A No-Beach Day

Posted on November 28, 2023 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we didn’t go to the beach. Instead, we went and cleaned the Seaview Apartment as the guests left super early. All sorted.

The guest arrived this afternoon and is staying until 23rd December.

Mike and I have just come back in from a walk to the end of the street. We passed the derelict house which now has a team working there every day it seems. They have already cleared the land on the right. We spoke to one of the workers who said they were stripping all the old stuff inside,  replacing all the windows and redoing the roof. It’s going to look so much better when done.

And right after it on the other side of the road was this majestic display…

Today I worked about 5 hours and did a bit of a shop for David. David says he is slowly improving from his relapse. He is feeling he needs to settle somewhere and stop moving up and down, so he can set up his equipment and stay in one place. What may possibly work next year is if he takes over the lower part of the cottage. It’s closer to the street so he can get out easier.  We’ll see how he goes.  It won’t be until May at least.

Isaiah 43:1
But now, this is what the Lord says—He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;  I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

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 is Here

Posted on November 27, 2023 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day that we really felt summer is here. The wind has been very light and the temperature was a perfect 23C. We went to the beach & this time I got in off the cat walk and swam towards the bridge and then when I was very close to it, I turned and swam back to the beach. The water was warm; there were no blue bottles or seals sighted. There was quite a lot of red tide and I’m sure there will be bioluminescence tonight. Others have posted some photos on line and it looks like this. Photo cred: Alyson Ison

The full moon is just rising now. Last night Joanne got both the moon and the bioluminescence in one special photo.

Very special.

I swam through a bit of the red tide today. I just kept my head out the water. It looks like murky water with a reddish tinge and a massive swathe of it came in later in the day.  Mike and I had some fun. I took a photo of him on the balcony. This was taken from our bedroom Juliette balcony. You can see a line of red tide in the sea behind…

Then Mike took a photo of me…Monday, so I worked 7 hours. Tomorrow, the guests leave the Seaview apartment. I thought they were leaving on Wednesday but it’s tomorrow. I was alerted to it when I got a message from the next guest saying he’d be arriving between 3 & 4pm. No Ruth tomorrow, so Mike and I will do the clean.

Isaiah 42:10

Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.

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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Super Restful Day

Posted on November 26, 2023 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we did very little. We did not go to the beach. We rested and I snoozed in my rocking chair.

The day was really beautiful with the sun warm, the sky blue and there was not too much wind to speak of. There is almost a full moon this evening. This was posted by Norman from the NHW chat group.

A beautiful evening ..

This afternoon we had the guests from the Seaview Apartment up to visit. I wanted to find out more about them, because they are the first people we have met who are South African ‘swallows’ who live in the UK for the northern summer and return to SA for the British winter. They have been doing this since 1991! It was really interesting to speak to them and get their opinion of current circumstances in both countries.

Last night when we were at the Beretta’s, Jo & Mark were also there and Jo referred to a quote she had read in a novel. Paraphrased:

Our imperfect reality is worth so much more than what we may perceive as a perfect dream.

We may dream of a utopia – somewhere to go where we will all live in safety with no issues at all, but on earth, this place does not exist. Each day when I write, “We are only passing through” it is because we are. This is not our forever home. That is still to come.

David has now been off his triple therapy for 60 hours, so tomorrow morning it’s three days. He doesn’t feel any different. He took a baby aspirin this evening and otherwise is not on any medication.  Just for my records, he went on it on 16th May and went off it on 24th November 2023. He went out for a short time today. It meant walking up 100 steps to teach at 12.30pm but he managed it. A large part of him being able to do this is because he has been resting extensively. He’s built up some energy reserves. When he does start improving again, he has to slow himself down and still rest a lot so he doesn’t relapse.

Today I listened to Daniel 1-3, including the account of the blazing furnace into which Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego were thrown. From Nebuchadnezzar’s vantage point, he could see into the furnace. The three were thrown in bound –

Daniel 3:24-25
Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”
25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.

In the fire, we are not alone. Jesus is with us.

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 Derelict House

Posted on November 25, 2023 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

It is always a treat to speak to you and today we had a video call that was longer than an hour. You are such good company. We spoke about your red skirt, your clay colours and clay gun you made! You watched Claw’d and we looked for Raiku but couldn’t find him. You watched me change my bed linen and take out the winter duvet, swapping it out for the summer. It’s overdue.  Thanks for the chat!

This morning we went to the beach. It was supposed to be a rest day but it looked so good, so off we went and this time, I got in closer to the Sunny Cove bridge and swam to the beach & then up and down a few times to the barrel and back. The water is warming and there were a couple of jelly fish. I only saw one, but one of the locals, Bernard, got badly stung by a bluebottle. It’s tentacles swiping two vicious welts across his inner biceps and piercing him with tiny blue dots. It looked really bad. I wanted to see the damage because I have been stung many times by tiny little critters in the sea but don’t know what a bluebottle sting looks like. Now I do. This is a warm sea visitor and so I need to be alert. Getting into the water at the start entailed floating through a forest of kelp – who knows what lies beneath!

The beach today – idyllic – again.

This afternoon, there’s been a lot of red tide so tonight there should be a good showing of bioluminescence, but it’s probably only going to be visible from the surf ski club towards Clovelly. It doesn’t photograph very well from our house. What is shown by the arrows below is bright pink from where I’m sitting.

But the main thing I want to mention today is the news of the dilapidated house. This has been in a state of disrepair for more than 10 years.  One of the biggest issues is it became a nuisance with squatters living inside, lighting fires & making a mess. Eventually, the neighbours took it upon themselves to board it up so it was secure. The board in front of it declares it a nuisance house, but that has faded it’s been there so long.

The story is that the owners bought it intending to renovate it, making it into their dream home,  but ill health and old age caught up with them. When the wife passed away, the husband hung onto it. He diligently paid the rates and when he passed away a few months ago, he left it to his niece. This week, people came to see it, do a bit of securing of it and inspect what else is required.

It’s going to be interesting to see what happens to the house and if it is turned into a beautiful home with majestic sea views. It’s got oodles of potential but will also swallow up bundles of cash.

We are going out this evening so an early blog is in order.

Isaiah 42:9
See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.”

Unexpected things for sure.

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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Swimming Along the Cat Walk

Posted on November 24, 2023 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Sometimes I look out my window and wish I could just go down to Simon’s Town road, hop over the railway line, wade into the sea and swim to Fish Hoek. It would probably only be a kilometer but I don’t have the courage to do it yet. Maybe one day when it’s a morning like today, I’ll take the plunge. For today though, Mike took my bag and I got in not far after the Sunny Cove station bridge. I have wanted to do this for ages. Today was the perfect day.

This is what the map showed…

I think tomorrow it may not be as flat, so we may have a break from going to the beach.

Everyone on the beach was enjoying the sunshine and warmth. Living their best life…

And so was a seal…Home for breakfast and a morning of work before I went shopping. I took the guest in the cottage with me as she struggles with the hill and doesn’t have transport. Being Black Friday I bought a ton of stuff.

There was a little mishap in the Seaview apartment yesterday. The water was off due to the burst water main and the guest left the plug in the bathroom basin and the tap on & then went out. Water came on, basin overflowed, drawers of the basin cabinet are now warped and swollen. At least it was water and not fire. Also, we found out, the water drained towards the shower so there was no actual flooding out the bathroom. And there are tiles on the floor. The repair will be a day of Mike’s time plus the price of new board. These things happen.

Mike and David have been playing chess…serious stuff…

Dinner is done and afterwards I took a walk to the end of the road and back. It’s funny how, when you are in a foreign country, simple things you are used to doing back home become complicated because here they are different -like driving on the left. There were a few people around a car at one of the rental houses & there was discussion going on. The lady said to me, “we’re trying to figure out how to do it?” “What?” I asked, “Turn around,” she said. “Ah, are you from Germany?” “Denmark.” “So you drive on the right? It makes it complicated!” And then I showed her where they could drive and reverse. I tried not to look back but when I was quite a way away, I glanced over my shoulder and then hadn’t yet moved.

Tomorrow, I’ll write about the derelict house. There is news.

But for now, it’s time to unwind. Sometimes, when I’m sitting in my rocking chair, I notice it is not the sea but the sky that holds my attention…

Isaiah 42:5-6a
This is what God the Lord says—the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand.

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 Wonderful Swim

Posted on November 23, 2023 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today both you and I had wonderful swims! Your Mom sent me a video of you doing so well in the pool. You managed cross the pool using your board. Well done! I also had a lovely swim today. The sea was so flat. Having only started swimming regularly again this month, I was a bit out of condition but with calm ocean and very tiny waves, it was the perfect opportunity to swim to the barrel and then to the lighthouse and back. I’m not very fast.

The beach was looking magnificent as usual.The big news of the day is that the current holders of the Fish Hoek beach restaurant lease have lost it to new tenants. Apparently they have 6 months & then it will be taken over. The Eichel family have held this lease for decades. I remember celebrating CCFm’s 10th birthday dinner there, so that was in 2003. I don’t know how long they had it prior to that – possibly 10 years. Apparently, bidding for the monthly rental started at R50k and went up and up and up. People at the auction said it ended on a whopping R380k per month for a 20 year lease with the option to extend 10 years. Change is coming.

Our water is off today. Last night a water main broke up the road and there was a river pouring down the road this morning. We were up early to get drinking water to our guests. The council have dug up the pipe and are now looking for where the break is so they can fix it. Hopefully, it won’t be too much longer. I would enjoy a shower.

A quiet day at work. I have worked almost 5 hours.

Today was also a landmark day for Mike. He has spent the afternoon at an art class. He has always been very talented, so David bought him a voucher for art classes for his birthday in February and today he finally went for the first. I wait with great anticipation for his return after 5.

Raiku’s paw seems a little better, so we’ll wait for the weekend to pass before deciding on the vet.

I think I’ll go and have tea with David.

Isaiah 42:1
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.

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 Building of Boundary Walls

Posted on November 22, 2023 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day more of the back plot boundary wall got built. This is going to take a long time, but you have to start somewhere and Courage is relentless. He has built all the walls and all the gabion baskets we have. He’s like a machine.  First Mike ordered the wire and Brian and Courage constructed the gabion cages. Then Mike made a rough frame so the cages would keep their shape while being filled.

The ground was cleared and levelled ready for the first one. They had made a couple of gabion baskets at the start of the plot but this is going to be the entire side wall composed of three levels…

The first one…with the second cage in place.

Today Courage and Brian worked on the second level..

It’s a lot of hard work.

Raiku is still irritated by a sore on his hind leg toe. I got close enough to take a photo & see it is most likely a cut between his toes.

I think tomorrow, I’ll take him to the vet.

I haven’t done too much work today. Guests arrived and that’s all good.

A quieter day than usual.

Isaiah 41:17
“The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

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 Cats & the Bath

Posted on November 21, 2023 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today I got to see what happens when the cats and the bath meet. When we first got them, the previous owner decided they were a bit too smelly and he bathed them. We arrived to collect our new precious cargo only to find them still damp and very bedraggled, discombobulated and absolutely petrified. Then they got loaded into our cat box and into the car. Poor kitties…here they are on 13th July…

Since then they have not been bathed. But today, I looked at the bath and though, ‘Hm, no guests in the Seaview apartment – I don’t need to worry about using all the hot water- this evening I will bath,’ so I did.

The cats, especially Claw’d were fascinated. Claw’d loves to sit on my lap & I think he could maybe come sit on my lap in the bath. A couple of times he reached up and looked into the bath but then was not so sure. I didn’t have my cell phone to take a photo when he jumped up on the edge of the bath and looked out the window. That would have been a great photo. After Mike bought his cell phone up, I got a pic of them sitting outside the bathroom. Claw’d just hung around the entire time…very curious.

When I was done, they curled up on the rocking chair and that’s where they still are parked. Two cats-a-cuddling…

They have certainly settled down. Raiku has a sore on his toe which he keeps cleaning. I managed to dunk his paw into warm water – not sure if that did any good. It doesn’t seem to worry him in that he’s not limping or showing any signs of pain. He just spends a lot of time licking it. I’ll keep an eye on it.

David has had a better day today and keeping with the cat theme…he is also a favourite of Claw’ds.

David phoned his physician today and explained he was going off the meds. He’ll reduce the Clopidogrel to every other day and then to every 2 days. The Eliquis he will cut back to once a day and eventually one every 2nd day until they are finished. Hopefully, he won’t have any adverse effects getting off them. Once he’s off them, then we will decide what else to try – the CoQ10 and Vitamin B seemed to give him some energy but there are other micronutrients others have said work. We will do everything to try give his body all it needs to help heal his endothelial lining. David says today he’s feeling better because he’s done nothing for days. He’s just rested & that has stored energy. He’s also gone onto a full medical aid which is good.

The weather has calmed but I’m still thinking swimming may only happen on Thursday.

End of the day.

Isaiah 41:14
Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

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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Stormy November Day

Posted on November 20, 2023 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

I always knew today was going to be windy. Last week I saw that it would not be a day for the beach, but after tomorrow, it looked better. But, what I didn’t see coming was such a strong north wind. It’s been blowing chairs over, pot plants have gone tumbling and cushions have soared over the balcony.

With no beach swim or walk, I started work early & I worked 8 hours. The cats did not show interest in spending time outside. They have had various places to hang out.

While I thought the wind would abate by tomorrow, it looks like it’s going to be blowing through Wednesday.

A new guest arrived for the cottage today.  She came via a friend and is here while she waits for her passport to be ready. They are hoping it will be ready by Thursday so they’ve only booked until then. I feel so sorry for her because she’s a South African on a British passport who has lived outside South Africa for 15 years, most recently in Australia & before that the UK. She had to leave Australia for 3 months so her visa could be renewed. She took advantage of the opportunity to come back to SA to sort out her bank account. After coming into the country, she was informed by a travel agent that she, as a South African, won’t be allowed to leave the country on her British passport. In fact, she wasn’t supposed to come in without her SA passport either. She has an expired SA passport but not a valid one.She’s now  applied for a new SA passport and once it arrives she’ll be good to go. She’s next headed for Portugal to visit her daughter.

Mike has made raisin bread so I think a pre-dinner slice is required.

Isaiah 41:13
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help 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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Young Guinea Fowl Came to Visit

Posted on November 19, 2023 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day two young guinea fowl came to visit. I wish I had my camera with me. They looked like this (Photo from The Martha Blog)

Perhaps my early morning visitors were just a tad bigger. They were bold. I had let the cats out. And saw one of the little heads peering over the gabion basket above looking at me. At first I thought he was a pigeon but because he was so nonchalant and not at all spooked by my or the cat’s presence, I figured they were something else. Going up the steps, I found they were young guinea fowl and they came towards me. With almost a barking tweet, they squawked at Claw’d who meowed back.  I must remember to take my phone out first thing in the morning so I can catch these unexpected surprises.

Today we kept an eye on the Cricket World Cup final between India and Australia. Australia won.

I also walked down to Fish Hoek to pick up a chicken. This is the shark net from the beach side…

Another day where the north wind was blowing. Rain is forecast for tomorrow.

Julian and I ended the day with a walk about three quarters of the way to the end of the beach. The tide was quite high so we turned back before the end. Fish Hoek this evening…

Today the cats got collars – not sure how long they will last. We will see.

And finally, happy birthday to Barbara (for yesterday!) Happy birthday to you. Lovely verse for you…

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

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 Cat’s Weights

Posted on November 18, 2023 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I weighed the cats! And just for the record, Raiku weighs 4.3kg and Claw’d weighs 4kg. They are both doing very well, albeit still eating things outside that make them throw up inside. I won’t walk about their hunting habits. Claw’d is my 1-trick circus cat. He can/will sit when instructed.

Raiku can’t or won’t, one of the two…

This morning we walked down to Chalk and Cheese for breakfast. We came home via the cat walk where I took this photo from the rock on which the net is attached.

The north wind has been blowing so the sea is flat. I am hoping to swim tomorrow, but the breeze has been quite chilly.

When we got home, it was video call time with you, Elsie. I learned all about how you came a major cropper on the road and needed 5 plasters, sugar water & pancakes to make you better. I’m glad you got over it.

I had a nap, did some reading and then went for a walk. This is 17 Hillside. They have demolished the garage so it’s going to be interesting to see what replaces it – I am imagining  a triple garage with all that excavation.

I walked up Ravine steps and then onto the mountainside. This is the view.

I then walked on to the shark spotters hut. I didn’t realise it was so hot and I began to feel really tired, so I called Mike and he came to pick me up, which was helpful.

The other thing that happened today was I received a speeding fine. So Mike was right. We were travelling towards Robertson when we last went to Swellendam. I was driving. Mike said, “I think it’s 60 along here.” I slowed down but it was too late. Only R200 but I didn’t get this in the mail. I got it via SMS, so the quality was really bad. When I went online to have a look, the picture wasn’t available. I’m a good one for leaving these infringements until they send it in the mail,  but as it’s only R200, I think I will just pay and get it off my name.

Isaiah 41:9
I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected 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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Friend From The Long Past

Posted on November 17, 2023 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we did not go to the beach this morning. We felt our bodies needed a break, although we did walk down to the beach this evening and what a lot of activity there was.

I got such a lovely surprise when down there. Suddenly I was looking into the face of a friend from long past. Dorothy!

We met 40 years ago and were such good friends. Our paths parted when Dorothy (who had married Peter Kerr) moved to Canada and lived out the last 36 years there.  She is here visiting her sick sister and leaves on Thursday so we had a micro-catch up. We took the photo above, exchanged email addresses and then she needed to get back to her family. Mike and Julian had continued on their way, so I walked briskly to catch up. The beach was idyllic.

 

We also bumped into Mark and Jo who have just returned from 6 months in the UK. It was great to see them as well. Friday night on the beach seems the place to be!

The good news of the day is that David felt better than he has in the last week. This journey has been a roller coaster. We thought he would be sick, then start feeling better and would go from strength to strength. Instead it’s been 2 steps forward and sometimes 3 steps back. Today was a better day and we’ll take it.

We have arrived at the end of Isaiah 40. We look forward to the day.

Isaiah 40:30-31

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

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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Morning Routine

Posted on November 16, 2023 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today I followed my regular morning routine. I woke up just after 5am and let the cats out the study. I usually pick each of them up to give them a good morning cuddle before feeding them. They I let them out. I make myself coffee and this morning, I went out on the balcony for a few minutes.  Claw’d wandered out but didn’t jump up on my lap, so I came inside and went to sit in my rocking chair with my blanket. It took him 5 seconds and he was on my lap making himself comfortable.

Then I do my word games including Wordle, Quordle and Octordle. That takes about 15 minutes. After that I do my Bible reading. Claw’d was feeling very comfortable…

David came up shortly after that, had coffee and breakfast and then went downstairs again. Initially, the day looked a bit overcast and we weren’t going to go to the beach, but with it being so windless, we couldn’t resist. Mike had a shortened run and I had a shortened swim but it was so worth it. There were a class of 13 little ones with their two teachers enjoying the gentle waves. Perfect day for it.

It shows how beautiful the day was.

Home for breakfast & then I started work. In the background the horror show of Cricket World Cup Semi-finals was underway between South Africa and Australia. While we didn’t completely humiliate ourselves, we did lose, so I won’t have to go through the same torment on Sunday.

Midday, I nipped out to do some shopping.

More work in the afternoon. And then after work Julian and I went walking.

Dinner and now we are going to watch the Crown.

But also today, Elsie, your Mom sent this adorable photo of you swimming.

You are growing in confidence.

David is feeling more chipper today. He’s up here now and we are about to watch The Crown. He appreciated Pastor John coming to visit today. These visits make a difference.

Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

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 News of the Day

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was a very warm summery day initially. The wind came in from the north, so the sea was super flat and I had a lovely swim. You drew a self portrait and it was perfect! I loved it. I just love that big smile & your pink dress. That’s one for a frame!

The big news of the day was our new cruise itinerary. We have booked the north-bound cruise in April and it was due to go to Egypt and Jordan but with the Middle East conflict they are now stopping in Cyprus, Rhodes and Sicily instead. These are places we’ve never seen, so we are excited about them.

Now we just have to sort the land arrangements when we arrive in Italy. Mike wants to head for the mountains, but we’ll see.

It was busy back at the house with Ruth cleaning the top floor and the cottage. David was back in the Little Lookout. Julian arrived & the guest was busy working in the apartment. There was a lot of laundry which dried pretty quickly given the berg wind conditions.

I worked almost 7 hours.

This evening is lovely and balmy.

Time to wrap up for the day.

Isaiah 40:28
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary,
and His understanding no one can fathom.

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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God is Bigger

Posted on November 14, 2023 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was an exciting day for you because you visited the new school you will be going to next year! Grade R! It looks amazing and you loved seeing it and didn’t want to leave. You also met your teacher. I’m so excited for you.

Today we went to the beach. As we left we were struck by how beautiful it really is. If we were anywhere in the world and encountered a beach such as this, we would be taking photos and sending them to family.

The water is warming up nicely – it must be about 17C. It was beautiful. The wind is a little less this week, so I think we will be back tomorrow.

I worked for 5 hours. The Russian guest (yes we had a Russian guest!) left this morning and a new unusual booking came in. We have a lady who needs special peace and quiet for work meetings tomorrow through to Friday so she’s booked the apartment to work 8am to 4pm. She sleeps at home and comes during the day. She came to pick up the keys. No stress. Mike and I pulled the apartment together before her arrival.

And the cats continue to bring joy. Out on the mountain…

Enjoying the late afternoon sun…

David is still very much in a physical slump. He had about 3 good weeks and then a month ago started deteriorating to worse than he’s been since this all started a horrible 9 months ago. He’s been on the anticoagulant therapy for 6 months with no sustained improvement, so he is beginning to say it’s time to come off. God is bigger.

Isaiah 40:25-26
To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

Have you ever asked the internet, ‘how many stars are there?’

And you think God doesn’t know about you and your smallest, seemingly insignificant problems. He knows them every one & none of them are small in His sight.  God is bigger. We will cling to that.

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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