Tanks Overflowed

Posted on June 4, 2023 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day it poured with rain in the afternoon and the tanks started to overflow. The only thing was is the water was gushing down the mountain and over the gabion baskets and down some stairs. It was saturating already saturated ground and we don’t want any ground to collapse.

Mike went down to dig a gully to direct the flow away from the gabion baskets.

He got a good soaking himself but the job was soon done. I didn’t do much except pass him some rocks to make an edge for the little trench he had dug. At least now when it pours with rain again, the water won’t cause a deluge over the rocks. Courage and Brian can do a better job tomorrow.

This morning, I watched another big Boeing fly over False Bay… there it is above the red line.

Filled with excited people returning or visiting, it left London 11 hours before.  I watched while it went behind clouds and then reappeared just before it landed.

I have to admit I love watching planes.

A truly restful day (and weekend) will end after we’ve had pizza for dinner!

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

Psalm 119:37
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your Word.

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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After the Storm

Posted on June 3, 2023 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Last night there was a big storm! The wind was very strong and the rain came down in buckets. By morning, the wind had dropped, but one of our balcony chair cushions had disappeared. It was quite a big one, so we didn’t think it could have gone far and sure enough it had been lifted up over the balcony by a strong gust and had flown about 15m before falling down next to the cottage. It was drenched and is now upstairs drying out.

I had a to-do list. We went to AP Jones for breakfast. On the way, I stopped into the podiatrist to pick up an adjusted insert, so that got done. I bought food for David. Back home mid morning, I got down to some knitting. From there it was a case of sitting mainly in my rocking chair, knitting, watching the rain fall. This afternoon, I actually even had a nap!

Saturday nights have become burger nights. David is teaching a guitar lesson at 6pm, so after that we’ll have burgers.

The rain is not over. Tomorrow morning, I think will be okay but another cold front rolls in tomorrow afternoon and dumps more rain on us. It’s good for the city dam levels, but there was damage from last night’s storm. A tree obstructed Boyes Drive. People had their fence blow down. Flashing blew off the neighbour’s house.

My attention has just been drawn to an international jet that has just flown over us. I opened the door to have a closer look & there was the moon.

Back to the plane. I imagined the excitement (and exhaustion) of the tourists about to land in Cape Town. United Airlines left New York 13 hours ago. By now, it will have landed in our chilly city.

Seeing the night and early morning planes leaving and approaching Cape Town airport is one of the fun things we enjoy doing. I sit in bed with my cell phone open to Flight Radar and watch the lights of the plane as they come and go.  I’ve followed them on FR until literally they are over the N2 and about to land – then we lose sight of them, depending on the weather of course. On a clear morning, we watch them heading off to all parts of South Africa and some of them to other parts of the world.   It’s one of the unexpected things of moving to this house. We didn’t realise we’d be able to see the airport.

A restful day.

Psalm 119:36
Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.

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 Storm is Brewing

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today is the day a storm is brewing. It’s all overcast and the wind is blowing in from the north. Also, the temperature has dropped and it’s got cold. Wind guru is always a good predictor of how strong the wind will be.

Looks like Monday will be a lovely still day.

Meanwhile, this morning Paul the engineer arrived and had a look at the work in progress. This wall has to go up a lot higher, so Paul explained what needs to be done.

He also had a look at the gabion baskets and had some suggestions about those as well.

A building engineer always sees things differently and Mike, a perfectionist, always wants things perfect. The good news is, the building at the back may not need piles, so that’s what we are aiming for. The top layer of gabion baskets that need to go on will be set back a bit and then it will be fine. It was such a useful visit from Paul.

Now it’s Friday evening, Freedom Foods fish for dinner and the weekend lies ahead. I’ve got knitting to do!

Psalm 119:35
Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.

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 Lamp is Up & On

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we got to turn on the lamp at the top of the stairs.

These things don’t just happen. The need to get designed, materials ordered & then constructed…all by Mike. The electrics need to be done for them as well. Today the whole thing got installed and tonight, as darkness falls, the solar for it will kick in and it will turn on for the duration of the night. Tomorrow, as the sun rises, it will turn off. For a very long time we have needed a light at the top of the stairs and now it is there!

You can also see beyond the light, even further up the stairs, a retaining rock wall is being built. I went up there to take a closer look. Courage and Brian have done a wonderful job but as Courage explained how high it was to go, I immediately thought, ‘we need to get our engineer in.’ So I called Paul Giloi and he and I had a chat. He will come up tomorrow to see.

At daybreak today we saw something we haven’t ever seen from our house before. We often see planes taking off across the bay. Today we saw a plane’s contrail for the first time. It was just a tiny one but it speaks to the cold air at that level. It’s hardly visible in the photo below, so I’ve put a red line under it.

Other events of the day, I kept on knitting. I’ve finished 2 strips.

Tonight I’ll start the 3rd.

Riana visited for afternoon tea. And Julian arrived. We walked to the end of the road, where the evening view was beautiful

David is absolutely exhausted today. We are hoping this is good news & the change for the better is coming.

And that is the day – the first day of June 2023.

Psalm 119:34

Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all 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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The Extruder

Posted on May 31, 2023 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I watched a video your Mom sent of you cleaning the ‘extruder!’ It’s so amazing that you can say such a big word and actually know what it is. You have a plastic lego-like one, which you were cleaning.

I needed to Google what an extruder is!

To be honest, I’d never used the word before and neither did I know what it was. Stacey being an engineer you get to learn a whole new vocabulary!

I stayed home today and worked 8 hours. We had more rain but it’s not as cold as yesterday. The tanks are full.  It looks like we may get a little sunshine tomorrow and Friday before another cold front hits over the weekend. It looks like it will be a blustery one.

The end of May. We hope by the end of June David will be on his way to a full recovery. Yesterday and today he has been particularly tired – hopefully this is a sign the medication is working.

Psalm 119:33
Teach me, Lord, the way of Your decrees, that I may follow it to the 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 Has Arrived

Posted on May 30, 2023 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day it was cold and rainy for most of the day. Last night there was torrential downpours and strong winds. This morning dawned with less wind and very overcast skies. Today’s rain arrived earlier than expected and by mid morning, Courage and Brian were working in the heavy drizzle.

Courage was really on a mission to try get part of the wall done.

For me I worked 6-7 hours and I took a drive to Fish Hoek to get some chores done.

Back home, we have been discussing how if we had a fireplace, tonight we would have a fire. We said that yesterday as well. Last winter we hardly mentioned the word. The first winter, we said it 5 times. We have got out an old fan heater and for the first time since moving into this house, we’ve got it on. Twas a misty afternoon.

David had a partly good day and partly tired one. The good part of the day is always in the morning. As the day draws on, his energy levels slip away and he becomes exhausted. He’s been on his medication 2 weeks. The doctor said after 2-3 weeks, he should feel terrible for a few days and then he will start improving. Soooo, we are waiting for a terrible few days and hoping they will be this week.

Psalm 119:32

I run in the path of Your commands,  for You have broadened my understanding.

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 in his Workshop

Posted on May 29, 2023 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day a strong black south-easter blew and a cold front started to make landfall. I got dressed up warmly in the long jersey I bought in Milan. Julian will remember the event. Mike was absolutely determined that I would buy some item of clothing while in the fashion centre of the world. This is completely contrary to my personality type, but eventually to please him and so we could move on with the day, I bought this lovely winter jersey – full disclosure: made in China, bought in Milan.

It is warm though. This photo was taken on my cell phone using a timer. It was a tricky business because the phone was balanced on the door handle of my balcony door! In the background on the bed – the strip of red – is the first finished strip of the knitting project. This knitting project has just gone from most likely only to be finished next year to good potential of being finished this year, because Stacey bought red wool today and she is joining me in knitting it. That’s a huge help! I’m onto the second strip. Mike was not around to take the photo because he was in his workshop. Under the house which once looked like this…

Now looks like this. This is at the entrance. The wood (and wheelbarrow) is stored on roughly hewn terraced rock shelves.

It opens up to literally Mike’s man cave.

Mike loves wood.

He’s been working on a couple of projects. One was getting the curve of Julian’s back wall right.

And the other are the doors to the courtyard at our front entrance. I am super excited about these….

They will go in this space…

I was reminded this morning of what was going down on the plot 4 years ago. May 2019 the piling was being done. What’s interesting is the telephone pole you can see on the top right of this photo, is also in front of the gabion baskets in the photo above. How far we have come.

From Gabion baskets with the telephone pole still there.

Just amazing how time passes.  I’m feeling humbled looking at these photos. We never imagined living in a home like this, that’s for sure.

I worked for 6 hours and now I’m going to settle down into my rocking chair and knit some more.

Psalm 119:31

I hold fast to Your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame.

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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Sit & Knit

Posted on May 28, 2023 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I spent some time sitting and knitting. That was after church. The big knit project has everything to do with you. You love red & I figured knitting you a red blanket would be a good idea. Of course, I forgot how long knitting takes and I have a feeling this blanket will only be ready for winter 2024! I bought 2 balls each of 4 shades of red.

And then I started knitting a long strip of ‘squares’ rotating through each colour.

The plan is to have 10 squares per strip and then 8 strips, so the equivalent of 80 squares. Stacey will sew all the strips together to create a red blanket. So today I had a good session. It was a sit and knit kind of day. More to come this evening.

Knitting is therapeutic for sure and also gets me off my cell phone.

Late afternoon, I walked to Fish Hoek to get some yoghurt for breakfast. There is an impending storm brewing and it’s from the south-east. A black south-easter. These are taken from Daisy Lane.

A nice weekend was had by all. David is doing okay. He’s not got his energy back yet but he seems to be on the mend. Hoping for good things this week.

Psalm 119:30
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on 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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Waffles for Breakfast

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

It was good to speak to you today! I’m glad you liked the frilly skirt I gave you for your birthday. I can’t wait to see you again soon.

I didn’t tell you but today was the day we had waffles for breakfast. We decided to walk to Kalk Bay and chose Waffle & Co for breakfast. We used to go to this terrace restaurant in years gone by when it had a different owner. It was closed for a long while and now is Waffle & Co. It’s on Kalk Bay Main Rd. with the al fresco section under orange umbrellas.

There is also seating inside and apparently there is a fireplace and it’s warm and cozy.

I prefer outside because of the view.

The Menu…

Mike chose a Winston Churchill.

I chose Not a Waffle…

It arrived quite quickly and was not delayed due to load shedding at all. One thing I can tell you, the place was buzzing. When we walked past later, they had closed it due to being full. It was a good choice and we’ll happily go back.

We walked home and were happy to put our feet up. It’s about 4km each way.

I have started a knitting project! More about that another day. I don’t think I have done any proper knitting for about 30 years. Hopefully, I will finish this project otherwise Stacey may have to come to the rescue! If it’s red, it must be for someone special!

It’s been a good Saturday and there are burgers for dinner.

Psalm 119:19
I am a stranger on earth; do not hide Your commands from me.

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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Fish Hoek Dune Rehabilitation

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today it has been overcast and chilly. Late yesterday afternoon, we took a walk to Fish Hoek to see the dune rehabilitation. We could see they had been working on the dunes but now there is more to see. This is what it looked like when they first started…

Now it looks like this…

This is the entrance to the Surf Ski club. It’s the point where the big orange bin was a useful marker for when paddlers returned to the beach.

The big front end loader going home for the night.

Now they are working way down on the Clovelly side so we’ll have to walk down there one day and see what’s happening.  Time will tell how effective it is.

I worked for 6 hours today. We also took a lunchtime walk to Fish Hoek to buy some groceries.

Today I saw the fantastic 3 sheep in the field you, Elsie did at school. I love the picture. Well done!

Weekend!

Psalm 119:18
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

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 Main Event

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

The main event of the day was David’s return from Johannesburg. He arrived back safe and sound. We had gone to the airport in driving rain which is still falling. I met him at arrivals and we went up the escalator and out to Mike who was waiting at the drop/go. You are not allowed to go out the ‘in’ doors of the drop/go upstairs but I asked for permission for David and I to sneak through. It’s by far the shortest route. He hopes to have his passport picked up Monday or Tuesday and then Julian can bring it to Cape Town on Wednesday. Now he has time to rest and recover. Hopefully the medication he is on will start to kick in in the next week or two and he’ll start feeling better – that means getting his energy back. But this was a huge step. At least he has kept alive the opportunity to go to China, albeit in three months time.

We woke up to falling rain and it rained steadily until after 12noon when there was a short respite. Now it has started again. The wind is not blowing – it’s just steady light rain. Very good for the dams and the tanks. Not so good for solar panels and charging batteries. We need Eskom to do that so we can get through the next loadshedding and the night to come. Tomorrow, by 9am the sun should be out enough to charge the batteries.

Brian and Courage have had to find other things to do. Courage put up a few pictures, wooden tables have been sanded down, wood has been painted and Julian’s unit spruced up. This afternoon, Mike is working in the workshop on his lampstand while the wood dries. I guess it’s not a bad thing for the guys to have a break from moving massive rocks to make gabion baskets and walls. At least their muscles can rest for today.

I’ve worked for 5 hours and have turned the clock off and am enjoying the rainy day. Hence the super early blog.

Psalm 119:12
Praise be to You, Lord; 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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Outside Work Continues

Posted on May 24, 2023 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day David had his visit to the Chinese embassy in Johannesburg and all went well. His passport should be available for collection by Monday and he will then have 3 months to get better enough to get to China. We’ll take it day by day.

Meanwhile, back home, Courage and Brian have been working hard. Down the side of the house, initially, it looked like this…

Then a bit of levelling and paving happened.

This year Courage and Brian have been building gabion baskets down the side.

Now it looks like this…

Meanwhile at the very top of the stairs on the other side, foundations have been put in for the feature wall

And Mike has been working on the gate to our entrance which we will soon get. He’s putting in space for a lamp and a camera so we can see who is coming up and down the stairs.

It’s always fun to see things happen.

I worked for 8 hours and have pretty much caught up. Tomorrow rain is due to set in from about 4am. The morning looks like this…

It’s due to abate a bit in the afternoon.

The other thing that happened today is guests arrived! Mom and Dad with little 18 month old Ava booked the Seaview Apartment. They asked for an extra mattress. I asked a few questions and quickly learned the cottage would suit them better so when they arrived I showed them round both places and they chose the cottage. Airbnb has an easy swap function where you can change one rental unit for another, so that’s what we did and now they are happily ensconced in the cottage til a week on Friday.

As I wrap up the day, I was thinking about last night. By 8pm, I was so tired, I could not keep my eyes open. I feel asleep minutes after 8pm and slept soundly through to 3am. It was amazing! I woke up at 3am feeling so refreshed. I managed to have another hour or so and feel I have caught up some lost sleep.

Psalm 119:11

I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against 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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David Arrived in Jo’burg

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day that began super early with Mike taking David to the airport. His long Covid results in him having energy in the morning and none in the afternoon. He also struggles to walk further than about 200 meters so walking through the airport was always going to be a challenge. He has left this trip to the Chinese embassy to the very last minute. Literally he has one more week to get a visa in his passport before he would have to start the long drawn out and expensive process again. So he took the plunge, booked his plane ticket – requested a wheelchair and made an appointment with the embassy for tomorrow. Mike saw him to the Safair counter where he was managed by an air hostess who wheeled him all the way from the counter, through security to the Mugg and Bean for breakfast. Leaving him there, she returned in time to get him on board. On arriving in Johannesburg, she wheeled him 100s of meters to get him through to the exit where he walked a few steps to an Uber. That wheelchair took a great deal of humility to order but it was the perfect answer to maintain his energy levels.

In Johannesburg, first thing he needed to do was to meet Elizabeth, who has got so big. Jess tells me she now almost weighs 5.5kg.

Precious one.

David can’t believe how cold it is in Joburg – he’s glad he has Stacey’s super warm jacket.

Meanwhile, at home, the early morning looked magical from my desk.

And the sun soon rose.

I did all the laundry and worked for most of the day. Later in the day, Julian also caught a flight back to Johannesburg, so he’ll have dinner with David tonight as well. David considered getting on the same flight, but decided to find an earlier one so he would have more energy to manage it.

Tomorrow rain is forecast, so I need to get out and get some walking done.

Today I listened to all of Psalm 119. Such an excellent 15 minutes.

Psalm 119:10
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from 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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Quick Trip Home

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we had a quick trip home from Swellendam. Somehow, leaving on a Monday morning at 7.45am was the sweet spot. It was 6 degrees in Swellendam  this morning, so we noticed the chill. There was not a lot of traffic and we drove up 3 hours later. It took us an hour and 5 minutes from Paul Cluver which was really good timing. Somerset West had load shedding so most of the traffic lights were out which made it quick and easy as stop streets.

After getting home, I had a little break and then worked for the rest of the afternoon, enjoying very much my unique “manicure by Elsie!”

David really enjoyed his jacket made by Stacey – it looks like it is just off the shelf of Cape Union Mart. Made to fit for David. What an amazing job.

David meantime is particularly tired today and has a headache, but hopefully a good night sleep will enable him to fly to Johannesburg early tomorrow. He’s hoping to get his passport to the Chinese embassy on Wednesday and fly back on Thursday. And with his medication kicking in, it may be a grueling few days. Fortunately, he can rest in Johannesburg before and after the embassy visit.

We returned to a beautiful windless day in Cape Town & tomorrow should be okay as well.

Psalm 119:1
Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.

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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Elsie Turns 5

Posted on May 21, 2023 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today you turned 5!! I was so excited to be with you and we had a lot of fun. You got lots of lovely gifts including books from Oupa, Lego & nail varnish from Mama and Papa (among other things) and we gave you some clothes and a tent! You also got other things from other people including marshmallows and a sticker book. Here are some of the photos from the day. You loved the wooden letters for your name.

In the tent….

We had such a fine time in the tent. I got to hear all about you wanting to become a teacher like Jevrou Elisma. She was kind to you which has left a lasting impact. At 5 you have a special emotional intelligence which is noticeable when you talk about school. You think more than you speak. I loved that you wanted to pray before we ate your birthday cake.

The sticker book.

And I got my nails done!

I just loved it! You are beyond special. I look forward to seeing you again soon & every time I look at my nails I think of you!

Back home, David has had some symptoms become a little worse which is good. He gets somewhat worse pain in his legs after taking his medication. It seems to indicate that the microclots are breaking up. The Doc said it should take 3 weeks for this to happen. We’ll see.

Psalm 105:5
Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced

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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