The Surprise of the Day

Posted on July 9, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day that a mammoth cold front passed by and it dumped torrential rain on Cape Town for the entire morning. My morning sunrise photo was not much to admire.

The massive amount of rain made Mike worry that the one gabion basket may get too wet. He and Courage unrolled a huge piece of plastic…

And then went out in the storm to put it in place.

The wind was howling and it was pouring with rain, although the photo doesn’t show how bad the conditions were. It took them a while to get it secure and when it was done, they were pretty drenched. Photos came out on various whatsapp groups. This is Ou Kaapse Weg..

And this was outside Fish Hoek SAPS.

By lunchtime, the rain suddenly stopped and it looks a lot clearer. The surprise of the day was I went for an hour long walk and while I was out, not a drop fell. I went via the beach where the volume of water through the storm drain had dug away at the beach.

I walked through the avenues where there were various signs the storm had passed through.

I came home via this set of De Villiers steps which I haven’t walked up before…

So surprising to get a proper walk in on the wettest day of the year thus far. It was also surprising that Julian’s flight wasn’t delayed. I think they left a few minutes late but that was because they were waiting for another plane to land. Flights were coming and going as scheduled. No cancellations or diversions it seems. While there was a phenomenal amount of water, it seemed the wind wasn’t strong enough to cause any flight issues.  The wet weather is not over. More rain is forecast tonight and tomorrow. We had a lovely sunny June. July is putting paid to any thought we may have that we would have a warm winter!

Psalm 7:1
Oh Lord my God, I take refuge in 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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More Rain, More Wind, Very High Seas

Posted on July 8, 2024 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today we got a lot more of winter. It certainly has set in. More rain, more wind, very high seas and lower temperatures all added up to a Cape of Storms winter’s day. And you too Elsie. Snow in Swellendam! Simone’s Mom took this one…

I went out early to get some steps. It looked dry but no sooner had my feet hit the road, a squall came through. Fortunately, I had my raincoat with me and managed to get myself covered enough to stay dry. Can’t miss me!

I walked up Highway, past the Daisy Lane turn off, choosing instead to go a little further to Zoutendyk steps.

Down to Hillside, where I peered between the houses to a very deserted beach. No swimmers today.

While the sun was trying to break through the clouds, they still looked ominous.

This is the nature of winter in the Cape. The wind is strong and blows the rain across the city. It blows in and blows out – then there’s a gap before the next flurry of windswept showers. Today has been chilly but there has been less rain. Tomorrow we are expecting another significant frontal system to make landfall. Wind Guru’s prediction is very colourful.

All those stars mean it’s going to be blowing gales. Apparently the strength and size of the waves are related to the new moon tide. Hopefully, it will be a little less buoyant in the days ahead.

The other thing that happened today, apart from 6 hours of work, was a trip to the vet. It was not Raiku who needed attention. The neighbours, who are overseas at the moment asked me to take Basil to the vet as he had a bladder infection.  Charles, the neighbour’s gardener loaded him into the cat carrier and off I went.

As you can see from his very cute face, he looks a picture of health. He wasn’t dehydrated and didn’t seem in any pain. The vet said his bladder wasn’t blocked and was completely empty which was good news. He gave him 2 jabs –  cortisone and an antibiotic  & we were good to go. The owners were very relieved. Home to Charles and back to his warm spot.

It has not been a bad Monday. Mike went through to Woodstock (where else!) to get the wood for the dining room table he is hoping to make. I’m so excited.

Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

The words we speak are powerful and have the potential for love or hate. Speak to encourage rather than criticize.

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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Every Bit a Winter’s Day

Posted on July 7, 2024 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day a big storm swept through Cape Town. I think you were also expecting a lot of rain in Swellendam. Last night there were some very strong winds and a massive clap of thunder woke me up at 2am. There has been a lot of flooding and damage in the informal settlements.

It was quite a blustery in the morning.  At lunchtime, we decided to go for a drive. We needed some shopping, so went to Fish Hoek first and then took a meander across to Kommetjie. I planned to get some walking in and thought that maybe we could walk to Kommetjie Lighthouse. We stopped for hot drinks and by then it was raining, so we drove on before stopping to enjoy them on the roadside just before Scarborough.  Foamy water…

Looking towards Misty Cliffs…

Mike enjoying the full windy, rainy effects.

We had a very dry June with hardly a winter to speak of so to have a typical Cape storm has been a change.  We came home via Red Hill and relaxed. I still hadn’t done any walking, so reminiscent of Arona, I donned  my raincoat and off I went. I felt fully English walking to the village to buy milk (which I had forgotten to get earlier). There was plenty of rain about with a river running down our stairs to the street. Down the road, drains were bubbling over…

I walked to Fish Hoek down Simon’s Town Road passing the view of the barrel…

After shopping, encouraged by a break in the rain, I came home via a very quiet beach…

Seagulls foraging…

The cat walk was entirely deserted. I passed absolutely no one which must have been a first for me. Not a single soul on the entire cat walk. I was followed by a few flashes of lightening and rolls of thunder.  I did one good deed, in that one of the pink NSRI life saving buoys had been blown off its hook. I retrieved that before it disappeared into the sea.  Hopefully, I secured it well enough to not dislodge again.  I dashed over the bridge and scuttled up Sunny Cove steps, up the hill and home. The stairs had dried out and there was no longer  a waterfall. Not so now though. I’m sure the water is gushing as it’s been pouring down over the last half hour.  I’m under a blanket on my rocking chair and this is my view…

The biggest concern with this size frontal system and volume of water is the terrible flooding and devastation in the low lying areas of the informal settlements. Rain is forecast the entire week, so the City’s Disaster Management will have their hands full.

Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

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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New Moon Sunrise

Posted on July 6, 2024 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day you and I had a short chat but I heard about your first tooth coming out and how the “tandmuis” came! I also saw the worm you bought,  your new pantoffels & your raincoat! I love them all!

This morning, I was in my rocking chair when I noticed the clouds turning pink. It was 7-10am.

Then at 7.50am, this happened! Welcome to Saturday!

Such a dramatic sunrise on what is new moon. I never followed the size of the moon until we moved here. The moon is just a sliver right now &  we can see the effect it has on the tides and sky. The new moon brings with it a very dark night. And the tides seem to be super low at low tide and super high at high tide. We went to Fish Hoek for breakfast and walked home along the cat walk. I took some photos from the Sunny Cove bridge. I don’t think I’ve seen the tide so low.  In the photo below the waves are usually crashing against the beacon on the right. The furthest rocks are usually always under water.

So much seaweed visible as well.

Sunny Cove station and Simon’s Town Road from Sunny Cove bridge.

And us!

The rest of the day has been very chilled. I read, I did my word game and I nodded off. Julian spent the day in Somerset West going through a consignment of books. When he got home, we walked to Harbour Bay and had ribs at Sav Cafe.

Now we are onto watching tennis.

A good Saturday.

Psalm 4:8
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

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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Bed Box is Done!

Posted on July 5, 2024 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie,

Today was the day Grandpa finished making the bed box for the foot of our bed. He has long wanted to get one of these. In the end he decided to make one. It’s perfect! He just has to paint the feet.

It took him a LOT of time and he won’t make another! It is bespoke, made to size and colour to match our headboard and he got it absolutely perfect. Maybe, Elsie, one day you can inherit it!

One of the things I am doing in 2024 is celebrating my 60th year. While this may culminate in November, I’m enjoying all the treats along the way. It sort of started in February when our terminology changed with David from ‘he has long Covid’ to ‘he is in recovery from long Covid.’ His improvement was one of the biggest gifts of the year. He’s still not completely better, but he is managing so much better. March was unexpectedly buying the half car. It’s such a lovely car, I feel quite spoiled driving it. April/May was our unforgettable trip to Italy and then to the Norwegian fjords. June, we had a special week of time with you, Elsie and your Mom  – that was a big blessing.  July is the bed box. I’m celebrating each little blessing.

This year hasn’t been all good, because we lost Claw’d but it’s certainly been much better than last year which was like walking through mud. Every day from when David fell ill on 15th February 2023 was a worry, fraught with anxiety – it’s never easy watching someone you love struggle and it was hard to keep my smile going. I had to dig deep to keep the faith and know that God is faithful and He won’t let anything happen without His permission, presence and purpose. Even by Christmas, my heart was heavy. It was only in January/ February, we began to see improvement in David’s energy. He’s managing better now.

I’ve had a good work week and now we are looking forward to the weekend.

Proverbs 18:14
A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear.

There were many days last year my spirit was crushed.

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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Weight Loss July

Posted on July 4, 2024 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

I’ve turned this month into weight loss July. For the last year or so my weight has varied  a few kg up and down, but I’m trying to get it slightly lower so that the upper number is about 3kg less than it is now.  I’ll feel better when I’m a few kilos down.

From Monday I’ve been trying a new eating strategy to get rid of the extra weight this month. I actually just want to lose 2kg this month. I don’t have high expectations.  The two things I have learned this week is I have to get used to being hungry again, and, I have to control my ‘hanger’! It’s really easy to get irritated towards the end of the day. I need to be aware of that and still try be happy when I’m hungry.

The main key to any weight loss success I’ve ever had is counting calories, so I record everything I eat on my watch app on my cell phone. The two sync, so when I exercise, it gives me more calories and tells me what my calorie deficit is. What’s really helpful about using an app to record food eaten is it puts the brakes on. I have been shocked at where calories lie. Last night we had macaroni cheese and the portion I usually would have served myself was a whopping 1000 calories. Halving servings helps. One rusk is 140 calories, so I have half to get a taste.

Today I worked and then at around 11am, when I was on top of things, Mike and I walked to Fish Hoek for him to buy a few things from the hardware store. Good to see Law Enforcement on the cat walk.

Talking of security, this evening is our local neighbourhood watch AGM, which I’ll go to. At least it’s earlier tonight.

Rain is forecast over the weekend, but right now it also is looking particularly gloomy.

And to think this morning, I considered a swim! Ha. Raiku has the right idea…

I’m back to the beginning of the Psalms.

Psalm 2:2
The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed 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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The Builder’s Sign

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I saw our builder’s sign on my daily walk.  I thought, ‘oh wow, that’s Werner’s sign.’ I walked a little closer and looked a the picture. Then I looked a little closer and realised it was of our house during the build!

It’s where my desk now is, so it looks like this…

It is a special view, that’s for sure.

What was not a great sight today was this…late lunch for baboons on the street.

They made a real mess. This was the photo from the neighbour across the road…

They wandered to the end of the road, upsetting Bnb bins and then left the street again.

Another interesting thing from my day was this from Flight Radar. I went on to see if the rainy day had upset Cape Town flights as Julian flew in today. When on the site, I spotted a plane quite far south of Cape Town. Turns out it was a Royal Airforce plane that had left Cape Town, flown almost as far as East London and then turned back.

Later I looked to see where it was and found it just west of St Helena Island in the South Atlantic. I lost track of it, so don’t know where it landed.

I went to last night’s meeting and stayed until question time. There were loads of people.  About 50 more arrived after this photo was taken.

I went wanting to ask, ‘what are you doing about crime?’ The Community Police Forum came saying, ‘you need to get involved in your neighbourhood watch.’  I’ve ordered a NHW bib for when I go walking and I’ll go to the AGM tomorrow night.

Proverbs 18:12
Humility comes before honour

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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Wintery Weather

Posted on July 2, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I bought you this! It was from a second hand store and I couldn’t resist getting you a pair of wings.

I’ll bring them next time I come.

Today has been colder than the last few days. The wind has turned and the rain is coming. This is what we can expect tomorrow.

I worked for the morning and then at lunch time went walking. I reversed my usual route going up Highway & down Daisy Lane…

That comes out on Hillside. One of the houses has a wind sock that was blowing from the north.

I walked home via the Beach and along the cat walk.

This evening there is a community meeting with the FH Community Police Forum. It will be worth going to, so I’ll take a drive to see what it’s about. However, I have a caveat: if I can’t find parking because there are too many people, I’ll retreat and find out the outcome on the whatsapp groups. Furthermore, on Thursday there is the NHW AGM, which I think is important to attend. Two evening meetings in one week is a stretch for me, who never goes out in the evening and is mostly in bed by 9!

Off I go to get ready.

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and 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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Twas a Very Gloomy Day

Posted on July 1, 2024 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was a very gloomy day. The sun stayed firmly behind clouds which hung low in the sky. For part of the day, mist lingered eerily over the water, blending the horizon with the sky.

I worked for most of the day and then went walking!

It was a ‘busy’ walk as there were a few interactions to be had. The first was a lady who had a serious stutter. She couldn’t get the words she was trying to say, so I had to guess. I eventually ascertained she wanted to know if I had seen something. I got that much. I asked if it were ‘dogs’ – to which she clearly responded, “I wish it were!” But she couldn’t get out the words she was wanting. Then I saw her say B.  “Ah baboons?” I asked.  “No I haven’t seen any today!” She then indicated she had seen some on the street when she was driving home and I needed to watch out. She managed to tell me one of them got in her house and made an awful mess. Afterwards, I wondered how I could have made the communication easier for her.  I have a note function on my cell phone and she could have typed it. I’ll have to remember that.

Further down the road, I encountered a gardener and asked him if he had seen then. He said he had but they seem to have gone up the mountain.

A few minutes later, I was just walking along, minding my own business when a dog started barking viciously at me. Then I saw his gate was open. That startled me! I crossed the road to get further away. Funnily enough, he was barking as if the gate was closed. He didn’t cross the line! I warned an oncoming walker that 92’s gate was open and the barking dog nearly gave me a heart attack.

I decided to take a short cut, going down a lane I’d never been down before. Good to take a new route.

A good walk.

Mike continued with bed box project. Raiku tried it out.

Dinner is done and now it’s time to wrap up for the evening.

Psalm 149:4
The Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with 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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Last Day of June Swim

Posted on June 30, 2024 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was a lovely Sunday. We went for a walk to Fish Hoek to pick up some groceries. The beach looked so beautiful.

Paddlers were busy with time trials.

Shopping done, we came home and not long after, I decided to go back to the beach for a swim. I swam from the cat walk to the little lighthouse and back. The water was about 15C, so it was not too cold. I’ve lost my swimming fitness, but I enjoyed it.

After the swim, I had a chat with Margaret, one of the locals and then on the way home, a couple of the neighbours were on the street for a chat. They have just had their facebrick house painted and it looks so  much better.

When I got home, Mike told me my childhood friend Debbie had called.  After lunch, I phoned her back and we had a lovely chat. She swims a lot these days, visiting her gym in the UK at 6am and doing 80-100 laps. She’s a really good swimmer. We had a nice catch up. I’ll probably speak to her again in September when it’s her birthday. I also had a chat with her Mom, Pat who is now 89. She couldn’t get her head around what I looked like. The last time I saw her was about 40 years ago. I showed her the sea view and she was in awe. We could not afford this view in the UK.

Tomorrow is a new month.

Acts 20:32
I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance…

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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Half Night of Glamping

Posted on June 29, 2024 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Last night was a first for me. Once in a few years, a perfect night comes along where there is neither howling wind, nor mosquitos. It was a perfect still June evening that couldn’t even be considered cold. As I went outside to admire it, I determined this would be the perfect night to sleep on the balcony! So, I bought down the mattress you had slept on and took it outside. I set up my spot and lay down. My ceiling was a starry expanse – my fan, a gentle breeze. It was spectacular.

The stars were amazing. The view from my sleeping position equally as spectacular.

As I looked out towards Chapman’s Peak, I saw the lights of a plane. It was KLM’s flight from Amsterdam to Cape Town. I watched as it flew overhead and then saw it descend across the bay towards the airport.

Lying there bought many thoughts….I had a mattress but there are many homeless that sleep on less. Not every night is like last night. I picked the best, but those who sleep rough can’t choose the weather. The other thing that was interesting was hearing all the noises that carried from houses in the area. Raised voices, clinking glasses, people settling in the for night. The traffic noise outside on a calm quiet night was also significant. I fell asleep, only to be woken by Mike at 1am. He felt he couldn’t leave me outside for the night, so my time under the stars ended but it was wonderful while it lasted. Such a treat. Of course, getting into bed was also more comfortable and I fell asleep immediately.

For today, we had a leisurely morning, bought some fabric for the end of Mike’s bed box project. It’s coming along nicely.

This afternoon, I heard there were baboons on the road so went to see if they were anywhere near our house.  They weren’t, but I did find them making a mess up the road.

Tonight, there is cricket. South Africa are through to the T20 finals. The first time in SA history that the national cricket team have got through to a World Cup final. It’s against India. India have won the toss.  To come 2nd in a World Cup is not bad. We will be watching!

Psalm 147:4
He determines the number of stars and calls them each by name.

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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Suddenly the House is so Quiet!

Posted on June 28, 2024 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day  you went home. It was great to spend some time with you before you left. There was an amazing sunrise (thanks to Stacey for the photo)…

Then you played chess with David (and won) and then there was your fish picture which needed laminating. While the laminator was heating up, Grandpa showed you his art.

Watching the fish being laminated.

You were very happy with it.

Before you left, you took photos while we helped Courage get the ceiling board up in the loft. It made it much easier that you were there to help. It looks as if we are hardly working! We were holding the brooms up against the ceiling board while Courage tacked it into place. We did have to apply some pressure, but this photo looks like we are just chilling and holding our brooms! Thanks Els for taking the photo.

Courage also took the scaffolding down.

And the view through the big picture window is amazing!

The day was ridiculously sunny and warm – not like winter at all.  24C today with the tiniest of breeze. You don’t get too many late June days like this. The temperature is expected to drop overnight, but no real rain forecast until Wednesday. Certainly, it has been a warm winter so far. Perhaps that will change in July.

After you left, the busy house suddenly became so quiet! I worked but also managed to have a facial, which was so relaxing.

Now it’s the weekend and the house is super quiet without you!

Psalm 146:2
I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

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 Day in Photos

Posted on June 27, 2024 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day you saw the new window be put in.

It has changed the view so much from this loft area.

Once the scaffold is down and the finishes are done, it is going to be amazing.

For the rest of the day, we had a fun time. You bought Raiku a little toy.

And you drew a fish…

….which is turning out very well…

We went up to the top plot and enjoyed the view…

It was another beautiful winter’s day in Cape Town.

This evening you watched some cricket!

Right now it’s almost bedtime and you are about to go upstairs. Tomorrow, my sweetheart, you go home. We have had a good time together. We hope to see you in a month when we come for Grandparent’s day! I have just loved having you & look forward to you coming again. Rich family time.

Psalm 145:13b
The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made.

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

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

 

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Window Work

Posted on June 26, 2024 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day a lot of window work was done on the cottage. It was a huge day for the little Loft reno as the window man is due to come tomorrow. It was all systems go to put up an elaborate set of scaffolding to be able to reach the top window.

Inside, Courage and Mike took out the current windows.

And then had to cut through quite a thick beam. Mike’s saw wasn’t good enough so he hired one which also wasn’t good enough, so that went back and he picked up a bigger one. That did the trick and before you knew it, this had happened.

It looks amazing!  Lots of work still to be done.

It’s now blocked up for overnight and tomorrow the window should arrive.

For us, it was another day of family time.

Now Stacey is on a work call. Elsie, you are watching TV.

These are special moments. I know I’ve said it every day this week, but my heart is full!

Acts 17:28
For in Him we live and move and have our being.

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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Kid’s Cave

Posted on June 25, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was another grand day with you visiting. In the morning, I worked, but we also did washing and it was fun to have little granddaughter clothes hanging on the line.

In the afternoon, we went to the hairdresser and your Mama had her hair cut and then we went shopping. When we got back you had a fun time playing in the Kiddo Cave you made.  Remember this?

Then you moved it into the lounge and we made signs.

You spent a lot of time on this project. I enjoyed having such fun with you today.

After dinner, we watched some of Minions Illumination which was entertaining and now it’s bedtime!

It’s been beyond a blessing having you and your Mom here. Heart is full!

I’m also remembering my older brother today who would have turned 64. Arnie, always remembered and missed.

Acts 16:31
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

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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