Lazy Sunday

Got up way past seven! Then lazed about for two hours ...

At least I'm not feeling sick this morning. Just lazy. I can't decide what I feel like doing today ... I have, however, decided what I don't feel like doing: baking! I can manage without the muffins, since I have more than enough chocolate at the moment. It would also be good if I use up some of the cheese in the fridge - so I'm going to back cheese bread in the machine, and maybe make myself grilled cheese sometime this week. I've been yearning for some of that ...

Well, the cheese bread is on the go ... only took me about two hours, ha ha! Lazy day indeed.

I could, of course, blame mippies! Quite plausibly, too! I don't think I've have more than five consecutive minutes WITHOUT some mip demanding cuddles!

Well, today's achievements are worth less than a single paragraph: I baked bread, I made stew, I cleaned the kitchen. That's it.

A wee bit of weeding before I call mippies in, neighbour's cat showed up again after mippies were in - I messaged my neighbour, asking him when he's coming home, his cat is asking ... loudly! Ha Ha!

Now, I'll just take a bath - I meant to cut my hair this weekend, but didn't get around to that. Maybe next weekend ... 

Saturday

Very early morning, strangely enough. Well, not so strange ... but I think the details would classify as 'too much information', so I'll spare you.

Mewthos and Ziva are such a delight in the evenings, the way they curl up together, hold each other, cuddle ...

Aren't they just too darling? And they're doing this every night, lately!

Well, as I was up early, got the laundry out on the line early ... I decided to go into the garden.

With the beans planted, I decided to continue by the car port. I'm thinking of moving the pots out of the way, so that either I or possible visitors can use the carport. Last year, I just plonked everything down in a hurry, when my neighbour brought all those cherry tomatoes.

Poor poppies! Early morning, they haven't even opened up, yet - and they get mugged by a swarm of bees! Frolicking in every flower - sometimes two at a time! 

See what I mean? Such a tiny portion and I count at least four bees!

I sowed Marigold there. Those poppy all came from the seeds spread by the single poppy plant I had in the pot barely visible at the top of the photo. The one with the owl in it.

Well, it's only six, but I'm ready for bed. I cleared a wide row, filled three pots - planted tomato, yellow pepper and red pepper - then put the sprinkler on.

I tried to take a nap, and found a strange cat taking a stroll through my bedroom! Dark tabby with white paws. Really beautiful. Looking good, too - I'm guessing it's one of my neighbour's cats.

I feel like I've got a cold coming on ... I hope not, though! Well, I'm ready for a very early night ...

Friday! Yay!

I had some very, very weird dreams this morning. All I remember now is that Mewthos had worms in his eye! Yeah ... don't ask. Imagination may be what makes us human - but it doesn't always make us happy humans!

Arranged for pork shanks & cheese sausage at the butchery - will pick it up on my way home. Maybe even buy a little extra.

Mippies Iams arrived! Goody! I almost ran out of that - Mini has already let me know she doesn't like the level in their dispenser as low as it is now, ha ha!

I saw on FaceBook, that the new Gardener is out - I couldn't find it at the store yesterday. Apparently they say it's time to sow tomatoes, peppers and carrots! That inspired me ...

Back at home, I started with the bean bed. First I cleared the few weeds that had grown in the bed, and then I sat down for a think. How best to sow the bush beans? Yeah, I could sow them straight into the ground - but then I'll have to wait until I can be sure which is bean and which is weed. In the end, I cut a hole into cardboard, placed a peat pellet in the hole - cut that open at the bottom - and placed the cardboard on top of the bed. With a seed in each pellet, of course. When I had placed every last seed, I turned on the sprinkler.

Next: tomatoes. I had a look at the bed and ... even though I had covered it in cardboard with dried grass, etc. from the compost heap on top ... still got weeds!

I sat down for another think. In the end, I think I've come up with a plan: First, I'll use the bottomless pots. Half for pepper, half for tomatoes. I'll place the compost from the bed at the bottom of the pots, then fill them with the good soil mixed with real compost. I'll use the cardboard to cover the spaces between the pots. So, I started to shovel the soil from one of the pots into another one (with a bottom, naturally) - when I tried to clear the area around the pots, well ... the soil is too hard. So I harvested more poppy seed pods and set the sprinkler in that area.

Two mip moments: First Janey jumped onto my back - only, I didn't see her coming and my squeal of surprise chased her off! Ha Ha! Second one is one of the precious Mew-moments. Happens quite frequently. Mewthos is somewhere in the garden and suddenly wants or needs me - so he mewls. I call to him and he comes galloping at top speed towards me! With a look of pure happiness! Those are the moments that really stick in my memory.

When he does his piddling thing, those memories keep me from getting really angry with him! Ha Ha! He did another piddle, just after I got home - sprayed the spare bedroom door ... no clue why.

Well, we've enjoyed my dinner, now I'm about to run my bath - I forgot to turn on the geyser on time ... then a cuddly evening.

Thursday

Mewthos is making me paranoid - when he starts waking me up, I am now always afraid he'll spray me again! Piddle Meister! Grrr ...

Well, I had coffee, cuddles, then off to work.

Well, if I spend money online - in store, I hardly spend any money! I went to get groceries today - and spent less than half what I normally spend!

Back at home, chores, dinner ... I'm exhausted. Did a lot of physical labour today, carrying the stock around the store. So, I'm going to call it a day ...

Wednesday

I woke up quite late - having had to answer a call of nature around four. It's never good, if I have to get up so soon before I need to get up ...

Turns out there was a big explosion at one of the power sub station - and quite a large area was without power. For once, we were unaffected. But traffic was said to be a nightmare ... so, I didn't rush my coffee and cuddles this morning. By the time I left, traffic seems to have cleared.

My big delivery is apparently due today ... out of the blue. Cool!

I quickly paid my rent - my Credit Card is still in the black, so that can wait, and I also still have electricity. With the current situation with my work PC, it's safer to do that at home ... despite the dodgy internet at home! That's how bad it is!

And then I placed another order! Sigh ... yeah ... BUT: mostly for standard items, which would cost me more, if I buy them in store. Coffee again, mippies' spot-on (which was on special, so I got two month's worth), another sprinkler - identical to the one that works so well, also on special, frost cover for my baby trees out in the garden. I was tempted to replace my bread maker, as it's on 51% discount today only ... the seals on mine are practically gone now, when I add the water first, it tends to leak out the bottom. And it makes one heck of a mess in the machine. But: it still works, so I resisted the temptation!

Right now, I am just sooo tempted to open my boxes and play! It looks like I accidentally ordered 2 laundry baskets, though ... Another hour and a half, and I can go home ... and I can play all evening! Well, after my chores, of course.

Oh, and the butchery on my way home is under new management. They've started a WhatsApp Group, which I've joined - and their prices are really attractive! They're open until half six, so I could stop any day of the week. Maybe I'll have a peek tonight? It'd be better to buy on the way home. And I'm not very happy with the butchery I've been going to - they cater for a different kind of clientele. Different cooking style.

I just need to decide whether I want a sausage for next week's rolls. I've been thinking of making plain rolls, and use up the cheese I still have. Maybe make cheese rolls?

Their T-bone prices are really good, though. Still outside my comfort zone, but much better than I've seen anywhere else. I wonder whether they sell Sirloin? I think I'll pop in on my way tonight ... won't have much time, but I'll be able to get what I need for the weekend. Or at least an idea of what's available - and then I can always go again on my way Friday afternoon.

Royal Canin has taken yet another of mippies' favourites off the market. Sigh ... First it was the 'in Jelly', now it's the 'Maine Coon'. I really wish I could get the hang of making my own! That's where my new mincer comes in, by the way. Although really, seeing how cheerfully they share my dinner - I don't know why I don't just turn those into mippie treats, eh?

Speaking of mippies: I had such a precious time with Ziva last night! She came and curled up under the duvet with me! She's never done that before. I loved it!

Well, almost time to go home ... I wonder whether I'll remember to stop at the butchery?

Yup! I did! It's pretty bare - just a few packets of pork left ... I did get myself a T-bone, though - which was really delicious! Yeah, I had it for dinner - shared with mippies, ha ha. It was a bit small, though. I'll go back on Friday to get meat. I can order via WhatsApp so I'll be sure to get what I want.

Back at home, first my chores. Then I dived into my toys! I tried the new scalp massager during my bath - nice! I'm wearing my new house shoes - a bit tight, but they'll stretch with time. When the fluff defluffs ha ha! I've set up my new laundry basket - and yes, there were two of them. I've unpacked and assembled my manual coffee grinder - now I can have freshly ground coffee even when the power is off! I packed away the meat grinder and Mewthos is loving the newest boxes! He's nesting in one of them right now!

Well, that's it for today. Going to watch a few episodes of Frasier while I cuddle mippies ...

Catch-up Tuesday

I woke up very early, with all the sleep I got yesterday. I had a hard time finding space for myself under the duvet - as usual. When Mini came to curl up in my arms - she prefers me to lie on my left side. When I'm on my right side - Mewthos' preference - she claws at my hair! Not 'paws', but claws! Then I have to get out of my comfortable snuggle position, pick her up and shove her under the duvet ... and if I'm lucky, she snuggles down. If not, she starts clawing at my tummy ... no, I don't know why she does that, it's not going anywhere.

Well, whatever they did to my PC has slowed it down even more! I'm reading my book between every single click, let alone entering data!

Back at home, chores. Dinner - shared with mippies. They love chicken, ha ha! Then the monthly dash-after-mippies for their regular spot-on treatment! I left out Ziva, even though her wound is finally healed ... I've been wondering whether maybe it's yet another allergy to treatment? I mean, the Seresto collar was severe, when her fur fell out?

Anyway, taking it easy the rest of the night ...

Migraine Monday

Yeah ... woke up with a migraine. Messaged the boss, got up, ate something so I could take my migraine cocktail ... back to bed.

Mippies came and went. At one point, Mini dashed across me and stepped on my throat!

It was way past noon before I got out of bed, migraine almost completely gone. I had coffee, and slowly worked my way into reality.

I cleaned the kitchen. That's as much as I can manage today.

Sunday

Very early morning, Mewthos stands next to my head and sends a streak of eau-de-Mew on my curtains!

I finally got up, let mippies out ... and Smeagol cornered Janey ... outside the garden. And wouldn't let go! Even when I threw a rock at him (small one, of course)! Poor Janey was crapping herself ... She finally made it to the hole in the fence and zoomed right inside, while I held off Smeagol. Screaming and shouting!

I'm enjoying my coffee ... Janey's spend a minute on my lap. She's still cleaning herself.

I've emptied the washing machine, hung out the bedding to dry - just the last bit. Took down the curtain and put that in the machine. Sigh ... that wasn't the plan for today.

Past ten, and curtains back up, bed is back to normal ... Mini has stopped attacking Janey - who temporarily smells of Smeagol ... 

I'm not getting started today. Just feeling listless ...

Well, everything is ready for baking - just letting the rolls rise. I collected poppy pods - the bed is abuzz with bees! They're rolling around in the flowers like strippers around a pole!

I'm not very energetic ... done pretty much nothing all day. Just the absolute musts - not in the mood to clean the kitchen again. The bread rolls all split open ... I hope the chicken works out better.

Well, thanks, Mewthos, for spoiling my weekend! First my Saturday, forcing me to wash the bedding, followed by forced washing of curtains!

Well, most weekends he's a delight, lifting my spirits when he leads me outside - and then there are some weekends like this one. Where he spoils my whole weekend with his piddling.

Mippies came in early, chicken smells good, I'm running my bath ... I'm done for the day.

Saturday

We had some very late cuddles, and got up equally late - despite Mewthos' protests. I thought I might log into the game ... but the internet is not cooperating.

Load shedding has been suspended for the weekend ... yet, some people continued to ask for 'tomorrow's schedule' - our councilor replied by posting a schedule of Stage 0 with each group schedule 'none', ha ha ha! Some people still didn't get it, and said 'thank you'!

Internet still not cooperating. I spent the day in the kitchen. Cleaning. After I finished the standard dishes, I cleaned two more cupboards. Organised them nicely, and then I had space to move stuff off the counter - which was the whole point: giving me more space to work!

Well, I washed all bedding - just waiting for it to dry. Also still waiting for the duvet to dry. Sigh ... 

Mippies, however, have already claimed the clean bedding! Ziva, Janey and Mini are curled up on my bed ... Mewthos is probably still in my outside chair.

I made myself a tuna pasta mix for lunch. Lovely! Especially with the fresh celery. 

I did a bit of gardening again - tackled more of the tough grass. Mippies came in without any issues, I enjoyed a lovely hot bath ... now I'm ready to relax for the night ...

Friday

I had some disturbing dreams - someone had a key to the balcony door in my bedroom, and came in, while I was sleeping. I nearly shot them - only to find it was the previous tenant, who came to pick up ... oh, I don't know what. But she let my cats out during the night, and I had a heck of a time finding them and getting them safely back inside ...

There is no balcony outside my bedroom, consequentially, there is no such door. Nor do I own a gun.

Power went off around three this morning. I tossed and turned for an hour, then fished out my smartphone and put the audiobook on ... 

Promptly overslept.

Started to get ready to make coffee with the gas, when I heard the fridge come on. Set up the percolator, turned it on ... nothing! Power had come on briefly, but didn't stay on. So ... gas bottle out ...

Quite late at work ... but there's not much to do.

I forgot to wash the duvet. Hopefully I'll remember this afternoon.

I started re-watching Big Bang Theory last night - and I find that the earlier episodes, before they introduced all those 'running gags' were much funnier. At least, I enjoyed the first couple of episodes I watched last night. All those 'Sheldon behaviours' they introduced later were missing - which was quite noticeable. For example, he hadn't yet started the 'knock & call 3x' habit.

I'm looking forward to more episodes tonight ... 

I haven't decided, yet, what my Friday afternoon project is going to be. I'm thinking gardening. I'm torn between steaming the pavement outside my bedroom and pulling tough grass in the horror patch. I wonder what I'll actually do ... 

Back at home, I took out the steamer to the pavement outside my bedroom. I couldn't get it to work, though - I was afraid of that, as it had been on the floor when my place got flooded. Sigh ... 

I pulled the weeds off - since I can't get them out. The roots are just too tough. Looks better, though.

Then I went and tackled the tough grass for a while. It got cold around five, and since the power was due to go off at six, I decided to go inside, so I could at least have dinner. As Smeagol was hanging around outside - I had given him food, and attention - mippies were quite happy to come inside so early.

I didn't feel up to writing, after eight ... so, finishing this blog Saturday morning ...

Thursday

I flew out of bed very early this morning. Why? Mr Piddles has struck again! Fortunately not directly ON me, but, of course, I put my hand in it. At least I didn't roll into the puddle ... sigh ...

Duvet is in the washing machine, cover and all. Mewthos got only one piece of attention: when I carried him to the bed, tossed him - nose first - into his handy work and asked him: WHY? Just why? Urgh ...

Anyway. Coffee. Work.

Quick trip to get groceries - spending much less than usual! I love it! I got some club steak, reasonably priced. And chicken legs - I'm planning a chicken ... well, not a stew this time. I plan to use the oven. Layer of potatoes, with carrots and other veggies, chicken on top, maybe in foil. Plus I got a tin of peach slices to add. Should be delicious!

I wonder whether one can overdose on bananas? I've been eating three a day ever since I took delivery of the 18 kg! Ha ha! Won't be making that mistake again!

Well, I've logged into my game today. New Fellowship Adventure starting today - so I logged in just in time!

Back at home, chores. Smeagol is keeping mippies inside, ha ha!

I managed to burn dinner. As in burn black! Sigh ... there was enough unburnt for my dinner, though. Next, I'll run myself a bath ... then ... well ... the usual. No load shedding for us, tonight. Again!

Wednesday

Late morning, I'm afraid. Mippies have managed to loose one of their new toys - my guess is, it's under the bed. The new kibble puzzle seems to be a success, though! Last night, Ziva spent a lot of time investigating, and this morning, I left Mewthos engrossed in solving the puzzle so he can get to the kibbles!

Another weird dream this morning. Those dreams are almost enough to get me out of bed to avoid them! Almost, ha ha!

Some rain fell - I'm guessing in the early hours of the morning. Not much, just enough to 

Not yet eight, and my delivery is here! Nice! Chocolate, coffee and I treated myself to some tinned fruit. Just because!

The image of Mewthos engrossed in the puzzle keeps me smiling today. Almost time to go home ... I've managed to finish some costing, hope to continue tomorrow.

Anyway. Almost time to go home ...

Back at home ... no internet. Well, not much to tell. Chores. Dinner. Bath. Cuddles.

Tuesday

Relatively early morning. Mini doesn't want me to go to work - lately, whenever I put on my pants, the final step before I leave ... she climbs all over me. When I move to turn off the PC, she's on that chair, when I move to the bed, to pick up my phone, she's by my hands. I don't want to go, either, but I have to!

Mewthos flops in the middle of the kitchen, wanting me to pick him up for a cuddle. Ziva sits by her special food bowl. Only Janey is rarely around - she tends to sit somewhere in the lounge, hoping for a last pet from me before I leave.

They also want their attention right after having received their treats - they don't like me sitting and eating my dinner, then. Mippies wants to play, ha ha!

Well, I'm at work. Quite busy. Just waiting for the PC to do its thinking now ...

Chocolate arrived. Yay! I'm stuffing my face right now - they are AWESOME! They also included a large packet of salted almonds, another lunch box and a pack of fizzy vitamin. Energy & Anti Stress combination. Very nice!

Mippies' delivery has also just arrived. My coffee & chocolates are due tomorrow.

I think I need to get out my grumble book ... write down my rants again, or the conversations in my head. Get them out, once and for all ... because now, they're just giving me a headache.

Back at home ... busy. I showed mippies their new toys - they played with them for a few minutes. As usual, ha ha! It's my interaction with them that makes any toy fun - they don't much go in for self-entertainment. That's what I'm here for!

Right now, Janey is on my lap, Mewthos is sitting next to us, mewling for attention ... Ziva is waiting for me on the bed ... I think I'd better give them attention, wouldn't you say?

Monday

Another very late start to the day. I'm just not motivated to go to work ... well, coffee helps. While I wait for the percolator, mippie cuddles help. I no longer get to put milk into my coffee first - first, I must give mippies their milkies, ha ha!

Yes, I know milk is not good for cats. I give four cats less milk per day than I put into one cup of my own coffee. And remember: I clean their litter boxes, so I keep an eye on the effect.

I started this, when I was getting fresh milk - not pasteurised. Starting a new treat is easy - stopping it? Impossible! Mini already practically pulls down my pants when I'm at the fridge getting the milk!

At work, not too busy today.

I make time to place the two crucial orders: chocolate & coffee and Whiskas & spot-on. I've added some cat toys, as well. A kibble puzzle and an electronic toy. I also placed an order for my favourite chocolate cups! They have now increased their prices, first time in years, so it's been coming a long time. But they've also extended their range! They have a new Almond butter cup - I've ordered a batch of those, as well.

When I was looking for groceries, I stumbled across the push mower - now even cheaper than two years ago! Thanks to my auntie, I don't have to agonise whether to buy a new mower, or continue suffering with the blunt one. And this one should last longer, as I don't plan on abusing it - lesson learned.

I'm treating myself a bit now ... I've added a new laundry basket - mippies have by now shredded the one I've been using for years! Remember, I still had to cut the handles, so they wouldn't accidentally choke themselves, when they were still kittens. Also a pair of slippers - mine are now so worn, the heel is just one big hole ... been wearing them at least ten years, now! And they're on special, today only. And since some items in my basket are only available in 5-7 days - the delivery is due to arrive only next week. By which time the balance of my May salary should be paid.

I've 'splashed out' quite a bit today - and yet, I still have a full month's salary in my account. And nothing was 'impulse buy' - everything has been on my mind for quite a while. One item had been on my wish list for years, already! Oh, and I did buy a mincer - the cheapest of the 3 identical ones. Lets see how it works for me!

Yet another update to the load shedding schedule. Now extended until next Monday - BUT: only for the evening peak times, from four to midnight. Stage 2 tonight till Thursday night, Stage 1 Friday - Monday night.

We're affected:

Tonight - 20:00 - 22:30
Tuesday - 20:00 - 22:30
Wednesday - none
Thursday - none
Friday - 18:00 - 20:30
Saturday - none
Sunday - none
Monday - none

Much, much better than last week, that's for sure! I'm not posting updates in our local group anymore, not until a final, current schedule is out - as long as the last schedule I posted still matches, I don't confuse them with updates. So far, the schedule I posted on Friday is still the same, as above. Just ends on Thursday - so by Wednesday, I'll post the extension.

Well, I should get the cat food & toys tomorrow. The special chocolate might also arrive tomorrow. The standard chocolate & coffee delivery is due on Wednesday.

I'm more excited about the delivery due next week, though, as that's the one with MY toys!

Well, tonight I'll have power until eight. I'm not staying up until it comes back on - so: phone audiobook again, tonight. I better publish now, before I go home - who knows whether I'll have internet ...

Sunday

I stayed in bed quite late. Then got up and just made myself coffee - let mippies out ... now it's almost nine and I've only just turned on the geyser, so I can clean the kitchen.

Internet is wonky again ... sigh ...

I can't move! Every time my bum hits the chair, this happens:

Every. Single. Time! At least she's now starting to settle down, rather than walking up and down. Well, not right away, though ... first she walks up and down.

Now Mewthos comes, sits at the door, mewls ... he wants me to come outside for a roly poly cuddle in the sun.

As usual, I give in and go sit on the grass outside. Three mips come to join me, including Mewthos, of course.

I have work in the kitchen, though.

Just past twelve, kitchen clean, rolls shaped and rising, cookies waiting for the oven to heat up ... 

Not quite two, and everything is done, and the stew is simmering. I didn't go through the whole rigmarole described in the cookbook, mostly, because I don't have bacon. Oh, and because with all the work I've done this weekend, I just didn't feel up to that.

I'm most impressed with myself for continuing the cleaning! There are still one or two dishes to wash, when I'm ready to add all the veggies, but everything else is clean!

I also cleaned the water dispenser my mippies never approved of. Mewthos, because his head is too big - he can't get to the bowl without toppling it over with his big head! But for Smeagol? Okay, he also has a big head - but he hasn't got any other fresh water source, so he'll figure it out.

He now has a food bowl, which I keep filled, a bed and now a water dispenser. He even has his own room, albeit outside!

Internet's been wonky all day ... I've been very busy in the kitchen. I've now had just about enough of the kitchen, for a while.

Half five, everything is done, geyser turned on - I just need to bath tonight. Lunch is packed, Smeagol fed - again - litter boxes clean. All done. Now I'll just cuddle mippies some more, enjoy my stew, bath ... the usual evening fun ...

No load shedding Saturday

I had the weirdest dream this morning - after a restless night. I didn't sleep well, again, I don't know why. Around four I dozed a bit and had this weird dream. Where the tires of my car were so smooth, so run-down, that the air went out of one of them ... and I was stuck along the road somewhere ... boss refused to help, (which is not realistic), but a secret admirer turned up and helped me ... someone who'd been admiring me from a distance for a long time. This, too, is completely unrealistic.

Although everyone wishes they had someone who admires us for who we are - somewhere deep down, so deep we don't even admit it to ourselves. I've made peace with my single life a long time ago. I've always had the choice to work towards becoming the kind of woman, a man could be happy with - instead, I chose to work towards becoming happy.

And for the most part, I am happy! I still need to work on dealing with work frustrations, so they don't get to me so much. And the rest is simply me being an adult child - and I have a program to deal with that. Apart from the financial insecurity, I'm living the best life ever! Better than the life I've been working towards!

I always thought I'd end up in a small flat, with my entertainment and hobbies centered around my PC ... Ziva changed all that. Well, the first change was actually, when I started to grow plants on the balcony in the small flat in Pretoria North. That inspired me to look for a place with a garden, when I moved to PE. I got so much pleasure from the garden there - and Ziva only found me, because I had the garden ... 

Now I'm stuck with four lovebugs! Each has already been here, for attention, while I wrote this. I've had Mini on my lap, now Janey just hopped on.

I've turned on the geyser, I have a lot of cleaning to do, today.

Just about eleven. Kitchen is clean, I've just taken a breakfast break ... now to hang up the laundry.

Well, I cleaned the percolator and hung up the laundry. Now I need to come up with ideas.

Internet's been off for a few hours. In the meantime, I've packed the tomato juice in bags, which I've put in the freezer. After I've re-arranged the freezer to make space. I took out the cookie dough - I figure it's time to make the cookies. I've cleaned and cut the beans - just need to parboil them, and pack them in the freezer as well.

Oh, and Smeagol showed up again! He hasn't been around for two nights in a row - and he hadn't eaten any food, either. As much as I worry about him - his absence also is a time of peace for my mippies.

Just past three, beans are in the freezer. Still need to vacuum pack, once they're frozen.

Remember how I said the carrots are somewhat on the large side? Well, that's the biggest one:

That's MY hand, not some infant's! Seriously!

I've experimented with the Rösti maker again. This time, I mixed an egg with the potato strips, as well as steamed carrots, which I also put through the Rösti maker. I shaped half into patti's, and the other half I tried to follow the recipe - making one big pan sized patti. The former worked, the latter ... just scrambled, again.

Well, I've worked hard today. Or rather: I've achieved a lot! Tomorrow, I'll need to start by cleaning the kitchen again - and end with that, again, as well. I'll need to bake bread rolls, and I'll bake cookies instead of muffins. Then there's the stew - but that shouldn't take long. Although I have a lot of chopping to do, for that. I think I'll grate that huge carrot - I think it's the only thing to do with that.

I remembered to put on the geyser late afternoon, so, once mippies are inside, I'll enjoy a lovely hot bath, and then I'll just snuggle ...

Friday

I didn't sleep well, not well at all. No, I don't know why. Consequentially, I'm not feeling too hot today. Drained. Great way to start the day, eh?

Well, I made my coffee, cuddled mippies, off to work.

I've been having a look for a manual mincer at Takealot. Found three: Identical photos, one clearly photo-shopped, three different prices! Takealot is becoming seriously fishy ... trouble is, on that site, I'm experienced by now, so I know what to look out for. If I try a different supplier? I just had a look at 'Loot'. Same photo-shopped photo, four times the price! So ... yeah ... just: NO!

It does make shopping for items I'm not familiar with, quite laborious ... something to do on a rainy day, I'd say.

This weekend, I'll order mippies' treats and spot-on, they're due for another treatment next week; and the essentials from Takealot. If the mood takes me, I may spend some time - but with all that produce at home, I don't think I will.

Back at home, load shedding ... for another hour ... I had planned to make the marinade at that time - but the meat was still frozen.

I'd written the below before, last night, but it went poof! Internet wasn't co-operating ...

I'm not going to write all again, just a summary: I processed the tomatoes, they're all pureed, but I still need to re-pack for freezing. I've marinated the meat for my stew. I've steamed potatoes and carrots. Shared dinner with my mippies - who all came inside without games.

I forgot to turn on the geyser, though. Too busy.

Then I watched an episode or two of fringe, before turning off the PC for load shedding at ten ...

Thursday

All mippies came and curled up on the bed with me. Then Ziva changed her position to this:

Head resting against Mewthos, one paw touching Mewthos ... isn't this just too darling? Mini snuggled even closer to me - when I sit up, she likes to snuggle my hips.

Then they changed positions again:

Finding room for my legs, when I want to go to sleep, is a mission, ha ha! I end up upsetting the whole cat-and-caboodle ... and once I've settled, they come back, one by one.

Expecting the power to go off any minute, I bullied myself out of bed a bit earlier this morning. Started the percolator. Coffee. Mippie Cuddles.

Power didn't go off at all. I left about twenty to seven, power was still on. I wonder whether they've downgraded the load shedding again?

Nope. No change in schedule announced. I guess we just got lucky. Happens - if the technician who does the on & off switching makes a mistake or gets stuck in traffic.

On the whole, although I bitch and moan about Eskom a lot, I have a lot of faith in their current GCE (Group Chief Executive). He took over in January 2020, and - although load shedding has been worse than ever, with more load shedding and higher stages ... he took over a run-down, dilapidated, corruption-riddled ... can't call that a business, nor an enterprise - not sure what to call it. He took over after quarter of a decade of mis-management. The entire business is riddled with corrupt managers, saboteurs, gravy-train passengers ... 

He took over, when it was close to complete collapse - and has managed to keep the lights on. Mostly. He's recovering money, going after corruption - getting them off the gravy train AND repaying what they stole, and he's taking time to keep us, the public, informed.

And, rather than simply going to Highest Stage load shedding, 24 hours a day ... he's doing REAL scheduling, minimising the effect as much as possible.

Okay, so that's a bit tedious to keep up with - but beats unexpectedly sitting in the dark!

Anyway. Back to my little world ...

Oh. My. Word!

This has got to be a hoax! This just cannot be anything but a joke! The guy who dresses like a 1920s Chicago gangster claims tattoos are proof of a criminal mind?

You can't make this shit up ... this is beyond fantasy!

And that statement, how 'Ministers are also subject to load shedding'? That is a complete and utter lie! Which I know for a fact - not hearsay!

Remember the last place I lived? How we were never affected by load shedding? That was because an ANC Member lives across the road! Okay, the latter part is hearsay, but the part of never being affected by load shedding is a fact.

Anyway. I quickly went grocery shopping - just milk, a sausage for my bread rolls, eggs and cigarettes.

I'm just going through some soup recipes, and I'm stumped by the number of recipes asking you to add 'a can of soup'. There are recipe booklets I found at my mum's home - I scanned them all in. There's one called 'Magic Mushroom Recipe book' ha ha! Not about 'magic mushrooms' though!

I'm going to stick with my antique cookbooks, thank you very much! If I want junk food, I can buy that anywhere ... when I spend time in the kitchen, I want the result to be as special as my time is! Not 'boil vegetables until soft, add a can of soup. put everything in the food processor' ... and what? Serve baby food?

Sigh, another change to the load shedding schedule. Downgraded the Stages again, and extended until Thursday. Here's our schedule, as it stands now:

Today (no change) - 14:00 - 16:30 & 22:00 - 00:30
Friday - 14:00 - 16:30 & 22:00 - 00:30
Saturday - none
Sunday - 12:00 - 14:30
Monday - 20:00 - 22:30
Tuesday - 20:00 - 22:30

Wednesday - none

Thursday - none

Not the best time slots - but not the worst, either. Load shedding is no longer 24 hours, they're doing their best to keep us safe, stopping load shedding from midnight to five, at least. And, as they recover more capacity, the next update could mean no evening load shedding anymore, either. At least, not after ten, hopefully. The four to ten time slot is peak usage, though, so they'll probably keep that slot active longer ...

Back to my culinary adventures! I'm sitting with 6kg tomatoes, 18kg bananas, 3kg carrots, 1kg green beans ... and no freezer space! I did this to myself, so ... complaining is futile, ha ha!

I'm thinking of making a kind of soup / puree with the tomatoes. Skin them, blend them with some bananas (to counteract the acidity) and lemon juice as preservative. Maybe salt, as well. Then freeze it in vacuum bags - and once frozen, vacuum pack, then back into the freezer. I'll need space, though - I'm planning on using the chuck out of the freezer, and for tomorrow, the meat rolls. They're spiced mince rolled in a thin slice of beef. I'll have a look and see what else I can take out to make space.

The carrots wouldn't have been such an issue, if they had delivered 3x1kg, instead of the 1x3kg. The difference? These buggers are huge! There are only about a dozen carrots, one bigger than the next! I could use them as a weapon, ha ha! I'll see if I have a container to so I can put them with water in the fridge. I'll be using several for each stew, so they won't go off.

The beans shouldn't be much of an issue. I'll just vacuum pack them - use half this week, half next week. Or maybe even freeze some, after blanching. When they're cut, they don't take up too much space.

But don't ask me what I was thinking when I ordered 18kg bananas! I must BE bananas! Well, at least I'm not dull, ha ha!

Well, I'll be listening to audiobook on the phone again tonight ... I'm not staying up past midnight! Same tomorrow night ... sigh ...

Well, I've read the old cookbooks and ... well ... I'm looking forward to my experiments this weekend! Now, however, mippies demand cuddles ...

Chaotic Wednesday

Eskom has re-shuffled the load shedding stages, yet again. And extended to Sunday. No change on our schedule, though - except the extension. They announced that some 3 minutes to five! I only just managed to check their new schedule against the previous one and post updates.

Fruit and Veg delivery arrived as I was turning in at home. Tried calling Nelson - I think I don't have his current number. Called the boss, asked him to call Nelson to open up. Took a bit of time, but all went well. I had, obviously, told Nelson that there could be a delivery after hours.

As a result of stopping to make these calls, I got home a bit late. Not a problem, though. Get through chores, and finally get to take a smoke break - aka quality time with my mippies - just as the power comes on. Just after six.

Only: No Janey! Ziva was on the veranda. Mewthos came soon enough. Mini is usually by the compost heap ... but where's Janey? She's usually on the veranda, never far! I call. I walk around the house. I check inside the house, even the garage. No Janey. I get the torch, and start calling and walking outside the gate - followed by Ziva and Mini. No Janey! I go back ... hoping ... No Janey. Walk around the house, calling, again. No Janey. This went on for over half an hour ... and now I am getting frantic! Another ten minutes of walking, searching with the torch, calling ... no Janey!

In desperation, I sit down, have a smoke and try to think where I could look next ... turn my head: There's Janey! Gives me a look as if to say "Oh? Are we playing a new game? Can I join, too? So, who are we looking for, then?"

I was so angry, and relieved! I thought, this time, for sure, I've lost her ... in just the twenty minutes while I was doing my chores!

Forty-five minutes! None have EVER gone 'missing' for that long! Usually Smeagol is to blame, but I neither saw nor heard him at all last night!

Yeah ... hope I never go through that again!

Thanks to all that, it was seven, before I turned on the geyser. So, by the time I ran my bath, water was just about warm, not hot. I wasn't up to waiting longer. Thanks, Janey!

I re-heated my dinner. Mewthos wheedled another treat out of me. Ate. Bathed. Curled up on the bed and held Janey so tight, she popped out of my arms like a cork from a champagne bottle, when I finally released her!

This morning, I woke up after six. When the UPS cried its lack of power and shut down. Hauled out the gas bottle, made myself coffee. Cuddled mippies.

Mewthos has recently discovered that, when I'm sitting in my arm chair, I can scratch his ears! Ha ha! Which puts him in competition with Ziva, as she has long ago discovered that - and jumps onto the Ottoman next to my armchair, then throws herself at my hand enthusiastically! Now, when Mewthos comes and mewls at my feet - I still have only one hand (since I usually just sit down for a quick smoke) ... and the two of them are eying each other jealously!

At work, first thing: they didn't just deliver my order, but also someone else's meat order! So, write and explain - they'll come and collect. Yes, they also deliver meat - but their meat prices are beyond my budget!

Fruit Juice delivery arrived.

Remember, back in PE, I had this aloe / bromeliad like flower in my garden, which I've never been able to identify? I think I've FINALLY found it's name:

Aechmea maculata

Above are the photos from my garden in PE.

Below the image from Wikipedia:

By Hardyplants at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21034248

If not 100% correct, I'm at least getting closer. It's a Bromeliad. And an Aechmea - though maybe not maculata, but at least something close.

I wonder if they're still flowering? They did survive years of neglect - until I moved in. All it took from me, was to remove the 'dead' flowers for new ones to grow.

Catching up on some admin now ... writing this, while I wait for the PC to think ...

Aaand another rumble in the load shed jungle! This time, to our advantage, though, as they're now lowering the stages. One big change is that the 22:00 - 00:30 time slot tonight will fall away. But it's still happening tomorrow & Friday night. As well as Saturday night. But on Sunday, we'll have no load shedding. Monday just one slot: 20:00 - 22:30.

And they've just come to collect the meat. 

Sheez! Just looking at the flurry of messages on the electricity group re the reduction in stages ... after 14 years of load shedding, these people STILL haven't the first clue how it works! Just whine and moan about 'someone' must tell them their schedule ...

Anyway. Back at home, I have a lot to do! Offloading and unpacking - and I need to check the fruit & veg against the list. Turns out they did send replacement apples - Granny Smith. I'll have to write again tomorrow, telling them they can cancel their voucher.

Well, I don't have enough room in my fridge for everything. I've managed to fit all the fruit juice, most of the fruit, some vegetables, but not everything. The box of bananas, and the box of tomatoes are outside.

Right now, I'm struggling with mippies. Janey on my lap, Mewthos mewling to be picked up ... Janey just left ...

I've eaten, and - without any shenanigans from ANY mip - I turned on the geyser shortly after I got home. Janey stayed particularly close to me tonight. 

Well, I'll have power until six tomorrow, so ... no rush. I'll enjoy a bath, then enjoy some episodes of Fringe, cuddle mippies ... whatever ...

Pawn in the games

I managed to get up a bit earlier this morning. It's not as dark now - still ... it's cold.

I had to have quite a lengthy cuddle session with Smeagol last night ... he kind of wants to come in and live with me ... but not with my mippies. Poor bastard.

I had all four mippies on the bed again - though I had to go and fetch Mini, who had 'escaped' to the lounge. She often goes and curls up somewhere, waiting for me to come and fetch her. Little Miss Special Attention, ha ha!

Anyway. Fruit Juice will be delivered tomorrow. Fruit & Vegetable delivery ... unknown. I'll know when it's here. Can't follow on their website, and all I get is a mail that my order has been received. On their website, ALL orders (dating 2 years back) show status 'processing'. Ah, well. They promise delivery within 48 hours. So it'll be either today or tomorrow.

Call from the Fruit & Veg - they've made several replacements. Instead of raspberries, I'll get blueberries. Fine. Instead of a sweet melon, I'll get musk melon. Fine. Instead of Golden Delicious, I'll get Granny Smith. Uh-uh! Not fine. I can't make apple pie with Granny Smith. How about you credit me & I'll use the credit on my next order? Done! Delivery will be today. Nice!

Quarter to five, no delivery, yet. Well, since I can't rely on having internet tonight, I'll publish now & let you know what happened in tomorrow's edition.

Mad Monday

Struggling to get out of bed on time ... at work quite late.

When I have a few minutes, place the order for the fruit & veggies. On checkout, I discover that they've increased delivery fees - quite drastically! Last time I paid R25 - this time, they're charging R144.40! That's nearly 6 x the last price! BUT: I last ordered in November 2020! That's 20 months ago - and petrol prices have been rising, rising, and rising! Add the rise in electricity and everything else ... and then work it out per kg of my entire order - and it's STILL cheaper than in store!

The delivery fee seems fixed - I'd made a mistake on my order, and updating that had no effect on the fee. So, it's worth while, as long as it's a big enough order.

I removed some fruits from my order - I don't think I'll have time to process / eat everything before it goes off. I did, however, add 6kg tomatoes! I've looked through the recipes, and most like to add tomatoes to stews. I've been using canned tomatoes - but when I use so many now, it's too expensive. Now, if only I had learned to preserve all those cherry tomatoes I've been harvesting, eh?

That's where those German Cookbooks come in, by the way. They're not so much cookbooks, as 'housewives instruction manuals' - they discuss matters of nutrition, and are very big on preservation. How best to keep which fruits / vegetables - and which method preserves for the longest time. I only know about blanching & freezing - and I don't yet have enough space to stock for the non-harvest seasons.

Placed the fruit juice order as well - I'm pretty low, just about enough for this week.

I just realised, that I'll need the spot-on asap, as well ... sigh ... I don't want to be seen receiving too many deliveries here at work, ha ha! No need to give anyone ideas.

I'm now trying to see what's available at Makro - might be worth the trip on Friday. So, I figured, ordering online, then just collect would be great! Yeah ... would be ... can't log in. And I'm not getting a reset for a possibly forgotten password ... Makro Online sucks! Always has - I just thought it would have been fixed by now.

Well, I'm not keen on going there, anyway.

And then I went home. The power came back on, I turned on the PC ... but no internet.

I re-heated stew on the induction plate. The past few weeks, I'd reheat the whole pot every evening - now I've FINALLY come up with a more energy-efficient method. Well, I've known all along ... just didn't act.

I'm considering a Microwave. Never had one. But for re-heating meals, it would be ideal. And I have some awesome microwave recipes - I scanned in all the little cookbooks that come with appliances. Or at least used to - nowadays, many no longer include recipes.

Anyway ... dinner ... cuddles ... an episode or two, then off with the PC ... bed ...

Slow Sunday

Power only goes off once, this afternoon, 16:00 - 18:30, so load shedding isn't driving, nor ruling my day.

Crap! I spoke too soon! Load shedding stages have escalated again, and apparently we're going off 08:00 - 10:30 again ... in fifteen minutes! Grrr

This is our updated and extended schedule:

Today 
00:00 - 07:00 Stage 2 - none
07:00 - 16:00 Stage 3 - 08:00 - 10:30
16:00 - 00:00 Stage 4 - 16:00 - 18:30
Monday 
00:00 - 05:00 Stage 2 - 00:00 - 02:30
05:00 - 00:00 Stage 4 - 08:00 - 10:30 & 16:00 - 18:30
Tuesday 
00:00 - 05:00 Stage 2 - 00:00 - 02:30
05:00 - 00:00 Stage 4 - 08:00 - 10:30 & 16:00 - 18:30
Wednesday 
00:00 - 05:00 Stage 2 - none 
05:00 - 00:00 Stage 4 - 06:00 - 08:30 & 14:00 - 16:30 & 22:00 - 00:30
Thursday
00:00 - 05:00 Stage 2 - none 
05:00 - 00:00 Stage 4 - 06:00 - 08:30 & 14:00 - 16:30 & 22:00 - 00:30
Friday 
00:00 - 05:30 Stage 2 - none 
05:00 - 00:00 Stage 3 - 14:00 - 16:30 & 22:00 - 00:30

Those 22:00 - 00:30 time slots worry me: prime crime time!

Since this is the schedule at home, some of those times won't affect me - at work we don't get load shedding. It's an industrial area, all factories - including BMW, Nissan, SA breweries, etc.

Still, Wednesday's and Thursday's early time slot means I'll probably have to haul out the gas bottle for my coffee. Unless I manage to get up on time, haha!

Mini usurped Janey's seat this morning! She came and mipped around my feet as I sar at the PC, so I picked her up and she curled up on my lap. When Janey arrived to get her cuddles, she was not pleased!

Well, I've spent an hour working out the new schedule - I had to use the printout, together with online announcement of the Stages ... on the phone.  That's why it took so long. Plus, of course, mippie cuddles.

I'm busy with another major change in life-style. My aunts gift gave me freedom! Isn't that the greatest gift? I'm no free to not so much do anything I like, but work towards whichever goal I choose!

Oh, I could have given thought to that anytime - but it's more fun, when it's realistic, not just fantasy!

Okay, so here's the paradigm shift: I'm making food the key! Or corner stone, or foundation, or starting point. Not home, not the garden, not hobbies, but food! Why? Well, I haven't been eating well ... mostly just fried slabs of meat, sharing with mippies. Or quickly slapped together stews. I used to eat much better! And I can't really use the food prices as an excuse - although they've removed all the 'quick & easy' meals ... 

So, it's time I expand my menu! That's why I've been going through all my cookbooks - looking specifically for recipes using the 'cheaper' cuts. Time to experiment. Time to start enjoying my food, again, ha ha!

And then, of course, the garden should meet my menu, right? I mean, I haven't used a lot of what I've harvested ... which is kind of a waste. And I have a bit of a break now - weeds don't grow as much in winter. Less pressure to go into the garden.

I haven't done this before, because it's such a time consuming task! It's not just looking up recipes ... I have to figure out how to cook with MY equipment, avoid the oven as much as possible - my cookbooks are old, they pre-date the electricity-costs-an-arm-and-a-leg era. And then there are all those high priced ingredients, most of which are not available in the low-budget area where I shop.

And then there's all the translation from cookbook terminology to store terminology. Like, the cookbook asks for 'braising steak' ... so I have to figure out what that is labelled as, when it's in the store!

And don't forget replacing alcohol with a non-alcoholic equivalent! Fortunately, I have a list of what to use instead of which. I looked that up a long time ago, when I first sobered up.

And, to expand my range of recipe options, I also need to translate the names of the less expensive cuts to German. Which gets tricky, since 'google translate' is, obviously, useless here.

Lastly, there's this whole thing about equipment. Some recipes just say 'put it in the food processor' ... no explanation, no description ... just 'use food processor'. Implying that 'if you don't have a food processor, you have no business in the kitchen'! That's just one example. But the thing is, I'm somewhat old fashioned, and - although I do have quite a few new gadgets, I don't have them all! I don't think anyone does! And I'm not buying a food processor - for example - when I DO have equipment, that can achieve the same results! Though, maybe with a bit more elbow grease.

So you see why I've avoided this - quite big - task for so long. It's quite time consuming! But now I'm in the right mood and actually enjoying it.

By the way, the above-budget use of electricity is more likely due to my habit of just tossing everything into a pot and letting it stew for 2-3 hours. Even though the Multi-Cooker I use, uses less electricity than any other option. Well, maybe the induction plate would use even less? I'll have to experiment with that.

Sigh, speaking of which ... I'm now using the warming drawer, so my shaped rolls can actually rise. They didn't last week ... well, not properly. I also didn't bake them long enough, I'd say - though they were going black underneath, they were still pretty wet on top.

Right! Rolls are baked, ditto muffins, kitchen is clean ... stew is on the go, just needs to simmer for 2 - 2 1/2 hours. Only problem is: I only have power for another 1 1/4 hours! It's quarter to three - power goes off at four. Again. Sigh ...

Ha Ha! Watch out, Putin - Ziva is coming! I just watched Ziva dig and dig and dig a deep, deep hole in my bed out back ... why so deep? Ha Ha, they're all using the same spot, so it takes a lot of digging to get past previous deposits ... so now, they end up 'digging for Russia'!

Lunch is packed, percolator is prepped - just need to add coffee. Muffins are packed away - rolls have not cooled down enough, yet.

Ten to four, everything packed away and I had a cheese roll - in lieu of dinner ... well, I'm not likely to feel like writing more, once I have power again ... but then again, I'd say I've written quite enough, eh?

Sheddy Saturday

I forgot to wash my laundry yesterday afternoon, so I loaded the machine, that I could do it after eight ... when I was too lazy to get out of bed and go into the cold ...

And this morning, I got up too late ... ah, well! It's not overcast, so at the latest, everything should be dry by Sunday. I did turn on the geyser this morning, so I hope I'll be able to clean the kitchen ... if I'm up to it.

I made plenty of coffee, now I'm just waiting for the power to go off ...

Aaand I'm back! Power is back, laundry is washing ... internet is not cooperating! Ah, well. I did clean the kitchen during the outage.

I'm trying to work on a meal plan ... I'm going through my books, but they call some meat cuts by names I'm not familiar with ... and I can't look it up, because the internet is not cooperating. Sigh ... Another issue is that I'm having one of my 'brain-dead' days. Can't seem to think straight - mostly, because there's too much buzzing around in there ...

What I really need to do, is slow down and read ... only, I want fast results ... and that doesn't work. So, I'm basically buzzing my mind to a stand-still. Which is kind of stupid, right?

Not really, though. I spent most of today with cookbooks. Slowly reading explanations, descriptions - not skipping through or skimming over, or picking bits based on key words ... reading. Good, old fashioned reading. Slowing down my mind to live in real-time.

Mippies were happy that I made time to cuddle whenever they asked! I had more than just one roly poly with Mewthos - and Ziva! Lap cuddling Janey - again and again. And Mini had a long session, following me around, mipping and mewling ... I keep feeling she wants something specific, only, I can't figure out what!

At least I can listen to a different audiobook tonight, again. Not tomorrow night, though. Yeah ... load shedding continues ...

Fffrrrriday!

Load shedding affects my sleep as well. Even when the power goes off and on while I'm 'asleep'. This morning, I woke around quarter to seven! And I went to bed early - courtesy of load shitting. I had cleared my mind of all work-worries. I had watched two reunion shows - one for Buffy, one for Angel - during load shedding. And I had changed to a different audiobook - one I also know very well, so it wouldn't buzz my mind.

And yet, I woke up late. And I woke feeling groggy. Coffee soon dissipated the groggy feeling ...

What I haven't mentioned before, is, that my aunt has sent me another gift! Same amount as last year - only, the exchange rate is more in my favour now, so ... it just arrived, and I'm so excited! I'm so relieved - given my current financial constraints ... and I'm indulging several fantasies!

Just fantasising, though. No more. 

One of my fantasies involved my favourite chocolate treat: Peanut Butter Cups! They are absolutely divine! And that is a low-cost fantasy, so I can actually indulge ... and then a freaky thing happened! I received mail that a delivery is on the way! Huh? I have not even so much as opened their website, yet ... some careful checking ... they're talking about delivering an order I placed, paid, AND RECEIVED 8 months ago!

Well, I've written back, asked for verification - and IF a delivery really is en route, I'm happy to pay. If not, I will be placing an order shortly.

Here's one of my favourite meme's - it always makes me laugh:

My mippies have a similar approach to 'loving' my plants!

Back at home ... complete change of behaviour! No project, no gardening, I did none of the things I would normally do on a Friday. Instead, I sat down with a cookbook and read! A meat cookbook ... and I have some interesting ideas buzzing around my head now!

When the power came back, I had difficulty extracting myself from the mippies-and-me puzzle on my bed, then turned on the PC, turned on my audio book ... and struggled to find space for myself in the bed again.

Thud Thursday

Again, I managed to get my food cooked before the power went off - but I hadn't turned on the geyser. No bath. I can get a bit overly stingy at times - this was one of those times. I should have stuck to my plan.

I gave the dry shampoo another try last night. It'll have to do until tonight. I turned the geyser on this morning.

I spent the dark hours watching an Agatha Christie movie - and you know what? I'd never seen this one before! Nor is it based on a book, as I've read all her books. Must be based on a play. I quite enjoyed it! The Spider's Web, if you want to know.

Speaking of crime ... more and more people are reporting break-ins during load shedding. Thieves are now taking advantage of the scheduled power outage, cutting through electric fences and breaking into homes.

I've just had a look at online prices. I can get fruit & vegetables a LOT cheaper online, than in store. Only problem is, of course: quantity!

Well, I've put together a shopping list ... for my weekly stews I regularly buy potatoes, carrots, and whatever is in my price range. If I buy online, I'll get all regulars cheaper than in store. And funnily enough, lower quantities work out cheaper per kg than bulk! You have got to do the maths, when shopping! Seriously! Another advantage of online shopping!

Aaaand load shedding schedule is being shuffled some more. Different stages over the weekend, but that has no effect on our schedule. We're still off ... oh, golly! I missed that they've escalated Friday afternoon from Stage 3 to Stage 4. So we'll be off AGAIN 18:00 - 20:30! 

Monday 00:00 - 02:30 & 16:00 - 18:30
Tuesday 00:00 - 02:30 & 08:00 - 10:30

It's getting really, really tiresome now ... especially the evening one. Prime Crime Time! I suppose eight to ten would be more dangerous?

I haven't turned on my PC since Monday ... when I last turned it off for load shedding. I'm getting a little tired of 'Making Money', one of the few audiobooks I have loaded on my phone ... well, I can stay up till the lights come back on Friday night and maybe even watch part of an episode of Fringe?

Tonight, I have to rush again. Get the cooking started as soon as possible, run my bath, then hope I get the rest of the chores done before the lights go out. Bath will have to be in the dark ... just don't ask me how I'll rinse the shampoo out!

And now, the other admin on the Electricity Group is saying that TONIGHT'S schedule has changed? Her Group is now off for 4 1/2 hours? I've double-checked against the latest announcement ... but she's posted her Group's schedule directly from Eskom? Well, that'll give me something to play around with tonight ...

Wheee Wednesday

Don't ask. Last night was not pleasant. Power went off just after six - I had at least managed to cook dinner by then. I spent the rest of the evening watching Hogfather on my smartphone, until the internet conked out. Then I turned over and went to sleep. All mippies had joined me on the bed, enjoying cuddles throughout ...

I woke up with a toothache. Very early. Very achy. I first tried clover - which really works. And eliminates the need to eat something in the middle of the night, so I can take strong meds. It helped a lot. Enough to let me go back to sleep.

Still woke up very early - though I didn't get out of bed early. I was delighted to see e-mail from my aunt! I'm hoping to find time during the day to reply ...

Aaaand load shedding has escalated again! Plus, extended till Sunday!

Wednesday
00:00 - 05:00 Stage 2 - none
05:00 - 16:00 Stage 4 - 10:00 - 12:30
16:00 - 22:00 Stage 5 - 18:00 - 20:30 (at least not 4 1/2 hours again!)
22:00 - 00:00 Stage 4 - none
Thursday
00:00 - 05:00 Stage 2 - 02:00 - 04:30
05:00 - 16:00 Stage 4 - 10:00 - 12:30
16:00 - 22:00 Stage 5 - 18:00 - 20:30
22:00 - 00:00 Stage 4 - none
Friday
00:00 - 05:00 Stage 2 - 02:00 - 04:30
05:00 - 16:00 Stage 3 - 10:00 - 12:30
Saturday
Stage 2 - 08:00 - 10:30 & 16:00 - 18:30
Sunday
Stage 2 - 16:00 - 18:30

Lovely, eh? A wage agreement has been reached, and workers are starting to come back to work, BUT: Eskom can't really afford to meet that agreement (so, we can expect more price hikes), and it will take time to catch up with the backlog of maintenance, plus, of course, repairs.

Well, my electricity usage should be at least within budget, as a result. And that's about it, for the good news ...

Looking at Saturday's schedule, I think it would be wise to do the laundry Friday evening, so I can hang it up on Saturday morning. Plus, unless I get the geyser going very early, I'll have to wait till noon, before I can clean the kitchen.

On the whole, though, it's not too bad. Yesterday's 4 hours was the worst for us - which makes us quite lucky! No 6 hours in one go, only one 4 hour stretch. And scheduled outages at least allow planning!

Anyway, I've taken some 'time out' today, to reply to my aunt. A LONG reply, ha ha! Once I get started, I can't seem to stop myself ...

Well, I guess I better publish ... I'm not likely to even want to bother to go online after eight, especially as I'll have to turn the PC off before I go to sleep, as there's another load shedding during the night.