Merry and peaceful Christmas to all.

Phosphorous waves at sunset out in the lagoon, from the red-tide that has swept down the coast, creating mayhem for the shellfish industry.

Weather stunning for the mile swim (I didn’t swim) and the Blues Festival at Mitchell’s brewery. Guess I shouldn’t have expected the wine, at a brewery, to be anything other than subnormal, however, it was the only disappointment on a great afternoon. The line-up of bands (eight of them) was varied. The music excellent. The showmanship, complete with spinning guitars, outstanding. A sprinkling of protest songs about the economy, corruption and incompetence, unexpected.

Yellow cotton balls of colour on thin read stems (Biesiegras) caught my attention on the turnoff to Springer Bay. With the summer heat, the fynbos has changed. From the rainy season greens to grey renosterveld, sprinkled with a gazillion blue flowers like Christmas lights. Against the sky, a small farm house dwarfed by the tree protecting it from the afternoon sun. Thrilled with the new French Yellow and Lemon Yellow Intense artists oils from Chavrin.

Christmas week and the studio is busy with visitors. The curious and those merely browsing as part of their holiday recharging. An unexpectedly large number of fellow painters interested in my technique and use of colour, happy to sit and talk about my paintings. Experiences relived through the paintings from different parts of the world.

Caprese salad, with sun drenched tomatoes and basil leaves from the struggling herb pots. Seared salmon with bacon crumble and green beans in nutty butter with cream cheese and Parmesan sauce for Christmas eve dinner. The sleigh festooned in flashing lights, brought Father Christmas and his helpers to Harbour Town to add that touch of magic.

Polly played in the waves at Brenton on Christmas morning. For the first time, the steps back up from the beach too much for her wonky legs.