Tranquility at the Beach

Posted on October 17, 2024 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we planned to not go to the beach as the weather was forecast to be a little chilly. As it turned out, the sea was so flat and the sun tried to peep through the clouds, so off we went. It was beautiful down there. The tide was very low. The water was about 16C.

The highlight was the presence of a Southern right whale with her calf who quietly and slowly glided towards Clovelly from the Sunny Cove side.

Those in the sea were able to watch the long silhouette of the great beast of the sea as it moved on the surface of the sea. It is the most amazing way to start the day.

Later, the whales set their sights on Simon’s Town, passing our house along the way.

Sad news today is the passing one of the much loved cats of the Jo’burg family. So sorry to hear that Athena took a bad turn yesterday, deteriorated fast and passed away this morning. So sad and this precious beauty Athena, will be missed. I’m so sorry.

Life can be so fragile.

Jeremiahs 31:3
The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

God’s plan is always for salvation.

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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4 Years of Beautiful Sunrises

Posted on October 16, 2024 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today, 4 years ago, we moved to our new home. Time has flown by and we have been the very blessed recipients of 4 years of beautiful sunrises. This morning’s did not disappoint.

The wind had dropped and I went out on the balcony in time to see two whales frolicking in the early morning light.  Such a treat. This doesn’t get old.

I did some work and then at 8am, we headed to the beach. It’s full moon tonight and there is a spring tide, so low tide is very very low and high tide is very very high. It was low tide at Fish Hoek.

After a 30 minute dip with not too much swimming (the sea was murky and the swells were large), we walked to the shops for pawpaw and bananas. Then home via the cat walk again. A train at Sunny Cove station.

Very blessed to have spent 4 years here and hopeful for many more to come.

I am grateful.

Today I read Jeremiah 29 and encountered this famous verse.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Sometimes things don’t go well, so it’s good to embrace the days that do.

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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A Whale Washed Up

Posted on October 15, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Tuesdays are always a little less chaotic than Mondays. Although I worked the whole day, I also fitted in a couple of walks, getting my 10000 steps for the day. Yesterday, I had to settle for 8000.

Today was the day a whale washed up at Longbeach in Simon’s Town. Nigel Riley was there to get the story & take some photos…

It’s not often you get to see these giants of deep  up close. There have been so many whales in the bay, it is not really surprising that every now and then one will die in our waters.  Sad that it’s so young. I remember a Brydes Whale washing up at Long Beach,  Kommetjie  and being loaded onto an enormous truck to be taken for disposal. Weighing something like 14 tonnes, the going was slow. We got caught behind the convoy of cars on Ou Kaapse Weg. On arriving at the other side we soon found out what the delay was…(this was August 2020)

Always very sad to see.

A short while ago, three navy frigates cruised across False Bay, moving in formation, apparently from Brazil, India and South Africa.

The wind has continued but not quite at the velocity of yesterday. We are looking forward to calmer days ahead. Who knows, perhaps tomorrow, we’ll get a swim in.

Psalm 85:8
I will listen to what God the Lord says; He promises peace to His people

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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Windy Windy

Posted on October 14, 2024 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

The wind blew in the start of the new week with great gusto!

I had seen it may be gusting up to 65km/hour and braced myself for whistling, howling and whooshing  past our windows. When it’s this windy, we don’t spend too much time on the balcony. Have said that, the north facing balcony is more sheltered. It’s always difficult to get a good idea of how windy it is from a photo. This is from my rocking chair…those white horses are a clue…

But the number of lines at Fish Hoek beach are also as a result of the strong south-easter.

The wind is unpleasant to be sure but we can be grateful it blows away all the smog. Fresh oxygenated air remains. It also holds the distinction of being the cause of rain falling in Gauteng. It blows the inclement weather north. When it’s been blowing gales in Cape Town, expect rain in Johannesburg.

We have been watching the Europa Clipper on telly. It’s only due to arrive in 6 years time. I guess they will have a team keeping an eye on it every minute of the day & night until then. There’s a thought.

Psalm 84:5
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

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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Miller’s Point

Posted on October 13, 2024 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we went to Miller’s Point with David. Millers is on the way to Cape Point, about 5km after Simon’s Town. The beautiful sea front land was sold to Edmond Miller in 1825. He developed it as another (horrible) whaling station. That lasted for 25 years and after that it was hardly used until 1920s when the Molteno family bought it as a holiday retreat. They donated it to the city in 1961. There are two entrances – one down to the Black Marlin restaurant (in the Manor House of the Molteno family).  The second entrance takes you to the slipway and it’s in that location there is a marvellous tidal pool.

Mike left for a 6km run, while we got ready to swim…

I had to try out the slide…

The water was so warm (about 18C). We left our bags on the rock and were both in the pool when a lone (confident) baboon came along to investigate. David said not to worry, he’ll find there’s no food and move away. He opened David’s back and then moved onto mine. In one of the pouches was my cell phone and I was worried he would move the bag and it would slip into the sea, so I started up the stairs towards him. That seemed to do the trick as he ran off.  I got some swimming done and it was really a highlight of the day.  When the tide came it, it bought with it numerous blue bottles. That made me call it a day!

Later in the day, Julian and I walked to the end of Fish Hoek beach and back. I took a photo of Clovelly corner.

If the rocks below the road could speak, they would have stories to tell. This is what the descent looked like in 1898. (From the book Travels along the Coastal road by Michael Walter).

Not for the faint hearted.

Yesterday, when we came home from a walk, we met David and Anna who had just arrived home. David had found a tennis ball. He decided it would be a good idea to try throw it up to our house. With all the strength he could muster he threw it as high as he could. It landed somewhere and never came back down. When Julian and I went back up to our level, there it was on the balcony. I don’t think we have seen the last of that old tatty tennis ball!

It is wonderful having David feeling stronger and able to get out and about. He still can’t walk too long or be on his feet for more than 10-15 minutes, but he is generally doing much better and pacing himself.

The end of a very pleasant weekend.

2 Thessalonians 1:6
God is just

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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History of Whales at Fish Hoek

Posted on October 12, 2024 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I slept a little later than usual as I went to bed so late last night. I woke up at 5am to Raiku’s incessant pleas to be let out, so I staggered out of bed and opened the window for him. I then fell asleep until after 7am, which is unusually late for me. I made coffee and did my Bible reading and then had an early chat with you and your Mom! x You are going to Nora’s 6th birthday party this afternoon.

At around 9am, we headed for the beach. The water was considerably warmer than yesterday (I’m thinking 15 or 16C). The shark net was in place. The sea was flat and calm and swimming was easy, so I had a good 30 minute dip with lots of swimming in between. I didn’t take my phone this morning, so have to rely on the photos from yesterday morning.

Today it was much busier. We went later and of course, it’s a Saturday so lots more people had headed down to enjoy the lovely conditions.

Yesterday, when we were walking home, I heard an abundance of chirping in trees just down the street. On closer inspection, there is a wonderful number of newly built homes.

The weaver birds have it easy. No approved plans for them. No occupation certificates required.  They look so attractive. Spring is quickly turning into summer.

Today has again been windless and the whales have hung around to bring us much pleasure and intrigue. They sometimes are very close to the the shore. Whales at Fish Hoek are not new. Fish Hoek has an unfortunate history of whale hunting. The Southern Right Whale acquired its name from being the right whale to to catch, having, according to C. Postlethwayte (ref Whaling in False Bay: Then and now) it is said they had an abundance of baleen and oil and moving slowly enough for a rowing boat to approach to make the kill. Then, conveniently their carcasses floated. How glad I am I wasn’t around in the early 1800s when this was going down. Apparently, according to this publication, it was the 3rd highest income earning industry in the Cape Colony between 1820 and 1840. To get more from this publication, it’s easier for me to take a screen shot of the page, so you can read it for yourself.

oldest building in the bay – ‘Uitkyk” – above it was one of the whaling houses where blubber pots used to stand.

You can read the whole booklet here.

Gruesome history of whaling at Fish Hoek. Now we sit on our balcony and admire the giant creatures of our sea knowing they are protected. Amazing to watch them.

Jeremiah 20:13
Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked.

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 Great Nougat Challenge

Posted on October 11, 2024 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we went swimming for the first time in a while. It was wonderful and even though the water was cold, it felt so good! We remembered why we got so addicted to going to the beach so often.  We got home and I worked the day. In between I prepared a braai without the fire for dinner tonight. We had John &Avril and David & Anna come for dinner. It has been a stunning day in Cape Town, with very little wind. To add to the pleasure, there has been whale activity along our shore all day long. This evening, there are an abundance of whales. We’ve never seen anything like this….whales in the middle of the surf-skiers while their weekly time trial was on..Red arrow points to the whale…

We spent a lot of time watching them. It was quite a sight as at one stage there were at least 3 or 4 of them.

John and Avril enjoying the perfect evening…

We had dinner and spent more time on the balcony. Even after dark, the whales were heard to be grunting and blowing. It was quite an experience to hear them.

The evening ended with the great nougat challenge. Mike had David introduce it…

And then out came the colour coded nougat.

Mike had bought 4 different types of nougat ranging in price. We had to taste and choose which we thought would be the most expensive. It was such a fun exercise. I chose the wrong one completely!  We need to play that game again.

It’s been a memorable evening. As I wrap this up, I have the bedroom door open and can still hear the whales snorting. I hope they are still around tomorrow.

Weekend and tomorrow Julian arrives. And today is Valerie Gail’s birthday. Happy birthday!

Jeremiah 17:7
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in 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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Ten Things That Require No Talent

Posted on October 10, 2024 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

This is the day I’m thinking a little bit about life lessons.

Recently, I found myself having a modicum of work success. I was complimented & shown a great deal of gratitude. I love my job, and it  feels pretty good to be appreciated and valued. This is my 3rd career. After nursing and radio, I find myself in recruitment. It’s an area in which I’ve never had any formal training, but now, after 10 years, I’ve got some experience. Today I was looking up something work related on the internet and I encountered a random list of things that require no talent. As I looked at the list, it struck a cord with me. I wondered if this wasn’t the real reason I had found work success. This list was compiled in 2022 by someone called Molly Fletcher from the University of Virginia (whole article is here).

Here’s the list:

Ten Things That Require NO Talent
1. Being on time
2. Having a good work ethic
3. Putting in extra effort
4. Displaying a positive body language
5. Being energetic
6. Having a positive attitude
7. Displaying passion for work and life in general.
8. Being teachable.
9. Going the extra mile.
10. Being prepared

Good advice Molly. Some may take practice, but good behaviours are learned and bad habits take time to shed.

Jeremiah 14:22
Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, Lord our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.

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

My 11th: Keep the smile going!

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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3-Part Day

Posted on October 9, 2024 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was a 3-Part Day. The first part was waking up in your house and spending some time with you. It also entailed giving you a hug and saying good-bye to you as you trotted into your school.

I filled up with petrol and headed towards home. There were roadworks around the Hermanus turnoff and it was somewhat chaotic as 3 lanes merged to the stop/go point.

It was quite a wait and by the time it was open to us, hundreds of cars snaked up Houw Hoek Pass. I stopped at Peregrine Farmstall and had a conversation with one of the workers about the number of cars at the stop and go. She said they had wondered why the customers were coming in fits and starts. There would be a whole lot of them and then none for a while. Yeah, it’s that stop and go.

I got home in time for a quick bathroom break before meeting 1, followed by meetings 2 & 3. My 5 hours of work was the second part of the day.

The third was taking a walk to Valyland after work to get some shopping and my steps.  3 hours driving, 5 hours working and 1 hour 17 minutes walking.

I’ve sucked the marrow out of today. I’m looking forward to bed.

1 Thessalonians 2:4
We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts

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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Quick Road Trip to Swellendam

Posted on October 8, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I came to see you! It’s your final concert/ graduation from Grade R. Next year it’s Grade 1!! Woohoo. I left home and took a very leisurely drive through to Swellendam. I stopped at the 1-stop on the N2, just after Baden Powell, because it has a Woollies foodshop. I did some work with this view…they have a very nice area behind the shopping area.

Then it was on the road again where I encountered not one, but 2 stop & goes and got caught at both. The first was just before the Hermanus turnoff…

Look at that beautiful day! The other was just before Caledon and was quick so I didn’t get a photo. I got through to Caledon and had coffee at the Fresh stop where I did an excellent amount of work.

Funny story. I was on a video call with a colleague when I suddenly noticed there was a fire in the microwave (seen in the above photo). There were dancing flames. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I interrupted my Teams call and called to the man who was sitting at the table and said ‘there’s something happening in that microwave!’. He leapt up and retrieved his burning food from inside! He dropped it on the floor and stomped out the flames. Then he went and bought more food and with a little more care, warmed it up in the (surprisingly) still working microwave.

I arrived in Swellendam and had an early dinner before heading for the end of year concert which was a treat!  Entrance to the school.

Artwork!

What a lovely, memorable evening. So excited to be here.

1 Thessalonians 1:2
We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.

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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Remembering Granny Eve

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was a long work day but we did manage to find the balance. I did some early work and then went for a walk to the end of the road, back and around the Daisy Lane loop. After work, I did another walk and came home feeling quite refreshed. It has been a very windy day and this is the view at the end of the road.

This view regularly reminds me of Granny Eve (Elsie, that’s your Grandpa’s mother and it’s from her that you get your middle name). From time to time I would take her for a drive around Fish Hoek and (long) before we moved to this road, we drive here and admire the sea view. Never in our wildest dreams would I have imagined living on this road! Granny wouldn’t have either.

Here is Granny Eve, Grandpa Pieter and your Mom who was about 3 in this photo.

Grandpa passed away in 1998 and Granny lived on, deep into old age. From 2002 to 2013, she stayed with us. I well remember looking at her frail state and telling myself to enjoy these days because one day I’ll be saying, ‘oh wow, Granny has been gone for 5 years’.  Here she is at Barracudas on her 87th birthday

Just a couple of years later, she was looking very frail.

On this day, 7th October 2013, two months after her 89th birthday, she slipped away and is now in heaven where everything is so much better.  It was also a Monday that we got the call just after 8pm. It’s crazy that it’s now been 11 years. She was a wonderful, talented home maker, a very loving Mom and MIL and a marvellous Granny.  Such a special lady. Remembered very fondly. One day we’ll meet again.

I’m grateful for every remembrance of her.

Time for me to pack up for the day and get some rest.

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

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

Granny’s arrived!

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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All Happening Along Our Little Coast

Posted on October 6, 2024 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie,

Today was the day that it was all happening along our little bit of coast. It’s the Navy Festival weekend. I decided to do a very early walk (just after 6am) along the sea front towards Glencairn. I was expecting no Sunday traffic but with all the navy people needing to go set up, it was super busy. And then there was a 21km run on as well. The sunrise was against a misty backdrop.

Soon the ships came out…there is a guy on our street who took some excellent photos. Cred LJ Vosloo. This is the Brazilian navy vessel, Defensora. For quite some time, a SA Airforce Lynx helicopter stood on the landing pad with its engines running.

Finally, they turned the engine off. We never saw it take off. The ship moved away. Then there was also an Indian vessel.  According to LJ, this is the INS Talgar Indian Frigate

When it first went past, we could see all the Indian sailors standing to attention on the deck.  This one was  just off-shore until a short while ago.

Then to add to the activity, it was the day the steam train visited Simon’s Town, so that went past. This is the photo I took a few months ago as it passed through Sunny Cove.

At lunchtime, we walked to Fish Hoek for some groceries. Perfect beach day….

And we came home past a wonderful verge of smiling daisies…

We have had a (very) late lunch – more of a lupper and a quiet evening is ahead.

Jeremiah 6:16
This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

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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Early Morning on Elsie’s Peak

Posted on October 5, 2024 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we climbed ‘your’ peak! We haven’t done this for a while, so it was great to get out there before it got too hot and unbeknown to us, misty (current view)

We walked from home & learned it’s a 6km hike from our house to the top, a quick excursion to the cliff edge to look down on our house and doing the other side of the loop to return. I took photos at each km mark.

I started my watch clock on our stairs so the 1km & 6km photos are different. This was 1km. It’s the top of Contour Road where the road joins the mountain path.

The path winds its way around the lower mountain above the half – built house to a switchback and then the rocky path starts upwards. We got to the signpost. This marks the start of circular path.

We chose to go right on the upward journey and we came back on the left. It’s the same distance.

2km mark – looking back from where we had walked. The rock signpost can be seen. Beautiful morning. The higher you go the better it gets.

Approaching the summit…

3km to the top. These are the views…

We had our guests coming for coffee at 8.30am, so couldn’t dilly dally. It was a quick excursion to the cliff side to take photos of our house. Zoomed in…

Wide-angle photo…

It’s always good to take these photos as one day more houses will be dotted across the mountainside.  If we had a zipline, we could have got down in (probably) 90 seconds! No zip line or  foefie slide (only my South African colleagues knew what a foefie slide is)

We had to hot-foot it down. 4th km beautiful valley views…

5th km was from the lower path. I often take photos from this path.

And finally 6th km at our front gate.

It took us 1 hour and 49 minutes. Home by 8am. According to my fitness watch, to improve my fitness, this is the kind of exercise I should be doing every single day! What!?

By the time our guests knocked at the door, we were showered and ready for them. A lovely visit followed.

The rest of the day was quiet. I read and even had a sleep. Dinner next.

Colossians 1:27
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

In my Bible, under this verse, I’ve written, “It’s not about now”. So often I think of that line. It’s not about now – we are only passing through. When I think of the disabled, of those who have long term special needs, those who are mentally challenged – 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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Summer 2024 Has Arrived

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we really felt summer had arrived – the first real signs of it. The golden orb of sunrise.

I left for an early morning walk. It was close to 7am and already there were a dozen or more swimmers and the trek fishermen were back in action.

I went up Contour and along the lower peak path. The mountain had bouquets of flowers.

Then I went a little way along Berg Rd, embracing the day.

I was home before 8am. I got to work. I think soon, when the UK clocks turn back an hour (27th October), on days like today, we’ll head for the beach. It seems crazy not to have swum today. The beach is calling my name.

Right now, I’m sitting outside on the balcony and this is my view…perfect windless evening.

Tomorrow, we’re  hoping to get up really early and climb the mountain. I plan to be back by about 7.45am, so we can shower ahead of the guests coming up for coffee at 8.30am. The weather this weekend looks full summer!

A productive week comes to an end. Today I started Colossians.

Colossians 1:15-17
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

We are safe!

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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Is There a Ship On Fire in the Bay?

Posted on October 3, 2024 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day that while I was working, this message popped up on our street whatsapp group…it certainly got our attention.

We rushed outside onto the balcony and looked through binoculars and the telescope. We then decided it was a good time to go for a walk, so we headed off down Simon’s Town road in time to see a couple of tugs accompanying the ship back to the harbour. Mike took this photo..

We couldn’t see any flames and all the sailors were just standing on deck and not rushing around, so we figured it was just an exercise.  It was very dramatic though and with the south-easter blowing the smoke was quite acrid. Later a guy called Gary added, “Russian naval vessels use a cheaper, thick, tar-like fuel called mazut, that emits lots of smoke”. So that was that then. We headed home.

A lovely sunny day. The wind didn’t drop as much as expected, but the next 3 days are forecast to be windless. We wait to see.

I worked the rest of the day, only stopping at 4.55pm because every Thursday at that time, our work server has some maintenance done on it and we get booted off. It was an ideal time to stop.

Dinner and then a walk down the road and back via Daisy Lane

Not a bad day – certainly better than yesterday!

Paul’s secret to contentment…

Philippians 4:12-13
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

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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