A Very Busy Monday for All

Posted on July 22, 2024 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was a very busy Monday for everyone. While I got stuck into work, Mike had to go sort out some plumbing problems. The water bill at our previous house has doubled, so there was some underground leak. There was also a leak in the roof. That took up most of the day, but at least it is mainly resolved.

I worked 7 hours and then took off for a walk. I took Julian, assuring him the walk would not be longer than about 4 or maybe 5 km. I wanted to show him the Silvermine wetlands, but I didn’t realise that the route I took would be more than 3km one way. Oops. He got extra exercise because a car had broken down and he helped push.

We finally got to the Silvermine wetlands and walked to the bridge and back.

To get home, we crossed Main Rd and then the railway line, just as a train was coming along.

I waved at the train driver and he sounded a whistle in return! One day we must take a ride into Cape Town on this train.

We came out at the very end of the beach.

Julian got caught in a wave.

He had to walk home with squidgy shoes.  You can see it was a beautiful day. The walk was 6.6km in the end. I don’t think Julian will believe me next time when I say, ‘it will be 4km tops!’

I still need to go out to buy some milk. Maybe I should do that now.

I can’t end today’s entry without mentioning my Dad who, had he lived, would have turned 92 today. Never forgotten.

Romans 8:6
…the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and 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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“That’s The Safety Watch!”

Posted on July 21, 2024 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we said goodbye to your Mom and you welcomed her back with open arms. It really was a treat having her and getting to spend time with her. We look forward so much to seeing you later this week.

After a lovely breakfast out, we said our goodbyes and then we had a restful day at home. In the afternoon, I had Miranda come round to drop some pen holders, which I have attached to  my notebook, diary and Bible. At least they may succeed in keeping my pencils in reach.

Later this afternoon, I walked down to the shops to buy some food for dinner. My neighbourhood watch bib continues to seemingly be somewhat protective. It appears to deflect and attract attention in equal parts. Beggars and suspicious people don’t approach me, while everyone else is happy to greet. I walked the cat walk today. There have been a few nasty incidents on it over the last few months and there is an ongoing complaint that law enforcement are not frequently deployed. I didn’t realise my bright yellow bib would attract so  much attention.

As I walked past some tourists, I head them say in their British accents,  “Oooh, that’s the Safety Watch!” They seemed impressed, which is of course, amusing, because I am hardly  capable of catching a criminal!   Visitors are concerned about what they hear in the media so they possibly perceive the presence of a neighbourhood watch safety vest on the cat walk as reassuring. There are loads of people that walk. Wearing this makes me feel safer. If more people pop one one when they are out walking, it will increase visibility and make them feel safer. It’s win-win.

We had lasagne for dinner, watched a Grand Design and a 48 Hours and now it’s time for me to turn in for the night. A busy week ahead.

Psalm 17:6
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.

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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Willis Walk

Posted on July 20, 2024 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we did a number of things with your Mom. We went to Wynberg to Fabric World and she bought some fabric, mainly for you! Before coming home we did a bit of shopping. Back at the house, we had a break and some lunch and then we went down to the penguins! We showed Mama the secret beach!

Absolutely idyllic – could be anywhere in the world.

We then walked along Willis Walk.

The boardwalk named after Dumps!

We saw loads of penguins along  here. These cute chicks…

and this handsome fella…

There was also a dassie chilling in the sunshine.

Boulders Beach…

At the end, we turned off the boardwalk up a path that led to Simon’s Town rd.

And walked back to the car along the road.  I wasn’t done walking though. I was dropped at Harbour Bay and walked home from there. That was refreshing & I nailed in the first 5 verses of Psalm 8.

Chicken burgers for dinner.

Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

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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Special Visitor

Posted on July 19, 2024 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day a very special visitor came – your Mom arrived for a couple of nights. She had an appointment in Cape Town. You and Papa are getting some great time together. This evening when you phoned, you looked so happy and snug. We are missing you but look forward to seeing you next week for Grandparents Day!

Meantime, for us, it is a treat having Stacey with us.

Julian took this one and made us all laugh as he went down on one knee to try get a better shot.

This evening we all went out for dinner, including David and we had a wonderful time together. We came home and up for tea and dessert.

These family times together are super special and every moment enjoyed! Lovely to have Stacey here. My heart is full!

Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for 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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Carried Away With Work

Posted on July 18, 2024 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

It’s almost the weekend and I’m really excited because tomorrow, my Elsie darling, your Mom comes to visit. You get to spend time with Papa while Mama gets to spend time with us.  We are so looking forward to it.

Today was the day I got carried away with work. This week, I’ve managed to finish work relatively early and then go walking, but today there was too much work to do that. I’m grateful for my work, that’s for sure.  When I did eventually get through it all, I had to go shopping as we had run out of most of our staples. I got home at just before 4.30pm. I did a little more work and then got some walking in. I walked to the end of the street.

More than 3 months have passed since the massive fire swept through the lower part of the street. They say it will take at least 5 years  for the vegetation to return to normal. No. 41 Echo is being restored. It got badly burnt. The owners hope to be back in in time for Christmas. One of the houses on the lower slopes and that felt the full force of the inferno is now under construction.

This was 8th April, the day after the fire…

This is today…. there is scaffolding and walls are going up.

I look forward to watching it grow and to see what rises from the ashes.

This is the wonderful garden just by the entrance to our street.

Avid local gardeners keep it in shape and we all get to enjoy it.

Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

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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17th July 1979

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today’s the day I celebrate 45 years of being a Christian.

An overwhelming appreciation that it’s not about now and that we are only passing through. I know where I am headed. As much as I may cling to this earthly world, one day when my last breath is breathed, it won’t be over for me. I know the best is yet to come.  All of that security and assurance started filtering through my mind and soul when I was 14 years old and I prayed a simple prayer to ask Jesus into my life.  And I’m just scratching the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more to come.

These are some of the words that come to mind when I reflect on what I have received over the last 45 years.

  1. Relief
  2. Forgiveness
  3. Love
  4. Security
  5. Counsel
  6. Peace
  7. Comfort
  8. Assurance
  9. Guidance
  10. Wisdom
  11. Joy
  12. Understanding
  13. Contentment
  14. Gladness
  15. Provision
  16. Satisfaction
  17. Clarity
  18. Knowledge
  19. Awe
  20. Grace

So much gratitude for what God did for me on this day. The enormity of that tiny short prayer whispered in the quietness of my bedroom is never lost on me. How can such a small step result in such a powerful outcome – only through the Creator of the Universe. He can do anything. Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Today was a normal work day. I finished around 2pm when Julian, Mike and I went across to the Thomas’s for Julian to look at some books. Mike and I then walked home. Shortcut joining two of the Ranger Rds

Valley views – looking down Fish Hoek Main Rd

Looking towards Chapman’s Peak

And finally, Raiku has got into watching planes take off at Heathrow.

Really getting into it!

Oh happy day! I love you my Elsie darling. Keep trusting Jesus all the days of your life.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you!

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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9km Walk

Posted on July 16, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I went on a 9km walk. I wasn’t sure I would because the day began with all the signs of rain.

I worked all morning and I have to admit, it was mainly from my rocking chair. At lunchtime, I had finished, so I put my walking shoes on and off I went. I took a backpack with  my raincoat as well as my pepper spray and wore my NHW high viz vest. This, I have learned is a great deterrent. No one negative approaches me – they all think I am some sort of security, so they stay away. The security cars and other para-safety people all greet me with warmth & appreciation.   I feel so much safer walking with it on. I’m easily visible, avoided by those I want to be avoided by and approached by those who are harmless. I walked up Highway and this view had me believing the rain was gone.

I wanted to go to the Silvermine Wetlands, but knew there and back from our house would not be as long as I wanted to walk today. I wanted a 9km walk, so I took a very long route to get there. Up the mountain, down Berg Rd, up Ranger,  down Pass, over Kommetjie, down 17th to Valyland. I stopped there for some water and to check my email. Then I walked down the cycle track alongside the primary school, past Bay Primary and through the avenues to the wetlands. The bridge is being repaired.

The walk along the path on the Fish Hoek side is idyllic. I felt so safe and it is very picturesque.

I’ll definitely do it again. Home again, taking a slightly longer route to make up exactly 9km.

Tomorrow looks like another good day to walk, although I think I may tone it down a bit & only do 6km.

I’m reading through Romans at the moment & have encountered this passage.

Romans 3:22-24
This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Tomorrow, it’s 45 years since I received this wonderful gift of salvation. The impact of the 17th July 1979 is never far from my thoughts.

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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First Sunny Day in a Week

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was the first sunny day in a week. There was a shower late this afternoon, but the day all in all was filled with sunshine.  I think everyone was very happy to see the sun again. This was the sunrise…

There was a Southern Right whale in the bay this morning, but as soon as the sun rose & the glare increased, I lost sight of it.

I had two meetings this morning. At about 1.30pm, we went for a walk to Harbour Bay to pick up some shopping. Such a perfect day for walking. This is on the path along side the train tracks between Simon’s Town and Glencairn. The snow on the distant mountains is just visible.

This is from the same spot looking the other way.

The path comes out at Glencairn station, but walking on past Glencairn Tidal pool comes out at this path to the beach.

The return walk was just under 9km. We didn’t rush & it was very pleasant.

I did a bit more work and now I’m settling down for some You Tube videos.

A good start to the week.

Psalm 11:1
In the Lord I take refuge.

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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Hope of Sunshine

Posted on July 14, 2024 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie,

Today was the day I thought we may get some sunshine and it did come from time to time. But intermittently there were showers too. In anticipation of the sun coming out, I did a load of washing and also managed to get some tumble drying done.

It was a serious stay at home day where almost no walking was done. My activity was mainly cleaning the house. I paid special attention to the island. The taps haven’t been cleaned with  my glasses on (haha) for a while. Amazing how much dirt is missed when I don’t wear my reading glasses when I’m cleaning.

When we were doing the finishes for the house, the taps and the black kitchen sink in the island were two of the items we debated over. I’m still so happy with them. Considering we didn’t have a clue what we were doing, it worked out quite well. Mike and Courage made all the cabinets and the island for the kitchen.

There’s satisfaction in cleaning!

This afternoon there was the Wimbledon final. Clear skies beyond.

We went for a walk afterwards and sunset seems to show a clearing from the north.

The wind has stopped blowing, the sea is flat and it looks like tomorrow will be fair. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Meanwhile, this is Jo’burg weather for the week. Are you serious?! What kind of winter temperatures are these?

End of the weekend and an early start tomorrow. I have an 8am meeting.

Psalm 10:17
You hear O Lord the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and you listen to their cry.

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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Flooding and Mud Slides

Posted on July 13, 2024 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

It was great to speak to you today my sweetheart Elsie. You are such a treat. I love the voice note you sent me the other day. You needed to tell me that your shower cap had different colour spots and was not just blue. (I had said your shower cap was blue like  mine). You explained I was wrong & said, “I’m just informing you, but I still love you lots and lots and lots!” And I love you lots and lots and lots as well!

Today was the day it rained (again) quite heavily overnight and steadily during the day. The forecast for the week ahead doesn’t look to bring too much sunshine either.

We started the day with some exercise. Mike ran 6km and I walked 4km and we met at the foot of the stairs. Breakfast and resting and then this afternoon we took a drive to see some of the storm damage and mud slides. This is on the way to Cape Point. There is a stop and go. There are several areas under construction. At this one, the gabion baskets had collapsed down the hill towards the beach. There is water pouring down the drain and at that point, there is a burst water main causing the fountain.

Work is underway to repair the road and shore up the mountainside with more gabion baskets.  Meanwhile, across at the Silvermine wetlands, the bridge is collapsing. Leon posted this on FB.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. The informal settlements are going to take a long time to recover. The rain is incessant. It can’t be easy trying to stay dry. The guest in the loft is enjoying the new window. He wondered what a Cape Town winter was like and now he knows.

This evening, it’s rugby. Mike is tearing his hair out.

He doesn’t often watch these games live, preferring to know the outcome and watch the win afterwards. I’ve convinced him to watch it live! It’s now nearly half time – Ireland 13 SA 6.

Whatever happens with the rugby and the weather, life carries on & with rain, there are rainbows!

I am sure I most likely  used this verse a year ago today.

1 Chronicles 16:11
Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.

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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Tale of Two Tables

Posted on July 12, 2024 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today was another day that was cold and wet. While the wind wasn’t as strong and rain as forceful, the showers that rolled by continue to contribute to the floods. This weekend, another cold front is expected so it’s not over yet. So far the City has had a lot of rain in July.

After work, I took a walk to buy fish and chips for dinner. On the way home, I went via the beach – this is a rare sight at this storm water drain. It’s the one closest to the restaurant and has seldom got water coming out of it, let alone a waterfall.

Meanwhile, my tale of two tables involves an old one and one that is yet to be. My dear friends the Beales had a collapsible table which they had on their patio. Many a Thursday lunchtime, I sat around this table with Aunty Wyn. I was in my 30s and Aunty Wyn was a great mentor.   When they went overseas, they were selling off the contents of their home and asked me if I wanted the table. It has been with us ever since.  With the rainy weather, Courage made a project of sprucing it up. Ideal indoor project.

It’s now in our lounge while Granny’s table is in the loft. Meanwhile, today, Mike went to pick up the wood for the new dining room table he is planning on making for us. It is blackwood and beautiful!

He will probably start working on that exciting new project next week. I’m so looking forward to watching it be created.

It’s been a good week.

Psalm 9:18
God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.

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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Poor Drenched Cape Town

Posted on July 11, 2024 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Last night there were such strong winds and pounding rain. A  massive storm again dumped torrential rain over Cape Town with some gale force wind causing havoc in some areas.

There were a number of houses that had their rooves blown off. Trees were downed and there were mud slides across many roads, like this one…this is Blackhill.

On the way to Cape Point there is a massive chunk of road that has fallen down the mountainside.  Water continues to pour off the mountain and the roads contain various levels of streams running down them. In the low lying informal areas, the situation is worse. So many trying to mop up. Thousands have been flooded out completely. It’s heartbreaking to see. We live in a land of contrasts and the divide between crippling poverty and comfort is only a few kilometers.

While we slept in peace, we woke this morning to a pool of water that had blown in under the side balcony door. Despite blocking under the door with towels, the stream  extended under our front door to the entrance area, where it got soaked up by the carpet.

At lunchtime, Mike and I walked to Fish Hoek for Mike to pick up a very long, heavy steel clamp. We also did some shopping and then lugged it all home.  We came and went via the Beach. Not a day for swimming, although the sea appeared to have been blown flat by the wind.

The cat walk was very wet in places and hopping over rivers was part of the journey. Looking to see what is ahead, there seems to be rain over the weekend with the next sunshine predicted for Monday. We can’t get too complacent, rain is forecast for at least 4 more days next week.

This is a good one to remember:

Psalm 9:9
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

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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Big Storm, More Rain

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

As I write, there is a strong north-westerly wind blowing outside and the promise of another big storm tonight with more rain. The winter weather is also affecting your town as both your school and the ones in Fish Hoek have closed for tomorrow due to the inclement weather.  We had a pretty idyllic June with sunny weather that was often windless. This week is playing catch up. Pat in Noordhoek posted this on Facebook.

It poured this morning and then there was a break over lunchtime, so I took a walk. I went up Contour, across the bottom of the start of Elsie’s Peak and then walked all the way down Mountain Rd to Highway again, over Kommetjie Rd to Valyland. Fish Hoek from Mountain Rd.

Looking at where I was going. The arrow shows Valyland…

I bought myself some water and walked home via Hillside.

By the time I got in, I’d clocked up 6km.

The loft is now finished and Gareth has returned for 10 days so he gets to stay in it first. The new window makes all the difference…

We are very happy with it.

This morning I read Psalm 8 – one of my favourite psalms, so before I went walking I pulled it up on my cell phone and while I was out, I started trying to memorise it.

Psalm 8:1
Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.

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 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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