Life's a Beach

Yesterday evening we drove down to Melkbosstrand for a wee walk on the beach. Daisy (the dog) was so excited to be in the car, she didn't really mind what the destination. Unfortunately we can't let (lazy) Daisy off her lead at the beach because she just runs back to the car, funny dog.
We took the coast road and for some 5kms or more the sea was a medley of colour with more than 300 kite surfers enjoying themselves along with a few board sailers. the wind was pumping as it does at this time of year but what a joy to smell the sea, breath in the fresh air and stretch the lazy legs. Timothy and the girls joined us and while Rowland paddled in the shallows Timothy and I took a short walk. Koeberg power station always brings to mind a James Bond movie (of old of course) and it was especially eerie yesterday with the mist rising around the building.
I always enjoy the evening drive along the beach front, even out of season it's really good to see how many people extend their day after work by going out and having fun.
To one and all we wish you a Happy New Year, dinner awaits tonight, my mouth waters when I think of the Salmon Roses I intend to enjoy before the Kingklip Bento Box.
So, in 2010 remember to find the joy and share it.

That time of year

I remarked about a year ago that we can be sure of three things happening each year a
The minstrels will threaten to go on strike.............check
Our president will take a new wife.....................check
George Michael will be arrested in a public toilet..........
watch out George

Tuesday Tip

For our year end special we have not one but two tips. The Copenhagen conference doesn't seem to have been much of a success but we have two major tips for governments of the world to use or loose.
From Rowlyone, the love of my life
As you know, when you put a heavy object into water the mass of the object displaces water, making the water level rise. So, it stands to reason that if all the boats, yachts, ships, schooners, container vessels etc were removed from the sea, the sea level would of course drop.
But there's more
My theory is that someone should invent a paint that changes from black to white according to light and temperature. Every roof in the world would be painted with this special paint. In the winter the paint would be black, absorbing heat and retaining it. In the summer the roofs would be white, reflecting the heat away from the earth, thus reducing global warming while allowing the houses to remain cool.
Go well and prosper

End of year madness

I'm hoping that the new year will bring a calmer air to the shopping centres. Purple Ronnie had her set to with that horrible woman and I had two unpleasant encounters.
Just before Christmas I had parked on the upper deck at Canal Walk, there are three bays in a row, the middle one being handicapped parking. I parked in the left side bay. As I walked away from the car a woman stopped in front of me and waved her handicap disc at me, I smiled and indicated to her that she should drive in. Long story short, she was angry that I was in a handicap bay, I said I wasn't and would in fact never ever do such a thing, she insisted and so I said that in the spirit of Christmas I would move my car. Which I did, Mrs Selfish then parked her car over the center line of the two bays so that no one else could get in. No compassion from me there.
Yesterday when we drove out of the centre, again rooftop parking, we approached a speedbump, quite slowly I might add, a young couple were walking over the bump, she was pregnant and had a toddler with her. They crossed over and we were going over the bump when hubby looked at us and said "F@#%ing idiot" Well. I'm not sure if that was directed at us or part of a funny story but I was tempted to roll down the window and ask if he kissed his kid with that mouth. But, anger only begets anger so I shut up. Did we do wrong, I think not but he seemed to believe us guilty of some heinous crime, after all you don't use such words over nothing.
So,lets hope the intolerant and grumpy either lighten up or stay home in 2010 and leave the rest of us to enjoy life.

Peace and goodwill

What a lovely Christmas. We were 18 to lunch, they all arrived on time, 12.30 and after a few introductions, punctuated by chaos, we settled down to our first course. Shaved roasted beef fillet, smoked rainbow trout, peppered smoked salmon along with baguettes etc. Sion and Tiana brought a crayfish cocktail and I made some goats cheese and pesto pastries. After that the presents were handed out by Kelly and Jeremy, ably assisted by everyone else. Father Christmas had of course left gifts at the homes of the young ones but there were still a few more.
Main course was roasted Pork Loin and Lamb as well as chippolata sausages. Roast potatoes, glazed carrots and a big tossed salad. Rowlands mom had bought tiny red onions and I roasted those alongside the potatoes, delicious. For dessert we had Litchi Ice Cream (home made), Christmas Pudding, three colours of jelly, custard (home made of course) and cream. Cheese and biscuits were offered with coffee but there were only two valiant takers.
We had Papillon "champagne", kids bubbly, fruit juices and my personal favourite, Shirley Temples.
I guess we're on the list of highly privileged folk in this world.
The crowd finally left at around 4.30 . After the chores were done we sat down at 8.30 to watch our most recent traditional Christmas movie. Love Actually. We are such a couple of softies and thoroughly enjoy all the stories which we know so well by now. Richard Curtis produced a piece of mini history for future generations, complete with Ant and Deck, Barbie, Spider Man and the obligatory rolled eyes and "Duh"
On Saturday we lazed the day away, something we only do at this time of year. He watched sport and surfed while I went through piles of papers I've been saving, articles I want to read and so on. Most relaxing. That evenings intellectual offering was Beverly Hills Chihuahua (no, seriously) a no brainer which we totally enjoyed, including the note at the end from Disney and the American Humane Assc about not giving pets as gifts until you've put a lot of thought into the idea.
Sunday we only woke at 7.45 am. Wonderful. We showered and then hit the road. Off to the Waterfront where we had coffee at Vide Cafe. There was only one (delicious) cornetti left - a croissant type thing with delicate custard inside and a dusting of icing sugar outside - so we shared that and each had a (tasteless) toasted thing. Off to Exclusive Books (you'll perhaps recall that I don't frequent the local one) to use my voucher and spend a gift. It was so nice browsing. After that we took a drive through Green Point, past the stadium which looks just like a giant UFO and along through Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay.
We truly live in the BEST city in the world.
Over the top down to the city center, along De Waal Drive and finally, via Paarden Eiland we arrived at Century City. Ratanga Junction was in full swing and we chased into Canal Walk for the goodies we needed.
Finally back home where he sat at the computer sorting the photos we'd taken (the wonder of digital) and she embroidered some mermaids to be sewn on to a duvet cover for Kelly. Samatha and the kids popped in to say hello. What a nice day.
Last movie of the weekend, The Secret Life of Bees, starring Queen Latifa and Dakota Fanning. A gentle and most enjoyable film, a good way to end a weekend of total relaxation. It's back at work today, monday night ironing and then the countdown to New Years Eve.
Yes indeed, life is good.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

and ladies. To all our dear family and friends may this be a wonderful Christmas for you and yours. Eat, drink and be merry but never forget why we're enjoying the day.
Despite the soccer I feel that 2010 will be a good year so good luck to you all, may the light at the end of the tunnel NOT be an oncoming train
love you all

Louise & Rowland

Compassion

There was an altercation in my office yesterday. We know both men involved and it was a silly spat, involving a few bad words and ugly looks. The cause was absolutely trivial and if I didn't know the two I would have laughed out loud at their behaviour.
The younger of the two, probably in his mid forties, looks fit and well with the almost outdated shaved head. But you see, his head isn't shaved, he recently underwent chemo after surgery for a nasty form of cancer. During the course of treatment his partner suddenly died, of an anurism or some such thing. How cruel life can be sometimes.
The other man is a little older. I don't know much about his home life, but I know his past has been rough and his business life is stressed and worrysome.
I don't justify their actions, I just try to understand. You see, it's easy to feel compassion for a photo of a sad "aids baby" or starving village somewhere we haven't heard of and no doubt will never see for real. But how can we judge the actions of others when we don't know their story.
A friend sat at my desk today, his house almost burned down a few months back, his wife was trapped inside and suffered burns and damage from smoke inhalation. She's struggling to cope with life. I've suggested and offered Reiki, I hope to see her soon.
I don't feel for the man who's been at the traffic lights for 5 years, wagging his finger at us when we don't offer him money. I feel for the young girl at the same intersection, selling newspapers with little hope of ever improving her lot. Some days the burden of wealth must be great if you have lots but can't decide who to help. Other days the wealth must wonderful, who am I kidding! I worry about the child, un restrained in the front seat of a car, standing while her mother talks on her 'phone and weaves around. I'll feel no pain for the mother when her car's gone, just sadness for the child.
After yesterdays spat, a regular appeared in the office doorway, smiling and asking for a little cash to buy some food. He comes to the area abour 5 or 6 times a year, always smiling despite the fact that his legs don't work too well and his crutches are old. He defies us to feel sorry for him, he has a handle on his life and he's coping.
Don't expect me to be all do-gooder when a child's molested or an old couple killed for R5. I won't care about the perp's upbringing, no excuse. But, I do care for the millions of people the world over who have to carry their pain, loss, fears, whatever and still put on a brave face so that they won't be judged.
So, next time the sullen cashier with the bruise over her eye can't be bothered to say hello, don't judge, try a little compassion instead.

Tuesday Tip

Okay, you're in a hurry, late for work, a movie, a hot date, whatever. Blast, your shoes need to be polished (indulge me please, some of us do still polish our shoes.) You can't find the shoe polish, you know how it is, more haste, less speed.
If you can't find the shoe polish, body butter will do the trick, it gives your shoes a silky shine and works until you find the real thing.
I don't think you should substitute shoe polish for body butter, it doesn't smell so good.

I'm in need of solace

Last night we watched Quantum of Solace, how sad. I won't call it a James Bond movie, it just happened to feature a character with the last name Bond. What happened to the old tried and trusted formula? Where is the innuendo, please, we don't have to be PC all the time. The Martini? they made a halfhearted attempt at that in the movie but it fell flatter than the "sex" scene. The scary villain? the persian cat or disfiguered henchman?
If I want an action movie, no contest, it has to be Bruce Willis and preferably a Die Hard movie. Clever plot with lots of action? Well, you can't go wrong with the Bourne movies. In the days of Dirty Harry we knew what to expect just as we do with the Ocean's movies and a host of other franchise films. No one messes with Ice Age or Toy Story so please leave James Bond alone.

Virtual Friends

About 25 years ago a friend remarked, most indignantly, that standards dropped the day they allowed jeans into the Opera House. I think she was on to something.
For me, it was when the Personnel Officer became HR. Human Resources. It sounds like something from Planet of the Apes. It means that employees are no longer people, they become a number, creepy. But it goes further, our sport teams are no longer teams, they have become Franchises! Like Mugg & Bean. As such I presume they can be bought and sold.
Slowly, traces of human contact are being eroded. I titled this Virtual Friends because when I'm out driving, shopping, even walking I see sad people who have a cellphone stuck to the ear, or perhaps those entrail things that make them look as if they're talking to themselves. Perhaps they are. Do we really have to talk to a friend while walking into a shopping centre or negotiating a mountain pass? I think not and yet the scene in a comedy sketch recently where girls are sitting together at a table texting one another instead of actually talking doesn't seem too far fetched.
I hope there are enough sane people left to encourage a society with human contact, not the desensitised humans who have no sense of empathy for their fellow man and thus no remorse when they do him wrong.
The good news is that I know many people who won't be taking that dismal path and will always consider their fellow man, I like to think that we are the humankind of the future, just like the ones of the past, before they allowed jeans into the Opera House.

Tuesday Tip

Not so much a tip as another Christmas thing. Rowland came up with this great idea. As we have a few family members abroad (such a silly word, abroad) we will be emailing a family photo to them. What we plan is that at 1pm (1300hrs) on Christmas Day we will take a photo of the family, I think there'll be 14 actual family members but we may throw in a couple of guests just to confuse people.
By the wonders of modern science we (meaning Rowland) will email the photo to family around the world and hopefully they in turn will email their Christmas photo to us.
If we all do this at 1 p.m. local time we just might create a Mexican Wave of family love around the globe.
Or we may crash the internet - I hope not!

Hold that tiger

In deference to my mum who is a fan I shan't repeat any of the Tiger Woods jokes I've found amusing. However, I have to give this years fun headline award to
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Hydrant"

Tuesday Tip

I guess it's officially the Festive Season, 1 December, the Adderley Street lights are on and no doubt countless stand-in Santas are stocking up on hand sanitiser. (the real one is way too busy checking the naughty and nice lists).
Todays tip, pace yourself. If you haven't finished your Christmas shopping already, don't panic. Remember, your kids will still love you if you stop short of mortgaging the house to pay for their gifts. Even though Makro sent me a delightful catalogue of gifts, I really don't think it's necessary to spend upwards of R2000 on a gift for your 4 year old. Tish! she must learn to appreciate what she gets. Time enough when she's all grown up to pout and stamp her foot.
Christmas dinner doesn't have to be a menu for heart attack, just something really special, the secret ingredient is always the same, love.
What I'm saying is, this is a time of peace and goodwill toward all men, regardless of faith, colour or creed so please don't get hung up on the fact that you can't afford to celebrate the way we imagine the stars do, a gift is a gift, whether it's material or a gift of time, as long as it's given from the heart the rands and cents don't matter.
So, chill, relax, sing some carols if that's your way and don't forget to put away some moola for the post Christmas sales.

The good, the mad and the fugly

They were all there on Sunday, giving generously of their time and gifts for the Teddy Run from Century City to Maynardville. We arrived at around 8.30 to watch the parade and there were already a couple of thousand motorcycles waiting.
We weren't allowed to park in the Virgin Active car park, it was already seriously overcrowded with about 17 cars parked there so we commoners parked on the other side.
I am too much of a sissy to ride a motorbike but I do admire them. When Rowland was in the US last year they went through the Harley factory, he had a ball.
By 9.15 there must have been between 4 and 5 thousand bikes, grouped together by club or brand and it took around 25 minutes for them all to exit the carpark. It's not just about bikes, fashion plays a really big part. Some stunning leather jackets, laced down the side like corsets, jeans, jeans and more jeans, some fat, some skinny. Little kids, old kids, mended limbs, limps, beards, crash helmets, stuffed toys. One couple rode off with two hula hoops on the front of the bike. I just wonder where these bikes are hidden the rest of the year.
We had a super time, gazing wistfully at some 8000 people living their dream, way to go folks.
After the bikes we went through to Philadelphia to the crystal shop. Aletta and Maurice aren't just shop owners, they're entertainers and just so very friendly. I bought a good few Christmas gifts and we were there for at least an hour. I was quite taken with the Tibetan singing bowls but couldn't get a sound out of the one I was holding. The love of my life picked one up and in no time it was singing away, beautiful. Needless to say he bought one and gave a virtuoso performance later at home.
Good times.