Vineyard Adventures
25 January 13

A day of sorting the studio, packing the new wine fridge, which is a tad small, probably perfect? The new, lemon green Weber is ready for action, waiting for Fredy to arrive from Switzerland and Coreta from Knysna.

Polly is recovering from her surgery and although moving with much less pain, tiers easily and stares at us with huge eyes. Short walks in the vineyards al, that is possible for now.

The cottage garden is suffering in the heat and wind. Even the rugged agapanthus are taking strain and many of the vineyards are showing signs of heat stress. For all that, the drive through to Stellies was stunning where we enjoyed excellent sushi at Genki’s.

On the patio, with Francolin’s and their chicks visiting, Terry’s superb terrine, accompanied by bubbles and Bein Merlot rose. Perfect on a scorching day. The question, being implemented by the ever patient David. What is the optimum length for the wind paddle of the wind chime?

Dentist sorted, we stopped at Wild Peacock for a pre-lunch cappuccino and a haircut. Jordan Estate for a stunning lunch, the valley golden in the sunlight. Dad and Mary drove down from Montagu and Hesta managed to join us. We made a fair amount of noise, the Syrah was very good, and the lemon and poppy seed soufflé with vanilla, outstanding.

Stellies Views
Oil on Canvas

Mum’s for a brief visit after a morning in the Regional Office. Lesa and Alan came across for one of Mum’s table-groaning meals and it was great to see Lesa so rested after her trambolic year and recovered from the fall from her horse.

To counter the triple assault of searing summer temperatures, sea sand and pine tree roots in the garden, I’m going to try planting in cardboard boxes, sunk into the ground filled with potting soil. By the time the cardboard has disintegrated the plants should be established enough to to withstand the roots. We stopped at Delios to see what garden bench, urns and other elements could be used in some of the areas where the plants are struggling.

Twelve Apostles, where Polly is welcome with her own menu and the blue sea stretches to where it falls off the world. A few seals to keep us entertained while we enjoyed a glass of wine and a light meal before dragging ourselves back to the cottage for a well earned nap.

My painting, confined to the wooden garden furniture!