Shopping and mocktails
Originally published at magependragon.co.za .
Wednesday - 2 January 2013
This morning mom took me shopping for more UV protective clothing. I need more than just 1 shirt and a set of sleeves. We headed to Canal Walk and bought 2 more shirts from the Cape Union Mart Pod before heading inside. The Cape Union Mart staff inside the mall have almost no idea about what stock they have or what the stock can do. I managed to buy 2 shirts there but have eneded up with a duplicate of the oversized shirt I already had. We headed on to Due South who stock both the K-Way and Columbia brands, where Cape Union Mart only stock K-Way. I bought 1 white shirt there but it's so thin, I'll have to wear something underneath it.
That was when we discovered that there is an actualy Columbia store in Canal Walk. Shopping there was much better as all their stock has a high UPF (UV Protection Factor) rating. I still don't entirely understand the practicalities of a short sleeved shirt with a high UPF but the range of shirts was awesome, not many in my size but I did buy a stunning black shirt with long sleeves that can also be rolled up. I do rock a shirt and have often looked to Kate Becket and Temperance Brennan as fashion role models (as well as role models in general.) I'll just need to get used to not being in my NaNoWriMo tees all the time.
On the way home we stopped at the Post Office so I could collect a parcel. It was the latest editions of "Baked & Delicious" the baking magazine I subscribe to. I really should try out more of the recipes, instead of just baking cupcake all the time. I know I'll never run short of taste testers when I do want to branch out and try new things.
This evening I met up with a dear family friend and her husband at Alba Lounge. Alba is by far my favourite cocktail bar and I always suggest it as a place for sundowners or events. I had my birthday party there this year and both the Kick-off and TGIO NaNoWriMo parties have been held there over the last few years. As a venue for a large crowd or just friends meeting for drinks, it rocks! It has been ages since I last saw Carrie and I barely recognised her when she found me sitting inside waiting for an deck table to be freed up. She introduced me to her hubby, Muzz, and he's an awesome fellow, just the counterfoil for Carrie's bubbly nature.
Carrie has been exceptionally helpful since my cancer diagnosis. She is an Oncology Radiologist and also runs a number of new treatment trials through her company in Johanesburg. The latest trials are to do with Hyperthermia and how it aids the effectiveness of most cancer treatments. She has been a god-send, always available on the other end of the line for a chat to boost my flagging spirits, to give advice on how to deal with reactions or even to decipher "doctor speak" when necessary.She has been friends with my brother since high school and I'm glad we all stayed in touch.
I sold them all on trying the Albatizer and I had one sans sours but with extra jelly tots. They tried a few of the other cocktails while I stayed with appletizer. Muzz order tequilla shots and organised an apple juice shot for me, which was really nice of him. He really is a nice guy!
When it started getting cold, I left to go home and they left for dinner with their friends. It was a good evening and it was great to just chat face to face with Carrie about everything that has been going on. She says I'm doing well and that I must just keep hanging on with the keeping hanging on and I will.
Again I got a little too cold before leaving and I was stiff and sore by the time I got home. Some pain meds took care of the pain but left me drowsy on the couch watching more of The X-Files.