What a magnificent day! Soft clouds blanket the mountains of the Peninsula. Blue sky soars endlessly above us. A tiny boat bobs on the ocean wave, which is imperceptible. Seabirds skim the surface, seeking shoals of small fish, slicing beak first into the icy water to snatch a meal and breaking the surface in a flurry of wings.
On land, the sunbirds have twittered since dawn, and pigeons are waiting for a toss of grain. The sparrowhawk bides his time in the tree - the remains of yesterday's hunt lie scattered in a million tiny feathers on my lawn. Biggles is on the roof, king of all he surveys. The rooster next door is letting everyone know who's boss, and hopefully his harem is laying tomorrow's breakfast.
The first freesias are flowering on the balcony, safe from raiding porcupines, and their heady scent, which for me is the ultimate of nature's offerings, wafts on the breeze through the window. The shrubs are sending out new shoots and soft pale green leaves as they feel the warmth of the sun and the sap begins to rise.
Spring is definitely practising its official arrival!
Thursday, 7 August 2014
Monday, 4 August 2014
A gentler winter's day
I always thank my lucky stars that I live in Kommetjie. Apart from being the second-last outpost before Antarctica, it has its own climate. As the winter storms roll in from the Atlantic, we can watch as the cloud bank forms and flows over the mountains across the bay - the Sentinel, Klein Leeukoppie, Chapman's Peak, Constantiaberg, the Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain - while we remain bathed in sunshine. With an uninterrupted view of the ocean horizon, we can tell by the strength of the wind and the speed of the clouds how long it will be before the rain arrives, while it is already slashing down in Hout Bay and Newlands.
Not for nothing is Noordhoek known as Tornado Alley, as the prevailing winds in both directions have been known to rip off roofs while properties on either side remain unscathed. The parking lot at the local mall, which is right in the middle of the Fish Hoek valley, is a place not to be parked in without careful consideration of the wind direction. Never park with your boot to the wind - your door will be snatched from your grasp before you can blink and a nice ding will appear in the car next to you. This means that the same thing will happen to you and you can be sure no one will ever leave a note to say they will pay! Always park bonnet to the wind and your door will slam shut on your head as you get out. Better than a ding in the car.
The wind in Kommetjie is seldom as fierce as it comes straight off the sea without the down-draught of the Peninsula mountain chain, and we are always the first to see the sun after the last rain cloud has passed. We also have the advantage of the lung- and sinus-clearing smell of the kelp, sometimes freshly turned by the churning seas and sometimes rotting for weeks in a sheltered cove. I am even more lucky that I don't live near a sheltered cove!
August is sure to bring some more wintry weather, but I don't mind if it is like today - a gentle shower from puffy clouds traversing a sky that keeps bursting into blue.
Not for nothing is Noordhoek known as Tornado Alley, as the prevailing winds in both directions have been known to rip off roofs while properties on either side remain unscathed. The parking lot at the local mall, which is right in the middle of the Fish Hoek valley, is a place not to be parked in without careful consideration of the wind direction. Never park with your boot to the wind - your door will be snatched from your grasp before you can blink and a nice ding will appear in the car next to you. This means that the same thing will happen to you and you can be sure no one will ever leave a note to say they will pay! Always park bonnet to the wind and your door will slam shut on your head as you get out. Better than a ding in the car.
The wind in Kommetjie is seldom as fierce as it comes straight off the sea without the down-draught of the Peninsula mountain chain, and we are always the first to see the sun after the last rain cloud has passed. We also have the advantage of the lung- and sinus-clearing smell of the kelp, sometimes freshly turned by the churning seas and sometimes rotting for weeks in a sheltered cove. I am even more lucky that I don't live near a sheltered cove!
August is sure to bring some more wintry weather, but I don't mind if it is like today - a gentle shower from puffy clouds traversing a sky that keeps bursting into blue.
Sunday, 3 August 2014
A deafening silence
The current state of the world is a telling time for mankind. It is the greatest opportunity for us to reveal our true natures.
The thin veneer of civilisation has been worn away and the fragility of friendships tested to the limit. Conversation is limited to everyday trivialities, as few wish to entertain a discussion which turns to religion or politics, although the two cannot be separated. No one wants to give an opinion and risk being thought racist, homophobic, sexist, anti-semitic or having different religious views. Even worse would be to be labelled pro anything that is currently out of favour.
The deafening silence on the atrocities perpetrated world-wide against women, children, the elderly and infirm, the poor and generally anyone who deviates from societal norms is a silent statement that no one is prepared to stand up and be counted.
What happened to humanity? It is well documented for those who care to search.
What is the answer? Live from the heart - the seat of the soul. Listen to what your inner voice tells you. Decide for yourself what the truth is. Walk ten miles in another's shoes. Keep looking for the other side of the story. Question everything you have been taught, particularly the history of the world. Notice social and cultural injustice. Be a voice for those who cannot be heard.
Everything you say and do is a statement of who you are. Who do you want to be?
The thin veneer of civilisation has been worn away and the fragility of friendships tested to the limit. Conversation is limited to everyday trivialities, as few wish to entertain a discussion which turns to religion or politics, although the two cannot be separated. No one wants to give an opinion and risk being thought racist, homophobic, sexist, anti-semitic or having different religious views. Even worse would be to be labelled pro anything that is currently out of favour.
The deafening silence on the atrocities perpetrated world-wide against women, children, the elderly and infirm, the poor and generally anyone who deviates from societal norms is a silent statement that no one is prepared to stand up and be counted.
What happened to humanity? It is well documented for those who care to search.
What is the answer? Live from the heart - the seat of the soul. Listen to what your inner voice tells you. Decide for yourself what the truth is. Walk ten miles in another's shoes. Keep looking for the other side of the story. Question everything you have been taught, particularly the history of the world. Notice social and cultural injustice. Be a voice for those who cannot be heard.
Everything you say and do is a statement of who you are. Who do you want to be?
Saturday, 2 August 2014
Another shark scare in False Bay
Yesterday was a bit of a gloomy day, starting off with heavy cloud cover, no wind and quite warm. A strangeness in the atmosphere. In False Bay, a school of 1000 dolphins frolicked, while close by a great white shark took a nibble on a surfer's leg. It didn't come back for a second bite so it was a great day for the surfer, but it will certainly make surfing a questionable sport in the area until the spray settles. A local reported that she saw the biggest shark she has ever seen at the back of the waves the evening before, and a lone surfer confirmed 'being spooked' and leaving the water at that time. All this reinforces my lifelong instinct to stay out of the water, although I love to be in a boat on a calm day.
Although the surfer suffered minor injuries, there is never any reason to downplay the severity of the incident. Those who believe they understand these prehistoric creatures should be wary of giving the impression that swimming with sharks can become a pastime. They are and always will be non-domesticated and should be treated with the utmost respect and circumspection. This applies to all wild creatures - the tendency of man to consider himself top of the food chain or the intelligence tree is, I think, misguided. No one will ever know why the shark didn't launch a serious attack, and I think all surfers are aware of the constantly lurking danger as they share the sharks' territory. One can only hope that this doesn't escalate predation of these survivors from the early times of life on this planet.
Although the surfer suffered minor injuries, there is never any reason to downplay the severity of the incident. Those who believe they understand these prehistoric creatures should be wary of giving the impression that swimming with sharks can become a pastime. They are and always will be non-domesticated and should be treated with the utmost respect and circumspection. This applies to all wild creatures - the tendency of man to consider himself top of the food chain or the intelligence tree is, I think, misguided. No one will ever know why the shark didn't launch a serious attack, and I think all surfers are aware of the constantly lurking danger as they share the sharks' territory. One can only hope that this doesn't escalate predation of these survivors from the early times of life on this planet.
Thursday, 31 July 2014
The unkindest cut of all
Mango Kitty and Mr Bigglesworth went for the dreaded chop today.
I had to deprive them of all food from 10pm last night, and of course they decided not to eat anything after 5pm, so this morning they were starving and searched everywhere for their food bowls, which were safely stowed away, together with the dogs' bowls. They also weren't let out of the door at 6am, and a lot of sulking went on until 8.30, when I cruelly caged them and headed for the vet. They complained the whole way there, sometimes in unison - a kind of cat's chorus, a requiem to their reproductiveness. I could tell I was in bad odour.
Having filled in pages of forms absolving the vet from any liability in case of mishap, and pointing out that Biggles was not a dog as indicated on the form, I waved them bravely farewell as they disappeared into the nether regions of the surgery and immediately set off for a restorative cappuccino with Mother and Father.
Within a few hours I was informed that the operations had proceeded well and I could collect my kitties. This time there wasn't a peep from either of them as they cuddled together on a pink blanket in the cat box, somewhat subdued. After a large slice of my credit card limit was axed, I was free to leave, with instructions to keep them quiet for a day or so. Of course, little Mango, being a lady, had the disfiguring major invasive surgery (on her side for some reason), while Biggles got off lightly as men always do, with a snip or two. He doesn't even know what's happened.
The instant they got home, it was time for a quick snack of chopped chicken and then out of the door and into the garden, where they disappeared for the next four hours, doubtless sulking in seclusion somewhere. Eventually they relented and came back inside so that I could stroke and say nice things about them. Mango is not pleased about her stitches but is happy that her fur will cover the scar soon, and Biggles remains king of his castle, despite being not quite the man he used to be.
I had to deprive them of all food from 10pm last night, and of course they decided not to eat anything after 5pm, so this morning they were starving and searched everywhere for their food bowls, which were safely stowed away, together with the dogs' bowls. They also weren't let out of the door at 6am, and a lot of sulking went on until 8.30, when I cruelly caged them and headed for the vet. They complained the whole way there, sometimes in unison - a kind of cat's chorus, a requiem to their reproductiveness. I could tell I was in bad odour.
Having filled in pages of forms absolving the vet from any liability in case of mishap, and pointing out that Biggles was not a dog as indicated on the form, I waved them bravely farewell as they disappeared into the nether regions of the surgery and immediately set off for a restorative cappuccino with Mother and Father.
Within a few hours I was informed that the operations had proceeded well and I could collect my kitties. This time there wasn't a peep from either of them as they cuddled together on a pink blanket in the cat box, somewhat subdued. After a large slice of my credit card limit was axed, I was free to leave, with instructions to keep them quiet for a day or so. Of course, little Mango, being a lady, had the disfiguring major invasive surgery (on her side for some reason), while Biggles got off lightly as men always do, with a snip or two. He doesn't even know what's happened.
The instant they got home, it was time for a quick snack of chopped chicken and then out of the door and into the garden, where they disappeared for the next four hours, doubtless sulking in seclusion somewhere. Eventually they relented and came back inside so that I could stroke and say nice things about them. Mango is not pleased about her stitches but is happy that her fur will cover the scar soon, and Biggles remains king of his castle, despite being not quite the man he used to be.
Wednesday, 30 July 2014
More time out with old friends
Another lazy, hazy winter dazy in Cape Town. How long can this Indian summer last? Tourists are out in force, knowing that winter always has sunshiny days between the rain that more than rival our summer - mainly because that infernal southeasterly wind is not howling!
An old friend (not so much of the old, I hear her say) and family joined me for breakfast at the local nursery and we spent the entire morning, not so much reminiscing on days gone by, but updating on where we are, our views on life, and generally having a good laugh. We need much more of that.
Getting home just about lunch time, I had no inclination to be indoors and so did the unthinkable - got out the rake and started sweeping up the leaves on the bricks - something He Who Can Fix Anything is totally obsessed about to the point of pedantry. And would you believe it, he turns up at home to fetch something for work - out of the blue - lucky I wasn't lying on the couch watching Dragons' Den! All I can say is, I certainly earned my Brownie points today! Probably enough to give me a good 3 weeks' leave of absence in the near future.
As he was closing the sliding gate, the little Jack Russell from next door ran into the garden and he and Monty instantly became the best of friends and had a play date for an hour or two. The neighbours appeared to be out, so he wasn't too interested in going home. After I eventually let him out again, Monty disappeared and I found him lying under the lemon tree. I immediately thought he was dead, as he has never done such a thing, and I rushed over and picked him up. It turns out, I think, that he was simply overcome by exhaustion and excitement at having such a young companion to play with, coupled with immense disappointment that the games were over. It took him a long while before he could run around again, but all seems well now, thank goodness. Imagine having to explain that one to HWCFA!
The sun has now set on this hazy day, either due to smoke, smog or dust blowing in from the Karoo with the easterly wind. The forecast was for clouds, but our weather is so changeable at the moment, it's best to just look out of the window from time to time. Enjoy a few pictures of a summery day.
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An old friend (not so much of the old, I hear her say) and family joined me for breakfast at the local nursery and we spent the entire morning, not so much reminiscing on days gone by, but updating on where we are, our views on life, and generally having a good laugh. We need much more of that.
Getting home just about lunch time, I had no inclination to be indoors and so did the unthinkable - got out the rake and started sweeping up the leaves on the bricks - something He Who Can Fix Anything is totally obsessed about to the point of pedantry. And would you believe it, he turns up at home to fetch something for work - out of the blue - lucky I wasn't lying on the couch watching Dragons' Den! All I can say is, I certainly earned my Brownie points today! Probably enough to give me a good 3 weeks' leave of absence in the near future.
As he was closing the sliding gate, the little Jack Russell from next door ran into the garden and he and Monty instantly became the best of friends and had a play date for an hour or two. The neighbours appeared to be out, so he wasn't too interested in going home. After I eventually let him out again, Monty disappeared and I found him lying under the lemon tree. I immediately thought he was dead, as he has never done such a thing, and I rushed over and picked him up. It turns out, I think, that he was simply overcome by exhaustion and excitement at having such a young companion to play with, coupled with immense disappointment that the games were over. It took him a long while before he could run around again, but all seems well now, thank goodness. Imagine having to explain that one to HWCFA!
The sun has now set on this hazy day, either due to smoke, smog or dust blowing in from the Karoo with the easterly wind. The forecast was for clouds, but our weather is so changeable at the moment, it's best to just look out of the window from time to time. Enjoy a few pictures of a summery day.
Tuesday, 29 July 2014
Stepping out
As part of my 'parking off' week, I was treated to a massage to smooth out the knots in my back and shoulder muscles from too much time at the computer. Boy, did it hurt! But it has to hurt to be healed, and although I feel as though I have been hit by a bus, over the next few days all will be relieved.
To aid in my recovery, I uncharacteristically did some retail therapy at Constantia Village, a few notches up from the local mall. Having discussed with a friend that I either dress for the red carpet or a homeless person and not much in between, it seems as though I definitely need to add a few select items to the wardrobe, starting with the feet. How easy it is to slop around in trainers (albeit Hotters) rather than heels - if your feet hurt, you cannot possibly be cheerful - but some outfits just don't cut it. I had in mind ankle boots with a bit of a heel as this would allow me to take a few pairs of pants out of the back of the wardrobe to see the light of day in some style.
Being the world's most reluctant shopper, imagine my delight as the very first pair of boots I laid eyes on was: 1. My size 2. Hand made genuine leather. 3. Half price! Barely managing to contain my excitement, I stuffed my certain type of precious metal card in my pocket (I had been walking to the ATM to draw cash for cappuccino) and shot into the shop, doing the deal without delay. I didn't use the card for the purchase, and when I eventually stood at the ATM, I turned my pockets inside out, my bag inside out, the carrier with the boots inside out. A friendly Italian woman told me she always stays calm when she can't find her card and goes through everything - at least I didn't feel it was only me! I scuttled back to the shoe shop and found nothing but was told to go to Info in case it had been handed in. On the way there, my phone rang. It was the bank letting me know the card had been handed in. Three things: 1. Right shopping centre. 2. Always have your phone. 3. Great service.
After all that excitement, I had my usual Short Latte at the Seattle Coffee Company, who have been consistently excellent over 15 years or so, but this time fell far short of my expectations, so it's on to pastures new. All in all, a successful day, with multiple satisfaction in the personal arena.
To aid in my recovery, I uncharacteristically did some retail therapy at Constantia Village, a few notches up from the local mall. Having discussed with a friend that I either dress for the red carpet or a homeless person and not much in between, it seems as though I definitely need to add a few select items to the wardrobe, starting with the feet. How easy it is to slop around in trainers (albeit Hotters) rather than heels - if your feet hurt, you cannot possibly be cheerful - but some outfits just don't cut it. I had in mind ankle boots with a bit of a heel as this would allow me to take a few pairs of pants out of the back of the wardrobe to see the light of day in some style.
Being the world's most reluctant shopper, imagine my delight as the very first pair of boots I laid eyes on was: 1. My size 2. Hand made genuine leather. 3. Half price! Barely managing to contain my excitement, I stuffed my certain type of precious metal card in my pocket (I had been walking to the ATM to draw cash for cappuccino) and shot into the shop, doing the deal without delay. I didn't use the card for the purchase, and when I eventually stood at the ATM, I turned my pockets inside out, my bag inside out, the carrier with the boots inside out. A friendly Italian woman told me she always stays calm when she can't find her card and goes through everything - at least I didn't feel it was only me! I scuttled back to the shoe shop and found nothing but was told to go to Info in case it had been handed in. On the way there, my phone rang. It was the bank letting me know the card had been handed in. Three things: 1. Right shopping centre. 2. Always have your phone. 3. Great service.
After all that excitement, I had my usual Short Latte at the Seattle Coffee Company, who have been consistently excellent over 15 years or so, but this time fell far short of my expectations, so it's on to pastures new. All in all, a successful day, with multiple satisfaction in the personal arena.
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