A seriously civilized start to a day

Today, I’ve chosen to work “from home.” This is good. One reason is that I CAN (I have permission!) and the other that I can (boys sent to town with Gareth to their under-thanked, but totally indispensable grandparents). It still is to be seen whether I can, without diversion, do some work. So, to counter our “wild weather warning”, I’ve started a fire, have my slippers on and have a steaming mug of tea at my right elbow. And I can see the sea, crashing against the rocks at Glen Gariff.
This new job of mine started two weeks ago. With a British-based outfit called White, Young and Green International (dinkum!), affectionately called Young, Black and Gifted by many of its Bisho-bound associates. Yes, I have an office in Bhisho. It’s in that hideously inappropriately-coloured pink building. In the Dept of Treasury. We’re supporting a programme called Thina Sinako, and so far, so good. My biggest fear for this job is boredom, but knowing that upfront (thanks to Mvula), I am armed.
Anyone vaguely interested in my job can check it out here: www.thinasinako.co.za I’m in the Finance and Contracts Unit (FCU). Yes, I know.
So, now that I’m working, and have more time, I will endeavour to re-nurture my relationship with my blog. News of Australia and The Wedding to come. But, don’t hold your breath!

A mother's joy

Tim on the toilet this afternoon (went without prompting): “MOMMMMM. I made a poo on the TOILET!”
“Yay yay yay” (waving my hands and generally making a complete fool of myself) “That’s fabulous!”
“I made THREE poos. I heard three plops. Plop plop plop. No, no…” (obviously some thought going into this now) “No, it was FOUR plops! Cool, hey?”
“Wonderful, my boy. I am SO proud of you. You are such a big boy.”
“Can I have some smarties now?”

Let's talk about the weather

When you haven’t chatted to someone for a long time, and you’re feeling a bit guilty and awkward, it’s best to talk about the weather. Well, maybe not the best, but certainly the easiest.
The wind is howling here on the east coast. Yet again. The theme for this summer holiday has been: The Howling. It howls east and then after a slight 3.5 second lull, it howls south-west. Pretty miserable situation for those of us who love the beach and whose boys get serious cabin fever (which result in me yelling and then eating). I’ve just hung up the washing, as a “prize” for working for an hour (although only producing half a page of a report), and I think it’s dry already. From my green office, I can see three broken pegs on the ground and the sheets have wound themselves into knots, hanging on for dear life.
In other news: I’m reading a beautifully written book called “The Battersea Park Road to Enlightenment”. Thanks Isabel. You’re a beaute. And yes, I shall buy a copy of Men. In fact, I’m going to see if I can get it on pre-order. Do you think Amazon will have it yet?