What Everyone Wants

Posted on July 3, 2023 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I was reminded of what everyone wants. Everyone wants to be accepted. This last weekend we had guests arrive. When they booked last week, I was a little concerned about their reviews. Some of the comments were less than complimentary, speaking of a few things that happened, like noise, complaining neighbours & extra guests. It was all a bit disconcerting for me but as they could book instantly and I have never cancelled a booking since starting on Airbnb, I went through with the reservation. When I contacted the guest, she was polite and friendly. Throughout the process, I avoided mentioning her reviews. I just ignored the written comments and treated the couple like any other guests. As a result, it all worked out extremely well and I’ve just left them a 5 star review. Everyone wants to be accepted, no matter how different we are to each other. I may think they are different and for sure they think we are different to them. We are all just people trying to find our way in the world.

Today was quite a slow work day which was a treat. I only worked about 6 hours which is unusual for a Monday.

As a result Mike and I walked to Fish Hoek for a few groceries and came home past the Garden of Remembrance. Both volunteers and the City have taken control of this once neglected monument with the surrounding park area. Now it’s looking beautiful.

We walked back along Daisy Lane. The first tiny daisies have begun to sprout.

Come spring, they will be tall and willowy and topped with beautiful yellow daisies.

You can see it’s been another lovely day.

Mike and I are debating doing another long cruise. I like to get the hard work of flying done up front and cruising back from Europe. We had that in mind for late next year to celebrate my 60th birthday, but Mike suggested we do the northern cruise earlier next year. The prices are pretty good. We’ll see how David gets along over the next month or two and then decide. This year has certainly turned out differently to what we expected. And with it being July, it’s flown by.

Psalm 123:1
I lift up my eyes to You, to You who sit enthroned in heaven.

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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Walking in Silvermine Nature Reserve

Posted on July 2, 2023 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie,

I was glad to have a chat with you today and to see how well the changes to your house have come along. It’s looking great!

I woke up after another night of palpitations and decided to go be checked out. I have procrastinated about this since returning from St Helena, so I was really glad I did it. It was very easy walking into a hospital, having an ECG and blood tests, being told they were all normal and coming home.

We then had a relaxing morning where we even got a bit of sun.

It’s just been this kind of splendid day and after all the rain, it’s beautiful to experience. This photo is of Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town posted on Facebook by Philip Dukas///

One day I’d love to climb up to that point above Kalk Bay. For today,  we went for a long afternoon walk through Silvermine Nature Reserve from Gate 2.

Starting off…

The fynbos is exploding after all the rain. At the top..

And the path back home…

Dinner with the family – talking of which, Gerrie sent this really cute family photo. Elizabeth just over 4 months and as cute as a button.

Weekend over. Here’s an unexpected video David showed me. Gulp!

Psalm 121:7-8

The Lord will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

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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Walking the Pipetrack

Posted on July 1, 2023 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

I missed speaking to you today, but it was the day we walked Cape Town’s famous pipe track. The pipe track dates back to 1887. It was built to carry water from the Disa George, at the back of the Table Mountain to the Molteno reservoir in Oranjezicht.

As we walked, I realised I’ve never been along this hiking route. It won’t be the last that’s for sure.  It goes on and on and I think you could walk through to Bakoven. We walked about 45 minutes and then turned around. The photos tell the story. There is no sign saying, “Pipe Track”. Park at the closest parking area at the start of Table Mountain Rd, very close to Kloof Rd. It starts on the Camps Bay side just behind the Cable Way sign. This is where it begins.

Camps Bay and the 12 Apostles.

Interesting photo. My shadow taking the photo. Shadow of a massive tree that looks like a hand.

The water pipes are clearly visible in varying degrees.

Walking beneath the Water Treatment plant.

Looking up at the Cable Car building.The views are altogether spectacular and today was the perfect day to enjoy them. The weather was lovely.

Absolutely worth the drive to Cape Town. I’d love to do it again and go a bit more prepared for a longer ramble. Maybe tomorrow we’ll go somewhere else.

Psalm 121:5-6

The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

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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David Update

Posted on June 30, 2023 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today was another cooler day, where there was some more light rain, but it’s finally given way to patchy blue skies and the hope of dry weather over the weekend.

Today I also went out to get David’s new prescription filled. This is his triple therapy.

After his last blood work a couple of weeks ago we did not hear back so we presumed to just carry on. Only today when I called the Dr’s rooms to find out the next steps (I wanted to get his next month of meds) did they say they had emailed him and a few hours later we discovered they were emailing to the wrong email address (they were spelling his name Dawid!) They had sent him a batch of images of his platelets and plasma and the email read that the platelets were unchanged (not good news) but the plasma was normal (good news). These are a couple of the plasma slides greatly magnified…so this is normal…. (when diagnosed, his plasma looked like his platelets).

This is what abnormal looks like – these are his platelets.  The big splotches are what highly magnified microclots look like. David’s platelets are full of them which is why he’s not better yet.

So the blood thinning medication has gone a good way to dissolving the micro-clots in the plasma but still need to reduce the clots in the platelets. As far as how he is feeling goes – he agrees on two things:

  1. He feels he’s heading in the right direction.
  2. He’s having more good days than bad days.

What hasn’t happened is the initial expectation we had that he will be on the  medication for 2-3 weeks, have 2-3 awful days and then be better. Oh how we wish! It’s 6 weeks and he has had some awful days but on no days has he been as ‘right as rain!’

But for sure, I will take ‘heading in the right direction’ and ‘having more good days than bad.’ He is still not able to walk for any sort of distance but he hopes that will change soon. We just keep taking one day at a time.

We are so grateful to see the bloodwork has shown an improvement in the plasma. The platelets will follow. He needs more bloods at the end of July. God willing by then, he’ll have his energy back and be able to kick his walking stick to the kerb.

Psalm 121:3-4
He will not let your foot slip— He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

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 Wall Goes Up

Posted on June 29, 2023 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today I saw your house and how much the building has come along. It’s looking amazing and I can’t wait for it to be finished.

Today was also the day the beautiful sunshine of yesterday gave way to rain. The drizzle fell on a cool wintery windless day. It was a good day to be inside. I worked most of the morning and then had a break, by going shopping. I spent a happy amount of time under my blanket on my rocking chair before doing some more work.

I’ve just been outside to see how the wall is coming along. The rain comes down but still the wall goes up. This was a couple of days ago…

And this is now…

It’s looking great. There is quite a lot of work to do this side of the house but once done it will be clean and paved with not the mud there is now. Also there will be a drainage system going down the boundary so any overflow from the tanks drains away from the gabion baskets and away from the neighbour’s pation.

Mike and Julian have gone for a walk. I chose to stay home. Down the stairs they go as the drizzle began to fall.

The trees on our property have benefitted a bit too much from the rain. All of them have grown in abundance and need to be trimmed. The tree in the photo above will one day have to be chopped down in its entirety to make way, we hope, for the funicular. Trees on the other side are also needing pruning as they are touching an internet wire. Talking of trees, there’s no news from the Council regarding the tree that needs to be cut away from the power lines – I think the weather may have something to do with that.

Now it’s time for me to get dinner in order.

Psalm 121:2

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

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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Beautiful Sunshine

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day that dawned perfectly still. There was some cloud but there was also the promise of sunshine. Ah, beautiful sunshine. We needed the sun to get washing dry and solar batteries charged. Both were happily achieved. With the dams 95.6% full, Cape Town has certainly had her fair share of rain and winter just begun, so the sunshine was more than welcome.

The laundry got done. We don’t have formal washing lines, so we use a clothes horse as well as these drying racks which are really effective. I usually hang shirts on hangers and then load up each rack. Once dry they just get hung back in our cupboards. Today after they were taken inside, I spread out linen and David’s heavy pants and jackets on them.  I can also move them to where the sun is warmest.

Most of it’s in now. There’s just a couple of towels getting their final drying. With the sunshine, today was also a good day for tumble drying, so some of the heavy stuff began its dry in the drier. It’s a bit of an anomaly that Mike doesn’t want the tumble drier used when it’s heavily overcast (which is when we need the tumble drier most!) because of how heavy it is on the solar batteries. Today was a good day to benefit from it because it’s winter sun after all and the towels and jackets can go for a tumble first.

The other entertainment for the day was the SA Navy’s submarine that has been trawling around False Bay. Photo by Gavin Finlayson.

After the horrible events of the Ocean Gate Titan at the site of the Titanic last week, I think everyone looked at this one with fresh eyes.

Julian arrived today and joined  Mike, Courage and engineer Paul. They are huddled around the wall at the top plot discussing the requirements.

It was good to have Paul. He’s such a nice guy and so helpful.

Time now for the evening routine. Dinner is done and we are about to watch a Grand Design.

One of my favourite Psalms. I learned it off by heart…

Psalm 121:1

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?

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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Gloomy Day

Posted on June 27, 2023 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day that was very very cloudy. We may have had a shower but generally it was just very overcast.

My windows are really dull right now. Combination of salt and sea has misted them up and from inside it looks even gloomier than out.

And this is after I’ve thrown water at them to try rinse them clean. If the black south-easter had indeed bought great lashings of rain that were forecast, it would have done a good job in cleaning the windows. I think they need the magic Courage touch tomorrow. He has other things on his mind, so I may  have to do them myself. Courage is working hard on the wall behind the workshop.

It’s also part of the boundary wall he’s building. He’s really good at building with rock.

For me, I worked 8 hours today and had a productive day, although I gave up without finishing some work because our system was so slow. Tomorrow is another day.

David update: he is pretty much the same. Busy seeing his friend out and we will have dinner.

Psalm 120:1

I call on the Lord in my distress,  and He answers me.

Good verse!

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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City Working for Me

Posted on June 26, 2023 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day you had sushi for lunch! Yum! 🍣😋 You really looked like you were enjoying it.

For us the wind blew and as it did, I watched the branches of the tree next to the cottage clobbering the electric wires. That tree is in the council land between our house and the one next door.  It’s a 3m lane between our houses that belong to the Council, so the trees are their responsibility. I went online to find out how to report it and found the website immediately. I simply followed instructions. Then I took myself down to the road and took a few photos. We’ve had so much rain, the trees and shrubs have shot up.

I submitted the problem at about 12.15pm. I immediately got an SMS to say it had been logged. Then I got an SMS to say it had been set to progress and at around 3.30pm the electricity department arrived to do an inspection. All so good so far. Now we’ll wait to see how long they actually take to come and cut the tree back. But so far the City is Working for Me! Actually this is the city’s old logo, but we still remember it. I think the one below (Making progress possible. Together) is the new one that’s all over their website.

Anyway, we’ll see how long it takes for the trees to actually be trimmed.

I saw this online yesterday and thought it was a good reminder.

Good tips for sure.

Meanwhile, David has had quite a busy day. He has felt pretty tired, but this morning before he went off to teach, I gave him a Vitamin B slow release tablet and that seemed to help. One of the things he has done during this slow inactive season is create a Chess channel on YouTube. It’s growing very slowly, but he won’t tell me its name so I can’t go subscribe. He’s also been streaming live chess. Because he’s been upstairs, he has been doing less stairs. He also hasn’t gone out at all, so the downside of the resting upstairs is he has been housebound. He’ll move down to the Little Lookout again this week.

I worked almost 8 hours.

Last verse of Psalm 119:176
I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.

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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Lower Slope of Table Mountain

Posted on June 25, 2023 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today the wind was blowing gales. When I first woke up and looked out at it, it reminded me so much of what the sea looks like from the ship. Mike woke up after 9am so church was missed. I had breakfast with David who was cheerful but tired. I’m so grateful for his mental and emotional health. He has shown great strength of character these last 4 months. It has not been easy but he has kept going with resilience and fortitude. It won’t be forever. He went off to teach and we decided to go into Cape Town and walk on the lower slope of Table Mountain. I googled the wind in Cape Town and it looked like it was moderate. When we got to Table Mountain Rd, the wind was strong enough for the Cable Car to be closed. This was helpful for us, because there was lots of parking.  This was our planned route. The arrow on the left is the sign post to each part of the mountain. The next arrow points to a tree which was going to be our major landmark. The arrow on the far right is the lookout point from where we would descend down to Kloof Corner.

The starting point…

Off we went…

Behind the cable car building.

Our eye on the tree…

Getting closer…

It took us 30 minutes to get to the signs. We had gone very slowly. We quickly saw which way not to go…

We chose the route to Kloof Corner, the far arrow below with 1400m to get there…

And a short walk away was the tree. This is the easy part. It’s a contour path – rocky but easy to walk.

There were quite a few people on the path so it’s very safe. In fact we passed two women walking on their own. The lookout point was worth the effort – a glorious view of Lion’s Head and Robben Island.

And Camps Bay with the 12 Apostles.

At that point there is this sign…

So that’s the route we took…

Down and down…

It actually did become easier and there were some very pretty parts. On a switchback towards the city..

And walking between Proteas…

Getting close to the road…

And finally at Kloof Corner. In the sign below, we started at the lower cable way station and went up the white line to the yellow line & turned right. The lookout point is just before the first bend of the the yellow line

From this point it was an easy road walk back to the car.

It wasn’t as long as I thought it would be. I don’t think I got to 10000 steps. Next time, I want to park at the bottom of Table Mountain road and walk along the pipeline. Maybe we’ll do that next weekend when Julian is here. I don’t think the wind will be as bad. By the time we got back to the car there was a howling gale and we were pleased to get out of it.

We drove home via the shops and picked up some groceries for dinner.

A good active day. Now for some rest.

Psalm 119:165
Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

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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Expensive Catfood!

Posted on June 24, 2023 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

It was great to speak to you today and see all the work you have been doing at pre-school. School holidays for you now and you are going to enjoy being at home for a few weeks.

For us this morning saw me finishing the final row for the scarf I had been knitting for Mike.

After we got up we walked into Fish Hoek and had breakfast at Gawjus.

Then along Fish Hoek Main Rd stopping at a few second hand shops before going to the Civic Centre market and onto Valyland where I bought  a crochet hook and a needle for wool so I could finish the scarf. Home after 11000 steps.  Scarf finished.

The other day, when I was shopping before Peter, Riana and Meggy came for dinner, I decided to buy Meggy one of her favourite snacks – cat food. I bought this.

Just up the aisle was a pack of Whiskas for kittens – 85g in gravy for R14.99 each, so this couldn’t be much more or less than that right? I bought it and a number of other things. I expected to spend about R500 or so. When the bill came to more than R600, I was surprised. I scanned through it at the till and saw some of the things I’d bought like biltong for David and dishwashing tablets and thought it was understandable. It was only after I got home, I took a closer look and there – the last item on the receipt – was my measly 55g pouch of dry Whiskas cat food.

R60 for that! I don’t know what’s in it but it wasn’t worth R60. Be warned cat people, the Whiskas pouch is a ‘treat’ and an expensive one at that. Close to R1200 a kilo. I’ll swap it out for more biltong for David!

Anyway, that’s been the day. I have soup on the stove and I’m off to sit in my rocking chair.

Oh and before I do, happy 1st birthday to my gorgeous great niece Ella, cousin to Elsie and Elizabeth. The three Es. Precious one.

Psalm 119:35
Make your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees.

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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Meggy and the Teddy

Posted on June 23, 2023 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day  you made a lion mask! Good job!

I had a good work day. I worked 8 hours. The day began sunny, turned cloudy, some rain fell and now it’s not so windy and the rain has stopped. Tomorrow more rain is expected. I feel quite bad because we have a guest coming Monday and leaving Saturday. The forecast for next week is rain Monday to Friday. Let’s hope they get it wrong.

Meanwhile, Mike, Courage and Brian have been working on a wall outside the workshop and along part of the side boundary. They got the foundations laid today.

Hopefully next week a wall will start appearing.

I worked until after 5pm and literally 15 minutes later, Peter, Riana and Meggy arrived for Freedom Foods Fish which was the reason I could carry on working til the last minute. Meggy didn’t have the fish but I did have a few snacks for her. Riana bought Meggy’s teddy along for company. Poor teddy takes a beating.

It was a lovely evening. David joined us for dessert and it was good to see him looking well and having had a good day. He had a 10 minute nap in the afternoon, but apart from that had enough energy to start teaching at 7am and had quite a busy day. I think it has made a difference him not going out. He’s right up at the top of the house and with 100 steps to the road, he’s staying put instead of the odd excursion to Olympia for a cappuccino.  He can take up that routine again when he moves back to the bottom of the house.

Psalm 119:114
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

That’s the truth.

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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Beautiful Sunshine

Posted on June 22, 2023 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day the sun rose. There was not a cloud in the sky and after what seems likes weeks and weeks of interminable cloud, rain and cold, the sun came out and shone its warmth over the saturated Cape. It influenced Swellendam too as your house finally started getting its new roof!

The photo below is looking towards Rooi Els. The sun was in the right place for this one. Beautiful blue skies and sea.

Everyone seemed a little happier today. It was so easy doing washing and there were less complaints about the cold and being cold, although I was surprised this morning when the weather showed it was a chilly start.

We enjoyed today while it has lasted. Tomorrow rain is forecast again, although I’m not sure from when. They say scattered showers. Over the next 7 days, we are expecting rain on 5 of them. The dam levels are now at 93.4% .

I’m glad we had today to enjoy and the washing has all been done.

Psalm 119:112
My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.

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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Winter Solstice 2023

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day that was gloomy for most of the day. I’ve just opened our door and there is a freezing wind. Brrr! It feels like there will be snow on those mountains. I had a look through the binoculars but couldn’t see any.

The winter solstice is today. The shortest day of the year comes to an end. Over the next weeks we will see the rising sun creep back towards the right of the distant mountains in the photo.

Today is also Riana’s birthday, so she  came with a couple of friends, bringing yummy soup. Mike made fresh bread which also went down a treat. That was a nice lunchtime break for me. As a result, I only worked about 6 hours.

Good news today. We heard insurance will fully cover the broken lens.

David was very happy about that.  Talking of David, he slept well last night for the first time in a while.  He also asked Julian if he could move up to his apartment for a change of scenery so he is there now enjoying the view. I’m so grateful for his good mental health.

I am now tucked up in bed with the electric blanket on high. I think we need to get electric blankets for all the beds.

Psalm 119:111
Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.

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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Wordle in One!

Posted on June 20, 2023 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day that the sun came out and started to dry up all the rain. We took an early morning walk to the shops to buy milk. On the way back got to enjoy the sun rising to warm up the city. This was taken from the walk up to Daisy Lane.

A beautiful day and a surprising one too. Spoiler alert for those that may do Wordle late in the day. The answer is below. My strategy for Wordle is one that Stacey passed onto me. You need to use 4 words that eliminate 20 of the 26 letters of the alphabet. This gives you the very best chance of getting the Word in the 6 allocated chances. I decided my first 2 words would be common ones so when they did come up, I would get the word in the first or second attempt. I play the main Wordle on the NY Times site and I have a second ‘unlimited Wordle’ app on my cell phone. Once, on the app my second word came up.  Today, on the NY Times main site,  I got the Wordle Word on the first go! My first word came up.

My 4 words are FROST, PINCH, LAWED & JUMBY.

With Frost gone, I’ll have to start using Pinch on the NY page. We’ve had it on the unlimited Wordle. Lawed and jumby are uncommon, so I doubt those will ever be selected. This morning when I punched in FROST and it was the word, I was blown away. Everyone was asleep. I sat and stared at it in wonderment! It won’t happen again in a long while. Here are my stats. As you can see, I’m not that good.

By the way, 127 days ago, back in February we left PE after visiting Monica, Mike’s sister. We left early in the morning and I missed a day’s play! Otherwise, my winning streak would be a whole lot longer. C’est la vie. Fr

A good work day – 8 hours.

Today is the 20th June. 14 years since this happened! Such a happy day.

Psalm 119:108
Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.

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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Dam Levels Almost 92%

Posted on June 19, 2023 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today it got very cold. The morning wasn’t so bad, but this afternoon the temperature seems to have dropped. I know Swellendam has been cold as well.

We have just got in from a walk. When we left there were grey clouds in front of bright white clouds.

And there was blue sky above.

We stopped to talk to one of the locals who has just finished building his house. On we went and within a few minutes there were a few drops of rain that changed to a shower. I cantered home, arriving slightly damp… but not drenched. That exercise was just what I needed to beat the cold. I arrived at the front door nicely out of breath, rosy cheeked and happily warmed up. It was very invigorating and just what I needed after working 9 fulfilling hours today.

With all the rain we’ve had, the dams of the Western Cape are filling fast. Nearly 92% and winter has only just begun.

Our next door neighbours are Jonathan & Jill along with their dog Badger and two cats (Basil and Sybil). They are super fit and recently did the Leopard Trail in the Eastern Cape where the longest day is 22km. I think there’s another day that was 19km. When they got back Jonathan said it wasn’t the hardest he’s ever done. I was so impressed as he and Jill are in my age group. I really would love to get fit enough to do some overnight hikes.

David update: no change. But one day there will be. I cannot wait for the day when I can announce he’s improved.

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

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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