Naughty Cat

Posted on August 23, 2024 by Helga

Friday 

Dear Elsie

Today was the day Raiku was very naughty.  He was cross with me because I had put Bravecto on him to prevent him getting covered in ticks and fleas from the mountainside. He objected in no uncertain terms. He refused to sleep in his bed last night, and even wouldn’t sleep in our bedroom.  He was very annoyed that I could have done such a thing. This morning at 6am, I let him out and he didn’t return for almost 8 hours. By lunchtime, I was worrying. I saw him across the road the other day, so I messaged that neighbour who said he had checked his garden and driveway camera and there was no sign. I went for a walk to the end of the road and then walked past our house again checking over other fences. By the time I had got to the start of the street, Mike called. He was home. Very thirsty. Very hungry. I think all is forgiven.

I got a photo of the moon last night. It rose at 9.51pm. It looked absolutely stunning coming up over the mountain. My cell phone photo doesn’t do it justice..

The sun is rising much earlier now and is also heading east. This was 7.23am

I worked the morning and had some frustrations with a super slow server. After my lunchtime walk absolutely no one from the office was online so it went a little faster. There is a massive migration to a new server underway and it was (yesterday) 90% done, so hopefully by Monday our slow woes will be over.

We took an evening walk and found where the access point is to Joti’s cabin. A narrow, circuitous path up the mountain.

We followed it and saw the latest progress….

2 years to get planning permission for what essentially is a 24 m2 Wendy House. Crazy days. Maybe there is more to come.

Concurrently with Job, I’m reading 1 Corinthians and this fits in very well with what I write every single day.

1 Corinthians 15:19
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

Yup – this is not all there is.

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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Signs of Summer

Posted on August 22, 2024 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie,

Today was the day we woke to one of the main signs of summer: a strong south-easterly wind. The sunrise was beautiful.

The wind blew throughout the morning, but by lunchtime, it had abated. I worked until mid afternoon and then I went for my walk. I absolutely love love walking on the mountain. Even the little stretch between the top of Contour to Berg Rd gives me great joy. The mountain view…

A little bit of mountain, valley and sea…

And Fish Hoek valley with Chapman’s Peak  far left.

I did a 5km loop which took me past the beach home.

The crowning pleasure of the day was watching a massive whale loll around just off the coast.  We weren’t alone. One of the holiday makers in the nearby guesthouse sent his drone out to take a closer look. Illegal, but I’m sure he got some good footage. The little white dot is the drone. It actually had red and green lights.

The drone left. The whale stayed. It has got dark so it cannot be seen, but they are always fun to watch while we can. Their presence is also a sign of summer as they migrate to warmer waters.

A good day.

Job’s friends have a reputation for not being very comforting but they do say some things that cannot be doubted. This is what Eliphaz the Temanite said..

Job 5:8-9
But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.

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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Mountainside Will Soon Be Blocked

Posted on August 21, 2024 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we did an evening walk along the mountainside. You once went with me. This was in March last year. 

We used to have to do this….(Jan 2023)

But now there is a wall and gabion baskets and it’s all a little trickier. After much care and skill, we managed to wangle our way onto the mountain side and walked past the blue cottage. We agreed in about a year’s time we most likely won’t be able walk between our house and the blue cottage because the neighbouring plot is soon to be developed.

This is from the other side of the blue cottage. A beautiful evening.

We walked to where I saw the tortoise the other day and to my surprise, this had happened.

It’s the start of Joti’s cabin. We can see this plot from our balcony, so tomorrow I need to remember to take a look.

Joti came to stay at our place right after she bought the plot 2 years ago. She had hopes and dreams of putting up something small. I think she expected it to happen far sooner, but literally, it’s been two years to get Council plans approved. I’m not sure how she will get services and access to the plot. Tomorrow, I will look with interest to see which route the builders are using to get materials there.  Once Joti’s cabin is up, we won’t be able to cross to the next section of mountainside. We can always walk higher up the mountain but at the moment there are no paths there and it’s bush-bashing all the way.

I did a good day’s work and now it’s another quiet evening because David went to the running club for a braai. Not that he’s running, but he has been slowly getting stronger. He  is still unable to exercise but he tolerates more activity as long as he has the opportunity to have regular rests. Time moves on. Last year it was like walking through endless mud. It was a horrible year. This year has flown by. Today I started reading Job. I remember reading it last year in the context of David’s illness and getting perspective. God never wastes pain. Job had an unwavering trust in God.

Job 1:20
Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.

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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Claire with the Hair

Posted on August 20, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

One of the most colourful residents on our street is Claire with the hair. She tints her hair all sorts of colours. She is very involved in the neighbourhood watch and it was through her that I got my high viz vest. Today when I was out on my lunchtime walk, I bumped into her. Her hair is purple at the  moment. The other day it was pink & other times it’s a blend of both. It’s hard to miss her and easy to remember her name.

I went for a short walk to the end of the street and back to the beginning of it before returning to work for an afternoon meeting. After work, we took a walk to Glencairn. It’s been a lovely sunny day…

As we returned, the north wind that has been blowing all day ramped up a bit and now there is a thick layer of cloud. Some rain is forecast for tonight. I don’t know if it will continue into tomorrow. That was a good 4.5km walk and now we are home. It is very quiet. Julian left today. David is having dinner with Anna and Mike & I are on our own with even Raiku outside lapping up the last bit of light. The weather of the last few days is definitely making us think of spring. While it is still August and officially winter, the slightly longer days are indicative of the summer to come. The sun is rising earlier and setting later. I see some morning walks in my future.

Good news from today is Mike’s plumbing is in fine shape! He went to the urologist for a long delayed check up. It was in 2011, that he had a run in with a (malignant) bladder polyp and it’s been more than 7 years since his last check up. I know this because I recorded it on this blog ( https://helgavan.com/when-mike-had-cancer-for-a-week/) Today, we were pleased to hear everything is working perfectly and he need not return (for another year at least). The doctor said his PSA is normal so he wasn’t expecting to find anything. Prostate is normal, bladder is normal, all is good. Very grateful.

Psalm 37:7
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.

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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Passing By A Tiny Home

Posted on August 19, 2024 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was a busy work day but I did manage to get out for a couple of walks. The first one was at lunchtime, when I walked to the end of the road, then did a loop round Hillside and Highway. On the way I encountered the owner of a property we had looked at more thabn half a dozen years ago. It was a 100 year old double garage with a loft. One of the issues was that it was built substantially over the property boundary. The new owner Greg didn’t mind. Given the age of the building, he believed no one would find it an issue. A tiny place on 600 square meters of land, it comes with a super view of the sea. He got it for an amazing R1.5 million rand (6 years ago). He’s converted the garage under the loft into a tiny home with a kitchen and living area which opens onto a patio. Up a rustic staircase to the loft, with a rear door to a patio, a tiny bathroom and space for a bed under a picturesque window. It was so interesting to see. There is still a lot of potential in the back yard which is spacious and just waiting for a proper house. It was fun to see. I took the picture off Google maps. He’s done a great job in doing it up.

I came home via Daisy Lane. A peach of a day.

With beautiful proteas…

I went back to work and then afterwards walked to Fish Hoek beach and back. Certainly got my exercise.

Dinner and some telly.  Time for me to wrap up for the night.

I’m in the middle of a delightful three days in Esther.

Esther 4:14
And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?

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 Jaunt into Cape Town

Posted on August 18, 2024 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we had a jaunt into Cape Town. We drove along Chapman’s Peak, through Camp’s Bay and had brunch at the Blue Cafe…. a favourite of ours.

Mike had tea which came with a timer. 2 minutes for weak, 5 minutes for a perfect brew, 8 minutes for strong.

We timed the timers – they were close but not exact.

We then drove through Bo-Kaap, which was very quiet.

Our plan was to go for a walk through the Company Gardens which we did. It is very clean and well maintained. The gardens are looking beautiful after all the rain.

CJR holding a pigeon.

Mike and Julian figuring out the time using the sundial.

We also took a walk to St George’s Mall which was pretty quiet.

Further up and on Short Market there was more activity. Twas a lovely afternoon being a tourist in our own city. Always a treat.

In the Gardens there is this historic statue that, along with its message has stood the test of time. The Woman at the Well.

The inscription reads…

And on the other side it says…

For 160 years, it’s been bringing the life-giving words of Jesus from John 4:14

Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

What a legacy.

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 Walk Over The Mountain

Posted on August 17, 2024 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we went stomping over the mountainside. We headed up ‘your’ peak. We walked from home, taking Contour Way to Mountain Rd and starting on the mountainside from there.

I love walking on the  mountain.

We got to the Glencairn sign..

And walked through the area where a fire had burned earlier this year…

Saw our last view of the Fish Hoek side…

and headed towards Glencairn..

It’s a very well marked and trodden path…with a lot of proteas…

And in no time Glencairn is in full view…

We took a sort of contour path that went behind all the upper houses towards Simon’s Town road. At times, we seemed to run out of path!

Twas a bit of a scramble to get to the shooting range entrance.

But we were soon there and walking home along the road. The new blue trains are in service all the way to Simon’s Town now. We just have to find out when they run.

We passed the burnt house that was being worked on…

It was a lovely 5.5km walk.

Rest of the day was spent at home.

And now we are ready for dinner.

Psalm 35:10
My whole being will exclaim, ‘Who is like you, O 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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A Whale of a Day

Posted on August 16, 2024 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today was an absolutely stunning day. The sun shone and the sky was blue and the whales came out to play. I worked and then went for a walk on the mountainside behind us. I haven’t done this for a while. You can see it’s a peach of a day.

All nature was rejoicing in the warmth of the sunshine…

I got to Highway & as I walked up the road, I saw an overseas guest staring excitedly out to sea. There just off the cat walk were two whales at play.

There was also one just left of the tree.

I walked on and did a loop. I found an unexpected tarred pedestrian path just below Ranger Rd that went under the bridges to the houses’ garages. I’ve walked Ranger Road so many times but  never noticed it before.

It went down Rice Steps, eventually ending at Kommetjie Rd.

Back to the beach and back along the cat walk.

There were a lot of people on the cat walk because the whales were still close by and lolling around. Photographers were in abundance.

No doubt the fruits of their labour will be on social media before sunset.

Back at home, the whales had moved towards our house and we got to see them as close as they have ever been. The boat looking at them…

Quite a spectacle. Tomorrow’s there is rain, so I’m glad we have had today. What a treat.

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of 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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Our “Camino” Walk

Posted on August 15, 2024 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we did what I sometimes refer to as a ‘Camino’ Walk. The reason for it is because there are a number of Camino slack-packing walks around the Western Cape which look lovely but take about a week  to do. My Camino walk is more of a stroll instead of serious exercise. We walked up to the Elsie’s Peak path and enjoyed the views along the way…

The house at the foot of Elsie’s Peak path is making good progress.

What a beautiful day it was. We walked a 4km route, taking our time and shopping on the way. We came home on the cat walk and stopped to enjoy the view.

We got home and about an hour later went for another short walk to the end of the road. There, there was an amazing pattern of clouds – the Lord’s handiwork splashed across the sky. No one else could do this!

The other thing about today is there were a number of whales in the bay. They are elusive creatures who break the surface of the water randomly and you have to take what you can get when you see them. My phone is filled with plain sea photos that have been preceded by enthusiastic announcements of ‘there’s a whale!’ I think they were Southern Rights, but am not sure.

When they do raise their heads, or tales or fins, they are amazing to see!

Final photo is of Raiku…on my lap this morning. He’s all right then.

I also worked 6 hours & I remember my Dad who passed away on this day in 2008. 16 years.

1 Corinthians 9:25
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last 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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Ingrid Turns 60

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I took most of the morning off because my friend Ingrid turned 60. She is the 3rd friend this month. We went to a lovely restaurant at Constantia Uitsig and had coffee and cake.

Ingrid & I

Blowing out her candle!

Heidi, Riana and Geralda..

It was a lovely morning.

On the way home, I got caught up in trainee traffic. At two of the main traffic lights they had all the trainee traffic officers on the streets taking turns on directing the traffic. Not only were they at the intersection at the bottom of Ou Kaapse Weg but they were also at the lights at the intersection to Stone Hurst. There were a lot of them to test. I sat at this intersection for quite some time. I could have got out the car and taken the photo without the pole in the way!

The traffic backed up a long way and some cars at the back began to hoot, not knowing what the hold up was.

Quite an art!

Home for work this afternoon. Julian arrived so we all went for a walk to the little lighthouse on Fish Hoek beach front. Home for dinner, with David joining us and that concludes the day.

Nehemiah – what a tough time he had, but there were happy times too.

Nehemiah 8:10
…the joy of the Lord is your 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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Caught in the Rain

Posted on August 13, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we got fully caught in the rain, but before I tell you about that, I want to throw in this photo of the sun rising earlier.  This was 7.30am

Our new guests arrived today. They are here for just over a month. Once they were in and settling, I could get on with work. I worked until lunchtime. I had been trying to finish what I was doing before walking to Fish Hoek but it took longer than I expected. Instead of leaving for our walk at 12 noon, we left closer to 1pm. We had seen the rain would be coming. I stuffed a raincoat in my backpack and off we went.  Mike needed some bloodwork done, so while he was at Pathcare, I went to Pick n Pay. By the time I had shopped, he had just about finished at the pathologist. We then went to AP Jones so he could get a rain jacket. As we got to the exit, the rain started. He put on his mac; I put on my raincoat and off we went.  Drenched on the outside! Mike had an umbrella which helped. Don’t worry that it’s pouring with rain, a selfie is required to prove we do in Cape Town what we do in Italy – get out in the rain.

We went up Ravine steps (crazy going the long way home!) and there was a lot of water.

By the time we got to the top of the stairs, there was a waterfall round our feet as well.

Home safely and I worked this afternoon.

I made soup and we also had fish and veg for dinner. I so seldom cook, but had defrosted the fish over the weekend, so had to use it. It was delish.

It’s still very overcast and rainy but this cold front should pass quite quickly and sunnier days are to come.  I’m sitting on my rocking chair under a blanket. A good place to be.

1 Corinthians 8:6
For us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

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 Burnt House Has a Roof

Posted on August 12, 2024 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

When the dreadful fire happened in early April, there were two houses that were burned to the ground and the owners lost everything. It was beyond tragic. One remains in ashes, but the other has risen. This is the house on 8th April…

Progress was made… 18th July.

And today when we walked past, we were thrilled to see it’s up to roof height.

When I’m next down on Simon’s Town road I’ll take a photo from below.  Four months have passed since that dreadful day. So much destruction in such a short space of time. I’m so glad they have been able to rebuild.

Today was a busy work day. We managed to get out and walk a few kilometers after dinner. Tomorrow we have guests arriving. They will be staying for a month, so we really cleaned the apartment from top to bottom.  Looks like more rain tomorrow and then, if Accuweather is to be believed,  there is hardly a drop forecast for 10 days. That will be nice for the guests.

I slept well last night, with the exception of being woken by Raiku pleading to be let out at 3am. I have never let him out so early, but seeing as he was sitting on the windowsill waiting for the window to magically open, I gave in and out he went. I then stayed awake for 45 minutes waiting for him to come back in, which he didn’t. I finally fell asleep again and overslept, waking up after 7. I went to make coffee and found him sitting quietly in the lounge. I’m hoping there won’t be a repeat tonight.

And that’s Monday.

Psalm 32:1
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

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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Out and About on Sunday

Posted on August 11, 2024 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we were out and about. We decided to do some walking so headed for the Admiral’s Waterfall in Simon’s Town. With all the rain, it was sure to be a sight. We were not disappointed. As we arrived, though, there was a downpour, so we sat and waited in the car for 10 minutes or so. Soon, the rain passed, the sun came out and off we went. The path starts at the end of Barnard Rd.

Path continues along the ridge.

Further on looking down.

The walk comes out alongside the river…

And then you get the full view of the cascading waterfalls.

We took a number of photos.

What a sight it was. It’s a short walk – and we hadn’t had enough, so we drove a few 100 meters back along Barnard Rd, parked on the left and set up these stairs…340 of them.

Built in 1902, they are still ‘rock’ solid. They are steep. Further up they were affected by the fire, which has changed the landscape quite dramatically. Last year when Julian & I did them, there was a lot of litter. The fire sorted that out. At the top, there is the grave of Just Nuisance and the Cross in memory of those who lost their lives in WW1.

The views along the way… 

The fire burned a lot of the foliage revealing a couple of look out posts I’d never seen before, like this one, camouflaged into the landscape on the right side of the photo.

It was a good afternoon’s exercise. We walked back to the car and then drove up Red Hill and took the road to the grave of Just Nuisance. In 40 years, I’ve never driven along that road before. Definitely one to redo. By then the clouds had gathered and there was rain so we didn’t get out of the car but came home via the shops.

We ended the day by having dinner with Peter, Riana, Jacques and Karen.

A full weekend.

1 Corinthians 7:15b
God has called us to live in peace.

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 Anniversary Bash

Posted on August 10, 2024 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was a windy, rainy, stormy day. I did get quite a lot done. I walked, I shopped, I cleaned, I did most of my taxes and I spoke to you. So, despite the weather it was a very productive day.  I have downloaded the photos from last night and here’s where we went and what it was like. We went to Pigalle. This place has been around a long time, but I only heard about it a couple of weeks ago and decided to try it out. Parking is in Somerset Square which is right by the entrance – I mean meters away. If it had been pouring with rain, it would have been no problem.

The entrance is very pretty. Met by a very friendly hostess…

Who was very happy to take photos of patrons.

We were then taken by an usher to our section, where a waiter seated us.  The size of the restaurant makes me think of the ship main restaurant. Very big with waiters running hither and thither! It’s very red! I wasn’t expecting the redness. We were seated behind a sound barrier (it gets very loud as it fills up). Someone had told us to ask for a seat away from the band as it’s loud.  This it the view from our table. The Perspex barrier is red.

Other photos of the interior… this is the space to the right of our table before the other guests arrived. Through the door is a private room with a large table for a group. There were lots of groups.

This is the main section. Most of these tables filled up within an hour.

This is another side section…

I read online it seats about 270 and last night was, as far as I could see, full.

It’s expensive compared to what we are used to, so the best value is one of their set menus. We chose this one…I had the seafood cocktail. Mike had the beef for a starter (which was really good). We both had the salmon and the crème brulee. I forgot to take a photo of the dessert.

My starter….it was delish.

The Norwegian salmon main…

It was all very delicious and an evening worthy of our 38th wedding anniversary. A good memory.

This evening David and Anna are coming for dinner.  I need to get ready for that.

1 Corinthians 6:19/20
You are not your own; you were bought at a price.

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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Anniversary 38

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today was our 38th wedding anniversary. This will be a super short entry. Mainly because it’s past my bedtime so I’ll keep this brief.

As it was a work day in the UK, I worked for most of the day. Then at 5pm, we got on our ‘smart casual’ and went out for dinner. Those photos to follow tomorrow, but here’s one of them.

More tomorrow, with the menu and where we were.

Grateful for this day.

Psalm 31:6/7
I trust in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in your 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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