Lock-down Day 735

Not a good night, very early morning. Something is off at work, which is seriously bothering me, since I cannot put my finger on it. I keep getting a strong feeling that I'm going to be retrenched. Soon. I seriously hope I'm wrong - because I really don't know what I can do, if that happens!

I'll have to cross that bridge if it comes my way ...

I went to get groceries - having to bill them to my credit card, as I have nothing left in my savings account. I got some meat as well as cheese. As I was at the butchery, the power went off! Made me feel right at home, ha ha! 

At Spar, to my surprise, I found that Clover milk was the cheapest - on sale! That's a first! Clover, being a nationally established brand, is usually beyond my means - though it used to be my favourite. Normally, only the local brands are on special. I also got the new Gardener magazine, and another Coke. I forgot to buy eggs, though.

Back at work, power is still off. I've now labelled every single tool in the store - individually (something I do, to keep me busy during power outages). I've also had time to read the new Gardener. Fortunately, the power came back, as I was reading the last page!

Cat food arrived! The new Iams, included! I think, though, that I can continue feeding the food I saved from the bag, as they seem to have adapted. I'm no longer finding wet rejections anywhere ...

An idea is beginning to take shape in my head. It's still extremely vague, just bits and pieces floating around, looking for something to connect with ...

Back at home, I started mowing! Getting a head start for tomorrow - and it's much needed! Even the back lawn, which is always a 'walk in the park' needs me to go over some areas twice! I finished the back lawn, then - in a fit of unprecedented energy - I mowed the section outside my bedroom, as well! It's mostly thorns and very little grass - when I get time, I really should turn the whole section over, clear it completely.

On Fridays, when I still have the entire front to mow, I usually give up fairly quickly on the lowest setting. But since that section was a bonus - more than I had planned - I decided to keep going as much as I could. Apart from the jungle in the far corner, there is one portion just outside my bedroom, where I haven't been able to get the blades to turn - they just get stuck. Yeah, they're pretty blunt - I really wish I could get them properly sharpened. Anyway, I tackled that small portion with the garden scissors. Once it's short, I'll be able to mow it again.

When I sat on the veranda for our family time, I remembered an episode in PE, where Mewthos or Janey had come in from the garden, foaming at the mouth. I had completely forgotten about that! I've been quite wary of the two toads on my veranda - but remembering, I think my mippies have already had an encounter. So they should be safe. I just found the post & linked to it. Rose did suggest Mewthos probably encountered a toad, that time!

Oh, and Janey is STILL wary of me. Every day, when I come home, she slinks around, in fear of another pill episode! I suppose it's going to take a long time until she feels 'safe' again. Poor girl, she couldn't understand why I would put her through that ordeal when she wasn't feeling ill at all!

Well, I'm ready to settle back and watch voyager ... while I let that idea continue taking shape. The Newsletter I used to write is one of the pieces. And I remember, that my best writing was when I was angry. Oh, not writing rants - but passionately trying to hammer reality into an airhead. Another one of the pieces floating along is Reacher Gilt. A character in one of the Discworld novels. Certain phrases he uses ... which are so often used in business articles. And HOW he runs business. And then there's the 'Vimes boots theory of poverty'.

Lets just hope it all comes together into something useful.

Lock-down Day 734

After more than 2 years in Lock down, there is FINALLY talk of ending this 'State of disaster'! Total abuse of the act. A disaster doesn't continue for years ... it's clear evidence of mismanagement. But since it gives certain people power ... well .. 

Anyway ...

Not the earliest of mornings, but still early at work. Despite several sudden cuddle attacks! Mini goes nuts when I get dressed and wants cuddles galore! Janey just flopped in the middle of the kitchen, hoping for a pick-up cuddle. That's usually Mewthos' ploy. Ziva takes advantage of my sitting in my arm chair, hops onto the ottoman and goes nuts, wanting her ears scratched.

Back at home, for a change, I'm sitting down at the PC rather than grubbing in my garden. My favourite event is currently running in my game, and it's the home stretch - last few hours. We're neck-on-neck with another fellowship, it's a fun race!

Mippies came a bit short, didn't get much attention this evening - but they enjoyed sharing my dinner! And they'll come now for cuddles ... as I'm about to sit back and relax ...

Lock-down Day 733

Very early morning - power off! Apparently it went off late last night ... cable theft. I reported it early this morning. Lets hope they can find WHERE and replace soon! That's the biggest trouble with cable theft: finding out WHERE they stole them ... Sigh ...

Back at home, at least the power was back! I didn't get time to write - mippies kept me busy. I spent a bit of time with my tomatoes, when it got too dark, I brought mippies in, treated them, shared my own dinner - I barely got enough to myself! 

Lock-down Day 732

Early morning, coffee, cuddles, off to work.

Back at home, I cleaned up my mini plum tomato plant. Sheez that poor thing has been overproducing, and it's growing new stems and plants! I've cleaned it up quite thoroughly. The yellow bell pepper plant is also growing profusely! More peppers growing on that one plant than it can hold!

When I've done my best for both those plants, I watered ... then brought mippies inside, treated them, showered, shared dinner ... now I just want to wind down.

Lock-down Day 731

Not the earliest of mornings, sun was already up when I got up to let mippies out.

I spent most of the morning just playing my game ... escaping from reality. Then I went and paid my rent, electricity and my credit card. Now I'm depressed. I have just enough left to pay my debit orders ... with only a teeny margin. Still, that's better than last month. Hopefully, next month, I can get away without having to use my credit card.

This financial situation is seriously getting to me.

I've packed away the laundry. Put a cover on the dry duvet - now I have two on my bed. I've baked bread and muffins (burnt the muffins, I'm afraid), and cleaned the kitchen.

Yesterday, I did a bit of gardening, today ... I just didn't feel motivated ...

The toads are back! Both of them. I'm apprehensive when they're on the veranda ... yet, would not knowing where they are be better? Not really ...

Well, mippies are inside and treated. I've been eating potatoes ... I've showered, and now I'm getting ready for bed ...

Mewthos came to bed last night and twirled his little heart out! He went on twirling and twirling and twirling ... I'd washed the jersey he twirls. It's too darling when he does that ... and he's so happy at that time!

Anyway ... good night.

Lock-down Day 730

Very early morning. Mippies have to wait until it's light before I can let them out.

Someone keeps being sick throughout the night, as well as during the day. I keep finding piles around the house. I fear it is the Iams. I think, once I receive the next delivery, I should throw out what I have left here ... can't risk mippies health to save a few bob.

Shucks! Power went off around half past nine! No warning.

I reported it, and an hour and a half, power came back. In the meantime, I started scrubbing my bedroom floor! I've changed the duvet and the covers on the bed - when the power came back, I started washing everything.

Most of the bedroom is now mud free. I must say, I feel a lot better, that mud in my bedroom has been bothering me every since it flooded! It's bothering me everywhere, but I can only do so much! I should still clean the wardrobe. But not today.

And look what I just found in the garden! A friggin' crab! And a big one! The toad is gone, it left of its own accord - so, instead I now have a crab! I've taken it to the compost heap - I hope it won't come back! Oh, and the colouring is quite off - it's brown. It was already getting dark.

Well, I've showered, shared my dinner with Mewthos and Mini, I'm still hungry, ha ha! Time for cuddles in bed ...

Lock-down Day 729

Early morning, coffee, off to pick up At - we arrived at seven, almost on the dot!

At work, I'm afraid, I'm just not up to anything. I'm all knotted up inside, and I struggle to focus, and just don't feel up to any complex task.

I left not quite half an hour early, took At home - traffic wasn't too bad and I could take the same short route home. Got home about half an hour later than usual.

It's raining. Can't mow, can't do anything outside ... so I'm playing my game. Fortunately the power stayed on.

Then Mewthos and Smeagol get into a big fight and I'm running out to separate them ... Mewthos is soaking wet, having rolled around on the wet grass. He doesn't like the towel, but I can't leave him soaking wet!

I close up for the night, treat them, have my own dinner - I steamed potatoes again ... and just potter around until it's time to sleep ...

Lock-down Day 728

Not the early morning I had hoped for. I ended up leaving quite late ... and was pleasantly surprised to see very little traffic on the road! Surely the e-hailing strike isn't having such a huge impact on traffic? Well, whatever it is, in total, it took me less than an hour to get to work - with At! So, only half an hour out of my way.

The toad has been identified as a raucous toad, which can be poisonous to cats! When harassed, it produces Bufo toxins from glands behind its head. So, now what do I do? While it was out back, coming out ONLY after we'd gone inside, that was fine ... but now? Sitting on the veranda? Mippies WILL be intrigued ... though it doesn't really move, unless someone comes close to it ...

I went and got basic groceries. I also 'treated' myself to a coke. Not my favourite drink, but it's just about the only 'treat' I can afford. Well, chocolate has become a necessity. Yeah, I know it isn't really, but for me, it is.

I left half an hour early, and traffic on the way out was mostly bearable - the last stretch, though, we hit traffic. It would have been worse had I gone back the same way - so I went the alternative route ... which also turned out mostly bearable, until I got to DF Malan and hit heavy traffic. I got home half an hour later than usual.

I checked on the toad ... and: you've got to be kidding me! There are now two of them! The big one still cuddling my Rosemary and another, smaller one, hugging one of my Frangipani! I'm going to try evict them both tomorrow.

I've showered, eaten ... now I'm just going to wind down ...

Lock-down Day 727

Not a good night. I woke up some time after two, and when I came back I found my duvet wet. I assumed a puddle - but I was wrong. Someone had been sick. Right on my duvet!

I struggled to go back to sleep - no, I'm not changing the duvet in the middle of the night! Yes, its disgusting, but I've learned to tolerate this level of yuk.

I woke up late, and - apparently with butterfingers. When I tried to take my supplement, the bottle slipped and smashed. On the kitchen counter! I had to throw everything away, as tiny splinters are everywhere ... that's a blow! Those supplements aren't cheap, and the bottle was at least 2/3rds full! I can NOT afford to replace that, not the way things stand at the moment ... so, I've decided to stop taking supplements.

I already don't have enough left to buy groceries tomorrow, let alone next week - so I will have to pay those with my credit card. Then put the money back, when I get paid, to avoid the exorbitant interest rate. Hopefully, next month, I'll manage all the way through the month again.

I am so very tired of this kind of struggle. At times like this, I feel so hopeless, reminiscent of how I used to feel when I was still drinking ... wishing this life would get itself over and done with, I want to get out.

I just keep telling myself that this, too, shall pass.

Anyway. Apparently there is finally an end in sight to this lock down! Our government is busy incorporating restrictions into the Health and Safety Act! I don't know what to say ... seems like Scylla & Charybdis, or rather 'out of the fire into the frying pan'.

For now, at least some restrictions have been lifted. No more wearing masks outdoors. Yeah, that's it. And any indoor entertainment is dependent on vaccination (or a recent proof of negative test results).

Oh, and I was waiting for the third blow: I'm to pick up At & take him home for the next 3 days! Thursday, Friday and Monday! That's an hour out of my way ... and with the morning traffic? The earlier I leave, the less traffic ... Sigh ...

Anyway. Back at home, first I carefully swept the kitchen, wet-wiped the counter and just did everything I could to make sure there are no glass fragments left. Then I cleaned up my bed. And lastly, cleaned the litter boxes.

Outside, I'm spreading Marigold seeds far and wide next to the grill - all from the Marigold which had already grown there! None from my stash, yet! I've also added some soil to the 'bed'. Progress is slow, but steady.

I've showered, enjoyed some of my dinner - shared with mippies - and now I'm just going to relax ...

Oh, and that toad? It's back! Seriously! In the Rosemary bottle! Mewthos was sniffing around, and it hopped out ... so I shoed Mewthos away and we went inside.

Well ... tomorrow night I probably won't have time to garden. I'm thinking of leaving early - maybe avoid the traffic?

I just don't know a way out ... a way forward ... 

Lock-down Day 726

Standard morning, coffee, off to work.

Back at home, first I cleared the rest of the succulent bed, which I could reach. I'll need to work my way through the jungle on the other side. I also pruned the ponytails. Then I started clearing the flower bed from the grill to the corner. I didn't get very far - it gets dark quite early, now. I'm sprinkling plenty of marigold seeds there - from the marigold which had grown there - but I think I should also add some soil on those beds. It's mostly sand and rubble. The Zinnias do well in that, but the marigold are not doing so well.

Back inside ... not much to tell ... oh, yes, another 'family meeting' tonight. I wonder what our president has to say ...

Lock-down Day 725

If nothing changes, nothing changes. That Leitmotif keeps running through my head ... to plagiarise Douglas Adams: "in search of something to connect with."

I've certainly changed a great deal. The simple fact that I'm re-watching series I've seen more than once - with 'new eyes', so to speak; that tells me I've changed a lot! Well, either that, or I'm loosing my mind! No, I still remember the episodes, I'm just looking them at with a new mind.

At home, well ... continuous changes. Not all of them good, but that's life.

I've had two ... not exactly dreams, I don't know what to call them. In one, I had a different job, in another I'd won the lottery. Both are recurring, the kind I've had before. As I said, they're not exactly dreams. Realistically, I don't see how 'another job' is going to work - at my age? Unless I work for myself, like a consultant or something. Again - at my age? I wouldn't even know what field to even start looking ... All I can do now, is keep my eyes open. And my mind, as well.

Well, I've cleared up the Marigold bed. I now have enough seeds to fill the entire garden with Marigold! No, I have no clue what I want to do with them. Apart from sowing them around the border from the grill around the outside room. Once I've removed the jungle that's currently growing there ...

This is the weirdest thing I've ever seen! It's a Marigold.
Dried and full of seeds ... with some of the seeds already
growing new flowers!

And I found two like that!

Well, bread is not just baked, but lunch packed. Kitchen is clean.

I went to sit on the veranda ... but it was still a little early. So, I started cleaning my succulent bed - which is looking quite bad, I'm afraid. The biggest 'problem' is one of the succulents! It has completely taken over most of the bed already, and is growing outside the bed and just spreading and spreading! What I've done, is: I've just cut it off, whole armfuls of it, and spread it under the Jacaranda tree! Some of it should take root there and grow! That would solve the weed problem in that section. And I mean: whole armfuls!

Oh, and I've evicted the toad. Or frog. Or whatever it was. I placed it on the compost heap, which is as close as I can get to the waterhole created by my landlord.

Well, mippies are inside, treated, I've enjoyed a lovely hot bath, and now I'm munching the last potatoes and gem squash. That's it for today.

Lock-down Day 724

Headache is still around, I'm sorry to say. I woke a bit late, Mewthos was already quite restless - he's out and about now. Although he's been back for milk!

I've just treated myself to an ear candle, having just found the stub to use. Although it is unscientific, I have to say, I feel better. I make sure that neither wax nor ash can accidentally get into my ear!

I've just worked out my budget. Quite a sad exercise, I'm afraid. And a short one. But I'll make it through the month, though, with not one cent to spare! Good! I have everything I need, and I can treat myself to chocolate. But I can't so much as buy the outdoor broom I've been wanting to replace for months. And a new router is, of course, out of the question!

Well, tomorrow is a public holiday. Which means that, today, I'm free to do whatever I like.

First, I cut every chance of growth off my potatoes - letting that dry, in hopes of growing more potatoes. I don't know why, since I've never harvested ... Then I collected all the seeds from two gem squash - drying those for later planting, as well. Then I cut the potatoes and placed them with the gem squash in the steamer!

I went outside to do some weeding. First I cleared half the grapevine bed. Why only half? Because only half was in the shade. I'm not risking sun stroke!

I've cleared more of the driveway, too. I focused only on the grass and tall weeds - leaving shallow weeds. I could rake up all the leaves and branches - that would make everything look tidy and clean. And artificial. 

I seem to be growing Rosemary & Toad! At first I thought it was just a leaf, but then it moved! It looks so angry, I'm kind of wary of moving it ... I'm hoping it will move, on its own, after dark.

Well, I cleared more of the tough grass along the driveway. On the side where the tree is. Mowing should be much easier now! Though it's going to be a lot more work, before that 'easier' becomes really noticeable.

I've been thinking, I'd like to clear that patch between the ponytail and the rose bed. After I've cleared the bean bed, though. If I can make another bed there, then I could maybe plant the plum tree there - the one that's doing so well in the big bag - and I think it would be a good place to grow melons! Seeing how those horned melons did so well in that area ... why not try melons I actually like?

I spent the last hour cleaning the Marigold. Collecting seeds and removing the dead heads. I've filled nearly half a bag already, and there's a lot more still in the bed!

I've enjoyed a lovely hot bath! I'm not hungry, since I've eaten quite a few potatoes and half a gem squash. For the first time, I ate potatoes with only salt - no butter, nothing liquid. Just dry, like that.

Lock-down Day 723

I forgot to mention the set-back with the Iams! I had to open the new bag today, and found about a quarter of the kibbles all lumped together ... and not looking edible anymore. The bag was still in the lounge when it flooded, but I assumed that - since it's a sealed plastic bag - well ... assume makes an ass out of u and me, right? I'll have to find containers into which to decant what's still edible, today ... 

Mippies are eating more kibbles since I've reduced their treats. Which I expected.

It's overcast again this morning, and my head is definitely feeling it. I've been struggling with headaches all week ... 

At least I managed to 'fix' mippies flower fountain last night! Since the power outage, it's been off. I tried quick clean, but that wasn't enough, so last night, I cleaned it thoroughly and it's back in action! Mini and Janey are very happy about that!

Ziva is demanding lots and lots of attention this morning - while Mewthos is still hissing at Janey! Ziva, at least, has accepted her back into our society. She's been washing Janey and curled up with her in my wardrobe.

I'm double-sifting through the Iams. First when I take it from the Iams bag into the container, then again, when I take it from that container into an empty Royal Canin bag.

With much swearing and outrage, I managed to save about 2/3rd of the bag. It's painful, frustrating and, given my current financial situation - with being short-paid by a month ... throwing away food is just awful.

Mini just brought in a very noisy bird! I was able to distract her into releasing it, and it got away. Seriously, she could have lost an eye! That beak! 

I'm low on energy, so I took a nap. Then I cleaned the kitchen. I'm hungry, yet, at the same time, I don't feel up to making any food. I've nibbled on some cheese, in the meantime.

I reckon today's lack of energy is a result of the meds I took to overcome the mild migraine. Although I have been feeling somewhat off for a while. Sore throat, headaches, listlessness ... 

Tonight, mippies came in early, since Smeagol is outside. I've done the laundry and packed it away ... I think I want to just call it a day ... hope for a better day tomorrow. The sky has cleared, so I shouldn't struggle with another migraine.

Lock-down Day 722

I didn't mention Janey's extreme cuddle needs yesterday. While I was weeding, she came running at top speed mipping at me for cuddles. Again and again and again. She's jump on my lap, on my back, and just mipped and cuddled and cuddled and cuddled. That didn't stop when we went inside, either! She smells a bit of baby oil - probably from the ultra sound - and Mewthos keeps hissing at her, even swatting at her to stay away.

Oh, and her vet bill was much lower than I had feared!

Back at home, I continue pulling out the horrid grass. Making good progress - though I don't really see it. It feels like I'm endlessly cleaning without any real visible change.

I also discovered a bed covered in horned melons! That red rose bed, where this squash or melon like creepers seemed to be taking over ... it's completely covered! Since they grew wild, I'm not going to take the chance of eating them, though. I don't know enough to be sure.

Apparently the bright orange is ripe, the yellow are probably overripe? I don't know ... 

I wasn't up to writing last night. Once inside, I treated mippies, bathed, fried myself dinner, shared with only Ziva and Mini, then settled down for the night ...

Lock-down Day 721

Power is still off, and I forgot my phone in the kitchen ... so I didn't hear the alarm. Mewthos decided to spray my curtains. Grrr ... still, better than a puddle in the bed or being sprayed myself!

I gave them their breakfast, had some cold coffee and went to work. While I was having my morning smoke, I could hear the fridge. Twice. It's right in front of my arm chair, so ... clearly something happening regarding the power. Which seems to indicate, the problem is at the sub-station, not the lines. The difference is that the sub-stations run 24 hours, so we're not dependent on an electrician to come and find the problem. That's also why the power came back last night for a few minutes, and again during the night.

Well, both my phone's batteries are nearly flat, so I'm taking the whole lot to work, to charge. I also take coffee powder and milk to work, I'll boil the kettle at work.

Right. At work, everything is charging and I'm kind of just worried about Janey.

Around nine, I'm off. At home, power is still off. It rained over 50mm during the night! Janey knows it's her, I've come for and she tries hiding under my desk. I manage to grab her and get her in the carrier.

She cries all the way to the vet. I think she may be car sick? The vet takes her in, a student, and says to leave her - they'll call me this afternoon, when I can - hopefully - collect her! Poor girl! She'll be poked, prodded, probably shaved again ... let's hope that all is well!

So, I called to follow up on our power outage ... yeah, no news. Due to the ongoing protests, nobody knows WHEN anything will be addressed ... huge areas in Pretoria are without power and / or water. Lovely, eh?

Onderstepoort called and the sonar shows Lady Jane's spleen is now fine. She seems, looks and feels all normal - they're just still waiting for the blood results, regarding those enzymes. I can pick her up anytime between two and four - so I told my boss that I'd be leaving at three.

The student, who called me, stressed that I must please continue the tick & flea treatment, since the parasite is still in her blood. Any stress could re-activate it. Well, I'll try to keep her stress free and yes, I'll continue the spot-on treatment on all my mippies. I meant to do that last night, but with the power outage ... well, tonight I'll have to, regardless.

Phew! Power is back at home! Thank goodness! Winter is definitely on the way, I was already a wee bit on the cold side last night. I would have loved to take a hot bath! Instead of reaching the 30s, temperatures this week are coming up no higher than 25. Well, they went higher before the rains, but now ... 

I left just before three - just to anxious about my girl! She's fine! All is well, I must just be sure to continue the tick & flea treatment. Which reminds me, I better do that quickly ...

Done. I caught Mini off-guard, then grabbed Mewthos, who tried to make a run for it. Janey was sitting in a bookshelf, and feared she'd get another pill. Ziva fought the hardest, she almost scratched me!

I've enjoyed a lovely hot bath! Just fried myself dinner, and now I'm going to relax ...

It was lovely coming home so early! It was like I'm enjoying an early Friday! I spent the afternoon clearing the driveway. Specifically, pulling the horrid grass out of the tire tracks - which are, naturally, the hardest. I've made good progress, no wonder, given how much time I had.

Tomorrow, I think, I'd like to continue, rather that mow the lawn. This amount of rain soaking the ground is rare ... I'd like to take as much advantage of that, as possible. At the same time, of course, I don't want to mow the lawn ... it's just too hard for me, right now. I'd first like to get a sharp mower ...

But that's tomorrows decision ... tonight ... I relax ...

Lock-down Day 720

Mewthos and his breakfast! They've accepted getting only 2 treats in the evening without much hassle, but now breakfast is the new thing! Ha Ha!

In the evenings, though, Mewthos has a tendency to be quite restless. While I'm watching an episode, he often comes to snuggle up to my leg - but when I go to sleep, he gets restless. He wants attention ... but he's not clear how. I try to pull the duvet so he can come snuggle ... nope. I try to grab him ... he dashes off. Only when I'm fast enough, manage to grab him and hold him in my arms for a while, he finally settles down.

I have to collect Mini from the bathroom every night. She curls up on my bath mat and waits for me to carry her to bed, when I'm ready to sleep. But then she gets active, too, and tries to lick my face! Or just anything in her reach! Other times, she paws at my tummy as if to pull it out of her way .. 

Ziva is practically always on the Ottoman when I'm sitting in my armchair, insisting I scratch her ears ... and don't stop!

Janey has lately taken to the bookshelf, which I've placed in the alcove.

Back at home, I pulled out half a bin full of horrid grass along the drive way. Then it started raining, so I thought I'd sit on the veranda. Nah-ah!

First, I noticed my Hygrometer was off. Well, it's been almost a year, probably the battery. Replaced the battery, tried to sit down ... power off! Mippies also unhappy about the wets, so ... move everyone inside.

Treat mippies. Get out the phone, try to report the power outage! Answer after only 5 minutes ... give my details ... on hold for over 15 minutes waiting for a reference number ... cut off! Start again. This time, they tell me the last outage I reported - 2 days ago - is still open! So, they use the same reference. A technician will be assigned tomorrow morning. Say what? Yeah, they don't work after hours ... so, the earliest a technician can be assigned, is tomorrow morning. After 8.

Power comes back on. For all of five minutes ... off again.

I don't feel up to bringing the gas bottle into the kitchen, so I just stuff myself with cheese, then a chocolate before going to bed.

Power came back sometime during the night - bedroom light on, ceiling fan on ... but not for long.

Lock-down Day 719

Power came back just after nine. That woke me up! At nine in the evening. Funny how life changes, eh? I used to go out at nine - many, many moons ago!

Funny thing, apparently the State of Disaster was allowed to elapse ... so, we may no longer be in lock-down ... but I can't find any news article confirming what's fact.

Crap! Extended for another month! NDZ doesn't like letting go of her power ... 

Back at home, I have power! Ha ha, yeah, since it rained sometime today, that's unusual.

I went and carried on weeding the bean bed and around the tree, as well as the patch of grass. Making progress.

I've loaded the electricity, showered, and now I'm trying to enjoy my dinner. It's the 'Texan steak' I treated myself to - really big piece of meat, pre-spiced. So, I can't share with mippies, since garlic is one of the spices.

Now I'm just going to relax ...

Lock-down Day 718

Yesterday I had a mild headache growing worse throughout the day. In the evening, I took an extra strong Aspirin. This morning, the headache is back - and, again, growing worse.

Bumped into my ex assistant this morning - she's now working across the road! Miss her so much! She would have made such a huge difference here ... 

Half past four and another cloud burst!

Back at home, no power! Apparently it went off around two, came back around four, but not for long. This does not bode well! I've reported it, then sat outside to watch the rain for a bit. 

I don't think the will come back any time soon  so I wash over the basin, have a cold dinner and watched an insight into the Russia-Ukraine war. Completely different viewpoint from the popular media.

No, I'm not sharing my opinion, because I don't know enough of the history to HAVE an opinion. I'm completely ignorant. I only hope the war does not spread! It scares me.

Anyway, mippies are inside and treated. I'm washed and fed. It's almost eight, might as well try to sleep  ...

Lock-down Day 717

Since I was prepared for late wake-up, of course, I woke up early! No worries, the coffee was lovely and hot! I let mippies out for a bit of peace ...

... and then Lady Jane went missing! She's usually the first one back, mipping for cuddles! Now, the three were back, but no Lady Jane! I went out looking ... 

Of course she showed up safe and sound! Well, no 'of course' about it, since my neighbour told me about his two dogs, I worry. So, more like 'this time' rather than 'of course'. I'm just happy she's safe and sound!

I spent the time reading The Gardener - which predicts onion and potato prices are going to sky rocket! The weird weather we've been having has damaged crops, so ... she recommends we plant now.

I also cleaned one of my chairs - the one in the lounge - and finally cleaned the mud off my shoes! I've been wearing my takkies to work, since the flooding. Next step: treatment. For both.

When you walk around the house, there are so many 'little things' to be done. Wiping this corner, cleaning that box, unpacking this, drying that ... looking around, it appears that, considering that the flooding was five weeks ago ... surely everything should be back to normal after five weeks? Well, five weeks sounds like a long time - but when you deduct the time I'm at work, it's only 11 days. And that includes the Saturday, when it happened! I'm not counting Friday afternoons - as those are dedicated to the garden. That puts it into perspective. I need to remember that!

Kitchen was clean, bread should be finished just before the power goes off and I'm baking chocolate chip muffins. Laundry is folded and packed away - including the bed sheets. Protective cover is back on the mattress, under the sheet. I've had to move the box I use for my sheets - seems the ants are back, with a vengeance! Yes, I had sprayed - but everything I sprayed was washed away, of course. So I need to start again. 

Of course, the oven uses a lot of electricity, and so does the bread machine, during the baking cycle. I've decided to compromise - instead of buying a full months budget electricity, I'll buy half my budget. At least, until I know whether Janey is fine.

She's just been for a long tummy tickle session! Ziva joined to have her ears tickled, and Mewthos also came for a short mewling session. He's not as keen on getting attention on the bed - he likes to flop down in front of my feet, anywhere, then have me pick him up and hold him for a while.

Lady Jane. Now you see me ...

... now you don't

Mewthos half-dozing next to me.
Mr Nosey

While the power was off, I decided to take a nap. Then I washed the dishes. Everything is clean again. Next, I trimmed the last Ponytail. I usually do that at the end of winter, but decided to get a head start this year. I watered, pampered my tomato plants ... and cleared the carport.

Mippies came inside, I showered, now I'm just going to relax before bed ...

Interesting episode on Star Trek Voyager: Learning Curve. Which is about an exercise to integrate the Maquis into the Starfleet crew. Which kind of hit home ... it mirrors the situation I have at work.

Lock-down Day 716

I woke up just after six - and immediately started stripping the duvet out of its cover and crammed it into the machine. Let mippies out, to get them out from under my feet ... then coffee!

I'm going to have to clean the protective sheet, as well. Which is a problem - it's overcast, so it won't dry. I'd like to get a second protective sheet ... but they're not cheap. So, for now, I'll have to use towels. Sigh ...

Okies ... time to shut down the PC ... power is about to go off.

Swept the house, changed the sheets, cleaned the litter area and started putting the lounge back together. The bed is now just waiting for the duvet to dry.

And now the internet is offline ... again! I can't handle this shit! I'm just trying to get the load shedding schedule through on WhatsApp, that's all. I think the problem in the battery of the WiFi router, though. It's bulging again, as a result, I can't close the back ... and the connection between battery and router is ... wobbly. I think I will have to procure a new router this week ... Since this happens every two years - though I was able to stretch it to three, this time - I think a more permanent solution would work out cheaper in the long run.

In the meantime, I just have to hope ...

On with the cleaning. The duvet is dry, so I've put a fresh cover on. I've put the base cover and the protective sheet in the machine - first a cold cycle, then 40 degrees. I'm hoping the protective sheet will be dry by the end of the weekend ... 

I've moved some dry books back into the shelf - they don't look pretty. Makes me sad. I've checked the underside of the one bookshelf - no new mildew. I've decided to make that my garden shelf. I'll pack the seeds, tools, etc that I keep in the lounge, in that shelf. I'll also pick all garden-related books and place them in that shelf.

I seem to have the energy needed to do everything I need to do today; which is a good thing, because - thanks to Mister Piddles - I have a LOT to do! On the whole, though, the sheets needed changing, anyway. I've washed the floor area between my desk and the music shelf. Now I need to deep clean - scrub the grouting, the skirting, wash the walls, spray and treat the skirting ... 

The rest of the bedding is now in the machine with all my towels. I've thought about this deep cleaning of towels, and decided against it. Or rather, instead of filling the bath tub, I'll use the machine. First a cold cycle, then I'll do a hot cycle with vinegar, bleach and detergent. And maybe turn off the machine - let it soak for a wile ... or maybe I won't. I haven't decided, yet.

Lock-down Day 715

Not happy with Mewthos! When I wouldn't get up fast enough this morning, he sprayed my back again! Grrr ... this time, I'm angry. I gave him a slap across the rump, then got up and cleaned up. Before I gave mippies their breakfast, I grabbed Mewthos, carried him to the bed and pushed his nose in his mess! I'm at my wits end, as you can see. I don't like punishing, but I've tried everything else! He did gobble his breakfast, but I haven't seen him since ... grrr ...

On the way to work, I wouldn't let a taxi push from the yellow lane (where he was by-passing traffic) into my lane, so when he got past me later, he smacked my mirror! The broken one, ha ha! No damage - he probably hurt his hand more than anything else.

Anyway. Back at home ...

I'm too lazy to mow the lawn. Or rather: I really don't feel up to that. Instead, I carry on weeding the bean bed - plus the lawn around it. The bed isn't too hard work, but pulling the crappy grass out of the lawn ... that's a whole different ball game! I don't get a lot of roots, I'm afraid. No worries. I'll just keep at it.

Even though it looks like it could rain, I decide to water - it has looked like rain is imminent every night this week, yet, we haven't had a single drop! Anyway, while I'm watering the bean bed, I go and clear the jungle section, behind the tap, under the trees. Trimmed down the tree, as well ...

Oh, and I also removed quite a lot of new shoots from the ponytails. They're overgrowing way too enthusiastically, I'd rather they focus all their energy growing in established directions.

Back inside ... internet is working awesome! Five bars = full signal! I guess Load Shitting Stages 3 and upwards are going a problem.

Not planning to use much internet tonight, though. I'm hoping I get up early tomorrow, so I can wash the duvet before the power goes off at 8. With any luck, it'll be dry by the time I can wash my regular clothes.

I've grown tired of Relic Hunter for now, so I'm moving on to Star Trek: Voyager. Let's see how that goes ...

Lock-down Day 714

Wet spot at my feet woke me up .. grrr ... I'm not making an issue of it, though, as a wet spot at my feet is far less icky than putting my hand in a puddle, or turning over into a puddle! Mewthos has needs - he needs to feel safe inside, and with Smeagol outside, he's marking his safe places.

I woke up just before the power went out (ceiling fan stopped shortly after I woke), turned over, back to sleep. Very early wet wake, turned over, got up just before six. Mippie breakfast - Janey isn't very keen on it. I'm not sure whether that should worry me? She hasn't been keen on Whiskas for a while ... even in the evenings, she doesn't always eat wet food. Goes over to nibble on some kibbles, instead. Well, she's the one who drinks the most water, so I guess it's no cause for concern.

Killer robot is out. Again. Traffic delays me almost half an hour!

Around nine, I quickly went to get groceries. No meat - none looked inviting. Just cheese from the butchery, then milk & chocolate from Spar. Oh, and smokes, of course.

Back at home, litter boxes, Smeagol's food bowl, garden. I finished the tomato bed. The Lemon balm is really spreading, doing very well. The Rosemary, I'm afraid, not so much. Even though I water it every evening, it looks like it's drying out ... ah, well ... try again!

I set the sprinkler around the tomato bed and started clearing under the tree by the front gate. There's some grass growing out of control there, so I pulled out what I could. Not much, tonight, as it was getting dark.

Back inside, treat mippies, shower ... and find Mewthos on top of the top kitchen cupboards! Right under the ceiling! And - of course - he can't get down. Never mind how on earth he even got up there - I don't think I want to know! I coaxed him onto the shelf next to the door, then picked him off, as he wouldn't jump onto my back. Well, it would have been quite a long jump.

Again, trouble with the internet. Can't even get WhatsApp online. I eventually managed to get the PC online ... but now? 'Update failed'. We're now on Stage 3 load shedding until tomorrow morning, then Stage 2 until Monday. Well, I suppose we're still on Stage 4, as Stage 3 comes into effect at 21:00 tonight.

Ah! Finally! My WhatsApp message went through! That took over an hour! I'm just sending the neighbours our schedule ... in return, they jokingly call me president! 

Well, as soon as this updates, I'll publish ...

Lock-down Day 713

Fairly good night, early morning. Mippie breakfast. Coffee!

Aaand load shitting has escalated to Stage 4! From 09:00 today until 05:00 Friday, thereafter Stage 2, extended till Monday 05:00.

Okay, looks like the only effect on me is, that I'll have to use the phone audiobook tonight as well, as the power will go off 00:00 - 02:00 tomorrow morning. There will also be another outage from 08:00 - 10:30 tomorrow morning - while I'm at work. Higher Stages mean additional outages apply, so this is on top of tonight's & tomorrow night's 16:00 - 18:30 outages.

Good grief! Now there's a chance of escalation to Stage 6! NO! Just NO! Enough, already ...

Back at home, Janey is already hiding, poor girl! She's under my arm chair. But her pills are finished, no more medication! After my chores, I'm off to my tomato bed!

Making good progress. When the power comes on, I turn on the sprinkler. I'm watering the gooseberries as well as the bean bed - I want to work on clearing that area when I'm done with the tomato bed, so I'm giving it as much of a soak as I can.

Another frog hops through my tomato bed! This one is half the size of yesterday's visitor.

Back inside, treating mippies, shower, dinner ... 

Seriously struggled to get online. Even my WhatsApp wouldn't go through. I tried trouble-shooting, got told I need to set up internet ... tried fiddling a bit ... half an hour later I'm online. But nothing's moving. Even this page took half an hour to load!

So, I'm giving up ... post is complete ... good night!

Lock-down Day 712

I keep hoping to find news that the lock-down will finally come to an end ... I mean, it was supposed to be only 30 days! Not much to go for a full 2 years, now!

Well, I woke up during the power outage, I'm afraid. So, when I woke again, it was a wee bit late. Still got to work on time, though.

The trouble with baking bread while I'm not available is, that the machine has an automatic 'keep warm' feature. And any heating uses a lot of electricity. It couldn't be helped, this time, though. Funny how many times 'load shedding' results in the need to use extra power = waste electricity. Well, not exactly funny, since electricity cost is getting out of control ...

Around nine, mippies' delivery arrived. My fruit juice is also due to arrive today. The ePetstore courier has a new system, where I have to give him a pin. The pin is sent to my e-mail ... fortunately it's only 3 digits, so I memorised it. Good thing I checked my mails yesterday ...

Around two my fruit juice arrives! Lovely! I'm re-reading some old blog, from back in PE! Mippies were really hyper active in those days! Well, they were still kittens, really. I don't think I could handle another kitten phase now, ha ha!

Hmm, four years ago it was already getting cooler, almost cold, this time of year. But then again, PE is usually cooler than Pretoria.

I just checked the weather report, no rain forecast this week ... there's a rebellious cloud outside, though, which has decided it's time to burst ... it's pouring outside, ha ha!

Oh, crap! Load shedding has been extended - to continue non-stop until Saturday 05:00! Here's the fun schedule:

Tomorrow: 08:00 - 10:30 - I'll be at work

                 16:00 - 18:30 - no problem!

Thursday: 16:00 - 18:30 - no problem:

Friday:       00:00 - 02:30 - audiobook off phone Thursday night.

Saturday:  00:00 - 02:30 - audiobook off phone again Friday night

So, this time is not too bad. Minimal effect on me, personally.

Back at home, Meister Piddles has been busy! He sprayed the door to the garage and it ran all the way across the lounge to where I still have my books drying! Now they have an additional eau de MewPee! Lovely!

Grabbed Janey and gave her her last pill! She hid in the wardrobe, the one where the clothes are hanging, though, so I could get her quite easily.

I unpacked my fruit juice and did my chores, then watered the Rosemary and the flowers in the bed next to it, then set the sprinkler to water where the bean bushes were and the yellow rose. The first sunflower opened up today - it's yellow. Well, the packet did say they can't guarantee the colour. The other one should open soon, maybe that one will be red.

I continued weeding the tomato bed. At one point, Ziva chased a frog into the bed! I discouraged her from chasing it - frogs can be dangerous.

Back inside, I packed my lunch, then showered. Now all four mips are spread out next to me, waiting to share my dinner, ha ha!

Lock-down Day 711

It seems that my bladder has synchronised with my alarm. That's handy!

I snoozed for another ten minutes, though. Then got up, gave mippies their breakfast, and made myself coffee.

Off to work.

I had decided on a priority of tasks, and a showy one would be to have some kind of budget. Since I already have the income loading systematically, I decided to simply load the expenses manually - it'll be something to show.

Boss likes it. Very much!

On the way home, my radio decided to turn itself on - and I found out that load shedding is back! As of five this afternoon ... sigh ...

Back at home, Janey decided to play hide and seek. She hid in the wardrobe, behind the boxes of cat food I store there! I didn't see her the first time I checked the wardrobe - I only looked at the bottom shelf, where she also likes to hide. Then went to the bedroom, looked under the bed - which involves me having to lie flat on the floor ... and eventually found her!

Outside, I weeded the tomato bed. Since this is not the first time, it's going quite fast - even though it looks completely overgrown! I'm also picking out every last Nasturtium seed I can spot & tossing them all out back, in the Jacaranda section.

Back inside, I'd forgotten to turn the geyser on. Turned it on, gave it only half an hour, then showered. Next, I'm baking a loaf of bread - since the power will go off from 02:00 - 04:30, I have to bake it right away. It takes some 3 1/2 hours ... it'll be done around half eleven ... sigh ...

Now I'm about to share my dinner with mippies - I'm hoping I get enough food for myself, ha ha!

Lock-down Day 710

I got up early, then went back to bed ... got up just after six. Let mippies out, coffee!

I've turned on the geyser, so I can clean the kitchen - early, before it gets too hot.

Just before nine, kitchen is clean.

Just past ten, meat is packed. Good thing I defrosted the freezer last weekend, or I wouldn't have had enough space.

Now I'm treating myself to croissant for breakfast. With cream cheese, smoked salmon and a few capers. I'm a bit dubious about the salmon - it's been in the freezer for a couple of months, and we've had all those power outages ... but it was so expensive, I'm willing to risk it.

Half past twelve. I've scrubbed the sink, the counter, window sill, windows, drip tray, everything around that whole area. Much, much better! Finally looks like an area where cleaning can be effective! It didn't look too good, with the window sill covered in webs and dust, etc. Now it's all shiny and bright!

Just past three. I went outside for a bit and cleared the carport again. I give up trying to keep that creeper out - as long as they keep growing outside my garden, they'll keep creeping over my carport! I've done my best.

Then I hosed down the veranda, the driveway and the carport. Again! The trouble with the veranda is, that the water doesn't run towards the outlets, it pools around my chair. That's about in the middle of the veranda. And that's where the mud collects, too. Nice, eh? Well, I'm doing my best.

I turned on the geyser, so I could shower. Then, while I waited for the water to get hot, in a fit of madness, I scrubbed one of the kitchen cupboards. The one where I keep the flower. That, too, is now nice and bright and shiny!

On the whole, though I haven't baked bread, yet, I've made good progress.

And I just grabbed Janey and shoved the pill down her throat, ha ha!

While I was watering the garden, I had another burst of energy and cleared a corner and planted the Rosemary from the pot into the garden. In front of the veranda, in the corner next to the flower bed. I just hope it will survive the move.

I fried myself a sirloin with some mushrooms. Mippies definitely approve of the meat! They weren't too keen on the meat from the butcher nor the other Spar, but this? Definitely has their approval! I had to hurry up to make sure I get a fair share myself! Mewthos nose was on my plate more often than not! Ha Ha!

Well, that's it for today ... not sure about tomorrow ... 

Lock-down Day 709

Up fairly early, let mippies out, made myself filter coffee ... finished writing yesterday's blog.

Janey has some serious cuddle attacks. Comes, gets cuddles, even brushies, walks off ... and comes back. I think I should re-name her: Jane Fond-a-cuddles!

Of course, the minute I pick up the brush, Mini appears! She LOVES to be brushed! She's my little Miss Underfoot. Always around, preferably under my feet.

I started this morning by updating my finances. First, downloading bank statements, now I need to look at my electricity.

Okay, I've decided to see how the pre-set amounts work. What I mean is, when I buy pre-paid electricity, I can buy R60, R150, R250 or select my own amount. In the past, I have always selected 'own amount' and bought my full month's budget in one go. On that amount, they always charge VAT. On the pre-set amounts - no VAT! BUT the price per unit works out to 17% higher - VAT is only 15%. So, it's a scam! Yeah, it may be legal, but it's still trying to trick people who don't have math skills. And since the information isn't available - except on the receipt - well, you have no choice BUT to buy, to find out!

So, anyone who can't afford to buy bulk, gets screwed. The Sam Vimes Boots' Theory of socio-economic unfairness!

Good to know, though! I bought a small amount the first time, since I first wanted to be 100% sure I can load it. You never know - weird things can happen. Anyway, for now I've loaded enough to get me through the week - hopefully a bit longer. I'll have to re-asses next weekend. I'll probably have to buy another small amount, as I don't want to spend a cent more than I must, until I know the results of Janey's follow up appointment!

I did, however, have to put money back into my Credit Card - the interest they charge is horrific! Whereas the interest they pay is a pittance!

Laundry is in the machine, so I should probably get my fruit juice and mippies Whiskas & Spot-on. Sigh ... spending more money! Not ideal!

Right, cats are sorted. Next: Fruit juice ... Also done. Let's hope that's all for this month ...

Mini is absolutely obsessed with brushing! Now that I've started today, she doesn't want to stop ... I stop, but she keeps coming around nagging for more. And more. And more! Ha Ha!

I've hung the laundry outside, now I need to either wash the dishes / clean the kitchen, or vacuum pack the meat. Well, I need to do both, just need to decide in which order.

Three hours later and I've done neither ... low on energy. I tried to nap, no luck ... 

I gave up on the nap and took a shower. That seems to have worked, because, next thing I know, I'm in the garden, pruning the grapevine, trimming and pampering the tomatoes and ... just busy. I could do with another shower, now! I also pulled a lot of the Nasturtium out - they shouldn't have been allowed to grow, not with the tomatoes - yet, they are said to make good companions to tomato plants. Anyway, the bell pepper plants? Flowering! Again! Turns out one of the ones in the tomato bed is a red pepper and the one in the pot is a yellow pepper. And that one in the pot? Covered in flowers!

It occurred to me that the lack of energy these past two weekend could be linked to lack of fruit juice? I know fruit is full of sugar and sugar is energy ... but that's the extent of my nutritional understanding. It just occurred to me ... I worked hard three weekends, then the last one and this one ... no energy. It just fits.

Anyway, I haven't given Janey her pill, yet. And it's just gone seven ... it's a bit late. She was here a minute ago ... but she saw me at the drawer, where I keep her meds, ha ha! Now she's hiding!

Caught her! She doesn't like the water down her throat afterwards ... but I can't risk the pill getting stuck. Well, it's not much longer. Tuesday night will be the last ...

Oh and my back porch is turning into a terrarium at night! The frog still visits every night, and last night he brought his family along! I saw one other frog, a good bit smaller than our regular visitor, and later another one the size of my thumb nail!

Yeah, I'm feeling a bit better ... I've also opened the last fruit juice. Well, I've had Liqui Fruit last week - clearly it's not the same. I usually have some as back-up.

Time to wind down, watch a bit of Relic Hunter, then try sleep ...

Lock-down Day 708

The slurping flower fountain wakes me up very early - I can't sleep over that sound, so I get up around five. I decided to make myself filter coffee, as a treat.

A nagging work issue also pursued me through the night, and I think I have a solution. I'll have to implement that today.

I just read through some old posts of mine ... stumbled across one from June 2020. Gosh, it was really awful! Landlord turned off my water, leaving me freezing cold:

"When I was making myself a cup of tea, I found out that he's turned off the water again, so I can't even have a hot foot spa, nor a shower, nothing. That is illegal! He doesn't care ...

I'm freezing now, so I'll climb under the duvet ... Can't even flush my toilet!"

Reads like a horror story, doesn't it? And when I gave notice, HE felt betrayed by me! Mippies were also unhappy there, always staying out late, not wanting to come inside ... 

Yeah, it's good to remember. Not to dwell on the bad memory, but as a source of gratitude for the home I have now! Where mippies are also very happy!

Back at home, mowing is getting more and more difficult for me. The problem isn't the grass - which, with so little rain, isn't growing much - but me! I have less and less energy. I can't keep this up ....

I was getting somewhat depressed yesterday afternoon. I can't see how I'm going to cope with this huge garden, as I'm getting older. I'm also badly worried regarding work. Basically, with only 2 workers and only 2 jobs to be done - you don't need any system. You can just get what you need, and work the way the business always worked - no plan, just keep going. Which makes me redundant ...

Re-reading posts from June two years ago, the fear and desperation I felt about my home situation - I'm now feeling about my work situation! At that time, I couldn't see much chance of finding a home, where my four cats would be welcomed and I could be happy ... yet, I found this place! With regards to work, I can't see much chance of finding anything at my age ... especially anything, where I won't be forced to retire soon - which I can't afford. But what if the perfect job is waiting for me, just like the perfect home was?

And if I could find a part-time work, say one, two or even three days a week - I know my boss would be happy. It would work in everyone's interest.

My biggest problem, of course, is that I don't have a car.

Well, that's what's depressing me at the moment ... fear of the future. Not good ...

Lock-down Day 707

Late morning, I'm afraid. Still enjoyed my coffee, then work.

Heavy traffic in Rosslyn. The killer robot is out of order - that always backs up traffic for kilometers! Fortunately, they appointed pointsmen to direct traffic - but only after I had stood for about half an hour! Still, once they arrived, traffic got moving. Forty minutes late!

Around nine, I had a gap - work-wise - and quickly dashed to Ninapark. Unfortunately, their meat prices are in line with everyone else, now ... a teeny bit more than the butchery here. BUT their meat looks much, much better than the butchery, PLUS they put dates on their meat. The butcher doesn't - so you can never tell how old anything is. With petrol having gone up Tuesday again, I expect prices are going to sky rocket some more ... so, I stocked up. Big time!

On the whole, I'm happy with my hoard. The Sushi guy wasn't there - again (I gather Thursday must be his day off?) - so I treated myself to croissants again. They had no Borax. Again. Nor yeast - well, not the yeast I want. No worries, though, the meat was the important thing! And yes, I spent a wee bit more than I planned - but not much.

Saturday, I'll be busy vacuum packing all the meat into single portions, then freezing it. It will be good to have a decent piece of meat again for dinner, for a change. I've been living off sausages and cheese, mostly.

Frankly, I'm taking a 'break' today. I've worked flat-out since Thursday ... 

I'm just excited about my shopping! Yeah, even though it's just groceries ... so?

Back at home, I unpack. This takes quite a bit of time, fortunately Smeagol is late for his dinner - he usually sits out back calling for lovies while I clean the litter boxes, get changed, etc. Today he only shows up when we're already going back inside.

I spent a bit more time pulling horror grass. By the end of the day, I'm too knackered to even fry a lovely fresh steak. For dinner, I just have left-over sausage from last night ...

I didn't even get time, nor did I have the energy to finish this post.

Lock-down Day 706

Early morning. Mippies breakfast. Coffee! Ziva cuddles - that girl has such a cuddle need lately ... I can't keep up! We had an hour cuddle cave last night, then, when she waltzed off, I went for a smoke break - and there she was. Again! Same this morning - cuddle cave, then arm chair roly poly!

As I sit, it starts to rain ... a few minutes later: Power off! Seriously, this is getting ridiculous! Fortunately I got up early and had boiled the kettle already. Took my smart phone & WiFi router to work, so I could report it ...

Traffic was awful, though not as bad as I thought it would be. Bumper bashing on Soutpan road held up everyone - even though only the oncoming lane was blocked. Dimwits having to overtake on the shoulder of the road and the oncoming lane ... then pushing into the legal lane.

At work, I finalise the first project and send it off. Now I'm taking a break, I'm catching up on what came in these past couple of days.

Reported the power outage and the guy at the call center tries to give me crap for only reporting it now! Seriously? I do have to go to work, you know? Then he asks me whether it's raining ... like, what does that have to do with the power? (Well, we all know that the power goes off every time it rains - but that doesn't mean I have to start believing that is normal!) When I try to give him the pole number he just isn't listening to me, so I hang up in exasperation! I got a reference number ... that's the important bit.

I'm promised my salary - that would be the January pay, not yet February, I suppose - no later than Friday. I need to get to Ninapark - I can't afford to shop here at the local store. Some items, yes - milk is actually cheaper here than there; but I also need items that are way overpriced here.

With my boss just telling me that we're retrenching yet another employee ... I think I should try Friday after work. Sigh ... 

We now have only 2 workers and 2 artisans left. Both artisans are working production. And At hasn't been in all week - which means one of the only 2 productions is standing! No orders coming in ... not from anywhere ... And I'm an overhead ... beginning to wonder when it'll be my turn ...

Ah! Apparently the power is back at the yard (my landlord's offices, just up the road from home), hopefully that means we have power at home, as well! Ah! Message from a neighbour confirming power back at home, as well! Good!

And I've made arrangements to have my hair donation dropped off at CANSA. I tried to get a courier, but they only take accounts, not individual, once-off deliveries - and I don't have time to shop around; so I asked my boss if we could drop it off next time a driver goes to that area.

I tried finding an alternative supplier for meat - but prices are exorbitant! Way beyond my budget!

Just saw messages on the neighbourhood WhatsApp group, apparently my neighbours dogs were bitten by a Red Lipped Herald Snake - the same type I caught in my sliding door a few months ago. He can't find bite marks, but the dogs are clearly unwell. And my new neighbour just said that one of his dogs died! In one day! Fine in the morning, dead by the afternoon! That is awful! And he says that's the second dog he's lost!

It started pouring here at work, so I called my landlord, asking whether my house will be fine! I'm a bit paranoid since the flooding! He assured me that he's made changes that will ensure I will not be flooded again!

And I just asked: the balance of my January salary has been paid! Should reflect tomorrow! Another huge sigh of relief!

Aaaand! I just got permission to go off to Ninapark tomorrow!

Okay, in my search for anyone who will delivery meat at a reasonable price, I stumbled across some health freak food supplier. They deliver full meals, frozen. And the prices don't look too bad. Well, when you look at the ingredients and compare prices, sure, that's expensive! But I'm not cooking for myself, and I'm not eating very well ... and when you look at getting at least one nutritious meal a week - without left-overs and without effort? I'll have to think about it, of course ...

Right. I thought about it while I was pulling horror grass - the ground was soft from the 5 mm rain we just had - and I would say the smart thing to do is wait until the end of the month. Let me stick to buying only essentials this month, as well. After all Janey isn't out of the woods, yet. She seems perfectly well, but I don't know about those liver enzymes. Let's first see what the vet says.

Plus, of course, I'll have to put money back into my credit card account - which I haven't done the past two months - and, of course, I'll need to buy electricity again. Another thing I haven't bought these past two months.

Lets first see whether March has any nasty surprises for me, before I act like everything is honky dory!

And on that note ... good night.

Lock-down Day 705

Got up a bit late, but today that didn't matter. The smell of freshly baked bread is coming from the kitchen, and a few minutes later joined by the smell of fresh filter coffee!

Just after seven, they arrive to install my meter. I had planned on buying electricity on the new meter number before they disconnect me - since I need electricity to buy electricity (on my PC), but they can only register it after seven (though, it IS past seven - but it takes time for the registration to go through). However, the new meter comes with some 10 KW pre-loaded - probably to avoid exactly what I planned to avoid.

I got a card, with the meter number on it and I'll buy some at work.

While they were here, the gate malfunction ... he he he. Since this is the same guy who gets called to fix the motor ... I set him to it! First, he tells me that he's re-set everything and the way it's working now is fine! Uhm ... no! That speed is NOT standard, and opening only a quarter way, when I've opened and closed it a few times in short order? You call that normal? So ... he did some more checking and realised that the battery isn't charging! Same issue I had with my car! Fortunately, he had a spare battery in his car, so now my gate really is working fine! For a while, at least.

At work ... hectic! And: you guessed right - I didn't get paid! Again!

Anyway ... I've bought a small amount of electricity. If I can load it okay tonight, then I'll buy more.

Back at home, no Janey! And Mini isn't in her usual place either - I'm beginning to wonder whether they got out this morning? Not likely, since I locked and unlocked the front gate every time one of the electricians came or went. Every. Single. Time.

Eventually I find Mini dozing atop my vinyl records, and Janey is hiding under my bed! Bit of a mission getting hold of her for her meds - but I manage!

Loading the electricity works fine! Phew!

I decided to carry on pulling weeds in the Jacaranda section - very little is really tall, so I pull that. Almost time to do the winter clearing, so ... I go out front and pull a couple of weeds there.

Then I sat on the veranda for family time, and when it was time to go inside ... no Mini! And Mewthos was leading me to the gate? I was beginning to worry ... then I saw Mini in the driveway behind us! Naughty little minx!

Inside, packed my lunch, showered, now I want to buy more electricity and I'm contemplating dinner ...