You are my sunshine

There is some software doing the rounds that can change a portrait image into that of a cartoon character. Calamity Sue made this picture of me that's a little bit freaky and proves what a wonky smile I've got: hence only one dimple.

At this time of year the morning sun shines directly into our hallway. It gives a golden glow to the start of the day and is, again, slightly alien, especially when it highlights the hatstand just so.

The very lovely Dr Kay and Patience Itself had organised a get-together which, being mid-winter, incorporated a three-course soup meal. We had French onion; pea and ham; pumpkin, potato and kumara, followed by (not pictured) Poires Belle Helene for dessert. I was very tired and very happy to see people, and the food was so delicious that I completely forgot I'm supposed to be on a low FODMAP diet. Three hours later, my stomach reminded me with a cramping, exploding vengeance. Oops! It was still a fun evening (the night; not so much).

We wandered down to The Pot Belly pub intending to see The Ginger Nuts perform, but we got the wrong weekend and so saw The Dirty Sunflowers supported by Gin on the Rocks instead. And they were good too. As was the beer, brewed by Him Outdoors. 

And when they find the sunny spots, the kittens like to play in them.

Week 30: You are my sunshine

The sun came out this morning and it was beautiful to see. We went for a walk to make the most of it, before spending the rest of the day in a school hall in Khandallah performing two back-to-back shows of Twelfth Night.

Our 'dressing room' is a school classroom decorated with artwork and instructions.

Viola and Sebastian are practically identical - see, you can hardly tell them apart. 'An apple cleft in two is not more twin than these two creatures.' It's called suspension of belief - truely amazing what matching green tunics can do.

Feste plays the fool - in more ways than one. 'Foolery does walk about the orb like the sun, it shines everywhere.'

Olivia - 'You are too proud. But if you were the devil, you are fair.'

Malvolio is 'sick of self love' and 'most villainously' in yellow stockings.

Sir Toby Belch - 'That quaffing and drinking will undo you.'

Fabian - 'If this were played upon a stage now, I could condemn it as an improbable fiction.'

Olivia bestowing slightly more favours on Sir Andrew Ague-cheek than usual. 'You are now sailed into the north of my lady's opinion; where you will hang like an icicle on a Dutchman's beard.'

Orsino is the true Renaissance Man - 'Of great estate, of fresh and stainless youth, in voices well divulged, free, learned and valiant, and in dimension and shape of nature a gracious person.' Even if ours does support Arsenal...

Antonio stands proud - 'Only myself stood out.'

'Haply your eye shall light upon some toy you have desire to purchase; and your store, I think, is not for idle markets.'

'What's that to us? The time goes by. Away!'

And the stage manager is overseeing all- and drinking cups of tea. At least, I think that's tea...