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 ...