Winter's Coming!

There's a lovely saying that goes something like this: 'You can tell the warmth of the day by the length of the cat' That being so, our cats are now becoming curled up like hedgehogs in a sunny patch as the days cool down and the autumn chill sets in! Basil tucks up so firmly that it's hard to tell where he starts and stops!

Dopey last week.

In fact, two nights ago Rob lit our little stove for the first time this season, a fact that is now recorded on our chalk board in the kitchen. Originally put up as a shopping reminder, it now records the facts that we need to remember, like the last rain figures, or when we defrosted the freezer or last but not least, when the 'Honeysucker' last came to empty the tank! More important than a simple shopping list, it's easy to go without milk, but it's impossible to survive with a loo that refuses to empty!

Dopey today!

But, back to the present. From battling to keep cool just a week ago with temperatures in the mid 30's, our mornings now begin with 11 degrees! Admittedly that is at half past seven when one of us staggers down to make coffee, but even our mid-day highs are lower. Today is windy and chilly and the temperature was just 21 at noon. From looking for shade last week, we are now seeking warmth and sun in the corner of the veranda, and today we decided to have our lunch inside, away from the wind.

The first fire of the season, yippee!

The evenings are drawing in and the mornings are still dim when most people are getting up to get the day started. We are now sharing the bed with at least two cats tucked in against us. This makes turning over a challenge, as Basil thinks it's time to chat and Dopey simply digs his claws in and hangs on. Alfie joins them, and us, at about 3 a.m, depending on the wind! Dilly has discovered the Wonderbag and sleeps happily on top of it in the kitchen! And Daffy kips on regardless!

Move over buddy! Basil snuggling up!

But this could all change next week! We could have a heat wave and have the fan blowing on us all night, and the cats could stretch out again to half a metre at mid day! That's what is so wonderful about the Cape. We frequently have four seasons in one day, and the way to dress is in layers. Then, like an onion, the layers can be peeled off as necessary and replaced as the day wears on. We now wear jackets for our evening walk.

But, I don't think it will change significantly. (In the words of the late, great Gerry Rafferty, 'Winter's Come.' If you don't know the song, Google it. It's hauntingly beautiful.)

And we look forward to fires, soup, mist and rain!