Oxtail perfection only possible with Terry’s three day stock, and Kirsten ensuring bubbles were plentiful. The fire necessary on a blustery evening at the cottage.

Around Stellenbosch are sculptures of people sitting on benches. Part of the ‘Kom Sit’ street art installation connecting people. I used the installation, together with one of the street men who roam around the city for my painting, ‘Kom Sit’. The inclusive, connecting people of the couple in the installation reinforcing the superficial nature of racial integration, with the black figure only present in silhouette. The street walker. Excluded. Discarded. The canvas probably a tad small.

After the market, we sat under the oak trees, enjoying pavement life of bubbles, gelato and sushi.

The wind whistling in the pine trees, and the chimes tinkling under stormy skies. Not this affected our lunch at Jordan. The menu intriguing. The setting, stunning. The wine, delectable. Far too much food in the three course ‘Winter’ menu, but worth every mouthful. The service was a tad sloppy, which was an irritation. The starters, looked fabulous on the plate and soon had us savouring each bite. I should have stopped halfway through the main dish, as the lemon soufflé is mesmerizing.

Terry’s insistence that I see the dermatologist has ensured that there is no additional treatment needed for the melanoma that was diagnosed and removed. A week before they can remove the stitches and the nitrogen burn bits are healed. The ‘Body Mapping’ has confirmed that I’m not a Men’s Health cover, which is a tad humbling. No place to hide under the bright lights and computer enhanced imagery. Not even sure an airbrush would sort it! Interestingly, the specialist isn’t interested in the other dodgy spots, but rather in any new ones, which are at a high risk of being malignant.

The weather has ensured that my clothing smells of braai fires most days. Blue Sky Organics, Herb salt creating a masterful chicken on the weber.