Keeping us in the dark

This load-shedding schedule is causing much confusion, as it seems to be rather random. Our 2 1/2 hours yesterday was only for 15 minutes, fortunately for us, but just long enough to rush around lighting candles and making sure as many items were turned off to prevent destruction through a power surge when it came back on, only to have to reset all the clocks and timers a short while later. For those who don't live in SA, we have times when the electricity is cut off because of the government's policy of nepotism, corruption and general incompetence. One can only wonder how long it will take for the penny to drop and capable people are re-employed in important positions. A disturbing feature of last night's brief blackout (which would have been quite welcome if the skies had been clear for stargazing) was that the lighthouse did not automatically continue to flash. It seems as though that area of vital services has also suffered from official policy.

We are having odd weather right now, with rain coming from up-country in the form of thundershowers accompanied by awe-inspiring flashes of lightning snaking across the sky, and yet no thunder was heard. Even little Susie, who becomes a jelly-like quivering wreck at the first distant rumble, showed no signs of distress. The steady rain has been most welcome as early summer is showing signs of turning into a hot, dry season and I don't have time every day to standing at the end of a hosepipe. The air has been cleared of all traces of smog and the light this afternoon was magnificent as I made my way home over Ou Kaapse Weg. I managed to snap a few shots which will give you an idea - wisps of cotton wool cloud drifted around the lower slopes of the Table Mountain chain - an unusual occurrence as we are generally leaning into a strong wind from one direction or the other - giving a mystical air to Cape Town with the quietness that comes with an overcast sky.