Lock-down Day 400

I woke up before three, as the power was out ... again! Sigh. It's also raining, not drizzling, but strong rain. Just yesterday I was saying that we're missing the April rain this year ...

I got up for a while, then tried to get back to sleep. Successfully! I woke up again at ten to seven! Still no power, so cold coffee.  Urgh!

As I'm getting ready, I get a call from a colleague, asking whether I know what's causing the traffic jam she's caught in. My guess would be that the killer robot is out.  I later called another colleague, who confirmed that. Sigh!

No use joining that traffic jam! The only alternative route is not recommend - it's notorious for hijacking, etc. So I decided to leave later. It should be better after eight, when everyone is at work - or close enough to it.

I left just before eight, and the worst of the traffic had cleared. That robot was dicey, though ...

First thing I did at work, is make myself a hot cup of coffee!

On the way home, the last robot is off, leading me to fear that I may still not have power at home. Fortunately unfounded - all well at home. 

We had 20 mm rain at home! I took full advantage and dug a hole to plant the last Avocado tree. 

Janey strolled past, just as I took the photo 

If you look closely, you can see the 3 little avocado trees in a row, with the 2 ponytails between, albeit in front, of them.

Next, I decided to give my poor Spekboom a chance at life! They've endured life in pots for such a long time now, I really want to set them free - put them out to pasture, as a reward for hanging in there for so long.

When I loosened the soil, to get all their roots  ... they don't have much! Just a small bundle, about the size of a walnut! 

Hard to believe such lavish plants grew with so little roots 

As I was working there, guess who jumped onto my back? Wrong! Not Mewthos! Wrong again, not Janey either! Mini! First time SHE ever jumped onto my back!

No sign of Smeagol today. I filled his bowl, as always.

While I was enjoying a lovely, hot bath, mippies were playing the lava game! Yes, cats play that, too! Jumping from furniture to furniture, avoiding the floor ... 

We shared dinner again - I'm happy to see Ziva enjoying her special food, and I'm also happy see her enjoy sharing my dinner! I'm also seeing her drink now and then. Maybe just because I'm specifically looking out for it.

I fetched Mewthos from the front door, and Mini from the bathroom ... I had already brushed her, but she's still keen on more brushies! Pawing at the brush, tapping me on the shoulder - she's really always full of surprises!

Well, I hope to find time to plant more Spekboom tomorrow - ideally, all of them! But for tonight ... R&R with mippies ...

Lock-down Day 399

Not sure who stepped on my head this morning ... I've tried moving my pillow and sleeping with my head elsewhere ... makes no difference. They just step on my head and open the curtains wherever my head happens to be.

I think Ziva is starting to understand that the feeding routine is permanent. She does keep trying to get to the Whiskas, but as soon as I top up her bowl with her special food, she sits down for a gobble. I still have a tin of the 'sensitive' food ... she's not too fond of it, though. She still isn't drinking any more than ever ... which worries me. And someone threw up again yesterday ... Sigh ...

Back at home, Smeagol is waiting for me! Eagerly runs to the lovies station - he allocates places where he likes to receive attention. It used to be the succulent bed - which I'm discouraging, as he rolls over them, with enthusiasm!

I go to water everything ... Smeagol follows. I keep going back to give him lovies ... if that's what it takes to discourage him from attacking my mippies ...

Hey, look! I've got one poppy flowering!

And look at my Marigold bed!

Mippies come inside, poor Smeagol sits looking forlorn ... half an hour later and he's still hanging around, hoping ...

Still training Ziva on her new food ... she threw up again, right after eating! What she threw up, though, included a long blade of grass ... 

Also trying to discourage Mr Munchie from helping himself to Ziva's special food ... fun and games with mippies!

Well, tomorrow is Friday! It doesn't feel like it was a short week ...

Lock-down Day 398

Power went out some time after three this morning ... I feared for my coffee! Fortunately it was restored just before I needed to get up.

This morning, it was the Ziva-larm that stood on my head to look out the window - my head gives them just that little extra height, and they love that! Ha ha!

New morning ritual, giving Ziva her special diet first, then keep her eating that while I dish out the Whiskas for the rest ...

Coffee!

At work, I manage to get a chance to call my landlord about the geyser.

By three, I call again. He couldn't get in, as the spare remote doesn't seem to work. 

Around four, the power goes off at work! Sigh.

Landlord called again, he went the extra mile and jumped over the wall, so he could get at the geyser (which is outside). He turned up the thermostat, hopefully that will sort out the problem.

It did! I enjoyed a hot bath! Lovely!

Dinner ritual is still puzzling Ziva. Why can't she have Whiskas? But she does like the Royal Canin Renal, so she's quite happy munching on that!

Now it's after eight ... I just want to sit back, tend to my mippes - who are mipping insistently for attention ... then sleep ...

Lock-down Day 397

Mew-larm fully activated before my alarm went off ... 

I had a small set-back with Smeagol yesterday. He sat on a carpet (I put a mat on the dryer still in the car port) and when I went to stroke his head, there was a small spark. You know, carpet static. He ran off, giving me a look of disbelief, as if to ask "Why are you hurting me?" Shame, there was nothing I could do ... he stayed distant.

This morning, I first prepared Ziva's breakfast, carried her over to her new feeding station, before giving the rest their Whiskas breakfast. She's still on the 'sensitive' tins, which she's clearly enjoys. I hope the special Renal wet food will be just as tasty to her ...

Uh uh! I hear squeaking! I'm sure Mini has brought another prey ... 

It's already past eleven, and I still haven't started the bread dough. I have, however, cut plenty of tobacco. I'd like to cut some more, though ...

I thought I could drill holes into the pre-used bottles, so I could re-use them; but on the second bottle, the drill slipped and grazed the back of my left hand. When it went through. So, I decided not to take any chances and threw the lot of them away.

Mini caught a weaver bird. They've had a really rough time of it, this year, what with all their nests being destroyed, when they cleared the ground out back ... birdie is still alive, but doesn't look good. I've taken it away and placed it in isolation, where mippies can't get at it.

Ten past noon, bread dough is on the go, chicken is in progress ...

Half three, bread baked. Ditto the chicken. All that's left to do is wash the dishes, then I can start my weekend. Ha Ha, as if! That's the second long weekend I didn't get to enjoy ... Well, Ziva's timing was actually very good - I had the time to take her, time to fetch her and time to get her new special food! So no, I'm not complaining.

Anyway ...

I'm not up for much. I've turned the geyser on, no use starting anything until I've washed the dishes and showered. By the time that's done, it'll be going dark again, so ... 

Sigh ... guess what? Something is wrong with my geyser - the water isn't getting hot. Warm, yes. Hot, no. I'm tired ... just so tired ... I'll have to call the landlord tomorrow, since the geyser is outside, they shouldn't have to enter my home ... can't have my mippies traumatised further, not right now!

Three mips want to come in early ... Mini ... doesn't. Eventually I give up and shut the door. Turn around to see Mini sitting forlornly at the back door - which I had already shut! I open, she strolls off ... I close, she does her 'forlorn' act. Eventually she comes close enough for me to grab her through the bars and pull her in! She didn't like that. Tough!

I have my hands full, trying to explain to Ziva that she's no longer getting Whiskas, but has to eat her special food. There was some misunderstanding, and Ziva scarpered - so I added some of the Royal Canin Renal and carried her back (she doesn't like to be carried), and I'm happy to report she likes that! That's a relief!

And the chicken turned out awesome! I'm getting the hang of baking, ha ha! I completely changed the spices from the original recipe - next time, I don't even want to use cream, since that's really expensive. I still used soy sauce, but just a few drops.

Mippies are spread around the bedroom ... I'm gonna do my brushie duty ...

Lock-down Day 396

Very early morning again, as my Mew-larm is fully activated! I gave them breakfast, as I need to keep them inside, until I've been to buy Ziva's special diet ...

Ziva wants lots and lots of attention. Unusually lots! She hops on the pedestal next to the armchair, when I sit there, follows me to the bedroom, mips for attention - we've already had time in her cuddle cave, then she wanted to hide in the wardrobe ... I'm not sure whether I should worry, or if that's just after-vet special needs. I give ...

Okay, went and got the special wet food ... now, to try and source for future requirements.

When I got back, I let mippies out, they all strolled out happily! Life is now back to normal weekend mode. Ziva still wants lots of attention. I'm currently hiding her special food in the oven - so, when she comes for a nibble, I take it out, put it in her special place (separate), then stroke her back while she eats. I can't put it in the fridge, because cats don't like cold food. Sigh ...

Received mail from Zuki: unfortunately, they are not allowed to sell special diet. Now I'm trying ePetStore, who do offer it on their website, though I need a prescription to receive a password to unlock the buying option ... sent mail, now I wait. They are also cheaper than buying at the vet - though not as much cheaper, as Zuki.

It's half past ten, so ... I also need to return to normal, and do some weekend stuff. I haven't even had a chance to give much thought to what NEEDS to be done, let alone what I would like to do with the long weekend ... well, not much of a long weekend left, is there?

Okay, first things first: Bills!

Phew! I'm happy to see that, after all bills are paid, I'm still in the black! Despite the unexpected high cost for Ziva! Having stuck to my budget as well as I did, just meant that I have less saved up, less going towards my savings, if you follow my meaning. I'm also happy to notice that electricity prices haven't increased, yet. And I've also managed to reduce usage. How? Well, for starters, I now double, even triple check, to make sure I've turned off the geyser after use! I can't afford to leave it on all day, accidentally! And winter is coming ...

Right, that's that. Next? I already cut and packed the beef yesterday. I struggled again with the vacuum sealer - in the end, I settled on using the whole bag, packing 3 steak per bag. I still need to pack the chicken, though ...

Done. I think, next, I'll ... hmmm ... either cut a stash of tobacco, or start drilling holes in the plastic bottles, so I can use them for seedlings ...

Well, I'm drilling holes now. In the kitchen. Me and power tools ... cause for worry? Maybe with the small bottles, as I have no clamp and hold it with my hands while drilling with the other hand ... I think, as long as I don't get too confident, stay alert, work slowly ... 

Okay, all new bottles are done! Now to move the plants and then drill holes into those bottles as well! I'm not doing a perfect job - ideally, the holes should be in the lowest portion of the base, which is also the toughest. I'm just drilling 2-3 holes where I feel safe. I'm not perfect, so why should I do perfect?

Frangipani are re-potted! I also cut some holes into the Nasturtiums' milk bottles. I must remember to finish the posts in my Gardening Journal - I've uploaded photos 2 weeks ago, but never did the write-ups, nor published any of them.

Right, I sent mail asking about Ziva's special food more than 4 hours ago! Nothing! I checked their website - maybe they're also closed today - but no! Live Chat is available! Grrr, so, I start a chat. Five minutes later, all sorted! Order placed, will be delivered either this week or next - I specified 'not Friday'. Honestly, THIS is why I prefer Zuki! I NEVER have to follow up to get a reply from them!

Well, I'm not saving much, buying from ePetStore, just a few bob ... but they add up. And yes, I'm still in the black! Just can't order anything else this month. I'm low on juice ... but that's not an issue. I can do without. Oh, actually, I DO have some long-life juice - as a backup! So, no worries!

I've re-potted everything that I had initially given too little soil. I just scooped the seedlings, with their soil, out of the old pot with a table spoon and plonked them in the center of their new home, where I had made a hole for them. Let's hope they appreciate that ...

Ziva is eating very well! Whenever she comes in for a nibble, I pull out her special bowl, put it on the separate counter and plonk her down in front of it. Then stay with her, while she gobbles ... She's not drinking much, though.

With regards to sharing my dinner, I now put my meat on a plate to rest, then cut off a few chunks to cut up for mippies, before I put my own piece on my salt plate. 

So far, all is well. With Ziva and the rest of my mippies. Janey came for special lovies this morning, staying on my shoulders for quite some time, purring up a storm! Mini pawed at me from the bed, wanting brushies - she just can't get enough of brushies! Mewthos came running excitedly, when I stepped outside, rolling around on the dry lawn, wanting his share of lovies!

I seem to have put my back out a bit - more likely, just strained a muscle. I'll take a muscle relaxant, that should sort it out by tomorrow.

It'll be a standard Sunday for us tomorrow - yes, I know it's Tuesday. I'll bake bread, and bake some chicken, too. Getting ready for the week ...

Lock-down Day 395

Early morning, thanks to my Mew-larm!

The vet called quite early, as well, to let me know that Ziva is doing very well! She's eating well, and no sign of any vomiting!

He called again some time later, to let me know that they've run more tests - just to be on the safe side, as her hydration levels were a little below expected. They suspect that she is developing kidney problems. To be certain, would require more testing - which is also expensive. As her condition is good, he doesn't think it is essential, now. If she starts vomiting again, however, then further testing to be really certain of the cause, would be highly recommended.

However, I should change her diet. No more salt (so, in future, if I share my food with Ziva, it must be unsalted) and Whiskas also contains a lot of salt. There are also special renal dietary foods available, starting her on one of those would keep the onset of kidney problems a long, long way away.

She's only five! Not even a senior cat!

Anyway, I'm already looking into getting her special treats - wet food. And I'll put her bowl on a different counter, so that Mewthos doesn't bob his head into her special (and more expensive) food. Also: the vet DID ask about how I feed them, and mentioned that the situation MAY be stressing Ziva. I didn't think so at first, but he does have a point. Ziva finds Mewthos' habit of bobbing into her bowl upsetting ... Feeding Ziva separately should help. Mewthos IS quite stressing - not just for me. I think that's why Ziva sometimes hides away in the wardrobe - and closes the door behind her!

In the meantime, I'm looking for the special diet she will need from here on ... Renal Adult. It's not in the standard lists, but I found it hidden in one of the online stores ... but I need a prescription to buy it! Hmmm ...

Mini caught a huge mousebird! Sigh ... I finally manage to get it away from her, shut it in the bathroom, open the window to the laundry, go to the laundry when the bird finally found the window, shut the window, open the back door, go out and wait. Birdie doesn't want to use the door, sticks to the window he's found ... back in I go, open that window - with mippies all exited behind the door!

As they were all inside, though early, I took advantage and shut the door and windows. I left around half past three to fetch Ziva.

I asked for a script or prescription for her diet - but I'm told that wholesalers are not allowed to sell the food she needs. I must buy it at a vet's! Weird!? Why shouldn't wholesalers be allowed to sell it? I mean, they don't sell it without a prescription, so what's the difference?

Well, I've sent mail to my usual supplier, attached the Discharge Information, which gives the vet's name AND the diet specifications - let's see if they can help. If not, the other place has it on their website, provided I send them a prescription. But they are usually more expensive, so I'll try Zuki first.

For starters, though, I had better get back to Onderstepoort tomorrow, to buy some there - regardless of their price. The sooner I can start her on her special diet, the better!

First place she went! Food! It is so good to see her eating again!

I'm a little confused, though. They fed her Royal Canin Instinctive with gravy - the same I have here, yet they gave me 4 tins of Hills Sensitive for the next 3-4 days? She doesn't like Hills, I'll have to see if I can exchange it tomorrow for Royal Canin Sensitive.

At least the final bill was much less than I feared! Much, much less! And, since they have found the cause, no additional exorbitant bill - apart from the new food.

But now comes the hard part: getting Ziva used to eating her special food, and not eat so much of the other food. How the heck am I going to do the latter? I can't lock up the Iams & Fit 32?

What a weekend, though, eh? Poor Ziva!

Well, I'm also knackered. Emotionally drained ... early night ...

Lock-down Day 394

Up at twenty to four ... looking for Ziva first! She's fine, but STILL throwing up! There's no choice, I MUST take her to a vet today. She's still not eating, either.

The Veterinary Academic Hospital, where ALL South African vets train, is just up the road, so just after six, I give them a call. They are open from nine to twelve today. Oh, they are open 24 hours, but outside normal hours, their fee triples! Ziva is still fine, still active - just not eating and still one retching incident. Not life-threatening emergency, so I'll wait till they open. I'll try to be there before nine, and hope to get an opening quickly - with no appointment, that's the best we can do.

I've got the cat carrier ready, I'll leave about half nine. It takes about 10 minutes to get there, without traffic ...

Other mippies are also unsettled. Mewthos demanded breakfast, since the door is closed and he can't go outies ... Ziva wouldn't come. She's keeping out of the way. Mewthos tackled her last night, I had to call him off! Mini is leaving her in peace, though she does show concern. She give Ziva a gentle sniff, without her usual play-tackle.

Now we wait ...

Ziva is in hospital! Overnight ... they don't know what's wrong.

When I put her in front of the cat carrier, she walked right in by herself. She knows exactly what's going on. And why. She was quiet in the car to the vet, no crying. Since we didn't have an appointment, we had to wait - we got lucky, and there was an opening at half past nine. Student examined her, then consulted with the vet (standard procedure at the Academic Hospital). Ziva seems really fine - she purred while we waited, walked around inside the carrier, no lethargy. Vet came with the student and examined Ziva as well, then took her with for more tests ... and I waited ... and waited ... and waited ... growing more anxious, the longer it took.

About quarter to eleven the student came out and told me that they can find no cause. She is dehydrated, but otherwise she seems fine ... yet, she won't eat. So they want to keep her overnight to rehydrate her and keep her under observation. Then re-assess tomorrow morning.

Don't ask me what that cost me! Not only financially, but emotionally ...

Still, I have chores to do, so I had better get them done.

Three in the afternoon, laundry is hanging to dry - blankets are already put away. I've taken a hot shower and fried myself something to eat. I didn't eat last night, nor this morning ... 

The atmosphere is - naturally - subdued. Janey and Mewthos miss their mommy, even Mini misses her playmate. 

Yes, I could have taken her home, after some medication against the nausea - but nausea is just the symptom, not the cause. And she needs re-hydration (from my own experience, once you start de-hydrating, that causes continued vomiting - so re-hydration may clear up everything) Also, I could keep her in the spare room, under observation - but I'm no vet! I don't know what I'm observing! What to look out for!

However, if she isn't better tomorrow ... the cost of more in-depth testing ... that's really beyond me ... I just hope that she will be fine tomorrow!

She looks fine. Alert, active, purring ... but until she starts eating again ...

The entire consultation took over an hour ... worst hour I've had in a long, long while! Not knowing, fearing, man, my brain is my worst enemy at time like these ...

Well, I have to keep busy. Things to do. Laundry is hanging to dry, I've fried myself something to eat - I hadn't eaten last night, nor this morning. I'm in no mood to garden, I'm afraid ... just waiting for the vet to call, repeating 'No news is good news' as my stay-sane mantra.

Ziva is doing well! I just called the vet and he told me she hasn't thrown up since I brought her in, and she's even eaten a little! That's really a huge relief! Still not a clue as to the cause ... but she's definitely better. She's eating! Even if only a little - it's still more than she's done the past 12 hours or more ...

I had messaged At, that Ziva was in hospital, so I messaged to let him know she is doing well. He told me that his both the people he lives with are sick, and he is looking after them, so he can't make it this weekend. Pity for him! He could really do with some time here ...

I had also messaged Rose, she's just as relieved that Ziva is doing better.

I was a little surprised, having messaged 2 of my readers that Ziva was in hospital, when they each asked 'Who is Ziva'? 

Anyway, Mewthos, Janey and Mini came in very, very early! Enjoyed their treat ... then Janey mipped, looking everywhere for Ziva! She called, then led me to the front gate ... which is unusual. Does she think I've left Ziva somewhere outside? Mini wouldn't come away from the front gate, when I wanted to close the door. I pulled her back and before I could close the door, she went right back ... pawing at the gate ... Three times in a row! Also not normal. I'm not sure whether Smeagol is outside - though they don't normally try to tell me that. They just hiss and stay away ... 

Well, I'll be very much relieved once Ziva is back home, where she belongs!

I'm not sure, yet, whether I should keep them inside tomorrow, so I can leave anytime I need to ... or let them out, counting on their habit of coming in most of the day?

Lock-down Day 393

Very early morning filled with coffee and cuddles. Ziva has lately taken to joining me on the arm chair. She rarely sits on my lap, but frequently on the pedestal next to the arm chair, so I can scratch her ears ... indefinitely, ha ha ha!

I invited At to visit this weekend. He's just lost his sister, so the paradise, that is my home, will do him good ... 

I also got fresh milk ... and chocolate! With all this stress, I deserve chocolate!

Flip also said that he wants to come this weekend. Flip is our driver, we've worked together since 2013. He's moved me from East London to Pretoria to PE to Pretoria and again here. When he saw this place, he liked it as much as I do. And when he came to help me start the car last week, he again wants to work here. He knows I can't pay him, he's happy with food and drink. He doesn't smoke and he doesn't drink alcohol.

So, instead of a lodger, I'll have two visitors :)

Back at home, I found mess all over the place ... someone's been sick. Even on my arm chair. So, clean everything, wash the blanket I use on my armchair - and while I'm at it, also the blanket on my sleeper couch.

Then some time in the garden. I mowed the back lawn, there's not much - but the blades are somewhat blunt. I need to make a plan to sharpen them this weekend. Not worth mowing the front - I ran the mower over some of the worst looking spots, but even those aren't really worth mowing. So ... weeding.

Pulled some of the largest weeds around the Jacaranda tree, then sat to clear the Marigold bed. With my daily watering, the weeds are thriving, too!

When it got too dark, I called mippies ... no Ziva! I went outside, down the road looking for her ... nothing. When I got back, she was sitting on the veranda!

I gave mippies their treat, but Ziva wouldn't join ... I thought maybe she felt bad, because she had worried me, so I picked her up (which she doesn't like) and put her on their counter. Nope, she jumps right off again ...

And THAT is when I started to seriously worry! I put two and two together: she's been throwing up all day! I found some almost undigested kibbles, then half digested on my arm chair and puddles of bile - some dry, some still wet! And she won't eat!

I started keeping a close eye on her. I guess she never even went outside, just tucked herself away somewhere indoors! And she continues to throw up - only, there's nothing left, so it's just bile ...

At one time, she felt really hot, so I tried to take her temperature. I don't have a pet thermometer (something I should probably get), so I used mine. In her ear. It's not accurate, but at least an indication - since her temperature isn't above 37 Celsius, I don't worry. That's normal.

I'm almost afraid to go to sleep now ... but she's not lethargic, nor showing any other signs - only the throwing up and lack of eating. Should be fine till tomorrow ...

Lock-down Day 392

Fairly early morning, coffee, mippie treat and some cuddles.

At work, it was decided to shut on Monday, we're all taking leave. Our main client is closed and half the staff had already put in leave, anyway ... so: long weekend! Tuesday is a public holiday.

Would you believe that it took me a few hours to realise that this is THIS weekend? In my head, it somehow was next weekend ... I'm glad, though! I could do with the break!

Back at home, Smeagol was waiting for me on the veranda! Gave him lots of lovies and managed to get another tick off him. I can only - carefully - try to grasp it, then quickly pull it off, before he has a chance to snap at me.

The first two sunflowers are open! Not yet completely, though.

Like I said: the half pints! Not very big - still beautiful, though!

That's the other one. Same size

And that's the really tall one! It is still growing!

5 days ago ... look at the difference!

The fence really shows how much it has grown
in just 5 days! This one was taken 17 April

Mippies weren't happy with Smeagol hanging around. Smeagol followed me all over the garden, when I was watering, hoping for more lovies! I gave!

Mippies sat huddled in the door ... not keen on going outside, not even on the veranda, while Smeagol is around. Easy to bring them in, though, he he he. Well, apart from Mini, of course! She always needs a written invitation! Well, they'll love having me home for four days in a row ...

I stayed up late, playing my game ... I'm awfully tense and stressed, with all those additional responsibilities coming my way ...

Lock-down Day 391

Since I stayed up late, I woke up later - still had coffee and a few cuddles, got to work only a few minutes late.

Still drowning at work, and then ... Major curveball! A colleague is leaving, and I will have to take over as much of his tasks, as I can! I have no clue how I'm going to cope ... with all the retrenchments in the past, I've already taken over a lot of tasks - and this colleague had carried the balance. And now ... ?

Oh, no financial implications for me, in case you're wondering ... For now.

Anyway, I'm a step further with data for the system I'm designing. But it's painstaking! 

Back at home, no Smeagol today. Two sunflowers are starting to open! The half-pints, not the tall one, yet. And my Marigold are also budding!

I'm out of jelly treats for mippies. Mewthos is not happy! I gave them a tin instead of their third treat ... sardines. I don't see why that's not acceptable, do you? Spoiled brat!

Anyway, I'm knackered ... 

Lock-down Day 390

An even earlier morning! If I carry on like this, I'll be getting up in the evenings, one of these days ... but I did go to sleep very early!

At home, Smeagol comes running as soon as I step outside! Wants his lovies! Never mind food, lovies! Pleez! I stroke his head again and again, still dare not touch anywhere else. The other day he snapped at me again - though, this time, he didn't even touch my hand. It was just letting me know, I touched where he's still scared to be touched. Today, after quite some time, I turned to fill his food bowl ... he followed and put his paw out, reaching for my leg ... letting me know: never mind food, lovies! Pleez! More!

I managed to water and look at all my little green babies. They're doing me proud!

I spent most of the evening taking a break from everything ... played my game, first time this week.

Mippies got their three pouches, so they're happy. They're spread around the bedroom ... time for cuddles.

Lock-down Day 389

Early morning, so I got to enjoy two cups of coffee! The colleague I called yesterday, who's meant to come jump start my car called and asked whether I'm still at home ... Duh! He got here by ten past seven, we managed to jump start the car - no pushing, this time!

Work was absolutely hectic.

I discussed my battery issue with my boss (well, it's his car!) and he sent me to have the battery tested, and if it needs replacing, get a new one ... on my way home. Done.

Smeagol was around in need of lots and lots of lovies! I gave as much as I could, but there's just so much to do! Mewthos is now being difficult, I gave them a tin in place of one of the three pouches. Gobbled some of it, but now insists there must be a third pouch! NO! We're still arguing.

Well, he's now opening my bedroom curtains ... I guess Smeagol is still in the garden?

I'm absolutely knackered. I just want to snuggle mippies - not Mewthos! - and go to sleep ...

Lock-down Day 388

Another early morning, though not the best night. I woke up extremely thirsty a couple of times throughout the night - yeah, I wasn't just 'a bit heavy' on the salt, I totally over salted my poor chicken dinner! Another lesson learned the hard way!

Mippies did their usual outy walkabout, then came back. I did some game preparation - there's another Adventure (an in-game event) coming this week, and I'll have to lead, again.

When I was done, I thought I'd try to start the car - it should start ... but it didn't! Sigh. Called to arrange help starting it tomorrow morning. Now it's almost eleven ... already!

Laundry isn't dry, yet. I've placed all seedlings in the sun for today, watered where needed - oh, I still need to change the water for my carnivorous seedlings!

Just after one, bread dough is on the go. Had a chat with one of my readers :) Asked about some of the things I've only hinted at, but can't publish ... scary stuff!

Anyway ... I need to do some shopping. Sigh. Meat and Whiskas. I've decided to go back to the bulk meat - that time to cut, vacuum pack for freezing saves me the equivalent of half a kilo beef! That's worth it. With the success of my chicken experiment, I've decided to do that more often - I can vary the spices. And as their chicken breast is on special - albeit bulk - it's worth it, too. But the two together exceed my budget for meat. Still, I just checked, overall I'm still within budget. Good!

The time to travel to buy Whiskas in store would also be worth my while - but I can't do that after hours. Especially not with my car battery playing up. But that savings is only the equivalent of a quarter kilo of beef, so that's okay. Plus, of course, I may find their in store prices higher than they state of their website ... 

Past three already! Dough is ready, better wash the dishes so I can do another chicken dinner - I'm baking it together with the bread, saving electricity.

Phew! Quarter to five and everything is done! Chicken & bread are in the oven, Stroganoff is cooked (lunch for the week) and all dishes - save the one currently in the oven - are washed! Laundry is off the line, just need to fold and pack it away.

Just after five, first lunch packed, the bread is still cooling down, so is the chicken.

I'm just sorry, that I didn't get time to move the Frangipani! The guide said a 500 ml bottle would be fine - but they already look crowded in there! I meant to move them to a 1.5 liter bottle, each.

Almost six and, apart from folding the laundry, absolutely everything is done! Mippies are in, treated, lunch is packed, I've had my dinner - the chicken was STILL a bit salty!? And then I realised that it's the soy sauce! I better leave that out next time!

Now, I'm knackered! I've worked hard today! So ... time to relax, cuddle mippies, then sleep ...

Lock-down Day 387

Very early morning - I'd say that I slept very well! Made myself coffee and waited for sunrise before I let mippies out. They went out eagerly, and came back very soon, as always. Now they are flopping around, occasionally mipping for lovies.

I played my game for a while, and now I'm ready to get busy. Laundry is already in the machine, litter boxes cleaned ... I've cut some unwashed tobacco, as the last washed batch didn't come out too well. I've turned the geyser on, so I can wash dishes and I've taken meat out for this weekend's cooking.

Cor, it's already past ten - doesn't feel like it! That's because it's much colder today, still only 16 Celsius! It's also overcast, grey skies above. 

Just about noon, kitchen clean, one bed cleared (tall weeds pulled off / out), laundry drying ... 

Half past one. I started tackling the grapevine. I meant to just cut enough so that I could maybe take the shading off the dog house for my flower bed ... but you know how it goes. Once I get started, I keep going ... what a job, though! Now I know where they got the inspiration for a corkscrew!

This is all that's left!

Two months ago 

This was taken 13 February. The vines had crawled up into the tree on the right.
There is also an unrelated creeper among the grape vine, you can just see it
by the dog house - the smaller leaves.

Well, it's now ten to three. I think I'll work on my flower bed! It's looking awfully wilted - more yellow leaves than flowers!

That's my tallest Sunflower. I'm standing up in front of it - just to give you an
idea of its height!

That's Jane, mipping for attention! And yes, she was on my back, while I worked ...

That's the right half of the bed, with the tall sunflower on the right.
That side gets the least of the sun, as it gets shade from the building on the right (west).

And that's the left side of the same bed. Look how wilted my poor flowers look!
I water every day, so I'm pretty sure its the blazing sun ...

Half past four, I'm happy with my achievement in the garden! Oh, and I figured out that those yellow flowers I had in PE, the ones I was adamant were a weed ... nope! They're poppies! California Poppies, to be precise. Once they take, they spread like a weed, though - that's why I just assumed! Assume makes an ass out of u and me :) Rose probably knew, but I was so adamant ... see, even the bullied can be bullies! Albeit unintentionally!

Anyway, now, I'd like to cook myself something yummy!

I decided to try a recipe that popped up in my Facebook feed, from Cookist Wow! Chicken breast. They recommend slicing them dice fashion. As if you're cutting them into cubes, just not all the way through. Put a sauce based on sour cream on top, bake, add cheese, bake again. That's what I'm trying now.

Mewthos smelled the chicken and demanded food! Sorry, it's still early, my darling! Want. Now! Okay, everybody inside, Mewthos wants his treat NOW! Ha ha! No complaints from the rest of my mippies, though. I had watered and done everything a short while ago, so ... all good! Highest temperature today was only 21 Celsius! Ten degrees colder than yesterday! Well, they warned of a cold Saturday, but it should warm up again tomorrow ...

Well, one down side to my having cut back the grape vine, is, that I can now see the tall grass in the front partition! It's no longer hidden behind the grape leaves!

The chicken was quite good - only, I was a bit heavy on the salt! I think I'll give the recipe another try - with less salt! Then, I went for a honey and mustard bath. Another great chicken recipe, ha ha! Mustard bath salts - and this time, being heavy on the salt, is not a problem!

Mippies didn't like my chicken, though. I had to eat it all by myself! Goody!

Well, it's just past eight ... another busy day tomorrow ...

Lock-down Day 386

Another early morning, but I slept well.

Car started.

Work was quite hectic - sudden flurry of e-mails ...

I dreaded this afternoon's discussion the whole day, though. Just wanted to get it over with ... on a whim, I messaged a friend, and she really helped me big time! I ended up sending him a WhatsApp, making it clear that my answer is no.

As I was typing the message, he called, I carried on typing and sent ... he was outside the gate at the time ... which had me hiding in my house like a crook, waiting to see what he would say ... 

I forwarded his reply to my friend, she read the gas-lighting tone in it ... I didn't reply. He sent another message later ... I'll sleep on it. Maybe I'll reply tomorrow.

You'd think that at my age, and with everything that I've been through, I'd be strong enough to stand up for myself, wouldn't you? Well, clearly I'm not! Look how much abuse I took from my last landlord! And I never stood up for myself - I just moved out. Ran away.

And no, I don't feel inferior or think less of myself for that. It doesn't make me weak - it's just that my strong point is survival, and not standing up to bullies. Can't have it all! And I'm okay with who I am.

Anyway, that was my afternoon, when I should have been mowing the lawn, methinks! I took a look out front, when I watered my Marigold and Avocado - it'll be okay to leave it for another week. But the back lawn, I should mow - but that doesn't take long, anyway.

Well, mippies are inside and their tummies are full of yummies - three. Yes, I'm a softie! I'm done for the day ... totally knackered. Hoping for a fresh start tomorrow! And maybe some time to publish my Gardening Journal - I've been uploading photos, but that's all this week ...

Lock-down Day 385

Another early morning, enjoying coffee and cuddles, then ...

Battery dead. Car won't start. Call work, our driver will come with jumper leads.

Mippies totally puzzled! Mommy off to work, now mommy still home ... but no outies? What is going on?

We ended up pushing the car up and down the driveway, then back up the driveway, through the gate to the road, where we could finally get enough momentum on the slight down slope to get it started! The whole while, my running to the driver's door, jumping in, turning the steering wheel to avoid obstacles (like the wall), jumping out, running to the boot, carry on pushing ... ha ha ha, I'll bet that was a sight!

At work ... a sudden flood of to-do's ... amidst all that, a call from my prospective lodger ... I'm afraid, I'm not at all keen. We agreed to chat tomorrow after work - I just don't see any chance tonight! I mean, I get home, get busy and when I'm done it's past eight ...

Tomorrow is, actually, also a problem, as I need to mow the lawn ...

So, my battery: some cells were low on water, so we've re-filled and put it on a charger for a couple of hours. Depending on how it starts tonight and tomorrow morning, I may need to take the charger home this weekend, see whether the car starts on Sunday - if not, charge the battery for Monday.

Well, it started fine just now, after only 2 hours charging. We measured, and all seems positive. We'll see in half an hour, when I leave and again tomorrow morning. Hold thumbs!

Just outside my home, my neighbour (on the east) was walking from his workshop to his home and we talked a bit, I had called him this morning and he offered that I could go to his workshop, ask his employee to help push - which our driver rejected, ha ha. He's a 'can do' type, not inclined to give up or get help.

Apparently word is out that the neighbour on the west IS moving in with me ... it's a done deal!?! I don't like that. Not at all! We'll see ...

Smeagol was around, I was able to remove a tick from his ear during our short lovies session. Short, due to the time spent chatting with my neighbour. I also didn't have time to water my flowers out back - the one sunflower has already grown to shoulder height! I did water the Marigold, Litchi, and Avocados.

I parked the car in front of the garage ... just in case. Don't want to have to push it over the bump of the entrance again.

Mippies stayed nearby - with Janey as far from Smeagol as she could get. I actually had a little trouble getting her inside, as that meant coming nearer Smeagol. But they're all inside, happy, treated, and waiting for their brushies and cuddles ... hoping I'll pick up their toy stick and play with them again!

Hopefully I'll sleep better tonight. Last night I really struggled to get to sleep ... mind abuzz with frustration, needing a solution before it can rest. Well, I have a solution, so ... 

Lock-down Day 384

Another very early morning, allowing for a relaxing coffee and cuddles before work.

Work.

Back at home, no Smeagol, so, no drama. I'm knackered ... drained ... I'll try to sleep ...

Lock-down Day 383

Mip-assisted early morning ... coffee, cuddles, work ...

Back at home ... Smeagol is back, after he's been keeping a low profile the last two days. Again, far more interested in lovies than food! I spent quite a bit of time with him ... and he thanks me, by going after Mini! Even though I had stepped between them, warned him several times ... I still ended up running after the two of them! Have you ever tried to outrun a cat? And I'm really not in fit condition for sprinting! Well, no harm done, apart from the fright Mini got. Couldn't have been much of a fright, though, as she settled down on the veranda, not only in full view of where Smeagol had retreated - but not very far from him, either!

I watered, then took a peek at my plants - and a third Frangipani is coming up! That's three out of five, so far!

Finished my indoor chores, after mippies were inside. Don't anyone ever tell me cats can't count! Mewthos nags and mewls and carries on until I give their third treat! He's not letting up until the third treat is in the bowl - regardless how much is still left from the first and second. Now he's quiet. Phew! He really has a very annoying mewl! Ha Ha!

I must try and get to the store tomorrow or Thursday, see if I can get their Whiskas treats cheaper than I can get them online ...

Now it's time for cuddles, a movie and then sleep ...

Lock-down Day 382

Woke up very, very early again - turned over. Got up relatively early.

Cat food arrived! 15 Kg of FIT 32! Mippies will be happy!

I have to confess, though, that I broke down and bought cigarettes today ... The tobacco I cut yesterday is giving me trouble ... and with this whole work thing today, I just really didn't feel up to fiddling.

When I tried to go home, my car wouldn't start ... we had to push it half-way down the road to start it! When I got home, after I parked, I tried again and it started - so, I hope I can get to work tomorrow.

Chores are become a bit of a race against the light - I prefer to have the household chores done before I start with the garden, but to take photos, I need light. Well, I watered my flower bed, took photos of my new plants - the Litchi tree is growing more leaves!

Quality time with mippies on the veranda, got them inside, treated them - no Smeagol again. And Phoebe has also not come back, though that's a bit of a relief, to be honest.

I also finally managed to get a German keyboard option for WhatsApp! I'm chatting with several Germans, so that'll make that a lot easier!

And that's my day ... done and dusted.

Lock-down Day 381

I've been up since four this morning! Which drove mippies crazy, ha ha! I usually open the patio door for them to go out, as soon as I get up - they don't understand why I'm not doing that today? Well, it's still dark at four and I don't want Mewthos out in the dark! So, that drove them crazy, which they - naturally - passed on to me! Mip mip, zoom, zoom, mip, mip, paw, paw, mip, mip, MIP!

So, why up so early? In a nutshell: Work! Mind buzzing ... 

One of my readers asked me last night, what was wrong, as I seemed down. And that kind of opened some flood-gates ... 

Yes, there are areas in my life I keep out of this blog. Worries, fears, problems, issues ... mostly the really negative - or futile - things. Some of you interact with me, whether via Facebook chat, e-mail or now WhatsApp - and you already know some of it.

Anyway, what would have taken a few minutes to read, took me a couple of hours to work out. It's half past noon, I better get cracking!

Just going on three, and my bread dough is done, just rising now, then I can bake it. And my Goulash is simmering ... 

I went to start cutting my tobacco leaves and found a grasshopper resting on a leaf! Remember how, during the hard lock-down, when cigarettes were illegal, we procured tobacco under the guise of 'kriekgif' (= cricket poison)? Grasshopper, cricket ... they're very much alike, so I posted this photo:

With the comment: "Can someone please help? What am I doing wrong? It appears that my cricket poison isn't working at all..."

Not quite four, tobacco is cut, bread in the oven, potatoes added to the goulash ...

Twenty past six, mippies inside, treated ... aaaand mewling for more!

A neighbour came to visit with her daughter! Lovely! They're currently looking after our other neighbours animals - the one who wants to lodge here. They've given me a lot of food for thought ... 

Goulash is ready, I've added greens as well now. I'm just letting a bowl cool now ... bread is also ready, still need to pack my lunch, though.

Done. No seedling photo's though ... and the goulash is still cooling down ...

Lock-down Day 380

So much to do, so little desire ... after the past week's anxiety, the relief now has me a little paralysed.

Half eleven, chores are done. Now for some quality cuddle time with Janey, she's an extremist when it comes to cuddle time! She needs my full attention, while she either sits on my lap, in my arms or walks on my shoulders. She needs that a couple of times when I'm home all day. She sort of stores up those cuddles to take her through the week. On weekdays, she calls me to the play room - away from the others - for some exclusive quality time, but I can't always give her much. Especially as the other mips tend to get excited when I go into their play room ...

Freakin' heck! Blerry Smeagol just tried to rape poor Janey! Caught her atop the carport roof - while I was weeding underneath! I couldn't see, but the noise from the tin roof spoke of terror! I eventually had to get the hosepipe and spray atop the roof to get him off her! Poor girl is quite ruffled - I can't tell, yet, whether she's injured. Physically, I mean. Mewthos is consoling her right now ... 

More drama! I went back outside to carry on weeding when I heard glass break! Mippies broke my ashtray! Not a big deal, since it was a standard, cheap ashtray ... BUT: they toppled my tub of tobacco over! So the tobacco is now mixed with the glass shards ... I had to throw it all away! That was the entire batch I had washed and cut last weekend ... leaving me hardly any tobacco until I can cut more! Sigh ...

Another hour cleaning the carport. Here's a photo of what it looked like a couple of months ago, before they cleared the ground behind the fence.

I had just finished weeding, that's why there are no weeds. But look right in front of the fence

See what I mean? I carried all those cement shapes away, into the outside store room ...
they're the same as were used to build the wall you can see on the left. Flippin' heavy!

And, apart from having finally moved that junk out of the carport, and the weeding I still need to finish, look at the area right up to the fence! See what I mean? It's all cemented! Meaning, I'm going to have to sweep that soil away, as well as finish weeding (when the sun isn't blazing down)!

So, why am I clearing the carport again? Well, I'm thinking of putting the pots there - clear them out of the veranda, put them in the open rather than next to a wall, to discourage all the spiders building webs every day, all day, around my pots!

Plus, I've been thinking about those cherry pits. So far, I've been planting them one by one, and been disappointed that none seem to grow. But look at the Litchi! I've planted over a dozen pits, at least (probably more), and only one single tree is looking strong. Three more are making an attempt, but I'm not holding my breath.

One Litchi tree looking really strong, it's even growing more leaves - already!

Yes, I would like to experiment with freezing (cold stratification) and filing (scarification) - but frankly, I just don't have the time ... yet. There is so much work, just keeping up with nature - as much as I'd like to, I just don't have the time to thoroughly experiment. Hopefully next year!

Okay, I've planted the cherry pits. In a pot. It's a bit crowded ... but so was the Litchi pot!

It also turns out, that - unbeknownst - mippies did me a favour, when they overturned the tub of tobacco! I just rolled a cigarette with what little I managed to save ... and: Urgh! Why? Well, what actually happened is that I accidentally closed the lid ... and left it closed most of last week. So by Friday, there was some mold growing on top. I had removed the top layer and left the rest to dry in the open air ... only ... turns out, the mold on top can be tasted in every shred of tobacco!

I'm already washing a batch of leaves to cut tomorrow, only ... now, I don't think I have enough tobacco left to last till then. I think I'll simply cut some unwashed leaves. It'll be strong - but I think I'll survive!

Janey seems to be okay. Physically. Though she's staying close to me, inside, now. Not going out, as is her wont. I hope by tomorrow her spirits will have recovered as well.

I just went on the veranda. Swept what I could - the spiders (not including Phoebe) are causing absolute havoc! Webs freakin' everywhere! Then I had my usual peek into the various bottles, aka greenhouses ... and guess what? Two Frangipani and one Pelargonium are sprouting! How cool is that, eh?

And now I see that Phoebe has disappeared ... I'm not sure whether I should worry about WHERE she has gone, or just be grateful that she's moved? Although, she may just be hiding - even though I didn't touch a strand of HER web, clearing out all the other webs might have upset her? To be perfectly frank, I don't particularly mind her - though she has been getting bloody big! She's at least twice the size she was, when she first arrived! And I'm not particularly fond of spiders ... so, although I don't mind her - I'm also not exactly happy about sharing my veranda with a bloody big spider!

And now I've just planted a couple of lemon tree seeds! Just squeezed the pips out of a lemon, put the pips into soil - in my home-made greenhouse - watered, and now I wait!

I suppose you think it's funny that I buy so many seeds ... and then grow plants from my left-over dinner? Well, the seeds I do buy, you can't take from store-bought food. Okay, maybe strawberry seeds, blueberry seeds ... okay, so SOME you can indeed get from store-bought food, but MOST of them, you can't! Like lettuce, spinach, chamomile, oregano, etc. There now, mystery solved, right?

Speaking of which, here's a turn-up for the books: you remember how I was proudly going on about having obtained Raspberry seeds? Guess what? There's a friggin' raspberry plant growing next to my compost heap! I kid you not!

Well, not much of a surprise, truth be told, as these grow wild here in this area. I've seen plenty of them along the road. I don't know whether they are edible, though. I'm not planning on taking any chances!

I've seen this a while ago, and thought it might be a raspberry, so I left it ...
sure enough, it IS raspberry! You can see the beginning of my compost heap on the right.

Still green and a long way from ripe, but there it is! Raspberry!
Growing wild in my garden!

I've seen another plant, just like it, growing along the dirt road close to my home. They make lovely flowers, too! Really pretty! Seeing how it is inside a tire, it's quite possible that it was planted, rather than growing wild. I don't know ... 

Well, my chair is again unavailable ... time for bed, methinks ...

Lock-down Day 379

Something outside had mippies excited half the night, I was woken by paws on my head a couple of times. By their behaviour, I would say it was an animal. The dogs were barking, as well. Not just next door. Mippies behave very differently when there's a human approaching ... people always dismiss cats as 'security', because they don't bark, nor attack; yet, they are a first class silent alarm!

At work, I had decided to shop today. Having looked at my budget, I shouldn't spend any money ... I bought some fruit (with seeds, too!), because I'm always hungry after dinner. I've been eating cheese, so fruit will make a little variety. None of the vegetables were within my price range, though.

The reason I decided to shop, was cigarettes. I'm rolling a lot of my own, but it's not quite a habit, yet. And cigarettes are on my budget ... but they didn't have any.

I got a call from my neighbour on the west. Apparently, as he's now mostly working in Limpopo, he wants to give up his place - but still needs a place nearby. He had arranged a room with another neighbour, but that fell through. I have 3 bedrooms, and could do with an additional income ... of course, I'll have to clear it with the landlord first. Anyway, we agreed to discuss the details when he's in the area again, next weekend.

I'm thinking of letting him have the 3rd bedroom - but I'd have to clear it out. Also, I don't know whether our landlord would be happy ... but that's one of the things we'll have to discuss.

Normally, I've become quite averse to the thought of anyone in my home - I'm not even eager for visitors, let alone a lodger! But I have been considering the possibility ... simply out of necessity! Money is tight, and work ... well, there's a reason my boss is finally listening to my proposal: he's desperate, too!

Back at home, the power is out! I feared as much when I saw that the traffic lights were off ... apparently it went off at noon, and it's affecting quite a large area, including Pretoria North. Apparently a transformer is out ... same as always. 

And my flowers are dying of thirst!

Smeagol is here, he's eaten and wants lovies ... and  wants mippies get no lovies. Which is a problem. 

At four the power comes back on! Yay! I hadn't started anything, yet - just updated my phone and was about to maybe play with some seeds. I can't mow the lawn, not in the full blazing sun! First thing I did, when the power came on, was to water my flowers! I had already given them a little water before, but now the pressure is back to normal, I can give them a thorough wetting!

Then I went and watered everything else, with the watering can. My Marigold are looking good! It's going to be lovely, when they finally bloom! I wonder whether I should sow a second wave?

I'm a little disappointed with the flower bed, though - seems that everything is yellow? I'm sure I added a lot more colour - especially with the sunflowers already filling the yellow spectrum needs ... well, I'll just have to wait and see!

I'm not sure what to do with the rest of the afternoon, now ... should do some weeding ... 

I started by weeding the flower pots! Yeah, it's that potting soil I bought from the nursery. Their compost is great, but their potting soil has way too many weed seeds in it. Anyway, I then weeded the Marigold bed - that doesn't need much work, as Marigold tend to discourage weeds. A bit like Dandelions. And then I cleared around the driveway, then along the veranda - finishing what I had started last time. Until it got too dark to see ...

Smeagol stayed around the whole time, mewling (he sounds just like Mewthos! Don't tell Mewthos I said that, though) for attention. I'd give him some, every now and again - but always gave Mewthos attention first!

Now my mippies are inside, Smeagol has strolled off, and everyone is at peace. Sad that Smeagol still disturbs the peace ... poor boy!

Anyway, mippies want me ...