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Bits and bobs about my life in my lovely home, Thatchwick Cottage, Pretoria, South Africa.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

6 November, '08: Big events and little dramas

Here is a beautiful species of protea, the national symbol of South Africa, to tuck into the buttonhole of Barack Obama, the new President of the US of A!

But the big events of the week - the US election, the formation of a new opposition party in South Africa, the failing negotiations to settle the Zimbawean tragedy- played a poor second fiddle to my own little crisis. Oh, dear blogger chums all over the world, your friend at Thatchwick is very small-minded, indeed!
An electricity fault at the local substation had my neighbourhood block and the traffic lights at the intersection without power for nearly three days. As historical events unfolded elsewhere, I was more concerned about farming out the frozen goods in my freezer, throwing away the contents of the fridge, champing at the bit about no battery on my PC, a dead cell phone, no security lights or pool pump and cold showers. Horror of horrors, I could not blow dry my hair!
On an academic note, the sociologist, C Wright Mills, writing in the 50's called things like this the intersection between personal biography and history. In my case, I am ashamed to say my little history took priority over the bigger picture!

9 comments:

Rowyn said...

What a beautiful Protea!

Eek, no power for three days... I would be lost too!

Unknown said...

You should have called me. My home had a hot shower waiting just for you. I really would not have minded! And I saw the unblown hair... You are exceptionally elegant and if I am able to say that without the hairdo then you must know...

SmilingSally said...

Three days is a very long time to go without electricity. I hope that somehow your food was saved. I think the one time I experienced that was Hurricane Wilma. Most of all, I missed ice! Hot shower is #2.

Tess Kincaid said...

No power is the worst, Eleanor! We were without for 24 hours a few months back and it was horrible. Since we have a well, the well pump was out, too, so no water, no showers. And I thought one day was bad. Glad to have you back!

Here, There, Elsewhere... and more said...

Beautiful flower, I didn't know the name was Protea, thanks...

I can so relate to the freezer issue + hairdryer - even powercuts here for a day or two are not easy to get through; we've become so dependant on electricity for so much...

I'm glad all's well now..:)

Janet said...

I just refer to that as life geting in the way of life. Hope your food and hair are OK now.

Janet

PS. I love that Protea

Nola said...

I'm sure our new President elect would thank you for the Protea. It's lovely, I am not familiar with that plant.
I can't imagine 3 days without electricity! I am spoiled.

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

I had to go without power once for 10 days. It really makes you realize how dependent we are on it for everything.But we improvised and made it.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Beuatiful images but no power is terrible at such a time.