Quick Road Trip to Swellendam

Posted on October 8, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I came to see you! It’s your final concert/ graduation from Grade R. Next year it’s Grade 1!! Woohoo. I left home and took a very leisurely drive through to Swellendam. I stopped at the 1-stop on the N2, just after Baden Powell, because it has a Woollies foodshop. I did some work with this view…they have a very nice area behind the shopping area.

Then it was on the road again where I encountered not one, but 2 stop & goes and got caught at both. The first was just before the Hermanus turnoff…

Look at that beautiful day! The other was just before Caledon and was quick so I didn’t get a photo. I got through to Caledon and had coffee at the Fresh stop where I did an excellent amount of work.

Funny story. I was on a video call with a colleague when I suddenly noticed there was a fire in the microwave (seen in the above photo). There were dancing flames. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I interrupted my Teams call and called to the man who was sitting at the table and said ‘there’s something happening in that microwave!’. He leapt up and retrieved his burning food from inside! He dropped it on the floor and stomped out the flames. Then he went and bought more food and with a little more care, warmed it up in the (surprisingly) still working microwave.

I arrived in Swellendam and had an early dinner before heading for the end of year concert which was a treat!  Entrance to the school.

Artwork!

What a lovely, memorable evening. So excited to be here.

1 Thessalonians 1:2
We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.

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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Remembering Granny Eve

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was a long work day but we did manage to find the balance. I did some early work and then went for a walk to the end of the road, back and around the Daisy Lane loop. After work, I did another walk and came home feeling quite refreshed. It has been a very windy day and this is the view at the end of the road.

This view regularly reminds me of Granny Eve (Elsie, that’s your Grandpa’s mother and it’s from her that you get your middle name). From time to time I would take her for a drive around Fish Hoek and (long) before we moved to this road, we drive here and admire the sea view. Never in our wildest dreams would I have imagined living on this road! Granny wouldn’t have either.

Here is Granny Eve, Grandpa Pieter and your Mom who was about 3 in this photo.

Grandpa passed away in 1998 and Granny lived on, deep into old age. From 2002 to 2013, she stayed with us. I well remember looking at her frail state and telling myself to enjoy these days because one day I’ll be saying, ‘oh wow, Granny has been gone for 5 years’.  Here she is at Barracudas on her 87th birthday

Just a couple of years later, she was looking very frail.

On this day, 7th October 2013, two months after her 89th birthday, she slipped away and is now in heaven where everything is so much better.  It was also a Monday that we got the call just after 8pm. It’s crazy that it’s now been 11 years. She was a wonderful, talented home maker, a very loving Mom and MIL and a marvellous Granny.  Such a special lady. Remembered very fondly. One day we’ll meet again.

I’m grateful for every remembrance of her.

Time for me to pack up for the day and get some rest.

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

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

Granny’s arrived!

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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All Happening Along Our Little Coast

Posted on October 6, 2024 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie,

Today was the day that it was all happening along our little bit of coast. It’s the Navy Festival weekend. I decided to do a very early walk (just after 6am) along the sea front towards Glencairn. I was expecting no Sunday traffic but with all the navy people needing to go set up, it was super busy. And then there was a 21km run on as well. The sunrise was against a misty backdrop.

Soon the ships came out…there is a guy on our street who took some excellent photos. Cred LJ Vosloo. This is the Brazilian navy vessel, Defensora. For quite some time, a SA Airforce Lynx helicopter stood on the landing pad with its engines running.

Finally, they turned the engine off. We never saw it take off. The ship moved away. Then there was also an Indian vessel.  According to LJ, this is the INS Talgar Indian Frigate

When it first went past, we could see all the Indian sailors standing to attention on the deck.  This one was  just off-shore until a short while ago.

Then to add to the activity, it was the day the steam train visited Simon’s Town, so that went past. This is the photo I took a few months ago as it passed through Sunny Cove.

At lunchtime, we walked to Fish Hoek for some groceries. Perfect beach day….

And we came home past a wonderful verge of smiling daisies…

We have had a (very) late lunch – more of a lupper and a quiet evening is ahead.

Jeremiah 6:16
This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

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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Early Morning on Elsie’s Peak

Posted on October 5, 2024 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we climbed ‘your’ peak! We haven’t done this for a while, so it was great to get out there before it got too hot and unbeknown to us, misty (current view)

We walked from home & learned it’s a 6km hike from our house to the top, a quick excursion to the cliff edge to look down on our house and doing the other side of the loop to return. I took photos at each km mark.

I started my watch clock on our stairs so the 1km & 6km photos are different. This was 1km. It’s the top of Contour Road where the road joins the mountain path.

The path winds its way around the lower mountain above the half – built house to a switchback and then the rocky path starts upwards. We got to the signpost. This marks the start of circular path.

We chose to go right on the upward journey and we came back on the left. It’s the same distance.

2km mark – looking back from where we had walked. The rock signpost can be seen. Beautiful morning. The higher you go the better it gets.

Approaching the summit…

3km to the top. These are the views…

We had our guests coming for coffee at 8.30am, so couldn’t dilly dally. It was a quick excursion to the cliff side to take photos of our house. Zoomed in…

Wide-angle photo…

It’s always good to take these photos as one day more houses will be dotted across the mountainside.  If we had a zipline, we could have got down in (probably) 90 seconds! No zip line or  foefie slide (only my South African colleagues knew what a foefie slide is)

We had to hot-foot it down. 4th km beautiful valley views…

5th km was from the lower path. I often take photos from this path.

And finally 6th km at our front gate.

It took us 1 hour and 49 minutes. Home by 8am. According to my fitness watch, to improve my fitness, this is the kind of exercise I should be doing every single day! What!?

By the time our guests knocked at the door, we were showered and ready for them. A lovely visit followed.

The rest of the day was quiet. I read and even had a sleep. Dinner next.

Colossians 1:27
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

In my Bible, under this verse, I’ve written, “It’s not about now”. So often I think of that line. It’s not about now – we are only passing through. When I think of the disabled, of those who have long term special needs, those who are mentally challenged – 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 2024 Has Arrived

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we really felt summer had arrived – the first real signs of it. The golden orb of sunrise.

I left for an early morning walk. It was close to 7am and already there were a dozen or more swimmers and the trek fishermen were back in action.

I went up Contour and along the lower peak path. The mountain had bouquets of flowers.

Then I went a little way along Berg Rd, embracing the day.

I was home before 8am. I got to work. I think soon, when the UK clocks turn back an hour (27th October), on days like today, we’ll head for the beach. It seems crazy not to have swum today. The beach is calling my name.

Right now, I’m sitting outside on the balcony and this is my view…perfect windless evening.

Tomorrow, we’re  hoping to get up really early and climb the mountain. I plan to be back by about 7.45am, so we can shower ahead of the guests coming up for coffee at 8.30am. The weather this weekend looks full summer!

A productive week comes to an end. Today I started Colossians.

Colossians 1:15-17
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

We are safe!

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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Is There a Ship On Fire in the Bay?

Posted on October 3, 2024 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day that while I was working, this message popped up on our street whatsapp group…it certainly got our attention.

We rushed outside onto the balcony and looked through binoculars and the telescope. We then decided it was a good time to go for a walk, so we headed off down Simon’s Town road in time to see a couple of tugs accompanying the ship back to the harbour. Mike took this photo..

We couldn’t see any flames and all the sailors were just standing on deck and not rushing around, so we figured it was just an exercise.  It was very dramatic though and with the south-easter blowing the smoke was quite acrid. Later a guy called Gary added, “Russian naval vessels use a cheaper, thick, tar-like fuel called mazut, that emits lots of smoke”. So that was that then. We headed home.

A lovely sunny day. The wind didn’t drop as much as expected, but the next 3 days are forecast to be windless. We wait to see.

I worked the rest of the day, only stopping at 4.55pm because every Thursday at that time, our work server has some maintenance done on it and we get booted off. It was an ideal time to stop.

Dinner and then a walk down the road and back via Daisy Lane

Not a bad day – certainly better than yesterday!

Paul’s secret to contentment…

Philippians 4:12-13
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

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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I Preferred Yesterday!

Posted on October 2, 2024 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day when work dominated. I worked for 9 hours and 43 minutes. I preferred yesterday.  At least the first three weeks of this month are going to be very busy and I can expect more days like today. Despite the craziness of my work day, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m grateful for my work, everyday, regardless of how demanding it sometimes is.

After work, we walked to the shops for a few supplies, going along the cat walk and taking in the sea air. There is a fresh south-easter blowing, but it is expected to drop by tomorrow.

Seaweed and seagulls.

Home for dinner and a slice of Mike’s awesome bread.  The walk and the bread saved made the day better…oh and also the chocolate from the guests downstairs!

I’ve been thinking why I want to live life to the absolute fullest – it’s because there’s way more earthly life behind me than ahead.

And with that, the reason why, everyday, I write, “It’s not about now – we are only passing through”:

Philippians 3:20-21
Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.

One day.

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 Fabulously Memorable Day – Longest Zip Line in the World

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was a fabulously memorable day.  John celebrated his birthday and invited us to join him and Avril to a brand new exciting zip line just outside Caledon. We have passed the building many times and wondered what it was all about. Today we found out.

We arrived, signed our indemnities against injury or death, wild animals or predators (!), got our safety equipment and had pics at the base. The K3 team are very professional and safety conscious. Photos by a number of people but mainly Avril.

This is our whole group, Mark, Linda, John, Avril, Me, Mike. Avril and Linda stayed at the base to watch us come in.

We took a ride in a tractor/trailer to the top of the mountain.

And the top platform soon came into view…

When we got up there, the landing site looked a very, very long way down.

This was John’s stunning shot…

There have been about 100 paying customers so far. About another 300 have tested it. Each day before anyone goes on it, it is tested. The team that drove us up and got us sorted were amazing. They were very reassuring that it was safe. The 4 of us at the top platform.

John was the first ‘birthday boy’ down.

He was hooked up and sent flying!

 

Mike went next. He’s the oldest person to have gone down it so far.

I went next. It was an amazing experience.  Most of us didn’t quite reach the landing platform and had to be retrieved…

Altogether a remarkable experience. I’d do it again. Here I am coming down from the tower.

We had coffee and a muffin from the coffee shop and enjoyed the beautiful view.

And once we were all down, we headed off to Caledon Hot springs for a dip. That was also a lot of relaxing fun.

I had a sauna & then a dip in the cold pool. It was really cold!

We said goodbye to Mark and Linda. Then the 4 of us went to Houw Hoek Farmstall for lunch.

Milkshakes all round!

Milk shakes all round! We also had their specialist pies. We arrived home very satisfied with a day well lived. Thank you John for inviting us to celebrate your birthday with you. We had a very memorable day.

As we get older, this is a good verse to bring to mind:

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

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 Angels

Posted on September 30, 2024 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I got my angels!  Probably about a month or so ago, I spotted 2 concrete angles in Cyril’s in Fish Hoek. I just wanted the angels but as they each came with a largish plinth, I decided not to buy them. Every time I went in, I saw they were still there and they were still there on Saturday. When I mentioned them to Julian, he decided angels for my birthday were a good idea so off he went today and bought them. Courage had to lug them up the 85 steps, but now they are happily installed at our front door, plinths and all. This is the right side of the front door…

And this is the left…

I love them! Thank you Julian. Future generations may stumble upon this post and learn they arrived today Monday 30th September 2024! Everything has history.

Julian also picked up my child’s chair which I saw the other day and loved. It will be great for when children are visiting. It’s meranti.

Couldn’t make that for R300!

After work we walked to the end of the beach and back. There were some big waves.

Apparently the surf is expected to be very big tomorrow. Talking of tomorrow – it’s an exciting day for us. I’ve taken the day off work and we are heading for the hills. Hopefully, there will be some interesting pics to share on tomorrow’s blog!

Today I finished the book of Isaiah. This is from the second last chapter.

Isaiah 65:17
See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.

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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Why I Love to Walk in the Morning

Posted on September 29, 2024 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I set off for an early morning walk. I had checked the weather and saw rain would be coming. An early walk may miss the rain. I set off for Glencairn. It was very low tide and so I got to walk on the beach. It’s a perfect distance to Glencairn and back (5.4km). I was reminded why I love to walk in the morning.

Not long after I got back, we had breakfast and in the middle of coffee afterwards, we got a message from the guests to say they had left. That spurred us into action. We went downstairs and found a pretty clean apartment (which helped). An hour and a half later, it was spotlessly clean & whipped into readiness for the next visitors. They are the previous guests who have returned and they are so happy to be back after vacating for a week while these guests were in. They are such a delightful couple and are a pleasure to host. They are here until 17th October.

While waiting for them to arrive, I did all the washing and got that up on indoor lines. I did try it outside but the wind was a bit too strong and occasional squalls had me running in and out to prevent it from getting rained upon. In fact, right now, I have the clothes horse out on the sunny side and am currently keeping a close eye on what looks like an impending shower. I will soon bring it in permanently, so I can forget about it.

Washing done, we went shopping. One of my favourite meals is salmon trout with salad, so that’s dinner for tonight. It’s so easy to make. Only difference is this evening, Mike will make his marvellous mashed potato.

It has been a very satisfying day.

Psalm 71:14
As for me, I will always have hope;

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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Rabbit and the Rooster

Posted on September 28, 2024 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day you headed home. I’m glad you got home before the rain came. It was wonderful having you. You said goodbye to everyone & were on your way around 9am.

We walked to Fish Hoek for some shopping. On our return, we walked past the historic 19th Milestone. 19 miles to the Cape Town townhouse – this is by carriage or on horseback! There are lots of historic sites between Muizenberg and Simon’s Town. I think it will be worthwhile me knowing a little more about them. Julian is reading a book about the history of this stretch of land and sea, so I’ll read it after him.

Back home, I was reminded of the rabbit who has been joined by a rooster. Remember this:

It was bought leap year 2024. Rabbit now has a friend. A very handsome, one-eyed, beaded rooster. They are perched on the edge of the gabion baskets.

And have a pretty good view.

Julian is always finding these treasures in charity shops, so they may get some more companions in time to come. The rooster rocks back and forth in the wind.

Rain is falling now and the rugby is on, so that’s what we are watching. Mike is making spagbol for dinner, so it’s all happening  now.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

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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Noordhoek Farm Village Fun

Posted on September 27, 2024 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

As I sit here writing, you are downstairs fast asleep (I hope) after a very eventful day. You and I had a fun time today at Noordhoek Farm Village. You loved their playground and we spent almost 2 happy hours there. You easily conquered the climbing wall, wasting no time shimmying up it with easy…over & over again! Up…

Up…

& over….

It’s part of the Rooster Jungle Gym…

Pink slide

The slide you love the most is the orange ‘pipe’ slide.

Afterwards, we found snacks at the Foodbarn Deli. On the way home,  you really didn’t want to stop at Checkers so I had to make it into a game of speed. We dashed into Checkers to see how fast we could buy milk. I grabbed  flings on the way to the milk. We got the milk and rushed to the checkout, getting straight to the teller. By the time we left the till, my stopwatch said 4 minutes, 15 seconds. Trying to beat 5 minutes, you ran, pulling me along. We got to the car 30 seconds later. Shew! 5 minutes to buy milk in the big Checkers store. That must be a record!

We returned a little while ago from a lovely family dinner at Barracudas. It was great to have you and your Mom, David & Anna, Julian and us altogether. Hopefully next time your Dad will come too.

We finished the evening with you playing Chess with David and you won! It’s been a treat having you. Tomorrow, you go home, but it won’t be long before we see each other again, because your graduation from Grade R is around the corner. I love being your Gran.

Ephesians 5:2
Live a life of love

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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Look Who Came Today

Posted on September 26, 2024 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day you arrived for a couple of nights. I was so excited. You came like a whirlwind ready for fun!  There was some drawing with Granpa…

And chess with Uncle David…

You won (after switching sides in the middle of the game!). You are getting good at chess.

When I was working you and your Mom went fabric shopping.  Then you saw the beach was close by and you walked there. Now, you are telling me exactly what you did at the beach. In your own words:  You drew a house in the sand. You ran in the water a little bit, running in and out.  Then you built a bit of a sand castle & some wall made out of sand. Then you went to the jungle gym by the playground and played there. Then you went home to our house. And now you want  hearts

While looking for the hearts, I found a photo of our family many years ago.  20th Jan 2012.

That was fun. I took the photo.

I love it when you are here when I write the blog.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

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

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

 

 

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Burnt House Rebuilt

Posted on September 25, 2024 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we had a lovely morning walk, which included a gander up the start of your peak! This is from the path on the way up…

And then looking the other way, the new house is making grand progress…

We didn’t climb the mountain, but took the path left towards Contour Rd.  The view from up there is stunning on a cloudy Fish Hoek morning…

Maybe one day soon, we’ll climb Elsie’s Peak again. We haven’t done that for a while.

Meanwhile, yesterday, on our way back from our Glencairn walk, I took a photo of the house that was burnt in the dreadful April fire.

Now they are getting close to completion…

It makes me so happy to see. There is something very encouraging seeing a new building rising from the ashes. On 7th October, it will be 6 months since the fire. The burnt section is still very barren, but there are signs of life sprouting up amidst the charred mountainside.

Julian arrived today and tomorrow, guess who is also coming? More exciting visitors!

Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

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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Braai and Bring

Posted on September 24, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday – Heritage Day

Dear Elsie

Today, being our national Braai day, braaied meat was just what we felt like. We are not big braai-ers! But we had a plan. Freedom Foods had a braai option where they would braai and bring us the food, so that’s what they did. It wasn’t a bring and braai – it was a braai and bring.

Yum! No fuss. Just loved it!

For me, as my company is not South African, I worked the whole day, although we did get a 5km walk in before the day began. We also got some shopping done.

The weather today has been beautiful again. There’s been high cloud but still not much wind. The sea has been flat and for the first time in a long while, I saw a pod of dolphins. They were quite frequent visitors before the whale season began. For a number of months now, we haven’t seen them, until today.

Tomorrow, Julian arrives. He has had his hands full up in Jo’burg.

So precious!

Ephesians 3:12
In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

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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