CCFm’s 30th Birthday Celebration

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day after CCFm’s 30th Birthday Celebration which we went to last night. It was great to connect with old friends and catch up.

It was also good to be reminded of God’s faithfulness over the last 30 years. I sat next to Sandy Day who regaled me with her African adventures.  There are 54 countries in Africa and Sandy has been to a whopping 24 of them, including crazy places such as Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin and Gabon. She’s also been to Mali & had a horrific night on an incredibly beautiful island off Madagascar – all due to the growling lemurs! Such stories to tell. Definitely need to have her round again.

We got home late and I got to bed just before midnight. I woke up before 5am, so am really tired now. I also worked for 8 hours. The Little Lookout is fully ready for guests who are coming for 3 nights tomorrow. I’ve also opened it from Sunday to Sunday. Julian only returns on 19th, so David is up on his floor and the Little Lookout is empty. It will be interesting to see how long it takes to be booked.

David has not had a good day. He’s been really tired, had a headache, very sore muscles and a tight chest. I’m always hopeful the bad comes before the good and these are signs of the blood clots breaking down. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better.

The wind is expected to drop overnight, so hopefully tomorrow we’ll get a swim in.

Isaiah 43:25
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake,
and remembers your sins no more.

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 Lord Knows

Posted on December 5, 2023 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was a difficult day for our family as we heard that your Oupa is very, very ill. We are so sorry.  He is a fine man with a love for gardening and he has given us so many plants, including this one. He gave it to us in 2021 and it’s still going strong.

We will be praying for you & especially Oupa Ron. I’m so glad you are just around the corner from him.  We need to appreciate every day, because these things happen so suddenly and unexpectedly. Our life’s end comes when it is supposed to come. The Lord knows when that will be.

The wind has picked up so there was no beach for us today. I took Julian to the airport and then came home to work. We also put final touches to the cottage and are currently waiting for the guest to arrive.  I have a feeling she is driving from Johannesburg and will be here much later tonight, so we’ve left the lights on & the key in the lockbox. 

On the David front, yesterday he started Nattokinase. We’ll see if it helps.

And tonight, Mike and I get to go to the CCFm end of year dinner. We are looking forward to that – we will catch up with friends.

Isaiah 43:18-19
This is what the Lord says—“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

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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My Last Open Water Swim For Now

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today is your Mom’s birthday, so we got to have a chat. I am sure you have a lovely day with her. Such a special day for me. Love you Stace!

This morning, I woke up early and after my regular routine worked for more than an hour. Initially, there was some rain, so we thought we wouldn’t go, but when the sun broke through, we got ready and just after 8am we were on our way.  I got in off the cat walk and swam back to the Sunny Cove bridge – the furthest in the open water I’ve ever swum. I turned around and swam easily back to the beach. There was a lot of kelp and murky water, so I didn’t rush, swam more with my head above the water and just enjoyed the morning. It was beautiful. Arriving at the netted section, the tide was quite high and without seaweed, the water was pristine and clear. It was a joy to swim. I began to think I don’t need to swim along the cat walk again, but then this afternoon, my decision was finalised. Look!

Whenever I swim, I’m aware I’m in their territory but I don’t want to be the next shark snack, so with the water warm and wonderful, I’ll stay inside the safety zone. I think the wind will be blowing the next few days but for today it was spectacular.

Home for breakfast, cappuccino and work.

Also a little laugh at Claw’d who tried out the towel cupboard..

He got in and then couldn’t turn around so had to reverse out. They have spent a lot of time indoors today.

We are gearing up for the season – we are pretty much fully booked for the next couple of months.

Isaiah 43:15
I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.”

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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Swellendam to Home

Posted on December 3, 2023 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie,

Today was the day we were up early to say goodbye to you. We so enjoyed being at your Preschool graduation last night. You are a star! It was such fun. So much work went into it and we appreciated it so much.

Well done for doing your self-portrait all by yourself. An excellent likeness!

It’s always bitter sweet to say goodbye, but we will video chat soon and send each other voice notes. I love to  you to bits!

We hit the road just before 7am and had an uneventful trip home through the harvested southern Cape. Beautiful day for driving.

We got home just before 10am and all was well. Claw’d seemed please to see us. Raiku was absent for most of the day but nonchalantly put in a brief appearance before going back outside. Later he was more affectionate. Today, this happened – Claw’d has shown no interest. Raiku has attempted to bit the branches a couple of times, so we move it a little further into the corner.

A late afternoon down to the beach and we found the net being taken in.

And so the holiday season has begun.

We are praying tonight for Ron who has unexpectedly been admitted to hospital.

Isaiah 43:12
I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am 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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Day in Swellendam

Posted on December 2, 2023 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we spent in Swellendam with you! I loved to hear you say, ‘I’m happy’. you are sitting at your table playing with your lego. One day when you read this, you may remember it. You are so good at writing and wrote down all our names.  We started the day going walking. It’s been much cooler today. Start of the walk…

This morning,  you went to your final rehearsal for you Jungle end of year performance this evening. We shopped and then we spent the rest of the day playing lego and Grandpa showed you how he draws a house.

All fun.

An early blog because we are gearing up for this evening.

Isaiah 43:11
I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.

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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Disney in Swellendam

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today we are with you! We were happy to be able to go to your Disney dance performance where you did such a good job.

This year is the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company and they have an hour long musical available to put dance to. The dancing was excellent.

We had woken up really early this morning & after our regular routine, we headed for the beach around 7.30am. I swam to the lighthouse and back and then to the barrel and back to the beach. I am such a slow swimmer. I need to try get faster!

Home for a couple of hours work and then we packed and left home at 11.45am. We had an uneventful trip along the N2, although the traffic getting through Somerset West was pretty heavy. The colourful rolling hills have given way to the miles and miles of barren brown fields following the  harvesting of wheat and canola. It is the cycle of seasons unfolding.

Arriving in Swellendam, we headed straight to the LandbouMark where we had been instructed by Courage to buy more paper towel…this will last us a while…

It’s great to have some family time here.

Isaiah 43:5
Do not be afraid, for I am with 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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Mike Painted a Picture

Posted on November 30, 2023 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today’s the day before the day I get to see you! I’m so excited to be spending the weekend with you and see your two concerts. This time tomorrow we will be with you!

Today was also the day we went to the beach. My knee is fine after yesterday’s ding. Swimming was easy and walking is no problem. It has been a spectacular day with very little wind.

It has turned into a beautiful still balmy evening. They don’t come around often.

Today, Courage and Brian made another batch of the wire cages for the gabion baskets.

They have made good progress…

I worked for about 6 hours, but the main event of the day was Mike finished his picture. He went for his art class this afternoon and put the final touches to what has turned out to be an amazing first attempt at proper painting…

Now it needs a frame and a spot on the wall.

Final day of the month. It’s had its ups and downs. When one day is hard we just wait until the next day comes. We take a day at a time and if a day is too much, we just need to take the next hour.

Isaiah 43:3
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

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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Today I Fell But Not Badly

Posted on November 29, 2023 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I had a little, fortunately non-consequential, fall. It happened after Julian arrived and we were up on the building site looking at progress. As I walked back towards the stairs, I thought I was walking on rock but instead it was sand and I slipped falling forward and banging my right knee on the rocks. A-o, it was sore! I really thought I’d hurt my knee. I hobbled back inside and put an ice pack on it. When I had a closer look, I had a fat shining bruise with a little broken skin & some swelling just below my knee. My knee itself is fine so going up and down the stairs won’t be a problem. It’s just going to be sore for a few days. I decided to lie on my bed and rest it before dinner and while I was doing so, I went onto You Tube. This was recommended to me. Wow! Joni Eareckson Tada is now 74 and is living out her older years in a lot of pain. In this interview, she is candid about her suffering.

What an example. Certainly worth the 30 minutes of viewing.  I wouldn’t have watched it if I hadn’t fallen.

Today was also the day we walked across to Sun Valley to pick up the car.  This was probably about half way – it’s looking back from Ranger Rd.

Home for breakfast and then I worked 5 hours. Almost the end of the month.

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters,  I will be with you;  and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire,  you will not be burned;  the flames will not set you ablaze.

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 No-Beach Day

Posted on November 28, 2023 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx

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Summer is Here

Posted on November 27, 2023 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

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

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

Very special.

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

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

Isaiah 42:10

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

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

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx

 

 

 

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Super Restful Day

Posted on November 26, 2023 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

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

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

A beautiful evening ..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx

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The Derelict House

Posted on November 25, 2023 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

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

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

The beach today – idyllic – again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unexpected things for sure.

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

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx

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Swimming Along the Cat Walk

Posted on November 24, 2023 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

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

This is what the map showed…

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

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

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

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

Mike and David have been playing chess…serious stuff…

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

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

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

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

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

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx

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A Wonderful Swim

Posted on November 23, 2023 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx

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The Building of Boundary Walls

Posted on November 22, 2023 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

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

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

The first one…with the second cage in place.

Today Courage and Brian worked on the second level..

It’s a lot of hard work.

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

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

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

A quieter day than usual.

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

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

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx

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