Lock-down Day 704

Early morning. Coffee. Mippie cuddles. Ziva likes to do her roly poly next to my arm chair and I must stretch to scratch whatever happens to be up! When I make my coffee, some always come running for their milk. Mini used to claw my leg - but she has learned that claws hurt, so now she paws.

Off to work. I called my landlord about the electricity meter - he needs to install a new one, and I'm finally down to the last few KW. They'll come early tomorrow morning - so I'll be coming in a bit late.

Back at home, Janey tries to hide from me. We have a ten minute game of catch before I can give her her meds! Outside, I pick tomatoes, a green pepper, then pamper my tomato plants again. I just moved on to the gooseberry bushes, when it started to drip, drip, drip ... like it's about to start raining. Just a tease, no rain.

Back inside, treat mippies, shower, and then I set the bread machine to have a loaf baked at five thirty tomorrow morning! There was something in the flour - it looked like spider webs? I checked the date - a month past it's best-before date. I guess that explains why the last loaf turned green four days after baking! Tossed the flour, opened a new bag and used that.

I see I have awesome internet connection! Pity it's late Monday night ... and I have no use for it ... going to eat my left-overs and watch an episode or two of Relic Hunter.

Lock-down Day 703

I struggled to fall asleep - the humidity was just unbearable. I put my little aircon on for a short while, which helped. I've noticed, when I sit outside in the evenings, that humidity rises as temperatures drop. Every evening. That is really unpleasant when you're trying to fall asleep. It's the reason I keep the ceiling fan going all night, and sleep without a top. Still, that's not enough most evenings.

Still, I woke nice and early and got up before six. Made myself filter coffee. Nice!

Unfortunately, my head is stuck at work.

Trying to bring my head back home, I'm looking up prices for reel push mowers. On mine, the blades are now totally blunt - it's worked overtime! When I used it to cut down the overlong grass, that kind of blunted the blades fast. And I'm thinking that now, at the end of the mowing season, I might get some good deal. Or maybe I should wait until mowing season is over? Well, right now, with me having to beg for December salary (in February), just so I can pay my rent ... I can't buy anything that isn't absolutely essential, anyway. Sigh ...

Well, I've vacuum packed and tidied up the fridge and kitchen a bit. I think I'd like to cook myself a decent meal for a change. Well, half decent, given the ingredients at my disposal. I'm thinking of another pasta combo ... 

And since I shouldn't be getting fruit juice, until my January salary is safely in my account ... I'm thinking of making some smoothies today.

I'm not sure what possessed me, but I defrosted the freezer. I took out a couple of things to add to my planned meal. I've cut up almost all the cherry tomatoes as well ... only ... the bowl I have won't be big enough. Sigh ... so I'll make the meal in the electric frying pan. That's big enough. And I'll bake bread tomorrow ... 

What does the bread have to do with the frying pan? Space! I don't have space on the counter for both - at least, not since I have the percolator on there as well.

I tried taking a nap, but first Mini and then Janey came for cuddle sessions. When they left, I decided to top up my smoothie ... only to find three flies drowning in the blender! No telling how many had already drowned in it! They crawl through the small breathing hole at the top! Unbelievable!

So, to make sure I don't loose anything else, I washed all the dishes, after having put the food in the bowl - which just, just fit in! Bowl is in the fridge.

Half past four the weather is turning, clouds have moved in, it's cooling down and there's a lovely breeze coming from outside!

Around six I go to sit outside with my mippies. I had given Janey her pill a while ago - caught her off guard, ha ha! Ziva just sat looking at her bowl - that's how she tells me she wants her special food. Now she's sitting next to me, mipping for cuddle cave ... 

Lock-down Day 702

Not a good night, I'm up since half five!  I've been having quite a lot of issues with my PC, so first thing this morning, I reviewed different Anti-Virus and selected one to install - as the one I have is over a year old.

While that is in progress, I've cut my hair! Free! Free, at last! It feels wonderful! Even though I did a hack-job - cutting through the tied bundle with half-blunt kitchen scissors. Who cares? I don't! I feel wonderful, having tied up what's left! I measured, before I cut, and it's exactly 25 cm between the elastics. Just made it ... 

Birdie is still alive and well, but apparently the top was too heavy for it. I lifted it and birdie hopped around ... mippies came all excited, I chased mippies ... birdie gone! I could swear I watched it hop under the flower stand outside, but I can't find it. And there's no chirping, so I have to hope it flew away.

So, Mini goes and catches another birdie! Sigh ...

Well, I've done the laundry and cleaned the kitchen ... and I'm in no mood for anything else. So, I'm watching movies! I have a hard drive full of movies which I've been given. I could do with some space, so now I'm watching them to decide whether they're worth keeping = would I ever want to spend time watching them again. I've watched Pacific Rim. Godzilla with modern special effects. Dull. Commando - Arnold Schwarzenegger. Eye Candy. Seen it before, predictable story ... no need to keep it. Now I'm watching Terminator. Again Arnold Schwarzenegger. Light entertainment.

During the first movie I had Janey next to me, tummy tickles throughout; then she's had her fill and Mini came for the second movie. She's staying for the third one, ha ha! Ziva, Janey and Mewthos are napping on top of my bookshelves in the lounge.

I've worked hard three weekends in a row, I'm due for a break. And one thing all those damaged, possibly destroyed, books have taught me: I haven't read enough. I haven't lived - I'm too busy working towards a time when I can sit back and relax ... and my time is running out. Better get some living done while I can!

Next: Terminator Genisys. Okay, I vaguely remember having seen that before as well. Not really memorable.

Enough movies for today, I'd say. I've cleared a good bit of space. Back to Relic Hunter ...

Just gave Janey her pill, didn't take very long. Then I went to sit outside and Smeagol called saying he's happy to see me! Came running to me with his tail high in the air! Gave him some attention, then filled his bowl - he's chomping away happily!

And then I find him on the counter in the kitchen chomping on mippies food! Ha Ha! It's the exact same food, I take HIS food from mippies dispensers! Seriously, cats are crazy! Ha Ha!

Well, I'm going to enjoy a shower tonight, and I wonder what I'll do tomorrow ...

Lock-down Day 701

I had such a lovely dream this morning! I dreamt that I was going back to PE, on a project to work for the German company ... I was looking forward to working for a German Manager again, I was just listing all that I was looking forward to in my head ...

And then I realised that I'd have to leave my garden behind ... and that's when I woke up. Around one this morning ...

I've been beyond busy at work, but at least I managed to make time to pay my rent!

Back at home, Smeagol is back! I tried giving him a fresh chicken heart - not interested. Neither are mippies, today. Weird, eh?

I'm mowing at record speed - racing against the weather! I see my landlord is also rushing to beat the weather - harvesting hay! By twenty past four I got the key areas mowed and it started to rain. So, I packed up, then sat to have a smoke break. There's thick smoke coming from the east ... I can't see the cause, though.

As I sit outside, it's no longer raining, so I figure I could finish the easy-mow section out front. No sooner do I get going and it starts raining. Again! Well, I'm not playing this game. I finish the easy-mow part, then pack up again. For good, this time.

Inside and shower! Taking a chance, as the power is likely to go out ... I'm lucky, though, all fresh and sparkling!

And knackered. I have no energy left for anything.

I cooked, ate - mippies weren't interested, it's mince rolled in thin slices of beef. Mewthos called me to come sit outside for a bit, then Janey brought in a bird and all mippies went to look ... I served them their treat and while they were distracted, I looked at the bird. It's alive, but in shock. I took it outside, placed it in a flower pot on top of the table, where it's warm and placed a bottle top on top of it, to keep it warm. Open, of course - don't want to suffocate the birdie.

It's only seven and I'm ready to go to sleep ...

Lock-down Day 700

I woke about quarter to five and made the mistake of turning over ... I woke again about quarter past six. No reason to rush, though. Coffee with a few cuddles ... off to work.

I had done my sums, and - unless I get at least what they short-paid me for December - I'll be short on rent money. Yeah, I'm still waiting for my January pay ... I told my boss this morning that I must have at least what he short-paid me for December. I mean, it isn't much, about 10% of my monthly salary, but it's exactly that little bit that will make the difference. I have never, ever, in my entire life not or short paid on my rent! And I will not start now!

I quickly went to get groceries. Funny thing: tomato prices are coming down again! Two weeks ago, they were R50/kg. Last week R40/kg and this week R30/kg. Still too expensive, though. Some produce is reasonable again, though. I got some grapes, a cucumber and some bananas.

I know the new Gardener is out, so I'm pretty sure it should be on the shelf. It took me ages to find it! Stashed behind some gossip magazines ... 

I paid with my Credit Card. I'll just have to top that up again, when I get paid.

I also need to set delivery of the Arcana kibbles to be deducted this month - as the price is going up on 1st March. And that stuff is expensive (per kg), so it makes quite a difference. But it's only expensive in a per kg sense - since it is very high in nutritional value, mippies eat less to be sated. A bag lasts for months! I think I buy about 2 x 5kg a year!

Ha Ha, I just checked and it's already on its way - probably arriving today! Well, at least something is falling into place!

I've had a look at the website, and from what I can tell, I can FINALLY cut my hair! It doesn't have to be plaited - even if it's plain, as long as that is more than 25 cm, it's fine. By now, however, it'll probably be over 25 cm even when plaited! I'll double check before I cut it, though. I'll do that this weekend - wash it Friday night, then cut it Saturday morning, when it's dry. It's been irritating me for ages ... I don't think I'll ever grow it again! Those last few cm just take way too long ...

At home, still no Smeagol. I pick tomatoes and pamper the tomato plants again. Then spend the rest of the daylight clearing under the Jacaranda tree.

Janey was being difficult about her meds tonight ... poor girl, I can understand why. She's looking and feeling so much better! But: I win! Pill goes down! Ha Ha!

Mini caught a birdie! She's not coming inside ... eventually I go out and chase her in! Only ... about an hour later, I realised that, when I opened up to bring her in, the frog came inside, too! Poor thing has been stuck inside for the past hour - I just let him out again! Still comes every evening, like clock-work! Sits just behind the glass door catching insects attracted to the light ... and entertaining Mini while he does that!

Well, everyone is inside, who should be in, and those who should be outside are back outside! I've showered and finished the left-over sausages from last night ... no energy to cook. Again.

Phew! Good news! My boss paid a small amount into my account! A little more than I asked for, even. I'm very relieved! Now I can pay my rent without having to worry about debit orders bouncing!

And on that happy note ... I'll watch another episode or two of Relic Hunter, cuddle mippies, then sleep ...

Lock-down Day 699

I spent time outside, cleaning the flower bed in front of the veranda until it was too dark to see. Then went inside, treated mippies, and sat down to see if I had internet.

Surprisingly, I did, so I could amuse myself playing my game - in the dark.

Power came back about twenty past eight. No use putting the geyser on at that time, and anyway, I had already washed over the basin. Fun! Grrr ...

I only ate some cheese ... didn't feel up to cooking.

I slept quite well. Got up very early - Mewthos insisted, ha ha!

Back at home, I was happy to see we had power! What a nice surprise, he he.

Janey took her meds with minimal jaw clenching - she doesn't fight me, or try to wriggle free, she just clenches her jaw, and spits out the pill when she can. Usually while I'm reaching for the injection to squirt water into her mouth. Once the water is down, though, we're safe and I can open up.

I carried on clearing under the Jacaranda tree until it got too dark. I haven't seen Smeagol in a few days ...

Inside, treat mippies, shower, fried sausages (not very nice, I'm afraid), and cuddles while I watch an episode of Relic Hunter ...

I couldn't get into even my blog on the PC last night, so ...

Lock-down Day 698

Better night. Earlier morning. Coffee. Work.

Outside is looking quite dark. I've seen lightning, too ... I wonder whether I'll have power tonight?

On the way home, the traffic lights are all off, all the way from Onderstepoort, so I doubt I'll have power at home. 

Correct! Power off at home. The gate wouldn't open  ... I got out and pushed while pressing the button ... surprisingly that worked! Phew! I definitely don't want a repeat of that eff up!

Janey hid. Then spat out the pill half a dozen times before it finally went down. Followed by water squirted into her mouth. I think that's the part she hates the most!

Neighbourhood WhatsApp group is full of messages asking me to report the power outage. I struggled to get signal, but eventually I got through.

I guess I better publish this whilst I still have Internet. 

Lock-down Day 697

Bad night. Barely slept, I kept waking up feeling hot ... I woke early, and thought I'd just go to the bathroom then turn over ... when the alarm went off! It didn't feel like morning, but like the middle of the night!

Made coffee ... forgot to add extra water ... I usually first fill the kettle from the air pot, then top it up from the filter. Well, the kettle boiled pretty fast, and I had enough hot water for both coffees - the one I drink at home and one I take to work.

I made Janey's appointment: Thursday, 17th March at 10:00. The doctor usually takes follow-up appointments on Thursdays. He comes in at 08:00 and does his rounds, before he starts consulting at 09:00. I thought of taking the 09:00 slot, but then I'd have to drive through peak traffic back home to fetch Janey. So I made it for 10:00.

I didn't get to order fruit juice, as I had planned ... grumble ...

Back at home, I do my chores, then sit and pamper my tomato plants again, before I water them.

Inside, treat mippies, shower, dinner - shared with mippies ... now it's past eight. I'm re-watching Relic Hunter, simple, light entertainment.

Lock-down Day 696

Earlier morning, got up at six. Since the power is on, I can make myself filter coffee for a change. Mippies are out and about ... well, sort of. Ziva has demanded cuddles, Mini wanted some milk, Janey is curled up on the nightstand. I wonder what I'll do today?

Just past eight, and I've taken care of the last of my furniture in the lounge: the shelf I use as a pantry. Floor scrubbed, skirting treated (though not sprayed), shelf treated, now I just need to re-pack it.

I packed some extra things into boxes; teas, baking stuff, spices. Labelled the boxes and put them on top of the cupboard.

I tried saving one of my favourite books, which got totally soaked: Terry Prattchet's The Last Hero. It's the book I used to 'read' to my nephew, when he was very small. Every page is covered in illustrations by Paul Kidby. It's awesome! Only ... I can't separate pages without tearing ... now I'm just so sad ... 

The rest of the day, I just relaxed. I didn't feel like doing anything, so I didn't. Oh, I baked my bread, and I'll pack my lunch, but that's it. I've done plenty this weekend, so ... it's cool.

Internet has been awful all weekend. Ah, well ... 

Lock-down Day 695

Late morning. I only got up at half seven, when Mewthos got impatient ...

I'm having trouble getting started ... it rained overnight, not much, but it's still overcast & very humid.

I've put on pop music and got going. Half ten and the kitchen is clean, laundry hanging - in the kitchen. Well, where else? Outside is overcast, I've hung the shorts out ... taking a chance there. I've put the small shelf back up, wiped the mold off it, given the lounge floor a rough wash ...

Mippies are scared of a dancing, singing mommy! Ha Ha! Well, I have to get my spirits up somehow, right? How else do I keep scrubbing floors, skirting, wash the walls, etc. without getting depressed?

Twenty to twelve, skirting scrubbed, treated and sprayed. Floor and grouting scrubbed. Next I'll put the room divider back. But: because it's bottom is now bent, I can no longer rely on it. It could just topple over, if I fill it with heavy stuff. So ... planning ... problem is, that it's the only shelf that will allow my records to stand upright.

Right. I've turned it back the right way up and put a brick underneath, in the center. Don't ask me how I did that, on my own. All I know is I broke a nail. Ha Ha!

I've moved books around, separating where possible ... but a lot of the most precious books are just one big lump. Can't separate the pages anymore. I've googled, and it does seem possible to restore them ... although I have a feeling, I'll have to wet them again? For now, I'm just spreading them out as much as I can, without completely blocking the narrow passage in the lounge. This is so heartbreaking! Seeing such precious books ... in such a state ... 

Janey was here for cuddles just now, so I took the opportunity to give her her pill. She does NOT like that! I caught her by surprise yesterday, as well, she didn't get to play catch yesterday, either!

As I was googling whether it is POSSIBLE to restore soaked books, I also read that they should dry standing upright. Makes sense - wish I had had that sense two weeks ago! Well, so now, how do I get all the books to stand upright? Without touching each other, of course ... ah! All those empty Whiskas & Royal Canin boxes! Perfect! Two soft cover books fit in there with plenty of room to dry! And standing them all upright, also means they take up much less space!

Half past five and I finished standing all the books I had spread in the lounge and the bedroom, upright! I'm knackered ...

I just want to clean up (aka bath), maybe, just maybe I'll have the energy to make myself something to eat ... then just go to bed ...

Lock-down Day 694

At midnight, Mewthos woke me up. Came mewling at the top of his voice, insisting I get up. I've learned not to ignore such urgent calls ... you never know. Only this time, Mewthos was simply being an ass! I got up, checked on each mip, checked the house, everything ... nothing.

It is, however, possible that there was someone outside ... or, of course, it could have been Smeagol outside. He didn't show up last night - not sure where he hid from the rain.

Power was still off when I left for work, so I took my smart phone to work, so I could follow up. By the time I had a chance, the power was already back. Good! Well, I left the gate on manual, just in case, as it wouldn't open properly when I was leaving. No need to risk another episode of sitting in the car outside my gate for an hour and a half!

Back at home, mowing! Three weeks growth! The back lawn is okay, three trips to empty the bag, but otherwise, walk in the park. The section under the Jacaranda - not okay. Weeds have grown too tall for the mower, all I do is flatten them. So ... leave it. I'll need to pull those out. Again. Section outside my bedroom ... okay on lowest setting over the thorns, but not the grass. Higher setting.

I tried the main garden on lowest setting, but ... no. So I did it all on the second setting. I'll have to take it back to lowest setting next week. But that area by the rose bushes? Forget it! I did as much as my shoulders could stand ... and then a bit more ... but just couldn't finish.

Then I took my stool and started cleaning under the Jacaranda until it got too dark.

Then I sat on the veranda for our family time - which Smeagol spoiled for my mippies, ha ha! I had given Janey her pill before I started mowing - caught her off-guard, so no game of 'catch' first, ha ha!

Inside, I bathed - my shoulder is really sore. I didn't even feel up to making any dinner, just went to bed, watched an episode of 'Vengeance Unlimited' and went to sleep ... well, lots of cuddle cave for Ziva, of course!

Lock-down Day 693

Not the earliest of mornings, I only rolled out of bed by six. Mewthos was not pleased!

I enjoyed my coffee, cuddled mippies a bit, then off to work.

Major traffic! The robot at the cnr Doreen & R566. Traffic was queueing all the way to Klerksoord! I can only imagine how far back it was queued on the Highway!

Well, I'm at work ...

At nine, I quickly went to get groceries. I've been contemplating going to Ninapark Spar on Friday, after work ... but I really need to mow this Friday. It's now three weeks growth!

I've been struggling with hot flashes again these past couple of weeks. Bad! One minute I'm fine, next minute I'm Aqua-woman. Hands,  fingers ... everywhere. I've been using my wipes ... which help.

Gosh, lights just dipped here at work! There's a thunderstorm and it is pouring outside ... the store is so dark, I've had to look for stock with my phone's torch!

Back at home ... power is off! Well, it's raining, so I expected it. At least I could get inside!

First, a spirited game of catch with Janey! Followed by another game of push the pill through clenched jaws! Haha!!

Then I try to report the outage, struggling to get a signal. Eventually I get through. All the while Mewthos is complaining nonstop about the rain! He wants his outside play, but outside is wet. 

I bring them in early, treat them, then have a wash over the basin. Fun!

At least internet seems to work. For now. Well, I don't feel like cooking, so ... good night.

Lock-down Day 692

I woke up very early, about half five! Got up, made myself coffee, cuddled mippies ... and sat down for a good think! 

I cannot change my nature, so I cannot adapt to the attitude that's keeping everyone else happy.

Which makes this a bit of a conundrum, doesn't it. I can't change other people and I can't change my character / nature. I don't have any answers, yet ...

Onderstepoort just called with the blood results. Her blood has improved, as expected. But the liver enzymes have not met expectation - so it's important that I take her back for another follow-up, where they can make sure. They'll also do another sonar, as her spleen should be back to normal by then.

Back at home, did I mention that I got the spot-on on all mippies last night? It was a bit of a challenge - they don't like the wet feeling, so I have to hold on to get all of it on them.

Tonight, Janey is less of a challenge. I get the feeling that, although she needs me to know that she doesn't like the medication - not at all - she does understand that she must take it. I didn't have to grip her as tightly as I did yesterday. I didn't actually hold her at all - she didn't make any attempt to escape. She just spat out the pill a couple of times. Progress!

Well, I picked another tub of tomatoes, then watered everything. That's it for today. Shower. Dinner - shared, of course. Now I'm just going to watch an episode ... well, probably only half and episode, I'm knackered!

Lock-down Day 691

Early morning. Coffee. Off to work. No traffic.

Both my deliveries are due to arrive today. Nice!

Half ten, I'm off to take Janey for her follow-up. On the way out, I meet the courier bringing their first box of treats!

As expected, Janey is much, much better! But they want to see her again, one week after she's finished her treatment. Specifically to check her spleen - which looked moth-eaten - and to check her liver enzymes. Don't ask me what - I failed Biology!

Funny thing: as I was waiting outside, while they prodded, poked and ultra-sounded Janey, the kind gentleman who jump started my car last week strolled by! He asked about my car, so I told him, and thanked him again for his kindness!

Back at home, ten minute battle to get Janey to take her tablet! After she hid behind overturned furniture in the lounge, she strolled into the bedroom, I closed the door on her and cornered her!

Then, forty minutes to unpack the deliveries. What I do with mippies' treats is, I re-pack them to mix the flavours. With the Whiskas Jelly, I can no longer get pre-mixed boxes, only single-flavour boxes. As that also eliminates the fish, that works for me. And I do the same with the 3 varieties of Royal Canin wet food. Today, I got an extra treat from ePetstore! This time a treat for cats!

It was twenty to seven, when I finally got to go outside. Smeagol had settled on the veranda - mippies all stayed out back! I took a chance and emptied a dose of Spot-On on the back of his neck - he didn't even notice! Goody! Okay, so it's technically expired - but it should still help! Hopefully he'll be tick-free for a while! And maybe it will even help with his worms!

Back inside, Mini is still a bit off. Her fur is looking all ruffled, not nice, sleek and shiny. I gave her her tablet - which wasn't as much of a battle, since it is supposed to taste good to cats. She did sniff at it, but didn't eat it by herself - like they advertise. But I had very little battle getting her to take it.

Janey is getting hissed at again ... sigh ... it's that gel they put on her tummy for the sonar or ultra-sound.

Now I still have to try and get the spot-on onto each of my mippies, too ... the new one. I'm not making any dinner for myself tonight ... I'm knackered!

Lock-down Day 690

Early morning. Mippie breakfast - Mini joined us. Coffee. Off to work.

Traffic.

A bit late for work. Very busy ... I went to exchange the car battery ... and they put the old one back! Huh? They claim there is nothing wrong with it. 

Well, in that case, I'm keeping the vet appointment for 10:30 - so that, if the car gives me any trouble, I have enough time to hopefully make a plan.

Right. I've placed the order for Whiskas, Mini's de-wormer and a spot-on treatment for all mippies. Had to buy 2 packs, as they come in packs of 3. I looked at a couple of products. One didn't specify how many were in the pack, yet the price indicates it must be for 3. Not taking the chance. The other 3 options all seemed to be the same - treating the same parasites, lasting the same amount of time, covering the same weights ... so I took the cheapest. Revolution, a brand one of the vets also used.

Next, I need to order groceries. Faithful to Nature. Since I don't know when I'll get my January pay, I'll have to be economic ...

Done. I decided to give a new multi-vitamin a try - the one I've been using for years no longer fits in my budget. Other than that, I just bought flour, detergent and ... one bar or chocolate. My favourite - Eat Naked - are still sold out, so ... 

Anyway, I still have enough money to pay the rent. Just ...

Well, I should have 3 more cardboard boxes to use for drying books soon. Zuki is sending another batch of treats, ePet treats and meds and FTN something for me. Well, mostly to clean, but also one chocolate. Two boxes of treats for mippies and one treat for mommy! Ha Ha, sounds about right, doesn't it?

Back at home, I felt like tackling the grapevine ... it's turning yellow, and I feel like a bit of outside work. Inside miffs ... damp ... but first: Janey's medication! A battle! She does NOT want to take her tablet! Spat it out three times!

As I was busy outside, I suddenly hear a major cat fight! Outside the gate! I know Smeagol is involved ... where's Janey? Can't find her! Dash inside, get the keys, run like an idiot, screaming ... outside! Then I see the ginger cat running head-for-tails back home!

Janey is sitting atop the fridge! Cool as a cucumber! Safe and sound!

Back inside ... not much to tell. Janey is eating normally, Mini is also back to her normal self - came and sat in her usual spot for her treat. And ate, as usual. Mewthos is mewling at me ... Ziva is mipping for cuddle cave ... all's well in my little family!

Lock-down Day 689

Half six the power went off! Sigh ... Reported it ... 

So, I got busy drying more of my furniture. Little bookshelf next to the PC, the flower pot stand I used to lift the PC off the floor, room divider in the kitchen, cat furniture, ottoman ... cold water only. Washed the floors, skirting, furniture, treated, sprayed ... 

Around ten the power came back. I put the PC back, cat furniture back ... I still have to treat the room divider & re-pack it, then the little bookshelf, which I've decided to move into the alcove. One corner of my bedroom is mud-free. It's not much, but it is something.

Problem. My pine furniture coped fairly well with the soaking, but the presswood crap? Not at all! The little one is turning green at the bottom ... I've just washed it down, thoroughly, and turned it on its side. I'm afraid, I'm going to have to do the same with that big one ... now. Not tomorrow, definitely not next weekend. Now. And that's a huge job! All my records are in that shelf ...

Next problem: I've emptied that shelf, and I can wipe it down ... but before I will have to wash and dry the floor when I'll have to put it. And I can only put it on its side, not on its back. That whole area is not just muddy, but still wet, as well! Sigh ...

I gave it a quick wipe, let that dry and turned it on its side. Now, all that I MUST do, is move things, so I can close the front door and still have a passage to walk to the door. I really should also get all the books out of the garage - I had spread them on cardboard on the floor, thinking they could dry there. In fact, however, they're just soaking up the water out of the floor ...

Half past one. Also done. And yes, I was right. Some of those books were dripping water! They're now spread on cardboard in mippies room ... where I've also put the ceiling fan on. I'm going to have to keep an eye on that, though ... because the water from those books will have to go somewhere ...  and I don't need it to reach the bookshelf! And just about the only usable cardboard I have left is all mippies' wet food boxes ...

Right, necessities are back in place - bed is clear, I can reach the litter boxes again, there's a passage in the lounge. And now I should start baking bread ... I'm just going to bake a simple loaf in the machine. I have no energy left for anything else ... 

So much for "all I have to do is bake", eh?

Did I mention that Smeagol attacked Janey?Yeah, I ran to her rescue as fast as I could! Thankfully she is not injured! Phew!

Well, that's the big stuff mostly done! The 'small' stuff, though ... that's going to be a bugger! There is just so much of it! You'll get to read blow-by-blow next weekend ... though, I do hope I'll manage to mow the lawn on Friday.

Now, Mini has me worried, though. She's spent most of today sleeping on my bed. At treat time, she won't come. I carried a bowl to her, on my bed. She ate. Well. But still ... I caught a worm on her. So, I'll get a de-wormer, asap. I really don't want another sick cat ... that's the worst, if one of my mippies is unwell! Everything else, I can deal with. But if my mippies aren't fine? I stress ...

Lock-down Day 688

I only got up about half seven. Let mippies out ... coffee!

Now it's eight. Biggest achievement so far? I'm dressed! Ha Ha!

Getting busy now. Slowly, but surely. With a lot of interruptions from mippies, as usual! And: I'm happy to say that Janey is mipping for attention, too! Just now, when I picked her up, she climbed onto my shoulder! First time she's done that this week!

I'm starting with the 'normal' weekend chores. I've taken down the last washing, so I can do my laundry, and now I'm washing dishes. Which I didn't do last weekend ...

And I also haven't cleaned the litter boxes in two days - they are so difficult to get to, now. Which I'm planning to rectify today.

Eleven, and the kitchen is almost clean, laundry is hanging outside ...

Quarter to one, bookshelf is treated underneath, back of it hammered back, floor where it will go, has received it's first wash. When that's dry, I'll have to wash again ... that mud is a real nuisance! It doesn't simply wash off, as you would think. You need lots of water. I need to soak it and wipe it up. Then treat the skirting ... I'm wondering whether I should spray it?

Neighbour came for a short visit - well, she came to pick tomatoes. I had asked her to - they love tomatoes, and I have way too many!

Just about three. The bookshelf in mippies' room is clean, and back in place. I've carried all the books from the shelf in the lounge into mippies' room, and squashed them into three shelves. I thought I could maybe tip the one in the lounge on its side, so the bottom can also dry ... but I can't do that on my own. There's just not enough space in the lounge, I'd have to tip it and lower it into the narrow passage currently available ... and I'm not willing to take that chance.

I can, however, move it forward - which I've done - and thoroughly clean the floor under it. I can also apply some furniture oil underneath. I think. Only ... I'm running out of energy ...

Okay. No. I can't clean or treat the underside of that bookshelf. Not alone. But I've cleaned the floor, the bookshelf ... sprayed, treated the skirting and polished the tiles.

Right. It's quarter past six! Whoa! Better call it a day! Well, at any rate, I've emptied the third bookshelf. Picked Ziva off the top. Put it on its side, so the bottom can dry ... 

Around five I gave Janey her medication. She's feeling so much better that she reckons she doesn't need it anymore! Ha Ha, just like a kid, eh? Of course she spat it out and it landed in my bra, ha ha! So, I adjusted my attitude to more assertive. Washed it down, as instructed ... 

I wonder whether I'll have any energy to continue tomorrow? Well, if not, then that will have to be okay! I've done a weekend's worth of work!

And then Smeagol and Mewthos got into a fight! I'm no longer sure that Smeagol is the attacker ... he pees every fight! And Mewthos is so much bigger and stronger than Smeagol ... well, Janey is safe, that's the main thing!

They're all inside and all treated. They all ate together on the counter! Even Mini! Relations are mellowing towards Janey. She's slowly being accepted back into the family.

Right, I've bathed, cleaned the litter boxes ... everything that had to be done is done. Tomorrow I bake.

Lock-down Day 687

Very bad night. Woke up five to six - fly out of bed, get outside, open the bonnet. Neighbour arrives, jump start the car.

Back inside, coffee.

When I held Mini for a while last night, I saw that she has some wounds on her back! Already healed ... I never noticed them before? Looks like she got caught by a wire when dashing through a fence?

I'm certainly living in Interesting Times! I wonder who cursed me ...

I think this is about the worst week of my life! And yet, I still seem to be taking it in my stride. No despair, no self-pity - well, probably some, but not excessive. Just taking it one day at a time ... 

I'm wondering whether I should keep Janey shut in my bedroom, for the time being? They are hissing, growling and swatting at her - but not attacking. Worst fear is, if they were to attack, and draw blood ... her blood doesn't clot now. She'd bleed out ... but I'm thinking they just want to stay distant from her, so I don't think I need to worry about attack. Only Smeagol ... I don't know how I'm going to deal with this weekend, when they're all outside ...

I had to carry Mewthos past Smeagol last night. Mewthos was inside the section with the dog hut, and Smeagol outside, wanting to go into the dog hut. Mewthos was not pleased when I picked him up, he wriggled and hissed at me the whole time.

And poor Janey has been shaved in so many places! Whole tummy for the ultra sound, neck for the drip ... 

Well, I told my boss what happened, with locking the car. He apologised for the difficulty I've had with the car and promised to make a plan today. He had a plan yesterday, but the mechanic dropped him.

Okay, the mechanic has been and checked my car. It is not the starter motor, not the alternator, but the battery. Which is still under warranty. So the boss' wife is looking for the paperwork, so that I can go and have the battery replaced.

Right. Done. Well, half done. They put in a loan battery, while they test mine. I should come back for a replacement tomorrow morning - Monday is fine. At least I have a car that will now start, if there's an emergency.

On the way back, I went and got some groceries. Just milk and cheese. They didn't have meat at Spar this week - well, nothing in my price range. Nor at the butchery. And tomatoes have gone up again! They are now selling at R50/kg! That's 150% increase from the normal price! I'll just keep pampering my tomato plants, thank you very much!

Boss just called, he's going to be back only very late - I must please take At home. Sigh ... that's an hour out of my way, without traffic. Ah well ... 

I've been wondering about mowing this afternoon. It's been two weeks, so it'll be hard work ... but at the same time, I'm thinking about Janey! I can't really let her out, as usual ... especially if Smeagol is around! If he goes for her now, she's weak, her tummy is shaved ... I can't take any chances!

I'll see how I will deal with that, when I get home ...

Yup, an hour! I was home by four! Traffic was a nightmare - I drove the long way round, on the way back, to avoid the worst of it.

Janey is looking much, much better! And I found the family stretched out in the lounge - not completely ostracising her! Only Mini growls at Janey. Mewthos still hisses at her, but later in the evening, Ziva even gave Janey a few licks, washing her head!

I checked her gums and they look much better - more pink than white! I gave her her medication - she didn't like that, but I washed it down and she didn't spit it out. Then I let them out.

I had no energy to mow, nor did I want to leave Janey - Smeagol was around. I gave him some attention to appease him. 

I decided to take a shower first, as the heat - especially in the car - well ... no need to paint a picture.

Then went to pamper my tomato plants. That's all I did ...

Back inside, Mini refused to come for her treat! She didn't even want to come inside - when I went to carry her in, she kept running away from me, but finally allowed me to pick her up and carry her in! She growled at me the whole time! I ended up giving her her bowl in the bathroom! She was growling at me! But she ate. Mewthos and Ziva, on the other hand, allowed Janey on the counter with them! And Janey ate well!

I had my hands full with mips hissing, mipping, and generally keeping me busy ... internet was also bad, I couldn't even load this page.

So, I'm writing this Saturday morning ... internet is still bad, it'll take time before it'll save & I can publish ...

Lock-down Day 686

I managed to get up before six. Got dressed, boiled the kettle, went outside. Re-connected the battery, tried to start. Nothing. Called my neighbour, he came and jump started the car for me. I left it running while I had my morning coffee, then drove to work.

Anxiously awaiting the call from the student vet.

Janey is stable. She ran a bit of a temperature overnight, and she's not very keen on eating, but that's no reason to worry. They'll do the ultra sound this morning, then the vet (not student) will check and give a diagnosis. The student will call me as soon as the results are in.

At one, the student phoned to let me know I can come and collect Lady Jane between three and four this afternoon. She'll be there, to tell me when to give Janey her medication, what to monitor and when to panic. The ultra sound showed that it is her spleen that's enlarged. Her blood work has improved, so everything indicates that indeed the parasite is indeed the cause, and that the treatment is working. They don't want to risk taking a biopsy off her spleen at present, because of the danger of bleeding. I must please bring her in again on Tuesday, when they'll examine her again and decide whether a biopsy is necessary.

Of course, I'm stressing now. Because my car is still not starting. I've told my boss when I have to be at Onderstepoort and why at those times. He said 'Okay', after some thought. I trust he has a plan ... but I can't help stressing ...

At three, my boss called to say he's sorry, but he won't be able to make it in time. I must please take my car. Arranged a jump start and went to fetch Janey.

At Onderstepoort, the car won't lock! When I try to lock with the key, it locks, then unlocks all four doors! Sigh ... 

The vet bill is much lower than I feared, so far. She still has to go back Tuesday.

When I try to take her home ... car won't start. Fortunately, I found a kind soul with jumper cables in the waiting room.

Back at home, Janey comes out of the carrier ... and everybody hisses, growls and swats at her! It is heartbreaking to see Mewthos hissing and swatting at his sister! At first I thought it was just the vet smell, as usual - but it's worse than that. They growl and hiss at her the whole night and this morning! Clearly, they smell or sense a disease.

I've messaged my neighbour again, he's kind enough to help me again tomorrow morning.

I decided to spend some time cleaning & tying up my tomatoes ... just a bit of light gardening ... something normal. Janey stays right by my side the whole time. The others are staying far away! Even when I come near them they hiss at me!

With all that going on, I had no moment to finish writing this post ...

Lock-down Day 685

Janey is at the vet's. They need to do more testing to diagnose the cause. She's anemic. Most possibilities are serious - nobody would even offer a suggestion, which is always a bad sign.

I've put down half my rent's worth as deposit, and may have to pay the same again. And that's just for the diagnosis ... 

Bad morning. Very bad. When I tried to call to make an appointment for Janey, I couldn't get a signal. When I tried to leave, the car wouldn't start. Fortunately, my neighbour could come with jumper leads and help.

Now I'm just waiting for the call to tell me about Janey.

I'm at work. Busy. But my mind and heart are with Janey ... I'm so scared! Though she seemed much better last night, even this morning ... better than Monday, for sure!

It's nearly four and the only call I've received so far, is asking whether Janey could have eaten onions. I neither keep onions, garlic, etc in the house, nor do I grow any in my garden - so, it's not very likely. But what about the Agapanthus? They could fall into 'onion' with regards to their effect on cats, if they eat the leaves? But none of my cats have ever nibbled on anything but grass, in the garden!

I've tried calling twice. Just now and an hour ago ... the student who took care of Janey is busy. This time, I left a message. My anxiety levels are skyrocketing!

Half past four, student called! They think it is a blood parasite - which came with a tick, apparently. Still not 100% sure, though. One of her organs is also swollen, so they'll do an ultra sound to see which one. If it is her spleen, then that's a result of the parasite - and the antibiotic they're already giving her should do the trick. But if it is the liver ... I don't dare think about that ...

They'll keep her overnight, will be treating her and keeping an eye on her. If there's a problem, they'll call me. If all is well, she'll call me again first thing tomorrow morning, to let me know how Janey did through the night, and then again after the doctor has seen her.

Time to go home ... car won't start. I called my boss, he was on his way. Jump started the car.

Back at home ... I try to message my neighbour, because the car probably won't start tomorrow morning. Internet won't work, not even WhatsApp.

Finally the message goes through and I get a reply. He leaves at six, so he can only help me, if I'm outside by then ... sigh ... lately, I'm having such trouble getting up early ...

I barely replied, when he's outside the gate. Came for a visit. He also brought a spanner and disconnected the battery - that way, it won't drain overnight, and I should be fine tomorrow morning. But he'll check in, before he leaves, just to be on the safe side.

He left about twenty to eight. Time to pack lunch, shower ... no interest in any dinner. I'm feeling somewhat miserable at the moment. So worried about my Lady! Ziva, Mewthos and Mini also miss Janey.

I'll try to go to sleep soon ... it's half nine already ...

Lock-down Day 684

Still worried about Janey. She didn't come out at all this morning, I had to go look for her. She's definitely not her usual exuberant self. No mipping for cuddles, she didn't drink any water - in the five minutes I spent with her, and she didn't come out for breakfast. If nothing has changed, I'll take her to Onderstepoort tomorrow morning.

At work, I'm seriously busy again. Having some trouble focusing, as I'm seriously worried about Lady Jane.

And now it's raining again. Pouring. I used to love the sound of the rain ... but now?

Back at home, I'm very relieved to see Janey part of the greeting committee! She's looking much better! More active. Yet, when I pick her up, she just stays in my arms - doesn't start climbing my shoulder, as she usually does.

And then I notice her ears! They are yellow! That could be serious ... definitely taking her to the vet tomorrow morning!

She's eating, though. And drinking. I opened the last tin of 'sensitive stomach' food, that came back with Ziva, and Janey dug into that quite hungrily! Though she doesn't finish it ... not eating as much as usual.

Well ... vet tomorrow. Better safe than sorry! I spent all day today imagining the worst ... you know how it is. Imagination fueled by fear is never a good thing.

I didn't do anything at home, tonight. Instead, I focused on Janey. Watching her behaviour. Worst thing was Mewthos hissing at her! Seriously!

Smeagol's claws raked my right hand. Again. He came afterwards to say he's sorry ... 

I've got a loaf of bread in the machine. I'll let it bake in the machine. If I'm up when it's finished, I'll take it out to cool ... I'll make my lunch tomorrow morning. I'm also inundated with cherry tomatoes at the moment! I've packed a whole lunch box full with ripe ones - and the counter is full of ripening ones!

I've showered, shared my dinner - Janey lately is very keen on red meat! She never used to be. I have no desire nor energy for anything more ... 

Lock-down Day 683

Escape to normal ... well, not quite, but good enough.

With my knee giving me so much trouble, I couldn't do anything last night. So, this morning, I had to make my lunch - or end up eating junk food from the local Spar. As I drove out, my neighbour walked up and we had a chat. He promised to come around tonight to have a look at my garage door - which I can't lock anymore.

Then I drove to work ... suddenly I heard breaking glass. Right nearby. I looked at the mirror to see what I just drove over ... only ... I didn't drive over anything, my mirror had fallen off! Just the glass ... great, eh?

During the course of the morning, my knee recovered. I was still hobbling around in the morning, but by noon I could walk normally again.

Left work a bit late, got home ... and got busy. I took down the dry laundry and hung up the last load. Vacuum packed the meat I had bought last week, then emptied the bookshelf in mippies' room and laid it face down on the floor, so that the bottom can dry. I dried the floor under it as well.

I meant to also set a loaf of bread to bake ... maybe so it'll be done when I get up tomorrow morning ... but ... guess what? Load shedding is back! From 02:00 - 04:30 tomorrow morning. Sigh ...

Well, I'll bake the bread tomorrow night. I still have one bread roll at work, and I packed my last chocolate. I had my last cookies today. Sigh ...

Janey still worries me. Today, she was missing again. I eventually found her under the car! The garage floor is still damp ... why is she sitting on damp floor? And she wouldn't come out! The first time I looked and wanted to close the garage door, Mini dashed into the garage, making it impossible for me to shut it up for the night ... clever girl, though I didn't think so at the time. She knew, of course, that Janey was in the garage.

I gave her time to come out. Sat outside for family time. Called everyone inside. Dished out treats. No Janey! I went to the garage and tried to coax her out. Nothing. I shouted. Nothing. In desperation, I started the car! She stayed in place, under the car! I couldn't believe it! I ended up getting a broom and swept her out! Seriously!

She huddled in a corner. I picked her up, cuddled her for a while, then placed her on the food counter. She went through the bowls and ate. Well, nibbled here and there ... but she ate. Now she's curled up in the closet in mippies room. I don't know whether I should worry? Or whether I can put this down to the chaos in the house? I know she's a very sensitive girl, and she doesn't like change. She purrs readily, when I cuddle her ... I don't know ...

Well, I'm going to watch one episode, then go to sleep.

Lock-down Day 682

I slept well, woke up at half six, when both my alarm and my Mew-larm went off. I wasn't up to getting up, though ... turned over and dozed until around seven. Despite the very early night, and sleeping quite well ... though I did wake up around ten to eight, needed the ceiling fan to sleep!

I have a lot of work today ... actually, not just today but for a long time to come! The worker, who came yesterday, offered to come back today to help more. It's a bit strange, he doesn't want pay, just wants to help. It's unusual. But I'll take all the help I can get!

In the meantime, I've packed away whatever laundry was dry and carried the rest outside. Another load into the machine - the blankies are full of muddy paw prints, and also wet.

Moving the books off their now-wet cardboard onto dry cardboard ... this is just about the saddest thing. So many of my special, precious books got soaked. Even some of my Terry Pratchett books!

I've taken mippies scratcher apart and outside - obviously the bottom board is soaked. More mippie toys are outside. I'm cleaning that corner - just removing the worst of the mud - and cleaning their water fountain.

The help showed up, though much later than he had said he would - no worries, though. He finished drying the garage, packed away all the soaking boxes and put the rest over the veranda to dry, so I can use them to dry my books.

We loaded all the rubbish in the boot, drove it to the dump, drove back ... and when I was going to take the worker home ... car won't start! Now it's standing in the garden ... I'm trying to decide whether I should call my boss now, give him a heads-up ...

Done. I also asked in our neighbourhood group, if someone perhaps has jumper leads - and one of my neighbours came with leads and jump started my car! My boss also returned my call and suggested that, if the car starts, I leave it running for about an hour. Then turn it off, try to start it again. If it starts, all good. If not, I call my boss and let him know.

Right. All the clothes and materials I had kept in a ... storage bag, were soaked. They were in the garage. I've taken out all the blues, spun them, then washed them. They're hanging outside. My dad's winter coat - just about the only heirloom I have, was also in that bag - it's been hanging to dry for an hour. Still not dry.

The car started again. So, I've pulled that into the garage. I've cleared three of mippies litter boxes ... the worst will be the grass mat! It is covered in litter - clean, of course - but that stuff, when wet, it's a bit on the slimy side. I'll have to scoop it off ... take that mat outside and rinse it off. With the hose pipe. But I can't do that, while there's washing on the line ... don't want it splashed full of litter! So ... I'm not sure when I'll be able to do that.

I have another load in the machine ... since we shouldn't have load shedding tonight (only tomorrow morning from 02:00 - 04:30), I might as well wash it.

I'm running out of energy again. Well, I haven't eaten all weekend, just lived off fruit juice and cheese ... 

Six o'clock. All litter boxes are clean, the mat is outside - I've carried two buckets full of muck out! That was a mission! Dried the floor. Carried the mat outside and hung it over the fence ... now, all that I still MUST do, is get the laundry in. I've already packed everything else back inside.

Well, I also still need to shower, and I should probably also fry some dinner tonight. When the floor is dry, I should also put the litter boxes back, and fill some of them up again. I haven't baked, of course. I haven't even washed the dishes. I've done nothing but damage control! Every time I think I've got all the water, I find another pocket. I've moved the bookshelf in mippies' room - there's water under that. Still! But I've mopped up the water behind it. I found water inside the chest. So I've had to empty it, mop out the water and stand it upright, so the bottom can dry.

And now my knee is giving me trouble. It buckled under me twice, just now. That's why I have my little foot stool. To sit on when I'm working on the floor. If I stand bent over for too long, the knee buckles.

I've done all that had to be done. I spent time outside with mippies, they deserve some sort of normal. Mewthos and Ziva in particular, for valiantly splashing through the water just to be with me, while I clean up. All their basics are back in place, dry, and as clean as I had energy to make it. They all were very helpful for stalking through the wet muck to get to their litter boxes last night!

I wondered why Janey wasn't joining us ... when we came inside, no Janey! Turns out that I shut her in the laundry room! Little minx was exploring when I closed the door, earlier!

I showered ... I thought I might still be able to do a few things, maybe fry dinner? I thought that I could fry two steaks and take one to work ... but I'm done. Kaput. Plus, my knee wants rest - no walking, please! So, I had some cheese ... now I got myself some chocolate ... and that's it.

Lock-down Day 681

If you thought being stuck outside the gate for an hour was the worst to happen this weekend - well, I thought so, too. It wasn't!

It got much, much, MUCH worse!

Around nine, it started to rain again. I didn't think anything of it ... power dipped. Twice. Then it went off. That was quarter to ten. As I was still awake, I figured I might as well report it.

Three power outages in one day! On top of load shedding! You think that's bad? Well, yes, but no more than an inconvenience.

It carried on raining, and I went to sleep. I woke about two hours later ... put my feet on the floor and felt ... wet! At first I thought Mewthos had sprayed my house shoes ... sigh ... I wish that had been all!

The whole room was under water! I got up, explored - with my LED torch ... and found that the whole house was under water! I went outside, and found myself in the middle of a river! Water was flowing over the car port, across the driveway ... onto the veranda (where the water stood ankle deep!) and in front of the veranda. I'm not joking! Turns out this river flowed under my front door into the lounge ... then, as the water rose, it went through the kitchen and flooded bloody every room!

Although this is outside, this is pretty much what my lounge looked like! All that muddy water flowing through!

Yeah, when I first got up and saw the damage, I first started shoveling water off the floor into the bath - I figured it makes no difference where I start, so might as well make it easy.

Then I noticed that the water in the bedrooms & bathroom was warm, whereas the lounge was cold. That's when I realised that it must all have come from under the door ... and very, very fast! I mean, it was around eleven, when I last  went into the lounge; and it was dry. It wasn't yet one, when I found the place flooded!

So, I started pushing the water out of the lounge, through the front door, with the mop. I was making headway, the lounge was almost dry ... when the rain picked up and water came flooding in faster than I could push it out!

I tried my best to block the gap under the front door, opened the back door and started pushing the water out back! I just, just managed to prevent more water getting to the bedrooms ... but the entire lounge was ankle deep under water. Again!

I pushed water out the back, shoveled water into a bucket with the dustpan ... for five hours! And all, with nothing but my LED torch. No power!

That's from the veranda. At six this morning! Around five I tried to take a nap - I was absolutely knackered, and at least no more water was coming in. It was still raining, but not as hard as before ... I couldn't sleep. So, I got up and made myself coffee. Gas cooker. Then I took some photos ... 

I didn't have the courage to even open the garage, though ... where all my boxes are stored ...

Ziva and Mewthos valiantly stuck by my side, splish splashing throught the puddles ... covering everything with muddy paw prints ... soaking everything in the process. My bed, my clothes, the whole arm chair - blanket and all ... 

Oh, my PC? Well, I always keep that on a flower pot stand, so none of it touched the water. Oh, some cables did ... but with the power outage, nothing happened. I unplugged them, of course, dried everything thoroughly and left it to air dry ... as you see, PC is fine!

I did message my landlord to let him know what happened. It's his house, just thought he would like to know. Just keeping him informed, nothing more ...

Not half an hour later, help arrived! He sent some guys to help me get the water out and clean up - and he dug around the east to stop the river.

We opened the garage door ...

This was taken around eight, when the worst of the water had already run out ... Ankle deep, muddy water throughout the entire garage!

One of his guys started shoveling the water out of the garage. When he had got most of it out, I drove the car outside, and we started retrieving boxes. First the one's off the top, that were still totally dry.

We put those all into the laundry - the only room that was totally dry! No water had run in there ...

Then came the damaged boxes ... I just want to cry! Precious books. Precious memories. Precious ... parts of my life! Soaking, soaking wet!

While the help is shoveling the water out of mippies bedroom, I'm sorting through the boxes ... and I just want to cry. I'm packing dry off the top in one box, damp in another, and soaking wet in yet another box ...

Half past eleven the electricity finally comes back on! Which puzzled me a bit, as we were supposed to have load shedding till twelve? Apparently they went down a Stage. So power will only go off from six to eight tonight.

Right now, I'm trying to restore a little bit of normal. I've washed a load of laundry - okay, so not just the week's laundry, but everything I picked up off the floor as well, plus, of course, the laundry basket. I've washed the kitchen floor as best I could. Yeah, there is still mud in the corners and the hard-to-get-to places ... but it took several washes just to get the mud out!

Which reminds me. The whole night and today, I had to walk through my house barefoot. And take teeny tiny little steps ... or risk slipping in the mud! Mud and water is very, very slippery! And, of course, all the while with nothing but a portable LED torch ... 

Oh, did I say I'm trying to restore a bit or normal? Not true! All I'm trying to do is damage control. Get to everything, separate the dry from the damp from the soaking wet ... place them where they'll stay dry or can dry out ... yes, I washed the kitchen floor, but I'm using the kitchen to hang my laundry. Wouldn't want to drop a freshly cleaned item onto a muddy floor! And get basic services back on track - like being able to bath (I had tossed the soaking wet bath mats in there), I'll need clothes for work ... though I think I'll probably take Monday off. I'll see how far I get by tomorrow ...

It's now past three and I still haven't slept ... I'm planning on a hot bath tonight, and hope I'll be able to sleep ... even in the damp, mud-paw-covered bed ... 

Right. It's twenty to five and I've achieved my goal. There is only one box left in the garage - and it's soaked through and through. I've opened and sorted all the others. There are still a few in the lounge that need to be sorted ... too much for today.

I was able to drive the car back into the garage, close the garage door - for some reason it won't lock. I locked the garage-lounge door. I can close both the screen door (or gate) and the front door. In other words: I can lock up tonight!

I got mippies in very, very early! Ziva was a bit puzzled, but didn't put up a fight. I've had a very hot bath - hotter than planned, but that did the trick. I'm not up to even frying dinner, so I'm just nibble some cheese ... Twenty to six, ready to call it a day. And I think I'll be able to sleep.

Lock-down Day 680

It rained during the night. And rained, and rained ... the power went off ... it rained and was still raining when I left for work! What blessed relief! All that humidity finally coming down! Or should I say clearing up?

Temperatures are down, the air feels clear, not clammy anymore, only ... with the grass all wet, I probably won't be able to mow this afternoon.

At least the traffic was back to normal today, even though it rained!

With the power still off, I took my smart phone to work, so I can find out if it's come back on - and, if not, report it.

Reported. Sigh ...

Apparently the power came back around eleven. Though only for an hour, as load shedding starts at twelve. Lovely, eh?

As I'm about to leave work, it starts to rain. And rain! And then it's pouring! I can barely see the road, puddles are covering half the road in places ... slow going and dangerous! But I get home safe and sound.

Well, as far as the gate. Power is off! Another outage - not load shedding! And the gate won't budge. Fan-fucken-tastic! Now I'm stuck in the car, outside my gate ... WiFi router's battery is almost dead (I didn't think I'd need to charge it at work - who'd think we'd have two power failures PLUS load shedding all in one day?). I did manage to send a message on our group, that I'm stuck outside the gate ... nothing more.

My phone was still okay, so I could at least pass the time by reporting this second power outage.

Then it started to hail! I drove away from the gate and parked next door, under the car port - the house is still under construction, the gate wide open ... 

Eventually the rain lets up, so I get out and try to look for somewhere to climb into my garden. I've made three attempts - only one I could get up, but not down. And everywhere is just mud - I've already sunk deep into the mud several times. Luckily not ankle deep - just my shoes got muddy. I tried calling my neighbour - as usual, he's not at home. Eventually I see my other neighbour at his workshop, so I call him and he comes to help. With a ladder! Phew!

It was quite a mission trying to find a place where I had a signal ... and have it last long enough to make a call! Even now, my phone has no signal. None.

Nearly five o'clock before I'm finally inside, out of my wet clothes! Another neighbour came to see if I managed to get inside, as I couldn't WhatsApp. As I sit down to just take a breather - the power comes back on! Five o'clock!

I've taken a walk around the garden, what a mess! Branches everywhere, half my plants are flattened ... and we had a total of 92 mm rainfall! Ninety two millimeter! Sheez! Talk about a flood!

Needless to say, that I'm not mowing!

Well, I'm not doing much of anything, actually. Just relaxing ... for a change. Internet is no good, either ... 

Lock-down Day 679

It was nearly half past eight before the power went off. I was beginning to wonder whether they had cancelled load shedding at the last minute - but no such luck! But it did give me the chance to still watch one episode.

The next two hours were awful! Without the ceiling fan, the mosquitoes go crazy! In turn, driving me absolutely crazy! So ... I couldn't sleep until the power came back on ...

I'm a little worried about Lady Jane. She seems somewhat subdued lately. And she's not as eager for her Whiskas, as she used to be? She IS eating, which is the main thing ... maybe it's the crowding around the food bowls, especially when Mewthos' head bobs excitedly into her bowl ... she's never liked that. She'd often go away as soon as Mewthos sticks his fat head into her bowl ...

She's also somewhat on a war path with Mini, who keeps swatting at her, when Janey tries to come to me for cuddles and Mini is on the bed already. Those two are not getting along too well ...

Ai, ai. Cat astrophies, eh?

Mini also has a new friend. A frog who comes to the veranda door every evening. He hops between the gate and the glass door, hops up and down catching insects attracted by the light. Mini hops up and down with him, ha ha!

Well, I had quite a bad night. Yet I woke up at six - when the ceiling fan came back on, again! Got up, coffee ... off to work.

Into a nightmare of traffic! Made worse, of course, by all the bullies - who, regardless of who's life they put at risk, insist on overtaking in the oncoming traffic lane - at a solid white line (i.e. they can't see the oncoming traffic, as there's a rise or a bend in the road); and when they suddenly face oncoming traffic, they push into our lane ... with no regard for room. If we end up going off the road - who cares?

The worst, though, was trying to turn right at the T-Junction! Traffic turning left, follows a slip-road onto the main road ... those of us turning right, go straight. To the traffic light. Now, picture this: three lanes. I'm in the left most lane, which is for traffic coming from the ... let's say south ... and ONLY for those of us turning right! On my right, two lanes for traffic turning from the main road onto this road. Both lanes are filled with 'taxis' queuing to turn LEFT! They are on my right, queueing to turn left!

When the light turns green for me ... I first have to wait for the cars blocking me, having crossed (gone straight, from right to left) when the light was red! And then I have to wait for all the taxis on my right to turn left in front of me, angrily hooting at me for being in their way! And never mind that anyone trying to turn into this road is facing ... !

Utter madness!

It took me over an hour to get to work, through all that! Just because some people believe they are above the law ... risking MY life, and for what? Five minutes time saved?

Anyway ...

I did have a quick chat with my boss, though, and he promised that I would be paid no later than end of today. I sure hope so!

Anyway, I did nip out to quickly get basic groceries ... milk, meat, you know ... and guess what? The price of tomatoes has gone up! Again! By another 5%! I'm telling you, I had better forget flowers and put all effort into a kitchen garden! I also looked at the price of bell peppers ... unreal! Just beyond a normal, middle-class income!

At least long-life milk was on special. Real special, not like last week, when they advertised it as 'on special', but it was actually overpriced! It's weird, I don't know whether they're trying to see how many people they can fool, or what?

Anyway ... back at home ... it is hot and humid! Has been all day, I feel like walking water works! So I'm just snipping away at my tomato plants. Again. They've developed more yellowing leaves ... and I've cut the first cucumber. It's not very big, but turning yellow ... sigh ... I'm also not having much luck with the gooseberries, worms seem to be getting at them before I can ... sigh ...

I've watered. Smeagol attacked Mini. Sigh ... 

I got a message that money was deposited into my account. My December pay. The erroneous amount ... still waiting for my January pay, which should include the 'fix'. Well, it's something. Enough to get needed groceries ... I'll have to place an order this weekend.

Well, no load shedding tonight, so I'm not pressed for time. Only tomorrow morning again from 04:00 - 06:30. So I can watch an episode or two tonight ... while I give Ziva, then Janey the attention they demand.

It's too hot to even fry a steak ... I'm not THAT hungry ... too hot for anything ... it's hotter today than it was most of this summer! And humid! The humidity is even worse ... it's like water is in the air, everywhere, just not in droplet size.

Well ... I hope to be able to sleep tonight ...

Lock-down Day 678

 Early morning. Coffee. Work.

Load shedding is back! Stage 2. Starting at eleven this morning until five Monday morning! Here's my schedule:

Tonight 20:00 - 22:30

Tomorrow 04:00 - 06:30

So, no audiobook tonight. No episode to watch tonight. Better publish the blog before I go home. If I hurry, I might be able to shower (still have to wait for the geyser to heat up). Gas cooker for tomorrow's coffee.

Friday 04:00 - 06:30 and again 12:00 - 14:30. Again no audiobook through the night, and again gas cooker for Friday's morning coffee. I'll 'miss' the second load shedding, as I get home only around three.

Saturday 10:00 - 12:30 and again 18:00 - 20:30 Not too bad. Just need to rush the laundry and, if I'm baking cookies, have the dough ready before ten - I use a mixer to mix the fat & sugar. In the evening, well, I should probably avoid hard labour in the garden, as I'll only be able to bath very, very late. I'll keep the geyser on during the day, then, hopefully, I can take a low-water bath during the load shedding.

Sunday 18:00 - 20:30. Again, not too bad. But I'll have to time the bath again. And no audiobook during the night, because on

Monday 02:00 - 04:30 we get a last dose of load shedding.

Well, that's only the planned outages, of course. If there's a thunderstorm or a bird poops in the wrong place, the power will go out ... unplanned. Fun times ahead! Sigh ...

Back at home ... I watered, and cleaned the patch out back. No more. I had to get mippies in early - we usually sit until about half eight, but tonight, I'm racing against load shedding. Showered. Packed lunch. Fried dinner. It's quarter to eight ...