Magnificent weather and more on Mango

There are days when the weather is just so perfect, there can be no thought of work, and the lure of shady trees and wide vistas cannot be resisted. Today was just such a day in Cape Town and it seemed that I was in tune with the world, as the day was spent in pleasant socialisation with a mere suggestion in a sentence or two of work-related matters. An early cappuccino under the milkwood tree at Espresso Dotkom in Kommetjie set the tone for the day, and then it was time to meet more friends at Cafe Roux in Noordhoek, where a pot of tea gave the liver a rest, accompanied by a rather excellent Eggs Benedict and a long lounge under the oaks with various friends who passed by and joined us from time to time. We were there so long that more rounds of cappuccino were ordered and the sun rose high above the mountains, neither too warm nor too cold - another gorgeous day in Cape Town.

While some of us were enjoying a break from work, others were busy in the trees, lopping and sawing the dead and diseased parts of the old oak trees that surround the restaurant. No attempt was made to cordon off the area, and branches of considerable weight crashed to the ground at regular intervals onto the outside benches.  One can only imagine how Health and Safety would have shut down the whole operation in the UK, where they are apparently anal in the extreme in matters relating to the possibility of even stubbing a toe. Here in wildest Africa we are still able to live normal, adventurous lives where there is a chance of injuring yourself while you experience life. Children can knock their teeth out on a swing and break an arm falling off the jungle gym without an automatic lawsuit, just a visit to the local hospital or private clinic.

At present, my greatest danger lies in the claws of Mango Kitty, who continues to regard my legs as suitable climbing apparatus, and the blood literally runs in rivulets on a regular basis! She went for her injections today so is now officially allowed outside, although with a sparrowhawk in regular residence we are reluctant to let her out of our sight. She now weighs exactly one kilogram and her tail has grown at least an inch in the last few days, almost dragging on the floor. She is getting very brave with the dogs now, patting them on the head to encourage play, but they are getting old and grumpy and just snap at her. 

Nocturnal playtime is still very much on the cards, and trying to work on my notebook computer almost impossible. As I write this, she is sitting on my hand and peeps over the top of the screen like Kilroy. Such an adorable little kitty! We are very lucky to have her cross our path.

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