Power came on after load shedding, then, about 15 minutes later went off again. Vandalism! Someone tried to vandalise a sub station, though he couldn't finish the job, as he was seriously injured in the process. He was caught within the hour.
I hauled out the gas cooker, and then remembered about SONA 2023. Found a live stream ... I just missed the clowns. Every year, the EFF arrive, cause a disruption and get thrown out. Every. Single. Year!
Two hours SONA - completely meaningless, insubstantial hot air. Except when he declared a State of Disaster (SoD) with immediate effect. Putting the same incompetent into the dictator seat, we had during the Covid Lock Down.
I wonder what absurd regulations we can expect this time? Are we going to be allowed to smoke during load shedding? What are we allowed to wear while the power is off? Are only people with solar geysers going to be allowed to wash, from now on? Is hot water use going to become illegal?
You think I'm joking? I wish I was!
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| Nailed it! |
Anyway. After I had cooked my dinner, I gave the gas cooker to my tenant. His wife is here, now, as well - finally! Yesterday, she cleaned my whole veranda! Poor dear, got quite a fright when she met my resident toads!
I had another lukewarm shower ... Yeah, my geyser hasn't had time to heat water properly all week. And with outside temperatures currently dropping ... lukewarm is the best I get. I can't afford to leave it on overnight or through a whole day. I should have hot water again by Saturday sometime ...
So. Let me retreat back into my own little corner. Multi cooker. Budget.
Okay, another pro is, with the current craze of the 'Instant Pot', there are myriad recipes floating around the internet. Plus, if I take the time to learn to fully utilise it, I can 'scrap' my tiered steamer, as well. I already plan on giving away my electric frying pan - haven't used it in years! Oh, hang on, I tried using it a while back to make Stroganoff ... and wasn't happy with the result. Because the frying pan has on ring element, and anything over that ring tends to burn.
And I can always use it the way I've been using my mum's multi cooker, by simply keeping the lid off - then it's not a pressure cooker. So, it has all the functions my old pot had, plus it's a pressure cooker.
Here's a summary of the pros and cons.
Okay. I've looked at my budget, and it'll set me back a little, but I'll manage. If I can make good meals with cheaper cuts, that will help, as well. I'll have to do a little juggling, but I'll make it.
Right. Order placed. Funny thing: I could have had it delivered today, had I placed the order yesterday! BUT: I wasn't 100% sure, yesterday. Now, the last nagging doubts have been put to rest, before placing the order.
Still funny, delivery tomorrow or Sunday would have been free, but delivery Monday = 'next business day' would have cost a little; delivery Tuesday was free again. Weird, eh? Anyway, I've selected Tuesday. Giggle, my valentines present!
Ah! Some load shedding relief over the weekend ... apparently we won't go to Stage 4 this weekend. Stage 3 from 05:00 Saturday till 05:00 Sunday, then Stage 2 till 16:00, when we go back to Stage 3 until Monday 16:00. Then, of course, back to Stages 4 3 4 ..
For tomorrow that means NO morning load shedding. Power off 00:00 - 02:30 and then on for 14 hours, off 16:00 - 18:30 again. Sunday, unfortunately off 00:00 - 02:30 and again 08:00 - 10:30 ... next turn Monday 06:00 - 08:30.
Well, I don't know whether I should publish now? If there is yet another power outage - courtesy of vandalism - tonight ... well ...
Yeah, I think I'll publish. Better safe than have you worry!
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