Lock-down Day 274

Good night, earlier morning. Got up just after seven, not eight! It's overcast and I'm hoping for some rain. Again, taking it easy, spending the morning inside ...

... but where's Mini? She's usually under my feet, or on the bed, or, well, always around! As it's getting on for eleven, I'm beginning to worry - especially, as Mewthos is mewling at me a lot; is he trying to tell me something ... other than: please clean the litter boxes?

Off I go outside, looking for, and calling Mini! She's clearly nowhere inside, I even looked in the spare room, closets, everywhere. I looked outside, inspected every tree ... nothing.

My neighbour on the west is visiting my next door neighbour, I wave, he stops, we talk. I'm told another neighbour was totally cleaned out three weeks ago! As in: totally cleaned out! Nothing left. Man, that is frightening! I seriously must get a means to access WhatsApp! Seriously! And as soon as possible.

I also learned that they were shooting yesterday afternoon - at some vervet monkey that's a serious problem. And the bangs last night were most likely fireworks - I thought (and hoped) so. No problem.

The subject of gardening came up - in the 'mowing service' sense. And I arranged for my west neighbour to come tomorrow to mow my lawns. I'd just have to pay for the petrol - I offered to pay extra, as it's a business, he'll let me know. He wants to have a look and see how bad things are. Well, I confess, that having this job done, is going to be quite a relief.

He also said he'd take the cuttings away. I had better think about my composting - whether I want it taken away, or make compost. I don't really know what I'm doing ... 

Weird thing: as we were talking, my next door neighbour came and joined the conversation, which turned into 'men talk' (sigh), but then the guy who was clearly coming to visit my next door neighbour, turned around and drove away? Weird.

Oh, and Mini? Suddenly came strolling through the kitchen from I-don't-know-where! I was seriously worried, she NEVER stays away from me for long, she's almost permanently under my feet - when the others go out, she stays on the bed, occasionally tapping me on the shoulder for attention!

So, now that I don't have to worry about all that mowing anymore ... what shall I do? Today is overcast - clearing up with occasional sunny bursts, then cloudy again ... for now, I've put a loaf of bread in the machine. Not just mixing, but baking, as well.

My pulling-out-weeds arm is getting quite sore - my right shoulder, in particular. I'm a little lost today ...

I decided to finish the back by the Jacaranda tree ... when my neighbour called over the wall to ask whether I have water. I don't! That was two hours ago, we've called the manager who promised he'd send the guard ... half an hour later, when I tried the guard, he had not been called, he'll see what he can do. Owner isn't answering his phone, manager isn't answering again ... the guard says he's on his way ... merry Christmas! Sigh ...

Highlight of the day: My sister called! The whole family is together for Christmas dinner. My sister has now moved into her own home - some things not ready, but on the whole: I'm proud of her! I was upset to hear my nephew had to be tested for Covid-19, as a fellow apprentice in his group tested positive! My nephew tested negative! Still ... 

They are enjoying an absolutely awesomely delicious dinner!

Another hour, I called the manager again, he said he'll try to get hold of the guard again ... I was about to try the guard again, when he showed up at my gate. He asserted (what my neighbour already knew and had said all along) that the problem is with the pump, and we'd need to get the guy who installed the pump. Well, that's exactly what my neighbour had been saying all along - and I conveyed that all along! So, another hour hoping this specialist may just be able to come out today still, to at least identify exactly WHAT the problem is, with the pump.

No water today, not likely tomorrow ... and only with a lot of luck, maybe on Sunday. Most likely only Monday, though ... and this will cost a crap load of money! At least the cost is NOT my problem ...

Half past six and - after over an hour of trying - I finally get hold of the guard. The pump specialist wasn't at home (well, it's Christmas) so he left a message with the workers at his house. Hopefully he'll come tomorrow.

The only positive result of that is, that I now have the evening 'off'! I no longer have to continuously try to call to keep things in motion! My first call was just after one, which had zero effect - a promise, which wasn't kept. If I don't effing keep up the pressure myself ... Sigh ...

I was going to enjoy my chicken flatty in mango chutney ... but without water, I won't be able to wash my hands. So: No go!

Just had a 'wash'. Well, I have some cleansing wipes, which I used to wipe ... everything. Better than nothing ... just. Not like I have much choice, though, eh?

Mewthos came around seven to let me know that, in his opinion, it's time for their treats! All mippies were sprawled on the veranda, so ... no wait and no trouble.

So, what am I having for dinner? Well, I'm not really hungry - I've had a slice of bread with Leberkäse, when the bread was still warm, so now I've just had another one! Like I said: I'm really not very hungry.

Three mips are sprawled around the bedroom, Ziva and Janey atop the chest of drawers and Mini on the bed. Mewthos is social distancing. In the lounge. On the chair. Guarding the front door. Sigh ...