A Melville Sunday

The seasons are turning and my second summer is about to begin. It’s still cold at night and in the early morning – especially in a house without central heat – but it’s warm enough for shorts during the day. Today was especially perfect. Crystal-blue sky and about 70 degrees in the sun.

After breakfast on the deck, I went for my first run around the neighborhood. I jogged about 50 feet and began gasping for breath. I guess I’m not used to the altitude yet, or maybe I’m just out of shape. It was nice to get out on my own though.

I ran up 7th Street – the main Melville drag – past cafes, book stores, vintage clothing shops, and bars. Apparently South Africans like to drink early on Sundays – several outdoor tables were occupied by beer-drinkers when I passed by at 11:30.

When I got home it was time to plant the herbs that Joe and I bought at the garden center yesterday. (Fun fact: In South Africa it’s “a herb,” not “an erb.”)

We spent quite a few hours sorting through ancient clay pots, searching for garden implements, and planting. Okay, really Joe planted. I watched, made sandwiches, and provided running commentary while enjoying the sun.

We planted basil (which rhymes with “dazzle” in South Africa), parsley, mint, rocket (arugula), and thyme. The photos I took are probably only exciting to me, but here is one anyway.

The day was nearly over but we decided to take a walk in the Melville Koppies before it got dark. I’ve always dreamed of living next to a park – now I have my wish. We climbed to the top of the koppies just as the sun set. It was pure magic.

I’ll have a lot more to say about the koppies in a future post, but for now I’ll let these photos speak for themselves.