A Chilled Weekend at Home

So there we were, having finished off the most fabulous prawn braai on a Sunday afternoon when it hit me that the world always looks amazing in a glass of chenin blanc. 

Having feasted on little bits of prawn legs, Madison was calling it a day.

Gerald the beaded gecko, who Graeme bought in Cape Town, now lives on the patio dining table.

A red zinnia glows after being sprinkled.

The impatiens are still doing alright in their little shady garden.

Nasturtiums climbed on up the wall along with the loofah vine next to the vegetable patch.

Blue Fairy Moth and a Chewbacca Cocoon

I snapped this shy little spider back in March, building her web near the kitchen door with the buildup of one of the last storms of the season in the background. 

If Pinocchio's blue fairy were a moth, I think she would look like this specimen who was hanging out on the kitchen cupboard door the other night.

For the first time since I've been in Kitwe, a tall tree tucked away by the servants' quarters popped out some fiery blooms. I really had to zoom in on this as they are a good few metres above ground.

If I hadn't been bored and rearranging things on the patio, I would never have noticed this odd, hairy cocoon hidden behind a pot plant that was languishing for want of sunlight. What on earth is going to emerge from it?

  

Cape Town Trip

Our first day started with a bit of miserable weather but we set off undeterred to the V & A Waterfront. At least there were rainbows to cheer things up. 

We visited the aquarium at the Waterfront. This turtle quite enjoyed having his photo taken and circled back a few times just in case I hadn't gotten his good side.

A break in the weather prompted us to head for the Table Mountain cable car. It was bitterly cold at the top but the beautiful panoramas were worth it.

Later we had sundowners in Camps Bay and were treated to another rainbow.

The following day we were at Spier Wine Estate. This snap of Graeme with a lovely little black-shouldered kite (I just love the red eyes) was taken at the birds of prey sanctuary on the premises. All of the birds have been rescued from illegal animal traders and those that can be rehabilitated are released back into the wild.

We had a scrumptious Friday at the Constantia Food and Wine Festival - I thought this decor idea was quite original!

On Saturday we took a long scenic drive from Bloubergstrand to Simonstown, through Chapman's Peak to Hout Bay and then to Camps Bay.

Of course we stopped by Clifton beach and soaked up some sun. Some windsurfers braved the chilly  sun-sparkling waters.

Another fabulous sunset at Camps Bay.

We were early arrivals at the Spice Route Farm on Sunday morning and dozens of squirrels were scurrying about amidst the oak trees.

A last view of Table Mountain from Bloubergstrand.