It was a chilly start to the day: minus three degrees. A bird bath, overflowing from recent rain, was frozen solid. It looks as if my lettuces have succumbed to the cold, while the proteas are doing just fine outside. I put them outside the back door when I discovered ants in the flowers. These ones were cut down by the arborist last week and I rescued them before they could be put through the mulcher. I guess the ants were attracted to their nectar while they were down on the ground. I saw proteas for sale at $3.99 per stem this week – even without bonus ants.
By the time I ventured outside, it was one degree, and cream on porridge and in coffee seemed like a good idea. A bit cloying, it turned out; easily fixed by a drink of water and cleaned teeth. Meantime, wax eyes could be seen at the bird feeder through a window misty with condensation. Felix chose to stay in bed.
The beach was beautiful – clear, blue, with a flat sea and ships on the horizon waiting to go into the harbour. We were warmed by the sun, by our thermos tea, and by the sight of two horses.
By late afternoon, Felix was enjoying the last of the sun. I lit the fire. We’re due for similar temperatures tonight.
Anne-O-tations 