Bookish lunch at a Victorian cottage

Always great to visit a house older than the Verandah to experience how the owners cope with the pains of an "old lady".  So yesterday I donned raincoat, hat and gloves and left at noon in pouring rain for a quaint Victorian cottage in Harris Street, off Brickmaker's Kloof.
      I felt so at home when Roline and George pointed out the "rivulet" that was running  down from the cliff through the back part of their house into the garden ...   After just having had the damage to our entrance hall fixed after a March storm, I had sympathy with them.

                The secluded back garden ... where

         the rivulet could find its way out of the house

              But you learn to take it in your stride. And anyway, we had to deal with books and food and a lot of catching up on life!

Biffie getting ready for lunch

Christine busy adjusting the "conversation piece" in the lounge 

      The smells emanating from the kitchen lured Ina, Christine, Biffie, Karlien and myself to the dining table.  Did I mention the cosy crackling heat of the fire in the lounge? (At the Verandah we have two very out-of-order fireplaces,,, and a very cold lounge).

          Roline and George have been working away at a new hobby ... 

         and there was much to admire when we looked up  (whilst enjoying mousaka and salad!).

This new colourful addition joined the pots and pans in the kitchen! 

    Kitchen window crafted by the owners 

                                             

The MCCC

                                                               
     As always, Roline's special culinary offerings came from her own kitchen. The dessert was a perfect choice - baked cheese cake with strawberry topping. The recipe for success lies in the mixing. Maria Callas had to sing all the way through the process. Sounds so easy...
      
      Coffee from Masterton's served with cream in delicate German cups ended the lovely meal and we reclined to the lounge to talk about Roald Dahl, Mrs Goudvis, Vikram Seth and all their worthy wordy friends.
     Sometimes  it is hard to decide whether it is a foodie club or a book club. But does it matter?