tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787586114621874622024-01-05T09:05:34.158+02:00Tails's BlographyThis is a blog which will cover various days and events in my life that I think are interesting enough for people to read. Take nothing too seriously, and take everything with a pinch of salt. Some entries may be interesting, others absolute drivvel. Such is my life.Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-41269318778802392532009-02-20T15:55:00.003+02:002009-02-20T16:00:35.344+02:00Migration time...new blog!!So, a few may remember a short while ago I wanted to migrate to Wordpress but confusion reigned and I ended up staying with Blogger. Well, things have since changed and now I present to you: <a target="_blank" href="http://tails.co.za">tails.co.za</a>!!
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This will be my new blog home, powered by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.wordpress.org">Wordpress.org</a> and I hope you'll continue to follow my blog from there!
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Over the next week or so, you might see things changing...this is just me customising (yay!) my new blog so please bear with me.
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Thanks everyone, for the support!! See you at <a target="_blank" href="http://tails.co.za">tails.co.za</a>
<br><br>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-46605104540319954142009-02-08T20:37:00.004+02:002009-02-08T20:56:43.721+02:00Bonnie, Badger & Enya<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/pets54.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>Bonnie, Badger & Enya</em></font></center>
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Today was spent photographing a friend's pack of dogs: Bonnie, Badger & Enya.
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It was a hot, sunny day, so location proved to be bit of a hassle as there was very few spots of shade for us to play but we did what we could, the dogs taking frequent water breaks (which I later knelt in all the dribbled puddles. Sigh. All in a day's work hehe).
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The dogs were great, very well trained, if not too well trained. They never took their eyes off their beloved, but still gave me some awesome shots. Enya is the most recent addition to the pack, having being rescued from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.darg.org.za/">DARG</a>. She's around 6 years old and has the most adorable temperment and really landed with her bum in the butter with her family!
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So, before you all die of impatience (um, well I'd like to believe the anticipation is that strong ok!), photos:
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<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/pets56.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>Badger</em></font>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/pets55.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>Bonnie</em></font>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/pets53.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>Badger</em></font>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/pets52.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>Bonnie</em></font>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/pets51.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>Enya</em></font>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/pets49.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>Enya Paws</em></font>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/pets48.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>Enya Paws</em></font>
<br><br></center>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-48199147275536784082009-02-08T12:01:00.004+02:002009-02-08T12:06:26.221+02:00Bonsai photosAfter much procrastination, I finally got around to taking some photos of our bonsais in their beginning stages. After even more procrastination, I'm finally uploading them and blogging about them haha.
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<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC03520.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>My bonsai - dont make fun of his braces haha</em></font></center>
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<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC03523.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>The bf's bonsai</em></font></center>
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Still much work to be done, but they're only nearly 1 month into training...will keep updating every month or so. The wire on my bonsai should be coming off within the next two weeks, so hold thumbs the training took.
<br><br>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-20407577519380149732009-02-05T17:17:00.005+02:002009-02-05T17:58:23.354+02:00Meet Margerita!<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC03492.jpg"><br>
<font size="1"><em>Margerita, the flamboyant, gay, Mexican/Latino octopus who loves to party!</em></font></center>
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Sometime last year I found a blog written by a girl who goes by the name Futuregirl. Her blog, being very well written and captivating, enthralled me enough to read it from start to finish. Amongst her lovely postings, was this adorable octopus who made a few appearances under the names <a target="_blank" href="http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2006/3/sigmund-octopus.aspx">Sigmund the Octopus</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2006/12/octophrost-santa-of-sea.aspx">Octophrost, Santa of the Sea</a>.
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By the time I found it, her <a target="_blank" href="http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/downloads.aspx">pattern was available</a>, free of charge! What luck! I quickly downloaded, and then proceeded to take weeks to finally get around to buying the material need. Our material store had a limited selection of felt, but nevertheless I took ages deciding on what colours. I settled for a cheery, citrus green and yellow.
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The material sat in my flat for a few days, what with me being the Queen of Procrastination and all, and eventually I got around to buckling down to make this octopus.
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The pattern itself is fanstastically written, but I tend to overthink things and got flustered with the how-to's of everything. Of course, futuregirl anticipated this happening to people (not me specifically, I'm sure) and made a tutorial on whip stitch. Yay!
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After sewing and stuffing and sewing and stuffing, with the occasional frustrated grumble and bad stitching, I eventually got to the sucker part. No really, I mean sewing on the suckers. I threaded the needle, knotted the floss, sewed my first thread, put on a sequin, put on a bead....and realised my needle was far too thick for this little seed bead. Sigh. So, for every 48 beads, I hand-threaded each and every one onto the thread. Some of them even twice (after finding out there were two sequins instead of one, or the bead fell off, etc etc). Yes, I hand-threaded my octopus. Futuregirl, for the sake of people like me who dont think ahead, you might want to mention either a bead needle or beads that are large enough for a normal needle on your pattern haha.
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Whilst finishing up on the last few touches, I was thinking of his name. Bonsai. But try as I might, he just didnt look like a Bonsai. So after more thought, I decided I'd call him Margerita. But, that named seemed rather feminine for him. So with more thought, I made him into a flamboyant, gay, Mexican/Latino octopus who loves to party. I even have his voice in my head (sounds like the hermaphrobot from Futurama in the episode "Fry and the Slurm Factory"..."Why you so stupid, stupid?")...
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And so, Margerita was born! A huge thanks to futuregirl!!! You rock!!
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<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC03482.jpg"></center>
<br><br>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-34979736758194778402009-02-05T09:22:00.003+02:002009-02-05T09:27:06.107+02:0025 Random ThingsHere's the deal: Once you've read this, you are supposed to write a blog post with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, comment on the blog you read this on, to let them know to read yours!
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<b>1</b> - I was in a car accident with 3 other people on night of my last Matric exam. Only injuries sustained personally were torn leg muscles from the back seat crushing in (we rear ended that huge mo-fo poll on Hospital Bend at around 100km/h) though the tow truck assumed at least one of us were dead. Luckily no one was.
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<b>2</b> - I witnessed a death on the 29th Feb last year, where my best friend's sister passed away after being in a coma for 6.5 days. There were four of us by her bedside as she crossed over, and it's still one of the biggest moments of my life. Nothing can prepare you for the impact it makes actually being there and witnessing the death. Almost a year later, I'm still working through it, but I try keep a part of Elena with me by living life as she would - with no regrets.
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<b>3</b> - I am extremely sentimental, I keep almost everything, and if I pick something up that I'm looking to buy, I have to buy the one I picked up. I cant put it down and pick another of the same lest I hurt my objects feelings, who was obviously excited to be the one out of all its mates to get a home.
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<b>4</b> - I once got "Bad Brad"s, the guy from the first Big Brother SA, autograph. He came in to see my aunt at her work (travel agency) and she asked him for it for me. Thanks, Didi!!
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<b>5</b> - I'm probably one of the kinkiest people you know, even though you didnt know it!
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<b>6</b> - I have a few dreams: to visit Australia, to own a pet shop, and to be a successful photographer.
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<b>7</b> - I went cage-diving in Gaansbaai for my 19th birthday - it was amazing, and if it wasnt so expensive I'd definately go again. Though despite not usually getting sea-sick, the ride home was rough so I'd definately take something the night before.
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<b>8</b> - I'm feeling very broody lately :P
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<b>9</b> - I am extremely creative and I bore easily (myself, hopefully not others haha!). I enjoy card-making, graphic design, photography, cross-stitch, bonsai, colouring-in, and recently, sewing felt stuffies.
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<b>10</b> - I bought my car cash three years ago (R28,000). I worked part-time and saved throughout high school, paid for my driving lessons myself, paid for my drivers test myself, and am proud of it!
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<b>11</b> - I'm not that thrifty when it comes to spending. I'm an impulse buyer and curse it!
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<b>12</b> - My hair is naturally curly (ok, some of you from primary & high school will know this. In fact, in Matric, my headmaster called me into his office one day whilst I was passing by, only to show me the photos he was going through: he even pointed out my curly fringe from Std 6 and laughed!! Dont worry, I wasnt offended and laughed along with him :)
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<b>13</b> - I frequently wish I could be a tidier person. Every day I'm still trying to remind myself, put it away when you're done with it. At this moment, however, the kitchen is in a mess, the lounge pillows are all over the place, and there are clothes on the floor in the bedroom. Sigh.
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<b>14</b> - I cannot handle weakness. Maybe this is a weakness in myself? But either way, I cant deal with weakness in people, no matter how hard I try. I also hate inefficiency.
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<b>15</b> - I frequently correct people if they say "gotten". There is no such word, the Americans made it and use it, the correct term is "got". Plain and simple!
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<b>16</b> - I am terrible at imitating accents.
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<b>17</b> - I adore reading, and probably pay for most of the library's saleries with all my late fees since I take out all 7 books at a time. I also sometimes love going back to my childhood and read The Famous Five, and The Magic Faraway Tree from time to time.
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<b>18</b> - I have a belly ring, my ears are pierced, I have a tattoo of a spider-web on my lower back, and I had my tongue pierced twice (or was it three times?). I want another tattoo of a rat, but I'm unsure of where to put it.
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<b>19</b> - I like Crocs. Get over it.
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<b>20</b> - I'd love to learn a language. Either Spanish, Latin, or Portuguese.
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<b>21</b> - I absolutely loathe having strangers in my house! Or having builders near my house. Wherever I am, something always gets stolen or gets broken or just simply goes wrong!
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<b>22</b> - If I won the Lotto, I'd donate a percentage to animal charities, pass some to my family, buy a house & car, and use the rest to start a business. If there's any left over, I'd take my family and I on holiday.
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<b>23</b> - My sister and I periodically Do The Dance Of Joy. If you ever watched Perfect Strangers, you'll know what I'm talking about.
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<b>24</b> - I like Nutella, but I'm too cheap to buy it.
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<b>25</b> - My dream date would consist of time spent laughing, a tub of Bar-One ice cream, an Italian dinner with sushi starter, and there would be a slight warm breeze or none at all.
<br><br>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-6994869138210775602009-02-02T23:29:00.008+02:002009-02-03T09:00:49.452+02:00A carriage ride of relaxation...So I'm a little late in putting this out there, but its still a great memory, so I have to blog it. The Sunday before last, my dad treated the family and a few friends to a horse-drawn carriage ride (18-seater) through our CBD. It was mainly organised for my mom, who's been through so much with her sister's passing, and has had to deal with so much (sorting Didi's possessions, etc since Didi wasnt married) and needed some time to relax.
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After keeping it a secret from my mom and our friends for the whole week, the day finally arrived. The carriage ride started the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.capetowncastle.co.za/">Castle of Good Hope</a> where we (by special arrangement) had a few drinks on the wall before setting off.
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<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC03272.jpg"><br>
<font size="1">Moving through the Castle gates</font></center>
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The ride continued along the streets where people waved and took photos. I cannot fault them, as I too would be grabbing for my camera if two Percherons clamoured by drawing a huge carriage. They really were a gorgeous sight! The ride itself was rather bumpy, especially when moving over speedbumps and parking lot entrances. Some of us had drinks of wine and/or champagne on the ride (again by special arrangement) but luckily nothing spilt. Please dont think me conceated mentioning 'by special arrangement' here and there, but I do so for two reasons. One, I dont want to mislead anyone who might want to hire the carriage, and two, it truly was a special evening, not one every person can experience, and I like to treasure that. Its not me being conceated, but rather just over-excited at such an opportunity.
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About half-way though, we had a brief stop along the beach where we got out and I took photos of the family infront of the horses...well, those who were brave enough haha. The horses were also very relaxed and obliged my camera and I by yawning repeatedly...photos can be seen below!
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<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC03405.jpg"><br>
<font size="1">The BF in front of Monty (left) & Light (right)</font></center>
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<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC03407.jpg"><br>
<font size="1">Myself in front of Monty (left) & Light (right)</font></center>
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After that we headed back and by sheer luck, I was awarded the privelage of actually driving the carriage! It was nerve-wracking to say the least to take the reins of two gigantic horses and have them listening to your instructions. Our driver, Joseph, quickly took over when the horses started veering to the right into the next lane of traffic. Whoops!
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On returning to the Castle, 2 hours later at around 8pm, we attempted more drinks on the wall, but alas it was too windy, so we returned to the garden where we set up our picnic dinner (special arrangement) and toasted our wonderful hosts and my dad who organised it. Sushi and various other finger foods were shared amongst everyone, and champagne and/or wine all round!
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The evening ended at around 10pm, where everyone left very happy and relaxed, with memories of a time well spent with loved ones.
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More photos from the trip:
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<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC03375.jpg">
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<font size="1">The view of the beach to our right</font>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC03372.jpg">
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<font size="1">Rumbling down the streets of Seapoint</font>
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<font size="1">Light giving us a yawn</font>
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<font size="1">Monty giving us a yawn</font>
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<font size="1">Monty, "Wazzuuuup!"</font>
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<font size="1">The view from the Castle wall, 8:30pm</font>
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<font size="1">Inside the Castle garden, approx. 9:30pm</font>
<br><br></center>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-63527264515786971782009-01-29T19:34:00.004+02:002009-01-29T20:21:45.979+02:00I get my back into my living....<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC08984-Edit.jpg"><br>
<font size="1"><em>Gizmo</em></font></center>
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So, I'm feeling rather excited today - I've been working on my business cards! As I might or might not have mentioned, I offer a photography service: Weddings, and now Pets.
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Pet photography has always been a great love of mine, and what better way to spend a day, than gamboling with various pets! I simply love capturing them in their element, capturing the quizzical expressions, and seeing the look of the owner when he/she views the images. I simply love it! So, I've decided to focus more on promoting myself in this regard, and have finally stepped up to the plate to design a business card! About bloody time, if I do say so myself! I do get people asking me for cards when I tell them about my small passion, so the time is right!
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Now, as I said, I also do wedding photography. This is a rather difficult area to break into, as although the market is saturated with "wedding photographers" (I use quotation marks because these days, anyone with a camera is a wedding photographer), its difficult to actually get people to book you. Without people booking you, you dont have a portfolio, and without a portfolio, people dont want to book you. Its a catch-22 situation. Sigh. But, nevertheless, I will prevail!
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I am designing two main business cards, one for wedding clients, and one for pet clients. Its simply not possible for me to put all my details on one card, and appeal to both brides and pet owners, without compromising one or the other. Although, and this only came to me right now, I could have each "card" on each side. Wedding on one side, pets on the other...hmmm......
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But for now, I've designed a pet card I'm proud of! Every time I look at it, I smile and feel happy and confident. And best of all, its got my Gizmo on the card (<em>see photo above</em>)! She's so gorgeous! Will post examples of them when I've had them printed!
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Still need to blog about a carriage ride I had on Sunday (was fantastic!) and post a photo of my bonsai haha its still alive - yay!
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<font size="1"><em>Title chosen from CSI's theme song, "Baba O'Riley", performed by The Who, from the album Who's Next.</em></font>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-83337950728549472482009-01-24T18:13:00.012+02:002009-01-24T23:00:33.322+02:00I am a Bonsai expert!<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_Image149.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>The entrance to the bonsai garden</em></font></center>
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Ok not quite, but I do know a little more about the practical side of Bonsai keeping than I did before today. Haha!
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So, as I said in the last post, myself and the bf were attending a bonsai class today, which we did. The bf nodded off once or twice (our instructor spoke rather softly haha) but we both enjoyed it thoroughly. If thats all you wanted to know, you can stop reading and move on to your next blog, but if you wanted to know more about the day itself, keep reading.
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We managed to be on time for a change, and got there nice and early, found a spot on the lawn, set up our chairs and sat down. The first couple of hours were spent listening to various points about bonsais and bonsai-keeping, from their history, to the styles, to the tools. Then we took a short break from sitting, and were escorted through the bonsai garden where our instructor explained the different trees and techniques.
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On our return, we had some tea and/or coffee and biscuits and then continued our lesson. We went over more aspects of bonsai, including an in-depth look at the soil options, fertilisers, how trees gather nutrients (hmm, reminded me of high school biology!), general caring for your bonsai, and potting, pruning, and wiring (as well as had a short demo, which proved very helpful). We broke for lunch and potting our own bonsai's were next on the agenda!
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Choosing our bonsais was fun, as we had a bunch to choose from, and then it was on to finding its style. To do this, you have to clear away the soil from the base to see what the root system is like. In bonsai, you want to give a feeling of <em>age</em>, so you need to make sure you're showing the start of the main roots, and base which was previously under soil. Once thats completed, you select a "front" for viewing the tree and start pruning - you might want to take your time on that part. Once you've pruned (selectively and probably not enough, if you're anything like me), its time for wiring. The wire must be properly anchored before you continue, which either means its stuck into the soil and wound around the tree twice, or if wiring a higher branch, wound around a lower branch before moving onto the branch you want to shape. The thickness should be slightly tougher than the branch you want to bend/shape.
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Once your soiling, planning, pruning and wiring is finished, you loosen it from the pot and once its out, you remove as much soil as possible from the root system. Trim down a small percentage of the outside roots (and the tap root, if necessary), and you're ready to pot. Bonsai pots have either one or two holes, and you have to place a piece of plastic mesh over them to prevent the soil from draining out. Once thats done, cover the base with a little soil, in goes your bonsai, then fill and pack with more soil.
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Once its properly packed (not too tightly, mind you) then its time to (gently) dunk your bonsai into a bucket of water. This is a sure-fire way of making sure all the gas pockets are pushed from the soil. It's complete when no more bubbles eminate from the submerged soil. You remove your pot and watch how the water drains. It should take no longer than a minute at the most (mine took about 20-30 seconds). You now add moss and gravel to decorate. Incidently, the moss never should cover more than 40-50% of your bonsai's base. After you're happy with that, you're done!
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Once everyone had finished, we said our thanks, and were free to leave or wander around if we wished. I'd definately recommend a bonsai course to anyone wanting to get a more hands-on feel for bonsai keeping. I felt very nervous at the prospect of starting my own bonsai alone, but now after the course, I feel confident to start another, should I find one.
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<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_Image150.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>One of their main group plantings</em></font>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_Image162.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>A cascade-style bonsai</em></font>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_Image164.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>Some of the roosters and hens and chickies roaming about the nursery</em></font>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_Image171.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>Cleaning and detangling the root system before potting</em></font>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_Image170.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>Another couple putting the final touches of moss and gravel on their trees</em></font>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_Image172.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>That same couple took their two trees and joined them together. Over time, these trunks will merge to make one large, thick trunk.</em></font>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_Image168.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>Some of the finished bonsais...the bf's one is in the middle</em></font>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_Image165.jpg"><br><font size="1"><em>Most of the finished bonsais from the day! Mine is the dark, rectangular pot in the front row. You cant see it too well in the photo, but I decided on a slanting/leaning style due to the natural way the roots were formed.</em></font></center>
<br><br>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-73455312560982446892009-01-22T10:51:00.005+02:002009-01-24T18:03:12.643+02:00*excited*<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/wildfig.jpg"><br>
<font size="1">Ficus Fig Tree <em>Photo from <a href="http://www.bonsai4me.com" target="_blank">Bonsai4me.com</a></em></font></center>
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So every few days I think about something to write, and then I always seem to put it off, thinking I'll be adding more news the next time I post. I'm not sure why I do it, but this will be the year I try my best not to procrastinate! Hold thumbs for me!
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"Yea yea, but why are you excited?", you ask. I'm doing a bonsai course with the bf this Saturday. Also Viia and her bf/my cousin will be joining :) I'm uber excited, even though I have to wake up at sparrow's fart to get there (its a long drive and the course starts at 9am sharp!).
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I think I did mention this in a previous post, but its R550 per couple and you get a manual, a bonsai each, and a day's worth of schooling. Its a little odd that you have to supply your own snacks/drinks and even your own chair though. I mean, for that price, surely they can invest in 10 chairs or something?? If you book late, bring your own chair, but if you book early, you get a seat provided? I dont know, just seems odd. But, I'm still excited and by Sat eve will be owning my own bonsai tree (probably <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Ficus.html">Ficus/Wild Fig</a>, as this is what they told me over the phone).
<br><br>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-53688629690244570962009-01-12T23:14:00.004+02:002009-01-12T23:42:55.021+02:00Didi, my aunt, my angel<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/Blog_IMG_4451.jpg"><br>
<font size="1"><em>Diane (you'll always be Didi to me!)<br>16 May 1960 - 09 Jan 2009</em></font></center>
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This is a very difficult post for me. On the 9th of January 2009, I had to say goodbye for the final time to my beloved aunt. She passed away at 8:45pm after a long battle with cancer, which she very nearly overcame.
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Memories of this beautiful woman will be with me forever. She's been in my life pretty much since I was born, and has always, always been there for me when I needed her. My sister and I lived with her for a while when we made the move from JHB to CT, and since then, I've always looked up to her. She was, is, my role model. The beauty this woman had inside her is difficult to voice, and it pains me that she was taken so soon. Her ability to love unconditionally, her compassion, her ability to forgive, everything about her is inspiring. I use present tense as I write this, because she will continue to inspire me throughout my life, as she did before.
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I remember her voice clearly, especially her using my full, hyphenated name, which I rarely used, often opting to go by the shorter version. She always addressed my cards to my full name, and only in the past year have I started doing the same. Her laughter will forever ring in my ears, including her unique snort. Her laughter was infectious, I adored it. There were so many things I loved about her, too many things to write down. Even if I could, it saddens me that no one would fully understand just how special she was.
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She had many dreams, some of which were mirrored by me. She loved animals, and gave extensively of herself to the benefit of animals in need in whichever way she could. Her kindness is something I wish to keep within myself, and always remember her for it.
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Didi, you were taken from me far too soon. I cried so much by your bedside, but I know you are in a better place. Your heart needed to be free, and you are now reunited with those who passed before you. May they hold you close and keep you safe until we meet again. I am thankful for the time we spent together, the wise words you gave me, and the special bond between us. I'm thankful I got to know you properly, adult to adult, and it breaks my heart that you wont be around for my milestones like getting engaged, married, and having kids. I will tell my children about you, though my heart breaks knowing they will never know one of the greatest person I ever had the privilage of sharing a world with.
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Didi, you taught me so much, and you will never know how much you will be missed, though I know you'll always be there by my side in spirit. I shall still speak to you, as I always did, and I will treasure my memories of you. You were such an amazing person, and you fought (however stubbornly) to the bitter end. You gave us all a chance to say goodbye, and I can never tell you how grateful I am to have spent those quiet moments alone by your bedside, watching over you. You were so beautiful right up until I left you. I was told you even looked beautiful in death, which I have no trouble believing.
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Rest in peace, Didi. Thank you for a lifetime of happiness. I will never, ever forget you and I love you so much more than words can express. I still cant believe you're gone, but you live on inside all of us. Until we meet again...say hi to Brutus, Cleo, and the rest of the gang for me! I know they we're ecstatic to see you!
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<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/Blog_DSC05001.jpg"><br>
<font size="1"><em>A special moment between you and Munchkin, that I captured - I'm not sure if you ever got to see this photo...</em></font></center>
<br><br>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-5326074799916986522009-01-02T23:09:00.004+02:002009-01-03T00:34:45.846+02:00Happy New Year<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC02551.jpg"><br>
<em><font size="1">The view from our New Year's Booze Cruise</font></em></center>
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So unfortunately, (or is it fortunately), I dont have any photos from New Years Eve itself, but rest assured a great time was had by all! ;)
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We were invited out to the Misverstand Dam by a Warwick, a friend of the bf's, and we happily agreed to go! Its a holiday resort with, well, a huge dam where people can waterski/wakeboard/swim/fish/etc. The last time I was there was around 9 years ago so I was keen to go back and see what had changed.
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The evening was started with a "Booze Cruise" in our hosts' speedboat, where we anchored few km's out into the river. After being joined by two other boats and tying them together, we were ready to bring out the booze and chill. Most of the time was spent bobbing about in the river with our lifejackets being worn as nappies which enabled us to sit comfortably with our drinks in hand whilst floating about. I'm sure we all looked rather silly, but it was great fun!<br>
After about an hour or two, we headed back, had a braai and got ready for the party ahead, which was a little rougher than I thought haha! My poor bf got two drinks spilt on him whilst we were inside dancing, so we ended up hanging out outside the place with a bunch of other people. Drinks were flowing and being passed around and thankfully I actually didnt get drunk! My drinks for the evening were as follows: 3x glasses of <a href="http://www.grahambeckwines.com/" target="_blank">Graham Beck Blanc de Blanc Brut Champagne</a> (though I may be incorrect about which champagne exactly - its the only label that looked familiar now), numerous swigs of champagne from the bottles being passed around (by people I knew, not just anyone haha), 1x <a href="http://www.southerncomfort.com/" target="_blank">SoCo</a> & Lime, 3x <a href="http://www.redds.com/home.jsp" target="_blank">Redds</a>, 1x <a href="http://www.jagermeister.com/welcome/welcome.com.aspx" target="_blank">Jagermeister</a>, 3x Jagerbombs (Jagermeister & Red Bull), swigs of tequila from a bottle being passed around, swigs of Po10cy (a caffine-fueled alcholic shooter), and a swig or two of a double brandy and creme soda.
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Ended up going to bed at around 2am and woke up at around 9.30ish and had a fantastic breakfast of bacon and eggs! Then got ready to take the bf out to learn how to wakeboard!! Warwick graciously taught the bf to wakeboard, and by his 3rd try he was up!! Albeit for about 3 seconds hehe but on the 5th time he had an awesome ride of a good minute or few, which sound short, but really isnt while you're out there - I was so proud of him! He eventually tired and let go by choice, sinking graciously into the water, giving me a nice photo op! Then we headed home to laze about for the rest of the day. Another quieter booze cruise followed later that afternoon, where I took my camera along and got some scenic photos. We left promptly afterwards as the sun was setting and the drive back home was a long one, and got home at around 9.30pm. My bed never looked so good before! Hehe.
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So, I hope you saw in the new year in a great way, and may the best of last year be the worst of this year!
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<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC02504.jpg"><br><em><font size="1">The view from our place</font></em></center><br>
<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC02563.jpg"><br><em><font size="1">The bf learning to wakeboard</font></em></center><br>
<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC02586.jpg"><br><em><font size="1">Comfortably going on his 5th try!</font></em></center><br>
<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC02596.jpg"><br><em><font size="1">Chillaxing</font></em></center><br>
<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC02627.jpg"><br><em><font size="1">Yes, I was there too ;P</font></em></center><br>
<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC02631.jpg"><br><em><font size="1">Our host, Warwick, going Titanic-style</font></em></center><br>
More photos in Recent Photos...
<br><br>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-7497526453468318562008-12-29T22:46:00.003+02:002008-12-29T23:25:25.340+02:00Normalities 80% resumedSo the bf and I are back from holiday in PE, and are feeling nice and relaxed. PE was great, filled with lots of great people and even better food! I even thought I may have had to be rolled to the airport and checked in with the luggage haha!
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The flight back was hair-raising though! As I mentioned before, I get airsick, but this time I was fine, other than being scared witless with all the turbulance haha. Unlike my other plane trips, this time I was semi at the back. Right on the back of the wing, actually, and people even yelled when the plane lifted us all out of our seats for a brief second. I can giggle about it now, but wow was I nervous in-flight. Hehe.
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We were picked up from the airport by my mom, and Christmas promptly resumed back at my parents' place where we all exchanged gifts (we like to wait for both parties to be present -no pun intended- before opening each other's gifts). I was thoroughly spoilt by all members of my family, and hope they liked their gifts as much as I liked mine. I was extra pleased with the bf's gift of handmade <a href="http://www.oskimo.co.za/ftrug_sundnr.htm" target="_blank">sheepskin slippers</a>, which he said he had to have especially made for me in my size, since they were out of stock until next year. The shoemaker kindly offered this service and I'm very thankful to him. They're uber soft and keep my feet really warm!
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During my trip I also took some family photos of the future extended family as well as some pet photos, so look out for them soon. I'm really happy with them!
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The bf's niece is also coming for in impromptu holiday to Cape Town :D She's very excited, as are we, as she was last in CT about 7 yrs ago. It'll be nice to take her around and maybe sneak her into a club or summing ;) Debbie, if you're reading this, just kidding!! ;) Also will be doing a photoshoot of her which her uncle and I gave her for Christmas, which will be fun!
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Ok, on that note, over and out! :)
<br><br>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-75202949800554840472008-12-23T09:21:00.005+02:002008-12-23T10:23:58.904+02:00On holiday<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC02002.jpg"><br>
<center><em><font size="1">A view from the plane (please excuse my watermark, I'm without my beloved Photoshop)</font></em></center>
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So on Sunday my bf and I left for our holiday in Port Elizabeth (PE). We take turns spending Christmas with each other's family and this year it's his Christmas with his family. We flew up, which is always fun, though I have to ashamedly admit, I get airsick. There's just something comforting about the rumble of tar under car wheels that an aeroplane just doesnt have. I'm fine with take-off and landing, though I'm still not 100% used to it (apparently I pull funny faces during each of these events, but I dont believe that haha), its the turning in-air that gets me. Gag!
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Weather has been pretty good. Did some light swimming yesterday, but by the evening the wind had picked up (about the only time I've seen PE live up to its name of "The Windy City") and then it rained for the rest of the evening. Unfortunately I dont get to sleep in, as there appears to be a pack of rather bored dogs next door, who do nothing but sit and bark...starting at 7am!!! I dont even get up at that time for work!! Sigh. I like to sleep in on my holiday...is that too much to ask?!?
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I'm looking forward to Christmas, though I'm missing my family and pets. Found some photos of Xeon on my cellphone and I got all choked up looking at them :( My old cronky. I really miss her.
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Not much else to report, I'll probably post again after Christmas, so may I take this time to wish my (however many) readers a very Happy Christmas! May the day be filled with family and friends, and may you be filled with festive spirit. God bless, everyone!
<br><br>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-89695982952766371872008-12-19T19:11:00.011+02:002008-12-20T09:36:06.420+02:00Saying Goodbye....my Xeon<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC08846.jpg">
<font size="1"><em>My Xeon</em></font></center>
Saying Goodbye
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Saying goodbye, going away<br>
Seems like goodbye's such a hard thing to say<br>
Touching a hand, wondering why<br>
It's time for saying goodbye<br>
Saying goodbye, why is it sad?<br>
Makes us remember the good times we've had<br>
Much more to say, foolish to try<br>
It's time for saying goodbye<br>
Dont want to leave, but we both know<br>
Sometimes it's better to go<br>
Somehow I know we'll meet again<br>
Not sure quite where, <br>
and I dont know just when<br>
You're in my heart, so until then<br>
Its time for saying goodbye<br>
Wanna smile, wanna cry<br>
Saying goodbye<br>
La la la la la la la la<br>
It's time for saying goodbye<br>
- <em><a href="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/83654/muppets_saying_goodbye/" target="_blank">Muppets Take Manhattan</a></em>
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I had to say goodbye to my Xeon today. It was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make. It broke my heart. Her breathing was giving her troubles, and periodically she'd gasp for breath and eventually it'd come right. A few times I rushed her to the emergency vet, prepared to say goodbye, but she always fought to come back. She had become very thin as well in the last year. Eventually, I had to make the decision, urged on by her breathing attack last night, which was a fairly bad one.
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This afternoon, she bruxed in my hand whilst I held her and explained everything. She bruxed while I cried. She bruxed while I cuddled her. She bruxed for the whole duration of the drive to the vet. She bruxed while eating her last chocolate sunflower seeds in the waiting room. I hope she understood why it had to be done. My heart broke with having to make this heavy decision. I miss her so much.
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Rest easy now, my Xeonest. Be a fat rat in Heaven with Maxie, Pepper, Linux, Apple, and your Intel. You're reunited again, and you'll forever remain in my memories. I love you, my bruxy rat. My Xeonest. My sweet, beautiful girl. Until we meet again.
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<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/blog_DSC00612-1.jpg"><br>
<em>Xeon peeping off my windowsill</em>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01369.jpg"><br>
<em>Snoozing in the duvet during Out Time</em>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01380-1.jpg"><br>
<em>After she noticed the camera</em>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01979.jpg"><br>
<em>A photo taken today...one of my last of her</em>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_edited_DSC00249.jpg"><br>
<em>Posing on my lap</em>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01973.jpg"><br>
<em>Xeon and Orlith in the hammock, shortly before I had to say goodbye</em>
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<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_Web_DSC09029.jpg"><br>
<em>Xeon trying out her 2nd birthday present</em>
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Never forget me, my Xeon. I love you.
<br><br>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-47999102541920279902008-12-17T13:35:00.010+02:002008-12-17T14:15:59.884+02:00Bonsais<center><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_kirstenbosch_view.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"><br>
<font size="2px"><em>Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens</em></font></center>
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So on Sunday, Viia, her bf, his daughter, myself and my bf all went to Kirstenbosch for a picnic and to see the bonsai show. We got off to a very late start and while we meant to be there at around 12, ended up getting there and settled at 2! It was cloudy but warm, and of course, being right on the side of the mountain it drizzled slightly but all in all was fine.
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Food was great and consisted of potato salad, hotdogs, a normal green salad, biscuits, wine, coffee & teas, and more wine. We sat, ate, went on a small walkabout with Viia's bf's daughter (she's too cute!!!) and then we packed up and moved off to see the bonsais before it closed at 5.
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There were quite a few of them, unfortunately there was a lot to carry for the picnic side of things, and with the weather being so dangerously close to rain I didnt take my camera with so no photos, but trust me there were some really nice ones! Even <a target="_blank" href="http://images.google.co.za/images?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENZA302&q=grape%20vine%20bonsais&lr=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi">grape vine bonsais</a> with little bunches of grapes, and even a <a target="_blank" href="http://images.google.co.za/images?um=1&hl=en&lr=&safe=off&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENZA302&q=pomegranite++bonsais">pomegranite tree</a> (one I've been considering as my own bonsai).
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Turns out, this bonsai kai, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.orientalarts.co.za/bonsainurseries.htm">Bishopsford Bonsai & Art Centre</a>, offer a one-day intensive course and we all decided to do it! We took a form and are going to book this week. Cost is R385 per person, or R550 per couple. The couple price is less expensive because you only get one manual per couple, saving R110 which is the cost of the manual. Included in the cost is 1x manual (R110), 1 yr subsription to the kai (R195) and a tree and a pot to turn into a bonsai with their help (most likely a wild fig). So myself and my bf, my sister and her bf, and Viia and her bf will all be doing the course. Sounds like fun and I'm excited! I'll keep y'all updated!
<br><br>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-78293821528959874382008-12-17T00:42:00.005+02:002008-12-17T01:04:48.872+02:00A New Look...So after migrating across to Wordpress, playing around there for the day, I found out you're only able to customise your theme if you pay $10 for the upgraded CSS. What a load of rubbish!!! So I have stayed with Blogger, and took the time to actually customise a theme I liked. Let me know what you think of it in the poll please :)
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The theme is a little narrow currently, so its cropping my slideshow, and my slideshow is running slowly due to a snow widget I added onto my blog. If its causing huge issues with your browsing my blog, please let me know so I can remove it if necessary. My computer is a fairly upgraded one so I'm not sure how it runs on other computers. Thanks!
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I'm very tired, so I'll post more later! Cheers!
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PS: Check out the 'Reactions' addition to my blog. If you dont feel like commenting (not to discourage you!), but would like to offer some anonymous encouragement, select a 'Reaction' that best suits your thoughts :)
<br><br>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-40900699733648195242008-12-15T23:37:00.002+02:002008-12-15T23:53:12.752+02:00Gingerbread Men...and a rant!<div align="center"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01800.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">My First Gingerbread Men</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><div align="center">
</div><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01771.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01771.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Cutting out some shapes</span></em>
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<div align="center"><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01773.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01773.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Right outta the oven</span></em>
<div align="left"><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01787.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01787.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Cooling on the rack before icing</span></em>
<div align="left">Ok before I get started with this post may I just say how annoyed Blogger is making me! All I'm trying to do is post my pictures, center them, and center the little tiny line of text below each picture. Now, either when I try to jump to the next line, it makes a HUGE space, or the space happens somewhere else. Then when I try and center my text, it centers <strong>everything</strong>. Its a huge fuckin' pain. Yes, thats how annoyed I am. I'm cussing at Blogger for stressing me out! As it is, look, I cant even center that line above otherwise EVERYTHING is centered. Even when I type the code manually. And you know what, I code for a living, I dont friggen want to be doing it while I'm blogging. Plus this teeny-tiny window that I have to type in is too small!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I've been thinking of jumping ship to another blog space, so if anyone has suggestions let me know! I have a friend who told me before I joined Blogger to join Wordpress, so if WP is any easier, please tell me and I'll check it out. Plus other blogs have cool falling snow widgets/gadgets and Blogger just doesnt.</div>
Well now this post doesnt seem so festive anymore :( I was going to say how much fun it was making my first ever gingerbread men and tell you about my bf's work function on Sat night. *sigh* Now I'm not in the mood :( But yes, the gingerbread men were fun to make and decorate and I've even whipped up a second batch for tomorrow's family get together :) Lets hope they like them! :)</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Anyway, let me know if you're using another blog space and please tell me what its like......Blogger is really pissing me off!! Thanks!</div></div>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-22751053326756623832008-12-10T00:03:00.002+02:002008-12-10T00:58:47.581+02:00Photos! Rats & some Christmas light photos...<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01553.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01553.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<div><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01538.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01538.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<div><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01544.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01544.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<div align="center"><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01562.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 335px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01562.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<em><span style="font-size:85%;">Some rats...</span></em>
<div align="center"><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01359.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01359.jpg" border="0" /></em></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em> Rat Bums!</em></span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em> </div><p align="center"><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01321.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01321.jpg" border="0" /></em></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em> Orlith</em></span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01380.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01380.jpg" border="0" /></em></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Xeon</em></span></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01286.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01286.jpg" border="0" /></em></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em> Ramoth</em></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><em></em></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01395.jpg" border="0" /> </em></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Wirenth</em></span></p></div></div></div>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-6260862941589875192008-12-05T18:47:00.006+02:002008-12-05T19:21:47.857+02:00Long time no type<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 335px;" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC01014.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
Ok so thats a pretty cheesy title haha. But its feels like forever since I last blogged. A find myself thinking a few times in the week about something I'd like to blog about, but then realise there are a backlog of things I'd like to blog about, and so on and so forth...in the end I keep procrastinating.
But enough of my inadequacies, the latest news is that I'm done with my move. I'm out of our old flat, and I actually miss it. It was nice and cosy, and I adored the paint colour (since I painted it only four months before moving!). The new place has boring cream/yellow on the walls, but at least its a fresh coat. Our new place has an extra bedroom which we're using as a computer room for our 2 computers. The lounge is about the same size as our last one, but seems more roomy due to the computers no longer being kept in there. The bedroom is slightly smaller which is fine because the bookshelf is now in the computer room as well, so less stuff in the bedroom. The kitchen is BIG which is great! There is so much more counter space to work with, and our clothes horse stands at the back of the kitchen nicely tucked out of the way. I'd show you photos, but I dont have any just yet. Still waiting for the remaining boxes to be sorted through/put away. The toilet is separate from the bathroom, but there is a lack of cupboard space for the small things like toothpaste, razor blades, etc. There's a linen cupboard, but all those small things get lost inside. Oh and the flat comes with two parking bays!
On the whole I'm happy with our new place. Still trying to find brown bulldenim curtains for the bedroom that arent tab-topped. Sigh. Currently my winter blanket is the curtain. Sigh.
Other news is I'm finally done editing one of my two models' photos from the beach shoot in Nov. You can see those in my recent pics to the right. I'm particularly happy with the results, and have had a good response from people online who've seen them. Best of all, Katharine is happy with them. Amongst those recent pics are photos I took of our 5.5m Christmas Light Tree which graces one of our shopping malls. I got some shots before security came and chased me away hehe.
My Christmas Tree is up (couldnt take it anymore and spent Sunday Nov 30th putting it up haha. I also hung lights in my window to spread some festive cheer. I'll take photos of that soon as well and post them. So much to do, so little time.
My new babies have settled in nicely, and Ramoth, who was the smallest, has grown considerably. They're all very happy looking good. Xeon's looking a little thinner, but I'm trying to give her more fatty/protein-rich foods like scrambled egg etc. She's currently sleeping and bruxing on my lap :)
I think thats about it...oh wait! I forgot to tell you about my garden! The new flat comes with a small garden that was pretty run down when we moved in, but I've since pruned it and watered it and bought new plants for it (petunias). I'm very proud of it, being that I've done it all myself and not just called in a gardener.
Speaking of gardening, looks like I've finally got into Bonsai keeping. Viia gave me a teeny tiny birch sapling which we're going to grow into a bonsai (she's got a few for herself) and I'm looking into getting myself an already-established bonsai to train. I'm having trouble deciding on which tree to get though. I've always wanted a bonsai apple tree, but with research have decided it might be a little complicated to grow. Other options I'm favouring are cherry, pomegranite, olive, fig, and the latest option is a Serissa foetida (Tree of a Thousand Stars) which looks easy enough to grow and has pretty flowers.
There's a <a href="http://www.sanbi.org/whatson/whatsonkirstenbosch.htm">Bonsai Show on at Kirstenbosch Gardens</a> next weekend which I'll be going to. I'm also looking for a Christmas/English Holly bonsai for my sister. If anyone has bonsai experience, or a bonsai blog, please leave a comment for me :)Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-36154746425355086262008-11-27T23:06:00.002+02:002008-11-27T23:11:53.709+02:00Quick hello!Ok so I havent blogged in AGES! I'm feeling withdrawl symptoms haha
A quick update as to whats been happening in my life...did a photoshoot a few weeks ago which I'm still editing. I'm actually very happy with the results, so I'm taking my time editing so I can do it properly. Normally I rush through them cos I'm so excited to show them off haha.
The next bit of news is that I'm right in the middle of moving flats! It all happened fairly quickly, when a neighbour moved out unexpectedly one weekend. I happened to see the owner of the apartment and chatted to her, and then next thing I know, the bf is asking to view the place and the next thing we're moving! We should be done with it by Monday and then I can continue editing the last photos of the shoot.
I'm really keen to do another wedding, so if anyone reading this is getting married, or knows someone who's getting married (in CT), give me a shout if you need a wedding photographer!]
Thats about it, I'm so tired and off to have a bath (one of my last baths, since the new apartment only has a shower :/).
Thanks for being patient with my lack of posts! Night!Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-70279527294014467322008-11-07T11:07:00.005+02:002008-11-07T12:10:18.709+02:00Random UpdatesHavent blogged in a while, so here at work I sit, blogging, instead of working hehe. Ok ok I'm doing a data backup which runs on its own, so I'm free until its done.
Not much has been happening, I think the last I wrote was that the new babies arrived a week or so ago. Things have been going great with them thus far. They give me so many laughs its great! And they're so teeny and squishy! Only 70 grams each!
Ramoth (husky) had a bit of breathing troubles, but after a short treatment of Doxy, she's sounding fine again.
The problem was, however, Orlith. She just wasnt having any of the babies! I've never had problems introducing female rats to one another but Orlith is completely different! She foofs, huffs, pounces, sidles up, puffs up, and pulls fur out of the babies' rumps. Its been rather scary with all the shrieking that happens all too frequently. Of course, they're only together under supervision.
Though last night it was weird...Orlith was uber tolerant and didnt actually fight with the babies nor huff and puff. I see it as a show of good things to come. Though she did hang around underneath the hammock that the babies were sleeping in, looking like a boogie-monster haha!
I used my cookie cutters the other day :D The "G", "M", heart, star, and bone. Yes, you can easily guess what I made: dog biscuits!! They were actually rather good, but a little too dough-like for me. I keep feeling that the dogs' stomachs arent going to handle the soft biscuits very well. So they only get them sparingly.
I'm also planning on redoing my tank. My betta and pleco are doing well, found a bubblenest of Littlebettabutta's the other day and I was so proud! Its been ages since he made a bubblenest, which I put down to him being rather old, but he made one and I was so happy!
I'm redoing my tank because its overrun with horrible snails! I cant keep plants because the snails eat them all up (except the Elodea of course *rolls eyes*). So I'm going to move out the fish, bleach the tank, plants, new plants, filter, stones, and decorations. Then I'm going to put everything back together and keep fingers crossed. I shouldnt have any snails thereafter!!
Thats about it for now. Thanks for reading!
PS: New poll! Dont forget to vote!Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-30358565362893257252008-10-30T18:59:00.009+02:002008-10-30T20:40:48.404+02:00Gingerbread Cookies 101<div align="left">So during my phase of baking, I decided for Christmas I wanted to make Gingerbread Cookies (as I've probably mentioned before). So I set out to find the cliche gingerbread man shape. Not the one with a fat body and tiny head, not the one with spindley arms, not the one with hands and feet...just your typical American 3"x3" gingerbread shape.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I searched high and low through all the shops in my area...and then the ones outside of my area...and I even went so far as to ask an online friend to source one for me from America (thanks, Christy :))...and then I found it!!! Hidden in an obscure location was a catalog on a baking website....the <a href="http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?id=4F56A02A-423B-522D-FEFFAF043009B1E0&fid=4F56A03A-423B-522D-F81353641C05D6B2">Wilton's 101 Piece Cookie Cutter Set</a>!! {cue Hallelujah choir singers)</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Only one problem...its in Pretoria. I'm in Cape Town. To make a long story short, eventually after a lot of thinking, I managed to find someone who was willing to collect it for me, and post it to me :)</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">They arrived today!!!! I hastely unpacked the 101 pieces, found the gingerbread man (right at the bottom!) and sighed in relief. This Christmas shall be complete with Gingerbread Man. Of course now I have 100 extra cookie cutters hahaha. Not to worry, with extras like dog bones, I plan on making doggie biscuits (for dogs), with the pumpkin/ghost/bat/scaredy cat cutters I can make halloween cookies, with the snowman/Christmas trees/stocking/candy cane/gingerbread men (there are actually 4: two small, two large - male and female of each) I can make Christmas cookies, and then there are some random themed ones like footballs and helmets (American Superbowl...not really our thing here though), hands and feet (for baby shower), transport (I assume for a bon voyage gift), animals like ducks, eggs, dinosaurs, etc for random cookies, and then the numbers and letters of the alphabet (and a question mark...hahaha I'll wait for the "Will you marry me?" baking expedition from my bf....LOL)</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Then I had to rush off to a Canon EOS Roadshow talk (very entertaining and believe it or not, R-18 what with the vaginal flatulance jokes and all! Dont ask haha). Came back, went through the cutters more slowly to check they were all there, and then......I couldnt pack them back into the bucket they came in. Whoops!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">But, no fear, I'll survive with my 101 cookie cutters haha.</div><div align="center">
</div><div align="center"></div><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/GingerbreadMan.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 348px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/GingerbreadMan.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">My Gingerbread Man - the perfect shape!!</span></em></p>
<div align="center"><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/CookieCutterSet.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 450px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/CookieCutterSet.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The entire set laid out on the kitchen counter (taken with my cellphone)</span></em>
</div>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-28101226582835167762008-10-27T20:35:00.003+02:002008-10-27T21:36:13.939+02:00Introducing: Ramoth & Wirenth!<div><div><div>
<div align="left">So finally the day of my new babies' arrival dawned upon us, and after a short wait this morning, they arrived at around 10:30!! After chatting to Ang of <a href="http://www.wheatfieldsrattery.co.za/">Wheatfields Rattery</a> (now online!!), their breeder, I settled them into their temporary cage to wait out the day until they could come home with me (they were delivered to my office).
Of course, after spoiling them with morsels of almond and apple pieces, I took some photos!
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00734.jpg"></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00734.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Wirenth (aka Worms)</span></em> </p><div> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00740.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00740.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Ramoth (aka Rams and "Creepy")</span></em>
<div align="center"><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00732.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00732.jpg" border="0" /></a><em> <span style="font-size:85%;">Ratty hands!!</span></em>
<div><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00731.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00731.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div>
<p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">*LICK* :D</span></em></p><p>And then for my mother's gym halloween party, I made some "Spooky Witch Fingers" which tasted and looked great!! Just a basic butter cookie recipe, molded into fingers with almonds for the fingernails (with some red icing under the fingernails for "blood"). Apparently they were the hit of the party and people even took them home for their families!</p><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00759.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00759.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<div><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00761.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00761.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<div><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00755.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00755.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<div><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00750.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00750.jpg" border="0" /></a>
</div></div></div></div></div></div>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-36597200599452144042008-10-25T17:41:00.013+02:002008-10-25T18:41:15.699+02:00Apple Pie<div align="left">I finally got around to making my Apple Pie that I've been talking about for ages! I must admit, I cheated and bought the dough to use for the pie, but then when I thawed it and rolled it out, there wasnt enough for both top and bottom crust :( So I decided to make it without a base...*gulp*
I mixed and matched a few recipes so I was very worried about how it would turn out. I also wasnt sure if I should put foil around the edges to prevent the edges of the crust from burning, but I decided not to in the end.
So, after preparing it, and baking it for an hour and 10 minutes, it was done!
I was like a kid on Christmas morning, running to peek into the oven-glass every 20 minutes or so and I even squealed with glee when I set it down on the table :D
I've yet to taste it (the bf is keen!) as I'm waiting for my mom and sister to come and taste it with us :)
</div><center><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00705.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00705.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>The pie filling</em></span> </center><center>
</center><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00709.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00709.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Ready for the oven</span></em> </p><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00717.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00717.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The finished Apple Pie!</span></em></p><center><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></center><div align="left"></div><div align="left">In other news, my new babies arrive on Monday, and I finally worked up the courage to go officially get permission to keep my rats in my apartment block! When most people hear "rats" they think smelly, diseased, sewer creatures, which of course could not be farther from the truth, so I was very worried they'd say NO RATS ALLOWED! But, they didnt! She seemed a bit put off by the thought, but after assuring her that I dont breed, and my girls are kept in a cage, she said fine. So yay for us!! Now I can bring my rats from my car to my flat (and vise versa) without worry!</div>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278758611462187462.post-6803645236094155562008-10-21T19:37:00.007+02:002008-10-21T20:48:49.882+02:00Chocolate Brownies<center><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00665.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Blog_DSC00665.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Yummy Chocolate Fudge Brownies</em></span></center>
<div align="left">So the other day I decided to make Chocolate Fudge Brownies. It was my first attempt and I was pretty impressed with the results.</div>
<div align="left">The recipe will stay a secret, because I'm going to work on it a little more and make it fully mine! It was fairly simple to make, and I enjoyed every minute of it, including watching it bake haha.</div>
<center>
<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Web_DSC00671.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Web_DSC00671.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Web_DSC00663.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/Web_DSC00663.jpg" border="0" /></a></center>
<div align="left">
My new ratties are arriving on Monday, and I'm so excited! Poor Orlith is incredibly bored, since Xeon is rather old and just wants to sleep and cuddle. She's going to be so relieved to have friends to tumble about with, but I'm not sure what to do while they're still growing. The new bubs will be too small for the large cage, and if they're anything as sneaky as Orlith was, they'll soon find they can fit through the bars...thats if Orlith doesnt show them herself! LOL!</div>
<div align="left">I took a few photos of my babies, so here are a few of the ones I liked:</div>
<div align="center"><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/blog_DSC00635.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/blog_DSC00635.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Orlith</span></em> </div><div>
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/blog_DSC00612.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/blog_DSC00612.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Xeon</span></em> </div><div>
</div><a href="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/blog_DSC00660.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/Rat_Tails/blog/blog_DSC00660.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">"Mommy watcha doin'?!?" (blurry Orlith-nose)</span></em>
</p><p align="left">More photos can be seen under "Recent Pics" slideshow...</div>Tailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06137872662297627428noreply@blogger.com0