Perhaps now is not the ideal time to be getting mud on my tyres. Although I am staying home and keeping away from crowds over the festive season it does not mean that I want to find NOTHING under my tree on Christmas day…Most of the items are available in Linden and the surrounding areas, while there are some are available online…
After years of subscribing to an expensive photo-software package, I discovered Ribbet. This net-based product can be used on a desktop or mobile application and it is SO much easier to use. There are currently two versions available, a free ‘lite’ version and the pro version that comes with ALL the bells and whistles. In the past, I have done the minimum editing to my images, but currently, I am enjoying Ribbet so much that I actively hunt for images to transform. Needless to say that my subscription to the aforementioned expensive software was cancelled with immediate effect.
And if you cannot decide what colour to buy, then by one of each! There is also an orange one, but I was wearing those when I set up this image. I have been wearing Veldskoen Shoes for about 3 years (I was one of the first dozen customers) and the range has now expanded to include a range of other leather-based products, like belts and accessories.
The Little Drummer Boy, a perennial Christmas favourite or one of the planets most hated songs? Either way, Boney M is making royalties again, even during the pandemic when shoppers have taken to doing their purchases online.
This is the only version of THIS song that I can endure. Hence it appears on this list, but please do NOT send me a copy!
If you spend time in the bush, then THIS company will keep you looking cool in every sense of the word. Rugged Wear is a local company that prides itself in its people and its clothing range.
https://www.facebook.com/countrymeatlinden
Tired of chocolate and sweet treats that are the evergreen favourite at this time of year? If so then pop into Country Meat in Linden and purchase some of their delicious biltong (and dried wors) as alternatives. If you want to treat yourself, then buy some of their Waygu beef biltong. D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S
https://www.facebook.com/gotchapizzeria
How about a pizza instead of a turkey for Christmas lunch? Looking for the most delicious pizza in Linden? Then look no further than Gotcha cafe Pizzeria on the corner of 6th Street and 4th Ave in Linden. It seems that you can put avo on a pizza, but DO NOT ask for pineapple on yours as you will be shamed into ordering a different incarnation.
https://www.facebook.com/RembrandtButcher
Looking for the best boerewors in Johannesburg? Rembrandt Butchery in 4th Ave, near the corner with 8th Street, Linden can definitely offer you that. I have been eating their wors for 14 years and I challenge anyone to find better. Oom Ross and his staff will also temp you with a variety of other delicious cuts of meat.
https://www.facebook.com/melissa.generalis
If you, like me, have a sweet tooth, then these gift packages from Melissa Generalis (based in Linden) are the ideal solution to that craving. Buy them for yourself or for family and friends.
https://www.facebook.com/johnyannis.generalis
This is Saint Anastasia the Healer & Thaumaturge, painted by local Linden artist Yannis Generalis. Should you wish to enhance your home with an icon, then contact Yannis via Facebook and leave a message for him. He still has signed prints in stock so that you will have yours in time for Christmas.
https://www.facebook.com/Orejentheshop
I will accept ANYTHING from Orejen, which can be found on 5th Street, Linden. This veritable treasure trove of a shop has something for everyone, and I really mean that. There are so many items to transform your home that a visit is the only way to fully understand the scope of what is on offer.
This is the new(ish) Pentax 150-450mm lens, attached to the Pentax full-frame K1ii body. I am prepared to accept either or both in exchange for a kidney or part of a liver or any other major organ.
https://www.facebook.com/LikeFFSA
And if not camera gear, then a voucher from FotoFirst will suffice. I do like visiting the branch at Cresta, although that has been prevented for the past few months due to the pandemic. I will accept copious quantities of hand sanitizer in exchange for a voucher or two.
https://www.facebook.com/ValetVApp
And speaking of vouchers, who does not like driving a sparkling clean car? If, like me, you enjoy a new car smell and the look and feel of a vehicle that is clean both inside and out, then download the app and sign up to change the life of YOUR car.
https://www.facebook.com/StruikNatureClub
A few books to slip into a backpack or to utilize as stocking stuffers for a family member or friend. Or you could just buy a set for yourself.
https://www.facebook.com/briza.publications
My favourite ‘bush’ book. Well worth having a copy, if you do not already have one.
https://www.facebook.com/thegoldentiki
2020 has been such a difficult year that perhaps you would like to celebrate its parting by having it engraved on your body? Maybe not a large piece like this, but then, as I always say “Go LARGE or Go home”. Busta, the owner of the Golden Tiki Tattoo shop has been doing my ink for a decade.
https://www.facebook.com/hairandskinexperts
If you have facial hair and don’t feel like a permanent tattoo, then how about dying your beard? Many colours to choose from and you are limited only by your imagination and your wallet. Mine was transformed by Bobbi at Hair and Skin Experts in 4th Avenue, Linden
https://www.facebook.com/NBPublishers
If you, like me, followed the career of cartoonist Dov Fedler with a passion that bordered on stalking, then you have to read this, his second book. All about the making (or not) of a movie in and around Johannesburg, it is filled with pathos and empathy that belies a second novel.
https://www.facebook.com/auntieronabook
And to end off. A book to remember the pandemic by…not that we need to be reminded currently. In years to come, when we are asked about Covid-19 and its effect on 2020, we can use this to remind us WTF actually happened through the year.
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