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My day started off breezy and relaxed, with me swanning about in preparation for the evening event. I checked that my crockery, cutlery, decor and everything else was in place. I then headed off to the mall to complete my shopping, list in hand and whizzing through the centre in order to get a head start.
Shopping done. I arrived home, unpacked and I started the cooking, all in good time. I felt chuffed that everything was going according to plan.
I continued my culinary adventure with grilled prawn thermidore, crusty garlic bread, a crispy green salad with feta and peppers, a hot chicken curry, roti and sambals, samoosas, pies and a traditional roast lamb with all the trimmings.
I was winning. I felt fantastic to be able to spoil my mother and family tonight.
With full steam ahead and adrenalin pumping, I continued preparing my feast.
I checked the load shedding schedule the day before, and it clearly stated NO load shedding. Yep, the lord was smiling at me as it would seem.
Expecting guests at 6pm and its already 3pm, I go to freshen up, put on my party frock, a splash of makeup and I lay out the gifts. At 4pm, I descended downstairs floating like a butterfly when BOOF! The lights went out.
Jeez louise, was I in a pickle. My bubble burst. I panicked. I was in total shock as this had not been anticipated.
My guests were to be arriving soon and my food was to be put onto the stove to finish off the cooking process so my guests would have a fresh, piping hot meal.
Not to mention the lamb and veggies that were merrily roasting away in the oven. Hubby and I hadn't had a clue as to what the plan of action would be. It was 6pm and it was time to receive guests.
The birthday girl and the rest of my family arrived at the gate and my remote did not want to work like it usually works every single day of every month of every year.
I tried prying the gate open with my hands, but no luck. The key to the pedestrian gate was somewhere, but where would I look in the dark?
How was I to host a dinner party with no lights? This is unheard of. It was beginning to look impossible. I couldn't even get my guests inside my yard. My spirit was crushed!
The fabulous mood I was in earlier had turned into anger and fury at this load shedding nonsense. All my effort in vain. My goal of seeing mum smiling and happy for her party was not realised.
My guests were anticipating a fun-filled night but had to settle for takeaways at home and no party. I gave my gifts to mum, wished her a happy birthday and apologised for a ruined party. My heart fell down to my ankles.
Thinking the shedding was for only 2 hours was comforting, but as luck would have it, the lights only came on 5 hours later!
When it rains it surely does pour. I slumped onto the couch, too despondent to even have a glass of champagne and closed my eyes to awake to a new day.
This article was written by a reader in response to the Spindel laundry dryer competition.
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Load shedding was the surprise at my husband's surprise birthday party
