3rd. Jean-Piere sent me this photo today when Jon and Nicki popped by to say hello to Cassidy on their way to Portugal. They assurred me that he is well and happy and well settled. Which I actually had no doubts about as they have been hasseling me to keep him since day one.
In the meantime having had my last hope, a request to the chief vet at the minestry of Agriculture, refused I am coming to terms with acquiring a new best friend.
The subject of the effort is Zara. A “shepherd” type rescue dog, female about 2 years old. In France they would probably call her a Malinoirs. She is a sweetheart but needs lots of education.
Short term we are accessing the “Paddock” at ZAR100 for one hour, four times a week. This is a safe, fully fenced paddock belonging to the Tokai Pony Club located adjacent to thr Takai Forrest. She is free to run and play and can interact with passing dogs through th fence.
17th. In the last week Zara has ghraduated to the Dog Park. A bit further to travel but even if we go twice a day still cheaper in petrol terms than ZAR 400 per week for 4 hours in the Paddock. Again a really large fully fenced space organised by the community with poo bags, bins and a water point which we all fill bottles and bring to replenish. Here she is free to run and interact directly with other dogs and people and is getting better and better on the recall front.
18th. JOB DONE – well on the interior at least!
Below the new kitchen and scullery where new draw and cupboard dorrs, new counter tops, new backsplash, new roof and cieling with skylight in scullery and my little “coin cuissin” work space complete ther hub of the home.
The kitchen leads into the dining room and lounge to somplete the down stairs living space. New paint throughout and and a wood burning stove for those chilly winter evenings.
from there a stairwell with new raw wood and perspex balustrade and laminate floring on the stairs, leads to the upper landing
From which are accessed the main bedroom and ensuit where the new laminate flows seemlessly throughout
The ensuit was completely gutted and the old bath replaced by a walkin shower. A reversible aircon unit was installed in the main bedroom and new cupboard doors were installed on all the built in cupboards.
A spacious guest bedroom
and guest shpwer room all ready to receive friends and family
and a small third bedroom that doubles as my gym
All in all I am rather pleased with the face-lift and although I had been looking for a stand alone modern little house I am enjoying the greater space allowed by an older building.
24th. Next job the little garden where I have installed more pots. One hosts a Eureka Limon Tree which fruits all year, others hold individual herbs or beds of rocket, basil, salad greens and stawberries. I am awauting cherry tomatoe plands which should be available next week. I have installed an irrigation system on a timer which needs a bit of tweeking but basically works. Overall quite pleasing.
I have White-eyes and Sun birds coming to my bird feeder, here is the White-eye.
30th, Went to Muizenberg Beach at Surfer’s Corner to meet with Paula and Bev and their Granchildren Kia and Enzo. Appropriately it is their Father Michael’s birthday today and as I started to get to know the boys I was reminded of the joy that being involved with Michael as a child.
The surrounding environment where parking was at a premium, and there were plaenty of people enjoying the beach.
Kia and Enzo…….
capetocarpe 