I started a new project this week at UCT in their IT department. We are a team of 3 consultants but one of us is not really on board yet as our role informs hers so she arrives more towards the end of the timeline. It’s a short term project so we have a lot to learn in a very short time. As a result my head is thumping every night when I get in. It’s a rather risky area of the city to be wandering around wearing a laptop and the traffic home is dreadful which adds to the stress but it’s a good project with a potential of a long term contract so at least it’s interesting and I’m learning about a new domain of data. With growth there comes pain!

I’ve been driving into the city then around onto the motorway and nipping off by the windmill. It seems crazy to drive so far but it’s quicker as it’s against the traffic. As it’s not stop start like surface roads it’s better on petrol consumption.

It has been awkward with Norm’s car being in the garage as he can’t shop for dinner. I might have to start to do so at the Shoprite by my new office. He cooked where he could do so last week. He did a quick shop on Monday and he did sausage, cheese topped steamed broccoli and cole slaw with mashed sweet potatoes.

On Tuesday after work Caitlin popped around and we got take away chicken schnitzel from Posticino. She brought back our ladder as we had more lights burned out than we had functioning and we needed to sort them or buy miners headlamps to navigate the house at night. She has finished most of her renovations now so she shouldn’t need it.

Norman went for a Chinese meal at Blue Lotus one night.

I had spicy crispy pork with noodles. The coating was crispy and the pork was tender. The amount of chili was perfect, a kick but no pain. This is my fave dish of theirs by far.

I had left overs for work only a few days but one day I was in workshops all day until well after 1 and was starving by the time I was free. As I start at 7am I tend to eat at 12. I ended up having KFC as Chicken Licken and JoJo’s fish and chip shop are the only other alternatives. It was the first time I had KFC in years! The next day when I had no lunch I decided to use OrderIn for a healthier alternative and picked Tigers Milk. I chose the Corny Chicken salad which consisted of: Mexican chicken strips, chargrilled corn, black beans, fresh avo, jalapeños, lettuce and pico de gallo with tortilla dippers. It was really delicious. I will order that again.

The weather has finally cooled down after intense heat during the last few weeks of October.

On Monday a thick mist was still present when I drove into work and then later that day a thick cloud rolled over the mountain.

After that it was lovely and cool all week. It heated up a bit as the week went on. The project office is freezing so I am still wearing boots and sweaters to work, but then I have to walk to my car so it can get hot.

I didn’t make it down to Dance to Heal The Earth this weekend as work is too intense and I just can’t spare the time. I’m rather exhausted. As a result we had a quiet night in on Friday night. I got home late as traffic was a nightmare. Norm popped into Cassarechio for a takeaway and we started watching a new series on Netflix.

Saturday we had a lazy morning. I woke to this cheeky face lying on my chest.

I had a coffee in bed then Norm and I had another coffee out on our balcony. I love this view.

Then we showered and went for brunch at La Cuccina. We grabbed a table outside in the shade.

We both fancied a change from our usual fare. Norm ordered the Smashed Avocado with grilled halloumi on Banting bread and I ordered Smashed Avo with two poached eggs on sourdough for R89. A lot of smashing. It was thick smashed avo, lemon juice, salt & black pepper served with fresh coriander, chilli, thinly sliced red onion & olive oil. I ordered well done bacon on the side.

This dish was divine. It may be my fave new thing. Nice and fresh with the tart lemony avo and the burst of chili and sweet red onion is perfect. Next time I’ll also order mine with Banting bread as Norm said their version was nice. Not many Banting options taste nice, they are often very dry.

We also picked up two low carb ready meals for our dinner that night.

On our way out I noticed this mural, isn’t it stunning?

While we were leaving, Trevor my son rang and told me he asked his long term partner Amber to marry him!

I’m so pleased for them. Amber was one of Lily’s best friends as a child so she is like part of the family already. She is good for Trevor as she gets him out of the house and away from his computer. He would be such a hermit without her. I also love her mother Rose, she’s a fabulous woman and her baby sis Sage is too cute.

Trevor asked Amber in such a cute unique way. There’s this rapper they both like that started a twitch account and Trev asked him to say “Amber will you marry Trevor” ❤. You can watch here:

Proposal

I’m so excited!

We popped over to Earthworx after brunch as I needed potting soil. I love wandering around there.

We watched a film called “The Invitation” last night. It was really odd. I’ll give it 3 Kitten Stars.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Last night for dinner we popped our ready meals in the oven and I made fried cauliflower and onion rice to go with them. We shared them, we had beef curry and beef bourguignon.

The beef was high quality with no fat or revolting bits. The sauces were rich and plentiful. At what I think was about R80 and R95 respectively they were a bargain. They also do vegan and gluten free options as well. I think we will get a take away from here weekly. It’s great quality at a good price.

Today has been a chilled Sunday as we had no obligations so we have had a long lie in bed drinking coffees and then a lazy day after our lazy morning.

Norm made brunch for us: eggs, bacon, avo and tomato. I chose boiled, he had his scrambled.

We heard on the radio that another fire has started in Hout Bay. The winds are blowing quite a bit so hope it’s out and no one is injured or loses their home.

On Thursday night there was also a furor on the radio and social media. Many people were complaining of gunshots being heard somewhere in the valley. It was the funeral of a taxi driver who had been shot recently. They were firing off their guns in recognition I assume.

Never a dull moment in our wee village.

I feel a bit readier to tackle another intense week after lolling about all weekend. I needed complete downtime or I was going to splinter. A mental health day (or two). I’m feeling much calmer.

I wish you all a week of peace and love.

Kisses from the Kitten xoxoxo