Visiting Walvis Bay & Swakopmund

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today is Good Friday & it was the day we arrived in a very grey & misty Walvis Bay.

We needed to get our passports stamped. While all the Europe, UK & US passengers had to pay R1200 for a visa, we were greeted with big smiles and a warm welcome by the Namibian passport control. “We are brothers and sisters” they said. I don’t think there are any SA passengers on for the whole 120 night World Cruise. We have just got on for the last of it. Today when I was walking down a corridor, a couple passed me, greeting as they went. As they went past, I heard the lady say, ‘have you seen her before?’ Her husband said, ‘no’. We are new faces. Most have been onboard for more than 100 days. Friendships and clicks have been forged, so the whole dynamic is slightly different that it would have been if everyone had boarded in Cape Town. It doesn’t make too much difference to us – it’s just something I have noticed.

So, we walked off the ship in the morning and went to Swakopmund in the afternoon. Our morning walk took us to the Walvis Bay beach and one of the buildings that has always got Mike’s attention. It’s known as The Raft and is just off shore on stilts in the water.

Close up…

We went in to have a closer look.

No one could tell us how old it is but the waitress said she served someone the other day who had visited it in 1981.

While out we had the opportunity to get some photos of the ship from the harbour & we could see our cabin.

It’s the second cabin up from the red life boat in the corner.

Despite having been to Walvis a couple of times, we had never been to Swakopmund.

It’s about 30 minutes drive from Walvis past miles of sand…

There are lots of old buildings…

Mingled with new which are designed to fit in with the old.

We went to the museum which was very interesting. One of the things that caught my attention was a working clock which came from Germany and was made in 1880. The curator said it gets wound up once a week. So this was the time we were in Swakopmund Museum on Good Friday,  18th April 2025.

We got back to the port just after 5.30pm and went to our cabin to freshen up for dinner. Another delish meal followed.

Now we are in bed and watching Pride & Prejudice.

A good port day. Now we have something like 10 ship days before we get to the Canary Islands. We do have a stop at Dakar, but we are not getting off.  I think I may be stretched to find new things to write about. We will see!

Micah 7:19
He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot.
Yes, You will cast all their sins Into the depths of the sea.

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 Full Day at Sea

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today was our first full day at sea. Last night, we were due to leave at 6pm, but there were passengers that had not arrived back from their excursions. They were in touch with the ship so we waited and finally were able to leave at 6.30pm. This meant the sun had almost set but it made for some spectacular photos of Table Mountain and the Waterfront.

Back of the ship…

Front of the ship…

Last night we had dinner from the buffet. We also went to the Under African Skies performance. Wow, these ladies had amazing voices.

By 9.30pm, I was out for the count. I woke up early this morning. I looked out the balcony door and to my surprise found the orientation was exactly the same as our bedroom at home. There right before me was Venus with the two companions of Mercury & Saturn.

By 6.15am, I decided to head for the gym. That was when Mike stirred and woke enough to say he’d join me. We went to the gym for a while. Then I left and went onto the deck. I saw a whale breach. That was so unexpected. It was not far from the ship.  This was our first ship sunrise.

This is from the back of the ship early this morning…

Mike came & joined me on the deck. When we were on our way back to our cabin, he said how about 10000 steps before breakfast. Challenge on. He had just completed his, so I had some catching up to do. I went passage walking. Lots of steps to be had in the long ship corridors.

Through one of the doors at the end of a corridor, I found a very secluded balcony at the front of the ship. This is the view from there.

After my 10000 steps, I worked for a while, then we had breakfast and I worked some more. The internet is working very well. There are no issues at all, which is really helpful.  I stopped work around 4pm, put on my out of office message and really only need to return to work on Tuesday! Easter weekend off.

Late afternoon we donned our smart and went to the Easter musical presentation. A wonderful rendition of Hallelujah from Handel’s Messiah among other pieces. Then dinner happened. I was ready. I hadn’t eaten since breakfast and dinner was at 6pm. I had the blue cheese souffle with fig and nuts, the roast pork with pear, rosemary potatoes and onions and a  coconut and pistachio dessert.

We picked up decaf cappuccinos from the buffet and bought them back to the cabin. I got changed and am now tucked up in bed.

I can understand why people want to cruise. It’s just completely stress free with lots of attendants running round to meet your daily needs. I don’t think I could do it all the time, but I certainly am going to enjoy the time we have on board this year.

Tomorrow we arrive in Walvis Bay at about 9am and we are going to Swakopmund, which we will get to explore.  It’s been a lovely first day.

Luke 18:27
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

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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On the Ship in Cape Town

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we boarded the ship at Cape Town cruise terminal. It has been a lot of months of planning. We have missed 2 cruises due to the unrest in the Red Sea so we were delighted to get on this one.

I worked this morning and then just after 12noon, David gave us a lift to the cruise terminal in Cape Town and we walked right through, first through security, then passport control and right onto the ship. We were given our cruise cards, got internet and then taken to our room.  Wide angle view from the balcony side.

We have a cabin quite close to the front of the ship. It  is at the end of a passage. The balcony is angled with the orientation to the rear. This is that view..

This is looking straight out…current view is a cable layer.

We unpacked. There is lots of cupboard space. Riana asked me if I was packing light. Initially I said ‘no’ and then asked her what she thought light was. She said 15kg. My suitcase weighed about 15.5kg before I put one or two things in it. When I unpacked, I realised I probably packed too much.

We went walk about to see the sights. Mike looking Mr Cool!

It was warm up there, so we returned to the cabin to get changed into something cooler and went back up. The expected selfie

Us at the back of the ship.

We went to the gym and tried out the treadmills.

I think the ship is due to leave at 6pm. We haven’t been downstairs so there is lots more to explore.  Work is done for the day. Internet is perfect. Blog is now done. Time to relax. Sparkling day to cruise out of Cape Town.

I’m taking a break from Bible verses from my daily reading. I found a document I compiled on this little travel laptop that says “Sea Bible Verses!”

Psalm 104:25
There is the sea, great and broad, In which are swarms without number, animals both small and great.

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 Ship is Coming!

Posted on April 15, 2025 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie,

Today was the day we truly began to believe we will get on the ship! After 2 cancelled cruises, we were never 100% sure that this one wouldn’t be cancelled as well. The difference was it is going up the West Coast, far, far away from the Red Sea troubles. I decided I would really only get excited once I saw the ship in Port Elizabeth. Last night it left that city & by lunchtime today, it was just past George.

Then it passed Swellendam. Now it’s about to pass Cape Agulhas

It should be in Cape Town in the morning. I think I’ll also be following our ship online as we creep up north.

Today I worked for more than 6 hours. I did no exercise. I took my next Boniva. I finished packing. My suitcase it ready.

Tomorrow, I have a meeting at 11am, so my plan is to pack up my technology just before then, have the meeting on my cell phone & leave after that.

Meantime, with all the packing, Raiku knows that something is afoot.

He has been very clingy. David will be home with him.

It is our last night at home for 5 weeks. It’s exactly 5 weeks. Tonight, in 5 weeks, we, God willing, will be home safe and sound.  It means, Elsie, darling, it is your 7th birthday 5 weeks tomorrow! Time will go by so fast.

Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour.

I will miss my physical Bible. I  will be following the reading plan on my  cell phone.

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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Well That Was Easy

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I got to experience the new (and improved) car licensing department in Fish Hoek. Not so long ago, the car licence department was moved from the Civic Centre complex to the old Standard Bank building on Fish Hoek Main Rd.

The Q3’s licence expires at the end of this month.  I hadn’t received a renewal notice, although they had sent me an SMS.  Early hours of Saturday morning, I woke up wondering if it was a job I could do later that morning. While I was online googling to find out the opening hours, I found a link to book an online appointment with them. There were no Saturday options but there was 12noon for today, so I booked it. I immediately got an SMS and then had another one on Sunday before receiving a 3rd this morning. I went down in good time this morning. There is a ticket machine which has an option to press if you had booked online. I pushed that and it asked me for my booking number which was on the SMS. I entered that, pressed the button and a ticket was spewed out. I took my seat. Within a few minutes, I was called to the window and the gentleman asked for my ID. He entered my number, asked if it was for the Q3, confirmed my address and that was all that was needed. I paid the fee, received the print out and the job was done. I was out the building by the time my appointment was due. Such efficiency.

The other thing that happened today: I woke up around 3am with what felt like grit in my right eye. I tried rinsing it, dousing it with eye drops and putting a hot compress over it, but nothing worked. Eventually, I googled it and read it may have been a slightly scratched cornea. It would take a day or two to get better. I decided to leave it alone and try go back to sleep. When I woke up a few hours later, the irritation was gone. What a relief, but then I got a pain 3/4 of the way round my right eye. My heart sank. If this is what eye pressure feels like, it could be serious. My vision was fine but the pain was unusual. So, after getting my licence done, I sought out an optometrist. I ended up going to Colin Rodd who was so professional and reassuring.  All is fine, so that put my mind at rest. He did say my eyes are very dry, so I must use eye drops on a regular basis. So grateful!

In the afternoon, a new guest arrived.

Needless to say I only worked 5.5 hours today. I’ll catch up tomorrow.

Luke 17:10
So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’

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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Teddy is Ready

Posted on April 13, 2025 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I got Teddy ready for our trip. His arm had come off (again) and I needed to sew it back on. Teddy lost an arm in OR Tambo airport a number of years ago and your Mom made another, which is his left arm. His right arm came off, poor thing, so today I reattached it. Teddy is now ready for travel…

Today, we went out for breakfast. I walked part of the way and then Julian and I walked home, including along Glencairn Beach.

By the time we got home, my 10000 steps were done and I was finished! A little bit of a rest and a cappuccino and I was ready to go again!

We have just about finished packing & it feels really good to be organised. I think the only thing that will improve today is if I get to put in an hour or two of work so I can be ahead of schedule by tomorrow morning.

This afternoon, we went to visit John and Avril, which is always meaningful. We did a bit of shopping afterwards and then I had an hour long conversation with Stacey. Dinner with Julian and now we are watching a grand design. Julian is about to make tea. 🙂

It’s been a good day.

Luke 16:10
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…

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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Breakfast in Bed

Posted on April 12, 2025 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I had breakfast in bed. It was a cool drizzly sort of start, so we had a lazy beginning. We had run out of berries, so Mike went down to buy some.  When he got back, I enjoyed my breakfast in bed!

Despite the rain, I managed to get washing out and most of it dry.

Gareth came for cappuccino to tell us about his holiday in Australia, which he loved. He plans on returning for a month in October. I thought he was going to move down under but conversely he has plans to spend more time here next year. We’ll see what transpires

After Gareth left, I did some packing and then spent an hour or so cleaning out our linen cupboard. That made me feel good. I don’t think we have been this organised before an overseas trip before.

This evening, we went to Barracudas where they have a  200g steak and chips (or fish and chips) special for only R89. We were joined by David and Anna.

We had a lovely evening. Home for tea and now Mike is chatting about the golf!

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

Psalm 81:1
Sing for joy to God our strength

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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4am Visitor

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I woke up around 4am and opened our bedroom balcony door for some air. I climbed back into bed and a short while later heard “whoo whoo”.  At first, I didn’t know what I was hearing, until it came again. I thought it must be an owl, so I went to the door and peered into the darkness, looking for any signs of it. When it came again, I realised it was on the Fish Hoek side. I went outside onto the balcony and as I got out there, it called again. A very loud and very close “whoo whoo”. I looked up and there, right above me on the corner of balcony roof of the top floor was the owl. I walked quietly back inside to get my phone, fully expecting it to have flown away by the time I got back, but it was still there. It was very dark and my cell phone camera isn’t the best, but I did get this photo.

It looked down at me. I went inside and never heard it again.  We have been here for more than 4 years and it’s only over the last couple of months that I’ve seen owl activity. They are special to see.

I went back to sleep and woke up a couple of hours later. A good night sleep, despite the 4am interruption.

This morning, I went to the beach alone. The sea was warmer than Wednesday. Word on the beach is that it was 14C on Wednesday. Today was about 16C. I had a good 30 minute swim and walked home for breakfast and to work.

I also had a chat with you Elsie and showed you how to make soap. You showed me Pennie and how green the garden is.

Later this afternoon, we did some shopping. I also had an afternoon walk with Julian.

This weekend is the Masters Golf Championship. It means late nights for Mike!

Luke 14:11
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

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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What’s With The Chairs

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today something really quirky happened.  I had to laugh. Grandpa went off on a shopping spree. He has very specific thoughts when it comes to luggage when we travel and he decided I needed a new suitcase, so off he went to get one. I told him I wanted one that was slightly larger than his, so he measured up and disappeared down the stairs.  A while later, he arrived home with Courage in tow. “Oh no!” he exclaimed, “they are not the same!” I immediately thought he was referring to his suitcase and comparing it with the one he had just bought. But no! To my surprise, he was referring to our dining room chairs.  “What are you talking about?” I said. “You went out to buy me luggage and have come back with dining room chairs?” We don’t need chairs.  If it was one week before Christmas, I could understand this purchase but not 6 days before we go on holiday! It is true the chairs are similar but they need work in that they are too tall. He merrily explained he would cut them down to size. Chairs are not a priority!

We had a good laugh. He then went out again to buy me a new suitcase with my added instructions to buy no more furniture! We don’t need any more furniture! Eventually, I will end up agreeing with Mike. He is so often right. Once he has cut the chairs down to size, they will look much better than two odd ones we have. I guess he had to grab the opportunity while he could.

This morning dawned a beautiful day. I went for a 5.5km loop.

What amazes me is that I did 5.61km in 58 minutes and got my heart rate up to 175, yet only burned 368 calories. Compare that to my sedate swim yesterday where I was in the water for 31 minutes, bobbed gently out to the barrel and back a couple of times, had a maximum heart rate of 113 & yet burned 366 calories! Makes no sense to me.

It wasn’t the only walk I did. I also took a gentle walk to Fish Hoek to have tea with Sandy. Nice to have a catch up.

Today I started the book of Joshua.

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

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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Flat Sea on an Overcast Day

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was a busy day. We managed to get to the beach though. It was overcast and we needed to be brave. The sea was very flat, but it was also very cold. Some said 12C, but I don’t think so. It probably was about 14.5C. I stayed in for half an hour and when it’s 12C I can’t do that. The tide was also quite low

We came home and had breakfast. Then it was : work, quick visit to the podiatrist, home, meeting, work. Julian arrived, work, meeting, meeting, Gareth arrived. Gareth is a regular. He comes once a month for a 10 day  break. He skipped last month as he visited Australia to see his family. He has come back saying how wonderful (but expensive) Australia is. I expected him (with his Australian passport) to soon move down under as had told me he had a new plan. Turns out his new plan is to spend more time in Cape Town, so we need to have a coffee with him so he can discuss his plans. We must make that for this weekend.

I’ve just gone through our whole itinerary for the 6 weeks ahead and I think I can probably get away with taking the last full week completely off work. We’re away 5 weeks. I should be able to work 30 hours a week for the first 4… that’s my goal.

Time to get this blog out and put my laptop to bed (and me!)

I have almost arrived at the end of Deuteronomy – there is so much uncertainty that faces the Israelites – Moses about to die – they about to enter a promised but unknown land. These words echo down the eons…

Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

God is our refuge and safety net for all time.

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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Funniest Thing About My Haircut

Posted on April 8, 2025 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

So the funniest thing about my haircut happened the day after. That was when the Berettas came for dinner. As soon as Riana walked in she exclaimed with delight about what  a wonderful haircut I had and where did I go. I related the story of my unusual and not exactly thrilling experience and told her I had a photo. I showed her the photo and she said I must send it to her. I took the photo while at the barber because I seriously was having difficulty keeping a straight face. The way the guy swooped in with his scissors took me by surprise. Once he had lopped off the first several cm, I knew I had to just wait it out.

I asked Ri why she wanted the photo and she said it was because both her and her friend Liz are looking for a new barber and she was so impressed, she is definitely going to go to him. She wanted the photo to send to Liz to tell her she had found a new barber! I hope it works out for her!

Today has been a rainy day so there was no swimming, but I managed to beat the rain this morning with a 6.5km walk.

As I arrived at our gate on my return, the drops started to fall.

I took a break at lunchtime in the pouring rain and went to Roux Cafe to meet with friends. Geralda is going away for 6 months and others have returned. It was good to see everyone. Lots of laughter.

That’s the day.

One of the challenging verses in the Bible

Luke 12:48
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

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 Year Ago Today

Posted on April 7, 2025 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today is 7th April. It was one year ago today that this happened. The Echo Road fire that burnt a few houses to the ground and severely damaged others.

It was terrible and really frightening. It happened so fast. Life can change in the blink of an eye. Today I saw the owner of the house with flames in it. He remains grateful there was no loss of life and no injuries. He said he will never forget it as it’s his father’s birthday. His Dad was supposed to come for lunch that day. Instead, they rushed away from their burning home, relieved they had survived.

This was then.

Now there is lots of greenery.

Time passes by and healing and growth takes place.

Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong upright and just is He.7

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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Bright Light in the Sky

Posted on April 6, 2025 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie,

Today began around 5.50am when I awoke and looked out the window to a very bright light in the Eastern sky. At first I thought it was a plane, so reached for my phone and looked up Flight Radar. There was no plane at that point. While I made coffee, Mike got out the telescope to look. Through the telescope we could see it was a crescent shape and turned out to be Venus! Look out for it in the early morning before sunrise. It’s incredibly bright.

While our eyes were turned to the skies, a plane took off from the airport and we could see its lights. Then we heard it fly overhead. I was so interested. These overhead planes are usually heading for Europe. This would be a day flight leaving Cape Town at 6am. Where could it be headed. Again I looked up Flight Radar and found the unexpected answer. It was a Chile Air Force plane.

Flight Radar has it going from Cape Town to Cape Town, but it didn’t return to the city. It continued West towards South America. When I took a closer look at its flight path, I discovered it had come from India and was returning to Chile. It must have stopped for a refuel at Cape Town.  Later in the day, I looked for it and it was just off the coast of South America.

We went to the beach this morning. The water was 15C. It was lovely and refreshing. Home in time to watch Pastor John preach on Zacchaeus, which was very good.  Not long after that, Margaret (who is a beach regular) called and came up to have a little rest on our balcony. She had only just left when David arrived for a chat.  After he left I did an hour’s work and then we went to Kommetjie for a walk to the Lighthouse. My phone battery was low, so I turned it off and didn’t take any photos. The day has been warm and windless pretty much like this day from April last year!

On our return, we stopped at Blue Water Cafe for Mike to pick up a pizza. Once that was done and we were homeward bound (about 5pm), I turned my phone on. There was a last minute request sent half an hour or so before from a lady needing three nights accommodation from tonight! That was messy because all the guests vacated this morning, leaving the loft, the Little Lookout and the Seaview apartment all empty but not having been cleaned!  She was inquiring after the Loft. I wrote to her and said we needed time to clean it and she could come from 7pm onwards.

We got home, had our supper and then jumped into action. Mike & I make a good team. We both just went at it and an hour later it was ready for her. Now we have just exchanged messages and she’ll be here in about half an hour.  While on the topic of guests, one of those who left this morning was a delightful young Chinese woman who is working in Harare. She flew from Harare to Johannesburg and then to Cape Town, with her flight landing at 8pm on Friday evening. She was on her own,  hired a car and drove in the dark from the airport to Fish Hoek, arriving just after 10pm. When she got out the car, she announced it was the first time she had driven a right-hand drive and had never driven on the left side of the road! I was astonished she had attempted it late at night in a completely foreign city. Adventurous one indeed.

It’s been a good weekend.

Luke 12:7
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

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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Nothing to Worry About!

Posted on April 5, 2025 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was a relaxing house cleaning day. We gave it a deep clean, so won’t need too much more work before we move out and David moves in. Nice to have everything so spic and span, especially as the Berettas are coming this evening, although I have to add we would have cleaned anyway!

I didn’t need to worry about the guest’s review. He gave a really nice one. It was far more than I expected.

I sent him a message of thanks. There were a few things going on when he was here. The big hole down the side of the stairs was being dug. Then the plumber came and put in pipes. All that activity made me feel a little uncomfortable that there was extra noise and dust. Clearly that was no problem for him. He was also the reason we bought a sign for our stairs. He expressed a lot of concern over the stairs.  We should have got the sign a lot time ago –  was a bit long in coming but as the stairs are rock and uneven, we need to protect ourselves from a law suit. Whether this will do it, I’m not sure.

The other thing that has happened is the big rock is down off the mountain. This was October 2023.

Courage and his handlanger managed to do this…

That was a lot of work. It still has to be broken up, but at least it’s down. Courage has done such a lot of work since October 2023. The gabion basket walls are now complete.

And with that, our guests are about to arrive.

Psalm 77:14
You are the God who performs miracles; You display your power among the peoples.

We are never without hope or help.

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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Bad Haircut Day

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I determined I could live with my bushy hair no longer so, after work mid afternoon, I walked to Fish Hoek to find a hairdresser. I had seen someone on FB talk of one and decided to go there. I stopped outside and read the sign. Even though it looked like a barber shop, they did do ladies cuts, so in I walked. It was a brave step! There was a lady and a gentleman in the shop but when I asked the lady is they did lady’s hair, it was the man who stepped in and said yes. With that I was told to sit down at the mirror. I obediently took my seat and waited. I thought perhaps he was messaging the lady stylist as I sat there for quite some minutes, so it was with some surprise that he soon stopped what he was doing and approached me. He put the cape around me and then in broken English (that should have been a sign) asked me what I wanted. I told him I want about 2cm (I was being conservative) taken off all round, but keep the shape.

As he approached me with his large sharp scissors, I had a hard time keeping a straight face. It was just the way he did it – with his arm almost fully stretched out, slightly raised, scissors poised. At the first cut, I knew 2cm all around keeping the shape was not going to be today’s style.  To my horror, he took a chunk of my hair at the back and lopped off about 10cm to half way up the back of my head. Once that was done, it was too late to do anything. I had to sit tight and hope for the best.

I was pleased to get out with hair still on my head, but I haven’t had it this short in years!

David took a pic of the back

Fortunately, it will grow.  It wasn’t too bad a cut in the end, just a very short one. It reminded me of when Sara Abrahams cut my hair when we were both 10. Her mother was a hairdresser and she aspired to be one too. I was a willing guinea pig. Of course, she made a complete mess up & both our mothers were seriously unimpressed. When I connected with Sara on Facebook a few years ago, she apologised! Ha ha. This was her recollection of it…

It was the second time this week I had to suppress a smile. The first time was when I was speaking to someone and they said they were keen to ‘yelp’ people.

This morning I encountered these words of Jesus.

Luke 11:9-10
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

I have experienced them to be true.

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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