Relaxing celebrations

Here are more colourful trees and characters at work...

 

...and at home. 

These are not my photos, but they are from the Nick Cave gig to which we went, and it was excellent.

If we can ignore the fact that we need to wash the windows, the set dressing from The Penelopiad looks fabulous in place, and makes for a contemplative spot to look out into the garden while having breakfast or reading a book. 

Our friend, Purple Lady was having a significant birthday, but did not want a party. We offered her a themed evening to a destination of her choice. She chose Japan.

We had cocktails and home-made sushi while listening to a playlist featuring, among others, Japan, Frank Chickens, Kyu Sakamoto, Alphaville (Big in Japan),  The Cure (Kyoto Song), Aneka (Japanese Boy), The Vapors (Turning Japanese), Ace of Base (Tokyo Girl) and Robyn (Konichiwa Bitches).

We then attempted origami with the napkins, had a miso-infused noodle concoction (which we ate with chopsticks, obviously), and watched Drive My Car. It was a fun night.

Gearing Up or Winding Down?

And so we begin our 'gin-vent' calendar, as we count down the days to Christmas.

 

Brunch with a friend in Kingston, involved a 'healthy bowl' with a side of bacon, of course. 

The kittens are busy as ever - all this pre-Christmas action is exhausting, as you can see. 

Him Outdoors had Sourfest for his birthday drinks - the sun shone on us and we had a pleasant evening in the garden drinking delicious beverages.

One of the costumes from The Penelopiad was made from a pair of old curtains - the colours are ghastly 70s style, and no one really wanted to keep them afterwards. The kittens seem to approve, however.

Penelope also decided she'd have a go on the cushions we used for the play as well - it's good to see the costumes and props continuing their usefulness.

The weather has been changeable to say the least, and a great wind swept through the garden, splintering trees and causing branches to fall. 

As we see, this was a traumatic time for the kittens again.

Our weekend walk took us to Yerabi Pond, where we encountered this interesting image. 

 

Graffito around Yerabi Pond

The Show Lives On

The show does indeed live on, not only in my memories, but also in my home. Melantho has commandeered the cushions, and I have added the show poster to my gallery.

The Penelopiad: First Performance Week

The show kicks off this week; it's going to be huge. And so I need to prepare with coffee and pancakes, and hugs from my husband and cats.

 

Pancake breakfast at Cafe 2617

Him Outdoors with Melantho and Penelope

The rest of the photos are from our play The Penelopiad. They were taken at rehearsal by Pat Gallagher, and I think they do justice to the set, costumes, lighting, movement and acting of the production. It was truly fabulous.

We are the maids; the ones you killed; the ones you failed

Where shall I begin?

My father was King Icarius of Sparta. My mother was a Naiad

If I was a princess with silver and gold, And loved by a hero, I'd never grow old

Oh, if a young hero came a-marrying me, I'd always be beautiful, happy and free

It's hope, and hope only, that keeps us afloat.

There you are, Telemachus, my pet

That's what happens when you lose a war

We're all aware of your legendary modesty, Penelope

The suitors did not appear on the scene right away.

First we'll roast, then we'll feast! Heap up the platters!

I recruited twelve of my favourite maidservants, the youngest and most beautiful.

Weaving, weaving, ever grieving

While the time goes passing slowly

Queen Penelope, you must tell her! Tell her it was by your orders. She hates us!

Manners are for girls

When oh when oh when oh when - When will dear Odysseus come?

Is this the palace of the renowned Odysseus, of Trojan horse fame, master of deceiving tricks, and well-known for his hospitality to strangers?

Yes! Odysseus! Now we'll see who's master in this house!

The maids have been hanged, my lady

So much time gone. So much blood spilled.

So now that the show is over, I am able to put some time back into my social life. The first event will be a gathering of friends who have not yet met the cats. Because, as we know, it is all about them, right?