The heat here is continuing unabated. Yesterday Cape Town was 35 degrees C (about 85F). After work we went to the big mall nearby to watch a movie. We haven’t been to this cinema before as it is twice the price of the one we usually go to, but it was close and the air-conditioning was very attractive.
We were a little surprised to be given a seat number when we bought our ticket. I’ve never been told where to sit in a cinema before.
We saw Bl**d Diamond. At first I was a little put off by Leonardo’s accent. He gets better as the film goes on, but he really sounds more Australian than South African – except he does say some of the South African phrases very accurately. Parts of it were filmed in Cape Town, I actually saw the set last year when I was in the city, but I did’t get to see Leonardo – he certainly looks the part in the film, even if he doesn’t get the accent quite right. The scene with the general on the farm was filmed quite close to where we live. It was kind of surreal seeing places we know on the big screen, but I guess that is usual for people living in New York and Washington. The movie was amazing a story of love, betrayal and the redemptive power of a parents love. It was very moving, take tissues, I both laughed and cried. Go and see it. It will change the way you look at those pretty stones in your jewellery box.
There is one chain of stores here that has signs on it’s windows certifying that it’s diamonds are conflict free, but it is up to us as consumers to insist.
I had a second go at needle turn applique and had much greater success this time. I’ve got the first block of the Geometric African Animals quilt finished – a hippopotamus foot appliqued to the block. I did have a picture, but I’m using a new photo managment program and somehow managed to lose it. I’ll take another photo and post it tomorrow. After getting some advice from a friend who makes beautiful African applique quilts, I’ve also decided to try a different applique method for the blocks with sharper angles. She swears it is quick and easy so I’ll keep you posted.
I finally got around to counting up all of the books I read last year. Final tally? 128. Not as many as I expected, but work got a little crazy in the middle of the year. I’m going to try for more balance this year. One of my few New Year’s Resolutions.
There’ll be a picture of the quilt block tomorrow, I promise.
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