LOCAL MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS, PUBLIC HOLIDAY and ANNIE

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

It's voting day today and the citizens of this country are going to the polls to choose representatives for their local councils and municipalities. 

(Photograph: Craig Strachan - www.notesfromthecape.com)

Our elections here are proudly 'free and fair', with an independant electoral commission overseeing the whole process. Our family's visit to the voting station this morning went off smoothly and without a hitch. The atmosphere in the lines was lighthearted and happy.

There are many issues under scrutiny in these elections.  "Service delivery" is one of the main concerns across our country. Amongst many things - housing for the poor, sanitation, water, refuse removal, general repair and maintenance.  The spotlight recently has fallen on the issue of "open toilets" in some parts of our country and potholes. I can't resist including the amusing cartoon of "Madam and Eve" from our newspaper last evening

(click to enlarge):

An added benefit of this election is that today is a public holiday.

This means that my family is home -even though most of them are studying for serious exams, and have their noses in their books. 

Nevertheless, it is a really beautiful winter's day - warm and sunny - ideal for "tea in the garden".

It's also a great day to take another break from the hectic rehearsals for

'ANNIE'.

The curtain rises next week with a full technical rehearsal on Monday, a DVD recording and photographs on Tuesday, a matinee production on Wednesday morning and the official opening night on Wednesday evening. Further performances take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. 

If anyone is interested, I still have tickets for the Friday and Saturday nights' productions.  Please contact me if you are:

lescaryl@mweb.co.za

Besides two more official rehearsals and a visit (for Toby) to the theatre, my pooch is ready to take the stage. All that remains now is to hope and pray that he gets his 'lines' right, when his moments arrive. 

I must admit, I am really excited about it all.  It's been an amazing experience - from the early days of training the specific commands in isolation, to the exuberant recent performances with the young cast members at the school.  My pleasure has also come from watching Toby with his interactions and seeing him grow every day. 

He absolutely adores the children - especially 'Annie' herself, who, in the last few days has 'owned' him when he is onstage with her.

During the times, when it all comes together, I can't help but get a lump in my throat.

mmm....

Then there are those other times when Toby decides to 'ad lib' himself -

Like the scene when he refused to get off stage - preferring to re-lick the last remaining remnants of the peanut butter which had been left his bowl.  He preferred to shovel it across the floor instead.

All these things have created some fantastic 'memories' which I will cherish always.

Especially this 'pose' of his - which he offers to everyone who is willing to give a tummy-rub:

For the moment, however, its chill time and an opportunity to reap this magnificent day.

Sending lotsaluv to all my friends/family across the world.

Have an awesome day too.

MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA