nutty professor, aviation designer, brain surgeon or bank teller. Yes, bank teller! I'm told the banks are only hiring people with degrees. I hope that's not true.
There's no shame in working as a shop assistant.
There's no shame in being the best nurse aide in the whole world, showing compassion to all you meet.
There's no shame in being a radio announcer.
There's no shame in being a brick layer, mechanic, petrol attendant, ballet dancer, violinist, bus driver, tour guide, waiter, hotel room cleaner, desk clerk.
Need I go on?
We already have a world with too many chiefs and not enough indians, how would we cope without those who provide what are considered by some to be menial services.
Instead of bankrupting parents, get out into the (very tough) job market and sample what life has to offer. Earn some money and be the first of your friends to buy a car, a house if you're lucky and travel.

O M G

2011-01-11T15:12:00.002+02:00

What is happening in this beautiful world. The floods in Queensland are horrific and ongoing. The fires outside Perth, the alleged work of arsonists, have shattered the lives of so many.
There's talk of strikes in the UK to disrupt the latest Royal Wedding, such petty nastiness.
Where is the love?
So please, say a little prayer, send some Reiki healing or whatever is your thing.
I believe our fragile world and her people need some tender, loving care.

The lame, the halt and the blind

2011-01-07T16:04:00.000+02:00

My route too and from work is usually the same. The way home at the end of the day is uphill. If I was a man I'd no doubt be able to tell the incline, they seem to know such things, suffice to say, it's steep.
On the first section, as I drive up the road, coming toward me on the left is a gentleman, probably around my age. He has only one leg and walks with crutches. I've seen him, rain or shine, for about the last twenty years and presumably he's had the same job in all that time. It must be tough going up-hill to work in the morning. I often wonder if he's going to catch a train or if he lives in the home around the corner, peopled by mostly paraplegics who I believe, go out to work and care for themselves.
I see one of the resident ladies late afternoon, on her way home from work in her speedy wheelchair, racy and low slung.
Continuing up the street, heading for home on the righthand side of the road are the blind man and his (presumably) work mate. He's a big man and the two of them march down the road at a pretty hectic pace, all the while looking happy to be on their way.
On up to the main road, a left turn and then at the right turn, the really, really steep hill.
A few years back a group of young boys (I promise, only boys would do this) would leap on to their skateboards at the top of the hill, careen the 500 or so metres to the main road, a quick glance to each side and another 700 or so metres to the next big intersection. I'm guessing they're the reason the council put in two huge speed bumps - sleeping policemen.
The ladies who walk down this hill on their way home from work come in all shapes and sizes. Most of them appear to have had a busy day and from work to public transport is probably around 3 kms, no joke when it's your daily commute.
Yesterday in the scorching heat (38c) a rather plump lady was speeding down the pavement. You know how it is on an incline, you sort of pick up speed the further you go. She had a piece of kitchen paper that she was holding to her forehead. I think it was wet when she left work but by now it was bone dry and crumpled but still she held it tightly.
I do admire these folk. I don't suppose they view their lives as anything special but they seem to cope rather well, on the outside, with adversity and what life has thrown their way. I hope each of them has at least one person waiting to welcome them when they walk in the door after a busy day, they deserve it.

All things considered

2011-01-04T09:24:00.003+02:00

It was a good festive season. Christmas Day with the family was so superb. The Home Spa weekend was total relaxation with just one blip on the screen.
We settled down Christmas Day at around 8.30 pm to watch the traditional movie, I opened the cupboard and horror of horrors, Love Actually was actually not there. Oh No! I searched the house and couldn't find the DVD. Clearly someone borrowed the disc and didn't return it, beast!
Instead we watched The Soloist. Fate just has a way of speaking to us. In the midst of our good fortune we're reminded of the misfortune of others. It's a darned good movie, highly recommended.
We worked the days between Christmas and New Year but in that time I was lucky enough to speak to my mum, sister, brother, niece and my cousin in the U.K. Bonus time for me.
I was shopping in Woolies and I heard a tiny voice call my name, I must be imagining it. Again a tiny "Louise", I turned and there stood the famous blogger Purple Ronnie who I hadn't seen since her first pregnancy. What a lovely surprise and how good to catch up, no matter how briefly.
On New Year's day we took a drive. It was raining but that didn't deter us, I packed a picnic as promised and we set off for Simon's Town. I was so nice to see the Peninsula wearing a soft coat of rain, We bought some calamari and chips and parked outside the Scratch Patch to eat. I enjoyed snoek pate, the much anticipated aubergine cheese spread and my favourite Wheatsworth crackers. We had strawberries, fruit cake etc. Nice.
I went into the Scratch Patch to buy some Red Jasper for the workshop and of course came out with more than that, one stone being Peacock Chrystopyrite, for me. I don't take my purse when I enter that den of temptation, just a couple of notes in my pocket.
We drove along Chapman's Peak road, through Hout Bay and finally into Sea Point. It's always like a visit to another time, families walking along the promenade and a general sense of wellbeing. Through the Waterfront and finally on to the highway to head for home. My old gripe once again, we could have bought any number of new or used cars that day but had to park on the roof of Canal Walk to go and buy Marcelle's frozen joghurt in the shopping centre. Sad!
I had been mumbleing on about the cad who had our movie so I had one last search and there it was, behind my belly dance DVDs alongside five other titles I'd forgotten about (really, how could I forget Chocolat?). The end to a perfect day!
Finally, Kelly's duvet cover is finished, we were embroidering fairies on the front but (no complaints) were so busy with other people's embroidery that we kept putting hers to one side. I'll reattach Danielle's unicorns eye this week and we'll be slightly ahead with our many home tasks.
I'm listening to Cat Stevens in the car, music is so evocative. I always picture Sumayah who I met when we were taking our Reiki 1 classes, she was so surprised that I knew Yusuf Islam. She's such a good soul. My favourite is Father & Son, I think that track is worn out on the CD. Whenever I listen to Eric Clapton Unplugged I immediately picture our old friend Steve who died far too soon, I can see him strolling into the room, playing guitar along with the CD.
Frank Sinatra, well, I think of my mum of course, his biggest fan, I refer to him as my godfather. It's not just trumpet music that reminds me of my dad, Rowland and I often listen to something on the radio and agree that he would have like it and how excited he would have been about modern music. I can't hear the name Kim Wilde without reliving the nightmare of Sion and Timothy playing Checkered Love on their tape decks at the same time but with a slight time lag between the two. Aagh.
Finally, the New Years Honours List. When will Richard Curtis get the nod, his movies are like watching a little piece of British history.
Happy New Year to each and every one of you. I feel it's going to be a good one.

Go Large

2010-12-31T09:05:00.002+02:00

So, it's the end of another year, I swear we only had five months this year, it's just flown by. My dream New Years Eve, a night at a five star hotel, book in early, cocktails on the terrace and then on to the dinner dance. Is there still such a thing? Perhaps. Dressed beautifully we'll eat a superb meal and dance the night away (to work off the superb meal). When we wake on 1 Jan we'll feel refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated.
Realistically we'll stay home, watch a movie and no doubt be asleep before the magic hour of midnight. Is that an hour?
We were to have had four of the grandchildren to sleep over tonight but sadly that fell through and I have no inclination to make a fancy dinner so it's just another Friday night and hey ho! we wake up in 2011.
Tomorrow we plan to take a drive along the coast road to Simon's Town. My mothers second favourite, Sea Point being number one. Rowland's mom will be with us and we'll pack a small picnic. I'll make a quiche this afternoon, cut some fruit and see what else comes to mind. I bought a delicious Aubergine Cream Cheese so I'll put in some of that with crackers and perhaps a little hummus and tzatsiki. Hmm, it's sounding better already.
Timothy and his ladies may meet us en route so we'll be sure to have a big enough picnic blanket for all.
Perhaps we'll find an ice cream parlour, one hopes!
So, to you and yours and everyone else's may 2011 be your best year yet and whatever your dreams are, may they come true.
Chat soon xxx

News Flash

2010-12-24T11:54:00.002+02:00

I hope the important people read this, courtesy of Sky News
Millions of children around the world will be able to track Santa Claus as he travels around the world delivering presents.Using Santa Cams in cities along his journey the tracker allows youngsters to track his progress on the internet or mobile phones.
As soon as he takes off from his base in the North Pole, he can be located through updates on Google Maps and Google Earth.
The tracker is organised by NORAD, the people normally responsible for defending North America from incoming nuclear missiles.
The organisation can follow Santa with its radar and satellite technology, as well as detecting the infra-red signature left by Rudolph's red nose.
On behalf of children everywhere -"Thank-you NORAD".
They say that although they can locate where Santa is at any given time they can't predict his route or when he'll arrive at your house.

"We do, however, know from history that it appears he arrives only when children are asleep, if they're still awake when he arrives, he moves on to other houses. He returns later, but only when the children are asleep".

One more sleep

2010-12-24T08:57:00.002+02:00

On the way to work I went to renew my drivers license. Goodwood Traffic Dept. are so efficient, I arrived at five past eight and I was out of there at twenty-five past. And, it's so cool. Okay, perhaps it doesn't take much to impress me but it's very CSI and I loved the fingerprint machine and other cool stuff. It must be because I'm only twelve at heart when I go into such a place.
The queue at Woolies yesterday evening was about half a kilometre (perhaps I exaggerate) but moved rather well. As I listened to people complaining I wanted to tell them how it used to be.
On Christmas Eve some of the stores would open at 8 a.m. If you wanted a carton of cream for the Christmas Pudding you had to be there well in advance so that when the doors opened and the "ladies" stampeded to the dairy section you were well in the fore. Ah, sweet memories. Now, if you run out the shops are open on Christmas Day. I have no quibble with this as after all, it's not a religious holiday for the whole nation and I think we must respect that.
I took the gammon out of the freezer last night and when I get home I'll cook it, let it cool a little and then glaze it in anticipation of tomorrows feast. We are so spoilt! We'll be 18 to lunch this year I believe and I'm sure a good time will be had by all.In the evening we'll watch our (now) traditional Christmas Day movie - Love Actually, can't wait.
Boxing Day (or whatever it's called these days) will be spent at The Stanton Spa, chilling in the garden (if the rain lets up) and having some holistic massage, foot soaks and all things relaxing.
Monday, perhaps a coffee at Giovanni's with one of those powdery croissant, we'll just play it by ear.
All in all, a good long weekend to look forward to.
To you and yours I wish the Merriest of Christmases and Peace and Goodwill to All Men.
It's not a lot to ask is it?

Manners

2010-12-21T11:31:00.002+02:00

On Saturday, the loml and I went to Woolworths for breakfast. It was delicious.
At the table next to us were three ladies aged between 45 and 55 and a teenage girl. Through most of the meal two of the terribly rude women were texting on their cellphones.
The teenage girl behaved impeccably.

Tuesday Tip

2010-12-21T11:28:00.002+02:00

Don't buy jeans in the morning.
Mother Nature has arranged it that during the course of the day, even if you only eat one almond washed down with a teaspoon of water, you will be fatter by mid-afternoon.
How does this work, who knows? (someone probably).
So unless you want a lifetime of lying on the bed to zip up your jeans and then waiting for someone to haul you up off the bed,
don't buy jeans in the morning.

Tuesday Tip

2010-12-14T09:31:00.002+02:00

For those of you who didn't hear Bob Skinstat (a sportsman I believe) on the wireless on Saturday he made a plea for water for Beaufort West.
The water situation there is quite desperate and he asked each family to drop off two 5litre bottles of water at the designated service station when they pass through the town. Let's face it, even with 2000 cars a day, that's 20,000 litres, it's only a drop in the ocean. Just read your water bill and see how much you use in a month. However, it's better than no water at all.
Some years back, during the time of petrol restrictions, we were traveling to Bloemfontein. A grubby little van pulled to the side of the road ahead of us and about 12 passengers unfolded themselves from the back of the vehicle. Each person had a cola bottle of petrol, part of the fare no doubt, it was handed over to the driver to put into the tank and after squashing back in they were on their way.
Imagine if every taxi passenger (I believe that's around 30 per taxi) dropped of an unopened bottle of water when passing through any water starved town. It may just help.
Or how about all the fizzy drink companies leaving a space at the back of the truck for a few litres. Veggie deliveries, fruit, leather lounge suits. Just maybe there would be enough water to help.
If you're not traveling, how about 'phoning your local supermarket to find out if they have a drop off point. If they don't, ask them why.
So, well done to whoever came up with this idea and may it spread to all the needy areas where they haven't seen a drop of rain for soooo long.

It's Friday - Yaay

2010-12-10T14:59:00.003+02:00

In 1947, the best year of the twentieth century - Toys for Tots organised their first Christmas toy drive for needy kids. Vintage!
Alongside a newsletter I receive is an advert
"Find true love in 27 days" an on line course. Now, this presumes a lot. What if you don't get out much (probably covered in the course) What if you have really bad skin or a disease? What if your Soul Mate, the one who should be the love of your life, is out of town for a month?
I have also been reading a lot about "green stores" not to be confused with "green grocers" who may in fact not be green. Well, I'm sure I'm not the only (vintage) 1947er who remembers when ALL stores were "green", there was no aircon, the open doors offered a good through draft. Most of the produce was local as were the shop assistants. No nasty emissions and probably very little electricity being used. I could really go into detail about "the co-op" but I shan't.
We older folk were discussing the strange phenomenon of "the gap year". It's a total mystery to me why any school leaver would want to wait yet another year before embarking on the adventure of life. Talking of school leavers, one of our chain stores is selling a T shirt with the words "I'D DO ME" in very big letters down the front. Hmm. If Ashton Coucher was wearing it I'd see the humour but if my 14 year old's date pitched up wearing it I may well shut the door in his face.
Samantha sent me a wonderful Thought for the Day.
"I don't want to brag or make anyone jealous or anything, but I can still fit into the earrings I wore in high school"
This post number 250, it has been fun, thanks for logging on.
Have a splendid weekend and remember on this countdown to Christmas, Santa DOES know who's been naughty or nice.

Imagine

2010-12-08T08:38:00.002+02:00

John Lennon died 30 years ago today. What a shock it was to the world. I find it mind boggling to think that it was thirty years ago, it has gone in almost the blink of an eye. What would he have achieved? lots? nothing further? we'll never know but I'm pretty certain he would have had sad reservations about modern life. The things he was striving for haven't materialised, the world is still unbalanced, there's still war and poverty. However, he may have taken the up side and seen the world grew more compassionate, more people living a gentler life and quietly trying to practice some of what he "preached".
Rest in Peace Mr Lennon.

"You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will be as one."

Tuesday Tip

2010-12-07T09:48:00.002+02:00

How the weeks do fly. It seems like about four months ago that Rowland drove friends to the airport for their Christmas holiday!!
I had such a good Sunday. We invited the grandchildren over to help decorate the Christmas tree. When Sara-Jane, Danielle and I went to see Harry Potter, (awesome movie) Danielle mentioned that it was a long time since we'd made "do-it-yourself pizzas" so I decided that would be lunch on Sunday for the tree dressing. The parents came too - most welcome, so we were 14 and Timothy did a really good job at the pizza oven as head chef. What fun.
It did however set me to thinking how fortunate we all are to be able to celebrate such things. What do you do if you're a dustbin person or a shack dweller? No job, but still, it would be nice to show some festive spirit.
This year, instead of putting out the old decorations after Christmas, along with the dead tree, how about sorting through what you have and leaving the rest out on bin collection day, before Christmas, perhaps someone will find cheer when they take them home? You might even be inclined to put a small gift or some fruit or biscuits along with your "stuff". What about the old tablecloth, you've been meaning to get rid of it anyway? Ooh and how about a few stuffed toys or books for the kids?
Let's just do it.

Tuesday Tip

2010-11-30T14:55:00.002+02:00

Choose to be healthy. It's not as difficult as it may sound - to some.
I don't mean let's have a group hug and say "I'll never get cancer" that would be silly, some things just happen. What I mean is don't be one of those worry-warts who assume that every sneeze is "The Flu" or assume that because it's winter they will certainly get some awful cold weather ailment.
I meet a lot of people on a daily basis. The ones who are always full of cheer, no matter what, and have a healthy attitude to life. They are seldom ill and when they are they recover quickly.
Then we have the doleful Dans. "How are you?" and the answers vary from
"It's no use complaining, nobody listens" to the vocal equivalent of the sticker "When days are dark and friends are few". Sob.
They are the ones who are always ill, aches and pains like you wouldn't believe and they make sure the world hears about it. They've read up on all their symptoms on Wiki whatsit and cherish the notion of their illness.
Why?
So please, choose to be healthy and when perhaps you do fall victim to some dread disease, you'll be far better able to handle it than the downers and you'll surely recover quicker.
And on a brighter note, last evening I took the frozen cream out, it was easy to take out of the silicone tray, I popped all the strips into the pasta dish (actually I did taste one and it was like a yummy frozen sucker) and as soon as it was soft enough tossed it around and popped my dish into the oven. I have to say, if you'll pardon the pun, it was so cool. I'll be freezing cream whenever I have any left over.

Tuesday Tip - follow-up

2010-11-23T09:42:00.002+02:00

Captains Log 2311/B. Sorry, I don't speak Kirk or Picaard (?) but it's Bruce's birthday and he does and probably Klingon as well. Happy Birthday bro-in-law.
However, further to the cream substitute, Timothy's clever twin sister (she never comments on my blog, she emails me) suggested using rubber ice trays, I think it's actually silicone but good idea.
Last evening I poured the left over cream into an ice tray. Quite a nifty one, my sister gave it to me, it's 8 tube shapes which I thought rather weird until I realized that the ice produced fits through the hole in a cola can to chill your fizzy drink. Cle...ver.
So, I shall report back after a week or so of freezing. Gosh, I do love an experiment.

Tata

Tuesday Tip

2010-11-16T13:31:00.002+02:00

Yesterday I was cooking pasta for supper, with tiny button mushrooms and chunks of onion, capsicum and a tiny amount of fennel. I tossed all the ingredients together and thought some cream would just finish the dish.
Hmm, no cream. Well, I do like to be inventive so I took out some vanilla ice cream and tossed in a couple of dessert spoons of the stuff. Good ice cream you understand, none of that lardy nonsense.
It works! just stir it in gently and you have a fair substitute for the real thing.
I'm going to experiment with freezing (real) cream in ice trays, it may be problem getting it out but, we'll see. It's always good to have emergency supplies.

Evolution or Adapt or Die

2010-11-11T10:08:00.002+02:00

When we moved in to Edgemead in '72 we were surrounded by nature. Tiny buck, tortoises, birds, crickets, all sorts. The ones I enjoyed most were the plovers, they are such brave birds. We had moved into their turf and they were valiantly trying to keep their homeland together. I believe the male bird stands some way away from the actual nest (on the ground) as a decoy for marauders. Many a time I saw one lonely bird standing his ground against the might of a bulldozer, not caring how insignificant he may be, just protecting his family.
Isn't that the way it should be?
Now, almost 40 years later we miraculously still have some wildlife left in Edgemead (no, not the neighbours) they learned to adapt. We have so many birds visiting our garden despite the threat from the giant crows and the gentle hadedahs (?) When I drive to work, through suburbs that once were green and now are walled homes, I marvel at the resilience of the Guinea Fowl. These gorgeous birds seemingly take the same route as always, despite having to cross roads and traverse wire fences.I believe they're God's feelgood creatures because when I look at them I have to smile.
They're not the only ones to evolve since 1972. How life has changed for us humans.
Our kids played outside all day, at first there was no TV so nothing to distract us from books and games. Slowly the electronic media moved in, first TV, then the video machine, the computer, the cellphone and so it goes. Now, we have kids filming what they shouldn't even know about with their 'phones. We've watched wars and natural disasters from the comfort of our homes and we can even visit terrorist headquarters courtesy of the evening news.
What a strange world!
Children are maturing physically at a younger age yet paradoxically they are choosing to wait 20 or so years to start a family, or not.
Yet, some seem to be going back to the old ways. We have a work associate who doesn't own a cellphone or a computer, no, he's not a hundred and ten, he just prefers to use his typewriter and sometimes a landline. More and more people are turning to organic foods and lifestyles and spirituality seems to be gaining a strong hold. Surely the fairies at the bottom of the garden are happy!
Will future generations (yes, there will be future generations) look back on this strange era, shake their heads and say
"Old folk! can't live with them, can't leave them at the side of the road".
I hope so.

What's in a name?

2010-11-09T14:07:00.001+02:00

It seems we're to have a new cellphone service provider in SA. Well, good luck to them.
Why have they chosen a name that sounds like "Hater"? Surely we want something more positive in this world?

P.S.

2010-11-08T12:41:00.002+02:00

Well, mighty is the internet. News just in, the miner finished the race, no details but
Yaay for him!!

I've got a feeling

2010-11-08T09:26:00.002+02:00

that this week's gonna be a good week, that this week's gonna be a good, good week.
Get yourself over to U Tube and hunt down The Black Eyed Peas performing "I got a feeling" for Oprah. It's awesome!! Live, outdoors and I can say no more.
I wish the news channels would follow up after they've given us a taste of a story. Apparently one of the rescued miners , the one who ran 10kms a day while underground, was invited to watch the New York Marathon, he said he'd rather take part and so apparently he did. But no follow up so I have no idea of the result.
Have a good week all, I feel like the old school rhyme, I forget the first line but it goes on
" feeling dumb,
inspiration won't come.
School ink,
rotten pen.
Best wishes
Amen"

Tuesday Tip

2010-10-26T10:10:00.002+02:00

We do a lot of (machine) embroidery, from corporate and workshop wear through casual clothing, caps, fabrics, vinyl seat covers etc. Sometimes we'll be asked to put a child's name on to a t shirt or cap, we say no and give our reason.
Parents, grandparents and doting aunties, please don't let your much loved child walk around wearing her/his name, it's just to easy for the bad folk to catch them out...
"Hello Mary, your mum asked me to fetch you, she's a bit busy right now but don't worry, we'll just get some sweeties and I'll take you home".
Scary!
We recently watched the superb movie "The Lovely Bones" which illustrated all too well how easily even clever children can be taken in by an adult.
So there you have it, no names unless they're in your knickers or on your baseball uniform!
.

If the genes fit....

2010-10-25T13:11:00.002+02:00

A few weeks back I read that the United Nations will be appointing an E.T. Ambassador - no, seriously!
This will be the person who will be called to meet and greet aliens should they ever arrive on our planet. My first thought was
"Ozzy Osborne" I kid you not, he is perfect for the job. He has a wonderful sense of humour, probably speaks their language and I can't see him being easily ruffled.
Today I discovered that Mr Osbourne is in fact a direct descendant of the Neanderthals. Sorry, I somehow got lost in history because I thought we were all connected but, I digress.
Ozzy as you may recall decided to have his DNA tested to try to discover why he was so fit and healthy after a lifetime of sex, drugs and rock an'roll. Seemingly he is - and I quote from the Daily Mail -
"descended from Neanderthal Man, a distant relative of Jessie James, Tsar Nicholas and King George 1"
Now really, who better to greet the new conquerors than Mr. Ozzy Osbourne.

Tuesday Tip

2010-10-12T09:45:00.002+02:00

I never understood why the TV chefs would recommend bought pastry for their various recipes. It's so easy to make pastry, why buy it? Well, now that Woolworths have brought out their new shortcrust pastry I'm converted. It's really tasty.
This brings me to my tip. When you're making a tasty pie or whatever, after trimming around the plate, don't throw away the left over pastry, you can't re-freeze it so make use of it.
Roll out a circle or square, brush with beaten egg (left over from the pie) and pop into the oven at 200 for about 15 mins.
This pastry base can now be frozen for future use. Put a little pesto, cheese and tomato on top of the base, cook for 10 mins or so and you have a stylish little pie for lunch. Take two out of the freezer, make a tasty apple filling and you have a cute apple pie.
I think you get the idea so enjoy.

I don't mind Mondays

2010-10-11T10:07:00.002+02:00

Especially when one of my favourite TV programmes is back. Tonight, 7 p.m. Brenda Lee (not my cousine) is back. The Closer is on Action TV, I look forward to the coming season of cops and robbers. Roll on a new season of NCIS and (the original) CSI. Talking of which, Marleze bought a "CSI Las Vegas" t shirt for Timothy, he looks really cool.
Good things happen on Monday. If you're a glass half empty person no doubt you'll disagree but, I'm not.
An old friend hand delivered an invitation to his 70th birthday bash. I feel he's taking a bit of a chance, inviting old folk a month early, we may all forget - ha ha.
As you no doubt recall, we're not sit around and get old people so, we're really looking forward to a night out with friends who are not afraid to get on to the dance floor and party.
It's an A4 invitation, first the invite and then the following which I shall painstakingly type out as I don't have a scanner. Here it is, words to live (long) by.
How to Stay Young
Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That's why you pay them.
Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop" and the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
Enjoy the simple things.
Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
The tears happen. Endure, grieve and move on. The only person who is with you your entire life is yourself. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, friends, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
Cherish your health. If it's good preserve it. If it's unstable, improve it. If it's beyond what you can improve, get help.
Don't take guilt trips.
Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

Let's party!!

Thoughts for the day

2010-10-05T15:17:00.001+02:00

"What you dislike in another take care to correct in yourself"
Thomas Sprat

"Life can be one satisfaction after another if we let it"
John Schindler

"Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed"
Michael Prichard

Cryptozoologist

2010-09-29T14:01:00.002+02:00

What a fun word although I've always thought there should be 4 letter o's in Zoo ologist.
Courtesy of Arcamax Trivia I was introduced to this magic word, I had no idea such a profession/hobby existed.
A Cryptzoologist searches for Cryptids, legendary, mythical or extinct creatures. Can you imagine the excitement of finally putting the Loch Ness Monster myth to rest or finding a (friendly) Yeti? There's a great site at www.newanimals.org called The Crypto Zoo and if you have more time on your hands than I, you can read up on strange and wonderful things.
In Wikipedia there is an A-Z of legendary creatures. One that caught my eye is a Japanese creature called Uma-no-ashi - Horse's leg which dangles from a tree and kicks passers by. Hmm, do I smell a little Saki there?
But tell me friends, where is the TV series? Tired of the Same-o on TV, what fun to watch a team of intrepid adventurers fighting Gargoyles or falling in love with Mermaids. I feel certain I'd watch ( as long as Horatio isn't the hero) That dishy Steve McQueen lookalike from Life would be good in the lead role.
Whatever. If it makes it to the small screen I do expect a regular royalty cheque but in the meantime I'll be watching out for the missing links, whatever they may be.

Vitriolic - Bitterly scathing

2010-09-27T13:33:00.002+02:00

When time allows I read (per the internet) IOL, Perth Today and Sky News. There are some pretty good articles to be found if you do a bit of digging. One thing that strikes me as really sad is that over the three countries, represented by their news, the reader comments are the same.
95% mean and ugly. I read some really nasty ones today about Phil Collins and remembered what my mother used to say
"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all".
Do these comments appear because
a. the news handlers only want to publish the mean stuff
or
b. there are so many bored, lonely, disillusioned, whatever, people out there?
Today I saw a man with no legs, sitting in his wheelchair, out in the freezing wind. I bet he doesn't give a hoot about Phil Collins' talent or lack thereof.

My wish for you

2010-09-23T10:36:00.002+02:00

I had a little cry on the way home from work yesterday, a happy one.
I was driving up a steep road when that most dreaded of things popped out in front of me - a learner driver. She valiantly maintained her speed of 15kph to the top of the road when thankfully she turned left and I turned right. We've all been there. It reminded me of taking Marleze to Plattekloof, when the suburb was still being built, we went down a road into a cul-de-sac. One way out, up the deadly incline. We both giggled nervously, Marleze took up the challenge bravely and we were out onto the flat road.
That in turn reminded me of the trip to the cheese farm. Sion was about 16 or 17, a long while ago. I think we were five in the car, a black and silver Ford Fairlane. When we reached the farm road, in the drizzle, it was hard to tell where the road went so Sion was sent to investigate. Well, he took three or four steps and disappeared, the hill was steep. Down we went, to the cheese farm only to discover two things. A. the cheese was at a farmers market and B. the way into the farm was also the way out.
The road was made of a sort of slippery clay, rutted and bumpy from rain and no doubt countless vehicles trying to escape.
I stopped at the bottom of the hill, engine idling, if it was an animation my dear car would have been pawing the ground like a stallion. I selected first gear, we all laughed in fear and I started the climb. Unfortunately, the man on a bicycle who suddenly appeared was on the same track as us, his eyes were also wide with fright, it was a scary game of chicken, one of us had to stop and folks, it wasn't going to be us, we didn't want to slide downhill and have to start all over again. He must have seen the steely determination in my eyes because he just threw himself and bike into a ditch to allow us to pass. Thankfully he was unhurt.
And so the stories came to mind, lots to remember.
You know how it is when your eyes tear over because the memories are fun and happy and wow, life has been good? That's the stuff to hold on to.
So, my wish for you on this first day of spring/autumn is that you may always remember the good times and let the bad times fade away.

Local is lekker

2010-09-20T13:44:00.002+02:00

But from my point of view that rarely applies to movies. I'm no fan of slapstick, and those dreary soapies leave me cold.
Last night we watched what must be the best SA movie ever - White Wedding. What a great film (or filum as they say), it's a while since I've roared with laughter the way I did , if we'd been in the cinema I may well have been thrown out.
Wendy, you'll be homesick all over again so do try to rent it somewhere.
To the locals, enjoy it when next it's on TV.

63 and counting

2010-09-17T09:37:00.002+02:00

What a wonderful day I had yesterday. I never get too excited about my birthday, it's just another day, rather like 1 January, life goes on etc. and I have yet to reach an age that scares me. But, yesterday was especially good. Mr S bought me The Why French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook and at a sneak peak I've already seen three dishes I want to try.
In the morning we went to the Grandparents' Concert at Edgemead Primary School. What a blast, I love those shows, all the children participate, even if only to wave their arms. The school choir were excellent, Olivia looked lovely with her long plaits. The Marimba Band (Olivia again) so good and their version of Wakka Wakka (?) was excellent. Jeremy was of course outstanding in his first stage role, sitting cross legged and waving a UV painted fish, but who knows, perhaps that's how Russel Crow got his big break.
Work in the afternoon, punctuated by many 'phone calls wishing me happy happy, a really disjointed conversation with my sister in Oz. Jane pointed out that now they have a 'ranga (redhead) prime minister it means that in Australia redheads are the Alpha females. I knew that all along.
The family came to dinner, a chicken dish with rice and corn cobs, something requiring minimal dishwashing, followed by chocolate cake (made by Rowland's mom) and strawberries. It was nice.
After the crowd had left and the cleaning was finished I sat down to watch my DVD of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. It was very good but I think I expected a little more. To me it was more of a technology showpiece but, perhaps I was just tired after my day. After all, I'm 63 now.
Today is Baz Lurhman's birthday, only 43 I think and one of my favourite movie guys. I shall listen to "Something for Everybody" in the car on my way home, it's a compilation CD which should appeal to everyone.
So there we are, another year under my belt, next week I go for the annual check up, I'm sure I'll pass and then on to the next round of birthdays, Jessica 16 and the love of my life, 67.
Life's good.
P.S. Sunday is International Talk Like a Pirate day and also my brother Martin's birthday. The little whippersnapper will only be 53.

Tuesday Tip

2010-09-14T13:59:00.002+02:00

I like gadgets. Take me to a kitchenware store and I'm a happy chappy. One thing I've learned is this - if you can't see the appliance you may not use it.
If you have a fabulous food processor, a juice extractor or perhaps a breadmaker, display them proudly because if you're in the mood, you're in the mood NOW, not in fifteen minutes time once you've scratched through kitchen cupboards to find your labour saving device.

I love this country

2010-09-07T11:11:00.003+02:00

On our way to Darling on Sunday we passed a road accident. Flashing lights from a Police van alerted us, as well as the cars parked on the side of the road.
Down in a field was the vehicle, it looked to be a very old Toyota, yellow in colour, which appeared to have left the road and rolled a couple of times. In the course of it's acrobatics the crates of beer which must have been both in the boot and inside the car, had flown out, hence the spectators.
On our return - with no cake or ice cream - much to our surprise, well, no, not really, along came the accident car, traveling in quite a straight line all things considered, just crabbing a bit. The roof of the car appeared to have been beaten back into shape, although somewhat elongated. Perhaps it was like that before the crash in order to hold more beer crates.
As we once again passed the scene there was a small jolly crowd collecting beer bottles and crates.
Only in Africa!

What a weekend!

2010-09-06T09:27:00.002+02:00

It was really good. On Friday afternoon I collected Danielle and Kelly from aftercare and delivered them to Sion's house for a two night sleepover, their mum and dad having gone to Bloem for a party and to watch the rugby. It's such fun chatting in the car.
Saturday morning Sion dropped Danielle, Olivia and Kelly at our house as he and Tiana were busy at the ice rink. Grandpa popped into work and then headed off to Killarney for the day to watch motor racing and take lots of photos.
We had a raucous breakfast, grandpa included, and afterwards the girls painted ornaments while I did the boring housework, later we went to Cheshire Homes recycling area to drop off our cardboard and cans before I took them back to Sion and Tiana.
After a fun day at the races young Rowland was rather tired and popped into bed at 9 o'clock. I stayed up to watch "Coraline".
My word, that's rather a scary movie, even if it is just animation - done somewhat in the style of The Triplets of Bellville. Creepy stuff.
Sunday am we took Rowland's mom with us to Philadelphia to have breakfast at Peppertree. Yummy. Then along to Darling all the while hoping to see flowers, and we were in luck. Not quite what we'll be seeing in a couple of weeks time, (I like to think they bloom in all their glory to celebrate my birthday) but pretty none the less.
I popped in to The Marmalade Cat, a very sweet tea-room in Darling, to buy some lemon meringue or apple crumble to eat on the road but, they don't do takeaway, you have to sit in the cafe to eat. So, back to the car and our excellent tour guide Rowland headed for Melkbos, to find some ice cream
Here's a funny thing, if we had wanted to buy a used car, or even a new one, on the way home, we could have bought 100 but do you think we could find an ice cream parlour? not a chance. We drove through parking lots of shopping centres, along the beachfront where there are lots of restaurants but, unless we were wearing blinkers and missed them, no ice cream parlours.
There is a twirly ice cream place but we weren't in the mood for that, we wanted the real thing. Either Marcelle's Frozen Yoghurt or the equivalent of the superb Italian ice cream sold in Stellenbosch.
So, after dropping mom off at home we drove to Canal Walk and as it was rather busy I bought three chocolate flakes and a tub of soft serve ice cream and we ate that out of pointy coffee mugs at home. Next time we'll go to Stellenbosch.
But the day wasn't over yet. The embroidery we had anticipated doing over the weekend had been delayed due to some digitising we needed so, we decided to rearrange the sewing room and set about moving cupboards and counters, really foolish at our age, but we're 60% through with that and when finished it's going to be more user friendly when we both work at our machines.
Finally, after dinner we sat down to watch The Taking of Pelham 123. Loved it, except that our politically correct PVR is set to blank out bad language, apparently there was quite a lot because we had annoying episodes of silence. That aside, how great is John Travolta? He's a really good baddie but also a really good goodie. He can act, he can dance and looks really cool in a pilot's uniform. Denzel Washington wasn't too shabby either. A nice way to end a nice weekend.
To my English teacher who taught us that "nice isn't a nice word" well, I like it and that's that.

Premature Detonation

2010-08-23T12:50:00.002+02:00

The grand old ladies of Athlone are no more. I had never heard the cooling towers referred to in this way until yesterday when I excitedly turned on E News to watch the collapse. Rowland went to a friends house in Pinelands to take photos but being a sensible man he declined the offer of a view from the rooftop.
Our new early morning radio DJ came up with what would have been a good idea. He said that if he was in charge there would have been music, a flypast and a loud countdown. Good idea. Instead what did we get?? well, if you blew your nose 4 minutes before due time you missed the whole thing and had to wait for UTube or the evening news.
What a pity.
Will we miss them? Probably not. I hope the powers that be don't put in a shopping centre but use the area wisely. I listened to Counting Crows cover version of Big Yellow Taxi this morning and we certainly don't need another parking lot.
What I did learn is that most of the rubble will be recycled and used for building, perhaps in a few years time new houses will be built on the site although I'm rather taken with the notion of a solar power park. I saw one on TV the other evening, I think it was in Spain, (you know how it is when you're surfing, you miss the beginning). The area was filled with solar panels, collecting precious rays to be converted into electricity. How good to keep the original purpose of the site - producing electricity - just in a modern eco-friendly fashion.

Only in Cape Town

2010-08-19T10:45:00.002+02:00

Yesterday late afternoon I was leaving for home. I stopped at the busy intersection at the top of our street. Always a nightmare for those turning right, fortunately I turn left. In front of me was a truck which appeared to be filled with builders rubble and odd bits and pieces. Two young men (apparently with bums of steel) were sitting on the rubble. A much older man, wearing once white overall pants and lots of grey hair, came up to the truck looking to catch a lift. As he was negotiating his climb on to the back the two young men appeared to be giving lots of info on their destination but strangely didn't lift a finger to help the old guy climb aboard.
As the driver lurched forward on his suicide mission to clear the intersection the hitchhiker rolled and turned, sat down and flashed me a brilliant smile and a thumbs up.
Sweet.

done and dusted

2010-08-18T11:00:00.001+02:00

Cue up the triumphant Rocky theme and picture me running up the steps.
After six years, I have finally watched the last episode of LOST.
I thoroughly enjoyed the series and it's a pity we couldn't be on the same timeline as the rest of the world with the finale, but given the theme perhaps that's appropriate - my own sideways story.
So thanks to all concerned, well acted, well told and well confusing, so many notches above your average soapy.
Roll on the next new concept.

Tuesday Tip

2010-08-17T14:09:00.002+02:00

As you know, I'm really fond of cooking and when I've had a long day at work I find it most relaxing to potter around the kitchen making dinner. Other times, especially on a Saturday I like to prepare as much as I can prior to cooking. Peeling, chopping, prepping.
Two things that don't enjoy being peeled and left out in the air are onions or garlic. That's just one of the reasons I don't buy that packaged, chopped garlic that smells vaguely of bad breath.
Here is the solution. Measure the amount of oil, probably olive, that you plan to use, put it into a jug and throw in your freshly chopped garlic (or onion). As long as all the pieces are covered in oil oxygen can't get to them and they remain fresh and tasty.
Being in a jug just makes it easier to handle once you start cooking.
Bon Appetite

The Dinner Party

2010-08-12T14:50:00.003+02:00

We used to entertain quite often but, as the years go by, lifestyles change and child-rearing sometimes takes over. I was searching through a drawer the other day and came across a notebook from the seventies, in it I wrote both recipes and dinner party lists. The guests and the menu.
As an aside, I bought the book at Stuttafords, back in the glory days when they were the only ones to import (for then) exciting goodies and a pilgrimage to Claremont was highly anticipated. Nowadays of course Stutts is just another store and that exciting stuff is commonplace. Sad.
But, I digress. Our very first "dinner party" had but one guest. We'd been married for a few weeks and Rowland invited a friend of his to dinner. The (one course) meal was some sort of beef mince dish and to my horror, our guest finished his food and then proceeded to lick the plate clean. A burp would have sufficed.
As the years rolled by the dinners became more adventurous and we began to realise that there are the entertainers and the entertainees, but no matter, we have always enjoyed our role.
Infamous meals include the one where one guest arrived slightly plastered and when his wife told him the mushrooms (which he hated) were in fact kidneys (which he loved) he wolfed down his meal. Sadly it was returned to sender a short while later.
In the early cellphone days a rather self-important guy took "a call" in another room and on his return asked me to heat up his Gazpacho. Or how about the time number one son (who knew no shame) ate the whole salami that was part of my appetizer. Good times.
We like to mix and match our guests, young and old these days so that the conversation doesn't dwell on retirement plans and medication. Besides, we're pretty young at heart and plan to stay that way.
I believe the Queen Mum was still hosting dinner parties when she was 100 years old, admittedly with somewhat more help than our homestead but, who's to say we shan't be doing the same?
More wine anyone?

Fifteen minutes of fame

2010-08-05T13:27:00.000+02:00

It's a funny world. Thank goodness the slow movement seems to be gaining momentum.
Once upon a time we had real celebrities, the wow factor was there. My mother had a friend whose cousin touched Frank Sinatra's elbow when he was walking into a theatre. Back then that was "WOW".
Now, you'd best touch Justin whatshisname's elbow quickly because the rising stars don't seem to last long any more. Is it because there are so many people in the world that there's a small window of opportunity for each or is it the ever shortening attention span of the modern fan?
As you know, I enjoy other 15 minute moments and today I read about two that gave me much hope for the future.
An enzyme has been discovered, Ikaits. Scientist believe that if they can replicate its action (I think) they will be able to produce a washing powder that works in cold water, thus eliminating the need for hot water laundry. "Pish" you say, "most of Africa washes in cold water anyway". This might well be but if the entire world did the humble laundry in cold water it's estimated it would give a reduction of 18 million tonnes of CO2 per annum, the equivalent of taking 4-5 million cars off the road. Now to me that's "WOW".
How about "The Giving Pledge". Did you know there are some 403 billionaires in the US of A? Well, 40 of them have pledged half their wealth to charities, either in their lifetime or after they die. These people have been encouraged to discuss their wealth with their families and make decision for the future. The idea was set up by Bill Gates and Warren Buffet and includes the likes of George Lucas and Michael Bloomberg. "WOW". Those two small articles were far more newsworthy than the idiot waitress who dissed customers on facebook or what kind of decor the latest incarcerated star will be having in her cell.
It also got me to thinkin' about angels after reading about Fu Fighters. Not the highly talented group who lasted only a little longer than 15 minutes, but the unidentified flying objects seen during World War 2. It's worth taking a look in Wikipaedia to read about numerous sightings, on both sides, of objects that interacted with fighter planes. Then there's the story of the angels during the battle of Mons. The story varies with the telling from angels protecting the allies to angels over the entire battle. I personally can't imagine angels taking sides but I can imagine then covering a battlefield.
So, two world wars and two different phenomina, were they both UFOs or were they both angelic hosts?? The stories have certainly lasted longer than the alloted 15 minutes.

Sporty

2010-07-23T08:45:00.002+02:00

I'm a fan of Extreme Sports. You know, the ones where slightly unstable guys (usually) pit themselves against all odds. It's living vicariously because, let's face it, I'm never going to climb a mountain in my bare feet, with no ropes and while eating a bar of nougat. I won't be the one doing a triple, double backward flip on a unicycle while crossing a rope suspension bridge over a pit full of Piranah fish. Well, probably not.
However, if there was a prize for Extreme Alliteration I would gladly award it to Die Burger for this mornings banner...........
TATTAA
TATA
TUTU
and say "Hear, Hear"

67 reasons to move on

2010-07-16T10:44:00.003+02:00

Well, it's Friday once again but this time the Football Friday T shirt is packed away, there's no-one blowing a vuvazela outside the window and life is almost back to normal. What a ride! I thoroughly enjoyed the fun of the world cup, good memories.
But, now, we're moving on and what better way than by celebrating Tata Madiba's birthday. We've been asked to contribute 67 minutes of community service or anything else we can think of on Sunday.
We're not able to contribute time, we have an embroidery order to complete, but we have come up with an alternative that works for us.
If you're also pressed for time how about another type of 67 donation.
67 cents (upward of course) to a needy person.
67 pairs of gloves for a school feeding scheme or, for that matter, 67 days of lunches.
67 of almost anything that crosses your mind. Each small or big gesture will, I'm sure, be of value in this too fast paced world, there are so many needing help and even the poorest of us can find time or money to help out.

Tuesday Tip

2010-07-13T14:33:00.002+02:00

I read a small article on MSN about ten old fashioned things we should no longer be using. Quite a scary perspective I must say, it included things like a fax machine and dvd disks. In answer to that I feel we have to cling on to some of them. Just in case.
The typewriter - how will you write the next great novel if the electricity goes off?
Fax machines - yes, I do like to have human writing on pieces of paper that I've transmitted.
Landline 'phone - here's where the suspicious me comes in to play, I like to think the person I'm calling is NOT of "no fixed abode".
Instant camera - well, I'm a sucker for a picture I can hold in my hand and return to whenever so yes, an instant photo is quite cool and also, see my first point about no power.
Disk drive. You see, the love of my life and I have been collecting DVDs, yes, we buy them and then either watch the movie or file the disk away for later. The theory being that the day will come when we can no longer afford to pay for television and so, in our dotage, we will have lots of old movies and series to watch.
The remaining five on the list
Telegrammes - only if Kevin Costner delivers them on horseback.
Turntable - only if there is a ready supply of stylusses (?)
Cash register - I almost kept that one but I couldn't think why.
Tube TV - well, to me a TV is a TV so I don't care whether it has a tube or not.
CB radio - truth to tell, we do still have one but surely it has to operate through some sort of radio transmitter and I don't know if the ones disguised as pine trees would work.
My tip, be careful what you discard, who knows what we'll need after 2012!
10/4 good buddies.

Love hurts

2010-07-08T10:20:00.002+02:00

Going to sleep has always been pretty simple for me. I lie on my back, close my eyes and go to sleep, lucky me I know. Recently we've been taking advantage of the school holidays and sleeping a little later than usual, all that ends next week!
Because of the later start I can't fit in a few minutes of meditation so I decided, after reading the latest Reiki News, to meditate while falling asleep.
It's a simple Reiki meditation, and I started on Monday night, Very nice. Tuesday night, still nice and "Hello", Amber (the cat) decided to join me.
Last night, well, I won't call her the cat from hell but boy, did she disrupt my sleep. You see, Amber just loves the whole Reiki experience - ask Caroline - and it really enhances her love for her human companions.
Last night, falling softly into sleep, just at that drifting stage when the purring began. You know how cats can land without even the lightest of movement, there she was, totally in love. First purring next to my face, so I gently tucked her under the top blanket. No good, "I must be next to the one I love so much" so out she came, landing on Rowland's side of the bed, climbing over his body and coming down, paws first on my stomach. When a cat does that to your tender belly it feels like a punch from Iron Mike, really sore.
At that stage the grandfather clock struck midnight, I counted the gongs and then the crazy neigbour with a vuvazella decided to celebrate Spain's victory. Ho hum.
Amber settled, I started to drift away when the love of my life decided to turn over. This is no skinny malinky person, he's a man -sized man and as that arm landed on my already tender tum I realised I was trapped between a gazillion decibels of purring and so much love.
That fool with the vuvu is still awake, surely his lips hurt after four weeks and Amber is wedged up against my right side.
I get cramp in my foot! it really hurts but if I leap out of bed as I'd like I'll disturb my companions, let sleeping cats (and husbands) lie. But now, I need the bathroom, the clock chimes 12.15 and as my bare feet hit the tiles I realize I'm actually walking on a glacier and my toes will likely fall off before I get back to bed.
I sneak under the covers - good lord, when will that vuvazela fool go to bed?, squish my pillows, close my eyes and go to sleep.
So what do I do tonight?

Tuesday Tip

2010-07-06T15:28:00.001+02:00

If your day has been no laughing matter, here's a link to cheer you up

http://hellocomputer.posterous.com/best-cat-mail-ever

it's true, it is the best cat mail ever

cheerio

Monday Morning

2010-07-05T09:22:00.003+02:00

Off to the local post office, empty the box, collect a parcel and chat. Soccer, soccer, soccer. How much fun we've had during this World Cup, even those of us who haven't been to a game. The atmosphere is unlike any I've experienced in South Africa. A sort of "One nation, one goal" mentality. I pray that it continues after the event. I'm also hoping we get the Olympics, I don't think I'll be too old to enjoy that.
Hit the road and off to Bellville post office. From the parking area I can see some 150 people queueing. As people do when they are scared to lose their place these are almost body to body. It's 13 degrees outside but under the post office verandah it's a lot colder. As I approach the P O Box entrance there's a sad young lady, about 18 years old, baby in her arms. I say "good morning" and smile, she beams back at me and steps aside to let me through. I guess these folk are here to collect a govenment grant or pension. Does it feel good to wake up on payday or do the days just roll on? As I'm leaving I can smell the strong scent of orange, the line hasn't moved and a kind woman is sharing her orange with the young lady's baby.
It would be churlish to complain about anything this Monday morning, I have so much.

We be jammin'

2010-07-01T12:58:00.002+02:00

Today is International Reggae Day and we just luuuv reggae.
In our work office, behind my desk are 5 photos, all black and white. One is those high-in-the-sky workmen against the New York skyline. Two pictures of my dad with his band at a Glenn Miller Tribute evening. One of Marilyn Monroe - as one wit put it, "You were a lot younger there Louise". The other is Bob Marley. I can't tell you how many people walk in and want to buy that picture, no sale.
So, my favourite, corny, Bob Marley joke.
"So how do you like your sandwiches Bob?"
"Wi' jam in"
"and your friends, Bob, how do they like theirs?"
"Me hope dey like jammin' too."

Peace.

Tuesday Tip

2010-06-29T14:38:00.002+02:00

Wag your tail.
We have a charming, adorable lady sharing our home. Her name is Daisy and she's a cocker spaniel. Miss Daisy is 10 years old which makes her a little over 70 in human years, she isn't aware of this and thinks that she is in fact about 3 years old. We humour her.
What I love about animals is their inability to hide their joy. If Daisy is feeling down, her tail is still but when something brings a rush of happiness to her heart she can't help but wag her tail, and most of her body.
Some of the humans I meet are too fearful to allow others to see what they feel, but it's so liberating.
So, when you feel sad, buck up, set those shoulders back and as you start to cheer up, wag that imaginary tail, even if only in your head, and feel as liberated as our doggy companions do.

Laughing at ourselves

2010-06-25T14:26:00.002+02:00

We should all be able to recognise ourselves in many of the sitcoms we watch. My favourite is Big Bang Theory but I don't see me in it. One all parents should identify with is The Middle. We really enjoy this one. Three kids, a teenage boy, the middle child is a girl with braces and no grace and the third child is a strange but adorable young boy. We love this programme (this programme).
The mother was Raymond's long suffering wife in the sitcom I really didn't find funny and dad was the great janitor in Scrubs. He is currently unemployed and she is a used car salesperson on the brink most of the time of being fired. I think many people around the world will identify with them.
It's a sort of more modern day Malcolm in the Middle.
But you know what I like most about the whole thing, while mum is - as in real life - the tough parent, dad steps in when needed and is never portrayed as a bumbling idiot as seems to be the norm with most family life comedies.
Have a great weekend

New order

2010-06-24T15:54:00.003+02:00

Not for takeaway, although my mum tells me there's a man in Australia who's been measuring hamburgers for twenty or so years and, they're getting smaller! However, the Aussies have a new Prime Minister, not only was she born in Wales but she's a redhead to boot. This should bode well for OZ but, what do I know. They have a new Labour minister while UK ousted them and went over to the Conservatives. Perhaps the time has come for change world wide, or maybe people get a tad bored with what they have and seek change.
2012 is coming ever closer and anyone who's interested in the Mayan calendar has a different idea of what it may bring. We see so many things going on, be they natural disasters, new government policy around the world, new eating habits, whatever. Do we pick up on these happenings only because we've been given notice so to speak, or is there a definite shift. We'll know soon.
One thing I do know, call me squeamish if you will but today I read about a new decor item. You can buy a cowskin soccerball. O.K. so far. But this one (of many I gather) is identified by the individual cow's name and number. Yeuch. I think that is awful.There's a photo, not of the cow thank goodness but the ball.
What next.

Different strokes

2010-06-21T14:41:00.004+02:00

We had a great weekend. Friday evening Rowland and I went to a smart prizegiving in a big hall. Table decor was appropriate for the event, what appeared to be go kart tyres with candles burning inside, wine on the table and the starter already at each place, covered in clingfilm. I was a tad dubious but that was the start of a really good meal. Around 1100 people were served, efficiently and quietly, a most acceptable three course meal. The prizegiving was long but that was of course the whole point of the evening. Finally, dessert was eaten and the disco was cranked up. The love of my life had promised me two dances - you may recall I love to dance - so I was geared up. However, I had forgotten that this 95% afrikaans crowd would be dancing to a different beat so to speak. From young (early twenties) to old the guests were up on the dance floor doing the more modern version of "langarm" - for those not from these parts, that is a sort of waltz on too many red bulls done with the partners' right arms pointing out front. This dance now appears to have evolved and the couple both face forward (no more dancing backwards for the ladies) and the man puts in some quite intricate footwork while twirling his partner and dashing around the dance floor.
If I sound to be mocking, I'm not. I I love to watch the enthusiastic couples and marvel at the energy and sturdy thighs that go into the dance.
Saturday evening was a surprise 40th birthday party, also mostly motorsport fraternity at a sports club. It was one of those delightful family affairs, children running around, ten year old boys with their hair greased up, trying to break dance while the girls ignored them. The music came from a juke box and was wicked. One person with no music in them changed tunes just as I was about to enjoy the headbanging part of Bohemian Rhapsody but that aside most enjoyable.
So why was no-one dancing. I mentioned this many blogs ago that the generation who are now around forty years old don't seem to dance. Caroline also mentioned the same thing once I think. It's sad.
A gentleman of around 75 or so years came through from the bar, still clad in his bowling clothes, a little stout but, those bowlers are limber. After asking the general crowd why no one was dancing to Staying Alive - ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin' alive - he proceeded to do the whole John Travolta dancing bit, complete with pelvic thrusts and arm outstretched. If only Mr Travolta could have seen him.
So kids, get out on the dance floor, please.
Then came Sunday, Fathers Day. We were a party of ten for breakfast, Sion and his ladies were still away on holiday, much missed. We went to Philadelphia (Western Cape not USA) to a delightful place called Pepper Tree, it was chilly at first but the coffee and hot chocolate soon hit the spot. This small restaurant gets 4 stars out of 5 for a great breakfast and friendly, efficient service. Not to mention really keen prices. There's a pottery and gift shop and across the road Magic Minerals where you can buy crystals, singing bowls and many other items from two uber-friendly and helpful people.
After breakfast our driver, Rowland, took us on a tour of Cape Town, over the new flyover, new roads, around past the stadium, through the Waterfont and along to see the ferris wheel.
What a good weekend it was, we'll need a few days to recover.

Tuesday Tip

2010-06-15T13:41:00.002+02:00

We enjoy entertaining, not too often these days what with the cost of living etc. but there is something so nice about having friends over for a meal.
Whether you're an old hand or new to the hospitality game I find this tiny tip works.
I write up a timetable (a small one) and tuck it into a kitchen drawer. A sort of crib note you might say. That way I know that I won't forget to put the potatoes into the oven or indeed, forget the potatoes altogether. Let's face it, when you haven't seen folk in a while it's easy to get caught up in conversation and no matter how experienced you are, you can leave something out.
It's not a biggy but this tip just might make the evening run a little smoother.

Budgie Smugglers

2010-06-09T12:47:00.002+02:00

I've just read an hilarious piece in the Tonight section on IOL about the rise (once again) of the dreaded Speedo. Written by Jan Moir with such lines as
"The type of man who wants to show you his bacon and eggs before you've even agreed to have dinner with him, let alone breakfast".
Read it and enjoy.
A man just came into my office to ask if we do speedo repairs, funny.
Whilst scanning the article I also read that Turkey will be holding the 649th Annual Oil Wrestling Festival next month, what will they wear? And roll on next year for the big 650.
The vuvazelas just sounded 12 noon, school children have left the buildings for 5 weeks and the unions are trying to get in on the act, as ever, wanting businesses to give their workers friday afternoon off.
I'm looking forward to the World Cup. I'm a soccer fan, my man Wayne ( a fellow redhead) is playing for England so of course they'll have my support but most of all, I'm looking forward to the influx of visitors who have no idea how wonderful this country is. The brave people who've ignored the world press berating our country and opted to come anyway, sans bodyguard, armed only with pounds, dollars, euros and yen. I expect the visitors to Cape Town to be gobsmacked at it's beauty and I hope they won't be too disappointed if all is calm.
I hope all is calm. Gees is the word used, pride I think. So whether you're a fan or not, ( one customer pointed out to me that he doesn't like football OR soccer), it's only a few weeks out of our lives and a chance to host the biggest sporting event we've seen here. So, "Do it for your country broo" and give the world a good SA welcome.
Even if they're packing in the Speedo and vest.

44

2010-05-28T11:27:00.002+02:00

Isn't it funny, to some the idea of turning 44 is awful while there are those of us who wouldn't mind being that young again. Well, today is our 44th wedding anniversary and it's quite scary how quickly the years have flown by and what wonderful (and not so wonderful) things have happened in that time.
Do I have words of wisdom for those embarking on a lifetime together? No way! Probably the two most important things in our lives have no training, a few boring manuals for sure but basically we go into marriage and parenthood in total ignorance. That's how it should be, we each carve out our life and if you're lucky enough to find your soul mate, so much the better.
I've seen good marriages fall apart and feuding couples stay together forever. There's no foolproof recipe for success and let's face it, a calm and uneventful life together could become a little dreary.
So, while I cherish the love of my life and our wonderful family, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we have at least another 26 years together because I'm really enjoying the ride.

Tuesday Tip

2010-05-25T12:43:00.001+02:00

I'm baaack. New computer and hopefully no more glitches, although I still can't post a comment on Cabbages blog so, for the record, my last comment to Sandra was
"You would enjoy the animated movie The Triplets of Bellville" it's really good by the way.
This morning my car had a flat tyre, hence this tip.
Don't play the car radio too loud as you may notice an emergency just too late.
I was listening to Sacred Spirit, Native American music which as you no doubt know has a lot of "Yay, yay, yay, hey, hey" and "dum, dum, dumdumdum" ( voices and drums). If the volume was way up I wouldn't have heard the "flippidy, flap, flap" of the deflating tyre. Fortunately I did and I was able to make it to the nearest garage. Thanks to the great guys at Letchworth Service Station who changed the wheel for me - I didn't even have time to eat a bucket of chicken, they were so efficient.
But it is important to be aware of the goings on around your car, the ambulance or fire truck that needs you out of the way before you can say "Loud heavy metal", not to mention those sneaky motorbikes, now you see them, now you don't and where did he come from?
Take care out there, you're irreplaceable

Birdy news

2010-05-19T10:28:00.002+02:00

On my way to work this morning I stopped at the lights and looking around, saw about twenty white birds on the grassy knoll (I've waited years to write the word knoll) at the side of the road.
They were those white birds that sit on the backs of cows, Egrets I think but I'd have to ask "he who knows everything about birds", aka Sion. They remind me a little of Riff Raff in the Rocky Horror Show.
There they were pecking away at the grass below the steak house which made me wonder "just how rare is the steak they serve up there?"
They also reminded me how every bit of life is connected and serves a purpose. I was trying out one of those hugely expensive - but worth the cost - space age pillows. The lady serving me was telling a horror story about the number of mites in the average bed and how they come out and eat all the dead skin from our bodies. Yuch. But how awful we'd look with dead skin hanging off our arms, like something out of Shawn of the Dead (brilliant movie by the way). No matter how humble or gross, how huge or beautiful, most of nature works in synergy, each action having purpose and giving results.
It's about time we, the so called top of the ladder, most intelligent on the face of the earth gave this synergy stuff a try. Each action has consequences but I don't think that throwing a burger wrapper out of the car window, littering and thus creating work for the street cleaner is what we need.
Let's rather apply ourselves positively, taking on a pay it forward mentality, doing good, no matter how humble our effort, to create good thoughts and actions.
Do not confuse this with being a "DO-GOODER", people to be avoided at all costs.
It IS the little things that count. Smile at someone and perhaps this evening there won't be yet another family fight in their home. You get the idea, a little kindness goes a long way.
So what if the bird's sole purpose in life is to catch a few ticks on a cows back. Without his small act of kindness the meat eaters out there wouldn't have such nice beef, or those warm leather shoes and swanky bags.

Out of the mouths of babes

2010-05-17T08:50:00.002+02:00

Clearly the person who coined that phrase had no idea Bay Watch would one day hit the world. This one is about Kelly, she's no longer a babe but no doubt will be one in about ten or so years.
Yesterday her mum and I were discussing Jason Statheham? (does the spelling really matter?)He of Transporter fame. The main topic was his build. M. said he definitely has an eight pack.
Kelly was listening, as kids do, and you could almost hear her mind working.
Thinks,"my dad has a six pack, this guy has an eight pack?"
She came over to us and said
"I have a nine pack" we looked mystified so she added "When I sit down"
Go figure!

Hold the back page!

2010-05-13T12:52:00.003+02:00

I read the news headlines each day, from England, South Africa and Australia. While there is some really good news to be had, the stupid items are the ones that catch my eye.
"Kim Cattrell does not wear knickers" Now really, why would that be of interest to anyone who isn't personally involved with Ms Cattrell?
"Miley Cyrus gives older man a lap dance". Here's the thing, at her age she really shouldn't know how.
"Warhol self-portrait sells for $36.33 million" Who cares if they're US or Oz dollars, the man was no oil painting in real life.
"Naked news readers" MTN say nudity isn't porn, I quite agree but will the wobbly bits go down well after a few weeks exposure?
"Man battles for life after eating slug for a dare". I feel genuinely sorry for this man and his family but this is the kind of thing those insurance for women types latch on to.
An Australian woman was scammed out of A$9000 by a Nigerian fraudster. What can you say? We're so used to daily requests from around the world that it's hard to believe there's still someone who'll fall for it. In the light of my mis-spelling of troops I would like to point out that the person who wrote in the newspaper comments section really should have checked the dictionary before typing "how dumb can these in-breads be?"
On the really serious side, how awful to be sitting watching TV one minute and the next to have you and your house swallowed by a giant sinkhole.
However, the most exciting item I read today is that Voyager 2 may have been hijacked by aliens. This doesn't come from some nutty rag, it's genuine. (I hope).
You may recall that some 33 years ago Voyager 2 was launched into space to collect data. On the side of the craft is a 12 inch disc containing music and messages in 55 languages. Voyager has now begun sending signals back to Earth in an unknown data format.
As one who treated Close Encounters of the Third Kind as a semi-documentary I'm blown away by the thought that in a mere 33 years the hijackers may be here to see Earth for themselves. Wow!

Learning

2010-05-02T17:26:00.002+02:00

Sara-Jane came over yesterday afternoon, to spend the night with us. I was making Buttermilk Rusks, something I do once a month, and she was chatting and helping as they were made. After that we made a (delicious) mushroom tart from a recipe in Taste magazine. She wasn't being taught but a lot of it will have rubbed off on to her. Rather like the young man in Slumdog Milionaire we absorb so much knowledge that we may not be aware of until it's needed.

I, for instance, know how to pluck a chicken. I live in hope that I'll never have to do the dirty deed but, from watching my Gran doing it when I was a child, I know how. I'm fussy about mashed potatoes because I remember my mum's and try do do the same. It's a kind of legacy I suppose and also how we evolve.

I rather enjoy doing laundry, I'm a tad fussy about it and I know that a lot of my attention to the task came from Rowland's Ouma. When she came to stay with his folks I would watch in amazement as she marshalled the troups to catch every last bit of sunshine in the small garden. Moving a shirt here, a towel there.

It just soaks in, this knowhow and it's why we have to be careful what we pass on.

My dad didn't swear (that I know of). When he was really angry he said "Damn it all"and I don't recall hearing anything else. I rarely swear, I have two words reserved for ghastly occassions, neither one would be banned in a movie, or beeped out. Had he been a cusser of note well, things may have been more colourful.

So we evolve, tasks becoming commonplace without being taught, to make place for new abilities. Young boys observe their dad's every move, how often they walk in the same way or have the same mannerisms. Girls may take up a hobby their mother has because deep down they know that half the learning has been done and they just have to fine hone the rest.
Some times we may surprise ourselves by discovering things didn't realise we already knew. I think it makes life interesting, there's always something new waiting for us to soak in, just try to recognise the good and ignore the rest.

Music

2010-04-18T09:20:00.002+02:00

We have three new (music) albums.
The first is "Dancing Through the Chakras" an Aussie production, not quite what I was expecting. I thought it would just be music but we have an Aussie lass coaching before each chakra. Actually it's very good. We start with the "tribal rhythms of the earthy base chakra" all the way up to the crown. So instead of the usual slow begining and wild end we start with lots of energy and slowly, slowly relax. Very nice.
Number two is Jay-Z (rapper not dancer). I really like him and I think one day he and Beyonce will be a chubby couple who compliment each other. It's a great album, I don't care for his over use of what we honkies refer to as "the N word" but aside from that it has some really great tracks. I love good rap, Emem, Kanye (how do you spell these names?) as opposed to those wannabees who think if it rhymes it must be rap.
Last but of course, not least, Gorillaz - Plastic Beach. Wow. It doesn't fail my expectations. Featuring among many others another big favourite rapper - Snoop Dog. If there's such a phrase as cohesive randomness it would describe this album. It's different but the same, the favourite, recognisable sounds in a whole new way. Five stars.
Talking of stars, I really must buy a Prime Circle album, they surely are the best to come out of South Africa, but, lest you think that doesn't mean much, please think on the amazing talent this country has to offer. Their cover of Careless Whisper must have George crying into his cornflakes and their original stuff, outstanding.
Play on.

Size doesn't matter

2010-04-17T10:32:00.002+02:00

Canyou say Eyjafjallajokull? Me neither but this dumbfounding word has brought half of the world to its knees. It's a hat trick for Icland, a country with a population roughly one tenth that of Cape Town. First they gave us Bjork, then the bank and now the volcano. Who could ever have imagined that the world's aircraft would be grounded for days on end?
The last time Eyj erupted was Dec 1821 and eruptions carried on until Jan 1823, 14 months, give or take. So what will happen in the hypthetical next 14 months?
Well, if you want to attend any of the soccer world cup matches you have paid so dearly for from the U.K. or Europe, start walkng, or book a cruise. On the up side, no plane hijackings but on the down side, no once-in-a-lifetime trips either.
I used to think that the worst commercial problem would be when the electricity goes out but this is way bigger. So much money isn't being spent. No fuel for the planes, no catering or toilet cleaning. No taxi or bus service to and from the airports and of course, no point going on strike.
Isn't it amazing how the small things can just blind-side us and shake up our lives?

Boxing clever

2010-04-14T15:16:00.000+02:00

I see that Puma are discontinuing the use of shoe boxes. Instead they will have a "clever little bag" I think they call it. This will of course be much more enviromentaly friendly than chopping down trees.
While I applaude the effort to go green I must shed a tear for the amazing shoe box.
It isn't just for shoes, it can be a doll house, a theatre, a camera, storage for old love letters, recipes, baby photos. Need I go on, the uses are endless. The shoe box must rate as the number one example of how to recycle successfully.
Who makes the boxes? will they be out of work? Some years back while holidaying in Australia we went into covered parking where we paid a machine for the couple of hours our car was there.
"That's never going to happen in South Africa" I said "too many people need work so they'll never be replaced by a machine" I'm not such a good prophet am I?
The fact is, it is cheaper to employ a machine than a human. It works all the time, never goes on strike, never takes leave or asks for a raise. So sad.
The times they are achanging, if we want to save our planet we have to take bold steps like the ones taken by Puma but if we want to save our people we'll have to come up with something for them to do. In SA there are ladies who make the most amazing items out of old plastic bags, perhaps they can take old Puma bags and weave them into shoe boxes so that we still have somewhere to store our stuff.

Sunday

2010-04-11T10:33:00.002+02:00

The wedding was really good. I don't wish to offend anyone but I'm not always into those swanky wine farm do's, I prefer a family and friends, kids running down the aisle type wedding. This was a totaly comfortable affair and everyone had a good time. We even danced - Rowland and I were the only ones on the dance floor for Billie Jean, confirming what I've suspected for a while, Michael Jackson is old fogey music. Who cares.
On the way home we came across a most horrific accident which (from a distance) seemed to be between a car and a motorcycle. I think we counted three fire engines and many police vehicles, the road was closed off and what I find totally SICK is how some feel they have to stop their cars and walk over to the accidents scene. Sickoes!
Tomorrow is my mums birthday. I'm sure she won't mind me mentioning that she will be 88 years old. What a life she's had and still around to tell the tales. She has three children, 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Way to go Annie.
So, my prayer for today is for a lifetime of Joy for Natalie and Stanley, Peace and Acceptance for the families left behind after the crash and Good Health and Happiness for my mum.

Hairy

2010-04-10T16:16:00.002+02:00

As readers of my blog know, my legs are naturally free of hair, however a friend of mine does periodically have to remove some hair from her legs. This friend, we'll call her, oh, I don't know, Louise, went to buy hair removal cream but being a bit cash strapped instead of buying the pump bottle she's used to she bought a small tube, 50ml to be exact.
The thing about applying something from a tube is this, the first squeeze and rub on is fine but after that you have at least one creamy hand which slips off the tube when you try to squeeze out the next lot. Suffice to say both hands are soon very slippery.
But, what I wanted to point out is this, my friend is of average height and her legs aren't fat (quite shapely actually) and the manufacturers should print on the box "If you are taller than Louise you won't be able to do two legs with the contents of this tube". Of course, if you're shorter you will end up with a useless bit of cream that you know you're going to throw away.
Another thing, on the box the tube came in it says "Expiry date 3 years from manufacturing date indicated on the bottom flap of skillet"
What skillet? I didn't get a frying pan with my, I mean her, cream.

Hello again

2010-04-10T11:37:00.005+02:00

Sorry, I've been busy and my work computer is messing around big time and I was feeling a bit low and I couldn't even get my really nice comment through to Cabbages and Kings and the dog ate my homework.
The love of my life kept asking for a post but when Brenda Lee (no, not the singer silly, THE Brenda Lee my cousin) asked why I hadn't blogged for a while I decided to discipline up and get going.
I'm just going to hang a load of laundry, I'll be back.
It seems I took longer than I should and the laptop shut down.
I read a very interesting letter from one of the passengers on the flight that went down in the Hudson River. No tales of great heroics but simply people getting on with the task of rescuing and being rescued. At the end he gave a list of things that are important if you're going to fly. The one that stood out for me was "Keep your body fit so that in an emergency you can help yourself and others" This was so true a couple of nights ago. Dear Mr S was having an early night so that I could catch up on the TV he doesn't watch - dear man. As he lay down he looked toward the window to say goodnight to the moon, instead he saw a rain spider at the top of the wall (my side of the bed I might add) near the ceiling. As the official spider catcher (and releaser) I was jolly glad that I can still climb onto the bedside table and catch a spider.
We had a good Easter weekend, four days off work to chill, most of the family came to the Mad Hatters Tea Party on Easter Sunday, Sion and his ladies were unable to attend and were greatly missed. Sadly, the Easter Bunny whispered to me that he won't be coming around to our house next year, what with the young ones not being so young any more and him being needed elsewhere. We'll miss him, hence the introduction of the tea party. I took out the very best china, it was fun.
So, in the short 16 weeks or so that have passed rapidly this year, my web site which I'm really excited about isn't off the ground yet, soccer is only 62 or so days away and will no doubt be a resounding success, despite the attemps of foolish politicians, foolish workers and the press. I can't believe that Lenny Henry and Dawn French are splitting up after 25 years, so sad. The wonder of 3D has already become nothing special, seen it, moving on. My mum has moved into a lovely care centre where she is one of the youngsters (88 on Monday). My sister has been in hospital and is now recovering. My brother-in-law went on a Vision Quest. Daughter-in-law number two is away in the good old USA ice skating - and we wish the Cape Town skaters much success. RX got a new cell phone. Timothy and his ladies went to Sun City - lucky people - and Samantha and I did nothing much. (I won't mention Grey, Okay ?)
On 24 April, Wizards in Claremont are having some sort of Holistic re-opening day so I shall be off to that. Yay.
We recently watched a lovely little film called Son of Rambow. Slow begining but what a treat.
Today, our premier, expensive TV channel is showing Rugby, followed by Rubly and for those of you who not yet glassy eyed, more Rugby. Thankfully my lover and I are off to a wedding.

Third time lucky

2010-03-21T08:41:00.002+02:00

You know how much we enjoy a good movie and when times are tough you can't beat a good comedy. So, off I went to buy some cheer in the form of "The Hangover". It received such good reviews, some boffin even suggested it should have been in the Oscar top ten movies (clearly tongue in cheek). R149 later I can only say what a load of cr (sorry, I can't say that). The funny parts were all in the trailer and the rest was crass. Ho hum.
Next up, Paul Blart, Mall Cop. Seen "the making of" etc so I set the PVR to record and it actually got the whole movie. Well, it was better than The Hangover, a bit slow to begin but it gathered pace. For me the star of the movie was the Indian boyfriend (Eastern, not Native American) and all in all it was better than watching rugby.
Finally, I threw caution to the wind, grabbed the last of my savings and bought "UP".
Now that was money well spent. Firstly I retract my remark that it shouldn't have won the best soundtrack award, the music was a character in its self, painting such a lovely picture. Secondly, that was such a gosh darn good movie that I forgave myself for the first two mistakes and will certainly be enjoying "UP" more than a few times in the future.
Little wonder it was brought to us by a Stanton.

For the record

2010-03-19T14:40:00.002+02:00

I would like it to be noted that I am thoroughly FED-UP with my TV programmes being tossed in favour of rugby. We pay for about 7 or so Sport channels and yet, as soon as the programmers see men playing with funny shaped balls they have to whack them on to MY channel. Once again I miss out on Lie To Me which I happen to enjoy. If only they could analyze my facial expressions.

Snippets

2010-03-18T09:08:00.002+02:00

Last night, watching TV I discovered a good thing. This nice young man told me that if I sms 31something or other I can find out if I'm the next Lotto winner. Well, at first I thought this might save me a lot of money, once a week I sms this number and if I'm NOT the next Lotto winner I don't have to waste my time buying a ticket. Genius! But then I realised the sms would cost more than the ticket so I'll carry on taking my chances.
I bought a new product from The Body Shop - now that Estee has pushed her prices too high for my taste. An organic range of moisturisers, lovely. Last night I cracked open the eye cream, it goes on so smoothly, but just a tad tingly. As I had taken out my contacts I was able to read the (very) small print on the packaging and Horrors, it contains Aspirin, Salicylic Acid. I'm allergic to that, taken internally it causes, well, death but I don't know what it would do to my skin. As I don't want to turn more pruney than I am I shall return it today. Maybe that's why Estee increased her prices, she doesn't use Aspirin in the range I used to buy. Do you have any idea how many people text while driving their cars? often with a little kid (no I haven't as yet seen a goat in a car although I'd like to see the George Clooney movie) on the front seat. Faar too many. They weave across the road, go through stop streets without looking and lots of other bad stuff.
When Merlin and I are out in the car (bird, remember?) if he spots a plane in the sky he is so excited. He clearly thinks this is the god of gods, the big bird who rules all and as such he should be greeted with loud birdy cries and reverance. I on the other hand try to imagine the contents of big bird as it's going in to land. The ones who are finishing their prayers for safety, the excited lovers, waiting to see the girlfiend/boyfriend/spouse. The ones who are coming to town to seal a deal or the ones who perhaps lost a big contract the day before. It's so exciting, I love the notion of flying into the blue so I'm really rather peeved that cabin crew would contemplate a strike. Flying isn't just about the destination, it's the whole package, the way in and the way out, some will have saved for, dreamt of and look forward to a trip for months or years, some may be visiting a sick friend, whatever, please don't dash their plans.

The best laid plans

2010-03-10T11:42:00.002+02:00

Today is, I believe, Chuck Norris Day. Time to break out the "Chuck Norris se Mxxr" T shirt and assume a macho attitude, tell a few CN jokes e.g. "Chuck sleeps with a pillow under his gun" and just celebrate the man.
Somewhat like the Oscars.
It is a long held tradition with Rowland and I, Academy Award night, we sit in front of the TV and thoroughly enjoy the movie love fest. We don't listen to the radio or read a newspaper, we relish the surprises.
So, Monday evening, come 19.30 (Happy Hour until 19.45) we settled in front of the telly - ah, the anticipation. The first half hour was good, we decided to break at 20 hundred hours for dinner. That's when things went awry. We had unexpected visitors as I was dishing up - an absolute treat, number two son and his three lovely ladies, they had just been out celebrating Marleze's 39th birthday. So good to see them. Once they had left RX suddenly felt dreadful (this happens with the treatment he's had) and went to shower and off to bed.
No worries mate. As the Oscars were being recorded on the PVR we planned to resume Tuesday evening.
So, once again, happy hour at the homestead, 19.30 we sat down to resume our show. Day two of no radio, no newspapers etc.
I thought it quite a good show, the League of Dancers were excellent, Jack wasn't there - again - but we caught a glimpse of him at some other award ceremony looking happy. The faux pas of the night must have been leaving Bea Arthur and Farrah Fawcet off the In Memorium section or perhaps, a strange woman who leapt into view and hijacked an acceptance speech.
I felt that the Avatar soundtrack should have won but aside from that all was good.
Let me pause to explain what I understand of the workings of the PVR decoder. You do not set it to record by time, you set it to record by programme. I set it to record the Oscars.
So, DSTV, why did the recording stop three awards before the end of the show?????????????. Not acceptable.
Should I perhaps notify Chuck Norris? It being his day and all?
As we're adults we overcame our disappointment and this morning I googled the awards, not nearly as much fun as watching them but, such is life.
All that being said, to Aunty Eva, Nina and Chuck, Happy Birthday and many more, may your timeslot not be messed up by the PVR of life.

Tuesday Tip

2010-03-02T09:14:00.003+02:00

I buy bandanas. All designs, local, eastern or Mexican looking, I find them so useful. If you're having pizza or something messy to eat the bandana is so big and user friendly.
When I'm preparing veg for a meal I tend to get a little carried away with the Shogun veggie peeler, you know, slices all over. On Sunday, the love of my life was peeling a huge butternut for me, he's so strong! We just put a bandana on the table and work over that, fold it up once you're done and dispose of the skin as you wish. Easy, peasy.

March

2010-03-01T09:18:00.002+02:00

Peace March, Million Man March, March of the Penguins, that march from Aida. Marching to Pretoria, an army of ants on the march. Beware the Ides of March ("I told him "Julie, don't go"").
This must be the most decisive sounding month of the year, it vibrates with movement and progress.
An army marches on its stomach?? Marching to a different drum. Time marches on.
It's going to be a good month, march my words.

Tuesday Tip

2010-02-23T16:26:00.003+02:00

Slow dance with the one you love. Whether it's to Nickelback or Chris de Burgh, with your partner, child, best friend or the family cat, it's good for the soul.

Go Canada

2010-02-19T14:41:00.003+02:00

We caught a few snippets of the winter Olympics last night on TV. They are so much more interesting than the summer Olympics and the athletes all look healthier and happier. Must be all that snow and fresh air.
Curling is my favourite (bear in mind I don't do sports). It's such fun to watch and frankly the ladies, in particular, are so skilled. The Chinese and Swedish teams were doing well when last I checked. Was I wrong or is one of the U.K. team called Andy Capp?
Downhill racing, ski jump, snowboarding - wowee. they are all so brave and crazy and happy and having fun even through the pain. There is a discipline called skeleton - only for the nutsy ones. A skeleton of a frame which is pushed on the slope and then the rider dives on head first and charges down hill. Crazy but fun to watch.
It's very clever of the organisers to arrange for good weather and crowd participation seems to be full on.
We haven't seen any ice skating as yet but perhaps we'll find some tonight. I see the Brits are pinning their hopes on a brother and sister team so I shall watch out for them.
So, from 30 degrees c. in Cape Town, have a great weekend.

Bike Me!!

2010-02-17T12:27:00.003+02:00

Travelling to and from work the traffic is usually heavyish, not bumper to bumper I'm happy to say but busy. How annoying it can be to be stuck behind a motor cycle. Now, I'm not talking a 340 horsepower, supercharged Harley, I'm talking about those small, irritating 0 to 60 in 5 minutes jobs, often pink.
You know how it goes, you (all) pull away from the lights and Pinky slowly, slowly picks up speed while the drivers in the queue behind start to get a little tense. Gradually we're all able to pull into the righthand lane and overtake the bike, being good drivers we slip back into the left lane and all is well until, we reach the next set of traffice lights.
As we patiently wait for the lights to change, Pinky buzzes through the two lanes of traffic, right to the front of the queue and the whole sorry saga starts again when the lights change.
To add insult to injury, she'll be parked dead center of the last parking bay when you arive.
Oh my!