tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36736900908068570092012-02-08T08:09:38.381+02:00Through the eye of a camera, a record of life and rambles around the Western CapeValhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.comBlogger1371100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-42004777139094519832012-02-06T11:04:00.001+02:002012-02-06T11:04:53.208+02:00

Had a good giggle when I noticed this little scene at one of the gas stations in Kleinmond, the nearest small town to Betty's Bay.   It brought to mind the feminist slogan "A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle".  Doesn't that bring back memories!

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-35062045506487679012012-02-03T11:35:00.002+02:002012-02-03T11:35:40.342+02:00

Consternation this morning when we discovered we had no water.  MDH (my dear husband) had an appointment in the city at 11h00 and, running late as usual, only stepped into the shower an hour before he was due to leave.  Anguished cries from the bathroom as the last of the water in the pipes ran out while he was washing his hair and no water left in the hot water tank, due unfortunately

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-18720863324684307402012-02-01T13:12:00.001+02:002012-02-03T11:39:07.346+02:00

I'm becoming something of a sunset connoisseur, in fact I now have hundreds of images, from the gentle and unassuming ones to the magnificent and spectacular.  The slightest hint of pink or gold light shining through the windows has me running to the dining room where the camera is always kept and then out one of the numerous doors to wonder around in a happy daze. With eyes fixed on the

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-60251918713939772332012-01-20T19:35:00.001+02:002012-01-20T19:35:29.448+02:00

We're having a heatwave a tropical heatwave, the temperature's rising, it isn't surprising ... * ...that everyone's off to the beach! Days of dazzling light and sizzling heat Seaweed, a giant comma on the sand Bliss for little kids And not so little kids Despite this being the final week of school holidays, the Main Beach in Betty's Bay

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-53755668554106541162012-01-02T19:36:00.000+02:002012-01-02T19:36:31.727+02:00

The first rainbow of 2012 and, hopefully, a good omen for the new year.  2011 was a year of change and uncertainty for this family.  First there was the completion of building work, renovations and preparing the old house to go on sale.  And by the way, why oh why, do we all wait until selling our homes, to get round to doing all those repairs for the benefit of someone other than

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-68315715650262330102011-12-24T16:58:00.002+02:002011-12-24T16:58:49.714+02:00

Christmas for the last few years has been rather sad for us ever since our elder daughter, her husband and the grandchildren emigrated to Australia.  I miss the crowded chaotic day, the present opening and sitting around the table talking and eating far too much.  Since moving to Betty's Bay, however, the sadness has been tempered by the beauty and tranquillity of our new home and the

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-82612752073008657892011-12-19T16:02:00.003+02:002011-12-19T16:02:43.958+02:00

One of the things we enjoy most in the early evening is walking down to the beach at the end of the road for our daily fix of sunset splendour.  After a really hot day, the chilled salty air and wheeling clouds of seagulls in search of the perfect roosting place for the night, are better than any tranquilliser ever manufactured.    Going ...  Going ... Gone! Then

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-62328171929049309542011-12-09T14:55:00.001+02:002011-12-09T15:07:26.194+02:00

Sometimes the morning begins like this ...  ... and ends like this ... 

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-8243478840952669152011-12-01T15:34:00.001+02:002012-01-04T07:23:27.889+02:00

Our visitors to the Cape are often disappointed if the weather on a particular day doesn't turn out the way they'd hoped, but we tell them that all they have to do is wait, because sooner or later you'll get what you want, be it rain, sunshine, overcast or howling winds.  That's how mercurial the Cape weather is! Today was just such a day.  A little mist hanging over the mountains, rain

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-57459301757905778802011-11-28T17:46:00.001+02:002011-11-28T18:25:53.763+02:00

In the end leaving the old house wasn't as sad as anticipated.  The weeks of packing, cleaning up, giving the garden its final grooming and watering the roses for the last time, followed by the exhausting day of the actual move, went by in a blur.  When we handed the house over to its new owners it was just a house, the things that had made it our home for so long were no longer there and I

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-44006425867545920462011-10-28T13:44:00.003+02:002011-10-28T13:44:52.312+02:00

This afternoon we're leaving for Betty's Bay to spend the weekend in our new home.  There's only two beds, a teeny fridge, microwave, and two chairs in the house but you can see above what's waiting for us in the garden.  We're clearing out of our recently sold home so that the youngest daughter can host friends from Johannesburg while we're away.  Fortunately they're not of a partying age

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-70748382027380263732011-10-19T16:31:00.000+02:002011-10-19T16:31:08.765+02:00

The text message arrived out of the blue : "Hi Mom How would you like some extra help with the move?" Would I just! And from the oldest daughter who now lives in Brisbane with her husband and my gorgeous, shooting-up-like-beanstalks, grandsons.  She's arriving in Cape Town on 8 November and will stay for ten days helping with the move to the Betty's Bay house.  If that isn't

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-6524568841115789752011-10-14T14:28:00.002+02:002011-10-14T14:28:36.167+02:00

So much has been happening in our lives during the last three months that it's been difficult to know how to describe it. We've lived in our big old house on the slopes of Table Mountain for sixteen years.  It's been fun living near a large city in an area buzzing with life; restaurants, coffee shops and book shops and beautiful parks all around, but the time has come to make the

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-3445834634783878372011-08-22T17:31:00.000+02:002011-08-22T17:31:13.714+02:00

For a few short minutes the gloom of a cold, rainy Cape Town afternoon was unexpectedly broken by sunshine breaking through the clouds.  Not that I'm complaining about the rain, you understand, because it's worrying how little has fallen during our supposedly rainy season. The prolonged warm weather has thoroughly confused the plants, particularly the roses.  Two weeks

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-91787333126706719742011-08-15T17:17:00.001+02:002011-08-15T17:17:56.404+02:00

Waking up early in the morning on the particular day you've decided to sleep late sometimes brings an unexpected reward. Sometimes you're dazzled by unexpected delights if you're going to be the one who goes through to the kitchen to make the morning tea.

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-8819742200070468362011-08-10T14:57:00.002+02:002011-08-10T14:57:59.400+02:00

After my long flirtation with Instagram I'm back to blogging, despite being riddled with guilt  for this neglect.  During my period of absenteeism I find that Blogger has undergone so many changes and revamps that I feel quite lost and left behind.  So, I'm going to start off gently and post some of my iPhone pix to prove that I have been busy with my photography albeit in a different medium.

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-77318527152636034242011-03-02T15:08:00.000+02:002011-03-02T15:08:51.015+02:00

Unbearably hot weather and the year end tax preparations put paid to our usual weekend jaunts but last Sunday, this was sight that greeted me when I went downstairs to collect the newspapers.  An effort to venture out had to be made so we decided to lay low for most of the day and go down to the V & A Waterfront around five thirty to try and get in a bit of photography. On the way we noticed

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-37683317740248625812011-02-14T15:57:00.000+02:002011-02-14T15:57:48.125+02:00

The late afternoon down at the beachfront promenade is truly the golden time of day.   The sun starts to set around quarter to eight and families flock to the beach to enjoy the best time of the hot summer's day.  Some set up picnic table and rugs on the rocks and others take the opportunity to get in a little fishing or a leisurely amble.  It's a particularly friendly time of the day

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-24271927748808601712011-02-11T12:44:00.000+02:002011-02-11T12:44:46.592+02:00

I've been suffering through a long period of complete inability to post anything at all on my blog.  I could blame the heat, lack of inspiration, the pressure of beginning of the year workload, or I could be honest and just admit that I've been feeling down and dull and unable to see anything interesting around me. I subscribe to several newsletters which have recently commented on this subject,

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-69044280912171880752011-01-25T13:02:00.000+02:002011-01-25T13:02:33.527+02:00

As the sun dips lower and lower towards towards the horizon, the Sea Point public swimming baths, closed for the night, are strangely deserted.   A few seagulls fly in to do their "floating duck" thing on the unruffled surface of the pools. The numbers begin to swell. And at last the mystery as to where seagulls go, between their day and night shifts, is solved.  They fly in for

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-77482936432045593122011-01-24T17:05:00.001+02:002011-01-24T17:06:35.407+02:00

The prevailing southeasterly winds raged around the city bowl the entire weekend, snapping branches off trees and shrubs, driving dust under doors and through minute gaps in the windowframes.  Several of my newly planted petunias were blown clean out of the soil and the garden today looks pretty parched and battered.  This morning the wind has dropped and, as usual, it's a swelteringly hot day. 

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-63430626254832428602011-01-21T10:38:00.001+02:002011-01-21T10:38:58.433+02:00

Before sinking behind Lion's Head mountain in the late afternoon, the sun sets the kitchen windows on fire and illuminates the whole room with its radiant, golden light.

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-62688975051890865012011-01-20T12:27:00.000+02:002011-01-20T12:27:30.251+02:00

Here's someone who embodies the spirit of the artwork on his delivery van.  Weaving in and out of city traffic, with flourish and flair, he's certainly a shooting star.

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-21423893172945025312011-01-19T15:04:00.000+02:002011-01-19T15:04:29.981+02:00

I've come across this gorgeous red scooter several times in the last week, not always in an easily photographed parking place.  I first spotted it outside the best fish and seafood shop in Woodstock, where I went to buy ingredients for paella.  It's a small place on the corner, packed with discerning shoppers, especially on a Friday morning.  The skilled assistants, with their gleaming deadly

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-1759493762269450382011-01-18T16:14:00.000+02:002011-01-18T16:14:00.607+02:00

In contemplative mood, while waiting for dinner to finish cooking, I happened  to look down at our evening drinks on the kitchen counter.  The light from the tall window slanted across the glasses making them glow and sparkle and suddenly I saw infinite picture possibilities. The combinations are endless I always have to remind myself to look at the tiny picture as well as the larger.

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-68356355559460813242011-01-13T14:01:00.002+02:002011-01-13T14:09:49.797+02:00

Please keep Australia in your hearts and thoughts.  The devastating floods have caused death, injuries and huge loss of homes and businesses.  It's heartbreaking to see pictures and videos of the extent of the havoc.  We know some of the smaller country towns from our trip to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and in particular came to love the city centre.  On our frequent trips up and down the

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-27003645303366378802011-01-08T13:58:00.002+02:002011-01-11T13:26:17.470+02:00

"A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other" I'm unable to find the attribution of this quote but judging by past performance in keeping my New Year's resolutions, it seems entirely appropriate.  So, no more lists of worthy aims for 2011.  Instead, I will enjoy myself more, laugh more, take more chances and take more photographs!  And in so doing, perhaps make

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-32567537953494779992010-12-19T19:55:00.000+02:002010-12-19T19:55:17.195+02:00

On a warm spring day, wind free for a change, we drove out to Milnerton Beach, situated in Table Bay on the Atlantic Ocean side of the peninsula.  The beach provides one of the classic views of Table Mountain and its long white shores attract walkers and surfers alike.  The Benguela current that flows along Africa's western shore ensures that it's only the hardiest (or wetsuit clad) swimmers that

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-4229652954305319842010-12-14T16:22:00.000+02:002010-12-14T16:22:36.332+02:00

On our way out to Betty's Bay, a couple of seconds after driving past this used car lot, I suddenly registered that I'd seen a flash of eye-searing pink.  Hasty braking and a quick reverse revealed not one Volksie but two! I know lots of students who would happily give this little cutie as good home. And I thank you for brightening up my day. Strand is a town where people are not

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-3134743822487781202010-12-12T16:19:00.000+02:002010-12-12T16:19:33.080+02:00

Last week my sister reported that she'd seen the first Painted Lady this summer, growing near the side of a  road, so on Sunday morning we went in search of these exquisite little flowers.  Undaunted by scorching sun,  a brisk breeze and the knowledge that if we didn't get shots immediately we wouldn't have the time later, we were delighted to find the Ladies in profuse numbers,  along the verges

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-10020343526872701752010-12-08T16:48:00.000+02:002010-12-08T16:48:32.630+02:00

I intended to go for a walk with my SLR as soon as we arrived in Betty's Bay on Friday afternoon. The light was wonderful, the sun was starting its flaming descent into the ocean and the air was crisp and salty.  But then I noticed these yellow daisies clustered around a boulder next to the stairs down from the deck.  And, I thought,  iPhone or nothing!  As it turned out, I didn't get any

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-15036761035456344362010-12-06T13:12:00.001+02:002010-12-06T13:14:09.891+02:00

I've read that some of the World Cup visitors expected to see wild animals roaming the streets of South African cities ...  well no, but I did spot the king of the beasts prowling over a roof top on our way out to Betty's Bay this weekend.    We arrived just as the sun was setting in a blaze of molten splendour over the ocean ...     ... bathing the front rooms of the house in golden warmth .

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-54019627883142104092010-12-01T20:01:00.000+02:002010-12-01T20:01:51.733+02:00

Hung on the shower that fronts the golden West,The rainbow bursts like magic on mine eyes!In hues of ancient promise there imprest,Frail in its date, eternal in its guise. Charles T. Turner Today I really needed a rainbow.

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-61870711516296977452010-11-28T14:43:00.000+02:002010-11-28T14:43:01.271+02:00

The DSLR continues to gather dust as the days go by.  I'm having such fun with my new phone which accompanies me where ever I go - not for the phone itself, you understand, but for the Hipstamatic App.  Even Saturday chores and errands turn into photo opportunities without the hassle of carrying a heavy camera and lens around. The day began with breakfast and coffee at The Waterfront, along with

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-85096070907486648992010-11-22T16:30:00.001+02:002010-11-22T16:31:07.830+02:00

There's a new love in my life!  All three members of the family  were due for upgrades to their mobile contracts.  Husband and daughter tried to persuade me to follow their lead in opting for a shiny new iPhone, but despite all their persuasion I stubbornly steadfastly refused to buy in to the craze for all things Apple, my old phone was perfectly efficient and reliable. But THEN, oh then, I

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-44561925042793151372010-11-17T11:18:00.000+02:002010-11-17T11:18:41.312+02:00

After the numbness and sorrow of goodbyes I look up at the eternal majesty of the mountain, as gossamer clouds drift across its sunlit face and I find the strength to say "I can do this, life will go on".

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-55937336291178183952010-11-12T21:54:00.001+02:002010-11-12T21:56:04.979+02:00

The final day of our Australian vacation arrived and in an effort to alleviate the feelings of sadness, Gabs, Alain and the two of us decided to keep ourselves busy until the time we had to leave for the airport.  Some of Gabs' friends had recommended a visit to the Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, Australia's first environmental centre for indigenious plants and this turned out to be a tranquil and

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-46417736115164296922010-11-09T16:14:00.000+02:002010-11-09T16:14:22.354+02:00

 "Oh, a wondrous bird is the pelican!His beak holds more than his belican.He can take in his beakEnough food for a week,But I'm darned if I know how the helican." Dixon Lanier Merritt1879 - 1972 My dad, who had a poem or a joke for any occasion, used to quote this rhyme frequently to us as children, so when I was lucky enough to see these Australian Pelicans at Brett's Wharf on the Brisbane River

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-46373218760000911362010-11-02T19:07:00.001+02:002010-11-02T19:08:58.924+02:00

Think of 14 000 roses in 300 varieties and then think of the fragrance of this many blooms filling the air and you'll have some idea of what New Farm Park looks like in spring. The great circle of the park is lined with jacaranda trees that are almost one hundred years old and I've seen photographs that show the grass covered in a blue carpet of petals. Alas, the jacarandas weren't

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-50430404967561573402010-10-31T19:47:00.000+02:002010-10-31T19:47:05.266+02:00

There's something rather glamorous and exciting about treating yourself to a short stay in a smart city hotel, a feeling of escaping the monotony and responsibility of everyday life, of being a different, carefree person for a while. Standing on a balcony high up in the air and marvelling at the glittering skyscrapers, you're no longer a wife or a grandmother fretting about the future, just a

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-88726602347123811832010-10-29T17:51:00.005+02:002010-10-31T13:31:23.958+02:00

It's almost guaranteed that the departure date from any holiday spot will result in bright sunshine and dazzling blue skies.   After days of sulky grey skies and humid weather, we said a reluctant goodbye to Noosa . On the return to Brisbane we spent a happy and leisurely day stopping off at some of the beaches for which Queensland is so famous. A boy, a makeshift fishing rod, bright sunshine

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-85290958816428031032010-10-26T18:28:00.001+02:002010-10-26T18:34:47.552+02:00

The vote was unanimous - we would spend the day cruising the river and so, remembering the huge bird we'd glimpsed on our drive the day before (and not stopped to photograph!)  we headed for Pelican Boat Hire, one of the stops for the river ferry. Noosa is one of the top holiday destinations in Australia and part of its appeal is that it's a less brash and commercialised version of the Gold

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-32143825694638082842010-10-23T18:46:00.002+02:002010-11-25T20:59:11.256+02:00

In the late afternoon we arrived in Noosa and after booking in to our accommodation, went out for a short drive and a walk to take a look at what it had to offer.  The sky looked threatening and, sure enough,  there was barely time to fire off a few pictures before the heavens opened and we had to retreat to the car. Impressions of a wide river, grassed esplanades and tall palm trees, walkers,

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-41831704084980448682010-10-20T12:53:00.002+02:002010-10-20T12:57:58.233+02:00

I was really looking forward to seeing Montville so I'm not sure why I came away with so few satisfactory pictures and discarded even more once I started sorting them out. This little town, referred to as the jewel of the Blackall Range, is set in an area of great natural beauty and tranquillity.  Brick paths, shaded by stately old trees and lined with lush plantings of shrubs and flowerbeds,

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-30356090384044953272010-10-15T19:48:00.001+02:002010-10-15T19:49:44.354+02:00

Later on in the day we continued our journey to Maleny, passing through countryside so beautiful it defies description. Numerous stops had to be made to try and capture in pictures a little of the soft, appealing panoramas unfolding all around us.  "Are you going to take another photo, Gran?" All was forgiven when we saw  these beautiful horses in their grassy paddock, an equine "room with a

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-33716550708484750842010-10-10T07:49:00.003+02:002010-10-11T17:46:36.447+02:00

We continued our journey through pretty Maleny, to which we would return later in the afternoon to buy supplies  for our stay in Jacarandah Cottage at Witta. Passing through increasingly beautiful vistas of undulating hills and  dizzyingly lush green fields bordered by intensely dark trees and rainforests, we arrived in Flaxton, a quaint little village towards the northern end of the Blackall

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-54530641863136628792010-10-01T12:43:00.003+02:002010-10-11T17:44:42.992+02:00

Tibrogargan or Beerwah, Coonowrin or Beerburrum, or even (best of all) Tibberoowuccum and Miketeebumulgral, what do these tongue-twisting names mean to you?  Probably as little as they did to me until I visited the Glass House Mountains and saw these fascinating formations. "An Aboriginal legend of the origins of the Glass House Mountains  tells of a family who were forced to flee as the sea

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-73667177840934814432010-09-30T10:57:00.001+02:002010-09-30T11:00:08.504+02:00

We're here in Brisbane and the flags were raised for our arrival!  After a rapturous welcome from daughter and grandsons at the  airport it was home to their house for a rest and a cup of tea.  As usual my daughter's tiny town garden was filled with beautiful plants. We were introduced to the new addition to the family.  Miss Molly is the sweetest cavoodle with silky soft fur, melting eyes

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-70565851868043750102010-09-13T21:25:00.000+02:002010-09-13T21:25:36.517+02:00

My heart is filled with joy and the reason for this is that we're leaving for Brisbane on Sunday.  The last time I saw these particular Australians was two years ago and they were starting off at a new school. On that visit we had a glorious time discovering all the sights with the grandkids - they lived in Melbourne before moving to Brisbane so it was fun to explore everything with them. We

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-90661283345521235652010-09-09T12:36:00.001+02:002010-09-09T12:38:39.075+02:00

Early evening on the Promenade really is the golden hour and if you find seagulls endlessly fascinating then there's no better place to study avian behaviour.  I looked up collective nouns on the internet to try and find one which describes a gathering of these birds and what I found was "a quarrel" or "squabble" of seabirds., which seems rather apt, I think.  There's a rigid "pecking order" (

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-10524920335491125122010-09-01T20:40:00.002+02:002010-09-01T20:51:12.065+02:00

Another visit to another vineyard, this time to De Grendel Farm, situated on the Tygerberg Hill.  As you gaze across the lake and the vineyards it's difficult to believe that you're just half an hour's drive from central Cape Town.    I think this must be the only winery where the view stretches as far as Table Mountain and includes glimpses of the city and seaboard.  I've always wondered why

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-36801665780477522202010-08-23T22:14:00.002+02:002010-08-23T22:21:39.594+02:00

Just as pleasurable as Wordsworth's daffodils, this beautiful cyclamen, a present from my sister, fills my heart with pleasure.  Delicate candy-pink petals against the blue winter sky evoke the spirit of spring which still seems quite far off, in spite of 1 September being the official start  of the season of freesias, daffodils and new lettuce-green oak leaves.  When I asked a friend for

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-56127205547083346872010-08-17T17:55:00.002+02:002010-08-17T18:03:05.802+02:00

An unexpected afternoon away from the office and a chance to visit  The Vineyard Connection, a boutique wine shop set amongst the exquisitely beautiful Stellenbosch winelands. We wanted to track down a particular wine which wasn't available directly from the estate but which we were told was stocked by the boutique. Tangled masses of lavender, pierced by the flaming red hot poker flowers

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-6042141354368156072010-08-04T22:18:00.000+02:002010-08-04T22:18:40.926+02:00

I carry my DSLR around with me as much as I can, given that it's quite heavy and rather bulky to fit inside a handbag.  Consequently most of my picture snapping takes place at the weekend on specifically planned short trips. Occasionally, however, there's time for coffee or lunch in the city and there's always something eyecatching to photograph.  Brunch in the Cape Quarter, is a enjoyable choice

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-58059750011381813902010-08-02T18:37:00.000+02:002010-08-02T18:37:23.118+02:00

So there we were on Sunday, acting like the motorists that everyone hates, the (ahem) older couple driving  slowly along the side of the road while all the "stressed, no time, can't waste a second" types flashed past us.  We were driving out to a little country town called Riebeeck Kasteel to collect some belongings my husband had left behind at a guesthouse two weeks before while visiting there

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-45962795486444201172010-07-21T17:25:00.000+02:002010-07-21T17:25:42.966+02:00

Early Saturday morning in Betty's Bay and one of those perfect days that those of us lucky enough to live in Cape Town experience in the middle of winter. Weather-wise Cape Town and surrounds have experienced an unusual winter so far this year.  Bitterly cold days with rain crashing down and once even a light fall of snow on Table Mountain (!!), have been followed by four or five days of  sunny

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-21363450356124006922010-06-30T20:06:00.000+02:002010-06-30T20:06:14.513+02:00

An interesting and thought-provoking project during the 2010 Soccer World Cup was the installation of 33 life-sized zebra sculptures throughout the city.  It's been fun discovering the colourful creations in quite unexpected places, on traffic islands and circles, in parks and outside an art gallery, close to a cathedral and at the beginning of the Company Gardens Walk.  I've also found several

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-90900301634939423152010-06-24T17:36:00.000+02:002010-06-24T17:36:47.945+02:00

Bafana Bafana bowed out of the World Cup on Tuesday with their heads held high and their fellow countrymen proud of their skill, passion and determination on the field of play.  Beating France two nil was an incredible achievement  even if it wasn't enough to take us through to the next round.  During the match we felt a little edgy ... and after all the tension and excitement of the game, not

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-73646976815974766772010-06-22T16:29:00.001+02:002010-06-22T16:56:44.511+02:00

If ever we needed a little magic the time is now.  The South Africa vs France game has kicked off even as I write this and this is our last chance to make it through to the next round. We know we were lucky to even play in the first round (purely as the hosts of the World Cup) but after the first game against Mexico, we dared to dream a little.  And South Africans are great dreamers.  The

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-30437650534825413872010-06-13T19:56:00.001+02:002010-06-13T19:58:14.180+02:00

Well, we pulled out all the stops on Friday for our World Cup visitors.  The flags were fluttering on anything that kept still for long enough, the Wheel of Excellence continued with its stately revolutions, the city streets rang with the sounds of vuvuzelas tuning up for the first match and nature produced a perfect summer day, warm and golden, in the middle of winter. Andi and I drove down

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-54929557199470336292010-06-09T16:17:00.002+02:002010-06-09T16:21:48.992+02:00

What would you think if you came across a tree with flamboyant blooms such as these? Not to mention  an exotic bird peering down its nose from branches high up in a tree. Well, you'd know that you were in Prestwich Square where more installation art is springing up with every day leading us closer to the World Cup. The interesting thing about this installation is that the entire piece is

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-48021017800339420682010-06-07T22:09:00.000+02:002010-06-07T22:09:49.005+02:00

Here it is, South Africa's secret weapon for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the mighty vuvuzela!  The giant horn, 35m long and 5.5m in diameter has been mounted on the end of Cape Town's infamous, unfinished freeway (a story in itself).  The electronic countdown notes the number of days to the start of the World Cup, four today,  and apparently the horn will sound an ear-splitting blast every time a

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-33204378109977342312010-06-01T19:34:00.004+02:002010-06-01T19:44:38.781+02:00

Don't be alarmed by the title of this blog!  I'm referring to the 2010 Soccer World Cup which is being held in South Africa and which kicks off  (sorry) on Friday 11 June.  Capetonians are always a little cautious about reacting to events which might require them to nail their colours to the mast, so to speak,  but every day more and more cars are sporting the national flag and wing mirror covers

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-18034834819788286612010-05-24T18:36:00.000+02:002010-05-24T18:36:56.403+02:00

A lot of my most serendipitous images occur at inconvenient times, like these ones for instance.  Supper was simmering away in the oven as I walked downstairs to put the car in the garage.  On the way back up to the house I noticed ethereal wisps of cloud just beginning to slip over the top of the mountain.  Knowing what this heralded, I turned off the oven, grabbed my camera, and drove down to

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-88967235936032129832010-05-21T18:39:00.002+02:002011-02-11T15:29:00.108+02:00

Building renovations have left the garden, not to mention the house, covered in a thick layer of red dust, so it was a delight to nip out during one of the first winter showers, umbrella tucked between neck and shoulder to capture a few photographs of the freshly washed and gleaming plants. The smooth lime green leaflets of Duranta "Sheena's Gold" dazzle against the darker, tooth-edged leaves

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-25963813427444637682010-05-14T18:59:00.000+02:002010-05-14T18:59:28.692+02:00

Tomorrow morning my sister and I are going to a baby shower for her daughter in law.  Each guest has been asked to bring along a photograph of themselves as a baby.  With the building work still in progress and our lives now restricted to the kitchen and bedroom and office work taking up to ten hours a day, I had a moan about having to dig deep into dusty cupboards and boxes to find a baby

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-69666402616427905522010-05-12T16:28:00.002+02:002010-05-13T21:06:37.290+02:00

Glamorous Yolanda arrived in our lives three years ago and within a short time became a much loved  member of our family.  Promotion within her company has meant that she is moving to Johannesburg and while we are going to miss her terribly, we know that she is going to love this larger city with its competitive working environment and buzzing social scene.  In our family occasions such as

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-40323558806459613762010-05-04T15:25:00.002+02:002010-05-05T13:31:30.718+02:00

It's autumn in the Cape and every morning city and harbour are swathed in a layer of low lying mist.  The mournful call of the foghorns and the salty smell of the sea drift up the mountain slopes and the mist slowly dissipates as the sun rises above the Boland mountain ranges.  The days are beautiful now, warm and mellow and the light has changed from bright gold and blue to a softer old brass

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-25346277732153891362010-04-23T16:38:00.000+02:002010-04-23T16:38:03.998+02:00

It was one of those evenings when I just happened to glance out of the window and notice that the clouds and light were lining up for a spectacular show.  The long zoom got screwed on to the camera double quick and I wedged myself between chair and window and placed the camera at just the correct height, resting on one of the cross bars of the window for stability. Looking down towards the

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-69082785884898394542010-04-20T18:09:00.001+02:002010-04-20T18:11:38.414+02:00

When I see even the tiniest dot of red in the distance I'm like a woman possessed.  No matter the distance, the discomfort or the dire state of my knees, I have to investigate.  There was an old iron structure next to the red chair (no photographic potential) but my ever-patient husband very kindly trudged ahead and moved it off to one side.  So, dropping  ungracefully, to the ground and lying on

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-31609106757721829672010-04-15T22:05:00.003+02:002010-05-12T16:36:27.753+02:00

On the way home after a long walk in the hot sun I saw this road winding down towards the distant blue sea. The feet were complaining and visions of  ice cold drinks were dancing in front of my eyes but I really had no choice other than to take a "short left" as we say here. I was rewarded pretty soon by a glimpse of pink amongst the fynbos and further investigation revealed this exquisitely

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-28356911306268935882010-04-14T18:19:00.001+02:002010-04-14T18:20:57.840+02:00

Every morning my neighbour Dolores scatters breadcrumbs on the pavement opposite her house to feed her growing flock of pigeons.  When I went downstairs to get my newspaper this morning there was one impatient customer waiting ... After making tea, I looked out the window and there were now two waiting diners. Later still, I went downstairs to water the garden and the crowd had now swelled to

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-85357094678349415762010-04-09T15:40:00.002+02:002010-04-09T15:42:05.534+02:00

This evening I'll be on my way to my beloved Betty's Bay for a weekend away from the building site that used to be my home.  On the road I'll see the eternal mountains sweeping gracefully down to the sea. There'll be blue sky contrasting with the beautiful golden rock of the cliffside and clouds drifting over the mountain tops.  There will be no jackhammers, no drills, no grinders sending

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-30456655733871632832010-04-07T20:13:00.002+02:002010-04-07T20:16:44.106+02:00

I'd been intending to go out just before sunset with my camera but a strong disinclination to move from the deck lounger and abandon my book, delayed me until I realised that the sun was disappearing fast.  It still surprises me how quickly I can grab everything I need and hurl myself into the car when needs be.  To the west the sun dazzled just above the edge of the mountain. A boardwalk

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-36835359726085146602010-04-02T19:26:00.004+02:002011-02-14T16:00:27.442+02:00

Newport Deli at the Mouille Point end of the Promenade on the beachfront, is one of the breakfast places to see and be seen.  It is pretty good to sit out under the umbrellas, savour the salty sea air, sip a cup of cappucino and perhaps toy with an almond croissant. The reflections in the deli window, layer upon layer, in glassy complexity - difficult to see what's inside and what's outside. A

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-27086320561476158772010-03-30T18:40:00.002+02:002010-03-30T18:50:02.611+02:00

I'd like to share some of the pictures taken by my daughter Andrea, a post-grad student.  She has recently become an extremely keen photographer and these are some of the images she has submitted for a photographic competition. This picture was taken at the top of Long Street in the city centre and shows the side of an apartment block  which is a hotly contested site for large scale advertising.

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-89883004351061730432010-03-25T20:02:00.002+02:002010-03-25T20:09:29.436+02:00

On Saturday everyone retired for an afternoon nap but I was reluctant to waste a windfree, golden afternoon on sleeping and, besides, I had noticed this pot planted up with dainty geraniums and dazzling cerise vygies. Tripod set up and a small wooden stool placed behind it (there's no way I can lower myself to the ground, let alone get up again)  the vygies were first under the macro lens.

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-82290075384419196092010-03-22T21:32:00.000+02:002010-03-22T21:32:06.287+02:00

On my way out to Betty's Bay this weekend just past I must have pulled the car over five or six times to take photographs of the beautiful curves of the mountains sweeping down to the aquamarine and inky blue sea below.  The sky was that incredible shade of African blue and a fresh breeze was driving the fluffy white clouds across the mountain peaks, casting ever-changing shadows across their

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-83286930873245662492010-03-16T19:44:00.001+02:002010-03-16T19:47:03.755+02:00

Alas and alack, my favourite antique shop in Harbour Road is no more.  An excursion for coffee and cake (and an unplanned but rewarding detour which resulted in the acquisition of sparkly gemstone earrings) revealed the sad sight of the beautiful gable at Deja Vu being covered in bright yellow paint.  It appears that the little shop has new owners.  I'm sure their new business will be interesting

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-10073447930481650612010-03-11T15:14:00.001+02:002010-03-11T16:00:02.509+02:00

When I emerged from the back door and cautiously picked my way over the piles of sand, gravel and cement on our building site this morning, the building inspector was already awaiting my appearance rather impatiently.  He had been waiting since sun up, he said, and did not like to lose productive hours at the beginning of the day. Fixing me with a severe look he introduced himself as "Scratch,

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-84101339308520852682010-03-08T17:50:00.004+02:002010-03-08T18:14:45.673+02:00

The weather has been unbearably hot in Cape Town for the last week or so.  Temperatures reaching 40 degrees in the city and no cooling down at night.  So to cheer myself up here's a post from last week in Betty's Bay when sea breezes were better than air conditioning and nights under star saturated skies were spellbinding. We went on a hike that I've never done before, on the opposite side of

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-46933698262456296872010-03-03T18:30:00.003+02:002010-05-12T16:47:04.866+02:00

The white smoke drifting up into the china blue sky didn't seem like anything to get unduly worried about, but bitter experience in the Western Cape during these searing hot, dry summers has taught everyone not to ignore any fire, no matter how small.  Minutes later I heard the clatter and thud of helicopters overhead. That's Lion's Head in the background. The fire was between Lion's Head and

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-67972286217678089872010-02-25T21:18:00.003+02:002010-02-25T21:23:39.140+02:00

Hout Bay, a small town, at one end of the spectacular cliff hugging Chapman's Peak Drive, is jokingly but affectionately referred to by its residents as The Republic of Hout Bay.  Part of its charm is due in no small part to the fishing harbour, where brightly coloured boats sway gently at anchor and screaming gulls wheel overhead.  Vessels painted in soft turquoise contrast pleasingly with a

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-19378478215442959902010-02-23T17:19:00.001+02:002010-02-23T17:25:06.589+02:00

Last evening, as I was passing the front door, closed on account of the howling south-easter which has now been blowing for a week, I did a double take and a quick pirouette as I saw this really, really pink glow through the glass window.  The trusty camera was at hand and I sprinted down the stairs, no shoes, out the gate and into the road. Do you know just how painful tarmac can be for bare

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-21421516807728806712010-02-20T19:39:00.004+02:002010-02-21T01:06:23.626+02:00

When the weather's hot and there's a comfortable bench in the shade, what better way to spend some time than resting and watching the passing parade in all its interest and variety. Or you can sit down an enjoy an icecream and let different rock bands and singers entertain you. With no tripod, my daughter found a convenient pole to steady herself while taking pictures. Seagulls constantly

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-76344076641637093962010-02-18T21:01:00.002+02:002010-02-18T21:19:46.903+02:00

My thanks to the lovely and generous Simone for passing on this Over the Top award to me. Her warmth and encouragement are much appreciated. Delphin Enjolras - Young Woman Reading by a Window The Award In terms of the award rules, I have to provide one word answers to the following questions : Your cell phone?  Pesky Your hair?  Impossible Your mother? Missed Your father? Charmer Your

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-33326475086174947642010-02-15T21:13:00.001+02:002010-02-15T21:25:02.443+02:00

The ongoing dilemma - what to do with the shoe boxes full of pre-digital photographs that I never got round to arranging in albums.  My daughters are shining examples of this sort of efficiency and good organisation but they certainly didn't inherit these excellent traits from me.  I kept up with the albums until the the grandchildren arrived in the first daughter's case and in the case of the

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-3518657822696628932010-02-11T17:19:00.000+02:002010-02-11T17:19:23.840+02:00

Twenty years ago today South Africa celebrated one of its most historic  moments as Nelson Mandela walked out of Victor Verster Prison, a free man.  It was an emotional moment for all South Africans and one that I will never forget.  My memory of that day is as clear as if it had happened yesterday.

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-1390600276046763682010-02-09T21:32:00.000+02:002010-02-09T21:32:28.231+02:00

For some reason today I've had reflections on my mind.  I turned to the Oxford English Dictionary and found this definition of reflective : "1. Providing or capable of providing, produced by reflection. 2. thoughtful".  This seemed to neatly tie in with my thoughts about reflections and whether what we see when we look in a mirror is truly representative of what we believe we look like to other

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-77514640843845846962010-02-07T22:24:00.003+02:002010-04-02T21:44:24.622+02:00

Two nights ago I played tourist in my own city.  Although I have lived in the city centre for over fourteen years and travelled up to the top of Table Mountain in the cable car many times, I have never driven along the road below the cable station at twilight and stayed in situ for a few hours to take photographs.  This situation had to be remedied and, together with my daughter, her friend and

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-89099363820760077852010-02-06T21:16:00.005+02:002010-09-09T12:43:21.323+02:00

Rising with the sun this morning for a change, I walked out onto our front verandah to collect the morning newspaper and came upon this glorious sight.  We'd had a dense sea mist rolling in during the night, accompanied by the mournful sound of the foghorns down in the harbour and now the sun was making a spectacular appearance through the the gossamer clouds.  We live on the slopes on Table

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-2816564021343715912010-02-02T21:46:00.005+02:002010-05-12T16:34:05.999+02:00

A belated post for my darling daughter, a New Year's Eve girl, who makes every year end celebration extra special. As we were on our way to have lunch at the little seafood shack overlooking the harbour, this fishy wall decoration seemed entirely appropriate. After the best sushi and calamari in the area, we took a stroll around some of the shops to work off our lunches.   Time for tea or coffee

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-81733479709264861932010-01-27T18:36:00.004+02:002010-02-03T10:37:58.042+02:00

Over to Kleinmond Harbour to book for lunch the following day for my daughter's birthday.  We always go to the small blue and white fishing restaurant that overlooks the harbour.  The road to the small fishing harbour has undergone quite a transformation in the last couple of years and is now lined with interesting antique, craft and bygones shops.  This was the first sign to catch my eye.  Moms,

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-59474877469507867972010-01-24T16:29:00.001+02:002010-01-24T17:30:07.029+02:00

At a bright yellow hut on the grassy slopes of the lawns leading down to the Bot River lagoon in Kleinmond you can hire a canoe, paddleski or kayak and spend some quality time paddling around with seagulls and waterbirds as your only companions.  In winter that is, because in summer you'll be joined by hordes of holidaymakers.  In the meantime, the late afternoon is a marvellous time to enjoy the

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-64474380797905703612010-01-22T21:40:00.003+02:002010-03-08T18:17:08.677+02:00

The Palmiet River chatters, gurgles and tumbles its way over rocks and pebbles,  through fynbos-covered mountains to end up in a tranquil lagoon on the beach between Betty's Bay and Kleinmond.   In summer the river is deliciously cool and deceptively peaceful but in winter when the rains arrive, it can become a raging torrent and a favourite destination of paddle skiers and kayakers. In the

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-64744093942153986172010-01-13T18:06:00.003+02:002010-01-24T16:50:32.812+02:00

Sebastian is a connoisseur of sunsets and whenever he visited Betty's Bay, considered the deck railing the best place from which to view this spectacular event.  A ginger and white cat of fiery and feisty temperament,  tailess due to an accident of some kind, he belongs to my nephew's girlfriend and is one of the most widely travelled cats I've come across.  Adopted in Gabon,  he accompanied his

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-25087614752442749462010-01-09T16:17:00.004+02:002010-01-24T16:48:56.848+02:00

Well, I'd set up my camera and tripod on the deck of my sister and brother in law's beach house in good time for sunset on the final night of the old year, but it looked like we weren't going to have one of the spectacular sunsets we'd got accustomed to over the previous week.  This view didn't exactly look promising, with enormous clouds drifting over from the north-east, threatening to hide the

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-30681836661901573302010-01-03T18:19:00.004+02:002010-04-02T21:51:05.703+02:00

And so we came to the end of our stay in the peaceful retreat of Temenos and left the village of McGregor, most reluctantly, it has to be said.  A few fleeting pictures as we left include a posy of pink daisies and dark blue lavender at one of the shrines in the gardens A mother duck quacking her way through a profusion of daisies in pursuit of her duckling, happily paddling in a lei water

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-49360700140815213942009-12-21T20:03:00.007+02:002010-04-02T21:49:56.629+02:00

I think that my favourite place of meditation at Temenos  is a place so small that, if you're not careful, you might even miss it.  Walk along the gravel path past the crumpled pink silk rock roses. From a distance all that can be seen is a white octagonal structure with long, narrow arched windows picked out with light blue paint.  Intriguing and worth further exploration. Skirting these

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382137851728211157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673690090806857009.post-57459786301681736822009-12-18T23:09:00.003+02:002010-02-03T10:48:42.521+02:00

Wandering along the quiet roads and lanes of McGregor with my camera, I lapse into a blissful state of contentment, unconscious of time, frequently coming to my senses just in time to avoid tripping over a pothole or the uneven ground.Small wonder with scenes like this.  The tree with the bright red flowers is a flamboyant (I think, I hope) and here is a close-up of the flower. At the end of a

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