Photos

Ziva in her drawer

Mini in her fortress!

Goodies!

Tynx - in addition to the morning licky wakey - now has me doing morning Yoga! She is fascinated by my cellphone, when it rings, i.e. the alarm goes off in the morning - and during every morning's investigation, it ends up on the floor. Behind or under the nightstand. So I have to stretch every morning to try and find, and then reach and grab it. This morning, it fell apart, so I also had to re-set the date & time! She IS a busy little girl!

At work today, my delivery arrive - with all the little one-of-each tasters I had ordered! The vegan droewors (dried sausage) turned out amazingly tasty! I'll definitely get some more! Oh, and the yummy chocolates? Didn't survive! I gave away 4 and had 2 myself, so that's 2 boxes empty.

In the afternoon, I received a phone call from one of the guys I had worked with years ago at my first site in Pretoria. We had a lovely chat - it's always good to hear from any of the guys! That first site was the best one ever, we worked hard but we also had a really wonderful social circle going! He's now site manager on the East London project.

At home, another relaxed evening. Well, after I had unpacked and packed everything away. Mippies came in without any trouble and they accept fewer treats also without any trouble.

I had taken out a steak for tonight's dinner, and I cut it in half so that I could eat it off my new salt dish. With the juice from the steak, I find that it does get quite salty - but for steak, that's perfect. I normally add only salt, or, when it's an especially good piece of meat, I treat myself with a layer of anchovies. So, I'm quite happy with my purchase!

I went to bed a bit late, as I was chatting - he he, I can get quite chatty. But I woke early enough to still have time for a few sips of coffee before going to work. I arrived on time.

To hear some tragic news: our cleaner, who had been off sick all week, passed away this morning! A young girl, in her early twenties, I would guess. I can not imagine what illness could take a young, strong girl in such a short time. My employee is devastated, she was great friends with her. And I feel so helpless, as the only thing I can offer is a hug.

An unproductive evening aka a relaxing evening

At work the 'new regime' sort of thing is very entertaining. Such a lot of 'oopsies', each costing money ... no comment. Not my circus, not my monkeys. I'm keeping my side of the street clean and keep doing my best.

At home, Tynx had me laughing out loud! Literally! Like all cats, she's doing her best to spoil me, like I spoil her, and avoid upsetting me. She had no trouble understanding the principle of the litter box ... and tonight, I watched her apply that outside! By using the only 'box' there is outside: flower pots! Ha Ha! I had been wondering who had been digging holes into them!

I didn't have much to do tonight, I turned the Sauerbraten, packed my lunch, fried a Schnitzel for dinner ...so, now I'm just relaxing. I've spent at least half an hour playing with my mippies - for some reason Mewthos has a little gash in his cheek. Well, not a gash, more like a scrape or such. I suppose it happens when they dash through the fence? Ziva has one as well, which is why I'm holding off re-dosing her with the tick & flea spot on.

Mippies also keep dropping behind the door, sliding or falling or jumping off the chest of drawers and ending up stuck behind the door. I have to move the little shelves aside to open the door for them. I've had to do it for Mewthos, and for Tynx, and tonight it was Janey's turn - only, she clawed her way back up before I could move everything. I just had to hold on to the blankie I have on top of the chest.

Well, that's about it for tonight.

A productive evening

I got home around half past five, let my mippies out and then set the bread machine. To my delight, the loaf would be done in 3 hours, not 3 hours and 40 minutes, so it would be finished before nine! Cool!

I did sit outside with mippies for a bit, and then the ginger trouble came around and led both Mewthos and Tynx away! So, I shut my ladies inside and went after them! Mewthos was no trouble, but Tynx? She actually got me running after her - literally! And I don't do running - with all my extra weight and the messed up knees? Running is not my thing. Well, not anymore - I used to be a sprinter, but that was some 40 odd kilo's ago!

Anyway, Tynx led me quite a chase but then just rolled over and let me pick her up and carry her home. Mewthos was already waiting for us, so they all got their treat - very, very early! And I got my peace of mind, also very early!

Once inside, after I treated them, and cleaned their litter box, I got busy in the kitchen. I washed the dishes - really! I can hardly believe it myself, but yeah, that's what I did! I packed half my lunch - that's all the bread I had left. I prepared the marinade for the Sauerbraten and put the meat in ... and then Tynx came jumping onto the table to investigate! Fortunately nothing happened! After I showered, I heated up the pasta lentil concoction I cooked last night - and enjoyed it very much! Then the bread was ready - it looks good, although it is a little small? It doesn't feel to heavy or dense - I'll see tomorrow how it turned out.

My mippies are quite happy that I also washed their flower fountain, so now their water is all clean again. And now I'm going to have my nightly piece of chocolate - yeah, one piece! And it hits the spot! I don't know what it is about this chocolate craving every night. Anyway, it's time for bed.

Monday

Not much to say about work, I'm not really feeling very enthusiastic about work at the moment. I came in to find the padlock to the store broken open - apparently they needed something and for some reason nobody thought of asking my store-lady, who had a key.

Last week my fellowship, in the online game, had a visitor from another fellowship and she's given me a lot of great ideas. I had been feeling a bit down because fellows kept leaving the fellowship rather than giving back what they had got out of - predominantly my efforts. It's easier to join a high-scoring team than to build one. But after chatting with this visitor, I've changed my attitude - after all, I, too, should be enjoying the game! I'll have to think about how I'll do what for each of the two fellowships I'm leading - since help is clearly out of the question. And frankly, anyone who doesn't like that, tough!

On the way home, I got another bottle of milk - but I forgot my new milk cup (for taking milk to work) at work. No big deal, there still is a lot of milk at work, so I'll use that for one day.

At home, I really need to make a plan to get freezer bag labels again. I had taken out, what I thought was plain sausage and it turned out to be cheese grillers - again! Well, I cooked myself a pot of lentils, pasta, carrots and brussel sprouts, but found that the cheese grillers were enough, so the cooked meal went into the fridge for tonight.

I also prepared a loaf of rye bread - this time I followed the recipe to the letter! I even added the caraway seeds - turns out, I had exactly 2 teaspoons left! And then ... this morning ... I forgot to mix the ingredients and switch it on! Now I'm debating whether to start it as soon as I get home - but then it'll only be ready after nine! Or maybe I'll set it to finish at five the next morning?

Tynx refused to come in again, last night. But then, as I had just given up and was about to shut the door - she came with her boy toy and schmoozed on my chair. I went outside, picked her up and carried her inside. Always relieved when all my mippies are inside!

This morning Tynx woke me up with her licky wakey again and - since I had no headache - I had no trouble getting up ... well, apart from the cold, of course. So, I'm back to normal at work well on time!

Saturday & Sunday

Okay, I had baked a bread on Friday ... and when I wanted to put it in my new bread bag ... guess what? It was wet! I'm finding tinkle all over the house lately, partially it's Mewthos imitating Romeo - though without the smell. And partially it must be Tynx? Who else? Is this another of those puberty things? Man I wish it was time for her appointment! How am I going to get through the next couple of weeks?

Anyway, I spent the morning playing online - it was just too cold to do much else. And the afternoon, I spent washing the floors - they really needed it! That's when I found loads of tinkle spots all over the house - on my suitcase, on boxes, along the walls ... seriously, not fun!

Another thing I did was to change my bedding, as in to the thinnest cover I have. Lets hope that will avoid the hot and cold throughout the night.

On Friday I had the last of the two expensive chocolates - which I don't like all that much - and today I read their label, which made me laugh: "Made in a factory with nuts and loud music"! That alone would be reason to re-order - if money wasn't so tight right now!

In the evening, I was too busy to write my blog, so I left it for Sunday. Then, on Sunday, I again was too busy to write ... so, here I am writing it Monday morning at work.

On Sunday I just did the laundry and the dishes - I didn't feel like cooking at all. I took a look around both garden and inside and - although there is still much that needs to be done - over all, I've made a lot of progress! I'm not feeling so bad about not working harder on weekends, now. It's one of my 'adult child' characteristics, that I feel guilty practically all the time ... for no real reason. Feeling isn't reality. And I sometimes still feel guilty when I'm not working at home, especially when there is work that needs to be done. Which - with all this moving around - has always been the case! I've never really settled anywhere to the point where all I need is to maintain, there have always been unpacking or sorting tasks left undone.

So on Sunday I placed two more orders - one for cat food, which was quick, and one for groceries. What I need urgently, is flour and not much else. So I took my time to go through some of the things I've been wanting to try and ordered loads of little samples. Well, not exactly samples, just the smallest size. They were out of stock on a lot of items, though, which is a little frustrating. Especially since they were out of stock of wholemeal flour, which I also need. I ordered brown bread flour instead.

I also stumbled across something called a salt plate. It's basically a 3cm thick slab of salt, which can be used to cook your food on and serve it - adding salt to your food as you cook and / or eat! That intrigued me, so I've ordered the smallest size to see how it works.

I've also realised, that I need to come up with some better menu's for myself. That one will take a bit of thinking and planning, though. I had intended on getting a freezer, so I could have plenty of stock of everything, especially vegetables. They are so much cheaper to buy in bulk, I meant to clean, blanch and freeze them - but firstly, I don't have the space and secondly I also don't have the time. So yeah, I need to do some thinking on that one.

I'm thinking of doing a grocery shopping trip 2nd week of September, the Friday before Tynx goes for her tummy shave (aka sterilisation). I think I'll be fine with everything until then. If not, I may decide to take an extra long lunch to quickly go to the center here near work. I could use a set of lace curtains to replace the one Tynx tore such a gaping big hole into.

Ah, well. For now, I'd say I should get back to work.

I seriously considered calling in sick this morning - I've got such a headache! Turns out, something bit me on the back of my neck, which is aching around the bite, but is giving me a real headache right above my left eye! I've had a headache all day yesterday, too, and felt that raised area at the back of my neck as well. It's right above the neck muscle, so I guess that's why it's causing such a headache. Literally.

But, we've got that large delivery first thing this morning, collecting all the weekend work, and it wouldn't be fair to leave my assistant to face that on her own! Also, nobody else can make a delivery note - the only other person who can, is working night shift.

When I got to work, I found that my assistant was part of the weekend work crew, and she had not only checked, but packed everything as it came to the store! She really rocks! I am very, very, very sorry to be loosing her to this mad retrenchment!

Tynx parties all night!

I woke up just in time to get to work early - again without coffee.

Work isn't to pleasant at the moment - and I've been 'escaping' into my online game.

At home, I got busy in the garden. I just turned some soil, pulled some weeds, sowed a few seeds ... carrots, spinach, baby marrow, eggplant and cucumber.

And then I got to watch Tynx bewitch the poor ginger tomcat! I mean, at first, he ran away when she tried to get close - she chased him all the way to the driveway! But she was relentless, purring, howling, rubbing herself on anything she could, rolling on the ground ... she practically threw herself under him! He, on the other hand, was quite bewildered and reluctant - but, of course, nature took its course.

Very different from Romeo's attack on the Terror!

She continued to drive ginger nuts, though! She came running home, rolled around on the chair with him sitting next to her, driving him absolutely up the wall! She continued rolling around and eventually she went off with him. And would not come back, nor inside, nor even near the house!

Ziva and Janey were waiting for their treat, but Mewthos was nowhere to be found ... so I went inside. Eventually Mewthos came home but Tynx? Nope! So I had no choice but to lock the door - though I did open the window. I wasn't worried, though, I knew what drove her outside - and there was nothing I could do. And she survived in Rosslyn - high traffic, industrial area, so I didn't worry about her.

She finally came home this morning!

Thursday

After yesterday's one-on-one's, I don't want to talk about work.

On the way home I stopped for milk and got lucky! I've got my weekend stash! At home, after letting mippies out, I called Rose. It's lovely to hear how Shadow and Frankie are not just getting along, but spending all their time with her!

At least I can talk to Rose about work. And about this mewling Tynx! Sigh, seeing what she's going through now, I'm just so glad I could spare Lady Jane the same!

They all came inside without much trouble - only Tynx stayed out for a while. I'm glad it's Friday tomorrow and I'm home early and they can spend two whole days outside! Once inside, however, Tynx really annoys. Demanding attention, howling at the windows, running around ... it's just so ... urgh!

I spent quite some time in the kitchen, preparing a loaf of wholemeal bread to bake tomorrow, packing my lunch, cooking dinner. And then I tried the last of my new bath toys: Rose and Charcoal foam bath! It's really quite a thick liquid. It says one or two caps, but it took so long to get it out of the cap, I chose not to add a second cap. I quite enjoyed myself just relaxing for a while, with Mewthos toppling shampoos and such into the bath while he strolled around mewling at me! My very own bath serenade! Tynx snuggled up in my pants again - at least that quiets her!

I think I should  spend some time in the garden this weekend. The outside work will be a pleasure for me, and I've decided to simply re-sow the same seeds, simply replacing what was there - then I won't need to spend time trying to remember which make the best companions, etc.

Wednesday

I didn't have anything to drink last night, not even a glass of milk. It payed off! I only got up once during the night. And I was able to bully myself out of bed at six, so that I managed to leave about twenty past. And got to work on time! A few minutes early, actually. I had better keep this up - can't be a bad example, we have enough of those already.

At lunch time, my delivery arrived! Oh, fun! It was all packed into the bucket which was packed into a box. Well, apart from the Bokashi bucket and bran, nothing really took up much space. I shared a chocolate with my colleague, inspected everything, then packed it up for play at home.

When I got home, the internet was playing up. I had just one bar and no tab worked - except my game, strangely enough! I was quite busy, though, unpacking, setting things up, then packing my lunch and making my dinner. Mippies under my feet all the time.

Ziva was a little late, but the rest came without any trouble. Tynx is on a mission again, I don't know what's the matter with her, but she's mewling, caterwauling and wanting attention like nobody's business! I picked her up many times, tickling her tummy, scratching her ears - I tried to check whether she really is female, as her behaviour seems more male to me - but frankly, she's just too black. I can't see. Not indoors, at least. But the vet confirmed she's female?

I also found a spot on the wall where Mewthos had sprayed! I didn't smell anything though, but yeah - what's up with that? I also saw some spots of tinkle in my bedroom ... and when I got into bed, I found a wet spot on my duvet! Really?

I did give my new mustard bath powder a try last night! I'm happy to say, it turned out more a Eucalyptus bath than a mustard bath. I quite enjoyed it, even with Mewthos sirening around the rim. Tynx loves my work pants - when I put them on the floor, she wriggles inside and snuggles down for a nap.

I had quite a restless night, though, courtesy of Tynx. Could she be in heat again? She is not her normal self and meows around the place, reminding me of Romeo! I woke up numerous times and struggled to get out of bed in the morning. I decided to forego coffee in favour of being on time, again.

Tuesday

Late again, but - if I remember correctly - just by one minute. I woke up late and decided to forego coffee in favour of trying to be at work on time.

The trouble is, that throughout the night it's quite warm. I wake up sweating at times, even though I wear only a sleeveless top in bed, then I have to throw off the covers, put at least one foot outside to cool down. And then I'm cold again, so I snuggle under the covers again.

But when it's time to get up, it's just too cold to come out from under the covers! First thing I do is dress! It's neither one thing nor the other, but betwixt and between. Not summer, not winter, not really autumn nor spring either.

After work I was quite tired, so I didn't do much last night. Warmed up dinner, ate, watched an episode of Supernatural and then went to bed. I wasn't up for writing ... not much to write anyway.

Urgh! Late yet again!

For some reason I was up throughout the night on toilet runs! I made the mistake of drinking too much water too late in the afternoon ... as a result, I woke up at ten to seven! Not good! I had better break this habit very quickly before I get called in for disciplinary!

Tynx tried her best to wake me, licking my face every time the alarm went off - until she decided to tackle the alarm instead and dropped the phone on the floor. As it's a simple phone, it doesn't break. Of course, I had a mission finding it when I finally did wake up! 

Two of my deliveries arrived this afternoon! Yay! And I finally have a fully functioning keyboard at my PC! What an absolute relief! It has really, really been frustrating not to be able to type!

I also got the TV tray ... bit of a problem there. If I set it up to stand on the arm rests, the tray is right under my chin. And it's not wide enough to fit across the two armrests flat. So, I just squish the legs between the armrests and my fat legs and it all works fine! Mippies were extremely curious!

While the mippies ran around outside, I carried in my groceries, packed away the wireless keyboard, unpacked and plugged in the wired keyboard. Then I went to sit outside with my mippies ... only to find myself mipless! Ha Ha! They had all gone running far, far away - except Tynx! She's sort of my Underfootman ... or under-foot-cat!

When I called them in, only Lady Jane showed up. So, I gave the two their treat. Mewthos showed up soon after, so I gave out a second treat. Ziva took her sweet time before showing up, though. But she showed up, and not all that late, either.

One mippies had been treated, I started my own dinner. First, I cut my 'castle' bread! With it sunk in the center, I could cut some crenelations and make it look like a castle! It seems fine in the center, so I spread the last of the eggplant spread on it and packed it - together with the two slices from today, which I hadn't eaten.

Then I cooked myself something to eat. I cooked some pasta with brussel sprouts, then mixed some eggs with milk and the last bits of the spread and such, cut up my few tomatoes and some feta and put it all into the frying pan ... which was too small, so I put it back into the pot. Where, predictably, the egg kind of burned! I don't learn, ha ha! Well, I still thoroughly enjoyed eating a half-way civilised meal in a half-way civilised manner on my tray!

And after dinner, I decided to treat myself to the first of my two new bath ingredients! I opted for the muscle relaxing bath oil! I think I managed to hold out about ten minutes! I'm no good at relaxing in a bath for too long - but I enjoyed myself!

Overall, I'm feeling quite relaxed today - not just from the bath, but overall. Still, I had better get to bed now, before it gets too late again!

What I did on my weekend

You know the age-old school essay title? "What I did on my holiday" Well, I took a two day holiday from blogging.

There wasn't much to write, anyway. I spent most of Saturday re-acquainting myself with the game spreadsheet, the one I had handed over before I moved. I'm quite disappointed with the so-called team spirit in the fellowship - everyone seems to be only concerned with what is in it for themselves ... there's no actual team work. Oh, of course there are exceptions - but they are few. I considered writing a mail to everyone - but frankly, what's the point.

And then I decided: Why bother? Why don't I simply do what everyone else seems to be doing: Just play my own little game and take from the fellowship what's there for the taking. So, I'm thinking of closing down the 'boot camp' since I just really don't have time - nor the interest anymore - to really get things going.

So, that was pretty much my Saturday. Not worth publishing, is it?

Here's a funny thing: You know little miss licky wakey? Well, as much as she likes to lick my face - she dislikes being kissed by me! She turns her face away as fast as her tongue comes out to lick me! Give and take, eh?

Today I did the laundry - got lucky with the machine. Washed the dishes. And then I started separating my recyclable waste. I've now got a few several clear bags hanging in the wardrobe in the kitchen, one for tins, one for hard plastics, one for soft plastics, one for compostable and one for miscellaneous plastics. That leaves my waste bin only half full. I'll have to decide tomorrow what I'll do with that.

I also placed my grocery orders. Yeah, two. See, I really don't want to drive to get groceries on Friday. But there are two things I really, really need: yeast (instant yeast) and milk. Faithful to Nature doesn't sell milk - only alternatives, like nut milk and such. I did take a sachet from them, but that doesn't solve my yeast shortage. The only Instant yeast they sell, comes in such a large quantity, that I can't possibly use it all up in time, so I pretty much need smaller packets. Which I've now ordered.

And then I decided that getting groceries only once a month isn't really working for me, yet. See, I've still not fully settled in, nor fully settled on a way of life. 

Okay, so what's this big lifestyle change and why does it keep coming up? I mean, okay, so I live outside town now and can't just quickly get stuff at the shop - so what? Why is that such a big issue?

Well, actually, that alone isn't much of an issue. The really big change is WHAT groceries I now get. When I first moved here, I figured I could just get the same things I've always used. After all, the big stores all advertise shopping online. Only, they don't really offer online shopping - and especially not deliveries. DisChem, Makro & Pick n Pay all make a big thing of 'shop online' - but in reality, Makro's online site doesn't work for everyone (I'm guessing it must work for some people, I'm just not one of them), Pick n Pay doesn't deliver to my area (I figured working in one of the biggest industrial areas, delivery would be no problem - but yeah. No deliveries here). And DisChem? Well, the only products available online are the high-priced items. And I see no point in shopping online, if I have to go to the store anyway for the items they don't make available for online shopping.

So, all the products I've got used to, aren't readily available. Also, I no longer have a spare room, so, storage is an issue. And that's a bit of a paradox, isn't it? Shop only once a month, but don't keep a month's worth of shopping stored.

I'm tackling issues one by one. Veggies, you know about. That's not been much of a success - so far. Simply because I sowed my seeds at the wrong time of year. But the ground is prepared and I can start re-sowing anytime. Soon. Next issue: Bread. Well, I'm baking bread, but it's not yet the right bread. It'll take time, of course, and I am making progress. I tried a rye bread today, with somehow flopped a bit. It sunk in the center, like it did rise and then just flopped in the center. And I'm thinking about starting a sourdough starter - but first, I should have some more experience with the bread machine.

It's also not simply a matter of baking bread, there's also the issue of storing it. In the past, I always used a plastic bag - but now, with the waste removal problem, that's an issue. Okay, so I re-use the plastic bags, once the bread is finished, for kitty litter, but still. It's not ideal. So I got a bread bin. Which helps, but it's not enough. It needs to be kept in something inside the bread bin - airtight would be best. I've tried a beeswax wrap, but again, that's not working so well for me. Today, I've ordered a bread bag, made of cloth. Let's see how that works. Oh, and the bread bin? It seems to be splitting already ... I've now moved it - far away from the kettle, which I hope was the problem. Why hope? Because then, moving it, would solve it.

So there are many changes, not just the products but all that goes with them. And this 'recycle everything' kind of came a little too soon and too solid. I mean, waste removal is something we take for granted, with the recycling being something we get to choose. Yet here I am, from one day to the next 'sorry, we've got a problem'.

With every order, I'm not getting just groceries, but also something extra. Like the bread bag and the composting starter kit this week. All of which will pay off - in the long run. And that's the problem, because, with the looming retrenchment - which will most likely result in shorter hours and therefore lower monthly income ... well, it's a problem. I need to be cutting costs, not adding to my monthly expenses.

That's where balance comes in. Which is tricky, because there are so many useful goodies to get! At the same time, I still have a large stock of infrequent consumables. Like soap. I will be changing over to the online soap in the shower and the bath, once I've used up the last two bars - but for the basin, I've still got a stash of Nivea liquid hand soap. Technically, I should use up all the shower body wash before buying soap as well. Hmmm ... I think I had better.

Okay, so soap is not expensive - but it all adds up. I also still need some clothing and that's not going to be cheap, either! Sigh ... I just wish I had a plan, you know? After all these months I still feel like I'm groping around in the dark. Take a step forward, discover a whole new section of the map, kind of thing. That's why this 'change of lifestyle' will keep coming up, over and over again, until I'm finally settled. And living. I'm just tired of 'have to do's prodding me onward - I'd rather have more 'want to do's ahead of me.

Well, for today, I'm done, and tomorrow it's back to the grindstone - although, I do enjoy my work! If only it wasn't for the moody chauvy ego - that's the only downer at work. 

What is it about Ginger cats?

I woke somewhat late - again - and got to work a few minutes late ... again! Sigh. Well, I can't really blame Tynx completely, I should take my share of the responsibility. I'm the one who stayed up so late on Thursday night, chatting, which messed up my cycle. I followed that by sleeping late on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. But I'm getting back to my normal cycle - albeit slowly.

I won't talk about work.

I realised that I had made a teeny miscalculation: my delivery is due on Thursday, just not this Thursday! Ha Ha! Silly of me, eh? Well, it's not a problem.

I've also been thinking: If I skip the grocery shopping this month, then I should go the 20th September - just before payday (the least busy time). But that would be the day after I collect Tynx from her tummy shave ... and I'm not sure I want to leave her home alone all Friday right after that. Maybe it would be a better idea to go next Friday (also just before payday) and skip next month? I'll have to think about it ...

On the way home, I stopped for milk, but he was all out. I'll try again tomorrow - no problem, if he still doesn't have any. I've opened one of my black currant specialty concentrate, the ones I got from the Continental butcher in Port Elizabeth.

At home, mippies rushed out at top speed! All four of them! Soon afterwards, Tynx came rushing back inside, hopeful for some treat - I obliged. Mewthos stayed just outside the gate - same as yesterday. And then he meandered off!

At one point I thought I saw Ziva coming home - but then the cat sat down near the driveway, and I realised that it wasn't Ziva. I couldn't be sure, as it was getting dark, but the colouring did not seem Ziva's and then I watched first Janey just settling down by the gate watching that cat and then Tynx approached the cat ... and sat down at a distance. That's when I knew it definitely wasn't Ziva. It must be that ginger cat which is turning Mewthos' head! And ... sure enough: there comes Mewthos strolling up to the cat. Who gets up and strolls off with Mewthos in tow! Who is eagerly being followed by Tynx!

I know there are people who have a thing about black cats - some silly superstition that their colouring has some supernatural significance. I've never had any colour or marking thing about cats - okay, so a tiger striped cat, like Frankie, has always been my favourite! Preferably with some dark colouring - Frankie, to me, is just the most beautiful cat!

Anyway, about colouring - I have a question: What is it about Ginger cats? Why are they so much trouble! I mean, Romeo isn't exactly easy, is he? And now this Ginger, turning Mewthos' head so badly, that he even ignores 'Munchies'! I mean, I usually have to refer to it as the 'm' word so he doesn't go nuts when it isn't time - but last night and tonight? No reaction! Ginger trumps munchies! How does that work?

Around six, I called my mippies - only Jane and Tynx showed up! I waited a bit longer and Ziva joined us, so I shut them in and then gave them their treats. No Mewthos, again! But since I had seen Ginger earlier, and Mewthos following him, at least I didn't worry. I went inside and shut the passage door. Cooked my dinner. I decided on some pasta with brussel sprouts. Plus the hamburger patty I had taken out. I ate in peace and quiet, having given Ziva her share of cuddles and tummy tickles while cooking. I made my lunch for tomorrow and took something out for tomorrow.

Mippies were in the bedroom, sticking their nose at the window - and the dogs barked and barked and barked. And then I heard a 'duff' kind of noise where the little shed is - and that's a cat, not a dog. So I went to the front door and lo and behold, Mewthos was there! It - again - took some coaxing to get him inside, but at least he was in just after seven. I'm NOT giving him any treat tonight - he must understand that there is only one munchie time and if he misses that, that's his choice! Oh, and that is good for my budget, so it's a win-win! I gave Janey and Ziva and Tynx their fill of treats.

We all played for quite some time with the new fluffy toy on a string! All five of us! We had quite a lot of fun! Mewthos, as always, let his enthusiasm get the better of him and he pulled the first feather off! Janey sat back to work out a plan to get at the stick, rather than the fluff ball! And Tynx just watched mostly, afraid of getting growled at by Mewthos again! He gets so fierce!

Well, he's been schmoozing up to me every time I walk into the bathroom - probably hoping I soften and he can get a treat! Ha Ha! After what I went through last night? Sorry, my boy! Well, it's not exactly meant as punishment - after all, it's not like he really did anything wrong, he simply followed his nature, that's all. Whatever it is that's driving him to tail that ginger cat - I really have no clue what his motive could be.

But he needs to understand that there is ONE treat time. If he misses it, that's it. Anyway, time for bed ....

Mewthos goes missing - worst two hours!

Sjoe, I don't know what my problem is, well, not quite true, it has a name: Tynx. Ha ha! She wakes me up during the night and then I oversleep in the morning - but I can't remember being woken during this night?

Anyway, I woke up at half past six! Sent the message to work and got up. On the way to work, I got lucky and heard a traffic report about a road closure ahead ... and I decided to take an alternate route avoiding that interchange - which turned out to be a good thing! When I came past the other end of that road, the traffic was queued bumper-to-bumper as far as I could see! If I had taken that interchange, I would have been another hour late. As it was, I was only half an hour late.

I finally made the appointment for Tynx' sterilisation - unfortunately, the earliest available appointment is on 17th September! Yikes! But - beggars can't be choosers, I really, really can not afford to pay full price! It's still a good chunk of cash, but affordable. I need to bring her in between 8:00 - 10:00 on the Tuesday, they do her on Wednesday and I can collect her on Thursday after two. The operation is done by students under supervision - well, it IS a teaching facility and all vets have to learn somewhere, somehow. And they confirmed that, IF she happens to be pregnant, they will abort. I'm afraid I can not possibly raise another litter - and even if I could, where would they end up?

By that time, she should also have grown confident enough to know she isn't being abandoned, so the three days apart should not be too hard on her. And at least I won't have to remove all food & water from all my mippies - they'll manage that there. Shame, though, with mine, I brought them to the vet in the morning and collected them the same afternoon.

I explained why I couldn't make the appointment earlier (well, strictly speaking, I could have made one for end of August right away) and they said they'd make a note of that so that, if they have a cancellation, I may get an earlier appointment. I also mentioned that she's in heat at the moment.

This morning, when I made my coffee, I had all four of them letting me know that their share of milk is not optional ... and then I had the amazing pleasure of watching all four drink milk out of the same dish! Even Ziva! She was right next to the mini and for the first time, she didn't let that bother her! In the past, when Tynx arrived, Ziva would stalk off in a huff. I watched her last night, too, making hesitant attempts at sniffing Tynx - though she withdrew when the little one got too close, but still! She IS a very clever cat! She knows Tynx is here to stay and she's doing her best to come to terms with it. So is Lady Jane, by the way - she's also been making sniff-overtures.

After work, I got home, let my mippies out - it was Janey's turn to keep watch over me tonight. Mewthos was stretched out just outside the gate, Ziva had gone for a long walk and Tynx was running up and down, to and from me, to Mewthos, to Janey, to me ... and then Mewthos wasn't there anymore. Not to worry, he probably went for a stroll in the field behind the spekboom. Time to call in my mippies ... only Janey and Tynx come. Still, no worries, Mewthos was late yesterday as well and I don't worry too much about Ziva anymore.

I gave out a sachet - no Mewthos! Another sachet - still no Mewthos! Now I'm getting worried! So I go outside and call and call and call ... no Mewthos! Now I'm seriously worried! I get the torch and start looking for him! Nothing! Then Ziva comes strolling along, so I take her inside and go back out to look for Mewthos!

I walked and called and looked for him the best part of an hour! Nothing! At one time I saw two cats sitting at the far side of the field - one could have been Mewthos, but since he didn't come when I called, I figured I must be mistaken. I'm no longer worried but getting frantic! I'm convinced that something must have happened - Mewthos is such a mama's boy, he doesn't stay away! He is also such a greedy chops - food is his master. And I've been calling munchies, mippies, Mew-Mew - nothing!

With tears in my eyes and a heavy heart I finally gave up the search and went inside. Eventually I went for a smoke break and ... lo and behold, there are two cats sitting at the gate! The ginger and one that looked just like Mewthos - though I can't be 100% sure, as it's dark! I opened the gate and went outside, slowly, I could hear a growl that sounded just like Mewthos - yet, as I slowly approached, both cats strolled off across the grass under the trees!

It's now two hours past the 'indoor' time and still no Mewthos. I'm not frantic anymore, as I'm convincing myself that it really was Mewthos I saw an hour ago at the end of the path. That ginger cat - male, I should think - has somehow got Mewthos' full attention, I don't know why. I think he's the reason Mewthos has been sitting 'guard' at the window - and I'm thinking it's just possible that tonight he simply decided to go 'all the way' and solve the ginger problem once and for all. I don't know whether he's just following him or what he means to accomplish ...

I was just about to write how that's the only way I can possibly sleep tonight, when I thought I heard something ... and my mippies were acting strange. I opened the passage door - which started a cat fight in the lounge! Yowls, growls, scrabbling claws on the tiles: Mewthos and the ginger cat!

In German we say that a stone dropped off my heart - which pretty accurately describes the sudden relief when your heart was heavy with worry! I just made sure nobody followed me into the lounge, then slowly moved towards the front door. Mewthos and Ginger were facing each other, growling, just outside the door. This time, I did not follow, but quietly sat down to have a smoke. I softly called Mewthos - but he ignored me. No matter which endearment I used, I got no reaction. Eventually I used the magic word: Munchies! Finally a reaction! It still took quite a lot of coaxing to get him to come inside! I shut that door so fast behind him, I nearly caught his tail!

Eight o'clock! It was past eight when I finally had him safely inside! He had me worry for two hours, going from upset to worried to frantic - even tears! And he doesn't even give me a cuddle! He's sitting by the lounge window again!

Well, I decided to take the bath I had planned - but cancelled when Mewthos wasn't home. Afterwards, I softened - only a little, though - and gave my mippies, including Mewthos, one last treat. I had also planned to prepared a bread to bake tomorrow - that's not happening, though, as it's too late, now. It's ten past nine.

What an evening! I hope I never, ever, ever, EVER have to go through that again! Really! Of all my mippies, Mewthos is the one I worry about the most. Ziva is experienced - I worry, but she knows how to avoid danger. Janey is very nimble. Although I've had to rescue her - remember that time she fell out of the window onto the ledge? When she was too little to jump back up? But she is a very thorough planner - if she was human, I wouldn't want to play chess against her! Tynx survived in an industrial traffic area. But Mewthos? I mean, he has fallen off the arm of my armchair! And he's all heart - not big on strategy or planning. Very big heart, though - everybody loves Mewthos!

Well, at least I WILL be able to sleep tonight!

Tuesday

Three a m wake up lick! Not even three, about quarter to! What IS that little mini thinking? Seriously? Well, I got up, went to the bathroom and then went right back to bed and turned over.

Overslept again, but not too much - I managed to clock in at seven on the dot! At work I'm now busy getting a full inventory - I'm re-checking every packet, every parcel, every label ... and finding quite a couple of eff ups. Well, they're cleared up now - next step is to investigate the discrepancies between today's inventory and what I should have ... especially on items which haven't moved since the last inventory! Sigh.

At home, on the spur of the moment, I decided to give Rose a call. It's good to hear her voice! And I could tell her some of the things at work, which I just can't put in a public blog. You'd start questioning my sanity, if I did, ha ha!

My cat food delivery arrived today - happy munchy time for mippies!

I called my mippies in ... Mewthos was under my feet the whole time today - yesterday he was the last one to arrive! Tynx wasn't far, but nobody else showed up ... eventually I had to give up and went inside and gave Mewly & Tynx their treat. Lady Jane was there in a jiffy - but no Ziva! I waited, I called, I sat outside for another cigarette ... no Ziva.

So, I went inside, closed the door and opened the window. And then - silly me - I forgot about the open window and let Mewthos & Tynx into the lounge! Yikes! I remembered soon enough and managed to shoo them back where they belong! What a silly thing to do!

For dinner, I warmed up my curry sausage and Knoedel, which I made on Sunday. I regretted not eating last night by around two this afternoon!

As I wrote that, I remembered that I had not yet taken anything out of the freezer for tomorrow - took out a kebab quickly.

And then I decided to have some serious play time with my mippies! I got two new toys for them, one, a battery-operated feather in a plastic shell - you put it on the floor, and it chirps and waves the feather around! Mewthos, in his enthusiasm, picked it up and dropped it - everything came apart! Ha Ha! Nothing broken, but I had to pick up the batteries, put them back in, etc. They were a bit gentler afterwards, but still managed to pull it apart. They played and played it was real fun watching them! Of course, Mewthos still doesn't share - once he has the feather in his mouth, he growls and retreats - same as he did when he was tiny.

Then I played with the new wand toy I got them. It's a big mop of brown feathers on a short stick with a very long elastic! Again, Mewthos snatched it and then retreated, growling! I made sure they each got time to snatch at the toy - and when Janey and Tynx had their turn, Mewthos plotted to get to the string! That's his thing now: he chews through the elastic or string! I blame him for mousey! Mousey has come off the elastic, sniff. I've tried tying fishy to the string, but it's just not the same.

I played and played and played with my mippies tonight ... and then Mewthos went to the kitchen window, growling at a tomcat outside! I went to the lounge ... and Ziva came running inside when I opened the front door! Yay! I never sleep well when she's missing! One thing, though: she only came inside through the front door - so she hasn't 'discovered' the open window! Same, as last time, when she came to the bedroom window. Well, she's home, that's what matters!

I've filled up mippies kibble dispensers, unpacked the entire shipment, cleaned the litter box - Lady Jane used the litter box - I cleaned the litter box again. Playtime seems to have been successful in that Tynx isn't caterwauling or mewling around the place - she's doing more sirening than Mewthos lately! I really must make the appointment for her tomorrow.

And now, time for cuddles and then bed ....

Late Monday

I went to sleep nice and early ... only to be woken around three in the morning by a cardboard clatter in the lounge! I suspect it was Tynx, as the other three were sleeping with me. She decided to climb on top of the shelves and throw all the boxes and everything under the boxes onto the floor! She actually managed to block the way to the door - fortunately it was just a matter of picking them up and putting them aside.

But, of course, it had me wide awake at three! Courtesy of which I managed to oversleep - big time! It was ten past seven when I finally woke up! I messaged work, got up, got ready and got to work - exactly one hour late! Though, just in time for the Monday teleconference call with our biggest client. Also still in time to get the delivery out.

The rest of the work day was ... work. Nothing worth writing about.

On the way home, I stopped to get milk - but he was out. He asked if I could come back Thursday - he won't have any before then. No problem!

I let mippies out, and got mippies back in - sans Mewthos! That's unusual! He's usually the first one under my feet - plus: he has never ignored the call to Munchies! As I was wondering whether I should be worrying, he came strolling along. I guess he also needs a break from the non-stop pestering by Tynx.

Right now, Mewthos is sitting on the cat carrier, looking out the window - and Tynx is standing behind him, looking out the same window over Mewthos' shoulder! Janey is on the arm chair and Ziva on the night stand.

I still had half a roll of my lunch, so I didn't feel like dinner after having finished that. I did, however, bake up the bread I had taken out of the freezer and, when it had cooled, made myself tomorrow's lunch. I forgot my water bottle at home today - I hope I'll remember it tomorrow!

I had somewhat of a bad day, my head ached from morning till late - nothing helped. I also felt a little whoozy during the day, around lunch time I began to worry whether I should maybe go home before it got worse, but then it got better. Apparently I wasn't the only one - strangely enough, two of my colleagues also said they felt a bit whoozy today.

When I got out of the shower, my landlord knocked on the door. They have a bit of a problem. Apparently the local landfill has closed and - under the current guidelines - they are supposed to drive to Cullinan! That's quite a long way away, it's halfway to Bronkhorstspruit! They already recycle all that can be recycled - but they have a problem with my cat litter and some other smaller items. I showed them the changed cat litter - which is already making a big difference to the amount of waste I have - and suggested I take the non-recyclables to work. I see no problem with bringing a bag to be removed at work once in a while - I will also have to separate the recyclables, like paper, plastic, tins, etc. But that's a good thing - I've been working towards that anyway. I may re-look at that Bokashi composting thing I had discovered just before I moved here. That could take care of some of the waste.

You want to know something weird? Here, on the laptop, I have no trouble writing the blog - even when the PC shows 'no internet'. Yet, on this same laptop, I can't message via Facebook! I've got a tab open right now, with my Facebook page ... yet I can not do anything on Facebook via this laptop! Not even clear notifications! It's really weird.

On the PC, I have some serious struggles with the keyboard now - I sometimes have to type a letter three or four times before it comes through ... and for someone who can type up to 75 words per minute, pecking at each letter until it shows up on the screen is really, really ... teaching me patience! Ha Ha Ha! Not too successfully, though, I'm afraid.

I really, really loved my wireless keyboard and mouse, it was just so awesome! I had the same set for about eight years - which is why I ignored all the advice against wireless. I bought the same brand ... and here I am, frustrated and regretting it! Well, by the end of the week (hopefully Thursday) I should have my wired keyboard, then all will be well again.

And now, I had better go to bed - I wouldn't want to oversleep again!

Lazy Sunday

I woke up reasonably early and dozed until about seven, then let the mippies out. I had my coffee, played my game and just had a slow start to my day.

My landlady has the house filled with her family, kids and grandkids everywhere. They tried playing with my mippies - I showed them the rat-race game - but mippies wouldn't play. I guess the kids are a little too small for mippies to feel comfortable.

Tynx is still on her twittering, chirping, meowling, going on and on and on. Fortunately she took a long Siesta today. Cutest thing happened: when I went outside I found her with Mewthos on my chair, side by side! They were watching the kids riding their bicycles along the road. But it was just too sweet seeing the two of them side by side like that!

I hung up the washing and took it down when it was dry. Mewthos helped! As did Tynx!

I unpacked a few more boxes, the toughest one was the spices, not just because it's a box packed with lots of little things, each of which is wrapped in newspaper, but also because Lady Jane came to help. And then I had to first clean the spice bottles before packing them away - and I'm a little low on space for packing stuff away! That's a change of approach for me.

I extended that to my online shopping basket, and removed items I don't need right at this moment - well, except for those, which are currently on special.

Having been through a really tough time, where I was really in dire straits - even though it's now quite a long time ago - I still have this thing about stocking up in good times, to be prepared for bad times. And there's a possibility of bad times ahead. Not dire straits, at least, but tough times. And when I'm shopping now, I have to overcome the urge to 'stock up' - because it's much smarter, to 'save up'.

Anyway, the cat food is on it's way, and on Thursday, I should get the other order I placed today. I ordered a TV tray, some toiletries and I treated myself to two DVDs. Oh, and I ordered a wired keyboard, since the wireless one I bought a few months ago, hasn't worked properly, since the PC was broken. And the mouse? Dead. I'm seriously pissed off about that - the last set I bought, lasted for years! And now? A few months? Well, that's the way of the world now.

I'm still holding back on the groceries, I'm quite enjoying the shopping itself - and I don't need anything urgently.

Well, mippies are all quiet now, I've spent some time cuddling Tynx and she's curled up behind me, quietly. Mewthos has gone to his guard post, but the ladies are curled up by my feet.

New look for my home

I'm not sure what came over me today, but I totally re-arranged my home today. Remember that idea I had a while back, about moving the sleeper couch into the lounge? Well, that's just what I did today. The lounge is somewhat crowded, but my bedroom? Lovely! I moved the bookshelf next to the bathroom entrance, the chest of drawers next to that, the kist to where the shelf was behind my bed and where the chest of drawers stood, I've now put the hand-stained cupboard. The one with the green doors and the blue top. It's giving the bedroom a lovely, spacious feel.

I also found a box labelled 'spices', so I'm thinking of unpacking that tomorrow. I've also made some space in the shelves, so I can unpack a couple of boxes of books. I'm quite happy with what I have achieved - and if I don't feel up to continuing tomorrow, that's fine as well!

The big work is finished, anyway - all that's left is unpacking more boxes. No further furniture moving required. Well, there's nowhere else to move things to anyway.

I also started a load of laundry ... and the machine acted up again, and then I sort of just left it ... I set it to do a quick wash, and then sort of forgot about it. It's still in the machine, now ... I couldn't have hung it up when it was done, since the hangers were stashed behind furniture and boxes, while I was moving things around. I also did a lot of cleaning - well, only sweeping the floor but the furniture got a proper cleaning.

Tynx is still off her head and driving me absolutely insane. Poor thing can't be happy about being so unsettled, either - I do hope I'll get an appointment very soon for her! I had left it, since I couldn't be sure about her age, and you can't have it done when they are too young - she must be at least five months old. No use making an appointment, only to have her sent back because she's not old enough. Apparently she's older than she looked when I first found her. Well, the vet did guess her between 3-6 months, evidently she wasn't 3 months at the time.

The worst thing is that she claws when I pick her up! It's as if she's uncomfortably in my arms, but not coordinated to get off easily - and then just ends up clawing me. My left arm is full of scratch marks from her - it's not intentional, she simply can't help herself. When I say 'Ouch' she stiffens and stops moving, so she clearly does not wish to hurt me, just can't help herself.

I had a really good laugh at Mewthos, though! The whole time I was moving the furniture and boxes around he was sleeping on my chair outside. When I was finished, he decided to get up and stroll inside ... and when he saw that everything had changed, he just stopped and stared! It was just too funny! Like he was doing a double-take to check he isn't seeing things! Then he carefully approached the couch and sniffed at it ... and decided to crawl under it! It was really fun entertainment!

Oh, another thing I didn't have time for today? Eating! All I had was one bread roll ... I was neither hungry nor in the mood to make anything. I'm still not hungry. I will be, tomorrow, but that's another day's problem. Right now, Tynx is my problem - she's caterwauling again! In my bedroom! Sigh.

Right now Ziva is playing the 'lava' game - you know, the one all kids all over the world play at one time or another? Pretending the ground is hot lava and you must move around the room without touching the floor? It's such a funny thing that all kids, everywhere, regardless of culture or language or location, play this game - and even funnier that cats play it, too! It's definitely a game for them, I've seen how she looks around for another high surface to jump to, she'll get onto the Ottoman and from there onto my chair - which is a bit awkward, yet she still won't take the easy route via the floor.

Well, that's about it for today. Mippies are quite happy with the new layout in the bedroom - they're all here and not going into the lounge or bathroom, like some of them usually do. Ah, I spoke too soon ... Mewthos is off to the lounge. Anyway, I'm happy with the bedroom, so now I'm going to lie back and enjoy it!

Tynx gives me cause to worry!

I just did not feel like getting up, when the alarm went off, and ended up sleeping till past eight! Sjoe, I don't want to miss my day off! Tynx didn't even lick my face this morning, just curled up next to my head - they all seem to have decided to let me sleep!

Eventually I got up, and first thing, opened the door. Ziva went outside happy as ever, the rest followed, though they stayed nearby. And then Tynx started to mip, mewl, even caterwaul, demanding attention the entire morning! She is not behaving like her normal self and I'm getting somewhat worried. But she's eating, she's not hot ... she shouldn't have parasites, since I treated her with some spot on the back of the neck, and there's no poison her on the grounds.

She just can't seem to get enough attention, she cries, mewls, caterwauls ... I'm running outside to go pick her up every few minutes, sitting with her in my arms, then going back inside with her dashing excitedly between my legs ... then she seems to settle down ... and the cycle starts anew! I've not managed to get anything done, as, every time I try to start something, she calls again.

It's close to noon and she seems to have settled down now ... Mewly is sleeping in my chair outside, Janey in my chair inside and Ziva is here for her lunch-time cuddles. I was finally able to get the bread machine going ... though I had to go outside for mini-cuddles several times.

I had been wondering why the bread rolls were so large, yet at the same time, somewhat dense ... tight ... not fluffy. And then I realised that, following the recipe, I had used melted butter! Our butter is salted!  So, today, I'm giving them another try, but using sunflower oil instead of melted butter. Also: when I use sunflower oil and then honey, the oil keeps the honey from sticking in the measuring spoon and it just slips right out! I've substituted fresh milk for powdered milk - I looked up the correct measurements again, hopefully this time will turn out better. I've also moved the rack a shelf up - in the oven - since the bottom of the rolls was almost burnt, yet the tops looked still like dough.

I had better go check on the mini again ...

Right, she slept quietly through Siesta, but then was up and at it again! Chirping, twittering, mewling and just going nuts. I'm gathering she's in heat - that's the only explanation. She is restless and irritable - and she also isn't her usual 'sure on her feet'. She wobbles a bit now and then, and when I take her in my arms, twice now, she's scratched me in some unsteady attempt to get away ... She's normally very gentle. Right now, at half past eight, even I am tempted to twist her neck ... just a little, so she quietens down! She is still wandering around the place, restless, unable to sit or lie still, chirping and meowing like a siren! Would you believe that she wore out the creepy toy? That little blue vibrating worm thing, which wriggles along on the tiles - that kept her busy for an hour or so, but now? Up and down, on the window sill, down the passage, back, into the bathroom ... my mippies are ignoring her, I wish I had their patience!

I baked my rolls and they came out much better than the last lot! Still somewhat dark on the underside, so I'll move it up another shelf for the next lot - but much fluffier! Still very large, though, too. And I glazed them with margarine, before putting them in the oven, so the tops are crispier than the last lot.

I did not feel like much of anything, after my morning was pretty much spoiled - in part by my oversleeping and in part by Tynx' behaviour. So I continued my shopping ... and then, when  I saw the totals, I edited the list, ha ha! Since there is nothing I need urgently, I can play around with the list for a while - add, remove, whatever. It's fun! No need to rush. I found some of the things cheaper on another site, so I'm getting them from there ... this is the only way to shop! Now, if only I could find some curtains - the bathroom curtains are in shreds! One big gaping hole right in the center, but I think I had better go get some cheapies at Wonderpark (the shopping center nearest to my work).

Anyway, I've ignored the mini's restless goings on for the past ten minutes and she's settled down on the bookshelf behind me ... with her back to me! I think I'll take this opportunity to go to the front door for a smoke break, then come inside and go to sleep ... early night tonight, so I don't have another late morning!

Thursday

I slept well again, got up, cleaned the litter box, had my coffee and went to work.

We heard - no official announcement, we don't need to know - that we could leave at two thirty. Two thirty came and went - and when I asked, I learned that the two thirty was conditional to production meeting target ... which they didn't. We don't go much in for communication - except when it's linked to potential disciplinary.

On the way home I got two bottles of milk and let my mippies out! Yay! All happy and high-tailing it around the garden! Janey and Tynx stayed nearby, Mew and Ziva went for a far stroll. When it was time to call them in, neither came ... I waited and called and waited and called, eventually I got the key and went to look for them! Ziva came running and soon afterwards Mewthos also came strolling nonchalantly from behind the house (not near the road, where I was looking for them!).

Once they were inside, I got stuck shopping ... first another expensive cat food order ... sigh. No mousse, though, that's just beyond my means. And I will have to reduce the number of sachets I give them in the evenings, it is just too expensive. Oh, they don't need them - they do have good dry food at their disposal, and not just one.

Then I surfed around the grocery shopping site - I don't really need anything right now, so I'm just adding to the basket, what I'd like to get next time. And I sort of lost track of time ... it was past ten when I realised just how late it was! Too late to still write my blog ...