Lock-down Day 35

Last day of Level 5 Lockdown, tomorrow the entire country is on Level 4. And the president does not have the authority to make the rules - the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is in charge. I can't find any information what that department's purpose is. The President announced that the ban on the sale of cigarettes will be lifted in Level 4, Dlamini-Zuma overruled him.

There was an interesting debate in on of the groups, and some interesting links to news articles, which explained the actual reason behind the continued ban - interestingly enough, my comment with one of the news articles, was removed by an admin, ha ha ha! Not only mine, though ... admin is currently in overdrive.

Funny how many people actually believe this is about cigarettes ... actually, no, it's frightening!

With my current rationing, I have enough cigarettes to last another two weeks. Before the president's announcement, the Cigarette companies had announced legal action - I'm waiting to see if that's back on the table.

I don't normally write so much politics ... the Democratic Alliance presented government with a reasonable plan, which is founded on South Africans being adults. The ANC prefers to dictate and control us, like children ... true colours being revealed ... 

In other news, anyone hanging midway between moves ... can't. Whether you had arranged to move on 1st April or 1st May ... not allowed. Paying rent, however, is enforced ... so ... which rent? I'm just glad I no longer have to deal with those thieves in PE!

I think that's enough politics. I am, however, interested to hear today's Coronacast by the DA!

I can't tell whether it rained during the night, I have a vague memory of hearing rain ... everything looks wet outside, though. But that could simply be dew. Mippies ran out quite happily ... and then Mewthos came back soaking wet! He must have shaken a tree and dropped a load of water on himself, or something like that.

While I had my first smoke of the day, standing inside behind the locked gate (still too cold outside), I watched a duiker stroll past! Beautiful! Later, I watched a worm scrunching up the silky string it was hanging from, moving back up into the tree. It looked like a granny rolling up her wool, the way it was bunching the string in its front legs! And then a nasty hornet attacked it - it tried to get to the ground fast, to get away, but the hornet was just as fast ...

Not long afterwards mippies are trying to catch a mouse in my kitchen, which is hiding behind the door. Mewthos gets hold of it, I take it off him ... place it back outside, but the poor thing is bleeding, so I doubt it has a chance. I washed my hands, but now it's itching ... I doubt whether that's related as that palm often itches.

The internet keeps going on and off all morning ... since this page is open, I can type, but not save. Then I can save, and then back to 'can't save'. I can't get into my game at all, though.

I think the next Episode of Spring Cleaning should take place in the kitchen ... mippies did catch the mouse, after all, I just found its head ... sigh. That's not the only reason, though. I'd like to re-arrange my kitchen as well, re-pack things I use very rarely - like the juicer - and place things I use regularly more conveniently.

The fridge is leaking water again ... it's the fridge, not the freezer, though. I think that would be a good starting point to clean, ha ha! Internet is still awfully slow ... somewhat frustrating. Unfortunately, I'm just as slow today ... I'm too lazy to do anything.

I watched the Coronacast as best I could, but the internet kept going down and then the PC crashed. What was interesting, however, is that now the DA is saying that government isn't listening to them - when last time they said the exact opposite. My guess is, that last week government RECEIVED suggestions from everybody, but last night's announcement proved that they LISTENED to none! Which is giving credence to some conspiracy theories ... such as the question: if alcohol kills the virus, why ban the sale of alcohol? Stores have run out of high-alcohol hand sanitizers, now we can't make our own, either.

Oh, and a new Facebook group was started: Smokers against SA Cigarette ban!

This time, I listened to the Coronacast from the kitchen, while I baked a batch of muffins. I used the last 3 eggs I got before lock-down, almost the last baking powder and almost the last cake flour - not enough left of either for another batch, so I'll just mix it in.

I've tried to find some reliable document regarding the true and actual regulations, rather than unqualified interpretation ... it's really, really tricky, as the ONLY document I could find, was the Government Gazette - and we all know how difficult THAT is to read, eh? But from what I understand, that allows the opening of ALL manufacturing to 20% ... 

Here some questions I have:
1) Why ban alcohol, when alcohol can sanitize. Legal hand sanitizers are out of stock, and now we can't make our own, either.
2) Why ban cigarettes? The 'health' reason doesn't hold water. Even IF it did, how does that apply to vaping - which is included in the ban?
3) Why limit exercising to only 3 hours per day? And why is dog-walking still banned?
4) Why the sudden need for a curfew?

Oh, I have more questions, but this has been such a political post already ... let's turn back to me and my mippies!

I go sit outside to lure mippies home. Mewthos is already sitting on my car roof, looking for mippies while Mini is patrolling the garden. It's a long wait tonight, but finally Janey arrives ... no Ziva. I wait and wait and call and call ... no Ziva. So, I give my 3 mippies 1 sachet, then go to the door again, hoping, calling, waiting ... back inside ... restless ... back to the door ... FINALLY Ziva arrives! Quite nonchalant about letting me wait, not even eager to come inside! I give them a 2nd sachet ... that's it.

Now I'm frying myself the steak I took out ... and the internet is down again. Well, what's happening is that the signal is loosing strength, regaining, loosing. Right now, I have 2 of 5 bars. And now only 1 bar ... 

I also just checked my balance, and it turns out that during this lockdown, I used 20 Gigabytes of Data! That's a huge amount of data! Fortunately, I buy data in advance, not on a monthly contract. Prepaid, valid for 365 days = 1 year. I've used a quarter of that, in total, so far, so I'm still fine. And if not, I can buy online - THAT at least is not banned.

I had to share my steak with Mewthos and Mini. Mini had enough after a couple of bites, but Mewthos? He wasn't done, until the entire steak was done, ha ha! He just smiled from ear to ear with happy eyes and an open mouth! He is going to really suffer when I go back to work ...

Well, I'm going to try and play my game now, and then snuggle kitties and go to bed. I'll return to my normal, non-political writing tomorrow ...

Lock-down Day 34

I slept late, as mippies couldn't go out first thing this morning, I stayed in bed until about quarter to eight. No drama from mippies, they just curled up on the bed next to me. They didn't even lift the lid of the flower fountain - nothing. Quite darling!

Just after eight, I went and got the cat food and then went to explore the local grocery store. Which was sadly sparse. They had cake flour, but no baking powder, so I took self-raising flour. They had eggs, sugar and oil, but no bread flour. Just a steamed-bread mix ... I'm afraid I'm going to have to get to a Superspar some time, after all.

I played my game until the internet went down. Then I went into the garden, first pulling some weeds along my 'new' beds, where the peanuts are growing. As I was bent over, Mewthos decided: 'Ooooh, lovely!' and jumped onto my back, settled down and was looking forward to Siesta in his favourite lookout - which even works as an elevator, lowering him to the ground so he doesn't have to jump too high! Yeah ... it didn't last long. I poured him off - although he was quite reluctant to leave!

Then I dug up half the bed next to the peanut bed, quite heavy work, but I needed the hole so that I could finally empty the Bokashi bin! That's been standing since I made the watermelon ice ... more than two weeks, which is all it needs. Okay, it pongs - but should be fine, soon. Once the hole was dug, Mini came happily running to use the new toilet I had dug for her! Ha Ha Ha! She just loved having such a nice, deep hole with all that easy-to-move loose earth right there!

Well, my bin is empty again, now I just need to thoroughly clean it - I've already rinsed it. About time, too! 

When that was done, I collected seeds: first Cosmos and then Marigold. They've already re-seeded themselves, and I've got lots of Cosmos growing everywhere. Then I pulled out all the dried plants as well as weeds before going on a thorough weeding trip of the beds along the fence. I've now finished all the way past the watermelon - which were somewhat disappointing, but Parsley is growing quite profusely where the watermelons were.

I really should wash the dishes, especially mippies' bowls, so they can enjoy lovely sachets tonight - but I just don't feel up to it. I'd rather go back into the garden and keep working there. After this rain, everything is lovely and soft, so I can loosen the ground and get lots of weeds with plenty of roots out ...

I kept working in the garden, continuing on the path alongside the beds. Last time, I got just past the cucumber bed - so, it would make sense to maintain what I've already cleared and then continue onward ... yeah, I don't do the sensible thing. I started working from the other end, the watermelon bed. Cleaning up the rough area shows progress better! It looks much more like I worked.

The mustard bed is now empty - I can only hope that enough seeds have dropped and it'll grow again. I've also decided to extend the basil bed - rather than just enlarge it, all around, I'm going to make it longer. I'll take all the basil out of the pots and plant them behind the current bed. Then I also still have to decide what to do with all the gooseberries - they've grown nicely, but they're a little bit too close to each other. I'll take another look, before I decide, though.

Ziva was the worry tonight, staying out long after I started calling. Such a long time, as a matter of fact, that Mewthos went out to collect her! I had just about started to freak out, got the LED light, unlocked the gate and started walking out - all mips in tow - when she finally came running! Little minx!

I enjoyed a lovely hot bath, this time Mini curled up on the mat outside. Now I'm enjoying my pizza ... tomorrow I'll have to spend some time in the kitchen, though. I have to decide what to make for dinner and bake another batch of muffins. Oh, and I've started another batch of cheese.

It doesn't look like it'll rain anymore, so the smart thing to do would be to carry on working in the garden ... I'll think about it tomorrow.

Just saw an sms from HR. No feedback from UIF nor the Solidarity Fund - which begs the question: which fund did we apply for? UIF is for employees who have been temporarily laid off during lock-down, and the Solidarity Fund for employers to be able to pay salaries ... But yeah, what do I know. I'm just a stupid employee ... Understanding laws and forms and such is obviously way beyond my grasp ... except, of course, Visa applications and Health & Safety requirements ... I had better shut up now.

Oh, and there's no indication when we can start working again. No surprise there.

Todays numbers: 185497 tested, 4997 confirmed, 2073 recovered, 93 deaths.

Lock-down Day 33

It rained during the night and is still raining all morning. Mewthos is driving me insane! First he played every trick in the book to get me out of bed, and then, when he saw it raining ... all wet outside ... he seems to believe that I can do anything! He keeps mewling, then running to the front door, as if he's telling me to make the wet stop! His faith is very touching, but what it's touching is my very last nerve!

He mewls, runs off, then, when I can finally catch him and hold him, he sits unusually still in my lap for a while ... before repeating the same performance. Again and again and again. Mewling all the while! When I ignore him, he picks a fight with his sister until she calls for help! Well, not really for help - she is a match for him, but she lets it be known that he's going too far.

Ziva ran off to get away from mewling Mewthos, Mini is curled up on the sleeper couch ... and today is Tuesday, and I need to get milk.

As they're all inside, except for Ziva, I simply shut the door and go off ... as I open the front door, Ziva comes running inside - which is a relief. I always feel better when they're ALL inside.

The rain has let up a little, so I'm not getting too wet while getting the milk. I just wish I could get the cat food I ordered last week! I've sent a reminder ... I'm down to the last 2 sachets!

Reply: they're here. Sigh, if only they had let me know BEFORE I went to get milk, I could have gone and collected at the same time. Since the rain has let up, mippies are now outside on their morning stroll ... no clue when they'll be back. I'll have to go tomorrow morning.

An hour later, mippies are curled up in my armchair, Mewthos' arm around Ziva, Janey snuggled up behind them ... butter wouldn't melt in their mouths! All cute, cuddly and loving!

I've tried setting up the card account to pay my rent - unsuccessfully, so we agreed I pay into the same account as always. Saw my landlord and mentioned the light bulb in the bathroom - he put in a new one for me. I pay for the bulb.

I've also changed the filter in my water jug - I still have one left - and re-activated my charcoal.

It's rather cold today, so I'm looking forward to a lovely hot bath again tonight. I also re-confirmed the location of the grocery store nearby, so I'm going to give that a try tomorrow. I hope I can get eggs and flour, baking powder, and such.

Okay, rent is now paid. I've been thinking about baking myself a pizza for today and tomorrow ... and some bread rolls. I just don't know what I'm going to put on top of the pizza ... bacon, mozzarella, mushrooms ... that's about all. I've got olives, and I've got artichokes - but I'd like to keep the artichokes and the olives don't really go well on the pizza, or ... no, not really. It always depends on what other toppings you add - and olive doesn't go well with mushroom and bacon.

I called At earlier today, just in case there was some message on the WhatsApp group mentioning when we get to go back to work - but there was nothing. He got mail from our HR but couldn't tell what it was about, so he asked to forward it to me. It was the same documents she sent to me on 26th March. Funny thing - that mail ALSO showed up as 'new' in my mail account today or yesterday. Not sure what's going on there. Don't care, either.

I played rather a nasty trick on mippies tonight. Janey was sleeping on the armchair when it was time to get them all in ... but she went running outside. Then the dough was ready, so I made the rolls, then rolled the pizza base and added the toppings. I left it to rise and went outside. I saw that all 4 mippies were under a bush at the end of the drive way ... hunting something ... then I heard squealing and Janey came running with something in her mouth, followed by the other three at full speed! I manage to stop her at the door, and got her to let go of the field mouse - which I grabbed. All mippies ran inside ... probably thinking the mouse was inside ... and I shut the door on them! Ha Ha Ha! They were VERY puzzled! I walked the mouse to the gate and set it down by the spekboom, then sat down to finish my cigarette ... with mippies looking at me through the window! Ha Ha Ha!

When I finished my cigarette, I went inside and gave them a sachet, then went to lock up. Janey - the clever girl - was in the lounge, hoping for a chance to get out. I managed to catch her and take her behind the passage door, then locked up in peace. Then I put the oven on, pizza is now done, rolls are baking. I've also run myself a bath ... as soon as the rolls are done, I warm up in the bath! I'm not really very cold - I'm lucky to have warm clothes. But my lower back is quite sore, so I'll be glad for the relief a hot bath gives.

Mippies are not impressed with being inside this early - they're bouncing off the walls here! Especially Mini! She zooms back and forth, round and round, up and down ... I have to be very careful when I walk, or she'll topple me in her enthusiasm!

Well, the pizza dough wasn't thoroughly done - but some cheese had dripped through and was burning, that's why I took it out. It's now burning to a crisp, smelling quite badly, while I'm baking the rolls. 

The pizza was incredibly delicious! Internet is incredibly slow ... Mewthos is incredibly annoying ... and I'm incredibly ready to switch off and go to bed.

Lock-down Day 32

32 days ... and for me, still no end in sight. Yet, the fact that there IS an end, is keeping my spirits up.

I've been getting headaches these past couple of days, nothing major, merely at 'nuisance' level. I've tried paracetemol, Disprin and today Allergex. No change. No worries.

I've had a reasonably good night, despite the multiple interruptions when the power came back on. It first came back around ten or so last night - I didn't bother to get up and switch on the PC. Good thing, too, as it went off again and on again throughout the night. I only know, because all the house alarms go off every time the power comes on again.

I woke up to the alarm, but snuggled under the duvet. Mewthos pulled the fan over in an attempt to get me out of bed, but he wouldn't come snuggle with me - his loss. I let them out when it was light.

Fortunately the power is on this morning. Coffee and bread for breakfast ... I'm not enjoying the sweet mustard as much, it's got too much vinegar mixed in. I'm thinking of trying to make my own ... I have mustard seeds, and I also have mustard growing in the garden. Not today, though.

It's almost cold today after a night long rain. It's also still overcast - more rain, perhaps?

First thing I had to do this morning, is re-schedule my cat food ... again! The online order, that is.

I've decided to work on the scratch pad for my mippies today ... I barely had it out, when Janey came to help! Ha Ha, she stuck her head in the box and started pulling out pieces of cardboard ... I'm afraid I had to stop her. Now she's curled up with Mewthos on the arm chair. Normally, that's where I sit to work, but mippies have claimed it for themselves lately. Last night, all three were cuddling together on it again!

Ai, ai, ai, now Mini is helping with my cardboard project ... better go head her off!

Disaster averted! Ha Ha! Mippies are all napping everywhere now and I can work in relative peace.

I enjoyed my steak with the handful of beans from my garden. The scratch pad is slow going, I'm afraid ... you'd think just cutting and pasting cardboard would be simple, wouldn't you?

Oh, and for some fun news? Our ICU's will be equipped with vibrators, according to our Minister of the Presidency ... 

Around five, I had enough of this nuisance and took a full migraine cocktail. Finally headache free! And since none of the meds knocked me out, I'm guessing that it was indeed a migraine, just not a debilitating one ... live and learn!

Mini and I took a lovely hot bath! That is: I sat inside, in the water, while Mini patrolled the rim, inspecting the water and knocking stuff off the shelf. She had a lot of fun!

After my bath, Mewthos went on a mewl-sprawl ... where he mewls for me, then runs away from me demanding I follow ... in the ridiculous bent-over-ready-to-pick-up-mippie waddle, then he actually LETS me pick him up, but only for a short while, then wriggles free ... and starts again! Not sure why, but he really needs that proof of love from me. And I usually oblige.

They're all in their cute, cuddling mode now. Time I join them ...

Lock-down Day 31

I slept surprisingly well and late. It was raining quite hard when the alarm when off, so I snuggled down another hour and a half, maybe more. Mippies no longer rush full speed to the front door in the mornings, anymore ... they've fully accepted this new 'normal' life, where mommy is home all day, every day. It's going to be hard on them, when I go back to work.

Funny thing, it no longer feels like lock-down ... today is Sunday, and I feel like it is any other Sunday. 

Spring Cleaning Episode 3 is finally complete. Arranged the kitties shelves, cleaned the second basin and cleaned the toilet. Swept and washed the floor again ... that'll do. There's a few touches here and there, which I'll touch when I'm in the mood.

I've clipped the plants along the path - looks a lot better now. Now I've prepared the bread dough ... hold thumbs, as I'm using up some Semolina! I've used 1 cup Semolina and 1 cup White Bread Flour ... should be interesting. I'm hoping it will work out, because I have quite a bit more Semolina to use up.

This is how I'm stretching my groceries ... so far, I'm good. I've also taken out another steak for dinner tonight. I've had the last muffin for breakfast, but I'm actually hungry now.

I just took a walk through the garden, first time in weeks. I've been avoiding the garden for a long time ... just didn't feel enthusiastic about it, or even interested. I found a handful of beans ripe on my bushes, so they'll be added to today's dinner. I'm just going to fry them with the steak.

I didn't particularly enjoy the muffins with the nutty wheat flour - I don't think I want to 'waste' my last eggs baking muffins I don't fully enjoy. I think I'll mix that with what little wholewheat bread flour I have left, instead.

I've just folded the bread dough over two slices of Leberkäse - I hope that'll work. The Semolina is adding a bit of texture, as far as I can tell. I'm baking it now, should be interesting! I've also mixed everything for the muffins - now I have only 3 eggs left. So, I've used only the best ingredients - no 'using up' hoarded stuff. I've also added 1/3 of the chocolate chips ... which leaves only enough for one more batch. Well, nothing left to loose, so I might as well go for it! As soon as the bread is done, the muffins go in ...

I definitely need to get eggs soon. And Baking Powder. I really don't want to go out, especially not for a long drive. Plus, of course, I don't want to have to spend any money ... even though it's for essential groceries; nothing special.

I was a little worried about the bread, as it was really quite flat, but it rose beautifully during the baking! I think, I'd like to treat myself to some sweet mustard as a spread on that bread! It's a rare treat ... I'm kind of stingy with those!

Muffins are in the oven now, baking happily away! Since they are brown, in a black oven, in a black tray, I always have to use the LED light to see how they're doing. Funny, eh? Can't see much through the glass - gas ovens don't have a light inside.

Gosh, I'm really hungry now. Waiting for the bread to cool down ... I wish it would hurry up, already, ha ha! Never mind, I just cut myself a slice - it's delicious! And so are the muffins - only, they're crumbling apart. I'm not hungry anymore :)

It was overcast in the afternoon, so I got my mippies in early, without any trouble. Then it started raining ... and then the power went out. Quite early, so I spent time on my belt - turns out it's now 2/3rds finished! There is hope!

Lock-down Day 30

Good night, splashy morning - courtesy of Mini. Weird dreams. Snuggling kitties until I'm ready to get up and let them out.

Washed the dishes, took out some slices of Leberkäse for bread and decided for myself I'd like a nice, thick, fat pork chop today! For mippies, I took out some more chicken hearts.

At eleven, there was a live explanation of Level 4 Lock-down ... sigh, which took 2 hours to repeat that we need to wear face masks and what Level 5 means and what the purpose was. Then the whole explanation was given in ... I think it was Zulu. Admirable to start making announcements in a language other than English and Sign Language, but that took more time and time costs me data. Lots of it. Last the Minister of Trade and Industry let us know which industries will be allowed to open. Predictably: not us. Unless we can make construction materials - like the roof nails and fasteners. Anyway, the whole presentation took 2 hours. And 2 hours worth of data ... 

During that time, I worked on my belt. Making progress. Afterwards, I'm afraid, I was somewhat tired, so I took a nap ... woke up at 4. And then I was hungry, so I fried my pork chop and ate that. Nothing more ... no bread, no muffins ... not going to do anything else tonight.

Numbers today: 152390 tested, 4220 confirmed, 1473 recovered, 79 deaths.

That's pretty much all for today ...

Lock-down Day 29

The end is nigh! I feel much, much better - lock-down is coming to an end, starting Friday, 1st May. The ban on cigarette sales is lifted then! It feels like the nightmare is over! Yes, I know it isn't, and no, I have no clue when I will be able to go back to work - but I feel normal again!

I slept well, woke up to the alarm - but turned over, as it's still dark. I thought I could wait for daylight in bed, but mippies were restless ... I let them out just after six. And I'm making plans! Whoohoo! Happy!

The whole country will be rushing to the stores to stock up on cigarettes on Friday, I'm sure - so, I won't. I'm sticking to my current ration, and will continue to work towards reducing even further. I'm going to need that cost-saving in the coming months! 

I received mail from my landlady yesterday, asking I pay rent into a different account this month - she appears to be under the misapprehension, that I'm getting full salary. I had better dispel that delusion as soon as possible. Yes, I can pay rent this month, for May - but with zero income this month, I will NOT be able to pay full rent for June, maybe not even July, as I have no idea when I will be allowed to go back to work! I don't have some secret stash - nor a fat savings account hidden away somewhere. I had told her husband that I'm not getting paid, on several occasions ... 

It's now just after eight and all my mippies are inside - so I've shut the passage door. I thought Mini was out, but she just walked into the room - I guess she was napping on one of the kitchen chairs, her current favourite. She's missing her fortress - which is probably why she keeps trying to climb into the shelf, as that's where I've packed my work pants. Silly of me not to have connected the dots earlier.

Sigh, they're all looking at me with big eyes: "Why door shut? Mommy? We can go outies?" Ha Ha! It's a little too early to get milk, yet - I'll wait until nine. This will be a very, very long half hour! I've just given in to the pressure and given them a sachet ... I only have six left, now!

Mini is being very disruptive! The big ladies had just settled on the bed, washing themselves pre-curl up and nap ... when Mini jumped onto the bed and scattered them! Now they are waiting to get out again ... Ai, ai, ai!  This will be the longest half hour of the entire lock-down!

At ten to, I gave up and left! Shame, the farmer forgot to fill my milk, but he does have a few 2 liter cold drink bottles filled, so I took one of those and will get the other 3 liter on Tuesday. My landlord left at the same time, with his wife and worker - I guess he's lucky and got called to a job. It would have been nice, as I know they'll do shopping as well, if he had asked if I need anything ... but yeah. He also knows I'm stuck with refuse, again - no offer to drop it off for me.

That is one thing this whole pandemic has brought out: everyone's true colours! It has clearly brought out who, in our government, is about authority & dictatorship and who is about responsibility! I feel that the specific announcement that the ban on the sale of cigarettes will be lifted on Friday, was an intentional slap. Letting certain ministers know that they do not run this country. But that is just my feeling, and feeling isn't reality - so: I could be wrong.

However, the same is true with regards to employers, management. True colours have been revealed!

As I understand it, Level 4 lock-down is pretty much the same as Level 5 (full lock-down, as we've experienced it) - but now employers need to work on their Health & Safety! Every business must have not only a risk assessment, but an implementation plan to ensure that employees will not spread the virus. What this means for me is quite simple: Nothing! Wait to hear ... big boys are muscling to put everything in place :)

Yes, I'm feeling almost my old self again. Able to do, act ... not just sit and wait. Even though nothing has changed, everything has changed. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and hope is alive again!

Well, I've just mailed my landlady that I'll pay May rent, but can't guarantee payment for June. Now I have to hope she approves my intention to pay back the difference as soon as possible - all depending on when I'll be allowed to work again.

I just called At, just needed to have a sane conversation with another human being again. He's been keeping busy throughout this time - making me feel somewhat bad about my own inability to cope. Nah, not his intention in the least - just my own feeling. Like I said, a lot of true colours were revealed, and mine don't exactly shine. So, what? I never claimed to be perfect ... 

I received a reply from my landlady: no problem! Phew! That's a big relief! Apart from my credit card, that will be the only debt I'll incur ... well, simply because there IS nothing else I CAN 'put on account'. Because I do not owe anyone any money, I'm not credit-worthy - would not be able to get any loan approved. That's banking logic for you.

Oh, and speaking of banking logic: the 'relief' offered by banks is again: only applicable if you are paid up on all accounts, and all they offer is 3 months non-payment - during which they 'add' the non-payment to your loan, earning themselves additional interest. Which is no relief to any individual - except you don't need to worry that non-payment will incur legal action. I hope that I will survive without having to apply for that ... Oh, yes: you have to APPLY! They don't just let you off the hook without formal application ...

Anyway. As I went to sit outside to call At, Mini launched herself at me in a cuddle frenzy! I'm afraid I mostly ignored her, as I had to concentrate to hear - MTN does not have a good connection here, at the best of times. She just kept bumping and pawing at me, and I - fairly absentmindedly - petted and stroked her. Afterwards, I picked her up for an intensive cuddle - but that's not what she wanted! She LIKES disrupting, ha ha ha!

Another good sign: for the first time since lock-down, I'm hungry! Actually hungry! Until now, I've put food in my mouth and eaten mechanically, knowing I had to - but today, I actually WANT to. Yes, I'm grateful that I have food, that I'm not going hungry - been there. My spirits are lifting ...

I've cleaned the basins and the shelves under the basin. I finally got to use the new bleach, which is simply soda ash with oxygen - no chlorine. Works just fine. I meant to place more stuff under the sink - but I notice that it's not 100% dry, so ... no material under there. I've cleaned and organised all my toiletries in the top shelf - some things I won't need to buy for a long, long time ... like deodorant. And body lotion. And sun protection. Even shampoo and conditioner. But other things, I'll need soon.

Now my fridge is leaking ... I checked the freezer, still frozen. But there's water coming out somewhere ... the door is properly closed, nothing is frosting up, and even the blackberries are still frozen. I guess I'll have to defrost it as soon as possible ...

Then I went to sit outside, happily Mewthos was nearby! He always worries me - the ladies are less accident-prone. Ziva came running soon, Mini rarely goes far, so we're just waiting for Janey. And waiting. And waiting. As we're waiting, Ziva decides to go for another walk - but I know she'll come back as soon as I call for indoors. Then Janey shows up and I start getting them all inside ... only ... as they all come inside, Janey runs off again! And doesn't come back! No mip has ever gone off again AFTER coming home for the evening! Ever! I even went inside and got her tinkle-ball and stood tinkling that outside - no Janey! I had a hard time not freaking out. This is a first: mip coming home, then running off when everyone is coming inside! I call and call and call, and tinkle the bell in the ball, tinkle, tinkle, call, call ... freak ... calm ... call ... call ... call ... light another cigarette, try to stay calm ... wait ...and at last Janey comes strolling up the path!

I'm very, very relieved, but also very not impressed with Janey! I gave them another sachet and settled down with them while they eat. When I don't, they don't really eat their food - it's about spending time together. Now they've all curled up in some spot, looking cute and innocent!

And now, I'm going to take a bath!

Ah! Lovely! I always feel a lot better after a relaxing hot bath! Even though I still don't have the patience to lie in it for long - I get in, relax a bit, then wash and get out.

On a different note, after his speech last night, the president put on his face mask and ended up with it over his eyes for a moment - so short a moment, I missed it, but lots of people didn't and right after the speech, memes were going wild joking about this little mishap. Nothing ugly or derogatory, just the whole nation laughing out our relief that things are looking up, and laughing WITH him, not at him. A lot of people got quite aggressive about it, some going so far as to call it treason ... but our president showed his strength by poking fun of his own mishap during an interview today.

I also listened to the DA's Coronacast today, and I was further impressed to hear that our president is listening to advice from EVERYONE qualified to give any - without discrimination. THAT is leadership! He's not dismissing suggestions from women, or whites, or members of a different, opposition political party.

In America, their president suggested drinking or injecting yourself with disinfectant! I've been looking for some proof that this is a hoax - instead, I'm finding reliable newspapers advising people NOT to try this, even explaining why it's a bad idea! I've heard a lot of things Trump is supposed to have said, but since I don't read or follow USA news, I've taken it with a grain of salt ... but this time, I looked for his actual words ... and yeah ... unbelievable!

I thought only Zuma was capable of that level of ignorance ...

Sweden is apparently trying the 'herd immunity' approach to the virus. I would normally be looking TO Sweden for scientific and reliable answers, but in this case, I'm afraid I don't get it. So far, there is no real indication that a body builds up lasting immunity against this virus. There has been mention of people having been re-infected, though also without proof.

I had taken out a steak and was able to eat about half of it. The other half I had to share with Mewthos and Mini!

I see that basic food prices have increased over the past month. The past two weeks, apparently. Not good. I've been considering making a trip to Makro to buy bulk and cheap - though I would be loosing quality, as they don't have my preferred brands. I only thought of Makro, because I also need lighters ... overall, not a good idea.

I think, tomorrow, I should work out a shopping list and look up prices, too. See where that gets me.

Now, it's time to dislodge a mip (Mewthos) and take my rightful place in my bed ...

Lock-down Day 28

I slept quite well, until Janey woke me up by expelling some of her food on the bed ... nice! Life with cats. It bothers me far less than it used to. I've cleaned it up and will have to wash the duvet today.

I'm thinking of trying to get some groceries tomorrow, when I go out to get my milk. I'm hoping to get eggs, baking powder and flour. Maybe sunflower oil ... just real basic stuff. I don't believe I'll be going back to work on 4th May ... 

Trying not to go there. There's enough mush clogging up my mind as it is. It's almost noon again, and all I've done is the laundry. I'm having a hard time kick-starting myself every day ...

I've enjoyed a watermelon ice, a muffin, several bread rolls - all yummy, by the way - but I'm still mush. I know that AFTER lockdown, I'm going to regret not getting more done - but I just don't want to move.

I've avoided the news today - looking only for a time of tonight's address. There's lots of speculation - all depressing. Oh, and stores have started overcharging basic food items ... nice move (NOT)! I took a nap after noon, with Mewthos by my feet. 

I think tomorrow I will give the old 'take the body and the mind will follow' a try. I can't just keep sitting around doing nothing ... and I'm tired of feeling down. Maybe I just need chocolate? Ha Ha!

At least no freaking out before mippies came home. And then I had the fun of carrying in Mewthos, then going out to carry in Mini, then go out to carry in Mewthos again, then back out to carry in Mini again ... they had fun!

They're not happy with the one sachet I gave them tonight ... even though I also gave them another chicken heart. Ziva doesn't eat them ... Janey is not too fond of them.

And now, it's the waiting game again ... there's talk that it starts at seven ... and I'm guessing at seven we'll find out what time! This is unprofessional - there IS no excuse. Yes, he's under a lot of pressure, yes, it's very hard - but that's what he signed up for and what he's getting paid for! The whole country sitting at our screens - and he can't even set a time! And when he does, he's late - every time!

I'm tempted to try another sugar rush ... I still have some chocolate.

Yesterday's numbers: 133774 tested, 3635 confirmed, 1055 recovered and 65 deaths.

Today's numbers: 143570 tested, 3953 confirmed, 1473 recovered and 75 deaths.

Lock-down Day 27

I've had just about enough of this lock-down. Well, who hasn't? Last night's announcement ... I don't know. We're broke, our economy is worthless, so we go and borrow money? Yes, of course money is needed - but on a micro level: I can't afford to borrow money now! Well, I guess there's a reason why I'm not rich, eh? I shouldn't talk about economics and finance, both subjects I clearly don't excel in.

I got a reply from the vet, buying the sachets from him is 10% more expensive than online - it may be worth investigating the cost of delivery to my home, once-off. Except that I think THAT site is the security leak, and I don't want my home address there.

And then, unannounced and not mentioned yesterday, our president invades the country - he's deployed every member, standard, auxiliary and reserve, of the Defense Force to 'assist' the police! THAT is frightening! In Tzaneen they are using drones - with speakers! This is going further and further from any kind of normal ... 

I'm going to have to find my own little 'normal'. Mippies brought in another mouse - Mini ate most of it. And I can't believe it's almost 11 o'clock already - where did the morning go? Same place every morning goes: playing my game, scrolling through Facebook, looking for news, hoping for good news, cuddling mips as they return from their morning stroll, cuddling them again when they mip for more ... 

I was just trying to imagine what will happen when they lift the ban on the sale of cigarettes ... stores will be overrun and sold out within hours, if not minutes! And cigarettes have not been produced, nor moved this whole time - so, once the stores are out, that's it! But tobacco is grown - what about the farms? And the same goes for alcohol ... 

I hear that 'Brewers Yeast' is now on the 'illegal' list as well ... apparently people have been brewing their own beer at home. Not surprising.

Mippies are going to be very unhappy when I go back to work - right now, I run to give cuddles at every mip! Janey loves that! She'll curl up, nap, wake up, mip mip mip and she gets her tummy tickled, her forehead kissed, her ears scratched, until she's had enough and goes to munch kibbles. Ziva comes running inside, jumps into her shelf, pokes her head out and mip mip mips until I spent at least five full minutes scratching her head and ears! Mewthos just mips then walks off, with me trailing behind trying to grab him for the cuddles he wants ... only he walks and walks and walks until we're both outside, half-way through the garden! THEN he lets me pick him up! And Mini? She just flops on her back under my feet every time I come near her! They haven't had this much attention, since we left PE!

Four in the afternoon, and finally some news regarding the deployment:

President Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed an additional 76 000 soldiers to help enforce lockdown regulations.

“It would mean that there are now a certain amount of military personnel that is available, but not necessarily deployed, but available for deployment should a state department need assistance, should an essential service need extra feet on the ground to assist it.

“It’s a prudent measure, I think it provides for the worst case scenario and not that the worst case scenario is necessarily going to become a reality. But it is a prudent move because every time the president needs to deploy soldiers… he needs to inform Parliament of the number of soldiers.”

Not a satisfactory explanation, in my opinion. Apparently, the official letter was 'leaked' by the DA - the public was not supposed to know.

Anyway, I've washed the dishes and prepared the dough for my next half dozen bread rolls, I'm running out of flour! I also have Semolina and Nutty Wheat Flour. I'm going to try and make a batch of muffins now, using the Nutty Wheat Flour. And I'll try to mix Semolina in my next bread mix ... see what happens.

Okay, I used 1 cup nutty wheat and 1 cup cake flour. I'm low on baking powder and eggs. I also used 1 cup sunflower oil instead of 1/2 cup butter plus I mixed some chocolate into the dry mix. I used a knife to sort of grate the baking chocolate. Oh, and I used Nesquick instead of cocoa. I'm using up a lot of hoarded stuff, like my varieties of oil - I've been using walnut and peanut oil for my bread.

I haven't baked any muffins since the sugarless disaster - and before the week of pain. In fact, I haven't had anything sweet since then. Now, I'm making up for lost sugar, ha ha!

I'm working on a plan to survive. It involves using up my hoard - but also, building up a new hoard. Only, in the past I would collect variety of specialised items - now, I'm planning on building up stock of basic items, from which I'll create variety. For example: I used to keep different pre-mixes, muffins, scones, bread, etc - now, I want to keep just flour, baking powder, cocoa and sugar. From that I can bake any flavour of any of these items, or cookies or cake or anything. Although, maybe I should look into self-raising flour - and eliminate the need for baking powder? I don't do MUCH baking, after all ... But I definitely want to build a stock of bread flours! Also, because I've struggled for months to get any - then had to take whatever I could lay my hands on, and now I don't have my brand, nor enough. 

Anyway, while the muffins were baking, it was time to sit outside and coax mippies to come home and inside ... Janey came running, Mini was already around ... eventually Ziva came ... ... ... ... ... and then Ziva went off again! By now, I was almost frantic - where's Mewthos? Why isn't he coming? After my landlords dog disappeared - and this is the 2nd time - I nearly wet myself every evening when any one mip is late! But twice as fast, when it's Mewthos! Add to that Ziva's unusual behaviour, of going out again ... THAT's how she alerted me when Mewthos had fallen out the window and lay hurt under the Geranium bush!

So, by now, I've nearly burnt the muffins - but took them out, a little crisp, then put the rolls into the oven. Went and got my LED light and went off after Ziva to look for Mewthos! Janey and Mini under my feet ... as I near the end of the drive-way, Ziva comes running ... but no Mewthos! I shine the light left, right, ahead, around, walk towards the gate, turn around and there's Mewthos! Happily sitting between Ziva and Janey! In German we say "mir fällt ein Stein vom Herzen" which translates to 'a rock dropped off my heart' meaning that my heart felt light with joy!

Before he decides to go running off again, I pick him up and carry him all the way back and drop him off inside ... then I have to go and get the ladies! As I go out the gate again, Mewthos comes along ... to 'help herd the ladies' inside, as he usually does! Ai, ai, ai - NO! I pick him up and carry him inside - with Ziva running along and also rushing inside. Shut them in, back outside, out the gate ... Janey comes running, so I pick up Mini, who decided to flop where she stood. Carry Mini inside, Janey at my heels ... both of them shut in ... back outside, lock the gate, carry everything inside, lock the front gate and the door ... Phew!

And by now, my rolls are also fairly crisp - and I didn't spray any water on them, this time, it's because I nearly burnt them! Thank you, Mewthos!

I feed them half a tin of Petleys lamb. Mini eats at first, then industriously tries to cover the bowl - like it's poo in the box! Sorry, mips ... more of that tomorrow!


For myself, I took out some meat, for a change. And some chicken hearts for them. Mewthos gobbles eagerly, Mini doesn't stop eating until every last morsel is gone - then Mewthos finds me eating steak, so he comes to sit by my feet drooling ... ha, ha, ha! Yeah, I shared, even though it was a very tiny steak. One piece for Ziva - who was happy with just one - lots for Mewthos, who wouldn't go away, and a few pieces for Mini. Then I had a muffin. Interesting texture and flavour. Not my best nor favourite, but much better than the sugarless batch!

And then, I see someone else worried about the deployment of the defense force ... linking to an article, which has an interesting final paragraph:

A visual representation of the pandemic in South Africa, available on Worldometers, shows that SA's cases are steadily increasing and are yet to reach the highly sought-after peak that would validate easing lockdown protocol which is what several countries in Europe are aiming for.

That would confirm my fear that the lock-down will be extended ... I'll try not to think too much until our parole hearing tomorrow.

Right now, Mewthos is curled up with Ziva looking so sweet and innocent ... and I'm torn between giving him a right smack to teach him, and picking him up and holding him so close that he'll never get away again ....

In my anxiety over Mewthos, I had one cigarette more than planned. Otherwise, still sticking to my rations. There's talk that the lock-down will be extended ... until June!

Here a comparison of the lock-down between South Africa, UK & Australia. The UK has been updated by a friend, who let me know that Bottle stores & cigarette stores (including vaping) are also closed in the UK, and that manufacturing is also closed.

I'm not really sure of the reasons behind the extreme strictness of the lock-down here, but one scary thought is that government is hoping to incite a war?

This will be so much simpler once I have hind-sight! Being here, now, is really not a good place. Not for anyone. And I think too much. Again!

Time to cuddle cute little mippies before going to sleep ....

Lock-down Day 26

I woke up, feeling like Gulliver when he was tied down by the little people! Mippies curled up close on either side, on top of the duvet - pinning me down! I won the 'who's the fastest draw in the west' against Minikins this morning and had all my goodies safely under the duvet with me. I unplugged the water fountain, when Mini lifted the lid, making it splash to get me out of bed ... They really get busy in the mornings. But I'm not letting them out until the sun is out!

I'm feeling somewhat positive today, better than yesterday. Still no news of an announcement, nor when we can expect an announcement, but I did find an article stating what needs to be in place for lock-down to be phased out. It's also becoming very clear that it's no longer a matter of balancing economy vs lives, but lives vs lives.

Just rescued another mouse from Ziva! Shame, she's so proud of her skills - and here I go, taking away her prey. It was a little tricky, sitting with a live mouse on my lap - albeit in a box. Then getting outside with the box - but sans mips - to walk into the garden to set it free. I managed, and the mouse is still free - neither Mewthos nor Ziva have found where I set it free ... and it has obviously run off by now, as well!

I took advantage of Mewthos mewling demand for attention to rub some diatomaceous earth into his fur. I found a flea on him last night - other mips will be treated as they become available.

Three mips in the house, time to get milk! I can't find Mini anywhere, she's not nearby and not coming when I call - which is unusual, but no cause for worry. And with her, I don't need to worry about driving when she's out - she survived in Rosslyn! So, off I go! Our gardener comes to the gate, again offering money as he also wants milk. I tell him to keep his money, I'll get him milk. I've now run out of notes for milk, so I'll either need change in future, or write-up how much I've paid & received - which shouldn't be a problem. As it's very early, the milk is still warm - so fresh, the cow hasn't even missed it, yet!

Back home, Mini comes running at top speed! She comes inside, and I use the opportunity to rub diatomaceous earth on her as well - which is no problem, she loves all attention! Ziva is somewhat disgusted with my rubbing dust on her and skedaddles off, ha ha! Still need to re-rub Ziva and Lady Jane hasn't had any, yet. At least I don't have to worry about them washing it off, as it also prevents worms if they eat it. They don't have worms, though, so there's no need to sprinkle any on their food.

Back to reading news, there's an interesting article headlined "Ramaphosa's Roast Chicken Gestapo" which links to another interesting article about those currently abusing their power.

My bread rolls turned out really nice! I sprayed water on them, so they're a little browned on top, not crispy, though. Haven't managed that, yet. But they're light and fluffy, and delicious! Of course, I'm running out of flour ... 

Finally! An announcement that the president will address the nation this evening! Time to be confirmed. At least we'll have more information to work with.

And Ziva has been dusted as well - after which she sped off in full disgust mode! I went outside, and to my dismay I see the little mouse is still exactly where I left it! Alive, yes, but not running away ... when I got close, it moved, and finally wriggled under the leaves, so it's not visible - but it has clearly realised that movement attracts cats. Sigh ...

The Port Elizabeth paper, the Herald, published an article headlined "Expect 45 000 deaths and 2-3 years of intermittent lock-downs" ... I don't think anyone wants to hear that. Except criminals - knowing that schools, factories, offices, etc will be clear; plus alcohol and cigarettes trading faster than drugs ... cigarettes currently go at 2-3 times the store prices. Yes, they will even be delivered to your home! No tax, no salary, no job - purely funding crime!

Although I'm still feeling positive, I'm having difficulty getting into any action - only thing I had to do today, was get the milk. Oh, and I've asked the vet about sachets for my mippies. I'm really low, I've only got another 12 sachets left ... ordinarily that's 3-4 days, but with my current rationing, I hope I can stretch it till next week. But that also means, I'll be finishing all the tins I have left - which is 2x Petleys, 1x Spar sardines and 4x Weruwa. At 1/2 tin of Petleys a day, the others 1 a day, that buys me 9 days. After that, it's sachets only ... Okay, so the sachets aren't the ONLY food they get, they still have their kibbles, so they won't be starving, no matter what. But the sooner I can get a delivery from my online supplier, the better!

Mousey has finally disappeared! I went outside for a smoke, and first checked that there's no cat in the vicinity ... then looked if I could find the mouse again. Nope. Good!

I've been drinking fruit juice yesterday and again today, as the one bottle expired yesterday and the other will expire tomorrow. 

I'm finally working on the scratch toy! I'm using up bits and pieces, sort of like a puzzle. And then I see a comment from the Roast Chicken Gestapo:

LIVE | If hot food is sold, government can 'kiss lockdown goodbye' - Dlamini-Zuma

2020-04-21 14:55

News24 team

This is not an acceptable attitude! And funny thing: that article has already disappeared!

Just after seven, we're finally given the time for our parole hearing:

LIVE | President Ramaphosa to address nation on relief measures at 20:30 as confirmed cases sit at 3 465

The whole country has been sitting at our screens, afraid to miss the address - which affects us all! Most expect him to announce whether lock-down will be phased out or extended ... someone said it would start at seven, then, just after seven, we found out the actual time. Really, these power-games are tiring! I get enough of that at work, I really don't need it in my home ...

Let's see what he has to say ...

Lock-down Day 25

Sir Galahad is back! I heard him last night - and by Mewthos' eager moving to a personal encounter, guessed it was him. I went after Mewthos, picked him up and carried him inside and called an early 'inside mippies'. I couldn't be sure, because it was already dark and I couldn't see him ... just went by the reaction from my mippies. And then, after I went to bed, he came for a concert at my window! Definitely Sir Galahad!

Other than that, I had another good night. Very grateful for that! I'm not sure, apart from scratch pads, what I should do today. I think it's time to look at my finances ... face reality.

Some good news first: My credit card is not in the red. So, I have some credit to draw on - getting into debt at horrific interest rates ... if I get really desperate. Neither I nor my cats will starve.

I'm finding it impossible to concentrate on my budget or anything much, as I'm desperately searching through the news channels for an announcement, anything from our government. In the Information Session, the 18th April was set as the defining milestone; the numbers by that date would indicate whether the rate of community transmission was accurate; which in turn would determine the course of action to follow - either another extension of the lock-down, or start gradual release of the lock-down. That was Saturday, the 18th. Today is Monday, the 20th. So far, the only 'message from government' has been acknowledgement that our welfare system is way below reasonable expectation ... 

Government has embarked on a nationwide campaign to alleviate the plight of the poor by handing out food parcels to those in need. 

This has not been without any controversy, with allegations that some African National Congress (ANC) councillors have fraudulently benefitted from food parcels meant for the poor.

The food parcels were apparently given to their families or friends. 

The councillors have since been suspended by the ANC. 

President Ramaphosa has vowed that harsh action would be taken against any corrupt councillors.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, on top of alcohol and cigarettes, now the sale of cooked food is banned!

Oh, in Germany they are protesting the re-opening of restaurants ... and that government must provide face-masks free of charge, if they want to make wearing them a legal requirement ... I wish I had their problems!

One o'clock news: sale of cooked hot foods is now definitely unlawful.

On my own little front, I've definitely reduced the number of cigarettes, even last week with all that pain, during which I didn't ration myself as strictly. I normally use one carton per week - I opened a carton last Sunday night, and I'll be opening the next sometime today. And that includes 2 packets I gave to our gardener. He handed me money today, wanted to buy a packet of cigarettes off me - sorry, I'm not selling them. He needs what little money he has. I gave him a packet.

Now, I'm hungry. And still searching for any news of what's to come ... what our government has planned for our future ... will I be allowed to go to work? When? So much depends on when I will be allowed to go back to work ... can't really plan nor budget, when I don't know how far it must stretch ...

Okay, found an article on News24, giving some indication of what's in the wind:

"So the message to businesses is going to be: You've got to come up with your own set of rules" - to ensure strict physical distancing, proper hygiene, professional standards and all necessary protocols to prevent any transmission of the virus.

Winde described this as a "Covid-19 de-risked new normal way of doing business". And every business that wished to trade would require these strict protocols.

"If you've got Covid-19 cases, the first thing the health department is going to do is close you. So if you can show you have proper processes they will say you can open again," Winde predicted.

Asked how businesses would need to demonstrate they had the necessary levels of safety in place, Winde said it was likely different sectors would be categorised, according to risk.

For example: "A high-risk sector would be a sector that has lots of people - either on the production side or the sale/customer side."

Interesting personal news: Since my period started, my emotions are no longer all over the show! I'm no longer blubbering every time I'm watching an emotional scene. A bit of a relief.

On the down side: I'm having trouble making even the simplest decisions! Can't decide what I want to cook, whether to make rolls or a loaf of bread, whether I should bake some muffins ... I'm more stressed than hungry at the moment. This 'not knowing' is really tough. Well, I've started - as always - by washing the dishes. I've sort of decided to make tuna pasta mix tonight and bread rolls for breakfast tomorrow ... now ... that the dishes are clean ... I'm having trouble getting my rear into gear and start the food production. At least I'm still allowed me cook hot food at home!

I just stumbled across an article 'explaining' the reason for the ban on the sale of cigarettes:

According to the World Health Organization, smokers are likely to be more vulnerable to the virus as they touch their lips while smoking, which increases the possibility of hand-to-mouth transmission.

Seriously? THAT is what you're going with?  

“Government is losing, according to estimates, in the region R1.5 billion a month on excise alone with the ban. When you factor in VAT, corporate income tax and other tax types the figure becomes even greater,” he said.

Yeah, very logical and smart, right?

Anyway, two mips were just outside: Mewthos and, of course, Mini - she rarely goes far! So, I decided to try and cuddle Mew-Mew into staying, to avoid the fear-session while I wait for him to come back ... didn't quite work. He went off for a walk, anyway. But he came back fairly soon - only, that's when Ziva decided she wanted to go for a walk. My call stopped her - but she wouldn't come back. She just sat at the end of the drive-way ... waiting. So, I got my three mips inside, then went to try and call Ziva ... which worked! I was surprised, but she came running to me, mipping happily! I picked her off the car and carried her inside.

Still giving them only 2 sachets. Still no complaints. Mini is now suddenly obsessed with the toilet flushing - same as Mewthos used to be! Every time I flush, she comes running to watch! And her current favourite place outside is curled up in the bird bath! The one next to the bench. And she always rolls onto her back when I come near, wanting her tummy tickled! She craves attention, like every kitten - and I'm happy to oblige. Most of the time. Hey, there are 4 of them and only 1 of me! Give me a break! They ALL love to have their tummies tickled - nobody's offering to tickle mine!

I cooked the pasta, used cream, 2 tins of tuna and the last chopped tomatoes from the tin. Ate half, now at least I'm full. And there are 6 rolls now baking in the oven. They'll be as fresh as can be for breakfast.

Mippies are everywhere, Mewthos and Mini on the bed, Janey on the dresser and Ziva in the shelf. I think tonight I spend some time cuddling so that I don't have to displace mippies to get into bed.