To proceed or not to proceed

A less cheerful subject today.

I have been having trouble with my colon lately As a Cancer survivor, the alarm-bells tinkled a little. I went for a bank of tests which all came back negative.

Next step, I visited a Specialist surgeon yesterday. He was quite distracted, and told me what i already knew - that my radiation treatment would have caused tissue damage to my colon. I asked him why it would only surface now - 6 year later, to be told that that was quite common. Anyway - he said that he may as well do a colonoscopy to make sure that everything is O.K.

I then had to sign a document to give my permission for an emergency procedure should the colon be damaged during the procedure!

My gut (excuse the pun) tells me not to have this done!

I really feel that I should see a dietitian first and see if I can't improve matters with better eating habits.

Yarn Bomb

I think I will try my hand at this competition. I love to knit, but I hate actually knitting anything like a jersey or scarf etc. I fancy the idea of a creative piece of knitting someone else can use.

This covered chair is in the latest edition of IDEAS mag.

September is here

This is my absolutely favourite month of the year. Having grown up in the Southern Free State, I have always associated it with Spring Blossoms, newborn lambs and ... my birthday.

There is something in the air at this time of year which makes me want to be outdoors. We have two new puppies, which I think is most appropriate for Spring (new life)

-with my sisters in the Namaqualand daisies in front of our farmhouse

Sardines beach at Pumula

Sardine Run

Small pods of sardines have been spotted along the coast and we seem to have a good chance of the sards coming ashore this year.

The photos are not my own, but give an idea of the enormity of the event.

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sharks feeding on sardines

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Some locals believe that the aloes flower well when the sardines are close.

Winter Holidays

Holidays at last!!!


I am drinking a cup of tea and ignoring the boxes of books and other stuff that has to be carried up to the "studio". What was originally intended as an art studio above the guest room and garage has become a handy store room.


as Pierre and I both work we find it far more practical to have our studio on the mezzanine floor in the house.


We have created a lovely,cosy, space with radio, telephone, fax, computer, books, workspace, comfy couch all in one place. Easier to work here at night and just fall into bed when we're done.

Late afternoon sun on my favourite raeding spot

Irma Stern Museum

In December we visited the Irma Stern Museum in cape Town. It is housed in her old home which has been preserved intact. it is managed and curated by the University of cape Town. Irma Stern was a South African artist of German origin who was a pioneer in her field in South Africa. She spent some time in Europe and exhibited with the German Expressionists. She enjoyed greater appreciation in Europe and was initially rejected in S.A.

her works have recently sold for record prices in London.

Pierre and I in the living room. I love this angle taken by my son, David.

Next to "Swazi Warriors" - much larger than I expected.

Diningroom with crockery made by Clementina v.d. Wald, a S.A. potter. She was inspired by the art in the museum.

Irma Stern's studio

Stern travelled extensively and brought many carved panels home from Zanzibar. She used many as frames for her paintings. She framed, sold, packaged and posted her own work.