Excavating Again

Posted on April 1, 2025 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day the big hole running down the side of the top part of the stairs got bigger and it’s now ready for the sewerage pipe to go in. That should happen tomorrow.

It is deep.

It has to be deep because the levels have to match where the funicular goes. It’s been quite tricky working those out, but Mike thinks he’s got them right. He stood on the terrace at the bottom and said, “it’s amazing to think this is where the funicular will go”.

We have a very long way to go before that becomes the ‘before’ photo and there is an after one to show. Meantime, Raiku has a new playground of rocks to explore…

Meantime, this morning I took off for what I thought would be a shorter walk. It turns out it was 5km. I crossed Kommetjie Road and walked through the avenues up to the High School and then back home. This is going up Berg Rd. A beautiful morning.

I got to the 4km mark and took photos in 3 directions. Looking up at the kopje. One day I’d like to climb up there.

Looking towards Chapman’s Peak…

And looking out to the sea.

On the little mountain path there is a flat rock that slightly resembles South America.

When I want Mike to know where I walked, I  say by the South American rock & he then knows where I mean. It was a good walk.

New guests are in and there was an extra who arrived with the expected party of 2, so I suggested one of them take the Little Lookout which they agreed to. I’m glad Ruth came today and was able to get it clean.

As I get older, this verse takes on greater meaning…

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

 

 

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The New Milestones

Posted on March 31, 2025 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I went for a super 5km walk and enjoyed sunrise from the mountain.

I always enjoy walking and the other day when we went on the boat trip to Seal Island, I walked most of the way to Simon’s Town. It was on this walk, I discovered that new milestones had been installed. I was quite excited.

The Town House at what is today Greenmarket Square was built, so I read, in 1755. Stone markers were placed every mile along the Main road from that point to Simon’s Town. That happened after 1844, when the Main Rd was proclaimed. Most of them have been lost, but this one, number 19, is just down the road from us is one of the few originals.

On my walk, I found the newly instated XX

Which is at this point…

I walked on and a mile later found the next…

It’s just before the cemetery

I hoped to get to the next one before Julian arrived and I made it just in time. He pulled up right next to it.

It’s a few hundred meters before Simon’s Town station.

Look out for them. I’ll be going in search of the rest.

It’s been a good day.

Mark 8:35-36
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

 

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Visiting the Top Road

Posted on March 30, 2025 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today we went driving and found a little nook in Cape Town, we had never been before. It’s in Fresnaye, high above the City and on a road suitably called Top Road. It’s where the red marker it…

We parked on a lower road and walked up. We expected to see no one, but soon realised this was a well trodden way to get to a lesser known back route up Lion’s Head. It can’t be easy …

This is the start…

The sign that shows where you are…

I would love to try it some day. Top Road is very picturesque

The view between the buildings…that’s Robben Island on the right of the sea…

We came home in time to welcome guests in.

Every day I’m trying to do something to mitigate against osteoporosis. Weight-bearing they say. You may or may not find me walking around the lounge with a 12.3kg rock. I only need to do it for a minute or two. Julian snapped the pic.

Mike is eager to get me moving rocks for Courage, but I only need a minute once an hour, a couple of times a day and this does the trick.

Julian will soon leave to take Mike & Holly to the airport. I hope they have a good onward trip to the UK. A new week begins.

I’m glad I can say this:

Psalm 71:5
You have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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Seal Island, False Bay

Posted on March 29, 2025 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we went to Seal Island – the False Bay one. This is a small outcrop in the northern middle of False Bay. It’s a 5 acre granite island with no beach or vegetation but there are up to 70000 Cape Fur seals. To get there, the boat leaves from Simon’s Town. When we arrived in Simon’s Town everything was happening. There was a dog walking/feeding event and while that was going on a Scottish band, with bag pipes was marching up the Main Rd. It was quite a spectacle.

It takes about half an hour to get to the island. One of the significant landmarks we passed was Roman Rock – the well known lighthouse not far off Simon’s Town.

It’s the only lighthouse in South Africa built on a rock. The building of it took 4 years and it was completed in 1861 so has been around a while.  It now has solar panels and a helipad. Holly’s camera is fantastic – she got this photo…

Onwards to seal island – the main attraction and we were not disappointed. Thousands upon thousands of seals both on the island and in the water. Many popped their heads up to have a closer look at us.

Seals, seals and more seals + 1 seagull!

I made a little video. The sound like sheep.

We really enjoyed ourselves. Surprisingly it didn’t smell. We had an uneventful trip back to Simon’s Town. Then, we came home via Harbour Bay where we did some shopping for dinner tonight.

I had a lovely chat with you Elsie Els and your Mom & Dad. You are so smart & one of only a few kids that got the Principal’s Award at school this term. Well done!

Everyone has come up, so David and Anna got to meet Mike and Holly. Tonight is their last evening. Pizza and salad & now we are having tea. We’ve had a good day.

Luke 8:39
Return home and tell how much God has done for you.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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Perfect Autumn Weather

Posted on March 28, 2025 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today was one of those perfect days. I finished the work week up to date and enjoyed sitting on the balcony having tea.

Enjoying the view and the weather…

At 5.30pm, Julian and I walked to the end of the beach and back.

Such a perfect evening.

Tomorrow, Mike and Holly have kindly paid for us to go on a boat trip across False Bay. Hoping the weather will be as good as today.

The other thing that happened today that has swept across our screens is news of the most horrendous earthquake in Myanmar. When there is a catastrophic disaster on this scale, it is just so difficult to get enough help on the ground to be effective. It is overwhelming to see how much damage there is. While we feel so helpless, God is not. He knows. He sees. He is not inactive during any events. Even though God may seem silent, He is  never absent.

Deuteronomy 10:20
Fear the Lord your God and serve Him

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

 

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Perils of Egypt

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today was a windy day. I spent 45 minutes walking with a little jogging in between. I am always impressed by the die-hard beach fans who, regardless of whether it’s windy or not, they gather at the beach and have their morning swim. As I was walking, I saw about a dozen of them getting their shot of cold water.  I am a fair-weather girl.  The wind is expected to drop tomorrow. I might get a swim in on Saturday.

I had a good day’s work & after it, Mike and I took a quick drive to the shop.  The new car is really a step up from the Ignis. It feels (and looks) much more robust.

This evening David and Anna came up for dinner. The sunset was quite lovely.

We had the TV on and one of the headlines was about a submarine that sank off Hurghada in Egypt. When we went via Egypt on one of our cruises, we went to Hurghada. I was really keen on the submarine excursion. Mike wasn’t & as we need 2 yesses, we did something else. This is the very reason risk averse Mike didn’t want this outing.

MSC uses a different company, but anything done in Egypt (to be honest) is risky! You just need to see how the buildings are built to know that corners are cut.

When we went to Hurghada we chose the beach excursion instead. I did a good amount of swimming and swam quite far. I’ll be more cautious about that next time. There was a shark attack there not long after we had been.

Our highlights of Egypt were the pyramids and cruising down the Nile, which we did over New Year in 2019. Cairo, the Museum and the Nile are all worth a visit. I wouldn’t mind seeing Alexandra one day as well, if a ship stops there.

Today I ticked of a big item on my to-do list. I got my travel laptop entirely functional for working on the ship. I will also have the IT guy on fast-dial in case it doesn’t work.

I’ve got a little bit of work to do and then I’m calling it a day.

Deuteronomy 8:17-18
You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth

It is Him.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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We Bought a Fronx

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we said goodbye to the Ignis and drove away with a new van Niekerk family Fronx! Bye Ignis, we’ve enjoyed driving you, but it’s time to say goodbye.

Enter the FRONX! Who calls a car a Fronx?! We don’t know but Mike is loving it.

It’s bigger than the Ignis – it’s a SUV and a very grown up version of what we are used to. They said if the engine is anything to go by, it’s like a parrot – the car outlives you!  The name may not be popular but all the bells and whistles are.

After we bought it, we went to the airport to pick up David and Julian. David had spent a lovely long weekend + in Johannesburg. He was well looked after by the family and really enjoyed himself. Julian is now out for dinner with Holly and Mike. We had dinner with David and he has now returned home for an early night.

Three weeks until we, God willing, will be on the ship. It’s time to make a very long to-do list.

Psalm 68:19
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Saviour, who daily bears our burdens.

Day after day after day after day – He never misses one.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In  His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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No Perfect Car

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day Grandpa understood that there is no perfect car! We are cruising towards the end of this journey to a new vehicle. You wonder why he wants to part with his favourite car of all time!

The reason is the gearbox is an AMT – it has a reputation for becoming less reliable after 40000km. Right now the mileage is at 23000km and at the point that he will get the best possible trade-in price. He will miss this one when it goes.

While Mike has not left any stone unturned, I did an unconventional thing today and bought some stones of my own into the house. These rocks have been on our balcony and are sometimes used to anchor the washing rack so it doesn’t blow over. I bought them in to weigh them.

I spent a minute or two hauling the heavier one around the lounge. Every video I see on exercise to improve bone density involves weights and not the namby pamby little 2.5kg weights I have been using. They suggest very heavy ones. In fact one (unreasonable imo) article suggested to really be strong enough to improve longevity, I would need to be able to lift 3/4 of my weight, which would be a whopping 53kg, for one minute. That’s why I was curious to see how heavy these rocks are and how easy to lug around for a minute.  Completely unreasonable, I’d say, unless I can find a 53kg person to give a piggy back to – that may work.

Anyway, enough of that.

Deuteronomy 4 is rich with words of wisdom…like verse 29

If from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

 

 

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Autumn Sunrise

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we had a super duper autumn sunrise. It is amazing how fast the sun rises and changes as it brings abundant light to the world. In autumn, with more clouds, as the sun rises it produces some spectacular displays – we were the happy recipients this morning.

This was 6.46am – we thought this was amazing…

13 minutes later 6.59am, this happened….

So spectacular.

We didn’t swim today. We had some other things on our plate so I got to work early. The north wind was blowing and that is known to cool the water considerably. Carol, one of my swimming friends said it was crampingly chilly. Amazing cloud formation.

I’m bracing myself for the next few days which should see us plunging into the colder water.  Whether I’ll swim for my regular 30 minutes or drop it to 20 remains to be seen.

Mike took Holly and Mike to the station. Ruth came and cleaned the Seaview Apartment so the new guests could be in early this afternoon. They are now settled.

The new car decision is still being made. Mike went to Kenilworth today to test drive the Fronx. It is a front runner, so who knows what will happen this week, but one thing that is for sure, Mike leaves no stone unturned when it comes to buying a new car. One day there may be a picture to post. If the car dealers have anything to do with it, they will want a sale before the end of the month – they have targets to achieve, as I do!

My family sometimes makes (a little) fun of me for my quirky YouTube preferences. For the longest season I watched ‘Say yes to the dress!’ Most recently I’m watching old seasons of the Australian “Farmer wants a wife”. I look to see which couple was successful and then follow them. It’s very tame and for some of them, I fast-forward through the episodes. The reason I mention it, is because one has just been uploaded, so I’m outa here!

Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

 

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Embarrassing Moment 1

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day Grandpa and I revisited my 1st embarrassing moment. You will have many embarrassing moments in life and best is to laugh them off, but occasionally one or two will linger in their sting. The main reason for this is because them may cross a subtle line from mere embarrassment to a tinge of humiliation borne out of ignorance.

This embarrassing moment was 40 years ago. Yup, we were not yet married and someone had told us about a ‘fun’ run at Silvermine.  Mike was fit and liked to run, so I thought this would be ideal. I was a little fit & it was something we could do together. What we didn’t realise it was a ‘mountain fun run’.  The groups were divided up (so I was not with Mike) and we each were given maps.  When I looked at my map, I got the orientation all wrong and went the wrong way. The red arrows show where everyone else went. I went my own unique purple route.

By the time I figured I was on the wrong track, turned around and got back to the start, the organisers were about to send out a search party. It was very embarrassing! Today we went on a long walk in Silvermine Nature Reserve to find the path I took. First we went up to the old foresters hut.

This is the  back of the hut. It had solar panels on the roof, but had been burnt out.

View of Elephant’s eye from the hut…

Mike pointing to the path that we wanted to get to…

We tried one track but soon discovered that was going to take us just about to Tokai forest, so back-tracked and went the more known route. This was on the path to the track of humiliation!

On the path – 40 years ago it was forested and there were towering trees on both sides. It was very quiet and solitary.

Now the views are wonderful.

Looking back at Elephant’s Eye…

The road is Ou Kaapse Weg, the fields below are on Steenberg Estate.

It was a wonderful walk. I’m glad we did it. I’m no better at reading maps today, but gratefully we have Google maps that tell us where we are going.  Any embarrassment I feel from that day is in my head alone. No one else cares! It was Eleanor Roosevelt who is credited with this quote,

“You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.”

This is the walk we did today.

We came home, had breakfast and a cappuccino and then collapsed in a heap. I even had a solid midday sleep where I was absolutely dead to the world. It was wonderful.

We were refreshed enough to pop in at John and Avril’s to pick up a book they are lending us on Ephesus. Their garden is looking absolutely amazing. What a lovely retreat.

It’s a beautiful evening with not a breath of wind and the setting sun momentarily swished pink across the sea

A good long weekend.

Psalm 66:5
Come and see what God has done, how awesome His works in man’s behalf

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

 

 

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Mike and Holly Arrived

Posted on March 22, 2025 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day Julian’s friends Mike and Holly arrived for 8 nights. Mike is originally from Durban. Holly is American. They live in Florida.

They came in the afternoon and I went to the airport to collect them. We stopped for some shopping on the way home and then went to Bluewater Cafe at Imhoff for dinner.

When rain was threatened, we went inside and had dinner under cover. Another lovely meal.

Home now and there is a party going on across the road, so there are cars e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e. No noise, just no parking. The neighbours have been informed that all the cars that are on our kerb, off our kerb, around our kerb are not all ours. Hopefully, no rude notes will be written!

Meanwhile, up in Johannesburg, David and Anna are enjoying themselves. Breakfast…

Out and about…

This photo below was a short while ago. A picture of domesticity in the Naude household.

This morning, guests left and I did some cleaning, while Mike went and test drove more cars! I had a peaceful time before heading for the airport. Just a piece of useless trivia -it’s the only night there has ever been where there are 3 Mikes on the property. Mike and Holly, Mike and me and there is an Airbnb guest called Mike, who leaves tomorrow.

Luke 5:16
Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

 

 

 

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The Quietest Day

Posted on March 21, 2025 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today is Human Rights Day and it was the quietest day. We woke up and had some time with your Mom before we hugged her goodbye and she headed home to you Elsie.  While she drove away, we walked down to the beach on what has been a very balmy and warm day. It’s what I call a fancourt slate kind of day.

One of the advantages of going to the beach a little later than usual is the shark net was in place. The water is getting cooler. Somebody suggested it was 16. Certainly refreshing. I still got in a good swim of  33 minutes. We came home (starving) and had breakfast. I did some work. At 12 noon the weekend guests arrived. I have managed to stay on top of my work this week, so after a few hours of work,  I had a midday snooze which was really good.

I found a feather on the balcony and at first sniff Raiku went wild, but he soon realised there wasn’t a bird attached to it.

Sweet kitty. When Stacey was here, she announced that cats do better in pairs and that it is a good idea for Raiku to get a kitten! Mike said he felt ganged up against. Stacey assured him I hadn’t told her to say this and it was her own research. I had a good little laugh to myself. When we get back from our trip, I think I shall be looking out for a very friendly kitten. I keep getting recommended them on Instagram & there seems to be no shortage.

A good end to the working week.

Solomon not mincing his words…

Proverbs 11:22
Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

 

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Look Who Is Here

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Look who is here! Your MOM!

Today was the day Stacey came to Cape Town to get her British citizenship letter, so now she can apply for her British passport. It’s been a long complicated journey to this point, but the hard work is over.  It’s great having Stacey here, even if it is just for one night. The 4 of us were together on our own for the first time in a while.

It’s 34 years since  this one…

Meanwhile, Anna and David are off to Jo’burg. Mike took them to the airport while Stacey and I caught up.

I’m going to get this posted, so I can have some more Stacey time.

Luke 4:22
All spoke well of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His lips.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

 

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Bone Density Report

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today I got my bone density report and your Mom sent me your academic assessment results – you got 91% for Afrikaans, 92% for English, 98% for maths and 84% for life skills. You’re such a star! Well done!

While you are a superstar, my report wasn’t as good.

I needed my report to get approval from medical aid for full payment of the chronic medication so it doesn’t come out of our MA savings. I was really interested in what it had to say. Firstly these are the ranges for T-Scores for bone density…

This is what I have…

It will be good to keep so I can compare when I go for a follow up Bone Density Scan next March to see if the Boniva is working. One of the things about Osteoporosis is you can’t feel it. My lower back, where the issue is, feels fine. It’s a silent disease. By the time you have symptoms, it will be much worse. I’m glad I caught it early and I’m also happy my hips aren’t looking too bad.

We went to the beach this morning. It was busy. There were loads of people on this windless day. It really was surprising. I worked a full day on my return & that’s the day done.

Tomorrow David and Anna flight to Jo’burg to visit the family up there, while Stacey arrives here for a night. It will be marvellous to see her.

Psalm 62:1
My soul finds rest in God alone

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

 

 

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The 3 ‘Be’s of Luke 3

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we got to go to the beach for the first time in a few days. But first sunrise has got later – this is 6.53am

The water was slightly cooler than usual. Invigorating to say the least. We came home via the shops as we had no milk.

I started work, while Mike left no stone unturned in his thoughts of buying a new car. He ended up going through to the dealership again for a second look. He came away empty-handed, not 100% sure, with a few misgivings about the dealership and the offer of warranty and if it really is legit. I think he is all motored out …for now.

We took a photo from the balcony. I told Mike I wanted a self-portrait, so he said, ‘let me go brush my hair’. He didn’t need to.

Julian has gone back to Johannesburg. David is having dinner with Anna, so we are are on our own this evening.

Today I’ve been pondering the 3 lessons from Luke 3.

There is this dialogue between John the Baptist and the crowd. John is imploring them to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. The crowd want to know what to do.

Three BE lessons to learn:

Be Generous. Verse 11, “The man with 2 tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.”

The tax collectors wanted to know what they should be doing.

Be Honest. Verse 13, “Don’t collect any more than you are required.”

The soldiers also wanted to know what they should do.

Be Content .Verse 14 “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely – be content with your pay.”

Be content with your pay! That issue is as valid today as it was 2000 + years ago when those words were spoken. Daily, in my work, I have people coming to me wanting more!

Contentment is learned.

Those are the 3 ‘Be’s of Luke 3. Easy to remember.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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