LS 4 1 3 Sunday

Early morning, courtesy of cats fighting. Someone inside fought with poor Sybil and chased her into her room. Outside a cat fight, as well.

I've given mippies breakfast, then let them out, and fed the ferals. They were already waiting. Smeagol and the three babies. Though they're not babies anymore. I've brewed myself a fresh pot of coffee ... now I'm trying to decide what to do today.

Well, I've washed the dishes, and made myself a panlet. An omelette, with added flour. Which doesn't end up as scrambled eggs ...

I just started writing out recipe's. I got a notebook for the purpose, but frankly, cards would work out much better. I just want something where I can write in big letters, so it's easy to read. I'll make a plastic sleeve for them, so I can leave it lying around in the kitchen, without having to worry about water, oil or grease.

Load shedding from two to four this afternoon. Not a nice time. Well, no time really is ... 

I just spent a bit of time in the garden - it really is too hot! Even after the rain last night! Only 3 mm, I'm afraid. I've watered, and cleaned up the tomato plants. Again. Only a few. Again.

I had a look at the vegetable garden my tenant started in December. It's a very sad sight! Lovely, healthy tomato plants ... not staked, all lying around on the ground, with lovely big jam tomatoes ... rotting on the ground!

I spent the two hours without power in the garden. Cleaned around the grapevine - that was the only place in shade at the time. I'm also trying to come up with means to do the mowing myself, again. The push mower is totally blunt already. Tenant mows over branches, rocks, anything ... The lawn is in a worse state than it was before - weeds growing absolutely everywhere. Tenant doesn't pull any weeds, just cuts them down with the mower. They've growing strong, with deep roots! And the tough stuff is spreading once again. I'm not happy about it ... but realistically, what can I do?

Well, that's what I will have to work out. I can't really afford to pay someone to come full day once a week ... not unless my income increases. And I also can't do it myself, again.

I'll have to give that some thought - another time, though. Tomorrow I'll need to bake bread. Load shedding from four to five tomorrow morning - because we drop two stages at five. As a result, we're skipping the noon till two outage that should have taken place tomorrow. But we'll go off again from eight to ten tomorrow night. Still 'subject to rapid change', as always! Sigh ...

LS 4 3 4 Saturday

I stayed up till just past midnight, watching 'Supernatural', playing with Sybil - honestly, I'm going to have to check whether this girl actually has claws! - trying to get mippies to be nice to Sybil. Poor girl is living in fear, always scared of getting too close to any mip!

I had to go outside quite late last night, as my neighbour's cat was having a fight with Smeagol again. That's when I heard the music outside - new neighbours having a housewarming party, I suppose. I heard none of it inside, so that's good. Not that I'd mind - as long as it isn't a regular thing.

Load shedding from six to eight this morning. Internet worked, though, so I watched for most of the time. Half eight, I started getting ready for chores. Loaded the washing machine, took the fountain apart ... 

Twenty to ten and the fountain is back in action, and I'm about to hang the laundry. Tenant is home today, he's working in the garden right now ... 

I'm a bit pooped today. Feeling ... bleh. Again. This is getting on my nerves. I've taken a nap - all of forty minutes, which turned out to be enough. I've brought in the laundry, folded and packed it away. It's too hot outside ... I've had enough of the wardrobe for a while.

I've taken out a rump steak for dinner tonight. I don't feel like cooking today. And, as I said, it's too hot outside.

And I need to stop berating myself for taking a day off - as in, doing nothing productive for a whole day. Not that I really did nothing - laundry's done. And then I started capturing the weather data I've been writing down for the past two years. So, again: being productive. Though just a little bit.

Well, no load shedding till ten tonight. Wind picking up quite a bit around six - I decided to take a shower tonight, and I've changed what I'm watching. It's funny how what I watch often sets my mood ... Supernatural is a bit too dull and depressing. Not really funny, not really interesting, either.

I'm now watching Mrs Brown's Boys. That's at least funny! Only ... power went off about three or four times. Just for about a minute, each time. Fortunately it's come on again, every time, so far. It's the storm.

Thunder, lightning, heavy winds, and rain. Not much rain, but a millimeter or two ...I think I'd better publish now ... well, when the internet comes back on. I'm back to 'update failed' again ... Sigh ...

LS 4 3 4 Friday

During load shedding, I cleaned mippies flower fountain, then spent time getting used to ear speakers. Internet stayed strong, so I used the time to listen to some interviews, etc.

When the power came on, fountain wouldn't work, so I took the pump apart - again - cleaned it (nothing to clean, I had just cleaned it!), put it back together ... and it worked. Weird, but whatever ... 

I had a very weird dream this morning. Mix 'Supernatural' (which I'm currently watching) with 'Lord of the Rings' (which is the audiobook I'm listening to at night), and that's the kind of weird this dream was.

I got up somewhat late this morning. Put all towels into the machine, brewed myself a fresh pot of coffee, cleaned another shelf in the wardrobe. Brushed a lot of mippies.

My tenant had locked himself into his room overnight. Twit! The gate can be locked without a key, just need a key to unlock it. He'd left the key outside on the defunct freezer! Lucky for him I saw him poking around with a broom handle, trying to get hold of the key chain. Seriously, that's the second time. Silly twit!

Sounds like someone is moving in next door, at last. My tenant mentioned that apparently the electrician the landlord uses is moving in there. I fear he may turn out to be a bit on the noisy side ... we'll see.

Got a message from my step brother - he's found some of our family papers and photos, he's discussed it with my sister and I should come and pick them up. This is why I stay out of touch with my family: discussions without me, agreements without me, then I get a 'this is what you'll do' notification.

I'm now tackling the overcrowded toiletry shelf. I put down a box for things to park ... Mini climbed into the box. She's parked!

I took a photo, uploaded it, then forgot to refresh this screen before adding text. Sigh ... I can be a twit, too!

Well, I'm still rearranging the toiletry shelf ... boy, I've got a lot of crap that I just don't ever use! Well, I did at one time ... I'm not pampering myself anymore, like I used to. Well, at least there's a lot of pampering goods I won't need to buy in a long time!

And I have finally sort out all the spare keys that have come with this place! Yeah, I just left the bundle as I found it, until now. Always meant to sort it out ... now I finally have!

Well, twenty to load shedding ... four to six. Grrr. I should probably heat myself something to eat, or I won't be able to for another two hours ... 

Aaaand blerry 'update failed' is back! I just hope I can publish before the power goes off ...

LS 4 2 4 Thursday Holiday

I had quite a time trying to coax Miss Sybil out of the tree she'd climbed to avoid being brought inside! I can't blame her - my mippies are still being douche bags to her! But she did allow me to pick her up - eventually! After I had trailed after her with her bowl of treats through the whole garden!

I showered, and then just sat around waiting for it to be time to go to sleep ... it was a bit weird, it felt like a Friday, but it was Wednesday. It was late, but not that late. Too late to turn on the PC, too early to go to sleep. I played with Sybil ... no internet ... I wasn't hungry ... yeah. Bleh!

This morning I got up fairly early. Had coffee, treated mippies to breakfast - it was still dark, so I didn't want to let them out, yet. Brewed myself a fresh pot of coffee, cleaned the litter boxes. Sybil enjoyed that so much, she used the box I was busy cleaning! I was happy to see her, as she'd gone out, through the fence into the field beyond my garden ...

Then I started cleaning my bedroom. Since I hadn't turned on the PC, yet, I decided to clean that, as well. I made some plan to keep the wires a little less spaghetti like, and everything off the floor.

I definitely need some new floor cleaning equipment. My mop, and everything else is falling apart. Well, I've been using it over ten years ... I'm going to have to do a bit of research first. Yeah, if I'm going to spend money, I want to be sure it's on something worth while!

Well, I've washed the bedroom floor. That's about all the floor washing I'm going to do today. It's half past twelve, bedroom looks good. I'm happy. I've swept the bedrooms and bathroom, still need to do kitchen, laundry and lounge. Internet is not playing along. Frustrating! Fortunately, I don't need internet for anything except writing this blog.

Almost time for load shedding, well, just over an hour. But typically that's when the internet suddenly works fine!

I've started cleaning out my wardrobe. I started with the top shelf, where I only keep empty boxes. I should really clean mippies flower fountain and start it up again ... right now, I'm heating myself a meal, though. 

Might as well publish, as I can never be sure to have internet after load shedding ...

LS 6 3 4 Wednesday

I spent some ten, fifteen minutes fearing the power might not come on, again, last night! Luckily, it did! I brought mippies in early, again - Sybil was moving towards the front door. She's getting a little depressed by the continued non-acceptance of my mippies. She so often inches gently towards a mip, hoping for cuddles ... then dashes away when they growl, hiss or slap her! It's so disheartening!

And with Sybil, there's the added worry that stress could lead her snuffles to flare up again. I inspect her eyes every day ...

I showered after dinner, then went to bed relatively early. Internet didn't want to play along, so I played games a bit - one hand playing a game on my phone, the other hand dangling fishy for Sybil, who is quite enthusiastic about her fishy!

I woke up relatively early, brewed a fresh pot of coffee, gave mippies two breakfasts - Mewthos insisted. Held Mewthos for quite a while - boy, he is heavy! Then off to work ...

Half past nine and I've been quite busy with work, for a change. Nice!

It was a bit late in the morning, but I finally managed to get away to get a few groceries. I decided to take a leisurely stroll through the shelves ... margarine was on special, as was fresh milk ... they didn't have cartons, but they did have loose cigarettes. I did not go to the butchery.

I've been giving a lot of thought to the situation with my tenant. And quite frankly, the only reason I'm not throwing him out right now is ... if he leaves, I'm going to have to mow the lawn again!

To put it bluntly, his whole behaviour since he summarily decided to bring his ex wife here, is that of a drug addict: he lies (to me, for no valid reason), cheats (he cheated on his wife with his ex - much like he cheated on his ex with his wife, which led to the divorce), bullshits (trying to spin me that yarn about his culture's tradition of polygamy, as an explanation for living with his ex wife), and uses and abuses my good nature (borrowing money from me to bring his wife here, then paying for his ex wife and baby to come here instead of paying me back, paying his ex landlord rent for a room he isn't using, but not paying me for electricity he is using).

And looking at it like this, I'm a fool if I let him stay - because the next thing, he'll be stealing from me! It's a very fine line between lying and stealing (which is basically lying to yourself, convincing yourself that you deserve what you're taking).

I've just had a WhatsApp chat with my neighbour - the one who recommended the tenant; he's currently not working with him, as they're on different sites. But he offered to chase him away, if he's ... messing up? I can't think of the English equivalent of 'droog maak'. Anyway, I asked whether he knows of a reliable garden service, if I do chase him away. Happily he does know a few people! Good!

I'll let you know how it goes.

Okay, it's just past four. I'll be leaving for a delivery in a few minutes, and after that, time to go home. Load shedding tonight four to six, and again midnight till two. None scheduled during the day tomorrow, until the four to six time again. 

Dark 12 1/2 hours LS 6 4 6 Tuesday

As predicted, traffic was a nightmare! It was almost ten to six, when I got home. So I had to let the ferals wait, and put on my dinner first. I made it. Too much, though.

I haven't cleaned the litter boxes for a few days, again. Not good. Between constant load shedding, plus it's getting dark so very early now ... it's all getting a bit too much for me.

I was struggling to keep my eyes open, waiting for the power to come on. If it doesn't come on, I need to report it before I go to sleep - none of the neighbours will. Power came on after eight, I'm relieved to say. But not this morning. Sigh ...

I still had a bit of coffee in the flask, but meant to brew a fresh pot this morning. Sigh ... I sat down to check messages, and plenty of people have reported. It's always tricky to know when to add another report and when to avoid flooding them needlessly. I chose not to report this morning. Now I'm waiting to see the cause ... update from our Councilor ... load shedding again from eight to ten, though.

I spooned some instant coffee into my mug, with some milk and went to work. Got there on time, boss was sitting in his office, so I took the opportunity to mention some issues and also told him I want to take Friday off. He said okay. Good!

A box of cat food arrived just after I left last night - it's the 15kg Iams. Good!

In the news, our president announced that South Africans must switch off their geyser this winter. Huh? Excuse me? You're now putting the burden of relieving load shedding on US? How about you and your thieving cadres get with the program, as in: join the load shedding frustration! As long as even one politician is exempt from load shedding you have no leg to stand on! Especially, when you turn down proposals from municipalities and business' to go off the grid, produce their own power and even feed power to the grid! This just makes me furious! We really, really need a different government.

Trouble is, the ANC is telling the least educated and most gullible voters; the one's they have kept without access to education and in the worst state of poverty, that the puny grants they are receiving are ANC grants, and if they don't vote for the ANC, they won't get those grants anymore. Which is a blatant lie - it's a government grant, paid for by us taxpayers. And a change in government won't affect the legally issued grants! Nor will Apartheid ever come back - another lie they tell the same voters!

Anyway. Back at home, they've identified the fault and are working on it. But it's now eight, so: load shedding! So I've put my smartphone on charge for the next two hours.

Right. I've been busy! It's quarter to eleven now - I've scanned in the tax documentation I found over the weekend, sent mail to Liberty asking whether maybe they have my 2006 contribution record. I managed to open my email archive, and found nothing from Liberty at all - which leads me to believe that they only sent hard copies in those days. Hopefully Liberty have a record of the letter for 2006. I only found the one for 2007.

Then I called ABSA. I made a mistake with one vet payment - I thought I was entering my PIN, but actually selected 12 month budget ... I just received my Credit Card Statement, and the interest on that is over R10 every month on the outstanding balance ... over 20%! Blerry thieves! Well, they confirmed that they've moved it out of the budget into the straight balance account.

Then I paid my rent, sent proof of payment to my landlord, and topped up my credit card to ensure they don't get their thieving hands on a single cent more than I can avoid! And yes, I remembered to add the amounts of the online purchases.

Weird security questions, though. If it had been an incoming call, I'd have found this suspicious, but since I called the number on my statement ... well, let's see next month whether it's done.

It's past noon and our power is still off ... Sigh ...

Just after half past twelve the power came on. The 12 1/2 hours includes 6 hours load shedding. Power went off at midnight, load shedding till four, then load shedding again from eight to ten ... 

Okay, so I tried to fill in my returns for 2007, and ... well, there's no way to set my postal address to 'none'. I don't have a postal address. BUT: I can ask for a live session. Let me first get all my ducks in a row, though.

I've done well for today, methinks. I'm now thinking of what projects I'd like to do over the long weekend, and I think I'd like to process some of the meat in the freezer. I'm thinking of making a cottage pie with the frozen potatoes. As I'll be mashing them, their texture won't be an issue. I'm also thinking of making sausage rolls. And some steak pies. I've got enough margarine and flour. Maybe I'll even make some pie dough and freeze it.

Either way, no matter what I do, I don't need groceries. Though I may not be able to resist specials at Spar tomorrow. I'll want to re-arrange my freezer again, I expect. Well, that will depend on my energy levels ...

Well, it's half past four. Load shedding tonight from four to six, and again midnight till two. Hopefully I can make a pot of coffee tomorrow morning!

LS 4 3 6 Monday

I woke up quite early, got up, had coffee and my morning smoke. Four mips joined me - Sybil on my armrest, Ziva on the ottoman, Mewthos on the scratcher and Janey at my feet. Mini opted to sit and sulk on the chair by the front door.

It just amazes me how Sybil just does not give up on approaching my mippies for lovies. She's gently snuggling her way closer to them - and doesn't let all the hissing and growling deter her. Mind you, I give her plenty of attention and cuddles. She's a bit too much under my feet, though - I have on several occasions sent her sliding across the floor! Fortunately I've developed the cat lady shuffle, where I don't lift my feet too high off the ground, so I don't accidentally step on a cat. And I wear soft shoes indoors, so there's no harm to Sybil. I never take big steps, either.

Okay, here the photos I couldn't load over the weekend:

Huge mushroom I harvested for my dinner!

I was just chilling on my bed, Sybil behind me,
when I placed my hand near her, she placed her paw on my hand!

And this is how the breadbox (left) fell off my fridge. Mewthos and his sister Janey.

The most successful Rösti so far!

Sybil is still at that age where she can sleep in any position,
upside down is fine!

So now you're all caught up on my photos!

As I feared, I'm now getting harassed by SARS about my tax returns. Not today, though. I'm not in the mood.

Aaand load shedding going up again! Not Stage 4, but Stage 6 tonight! No difference for us tonight, I'm relieved to say - we're scheduled to be without power from six to eight tonight! But tonight, power off from midnight till four ... Sigh ...

Well, twenty to five, time to publish. I'll have to hustle tonight, as I first have to feed the ferals, then heat my dinner ... and there's load shedding en route, so I'll be delayed ... and load shedding starts at six. I'll have less than half an hour. Sigh ...

LS 4 3 4 Sunday

I woke up a tad late - way past six. Gave mippies their breakfast, then opened up to let them out. They all strolled out, even Sybil! I sat down for coffee and a smoke, then took the ferals their breakfast. Vimes showed up, as well. I'd been a bit worried, as I hadn't seen him in a few days.

Load shedding again at ten ... no use trying to bake bread or cook before noon. I'm going to make another attempt at another Rösti. I've already squished the cooked potatoes through the Rösti maker ... hold thumbs that I get it right this time, ha ha!

I was saying to my step sister last night that it's quite weird, I can cook a 4-5 course Christmas dinner for any number of people ... but when it comes to the simple things, I mess up. 

Best result so far! I used a spatula to squash the potato mix into the pan. I expect if I actually mashed the potatoes, it would work better, but I actually like the texture of them squished through the Rösti maker. And maybe next time make it thicker, as in use more potato mix.

Right, ten to ten ... time to shut everything down. Load shedding for the next two hours. Man this sucks! It really sucks the life out of you ... having to put your life on hold for several hours every single day!

Well, I spent the two hours chopping vegetables. Carrots and cherry tomatoes. I'm getting somewhat tired of those tomatoes - I'm cutting a box every single weekend! This time, though, I just tossed them in the pot with the roast ... all of them. Yes, I cut them, to check for worms or anything else I wouldn't want to eat ... 

Sigh ... back to 'update failed'. I'm feeling bleh, too ... no desire to lift another finger, do anything, or ... just nothing. Bread is on the go, roast is on the go - I'll just have to set it for another 5 minutes after the current 60 minutes. I put two cubes of beef stock in, tomato paste, spices ... let's hope.

Mini brought me another gift: a lizard. Still a baby. I managed to catch it and set it free.

Just set the pressure cooker for the final five minutes. I think I'm just going to lie on the bed for a while ... the roast is done, I'll let the pressure release naturally ... bread still has over two hours to go ... I should wash the dishes today ... I don't feel like it. I hate feeling like this ...

Roast turned out awesome. Eating meat perked me up a bit - I realise I haven't had any meat most of this week.

Tenant came for a talk. He feels that he's stuck himself between a rock and a hard place with his two wives situation. He's got the baby now with his ex or first wife, and he's convinced that having them live with him is the responsible thing to do. And his real wife is 'being difficult' - as in: she's not demurely accepting her place as 'second fiddle'.

And basically, if I'm not willing to live with a baby that cries as much as this one does - even he agrees that it's crying more than usual - well, his only solution is to move somewhere else. He doesn't really want to, because he says this is the first place in a very, very long time, where he's really felt at home, but he sees no alternative. Which I think is really, really stupid.

But that's typical male mid life crisis. I told him that there's no pressure from me - he asked me what my deadline is, and I said none. I'm not giving him a deadline, I would much rather he take longer to get to the right answer.

Thing is, since this whole situation, he's a different person. And I can't tell which is true - he's been lying to me ... and you know me: I won't put MY energy into other people's lies. I don't spend time trying to figure out what's true and what's not. The truth always comes out in time, regardless.

And personally, I don't like the man he is now. I preferred the man passionate about his wife. And I also like his wife better than his ex. Because his wife would not have sat down in the sun to watch me struggling to wash the dishes with two badly injured hands - she would have helped! And that pretty much sums it all up. Anyway, he'll have to decide. Pity, because he'll most likely decide to move back to Mamelodi, where he'll be unhappy, and I'll have to mow my own lawn again. Sigh ...

He's being such an idiot! Sigh ...

Anyway, I'll have to find some energy to wash the dishes, pack things away ... do what still needs to be done ... although ... it's a short week, Thursday is a public holiday. So is the following Monday. I'll have time to catch up.

Well, I've done the dishes. And now it's half past five ... not the right time to bath nor shower. Or should I quickly go for it? I really don't want to after eight ... okay, I'll hop through the shower. Better turn off the PC, publish this post, etc. before I shower ...

Dark 1 1/2 hours Saturday

Power did not come on after load shedding. Whole Group, not just our area, but Pretoria North as well. Half past eight, we all started reporting and our Councilors followed up.

Since I've had my WiFi router on the power bank, I decided to turn it off, in case I would need it tomorrow. And, just in case, I put the power bank on charge. I had reported, sent through the reference number, nothing more I could do tonight. So I went to sleep.

Just after half past nine, the power came on!

LS 6 3 4 Saturday

We're granted some relief of load shedding over the weekend - not that it makes much of a difference. For me, it just means that today, load shedding is only from ten to noon, 2 hours, not 4 hours. That's all. Oh, and in the evenings it's just six to eight, not till ten. But since there's still load shedding during the night - from two till four - well, I still have only my phone audiobooks to listen to.

When I got home, I spent an hour or so on my tomato plants and the marigold bed. Sybil also joined us outside, Smeagol was around - but for some reason he was quite rough with her. I suppose it's time for her to be sterilised.

With load shedding at six, I had to drag myself out of the garden to cook myself dinner. I opted for pasta. I harvested some beans, added some frozen peas and frozen brussels sprouts, and harvested my first mushroom!

I took a photo, I'm hoping I'll be able to upload it. I tried just now, no luck.

Surprisingly, I had internet, so I watched some YouTube videos. I opted for entertainment. I found myself watching moments of the series 'Supernatural', so today I'm watching that series again.

I got up around six, gave mippies breakfast - Mewthos insisted, of course - then let them out. Sybil is staying under my feet. I checked her eyes and put some ointment in them - they're a tad red. She's been crawling all over me all morning, so far. I've fixed their flower fountain, loaded the washing machine, turned on the geyser ... I've had Janey on my lap, as well. Put my smartphone on charge, brewed a fresh pot of coffee ...

I've tried opening Outlook, to get at my old e-mails ... sigh ... I'm going to have to set up an e-mail account, then import the archive. Which I can just as well do at work. 

Internet is iffy ... up and down, up and down.

Well, I've hung up the washing, it's almost nine, I suppose I had better start washing the dishes.

Most of the dishes done, re-heated the left overs for my breakfast. Well, five to ten, better shut down for load shedding ...

Right. Just past noon, power back on. I spent the past two hours cleaning the kitchen. Specifically mippies' food counter. I had put flea powder down to keep the ants off, and that was a mistake. I've now cleaned it all off, cleaned all the dispensers, cleaned the tiles, then put down diatomaceous earth. Which is what I should have put down there, in the first place.

Sybil helped! Miss curiosity inspected every move I made. She watched me clean, inspected the powder I put down, checked the cleaned dispensers, watched me refill them, then taste tested the kibbles.

She's been out for a stroll to visit her family earlier this morning. I'm not sure whether it's her or her mother I saw disappear into the weeds outside my garden earlier, but it was her strolling back along the Wendy, later. She managed to get past Mewthos without even a growl.

Well, I've got a pot of potatoes done, with another pot to do. I don't feel like it, though. I've taken out the other chuck roast, I suppose it'll do. I've gone through the folder where I keep all important documents, and found some tax related documents for the years I need ... the folder got wet, though, when this house was flooded. So, a lot of receipts are now blank ... 

I'm in no mood to do anything. Again.

I went into the garden. That always picks me up. Cleaned up the Gem Squash plant ... turns out I missed a squash, it was already rotting. My bad. I've now cleaned up the plant, cut off every dead and wilting leaf and stalk ... there's one baby growing.

I also cleaned up tomato plants and around the Nasturtium growing on the other side of the fence. I've had a bowl of potatoes with butter, so ... that's dinner sorted. It's now about twenty to six ... load shedding at six ... 

I didn't manage to upload any photos, thought I've tried several times. Sigh ... well, better publish.

LS 6 Friday

Yup! Back to Stage 6 all day! We were supposed to go to Stage 5 at five this morning ... more breakdowns, and at six Eskom informed us WHY our power stayed off until six! By that time, loads of people had already reported the power outage ... 

Sybil went outside last night and didn't want to come back inside. I had quite a time trying to catch her! The big ones didn't give me much trouble after that, fortunately! At least it's Friday today, so she'll be able to play with her brother and cousins for some time this afternoon!

No, I didn't cook last night. I wasn't particularly hungry ... and didn't feel up to it, either. I just flopped around from chair to bed to chair.

Surprisingly, I had internet at home last night, so I watched a few videos. The instant the power went off for load shedding ... boom! Internet off as well! And not because my router had no power - I had connected it to the power bank.

This is really bad. Stage 6 load shedding is really, really dangerous. I'm now reading about break ins, assaults, rapes, all happening, in my area, during load shedding! And load shedding is only going to get worse, since there is STILL not a single thing being done to put an end to it!

The local community is organising a meeting on the 29th. I really think I should make it a priority to attend! Overcome my 'don't leave home' thingy.

On a positive note, I was able to look into more opportunities to earn online, or remotely, as it is called now. As a result of the pandemic, so much work was done from home at the time, that the opportunities have really boomed! Of course, so have the people already earning their income this way - so competition is huge! But a lot of people are now making their income by sharing / advertising tips and tricks on how to earn remotely. As with everything online, it's going to take a lot of time to weed out the BS from the useful information.

First, though, I really must resolve my tax returns. I've just registered on their website ... only ... I have no clue how to get the forms to fill in. They use their own language, not language anyone outside understands. They explain how to do this and that, using terms that don't make sense to me. I think I'll leave it till next week ...

Nope. Decided to try the live chat option ... now have an agent assisting me. It's taken twenty minutes to catch her up to date ... Okay, we've hit a bit of a conundrum. Tax forms are now personalised, so I need to answer some questions, like: have I made any medical contribution? Which I don't know, right now ... so I'll have to first spend time going through any papers I may have, so that I can answer the questions, get the correct form and then fill it out. Sigh ...

I don't have any plans for meals for the weekend and the week ahead ... I really should come up with something. Anyway, it's quarter past two, almost time to go home. Load shedding tonight from six to eight. Don't even ask about the weekend ... it's not good. I should have updated my fridge chart, eh? Saturday from ten till two in the afternoon and Sunday from ten to noon. Both evenings from six to ten at night ... and it's going to get even worse ...

Well, I'm going to do what I wanna do. Don't need power on to go through my papers, but I will need it to go through my electronic documents. Sigh ... 

LS 6 5 6 Thursday

I had the weirdest dream this morning. I dreamed that a wild hare had joined my menagerie, and it was doing fine, then I went outside and found its entire back shaved and a wound all across its back! Next to it, I found a plucked chicken, a baby ... and I took both inside to treat ... with Mewthos watching and running alongside me ... 

Last night I had the last of the Spaghetti, and just can't decide what to have for dinner tonight. I ended up deciding to make rice tonight, then fry an egg or two into the rice ... the multi cooker is also a rice cooker, so it's just a matter of pouring water and rice into the pot, then turning it on. I'm still on mushy food, I'm afraid.

Lady Sybil continues to insist on her place in my home. Last night, she insisted on eating on top of the counter, with Mewthos and Ziva! Lady Jane hasn't been keen on wet food ... pretty much since the last medication stint. It worries me, I'm wondering whether she's lost some of her taste sense? Mini, on the other hand, continues to insist that she's special and get her food in her own special place - on the floor.

She uses the shelf I keep in front of the counter for Mewthos to get up onto the counter. At first she used the kibble bins, but one time they fell over, since then she's using the shelf. Yes, she's grown big!

Taking photos of Mini is always a bit tricky, her being pitch black, ha ha!

When I settled in bed - yeah, no internet - Ziva looked for her cuddle cave. She snuggled under the duvet and I scratched her ears with one hand, while playing with Lady Sybil and her fishy with the other hand. Every now and then Sybil got curious about the movement on the other side of me, and came for a closer look ... I'd lift the duvet so Ziva could see Sybil, Ziva would growl, and Sybil would go back to playing with the fishy!

At one point all four mips were in the bedroom! Sort of. Lady Jane curled up in the wardrobe, Ziva was under the duvet, Mini and Mewthos on the night stand. Mini curled up, Mewthos standing up, looking out the window for someone to growl at.

Although I had a somewhat restless night - at one point Sybil fell off the bed, spare duvet and all - I woke relatively early. Enjoyed a relatively warm cup of coffee - I had brewed a pot last night - and arrived at work, on time.

I was ready to go get groceries ... twice ... and finally decided not to bother. I'll get 2x cigarettes next week.

Well, I've not just got all my Liberty data up to date, I've also made time to read through the whole stack of documents. Of course, I have a couple of questions ... sent mail to my financial advisor ... 

I did wonder why the pension wasn't paid, but reading through the documents, I see the first payment is only due today. 

Well, I've gone through the scans I've done of my old filing system, nothing in there that I need right now. I'm going to have to get onto my PC this weekend. Fortunately, I'll only need electricity, no internet, for that.

I feel I've accomplished a lot today, so I'm now listening to the political shows I couldn't watch in the evenings this week.

Well, I didn't get through all of them, but a few. Quarter to five ... time to publish ... load shedding tonight from eight to ten, but as we're again in Stage 6, I don't expect to have internet ...

LS 6 5 6 Wednesday

Bit of a mixed buzz in my head. Too much buzz to sleep, I'm afraid. I was up again and again till around midnight, I think.

When I got home, I got busy with my chores - with Miss Sybil under my feet the entire time. She doesn't go out, fortunately. I feed her inside, same time as I feed the ferals. And she wants attention and to play, play, play! Ha Ha!

I meant to shower, then changed my mind, sat in the lounge, felt uncomfortable and decided to shower after all. Temperatures are now dropping, though we still tickle the 30 Celsius - though from further and further. Yesterday we reached 29. No rain.

I decided not to wash my hair last night, as I didn't want to risk getting sick again - I don't blow-dry my hair, I always let it dry naturally.

I spent at least half an hour entertaining Sybil with her fish on a stick. She's still small enough to run herself tired on the bed. Ziva came for cuddles, Janey joined her, Mini was next to my pillow - all this after Sybil had settled down, of course. We're still not friendly. Sigh ...

I woke up a tad late, but didn't get to work too late.

I'm still looking into online freelance work ... and I think, that, before I start anything, I absolutely must resolve my tax issues. Our SARS is pretty much the only government function that's improving it's operations. I don't have anything to hide ... it's simply that my income is so low, well, I'm being silly and irresponsible. I should be getting a refund each year ... I've cleaned up my act in every other aspect, time to tackle this one ...

Okay, I've left a lot of documents in my mailbox - never downloaded them. So, today, I'm tackling the downloads, making sure that I have every document on my hard drive as well. I'm going back as far as 2010! Unfortunately SARS wants data going back to 2006 ... I can only hope that's in my Outlook Inbox at home; because the e-mail address was cancelled without so much as a notification ... family politics. Not going into that. It's just ugly.

And, of course, being the little spreadsheet nut that I am ... yes, yes, I'm making a spreadsheet! Ha Ha Ha! It's slow going, though ... 

Yes, we're still bouncing around Stages 5 and 6 load shedding. The political respite of the lower stages is over ... there's talk that we're actually in Stage 8 ... tonight again from eight to midnight and tomorrow morning from four to eight! This means no hot coffee - yet again! I haven't had a hot cup of coffee all week. I brewed a fresh pot Sunday night - but didn't touch a drop on Monday. It lasted Tuesday and today ... so I'll be brewing a fresh pot again tonight. For tomorrow and Friday.

Well, having worked - albeit for myself - I feel quite energised! Well, feverish and still in a bit of pain, but positive about it.

I've been thinking about tomorrow's grocery trip - and really, I don't need much. I want to buy cigarettes ... that's about it. My freezer is chock-a-block full, I need to cook with some of the meat I've got stashed in there. The bags I bought didn't work, they are hopelessly too big. So I'll give the butchery a miss this week.

Almost time to go home ... I doubt I'll have internet at home ... I didn't last night ... sigh ...

LS 6 5 6 Tuesday

I woke up feeling much better than I had yesterday morning. Very little pain, swelling still down - though not gone. Well enough to go to work, though.

I took out the Spaghetti Bolognaise for dinner tonight - another minimal chew food. I still have some of the potato and butternut mush, and another packet of butternut out, as well.

I'm - once again - looking into ideas to earn additional income. I don't know what to do. I've been looking into ideas for years, I mean, I started this blog originally as a gateway to earning an additional income ... the key purpose was purely to see whether I could keep up the discipline of writing regularly. And, I think, after more than 5 years, the answer is a definite 'Yes'. BUT: I'm just writing simple stuff, what's going on in my life, what's buzzing around in my head ... all of which is so dull that, after all this time, I don't have more than a handful of readers. Okay, sometimes 2 handful. And no, I don't mind.

Well ... time to go home. I may continue this thread tomorrow ...

Load shedding tonight from eight to midnight, and tomorrow morning from four to six!

LS 6 Monday - sick

Sunday night one of my teeth started aching. I suppose some food got into the gum or something, which got infected and just grew a bubble. Very, very painful. I rinsed with salt water and mouth wash, brushed - hoping to get that pesky food bit out ... no luck. I didn't get much sleep, waking up from the pain pretty much every 2 hours. Fortunately I have pain killers, so I just took one, every time I woke up, then went back to bed.

In the morning, it was no better ... I sent a message to my boss, and went back to sleep.

I slept throughout the day, waking up every now and again, taking a pain killer, rinsing, flushing, brushing, hoping ... I didn't even have coffee ... nor did I feed the ferals. I did, eventually, open the back door for mippies - nothing else, though. Just in too much pain.

By around four I finally felt better. The swelling had gone down, and I was able to eat a bit. Just mushy food - no chewing.

Brought mippies in early, then back to bed ...

LS 6 Sunday

I had a heck of a time getting mippies in last night ... I made the mistake of sitting outside, chatting with my tenant, for too long. Mewthos, Janey and Ziva came inside right away ... Lady Sybil, however, had disappeared with her family. I figured I would have to let her stay outside for a night ... but Mini was nowhere to be found! And, although I know she can survive, I won't be able to sleep without Mini safely inside!

I went looking. Calling. Walking. Calling. Walking. Calling. I checked everywhere inside. Got the torch, got the keys, went outside the garden ... nothing. I had been everywhere, checked everywhere I could ... no Mini. Nothing more I can do ... but I won't be able to sleep ... so I sat outside, hoping.

I'd managed to lure Sybil close with some food, grab her and carry her into the bedroom ... still no Mini!

I was just about to give up, came inside, ready to lock up when Mini came running at top speed from I know not where! Phew!

Until Lady Sybil is fully integrated, I will have to get them all inside early. Especially as it's getting dark so earlier every evening ...

This morning I managed to dash into the kitchen and brew a fresh pot of coffee before load shedding started! No such luck tomorrow morning - load shedding from 04:00 - 08:30. I'll have to brew a pot tonight. Sigh ...

Not much to do during load shedding ... cleaned the litter boxes, topped them up ... prepared the bread, so I could switch it on as soon as power comes on. It takes 3 hours and 40 minutes ... power came on at quarter past ... I'm just going to make it! With only 5 minutes to spare! Well, depending what time they switch us off, of course.

No internet, though. Until now ... and it's half past one. Load shedding again at two. I hope I can publish before it starts ... 

I've sealed the frozen cat food, packed the mushrooms (which I still fried yesterday evening) into the freezer, chopped tomatoes and made paste, which is in the freezer.

LS 6 5 6 Saturday

Sigh, it's just gone past one, and I can finally write my blog! Not much time, though - I just hope I can close it without loosing what I've written!

Just after I published, Eskom announced their weekend schedule, dropping to Stage 5 during the day Saturday and Stage 4 on Sunday. So, only 2 hours off tomorrow morning, same as today. Phew!

I spent yesterday afternoon cleaning the driveway. Weeding, that is. Looks much better, naturally. Mini, Janey and Sybil joined me, in turns. Mini still chases Sybil - I eventually had to carry Sybil past the mips into the bedroom!

I had planned on frying the chicken hearts and liver last night, still - but once I had eaten, I just had no energy left. I just went to bed ...

I woke up relatively early to some humming noise in the room ... it took a while to figure out that it's the ceiling fan. It wasn't turning, though it was switched on. I pulled the cord, and it started turning. On the lowest setting, I guess, load shedding can be a problem.

I was too late to make coffee, but I still had enough coffee in the flask. It's empty now, though - so, tomorrow morning, I better get up early!

I had got everything ready, during load shedding, so when the power came on, I turned on the pressure cooker to cook the chicken legs and started frying the chicken hearts. Turns out that I underestimated just how much I've got here ... I tried my big bowl, then the bigger glass bowl ... but eventually I had to use the huge plastic bowl to fit everything! Plenty of liquid, too! I needed a big bowl to mix everything together - hearts, liver and chicken. All minced.

Sybil is staying indoors - her choice. She follows me everywhere, plays with dust bunnies and acorns and anything she can find. She even managed to get on top of the bookshelf!

Well, it took the whole morning, but I've processed the chicken, all of it. It's now in the freezer, with a clip-thing, I can vacuum seal when it's solid.

As I said, internet is not working well ... I've had 2 bars since ten, even when it showed 3 bars, I couldn't create a new post. Until just now. Load shedding again at two, and again tonight at ten, so ... I'm going to try to publish as soon as possible.

Aaand Stage 6 until further notice! So tomorrow, power off from six to ten in the morning! Giving me just 4 hours, less if the turn the power on late, to bake bread. This is not good.

On my phone, now. Just starting to really get depressed with this shite ...

LS 6 Friday

When I got home, power was on, again. But it no longer worries me. I took advantage, though, cleaned the litter boxes - Sybil follows me around the entire evening, every evening! Last night, she used the litter box while I was busy cleaning. Me cleaning one end, her using the other! Unlike my mippies, who mip for attention, Sybil chirps. Or trills. I'm not sure of the correct word, but it sounds like a high pitched prrrr. When I moved to the next box, Lady Jane came to use the one I had just cleaned.

It's getting wintery now, at night, temperatures drop to around 10 Celsius. One night they even went below. In the day, we're below 25. Maximum. In the shade, that is. I worry about the ferals outside, my tenant still hasn't fixed their shelter. I've been thinking of converting the Wendy into a cattery. Well, not enclosed, as they should be able to come and go - but clean it up, and build some furniture for them. Off the ground.

This morning Smeagol arrived looking like he'd just taken a bath! Wet all over! And his family was also coming from outside the garden, not from the Wendy. I worry about them!

Internet came on quite late, I watched two interviews - one about the energy crisis, the other about this new racist labour law. Both depressing. I played with Sybil, while listening to those. Then turned on my audiobook ... only to realise, too late though, that I could have turned on the PC. There was a notification from another Councilor that load shedding had indeed been suspended in Tshwane, while they worked on restoring power to all areas; since that has now been done, load shedding will resume at 05:00 Friday morning. So, I had power all night long ... and didn't make use of it! Silly me!

No worries, though. I did fly out of bed, though, when I realised it was already six, and I needed to brew a pot of coffee! Turned on the percolator ... it finished before the power went off! Phew!

I've mentioned before, that there are several things I will need to get with the retirement annuity money I withdrew. I've been making this list in my head ... and I keep forgetting this and that; so now I'm writing it down. That's what I got all these little notebooks for.

Load shedding today from two to six - 4 hours! And again from ten to two - 4 hours again! Saturday starting with load shedding from six to eight, followed by two to four, and for a final round ten to two again - 4 hours. Sunday six to ten - 4 hours, two to four and ten to midnight ... 

Which means that, on Sunday, I have at most 4 hours (from ten to two) to bake and cook everything I need baked and/or cooked. And hope like heck that they switch us on at ten, and not half past! Remember how last weekend I used the 3 hour setting, and the bread didn't seem fully baked? Well, it was edible, but could do with more baking time ... 

Looks like I'm going to have to set up a schedule to show exactly when I will have power ... so I can do any prep work during load shedding.

Lovely, eh? If I want coffee, I better haul ass every morning!

Anyway, with tonight's load shedding, I don't think I'll be turning on the PC tonight. Probably won't get internet anyway ... soo ... publishing before I leave work.

Just past two ... nothing much happening any more ... so ... hopefully I can post again tomorrow! At Stage 6 load shedding, internet is really bad at home. And there's currently a problem with my service provider, so ... really ... can't tell.

LS 6 Thursday

Again, the power was on, when I got home. We're now back to 10 hours scheduled a day - Stage 6. 2 x 4 hours + 1 x 2 hours. Announced at eleven last night. Until further notice ...

Funny, our Minister of Electricity was asked, during that interview I watched, whether he still stands by his claim that we won't be seeing higher than Stage 4 load shedding, and among all his babbling, the one thing he did say was that he stands by what he said. That was two days ago. <facepalm>

There is still plenty of hissing and growling at poor Lady Sybil. Last night it was getting on my nerves, so I drugged the lot of them - catnip. That seemed to quiet them down a bit.

I did all my chores - including cleaning the litter boxes - showered, heated and ate dinner, then sat on the bed to watch an episode of Partners in Crime. It's based on a collection of Agatha Christie short stories, featuring Tommy & Tuppence Beresford. It's charming, I really enjoy it.

While watching, of course, I play with Lady Sybil! She loves playing with the dangly fish! I don't have to do much, just hold it up - she bats it about, runs around the bed, jumps up, cuddles it ... just goes nuts!

And she still hasn't given up on winning over the big, furry blobs! She continues to make advances, slowly moving towards them ... till she hits the growl-distance, ha ha! I must try to see whether that's getting shorter.

I don't get it, though. Why are mippies like this? Why are they so exclusive? What's wrong with the little one? I remember introducing Mini was also difficult ... but SHE was the one not wanting to be part of the family ... she just wanted me, not other cats as well. Well, let's hope Sybil's persistence will pay off! She is such a snuggle bunny!

This morning, I woke up before six and turned off the PC. Only ... power stayed on! I had coffee, morning smoke, medicated Sybil, fed the ferals ... as I drove through the gate, I checked the time: quarter to seven! So! Again, no load shedding!?!

As I understand it, load shedding is that prevents a total grid collapse. So, not load shedding, when we should, surely increases the risk? Well, I sent a message to our Councilor. He replied that he thinks it's likely that Eskom is giving Tshwane a break, due to the massive power outage still going on, due to the pylon collapse this weekend!

Phew! As long as he's aware, I don't need to worry.

I just sort of shot myself in the foot ... I went grocery shopping. I planned on not getting much, so I could take a bit of a break this weekend ... but then ... potatoes on special; but only bulk pack! AND Mushrooms on special! At an affordable price! So I took 1kg! That's my weekend plans now ... sigh ...

The 3kg chicken hearts are going fast ... I have 2 more packets in the freezer. So I bought another 3kg today. They were still partially frozen, so they're definitely fresh. I also took a packet of frozen chicken hearts at the butchery - they don't give a price per kg, though, just a price per packet. I asked her to weigh the packet - their price is even cheaper than Spar! So, in future I'll be buying chicken hearts at the butchery.

I decided to add chicken meat into the mix as well, hopefully I'll be able to take a break cooking for ferals next weekend! Sybil loves her chicken hearts! Mine only sometimes - other times they turn their nose up at them. Well, I'm going to simmer the chicken hearts in two batches again, I also got half kg chicken livers, and while that's going, I'll make the chicken legs in the pressure cooker. Hopefully I can do the cooking on Friday, let it cool, then mince, mix and pack it on Saturday.

I plan to clean and rearrange the chest freezer again, this weekend. Remember how it was about 3/4 full, but when I had packed everything in bags - organised - the chest freezer was full to the brim? Well, I now have three storage bags. Two blue/yellow/black checkered and one red. I'm thinking of labelling one of the blue ones 'Heat & Eat'. Put everything that is either cooked or quick-fry, like steaks, sausages, etc. in there. The other blue one, I'm thinking of labelling 'Ingredients'. For the tomato paste, the chopped apples for pie, the fruit and vegetables, frozen eggs, etc. And the red one for mostly meat, but anything that takes a long time to cook.

I'll do the chicken hearts & legs, and the mushrooms, rearrange the freezer, and then I'll see whether I still have time and energy for potatoes.

And with 4 hours of load shedding during the day ... that's going to be a challenge ...

Load shedding today from two to six (4 hours) and again from ten to midnight. Tomorrow morning again from six to eight. Yeah, let me not dwell ... better publish before I start ranting, ha ha!

LS 5 6 Wednesday

I was surprised to see the power on, when I got home! Load shedding was from four to six - I got home around half past five. I'm beginning to wonder, whether I should mention that to our Councilor? Load shedding is implemented to prevent total grid collapse ... 

No trouble with any mippies coming in last night. Lady Sybil didn't even go out. Everybody is back to growling and hissing at the poor girl. She still timidly approaches for play or lovies ... then runs away. So I need to give her the attention she craves and deserves ... 

Mewthos was extremely difficult last night. Restless. Mewly. Demanding. Irritating, ha ha! I did spend a good deal of time with him.

Internet came on a bit late, and I took time to watch some news. Political videos. I try to listen to all sides ... Last night I tried watching an interview with Gwede Mantashe. Yeah, tried. He's an ass! I couldn't watch that for long. He doesn't answer questions, he babbles on trying to convince voters that the ANC is the best party ... even the interviewer was getting frustrated.

Having watched our new mayor give updates on the power outage, I decided it would be interesting to see our Minister of Electricity give his report ... you know what? The mouth is flapping, but the brain isn't involved. Not one single point made. Just lips flapping, babbling along, looking serious ... useless!

Aaand no Stage 3, we're on full-time Stage 5 Load Shedding now! Which means, at home, power off from eight to twelve! 4 hours!

Just before one, cat food arrived! I've also got a message that my Takealot order is out for delivery today. I've bought electricity ... still need to solve that banking issue for online purchases, though.

I also still need to get in touch with Sir Fresh. Just not in the mood now ... 

Not even half an hour later and my Takealot delivery is here, as well! Cool!

Aaand at four we welcome back Stage 6 Load Shedding! No effect on me, personally - power off tonight from four to six, and tomorrow morning from six to eight. So I can actually listen to an audiobook on PC! Watch an episode or two tonight!

Since I can't be sure to have internet, though ... I'll publish before I leave work.

LS 3 5 Tuesday

I had quite a time getting mippies in! First, Lady Sybil had gone out to play - I had to coax her down a tree. She wouldn't just come, she wouldn't be coaxed by a toy ... I ended up holding food under her nose to get her down!

And then Mewthos went missing! I got the ladies in, closed up, and went looking and calling for Mewthos. Not a peep! I was beginning to get frantic, when I heard a low growl ... coming from outside my garden, in the direction of my neighbour. Now, I had already gone outside, walked up to the fence, calling Mewthos, even using the 'm' word - no reaction! It was getting dark, and I couldn't see ... but having heard the growl, I knew!

Got the water gun, keys, outside the gate, into the next door garden, up to the far fence and I started spraying all round! Mewthos appeared - in no real hurry to come home, though! Well, I had to go around again, got to the back ... he's just casually strolling through the fence! Comes with me to the corner of the house, but no further. Turns back! He wants to get in through the back door - which I've already closed. Sigh ... go around, put away the gun, close up front, open the back door ... no Mewthos! He had now decided that the front door is okay, after all! Was sitting outside the gate, waiting for me to first open the gate, then the door ... what an imp!

I spent over half an hour walking, calling, fearing ... and he's just having face time with his favourite enemy! Bromancing! Do you know how long half an hour is when you are scared? Fearing the worst? Getting more frantic as time goes by?

Once all my mippies are inside, I'm at peace. Mini slept in my arms - growled a bit at Sybil, when she wanted to snuggle ... Mini deserves her special time, too. Best way to let her know the extra mip won't affect her.

Oh, and I caught Lady Sybill trying to open the window yesterday or Sunday morning! Really! Had her paws on the handle, trying to jiggle it ... fortunately they open upwards, plus, the one she tried is the one I've had to wire shut! Clever girl!

Thought I'd quickly order Whiskas - pleasantly surprised to find it on special ... but they only have 3 boxes left ... took them all ... tried to pay ... Capitec is no longer on their list of banks for instant EFT! Okay, so credit card. First attempt didn't go through, re-send ... done! I took one Jelly, they only had 3 Gravy. The ferals will have to be happy with the chicken hearts.

I also updated my subscriptions - I don't need Acana this month, next month will do. I do, however, need another Iams.

Placed my chocolate order. Added a couple of items ... coffee ... vacuum sealer bag rolls. I've already used up one roll! And some storage bags. I want to see if I can use those to organise my chest freezer. I've looked for stackable baskets, stackable containers, wire baskets, crates ... I can't find anything that looks like it could work. These bags were actually quite cheap. Let's hope they work!

When it came to the payment, it seems that my bank has changed it's process. I can no longer access my account ... apparently I need to get the app! Not happy! Not happy at all! I do NOT want a friggin' banking app! I had trouble with the pet store one, too.

Nice bonus: delivery due on Thursday! Didn't expect it so fast - they usually take a week or two. There's always one item that unexpectedly delays delivery ... none this time, it seems.

Well, load shedding from four to six. Again from midnight. Tomorrow from eight ... we're back to 3 x 2 hours a day ... sigh.

Our new Minister of Electricity is planning to inspect the pylons that caused that huge issue ... what's HE gonna do? Paint them? That's about what he's useful for ... 

Anyway ... almost time to go home. 

Dark 2 hrs LS 2 0 3 Rainy Monday

Major storm last night, starting around eight. Power dipped - crashing my PC. It came on a minute later, went off a few minutes later, came on a minute after ... I had decided to leave the PC off, seeing as power seemed unreliable. I woke up sometime during the night, and power dipped again - so, clearly, this continued through the night.

This morning it rained heavily around six. Really heavy rain; and I could see signs of heavy winds during the night. When I turned on the internet, I saw a message sent by our Councilor around one in the morning: Six towers have collapsed, the live power lines fell onto the N4 Highway, totally blocking the highway. That's near where my mum lived; east of Pretoria. Due to the continuing storm, there's nothing they could really do at the time, so they'll reconvene this morning to come up with a plan. 8 Substations are affected, all turned off!

Again, we're lucky - our power is on!

I spoke too soon! Half past eight the power went off! Which is a problem, because I need to bake bread! And given the number of outages, and the severity of them ... I  suppose we will have a long wait. Sigh ...

An uneasy truce on my bed. They both want to be near me - but Mini still doesn't like Sybil.

I did give Sybil her meds, she took them like a champion! Made no attempt to spit it out.

I took the ferals their breakfast, but with the continued rain, I just went and took a bowl inside the Wendy, with Spitfire Vimes doing his standard hissing at me.

I was pleasantly surprised when the power came on only 2 hours later! Apparently branches had fallen across power lines down the road - impressively fast repair work!

In the meantime, I cleaned the litter boxes. Under Lady Sybil's supervision. This is becoming my current bane - I really can't let that slide. With the load shedding in the evenings, and it getting dark soon after I get home, it's more difficult to clean the litter boxes - can't see what I'm doing.

Now I've put the bread on the go. I must keep record of how much liquid I add, when I see the machine isn't coping, because the dough is too dry. The recipe doesn't add water - so I read the directions, and there they add 2/3 cup of the water used to boil the potatoes. No milk, though.

Message from our new mayor updating residents on the situation in Pretoria East. Clear evidence that the cause of the collapse is that people have been stealing sections of the towers to sell for scrap metal! Apparently there are sections where the metal has been 'replaced' ... 

I'm really glad that we have a young mayor. The amount of energy required to get this municipality on track ... he won't be able to get visible results, so the best he can do is keep us informed on what is happening.

I've packed vegetable stew in three bags - I'm getting quite a collection of ready meals. Or 'freezer meals' as they're called. The trick is to cook more meals than I eat in a week. I've now got a selection of stews, with and without meat, plus vegetables, plus potatoes - so I can take out a mix of my preference. Or, as I plan on doing this week, make rice to go with a vegetable stew plus some meat.

Crap! I completely forgot about load shedding, from four to six this afternoon! So I decided to put on the rice ... not enough time to wash the pot, so I'm cooking the rice in the vegetable stew. While that was cooking, I washed the dishes. Again. I had also helped myself to a bowl of it with roast beef - yummy!

Rice was not quite finished, when the power went off again ... just for a few seconds. Pressure cooker carried on as soon as it came back. PC on the other hand, crashed. Sigh ...

When I was done, I thought it would be a good idea to freeze another half dozen eggs. Yesterday everything went so smoothly - I got cocky! With the silicone tray, today ... yup! The inevitable! Poured two of the eggs into the freezer ... sigh ... washed everything I could ... lost two eggs ... managed to balance the other four all the way into the freezer.

I fear that the potato bread may not be completely baked ... I'll see when I get to the center. Next time, I'll know to use a different setting, one that bakes for longer.

Well, it's ten to four ... better turn everything off ...

Aaand it only starts at five! I had just turned everything off, when the announcement came through!

I sent our updated schedule through ... tomorrow evening, we'll be enjoying Stage 5 again! My tenant asked 'Stage 5?' Yup! I mentioned the interview where Eskom warns of Stage 10 in winter ... we'll probably get a power schedule instead of a load shedding schedule then. Power will be on less than it is off now. Then I said how I'm cooking freezer meals now, so that I'll have quick meals ready in winter ... and you know what? That's not a bad idea! If I can turn everything raw into cooked meals ... the meat that takes time to cook, like the lamb ribs, chuck roast, stewing steak ... all the stuff you can't just toss in a pan, fry, eat.

I mentioned earlier that the trick is to cook more meals than I eat in a week. Well, I'm not cooking seven meals in one go ... and I don't eat every evening. Some evenings I just have some cheese.

Just one small issue: my freezer space is now used to the maximum! Ha Ha Ha! I'm not doing things in the best way possible, yet - still learning. Like the potatoes, and the butternut. I should have mashed more of the potatoes, so they don't take up so much space in the freezer. I'm doing better each time, as I realise opportunities for improvement, and apply them.

Oh, lovely! Mewthos seems to have stopped growling and hissing at Lady Sybil! He's still not keen on her presence, but at least he now just walks away. No more.

Well, might as well publish ... load shedding again from midnight till two tonight ... sigh ...

LS 2 0 2 Sunday

I had an ugly nightmare, that there were more kittens coming out of the woodworks - they were these pure-bred, naked, big eared ones, that look like overgrown rats. Urgh!

I woke a little late, it's no longer hot in the mornings - which I like. I medicated Sybil and then I gave her some breakfast - she's still a kitten and needs to eat more often.

I've realised that the Kilowatt meter records only time in use; so, when I'm measuring the chest freezer for 12 hours, it only records the amount of time it is running. So I need to record the start time, end time - and how many hours it runs during that time; separately, to get an accurate measurement. I noticed that when I tried to measure the fridge. So, today, I've plugged the meter in at half past eight (just now), and will check the usage at four, just before load shedding starts.

Urgh! Mippies brought a hoppie inside last night ... it just found its way onto my shoulder! Safely released outside! Having an insect grab onto you is really freaky!

I just had a talk with my tenant about the electricity. He'll have a chat with his 'wife' about cooking several times a day; and he'll get a gas stove this week. He'll still have to pay for what's been used until now ... and no, he's not making trouble about it, not in the least.

I've packed the chicken hearts into the freezer, still need to vacuum pack two of the bags - too much liquid. Now I've put half a dozen eggs in the freezer. I've done a bit of research and apparently the egg yolks don't do well, when you defrost, they aren't 'just like fresh'. Better to whisk each egg, that comes out perfectly. Or so they say. Remember that silicone muffin tray I bought? Well, that's what I'm using. Freezing each egg separately. When they're frozen, I'll just pop them out of the tray and vacuum pack them individually - or in pairs. I mostly use even numbers of eggs.

Theoretically, I could pop them all into a ziplock bag and take them out one by one ... not in South Africa, though. Courtesy of load shedding.

Lady Sybil is on the bed, whole morning, so far. Wants plenty of attention! Urgh! Just found another hoppy in the bed! Safely released. Again.

Just past eleven, I've washed the dishes ... I think my next step should be the chuck roast.

I'm going to try something different. I'm going to make just the roast in the pressure cooker - and the vegetables and soup or stew separately on the induction plate. I can use the juice from the roast as a base. And that way, I can cook the different vegetables the different times they need.

Slight hitch. The cooking times I have are all for just the roast, but mine has bones still on. I considered deboning, but that's just a bit out of my league. You should add extra time for bones ... but it doesn't say how much, and I can't find a single recipe where they used meat with bones. I'll go with the time I calculated based on boneless. Better undercooked than overcooked.

While the meat was in the pressure cooker, I chopped vegetables. Celery, Carrots, Tomatoes, Beans, Spinach and Butternut.

Lady Sybil seems to have disappeared. I've looked inside and outside - no sign of her.

Two hours later, Mewthos - after a lawn roly poly - demands a treat. I'm a softie, so I give in. Of course I call ALL mippies, and guess who came strolling into the kitchen? Yup! Lady Sybil! Ha Ha.

I thought I'd have to rush, if load shedding starts at four, since it's already half past three ... when I checked whether there's any update: Yup! Instead of Stage 3 at four, we're going to Stage 2 at five. So our power only goes off from five to six ...

Well, it's quarter to five. I don't think they'll turn off our power - why make the extra drive for just one hour? It's not like they have to turn someone's power on ... but, just in case ... I'll publish now.

LS 2 1 0 2 Saturday, vet again with Lady Sybil

I deliberately slept late this morning, to avoid the whole 'begging to go out'. Also, the neighbour's cat treated me to a concert during load shedding - around three this morning. He sat on the window sill outside, Mewthos stood on the window sill inside and the two of them were just flexing their vocal muscles at each other! Great fun! I eventually had to get up and threaten to open the window - he wouldn't go at the sight of me, or me tapping at the window, or me shouting at him.

I finally got up around seven. Made a fresh pot of coffee, got the laundry going ... packed Lady Sybil, who worried me even more last night. She wouldn't even play with her pink mouse, didn't eat much, just seemed overall down, listless and not her usual self.

Turns out she had a loose tooth - fortunately one of her baby teeth. Vet took it out, rinsed her mouth and gave me meds for her. Again. I also asked about her Snuffles, and he says to look out for sneezing and runny nose. He also checked her eyes - about the red crust he says it's normal, and to just clean it daily. He then noticed that one of her eyes was slightly inflamed - I'm to put cream into that eye.

I also got some basic medication for cats, Petcam for fever and pain, and PetDent for inflamed gums. He said it would help her a lot, if I can rub that on her gums.

Back at home, she hid under the sleeper couch - her 'safe' place. It took a while for her to come out. Once she did, I applied the eye cream ... then had to wait a while, before applying the gum gel. All done, now.

I was surprised to see power come on just after eleven - it went off a minute later, then came back on. Another fifteen minutes later, notification came through that load shedding has been suspended until five this evening.  No effect on our schedule, so far.

I watched a summing up of our Minister of Electricity's almost two hour long press report ... basically, he spent two hours going into painful detail on every single plant ... saying nothing new, nor will anything change. He just reckons he must get Billions of Rand to invest in the existing plants ... nothing about additional energy generation by the private sector ... just 'tons of money to spend on coal', from mining to transportation to coal plants.

We're sitting in the worst crisis ever since the discovery of electricity ... and nobody is doing anything about it! Oh, and in winter, we're likely going to find ourselves in Stage 10 load shedding! No schedule exists beyond Stage 8, at present ... 

But at least, as long as they're load shedding, there's very low chance of total grid collapse. Sigh ...

Well, I'm again taking it easy. I've hung up the laundry, pushed the potatoes through the Rösti maker - I've watched the video with the various recipes; no variety whatsoever. Just experimenting with different preparation methods - first one they use boiled potatoes, thereafter raw potatoes. Yeah ... not interested.

Well, once again my Rösti ended up scrambled. Instead of one solid round shape, it all fell apart. But I think I've figured out what I'm doing wrong!

Sigh, Sybil has moved out again. Maybe she thinks this is just a clinic? Ha Ha

Another update to load shedding, instead of Stage 3, we'll only get Stage 2 tonight. Good, because that means no outage during the night!

I meant to upload these photos yesterday, but ... well ... internet ...

Isn't she just a cutie pie? But yeah, she wasn't feeling well at the time. No, I'm going to have some trouble giving her her daily medication, if she's outside again ...

And here's Mini, with a special present just for me!

And yes, that's the middle of my bed, as usual! The lizard was very much alive, so I grabbed it and set it free ... I'm a terrible cat mommy!

I have less energy today - it's over 30 Celsius again. Yesterday maximum was exactly 30, today we're going over! I've not really done much ... I tried taking a nap ... no good.

Lady Sybil came in to get her special treat, when I fed the ferals - and stayed. I'm glad, because she needs to take meds for the next 8 days.

Then I brought my mippies in. Early, again. They didn't complain, though. They're not too happy about Lady Sybil ...

I was feeling down and low, so I bullied myself to take a shower. It always perks me up. It did so tonight, as well. I feel ready to tackle tomorrow!

I did still pack the potatoes away. I packed them into 225gr packages - the exact quantity I need to make potato bread. I made 4 packets and put one batch into the fridge for Monday.

Tomorrow ... I'll do whatever I feel like, same as these past two days. Let's see what that turns out to be ...