Sarah asked for some price comparisons to the US -s o here are a few
A loaf of sliced brown bread costs btw R4 and R5, a litre( don't know what that is in gallons) is R4.50 if you buy long life, and about R3 for fresh
Veggies and fruit can be quite cheap, depending where you look- I can normally buy soup veggies for about R5, depends on the specials, potatoes are on special at R10 for 10kg(=18 pounds)
and oranges for about the same
We also have "NoName- or generic brands, which often give the best prices
Toiletries are hard to compare, because I tend to but local brands( cheaper) but a 350ml bottle of PAntene will cost about R15
We also dont get coupons here very much0- I get very jealous when I read about how much you guys save with coupons...
Hope you guys find this interesting

Amazing what the vet's charge for- kitty's itemised bill looks like a hospital bill- includes a wash and shampoo- I guess we all need looking after when we get old- including our animals
They have to be fed special food - so I will see if I can find this cheaper than at the vet- maybe through a good pet shop

This is going to be an expensive week- two of the older cats at the vet with kidney problems- one is still in hospital...but we love them so we pay
Also have to feed them special diet...
Am trying to type this with a kitty on lap( Pixle- 'cause he was so small when left on our doorstep)
Going to jazz concert tommorow- Earl Klugh and Michael Franks- this is big for SA- tickets aren't cheap and concert is sold out- should be good though

This is my first journal entry- I must admit the thought of getting dollars for my musings is rather enticing (current exchange rate is $1 to R6.50) and also to clarify my thinking and behavour regarding money and spending
I am also hoping it will be interesting for American readers to get an idea of how we do things over here
Spring is starting early- buds on the trees and temps of 25C( not sure what that is in Farenheit)