Goodbye 2024

Posted on December 31, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today is the last day of 2024. We say goodbye to the year and, I’m so happy to say, it has been a much better year than 2023. A year ago, it was hard. Oupa Ron had just passed away and David was still very unwell. It was difficult. We did not know if 2024 would be any better. We went into the new year without a great deal of excitement, enthusiasm or hope. Whatever would be would be.

Turns out there were some great highlights.  We enjoyed seeing more of the Swellendam family this year, including a special week spent with Stacey.

We had another little holiday with the family – at the hot springs.

David started improving after he had visited a haematologist (end of January), who suggested a few blood tests that hadn’t been done.  Those results revealed he was anaemic. As soon as he started on the right iron tablets (& Vitamin D), his energy levels improved.  Also, he re-met Anna & their friendship has blossomed into romance.

The comparison between 2023 David and 2024 David is is remarkable. We are so grateful and we pray he will get even stronger in 2025.

Staying with family highlights, Elsie you turned 6.

And I turned 60 & that was a super special week with family and friends.

As far as events went, we had a fine time during 2024. We went to Arona Italy in April..

And then met Julian in Copenhagen for a cruise up to Norway.

It was wonderful, with loads of memories.

When we came home, we got into hiking and did a lot of walking.

One of the greatest highlights was John’s birthday. Going on the world’s longest zipline!

That is a fabulous memory.

Thank you to all who were part of our 2024.

With all these experiences, 2025 is going to be hard to beat. Who knows what will happen during it. We ended 2019 saying 2020, year of plenty!  I’m hearing people say 2025, year to thrive! Let’s hope so. Our trust is in the Lord.

My prayer for all who read this:

Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”

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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Clovelly Mountain Fire

Posted on December 30, 2024 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie,

Today was the day a fire broke out on Clovelly mountainside. On Saturday evening, a small fire was seen above the fire break and reported. The fire services parked on the road below. Whoever lit it quickly extinguished it, but today, it was lit and with the wind, it let rip across the mountainside.

It took 22 minutes from the time it was reported to the time the helicopters arrived.

We are privileged to have such expertise. Kalk Bay houses must have been smoked out.  

The choppers continued throughout the afternoon, except for a break to refuel. There was a little rain which helped.  A short while ago it was all but out.

Although, having said that, there are  patches which are smoking with the odd flame appearing. Hopefully, there will be some more rain.

These things can happen so quickly.  Julian, Jess and Gerrie were at the beach when it broke out. The fire sped across the mountain and some embers flew downwards, setting alight a patch below the firebreak. The helicopters targeted that spot. Everyone on the beach was watching and when the chopper dowsed that part of the fire, everyone applauded. The helicopter pilots are so skilled. They do an amazing job.

The wind is still quite strong. I see fire trucks are still on the Main Rd between Clovelly and Kalk Bay. They are keeping an eye out for flair-ups. I did see they had got up to the back of one of the properties with a hosepipe to dampen the bushes. There is a lot of brush below the firebreak – it’s a real hazard. I think we need to do some cutting back of brush of our own. Behind our house on the left there is quite a lot of shrubbery.

That was what went down this afternoon. This morning, we swam & cleaned the Seaview apartment. While the fire was burning, the guests arrived and they are now settled in.

It’s the penultimate day of 2024. I finished reading the Bible today. I’ve put my marker back in Genesis 1. Wednesday, I’ll start again.

Revelation 21:6
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.

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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Silvermine Walk

Posted on December 29, 2024 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was a lovely day. We swam, watched cricket (which we won) and in the afternoon, we went to Silvermine.

We didn’t want to do a long walk, so we just went up to the platform (old forester’s cottage foundation) overlooking Noordhoek with sweeping views all around. This is on the way up.

The platform is on this kopje….

The view from the top…

Mike looking at the Kakapo wreck..

Yay! Enjoying the view.

The trip down…

When we got back to the reservoir, we decided to do the 20 minute trail around it. It’s so picturesque…

Water lilies.

Back to the car and home.  A casual dinner, grand design and it’s been a relaxing day.

I’m almost at the end of the Bible. I finished Zechariah today.

Zechariah 14:9
The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and His Name the only 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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Embracing Summer

Posted on December 28, 2024 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was a day with no stress. We got down to the beach later than usual and found it bustling and busy. And we also bumped into John and Avril as well as Ingrid – all enjoying the lovely sea water. We came home for breakfast and a chat with David who had come up for coffee. Later,  I enjoyed sitting on the balcony embracing summer.

I read, I slept & I did a tricky word puzzle. During the morning, this message came up on our local Whatsapp group.

This year, we have seen snakes up on the building site behind us and Courage is now armed with a picture showing the different ones and how toxic they are. He hasn’t seen any of the really dangerous ones. I would not like him to encounter a Cape Cobra, that’s for sure.  They are distinctive, as seen in this photo from the SANBI.

It gives me the heebie jeebies!

In mid afternoon, we walked to Fish Hoek to buy milk. The beach was buzzing.

It was hot down there.

Mike made spaghetti bolognaise for dinner. It was up to his usual high standard!

Today I also encountered Gary Player’s list of goals towards longevity. Adam Schupak put the list on his Twitter account. Apparently, Gary whipped it out of his wallet.

Those who struggle with his handwriting, as I did, here’s the list:

Undereat
Exercise
Read
Ice Baths
Love
Friends
Gratitude
Meditation and Prayer
Sleep
Laugh a lot
Keep busy

As he turned 90 in 2025, it seems to be effective.

Psalm 91:1-2
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

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’s Lamp Experiment

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day of the great lamp experiment.  The lamp in the Seaview apartment had a really tatty (sticky taped together) lamp shade. It wasn’t great. Mike always had it in mind to replace it. He had seen a well used R150 lamp at Cyril’s and decided it would be a good buy, but only if a renovation of it would work. To that end, he had bought some spray paint the other day and squirreled it away for when he bought the lamp. Today was that day.

The lamp was bought home & cleaned.

About 15 minutes later, I was summoned to take another photo.

Sparkly, upgraded, very blue lamp.

It is certainly better than the sticky-taped one. 😏

The day had dawned with very little wind and a sparkling 6.52am view from the balcony.

The beach was calling. The water was clear and flat. It was a lovely swimming day. As rain was forecast, it wasn’t very busy. It turned out to be rain-free and a lovely day to be at the beach. It’s a nice change from what usually goes down between Christmas and New Year.  Last year, I wrote of a very windy Boxing Day, where the wind blew vigorously, long and hard and strong. It’s great to have some gentler days. Today is one of the perfect ones.

A good day for a braai. The fire has been lit and Gerrie is busy preparing.

Today, we remember Oupa, who passed away a year ago today.

We are all destined to die – it sounds so depressing, except when we know that this life is not our home. Words of Jesus:

John 10:28
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

It’s why I write this every day: It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

Gran xx 🙂

 

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Boxing Day 2024

Posted on December 26, 2024 by Helga

Thursday – Boxing Day 2024

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we said goodbye to you, but not before you came up and we carefully deconstructed your tower and packed it all away. David came to visit and did some chess puzzles before you left. He left you to try figure out the answer…

I took photos of your Mom and Uncle David.

By 8am you were on your way. The day passed quietly with a visit from Julian’s friend Joe and his wife. We also did some shopping & I updated the Airbnb bookings. We have a busy few weeks ahead. The next guests arrive Saturday, leave Monday. Ruth is not available Monday, so Mike and I will do the clean, in time for new guests Monday afternoon. They leave Thursday. The next guests arrive Friday and leave Sunday, with more guests arriving on Sunday afternoon in both the Seaview & the Loft. It’s that time of the year. I’m not complaining.

I ended the day with a walk to the end of the street, back and up the hill and back. The beach has been super busy today. Such a beautiful day.

The fine weather is not forecast to continue. In fact tomorrow is due to only have a high of 20 with rain expected. This is Cape Town!

I’m thinking of my sister today. It’s her birthday! And she’s probably about to board, if she hasn’t already, a plane for the UK. Have a wonderful time, Anne!

I saw this on Facebook today. Good quote.

Psalm 145:17
The Lord is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all He has made.

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 Christmas to Remember

Posted on December 25, 2024 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was a special day – a Christmas to remember. Early this morning, we went to the beach…. Elsie and Lizzy got some beach time and both went to the park. Lizzy came off the see-saw and grazed her nose….poor poppet.

We cleaned up, packed up and walked home.

At 10am, Julian and I popped into Courage and Ruth to give their boys a few gifts. It was a privilege being in their home.

We took the absolute easiest route to feed the family this Christmas. Freedom Foods offered a 3 course meal, which we went to collect. There was a little bit of a coordination in getting the table settings sorted, the food heated and arranged, but once that was done, it was easy peasy.  We were all left with full tummies and retreated to our various quarters. I could not keep my eyes open and as I put my head on my pillow, I fell asleep almost immediately. What a treat. I’m not sure how long I slept but it was a perfect afternoon nap.

One of the best moments of the day came next. We decided to walk to the end of the street and back and David joined us. A year ago, for him, getting up the stairs was an issue. Today, he has been up and down the stairs a number of times and did our little walk as well.

We are so grateful. When tough times come, keep going. This was last night’s family photo.

And another precious addition this year… Pennie

Grateful for Christmas and its meaning for us all.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

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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Christmas Eve 2024

Posted on December 24, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

You arrived today & we had a fun day together. You got to hang out with Lizzy.

And you met your new cousin Alex, who is just 3 months old.

Raiku met Pennie! Raiku could not believe what he was seeing, finding a puppy in his home!

He was completely spooked, but Pennie is such a darling and Raiku soon calmed down. We had a wonderful family dinner together. David and Anna (who has such a good voice) sang a few songs together. We all enjoyed it.  It was such a special evening.

Els, we got you this set which you are playing with in the photo above. You absolutely loved it.

Anna opening one of David’s gifts to her…this is the moment she saw what they were…

Anna wine glasses!

My heart is full.

And now it’s time for me to quickly wrap up here.  Christmas day tomorrow.

Galatians 4:4-5
But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

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 Work

Posted on December 23, 2024 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie,

Today was my last day at work until next year. I’m excited because tomorrow we get to see you!

We started the day by heading to the beach earlier than usual. There was a beach bash for the locals.

I had a good swim and then sat on the bench for a while, chatting to some of the folks and enjoying the sunshine. The wind had dropped enough for it to be pleasant but it’s picked up again and tomorrow it will blow gales.

Home for breakfast & to wrap up work.

Heidi then came for tea. In the afternoon, I went to pick up our Christmas Cake and then went to have tea with Riana. She made me a smoothie.

Great to have a catch up. I followed that up with some last minute shopping. Home for tea and a break before dinner.

Now we are watching Christmas music videos.

Isaiah 9:6-7
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”

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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Fears I Lost in 2024

Posted on December 22, 2024 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I set off on a windy 6km walk through the upper roads of Fish Hoek. As I walked, I thought of the fears I lost in 2024. When I went to the doctor a couple of months ago, I told him,  “I’m not afraid of your cholesterol test.” I knew my cholesterol level was going to be okay. I also said, “I’m not afraid of your scale!” I knew I would weigh less than the last time he took my weight.

Since walking 10000 steps a day, I am feeling so much fitter. The yellow reflective waistcoat has also been a game changer for me. While I won’t walk on the mountain alone, I no longer feel afraid walking by myself.

I’m not afraid of a mountain hike. That’s the other fear I’ve lost. I can climb Table Mountain. The more I’ve walked, the more confident I have got. I’m not afraid of going up and I’m not afraid of going down.

I’m not afraid of cold water!

I’m not afraid of the weather. If it’s windy, I can walk. If it’s rainy, I can walk.

I spent most of the year eagerly waiting to turn 60. Nothing in life is guaranteed, even your next birthday. I was afraid of not turning 60, so when it arrived, I was so happy! It’s a great feeling!

Those are the thoughts that pass through my mind when I’m out stomping the streets. I also pass interesting people. I spoke to Lee yesterday and today it was Charles and Penny. I know their house – they have recently put in a funicular. They told me the total cost (the rail is quite short) – but it came to about R134k. I added Penny to my contacts so I can message her to find out the people used for this exercise. We may give them a call. Our funicular is not in the near future, but probably in the next few years.

Mid-morning, Mike declared he wanted to go to the beach, so to the beach we went. There were lots of waves and no shark net, so we just had a dip, then sat on the bench and got some rays. Victor walked past so we had a chat with him. It was good to see him – he’s looking well. The area is bustling with visitors. It’s lovely to be in Fish Hoek at Christmastime.

The family sorted their own dinner, so we had last night’s leftovers and now we are going to watch a movie.

I’ve never noticed this very before. Deep in the Old Testament. It comes a few verses after vs 8 ‘for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye,’

Zechariah 2:11
Many nations will be joined with the Lord in that day and will become my 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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Family Have Arrived

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day your cousins arrived! They are looking forward to seeing you. Lizzy trying out the rocking horse for the first time…

For dinner we had chicken and mashed potato with salad. Julian peeled all the potatoes..

Jess with Lizzy and Alex…

And we all had a chance to play with them…

We had a good boisterous evening. Now everyone has gone back to their units and we are watching TV.

I started the day going for a walk to Fish Hoek to pick up milk.  On my return, there were a few things that needed my attention. The guests in the Seaview Apartment left, so I went to say goodbye to them. The Courier Guy arrived with a parcel & I had to open the two units the family are using and make sure they are aired.  Then, this afternoon we did quite a lot of shopping.

I will sleep well tonight – it’s the shortest night of the year – summer solstice.

Revelation 12:10
Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come

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 A Building Site

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we went to the beach in the morning. The water is still warm and the wind hadn’t yet picked up. I had a good swim as the tide was high, making the barrel further away. I swam out to it and back twice. Going out was like walking up hill. Swimming into the breeze and incoming tide makes it hard work. Swimming back was like going down hill. Blown along and carried by the tide made it much quicker to get back to the beach. The water was about 19C. Lovely.

I had a good day’s work, with my last meeting of the year. Yay!

After work we went to see a building site…mainly to see the workmanship of the builder. It’s at a place I’ve never been to before. Locals will recognise the scenery.

This is the slab just thrown…

It’s an enormous build. The builder is Zimbabwean. In this picture above, check out the little extra in the top right hand corner. This is a massive play set built on a terraced and landscaped section above the house. I went up there and it’s amazing!

They have built benches into the wall and the grass is doing so well.  A fun little outing.

I’m glad we got to enjoy the beach this morning, because I don’t think we will be going down tomorrow. We are in for some windy days, here in Fish Hoek.

If this is accurate, at least we have a little reprieve on Monday and on Christmas Day. I think between Christmas and New Year there may be a few windless days.

Today at our final meeting I was asked to wear something Christmassy. While waiting for the meeting, Raiku came to visit and I got a very sweet shot. He came in for a head butt….

So cute.

Revelation 11:17
We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.

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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One Day Closer to Christmas

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day you decorated your Christmas tree!

Great job Els! It’s going to look amazing at night with the lights on.

I came out of a bad night to a better day. I worked for most of the day and then went shopping for a few final Christmas presents. I got the tiniest gift for Pennie!

This evening, we took a short walk to see how things are going on the mountainside. A short distance away there have been some signs of gardening, so we went to see.

And the owner was there to say hello.

She’s treading gently on her piece of land.

Home for dinner and the day is done – one day closer to Christmas. Tomorrow, I think we will swim.

Today this was posted on Facebook . Two cars seen in Fish Hoek. Photo by Magda

Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

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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Back to the Beach

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today we went back to the beach after a break. We hadn’t been in a while, but it was so worth it today. The water temperature must have been 20C. It was so warm.

Came home, had a shower and breakfast and got to work.

Meanwhile, on the mountainside, there has been more excavation & the gabion baskets are nearly at the top of the property…

And today Mike had Courage and Hardlife screed the top of the right hand side gabion basket platform.

That was what happened today – one week before Christmas.

Today I read Habakkuk. As I read it, I found myself thinking, “I identify”. Violence, injustice, wrong-doing, destruction, strife, conflict. That was Habakkuk’s complaint. The last verse of the book:

Habakkuk 3:19
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights.

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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Getting Some Wrapping Done

Posted on December 17, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

It’s almost Christmas. One week tomorrow. Today I got some wrapping done. Yours is the one with the dots! You will love it!

We are looking forward to having the family altogether.

Today is Jess and Gerrie’s 8th Wedding anniversary. Time flies. 

They now have two little ones, Lizzy and Alex so life is super busy. Tomorrow Julian arrives and the Jo’burg family on Saturday. Exciting days ahead.

This morning Mike joined me for my morning walk. We did about 5.5km. As we walked we noticed a little more development going on at the start of Gleneagles….at least the marking out of a plot. We need to go up the mountain and take a closer look.

After we got home, David came up for breakfast and we had a good chat. As a result, I started work a little later than normal. After work it was off to the shops to start stocking up on holiday food.

This evening, I had a lovely long chat with my sister Anne.  On video, I met her granddaughter Ella and we caught up with all the news. We must do it again some time.

Revelation 8:4
The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s 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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