Wow! Another day in Cape Town that reminds everyone why they live here - well, certainly in Kommetjie! Mirror-smooth sea, boats bobbing and trawling chugging back to harbour, looking well laden. Gentle drift off the sea to turn down the heat a little. Magic.
Earlier I had to go over the mountain and what a pleasure that was. The fynbos on Ou Kaapse Weg is nothing short of miraculous - a kaleidoscope of pink, orange, yellow and now an intense ultramine. The purple scabiosa is still carpeting the upper level and is best viewed from a 4x4 - at last, a use for one of those!
Passing through what was once Tokai forest, I was amazed to see dog-walkers and horseriders braving the heat - perhaps it's only me who doesn't enjoy the sun on my head! They certainly seemed at peace with the world.
As I look towards the Back Table from the deck - dinner al fresco - I can see smoke from a large fire, presumably the one that devastated large parts of the west coast in the last few days. Our local township suffered a huge loss of homes and belongings yesterday, and I joined the throng who headed to the Living Hope community hall where donations of food and clothing, bedding and basic necessities were being accepted and prepared for distribution. The displaced may not be sitting enjoying the best that life has to offer, but at least they are getting a small semblance of civilisation into their lives through the fine efforts of the South Peninsula communities, which never fail to impress with their charitable work when authorities don't necessarily step up to the plate. But I digress...
So I loaded up a trolley with buckets, soap, towels and facecloths and there was no room for the small bit of fruit and vegetable shopping I did at the mall. I lie - what really happened was that I simply forgot to take my bags when I left the till! I have to confess this has happened before, and once again nobody chased after me. One can only wonder. I was rescued by my son, who dragged himself off in the heat to go all the way back to the mall and retrieve the avocados and bacon. I thought I had dropped them off with the buckets at Living Hope!
Monday 30 November 2015
Sunday 29 November 2015
Long ago
A difficult day
Filled with flashbacks of nostalgia
A redwing starling sang
And I was back in a summer's day
Clovelly, sheltered from the blustery
Summer wind where the birds gathered
So long ago, but a child
And Mother in the kitchen
Making a favourite meal
No more
Filled with flashbacks of nostalgia
A redwing starling sang
And I was back in a summer's day
Clovelly, sheltered from the blustery
Summer wind where the birds gathered
So long ago, but a child
And Mother in the kitchen
Making a favourite meal
No more
Saturday 28 November 2015
Ramblings from the deck
I've moved from the couch to the balcony as the sun has edged towards the horizon and the shade is too pleasant to avoid. The view is of a few rooftops and then mountains all the way across to Table Mountain, as you will know by now. All is peaceful with no visible signs of human habitation from this angle, apart from the unobtrusive cableway building and a few stone buildings that are only visible when the setting sun reflects directly off the windows onto my deck.
Wispy cirrus clouds high overhead hint at a spectacular sunset, as if to punctuate the beauty of the day, and a gentle breeze wafts in from the Atlantic to entice us down to the rocks as the light fades and a waning moon rises in the east.
I could be alone on the planet, such is the lack of human activity around me. How pleasant.
And yet I can be equally at peace in the city on the other side of Table Mountain, where the heat of a hot summer's day gathers suffocatingly and then dissipates in the long twilight after the sun has disappeared behind this great chunk of sandstone that stands as a beacon to sailors past and present, drawing them in and providing succour from the often perilous journey round this south-western tip of the continent. There is an inexplicable magnetic quality to this mountain that affects all who live near it, that makes them miss it when they are gone, and can't wait to return to its warm embrace.
No wonder it's called the Mother City.
Wispy cirrus clouds high overhead hint at a spectacular sunset, as if to punctuate the beauty of the day, and a gentle breeze wafts in from the Atlantic to entice us down to the rocks as the light fades and a waning moon rises in the east.
I could be alone on the planet, such is the lack of human activity around me. How pleasant.
And yet I can be equally at peace in the city on the other side of Table Mountain, where the heat of a hot summer's day gathers suffocatingly and then dissipates in the long twilight after the sun has disappeared behind this great chunk of sandstone that stands as a beacon to sailors past and present, drawing them in and providing succour from the often perilous journey round this south-western tip of the continent. There is an inexplicable magnetic quality to this mountain that affects all who live near it, that makes them miss it when they are gone, and can't wait to return to its warm embrace.
No wonder it's called the Mother City.
A good excuse to rest
I'm taking full advantage of the instruction to rest my foot and am reclining on the couch at the window, gazing up into the sky (what else can you see when you are reclining?) and enjoying the bird activity. High, high above, almost touching the clouds it seems, a lone seabird wheels idly on the thermals. Perhaps it is looking for a meal, but I think it more likely to be chilling on a quiet Saturday morning now that the frenzy of the sardine run of the last week is over. My fisherman friend was right - the sardines will disappear when the sea flattens. As soon as the wind swung to the southeast, they were gone, as were the screeching gulls to my relief - the soft squawk of the resident terns is far more easy on the ear!
A jackal buzzard chased a lesser raptor across the sky just now in a playful game of catch, as they both seemed to be enjoying the chase and counter-chase without any real intention of a kill. Perhaps a little practice warm-up before some earnest pigeon chasing later in the day? About 30 pigeons just swept by in a panic, so a raptor can't be far behind.
Even higher, swallows are criss-crossing the sky as they snap up the insects that are so prolific at present. Flying ants seem to abound and cling to the washing on the line, needing hand removal as they stubbornly refuse to detach themselves. A few hot days are forecast, so let's hope the birds do their job!
All this activity is making me tired - I think I'll have a pre-prandial nap!
A jackal buzzard chased a lesser raptor across the sky just now in a playful game of catch, as they both seemed to be enjoying the chase and counter-chase without any real intention of a kill. Perhaps a little practice warm-up before some earnest pigeon chasing later in the day? About 30 pigeons just swept by in a panic, so a raptor can't be far behind.
Even higher, swallows are criss-crossing the sky as they snap up the insects that are so prolific at present. Flying ants seem to abound and cling to the washing on the line, needing hand removal as they stubbornly refuse to detach themselves. A few hot days are forecast, so let's hope the birds do their job!
All this activity is making me tired - I think I'll have a pre-prandial nap!
Thursday 26 November 2015
The 'Share' icon
The possibilities for marketing on social media are huge, and yet they lie unused, at the whim or most likely lack of knowledge of most participants on Facebook or Twitter, to name some powerful arenas, quite simply because they do not click on the "Share" or 'Retweet' icons. Without this simple action, thousands of would-be entrepreneurs, artists, bloggers and others who just cannot afford advertising via the traditional methods are unable to get the word out. Imagine how far a post could reach if every 'friend' on social media 'shared' it with their friends, and their friends shared with their friends. Word could stretch across the world and someone in a far-off land, or perhaps just around the corner, could see a product that they would love to own, read a poem that someone has written that deserves formal publication or be in a position to launch the career of a struggling artist, simply through sharing a post.
I feel that we should all do whatever we can to assist others through life, particularly where it is justified and we are unable to assist financially. Who knows what fate has in store? But let's give a helping hand!
So if you see a post that you feel would not harm your reputation or offend anyone from a person who is trying to further their progress in life in whatever way, or has the potential to inspire others, give a thought to sharing and retweeting. Social media is not just for sharing our kitty photos.
You could be instrumental in changing someone's life!
I feel that we should all do whatever we can to assist others through life, particularly where it is justified and we are unable to assist financially. Who knows what fate has in store? But let's give a helping hand!
So if you see a post that you feel would not harm your reputation or offend anyone from a person who is trying to further their progress in life in whatever way, or has the potential to inspire others, give a thought to sharing and retweeting. Social media is not just for sharing our kitty photos.
You could be instrumental in changing someone's life!
Wednesday 25 November 2015
Getting some variety in your day
Interspersed with slogging away at the computer, I had some really nice interactions (in real life) with good friends, acquaintances and a total stranger up at the local coffee shop. The laptop enabled me to sit in a corner and plod away while listening in on all the conversations going on around me without having to participate. It's an amazingly effective way to get the work done without feeling you're working, and certainly explains why there are so many people sitting in front of laptops in coffee shops all over the world. It's a way of socialising unsociably. Then when you close the laptop, you are already in the midst of the action with a willing waitron taking your order, already knowing you by name and anticipating your choice.
Getting out of the house also allows those who are at home to have a little personal space, something quite essential when there are four adults under the same roof all wanting to assert their personalities and rearrange the furniture to their taste! I get up early every day and enjoy a couple of me hours before there are stirrings from the other side of the house, and when it all gets too much, we set off in different directions in our cars for wherever takes our fancy. Carpe diem, I say. Don't put off the enjoyable things just because there is work to be done. The work will always be there, but the pleasure may not.
Getting out of the house also allows those who are at home to have a little personal space, something quite essential when there are four adults under the same roof all wanting to assert their personalities and rearrange the furniture to their taste! I get up early every day and enjoy a couple of me hours before there are stirrings from the other side of the house, and when it all gets too much, we set off in different directions in our cars for wherever takes our fancy. Carpe diem, I say. Don't put off the enjoyable things just because there is work to be done. The work will always be there, but the pleasure may not.
Tuesday 24 November 2015
Blue skies of summer
The southeaster has returned, flattening the sea, clearing away the clouds and making us believe that summer is almost here. The screeching of gulls still drifts in from the bay, where sardines are still shoaling, although judging by the number of throw nets being cast yesterday, the run must be nearly over. I am fortunate enough to have been given two large yellowtail caught in False Bay and have a friendly fish cleaner who is filleting them as I write this - fish on the menu for a while then!
The garden is full of birds despite the best attempts of Mango Kitty to decimate the population, and the baby sunbird has turned out to be a male, with his brilliant iridescent plumage starting to replace the dull baby feathers. The pintailed whydah who so loves to admire his reflection in my window appears to have successfully attracted a mate and we can look forward to an addition to that little family.
The roses are bursting forth, my Shocking Sky having 6 fat buds, promising another spectacular display, while the tiny pink miniature has managed to survive the onslaught of hairy caterpillars that destroyed my parrot plant and is giving a joyous display under the hibiscus.
Mother's favourites, the Inca lily, have multiplied and bloomed like never before, and I can only think that she must be enjoying overseeing my gardening efforts, as everything she gave me over the years is flourishing in her memory.
The garden is full of birds despite the best attempts of Mango Kitty to decimate the population, and the baby sunbird has turned out to be a male, with his brilliant iridescent plumage starting to replace the dull baby feathers. The pintailed whydah who so loves to admire his reflection in my window appears to have successfully attracted a mate and we can look forward to an addition to that little family.
The roses are bursting forth, my Shocking Sky having 6 fat buds, promising another spectacular display, while the tiny pink miniature has managed to survive the onslaught of hairy caterpillars that destroyed my parrot plant and is giving a joyous display under the hibiscus.
Mother's favourites, the Inca lily, have multiplied and bloomed like never before, and I can only think that she must be enjoying overseeing my gardening efforts, as everything she gave me over the years is flourishing in her memory.
Monday 23 November 2015
Gone fishin'
We are enjoying unseasonally calm weather here in Cape Town. November is our month for the start of the howling southeaster, a wind that blows us off our feet, rids us of smog (the Cape Doctor), spreads pollen and hayfever far and wide, dessicates the garden and generally brings out the worst in people (far exceeding the capabilities of taxi drivers to do same). But we have been treated to light southerly to south westerly breezes, with occasional rain, and temperatures that hover around the 20 degree mark; extremely pleasant and conducive to all sorts of activities.
The last four days have seen a mini sardine run in the Kom and Sunday saw families with kayaks and little dinghies launching from the beach to scoop the little fish into nets and buckets. Some waited till low tide when they could just wade out to the trapped shoal, but there was plenty of competition in the reduced surface area from the large flock of gulls that has been vociferously squabbling over this rare treat.
Judging from photographs (in which you cannot see the people!), the larger fish were harvested on the first day, and even the terns are now diving elegantly into the bay to catch a meal. The size of the sardines didn't lure me to go wading in, as I didn't feel the effort involved in turning them into a meal would compensate for the spectacle of me slipping on a rock and disappearing under the water before such a large audience. Chasing fish with my bare hands is not on my skills list. Perhaps if anyone else had indicated that they would come with me and participate, I might have made the effort, but for now any sardines on our menu will come from a tin!
The last four days have seen a mini sardine run in the Kom and Sunday saw families with kayaks and little dinghies launching from the beach to scoop the little fish into nets and buckets. Some waited till low tide when they could just wade out to the trapped shoal, but there was plenty of competition in the reduced surface area from the large flock of gulls that has been vociferously squabbling over this rare treat.
Judging from photographs (in which you cannot see the people!), the larger fish were harvested on the first day, and even the terns are now diving elegantly into the bay to catch a meal. The size of the sardines didn't lure me to go wading in, as I didn't feel the effort involved in turning them into a meal would compensate for the spectacle of me slipping on a rock and disappearing under the water before such a large audience. Chasing fish with my bare hands is not on my skills list. Perhaps if anyone else had indicated that they would come with me and participate, I might have made the effort, but for now any sardines on our menu will come from a tin!
Saturday 21 November 2015
Sardine run!
There was a mini sardine run in the Kom on Thursday. The run was mini, not the sardines. They appeared to be of normal size. We were first alerted by flocks of gulls whirling overhead at dawn and during the day it became apparent that something unusual was going on. We seldom see gulls in this quantity, especially the large black-backed gull, and soon the throw-net experts were wading in and hauling in nets full of flapping fresh fish. Buckets were brought down to carry the catch home and in many households there are now women faced with sardines for the pan, the braai, the oven and as a last resort, salted and dried - the infamous bokkom! I am rather pleased that I am not one of them, as the prospect of prepariing small bony fish does not excite me. Give me a yellowfin tuna rather that I can carve up with a large knife!
The water has been unusually warm, which possibly caused the sardines to take a wrong turn somewhere and miss the trip up to Durban. It happened some years ago on a much larger scale and people still talk about it here in Kommetjie.
The birds are still bobbing in the bay, diving for smaller fish and squabbling over the catch, providing ample opportunity for photographers to snap their feeding habits for posterity. I took a picture, but unfortunately the mass of birds seemed to fade into obscurity against the grey sea and you can't get an idea of the scale of their presence, but here it is nonetheless.
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| Photos: Garnett Oosthuizen |
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Friday 20 November 2015
Great things happening in the food world
The second half of yesterday was far more palatable than the first, as it involved an excellent light lunch at Oyo, V&A Waterfront Hotel, at the launch of Jenny Morris's latest cookery book, World Atlas of Food. The setting was incomparable, with natural wonder of the world, Table Mountain, as a backdrop and my favourite foreground, water with boats! There is nothing quite like the sights and smells associated with boating, from the tiniest rowboat to an ocean liner. I love it!
The launch was to introduce the book to the media and everyone had their name tag and business name for some handy networking. I of course went as myself and had to admit that I was a friend of Jenny's and had no connection to anything in particular. However, in conversation with so many interesting people, it transpired that I did have something to offer and some excellent opportunities are headed my way. All it requires is motivation and dedication on my side.
As always, Jenny made a marvellous speech in her inimitable way that endears her to so many, and a special wine label dedicated to the Giggling Gourmet from Perdeberg Winery was also launched at the event. The chef at Oyo introduced himself and gave us the lowdown on his plans for the restaurant, which, if the canapes are anything to go by, will soon become the new place to eat in Cape Town. They were to die for!
An excellent venue, incomparable company and a book full of recipes that you and I can make with just about everything already in a well-stocked pantry and fridge - nothing too exotic or outrageous - will ensure the success of this latest venture.
The launch was to introduce the book to the media and everyone had their name tag and business name for some handy networking. I of course went as myself and had to admit that I was a friend of Jenny's and had no connection to anything in particular. However, in conversation with so many interesting people, it transpired that I did have something to offer and some excellent opportunities are headed my way. All it requires is motivation and dedication on my side.
As always, Jenny made a marvellous speech in her inimitable way that endears her to so many, and a special wine label dedicated to the Giggling Gourmet from Perdeberg Winery was also launched at the event. The chef at Oyo introduced himself and gave us the lowdown on his plans for the restaurant, which, if the canapes are anything to go by, will soon become the new place to eat in Cape Town. They were to die for!
An excellent venue, incomparable company and a book full of recipes that you and I can make with just about everything already in a well-stocked pantry and fridge - nothing too exotic or outrageous - will ensure the success of this latest venture.
Thursday 19 November 2015
A chance to reflect
Today was the culmination of three frustrating weeks of attemptng to renew three motor vehicle licences under the new system introduced by the City of Cape Town - who knows why - I think it is designed to bring out the worst in everyone who is now subjected to mountains of bureaucratic red tape at a time when the world needs to abolish such meaningless hogwash. No money-laundering scheme, child trafficking or terrorist incident is ever going to be prevented by my providing any institution with my proof of address. If I want to live under an unidentified rock in the wilderness they have no right to deny me renewal of my car licence. However...
Any irritation I may have felt or voiced on arrival at the municipal offices, where the queue wound around the contours of the building and the elderly needed to have seats provided for them, soon paled into insignificance with the performance of the woman in front of me. Having spent an hour letting us know she had just been to London to attend to passport matters (British), she then took it upon herself to let us all know that a young girl at one of the three counters had a pile of documents and was obviously attending to renewal on behalf of a number of people. She considered that a supervisor should be called to observe the clerks at work and demanded names and phone numbers of anyone in a senior position. We were then treated to a loud and officious phone call to some unfortunate individual in a back office who declined to put in an appearance and sensibly did not take any further calls.
Just when we thought it couldn't get any more cringeworthy, she rushed over to a young man who had gone to the counter without her having observed him in the line - I thought she was going to assault him, but the tongue lashing she gave him nearly drew blood. Turns out she was entirely mistaken, but uncowed. After two and a half hours, we finally had our turns at the windows. She had a document missing, and you should have heard the grovelling - talk about an about-face!
I did suggest to her that such events are sent to enable us to show the world who we really are - she assured me that she did yoga and meditated but still wanted to hit someone. I didn't tell her that her histrionics had enabled me to view the entire process in a different light and that I had become quite relaxed despite the long wait!
Heaven forbid that I should embarrass myself through such behaviour or belittle others so publicly.
Any irritation I may have felt or voiced on arrival at the municipal offices, where the queue wound around the contours of the building and the elderly needed to have seats provided for them, soon paled into insignificance with the performance of the woman in front of me. Having spent an hour letting us know she had just been to London to attend to passport matters (British), she then took it upon herself to let us all know that a young girl at one of the three counters had a pile of documents and was obviously attending to renewal on behalf of a number of people. She considered that a supervisor should be called to observe the clerks at work and demanded names and phone numbers of anyone in a senior position. We were then treated to a loud and officious phone call to some unfortunate individual in a back office who declined to put in an appearance and sensibly did not take any further calls.
Just when we thought it couldn't get any more cringeworthy, she rushed over to a young man who had gone to the counter without her having observed him in the line - I thought she was going to assault him, but the tongue lashing she gave him nearly drew blood. Turns out she was entirely mistaken, but uncowed. After two and a half hours, we finally had our turns at the windows. She had a document missing, and you should have heard the grovelling - talk about an about-face!
I did suggest to her that such events are sent to enable us to show the world who we really are - she assured me that she did yoga and meditated but still wanted to hit someone. I didn't tell her that her histrionics had enabled me to view the entire process in a different light and that I had become quite relaxed despite the long wait!
Heaven forbid that I should embarrass myself through such behaviour or belittle others so publicly.
Wednesday 18 November 2015
A quick tour of the Peninsula
Another breathtaking Cape Town day! Although I saw very little of it, being tied to my computer of late, same computer provides an awesome slide show of pictures past when in resting mode. I find myself constantly amazed by the beauty of this Fairest Cape in all the Circumference of the Globe and how very photogenic it is!
Tuesday 17 November 2015
The call of the open road
Felt like a road trip today, so I went to the Wimpy.
What's a road trip without breakfast at the Wimpy? Or Wimpy without the road trip? For me, a road trip has always ended in Knysna, either at Under Milkwood on the Heads, or Peace of Eden on the Rheenendal road.
An early start would get us to Riversdale at 10 and we would pull in for petrol at the Wimpy overlooking the cemetery and the river. The food was always the same over 10 years or so and even now, 20 years later, as I ate my breakfast at the window of the newly refurbished Wimpy at Longbeach Mall, with a sweeping panoramic view of the mountains of Noordhoek and Chapman's Peak, nothing had changed. Correction, the coffee is excellent!
If only Knysna was just around the corner. Perhaps one of these days I'll pack my laptop and phone into the boot with a small suitcase and head out into the wild blue yonder, go where the road leads me and have a small adventure again. The joys of freelancing and technology. Perhaps I'll become a real travel blogger!
What's a road trip without breakfast at the Wimpy? Or Wimpy without the road trip? For me, a road trip has always ended in Knysna, either at Under Milkwood on the Heads, or Peace of Eden on the Rheenendal road.
An early start would get us to Riversdale at 10 and we would pull in for petrol at the Wimpy overlooking the cemetery and the river. The food was always the same over 10 years or so and even now, 20 years later, as I ate my breakfast at the window of the newly refurbished Wimpy at Longbeach Mall, with a sweeping panoramic view of the mountains of Noordhoek and Chapman's Peak, nothing had changed. Correction, the coffee is excellent!
If only Knysna was just around the corner. Perhaps one of these days I'll pack my laptop and phone into the boot with a small suitcase and head out into the wild blue yonder, go where the road leads me and have a small adventure again. The joys of freelancing and technology. Perhaps I'll become a real travel blogger!
Monday 16 November 2015
Sitting on the dock of the bay (almost)
A jewel of a day in Kommetjie - morning coffee break was a takeaway cappuccino on the rocks, literally. My good friend and I could not resist the call of the sea and we meandered down to the Kom lawns and parked ourselves on the retaining wall. If it hadn't been low tide, we would have been able to dip our feet in the icy seawater, but the vast slabs of rock - wave-cut platforms formed 250 million years ago - that characterise this coastline stretched out before us.
In the tidal pool beside us, haarders (small bait fish) broke the surface, enticing a cormorant to dive beneath the shallow waters in search of an easy meal. In the narrow channel between the natural pool and the bay, a heron shadowed any escapees and the terns perched on the rocks beyond. A one crayfish dinghy lay at its mooring, a reminder of the days when the bay was filled with these little boats during the crayfish season - a time now long gone as society sinks ever lower.
Despite the calmness of the sea, a heavy shore break could be seen from Inner Kom to past the lighthouse, with only one intrepid surfer way out at the back of Outer Kom, dwarfed by the waves as he slid across their faces. As ever, I didn't have the right camera with me for these perfect conditions.
We spent a soothing hour with our backs to the sun observing paradise, discussing the workings of the universe and our place in it. Where better to be?
Sunday 15 November 2015
A busy day
We've been through a few seasons today in Cape Town - not unusual for this time of the year. It started with partly cloudy at sunrise with a southwester, deteriorated to a few hours of dark clouds with intermittent heavy downpours from the south, then settled down to blazing sunshine for braai time. It is now a moderate southeaster with accompanying chilly air, but the washing is done and dried, Sunday afternoon tea and scones dispensed and the garden watered.
A pesky mole rat has appeared at the top of the driveway after a long absence, and thrown up such huge heaps of sand that the grass roots are hanging in fresh air, so I watered the soil back down the hole, approximately half a cubic metre I would estimate, and I dare it to push that lot of mud back out! I'm hoping it will get the message and cross under the driveway with no further ado.
Inside the house it's been a day of moving and rearranging half the furniture as various bits and pieces are acquired or disposed of. There's not much scope for a new layout and I always get resistance to any form of change, but I love change. Especially getting rid of stuff. I am having a grand clearout of everything I have had for years and have no use for or attachment to. That's pretty much everything. It's very cathartic to get rid of the old to make way for something new.
All this activity in my fairly sedentary life has taken its toll and I am quite ready to lie back on the couch now. Hopefully someone will bring me a cup of tea!
A pesky mole rat has appeared at the top of the driveway after a long absence, and thrown up such huge heaps of sand that the grass roots are hanging in fresh air, so I watered the soil back down the hole, approximately half a cubic metre I would estimate, and I dare it to push that lot of mud back out! I'm hoping it will get the message and cross under the driveway with no further ado.
Inside the house it's been a day of moving and rearranging half the furniture as various bits and pieces are acquired or disposed of. There's not much scope for a new layout and I always get resistance to any form of change, but I love change. Especially getting rid of stuff. I am having a grand clearout of everything I have had for years and have no use for or attachment to. That's pretty much everything. It's very cathartic to get rid of the old to make way for something new.
All this activity in my fairly sedentary life has taken its toll and I am quite ready to lie back on the couch now. Hopefully someone will bring me a cup of tea!
Saturday 14 November 2015
Let us care
Let us not be selectively outraged
Let us be outraged by violence in all its forms.
Let us be outraged by injustice.
Let us be outraged by poverty.
Let us be outraged by domination.
Let us be outraged by dispossession of dignity.
Let us be outraged by cruelty.
Let us be outraged by judgment.
Let us be outraged by inaction.
Let us be outraged by corruption,
Let us care for all others.
Let us care for ourselves.
Let us care for our planet.
Heal the world.
Let us be outraged by violence in all its forms.
Let us be outraged by injustice.
Let us be outraged by poverty.
Let us be outraged by domination.
Let us be outraged by dispossession of dignity.
Let us be outraged by cruelty.
Let us be outraged by judgment.
Let us be outraged by inaction.
Let us be outraged by corruption,
Let us care for all others.
Let us care for ourselves.
Let us care for our planet.
Heal the world.
Friday 13 November 2015
Trapped by congestion
I'm not a superstitious person, but today was less than satisfactory in almost every respect, and I could put it down to Friday the 13th, but in reality it all hinges, like everything in life, on my reaction to events.
Most of today's dramas revolved around technology: computers, smartphones, slow or no wi-fi (yes, Francois), and the accompanying inability to complete any tasks satisfactorily. The bank did system maintenance on a Friday afternoon, thereby disabling certain vital functions required to pay staff. My portable hard drive, on which I store thousands of photos, movies, documents, etc. kept telling me it was not formatted and did I want to format it now. Thank goodness for a smidgeon of computer savvy. In the end, all was resolved through the best solution to all of life's problems - shut down, pull out the plug, take a walk and reboot. Solved.
The traffic situation in the Deep South is now beyond a joke. Another robot has been installed 100m from the Sun Valley robots to take into account the needs of shoppers who will be accessing the new mall opening shortly. It is currently a three-way stop, causing absolute havoc due in the main to a large number of drivers having no idea whatsoever what it means or inclination to be polite and considerate. The next robot is out of order so a four-way stop; the mind boggles. Traffic is backed up over Ou Kaapse Weg for kilometres and a 10km journey took 2 hours for those unfortunate to have ventured out,
The stop-go at Kalk Bay is set to continue for possibly years according to Marty McFly so that route is hardly an alternative.
I therefore had to remain at home rather than attend my grand-nephew's 4th birthday party, as my better judgment prevailed. Going out into that traffic for anything but a life-and-death situation would have ruptured a blood vessel. So I finished my work, had a cup of tea and talked to the dogs and cats instead, enjoyed the sunset and clouds, and am now settling down to veg out with the Big Bang Theory. Peace is restored and all devices are functional.
I wasn't going to eat cake, anyway.
Most of today's dramas revolved around technology: computers, smartphones, slow or no wi-fi (yes, Francois), and the accompanying inability to complete any tasks satisfactorily. The bank did system maintenance on a Friday afternoon, thereby disabling certain vital functions required to pay staff. My portable hard drive, on which I store thousands of photos, movies, documents, etc. kept telling me it was not formatted and did I want to format it now. Thank goodness for a smidgeon of computer savvy. In the end, all was resolved through the best solution to all of life's problems - shut down, pull out the plug, take a walk and reboot. Solved.
The traffic situation in the Deep South is now beyond a joke. Another robot has been installed 100m from the Sun Valley robots to take into account the needs of shoppers who will be accessing the new mall opening shortly. It is currently a three-way stop, causing absolute havoc due in the main to a large number of drivers having no idea whatsoever what it means or inclination to be polite and considerate. The next robot is out of order so a four-way stop; the mind boggles. Traffic is backed up over Ou Kaapse Weg for kilometres and a 10km journey took 2 hours for those unfortunate to have ventured out,
The stop-go at Kalk Bay is set to continue for possibly years according to Marty McFly so that route is hardly an alternative.
I therefore had to remain at home rather than attend my grand-nephew's 4th birthday party, as my better judgment prevailed. Going out into that traffic for anything but a life-and-death situation would have ruptured a blood vessel. So I finished my work, had a cup of tea and talked to the dogs and cats instead, enjoyed the sunset and clouds, and am now settling down to veg out with the Big Bang Theory. Peace is restored and all devices are functional.
I wasn't going to eat cake, anyway.
Thursday 12 November 2015
Toastmasters - more than you expected
Having been a Toastmaster for nearly two years and achieving Competent Communicator status, I feel I am well placed to give an opinion on the value I have received on my journey with the organisation to date.
1. I have been given the opportunity to speak to a group of people on any subject, with certain criteria to be met. This provides a platform to touch on subjects close to one's heart, but not a soapbox, as the speech must be over within 7 minutes. You would be amazed at how much can be said in 7 minutes.
2. I have been evaluated immediately afterwards on the good, the bad and the ugly. The evaluator gives constructive criticism, giving praise where deserved and guidelines for improvement, which is put into practice as you proceed through your speech manual.
3. I have evaluated others' speeches. This has been daunting, as I have always lived by the motto 'if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing!' This valuable aspect of the Toastmasters programme teaches you to listen to what a person has to say without participating in the conversation, rather assessing the person's ability to communicate as opposed to just talking. It is a great exercise in diplomacy (something I could also work on, being inclined towards brutal honesty rather than pussy-footing!) and yet is worthless for the speaker being assessed unless the feedback is honestly accurate. So a great deal to be learned by both sides.
4. I have learned a great deal about other people, as speeches tend to be autobiographic in nature, even if not intended. It has been eye-opening to comprehend the complexity and variety of thought patterns of the human species, in every possible way.
5. I have learned to step up to the plate. There are plenty of opportunities to serve the club and leadership roles abound. When asked to fill a role, the only answer should be yes. There is no other way to self-improvement.
6. I have met the most inspiring, interesting and fun-loving people!
If you would like to gain a whole new outlook on life, visit as a guest and see how to do it!
1. I have been given the opportunity to speak to a group of people on any subject, with certain criteria to be met. This provides a platform to touch on subjects close to one's heart, but not a soapbox, as the speech must be over within 7 minutes. You would be amazed at how much can be said in 7 minutes.
2. I have been evaluated immediately afterwards on the good, the bad and the ugly. The evaluator gives constructive criticism, giving praise where deserved and guidelines for improvement, which is put into practice as you proceed through your speech manual.
3. I have evaluated others' speeches. This has been daunting, as I have always lived by the motto 'if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing!' This valuable aspect of the Toastmasters programme teaches you to listen to what a person has to say without participating in the conversation, rather assessing the person's ability to communicate as opposed to just talking. It is a great exercise in diplomacy (something I could also work on, being inclined towards brutal honesty rather than pussy-footing!) and yet is worthless for the speaker being assessed unless the feedback is honestly accurate. So a great deal to be learned by both sides.
4. I have learned a great deal about other people, as speeches tend to be autobiographic in nature, even if not intended. It has been eye-opening to comprehend the complexity and variety of thought patterns of the human species, in every possible way.
5. I have learned to step up to the plate. There are plenty of opportunities to serve the club and leadership roles abound. When asked to fill a role, the only answer should be yes. There is no other way to self-improvement.
6. I have met the most inspiring, interesting and fun-loving people!
If you would like to gain a whole new outlook on life, visit as a guest and see how to do it!
Wednesday 11 November 2015
Wildlife on the prowl
Reports of snake sightings are slithering in thick and fast. Two in Dad's garden, two on the path down at the bay, multiple sightings in the Reserve and now, on a fairly cool day, not what I would call 'snakey', my friend nearly steps on a puffadder in her garden, barefoot and all. Perhaps the fires of February, which burned large tracts of veld, did more damage than we know in the form of destruction of habitat for the snakes' prey, and they have become less wary of human habitation, if they ever were anyway.
As a child we were taught to stamp out feet when walking in long grass or up on the mountain, to warn any reptile that might want to get out of our way, but the puffadder is not likely to move and would prefer you to step around it as it suns itself on a nice bit of pathway. No matter how much we might tolerate their presence and abhor any form of violence when it comes to snakes, it's still a frightening experience to come upon them unexpectedly and the adrenaline rush can enable us to make athletic leaps we never dreamed we were capable of!
In the same vein, the caraculs that live on the mountains above Kommetjie must also be having a lean time. One was seen down the road last night, and if I were the rooster next door, I would keep a very low profile and resist all temptation to crow before the sun is high in the sky!
As a child we were taught to stamp out feet when walking in long grass or up on the mountain, to warn any reptile that might want to get out of our way, but the puffadder is not likely to move and would prefer you to step around it as it suns itself on a nice bit of pathway. No matter how much we might tolerate their presence and abhor any form of violence when it comes to snakes, it's still a frightening experience to come upon them unexpectedly and the adrenaline rush can enable us to make athletic leaps we never dreamed we were capable of!
In the same vein, the caraculs that live on the mountains above Kommetjie must also be having a lean time. One was seen down the road last night, and if I were the rooster next door, I would keep a very low profile and resist all temptation to crow before the sun is high in the sky!
Tuesday 10 November 2015
Some days are just like that
There are not that many days in the year that I am unable to achieve my desired level of natural cheerfulness, but today was such a one. I get really irritated with myself when I can't drag my mood up, and the whole problem was a series of events completely beyond my ability to influence.
1. Constant reminders of our corrupt and totally unscrupulous government. If only there were a blocking button for all references to them, particularly photographs.
2. Driving behind an old pick up at a snail's pace for 10km over Ou Kaapse Weg with a driver obviously having nowhere in particular to go.
3. The cherry on the top - an entire day's work on a book I am editing lost due to a corrupt file (not just politicians!) with little prospect of recovery (much like the money!).
It is at times like this that the only solution is to go outside onto the balcony and look out into space, at the clouds, the magnificent sunset we had tonight, the pink glow on the mountains of the Peninsula, the birds flying overhead on their way to roost for the night and inhale the heady scent of the jasmine that clambers up the side of the house.
Breathe out and let it all go!!
1. Constant reminders of our corrupt and totally unscrupulous government. If only there were a blocking button for all references to them, particularly photographs.
2. Driving behind an old pick up at a snail's pace for 10km over Ou Kaapse Weg with a driver obviously having nowhere in particular to go.
3. The cherry on the top - an entire day's work on a book I am editing lost due to a corrupt file (not just politicians!) with little prospect of recovery (much like the money!).
It is at times like this that the only solution is to go outside onto the balcony and look out into space, at the clouds, the magnificent sunset we had tonight, the pink glow on the mountains of the Peninsula, the birds flying overhead on their way to roost for the night and inhale the heady scent of the jasmine that clambers up the side of the house.
Breathe out and let it all go!!
Monday 9 November 2015
More whales and birds!
One has only to watch the whales and birds to realise that life just is for them, and it is only Man that can complicate it. I'm all for more sitting on benches.
Sunday 8 November 2015
Sparrowhawks
This handsome chap made a flying visit the other day. He may be the adult version of the one at left who visited over the last few months, and it would have helped to be able to see a ring on his leg. This is the first time I have seen a black sparrowhawk with these markings, as those that breed in the area are usually of the melanistic variety and have fewer white feathers.
Here we have the redbreasted sparrowhawk which is a little smaller, and tends to go for locusts rather than doves! Not as frequent a visitor as the black sparrowhawk. The dove on the next branch didn't seem bothered.
Here we have another juvenile black sparrowhawk looking a bit moulty (sic). I would say there are about three that visit regularly to prey on the doves here and doubtless I will keep on taking photos in the hope that I catch one on the wing!
Friday 6 November 2015
Flowers abound on Ou Kaapse Weg
Driving over Ou Kaapse Weg this morning was a real treat. Due to the fact that a front end loader was inching its way over the pass behind a bread truck and closely followed by a double flatbed horse and trailer, interspersed with 100 or so cars, I was able to glance idly from side to side for the entire 10km route. This revealed the current revegetation occurring on the mountains after the devastating fire last February. Although we may be complaining about the dry winter we have had, it turns out that nature arranged everything perfectly as usual. Occasional soft rain has allowed uniform growth over the entire expanse of the area, with no flooding or washaways that have caused havoc over the last few winters with road closures and major traffic disruption.
Dark pink watsonias cover great swathes of veld, with the white, light pink and salmon coloured varieties also putting on a good show. The pincushions that survived the fire are a mass of orange and yellow flowers, and even those that were thought to have been burned have shot out new leaves along their branches. The splendid Orange Nodding Head (now regrettably called a less aptly descriptive mountain dahlia) can be seen on the rocky slopes and the bracken has fully recovered around the streams and waterfalls, which surprisingly are still in spate.
Bright yellow flowers on long stems wave in the fresh northwester and the upper reaches of the pass are covered in masses of salmon coloured multifloral plants (I was told what they are, but the name escapes me).
Names of course are unimportant if you are simply wanting to admire and take in all the beauty that this drive affords us every, free of charge. All it takes is a good traffic snarl-up and you can do it!
Dark pink watsonias cover great swathes of veld, with the white, light pink and salmon coloured varieties also putting on a good show. The pincushions that survived the fire are a mass of orange and yellow flowers, and even those that were thought to have been burned have shot out new leaves along their branches. The splendid Orange Nodding Head (now regrettably called a less aptly descriptive mountain dahlia) can be seen on the rocky slopes and the bracken has fully recovered around the streams and waterfalls, which surprisingly are still in spate.
Bright yellow flowers on long stems wave in the fresh northwester and the upper reaches of the pass are covered in masses of salmon coloured multifloral plants (I was told what they are, but the name escapes me).
Names of course are unimportant if you are simply wanting to admire and take in all the beauty that this drive affords us every, free of charge. All it takes is a good traffic snarl-up and you can do it!
Thursday 5 November 2015
Fires and fireworks
There's always something happening in the South Peninsula. Yesterday we had hot, balmy weather all day and right through the night, and awoke to more of the same, although high cloud threatened thundery weather. This has not yet materialised, but the wind has picked up from the north west and the sea has developed quite a chop. This must have been very uncomfortable for the return trip of the tunny boats that left Hout Bay in the early hours to look for fish way down beyond Cape Point. I watched one boat literally lift out of the water with only the propeller making contact with the sea. I know from experience how hard on the knees it is to brace yourself for that crash down into the trough or the face of the next wave. Bone-crushing! The low cloud that is racing in from the sea now is as gloomy as Scrooge at Christmas.
Earlier on, a pall of smoke rose from the valley and thanks to social media it was quickly established that the cause was arson (isn't it always?) and the reeds in the wetlands between Kommetjie and Noordhoek were ablaze. The good news is that the arsonist was caught, but that is cold comfort for the creatures trapped in the flames or for those who have to suffer from the falling ash and smoke inhalation. Perhaps said person could be put on firefighting duties for the next five years.
Tonight is Guy Fawkes - a celebration that is meaningless here and should have been dispensed with decades ago. The trauma suffered by cats and dogs and doubtless wild animals too, just for the sake of a few sparkles in the air and the usual incidents of burns and more fires (perhaps today was a practice for a bonfire!) cannot be justified and I hope that people will eventually allow it all to fade away.
Earlier on, a pall of smoke rose from the valley and thanks to social media it was quickly established that the cause was arson (isn't it always?) and the reeds in the wetlands between Kommetjie and Noordhoek were ablaze. The good news is that the arsonist was caught, but that is cold comfort for the creatures trapped in the flames or for those who have to suffer from the falling ash and smoke inhalation. Perhaps said person could be put on firefighting duties for the next five years.
Tonight is Guy Fawkes - a celebration that is meaningless here and should have been dispensed with decades ago. The trauma suffered by cats and dogs and doubtless wild animals too, just for the sake of a few sparkles in the air and the usual incidents of burns and more fires (perhaps today was a practice for a bonfire!) cannot be justified and I hope that people will eventually allow it all to fade away.
Wednesday 4 November 2015
Snakey days
Today it's been hot and still - what I call a snakey day. Growing up on the mountainside in Clovelly, without a fence between the garden and the mountain, we always had a snake in the area and sometimes more than one. I remember my grandmother's cat, Gingernut, sitting mesmerized before a swaying cobra near the back door, and regrettably the incident ended badly, with the neighbour taking out his gun (I can't remember if it was a pellet gun, but it was a long barrel) and disposed of the cobra, no doubt thinking that he had ensured the safety of all concerned. We would have preferred to scuttle back inside and wait for it to go. On another occasion, two puffadders were amorously entwined in the same area and we stood on a big rock observing this in fascination. I still have the photo somewhere, and I was about 11 at the time!
Regular readers will know that there is still a resident cobra or maybe more in Dad's garden and yesterday it came out for a drink at the fish pond, no doubt hoping to sup on the leopard toad that was maintaining a low profile under the geranium! The snake eventually slithered back up to the upper reaches of the garden and the toad leapt into the middle of the fish pond, to see another day. Earlier on, a good-looking (meaning large and well-fed) molesnake was also seen passing by on its way up the mountain. Always something going on!
Regular readers will know that there is still a resident cobra or maybe more in Dad's garden and yesterday it came out for a drink at the fish pond, no doubt hoping to sup on the leopard toad that was maintaining a low profile under the geranium! The snake eventually slithered back up to the upper reaches of the garden and the toad leapt into the middle of the fish pond, to see another day. Earlier on, a good-looking (meaning large and well-fed) molesnake was also seen passing by on its way up the mountain. Always something going on!
Tuesday 3 November 2015
Pumping wind
November's first southeaster is turning into a real gale. Birds are being buffeted, clouds stand no chance, and the sea is being whipped backwards at such a rate that I don't think the tide was able to come in. At times like this, the backwash from the harbour wall at Kalk Bay provides ideal conditions for massive waves to batter the buildings that face the sea, and I think are actually a great selling point for tables at these restaurants, as patrons are never sure whether the fish on their plates will be returned from whence they came, as smashed windows followed by flooding seawater has become the norm.
A great following of photographers has grown around these spectacular occasions, rather like the storm chasers that follow tornadoes in the American mid-West, hoping to capture that once-in-a-lifetime shot of wild destruction. Although many use zoom lenses and remain at a safe distance, there are those who don't mind a little dicing with death, or at the least getting a good drenching. (Google Kalk Bay waves and I am sure you will find stunning shots.)
These intrepid souls enable us armchair viewers to almost smell the salt spray and shiver a little at nature's power in the comfort of our homes, as a trip to Kalk Bay to watch waves is not an easy undertaking as the roadworks and stop/go arrangement continue to shred tempers. This was alleviated slightly by some good whale-watching opportunities for those stuck in the queue, but all is quiet in False Bay at the moment.
The whale action off Kommetjie is into its third day, as the large pod of probably Bryde's whales feed and frolic in the bay, but they could disappear as suddenly as they appeared. We will enjoy them while we can.
A great following of photographers has grown around these spectacular occasions, rather like the storm chasers that follow tornadoes in the American mid-West, hoping to capture that once-in-a-lifetime shot of wild destruction. Although many use zoom lenses and remain at a safe distance, there are those who don't mind a little dicing with death, or at the least getting a good drenching. (Google Kalk Bay waves and I am sure you will find stunning shots.)
These intrepid souls enable us armchair viewers to almost smell the salt spray and shiver a little at nature's power in the comfort of our homes, as a trip to Kalk Bay to watch waves is not an easy undertaking as the roadworks and stop/go arrangement continue to shred tempers. This was alleviated slightly by some good whale-watching opportunities for those stuck in the queue, but all is quiet in False Bay at the moment.
The whale action off Kommetjie is into its third day, as the large pod of probably Bryde's whales feed and frolic in the bay, but they could disappear as suddenly as they appeared. We will enjoy them while we can.
Monday 2 November 2015
A whale of a time!
Yesterday's wind flattened the sea on the Atlantic side and offered residents of Kommetjie who happened to look out to sea an uninterrupted view of a pod of 15 or so whales which decided to frolic just off-shore. Although we probably have whales passing by every day as they traverse the oceans, I don't recall seeing more than four at a time, and so to see so many spouts at once was reminiscent of a fountain. They remained all day, moving further out to sea this afternoon but still visible as they breached and blew. Usually they pass by in an hour or so, and it would be interesting to know what is keeping them here.
I have done some research on the sighting and have concluded, whether wrongly or rightly, that they are Bryde's whales, which were first named and recorded in the waters around here back in 1912. Their blow resembles a tall cloud of about 3 metres and they travel in loose pods of roughly 15 to 20 individuals when feeding. Their prey is small fish and large shoals of anchovy are often to be found in the bay. They are among the most lively of whales and love to clear the water completely. All of this fits the description of their behaviour. Of course, it was difficult to get photos of worth, but here are a few blows and splashes.
I have done some research on the sighting and have concluded, whether wrongly or rightly, that they are Bryde's whales, which were first named and recorded in the waters around here back in 1912. Their blow resembles a tall cloud of about 3 metres and they travel in loose pods of roughly 15 to 20 individuals when feeding. Their prey is small fish and large shoals of anchovy are often to be found in the bay. They are among the most lively of whales and love to clear the water completely. All of this fits the description of their behaviour. Of course, it was difficult to get photos of worth, but here are a few blows and splashes.
Sunday 1 November 2015
A sudden storm
So November has started off with a bang in Cape Town - not literally - with a sudden cold front that blew in from the south Atlantic and gave us a bit of a battering, along with some very welcome heavy rain and not so welcome strong winds that actually blew over a huge electricity pylon in the northern suburbs. Usually it's trees that blow over, so perhaps our metal thieves had set their sights a bit higher and had started excavations. Nothing is beyond possibility when it comes to the inventiveness of the criminal element. From the photo it looked as though the cables had remained intact, which would mean that anyone coming into contact with them would be a live wire in the literal sense of the word, although not for long.
The rain has been worthwhile, not the light drizzle of late, and hopefully will raise the dam levels as we approach a summer that promises to be long and hot. I should be able to leave watering of the garden for about a week, giving me a couple of extra hours in the day to get on with more pressing matters. Speaking of which, I am proud to say that I finished ironing the last shirt from the bottom of a pile that started building up three months ago!
In between heavy showers, the sun has shone brightly and the sunbirds have had a wonderful time in the jasmine that has grown up and over the coprosma and is a stunningly fragrant cascade of white, along with the variegated bougainvillea that is entwined in the branches and has begun to flower after some 20 years' waiting!
We are now in November and the infamous Cape Doctor has started to pump across the valley. At this time of year, the southeaster can blow strongly for 10 days at a time. Not something I am looking forward to.
The rain has been worthwhile, not the light drizzle of late, and hopefully will raise the dam levels as we approach a summer that promises to be long and hot. I should be able to leave watering of the garden for about a week, giving me a couple of extra hours in the day to get on with more pressing matters. Speaking of which, I am proud to say that I finished ironing the last shirt from the bottom of a pile that started building up three months ago!
In between heavy showers, the sun has shone brightly and the sunbirds have had a wonderful time in the jasmine that has grown up and over the coprosma and is a stunningly fragrant cascade of white, along with the variegated bougainvillea that is entwined in the branches and has begun to flower after some 20 years' waiting!
We are now in November and the infamous Cape Doctor has started to pump across the valley. At this time of year, the southeaster can blow strongly for 10 days at a time. Not something I am looking forward to.
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