43 Years

Posted on July 17, 2022 by Helga

Sunday

Today was the day…

That 43 years ago I became a Christian. I’m so appreciative of that day and the grace that came my way. Life changed for the good. One tiny little step of faith resulted in a lifetime of solid foundation and always knowing to Whom I can turn. 17th July 1979. Never to be forgotten.

Today was active. We enjoyed a trip to the beach. Mike ran. I swam. The water was slightly warmer than yesterday and the air temperature was not bad.

After breakfast and a restful morning, we took a drive to Constantianek and walked through to Kirstenbosch.

It was about 6km. There are some amazing trees.

The contour path has some ups and downs but is not too taxing…

We got to Kirstenbosch…

& took a walk across the Boomslang…

Then we walked back over it and hiked back to the car. It’s only a round trip of about 6km, but because we had exercised this morning, we were both kaput by the time we got home. A bath was called for!

A great 17th July.

Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

The best is yet to come – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

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Did You Check For Purple Nickers

Posted on July 16, 2022 by Helga

Saturday

Today was the day…

We went to the beach and had a swim. The water was about 13. While I was swimming, the guests who were checking out today also came down and we had a really good chat with them about their experience in the Seaview apartment. They loved it and had very little negative to say except the table top stove was very slow and not really good for cooking. You had to be very patient!  They went on to check out and left the place clean and tidy. Not long after, they also left us with a lovely review.

I had a video call with Stacey and then cleaned our apartment. Mike had started cleaning the Seaview apartment. By the time we walked out the door to go to friends for dinner, the rental unit was ready for the next guests and our apartment was spic and span as well. We had done 3 loads of laundry. It was that kind of day – beautiful sunny and warm – the washing dried quickly.

When Mike came up from downstairs, I asked him if he checked for purple nickers! He said he had! This is going to be how we ask if under the bed has been checked. We will always say, ‘did you check for purple nickers?’  A friend of mine has an Airbnb unit and was marked 4 stars for cleaning (instead of 5) because ‘items of clothing were found under the bed.’ She thought it could have been her sons as he had stayed there, but instead she found the offending article was a  pair of purple nickers.  If you have a rental unit, always check under the bed!

We came home from dinner a short while ago and as we drove past where the steps go up to the blue cottage, I noticed the cars lights were on. Groan! They will have a very flat battery in the morning. You can’t un-know stuff like that. It would worry me the whole night long that their car lights were on and I did nothing about it. We decided to go home and see if the blue cottage lights were on. They were – it was lit up like a Christmas tree. It was getting close to 9pm. With my rugged new shoes on, I scrambled through our fence with my torch lighting my way.  It’s one thing doing this route in the day time, but at night it’s more hazardous because there is a massive hole in the next door plot.

Mike watched me go, calling for me to ‘mind the hole’. I called back in the still warmth of the night, “I’m minding the hole”. I gave him a running commentary of my progress until eventually I was just below the blue cottage and started calling up to them. Eventually, a man came out and I told him his car lights were on. “Oh really!” he said. “Thank you so much for coming to tell me!”  I told him where I lived and made the return trip, minding the hole as I went. These walking shoes of mine are so much better at getting up and down that uneven path than my trainers.

It’s such a balmy evening. Mike has been out on the balcony in his t-shirt and it’s nearly 9:30pm.

Time to wrap up for the day.

Isaiah 55:6

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.

The best is yet to come – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

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Second Hand Tooth

Posted on July 15, 2022 by Helga

Friday

Today was the day…

…of the second hand tooth!  When I first started writing today’s blog, I did paragraph after paragraph of explaining. Never a good idea, so I’ll give you the 8 sentence short version

  • My orthodontic treatment revealed I had a tooth missing so in 2020 I (finally) got a titanium implant to fill the gap.
  • In February 2021, it got a temporary crown, followed by the perfect final one.
  • The perfect final one wasn’t so perfect – last Sunday it broke, leaving the titanium pin.
  • Dentist informed – was horrified – contacted the laboratory – made a new one.
  • Today I went to have the new one fitted.
  • It was completely the wrong colour – wayyy too white.
  • An hour long appointment – during which they dugout the old second hand temporary crown from February 2021 and that is now firmly in my mouth.
  • They will contact me when the permanent one is ready.

Today was also the day of our electric inspection. The electrician was very complimentary over Mike’s work. He even took some photos! There are one or two things Mike needs to do, but he is feeling a whole lot better this evening than he was over the last few days. I referred to the 8am appointment as Mike’s 8am exam.  He has spent many, many hours in this room.

The third thing that happened today is I bought new walking shoes. I went to the Hotter factory at Access Park on the way home from the dentist. Yay! These will last me a long time.

We also booked our flights to Johannesburg for later on in the year.

The house down the road had the next concrete pour. It took the entire day and 12 concrete mixer deliveries.

Yay for the weekend.

1 Corinthians 16:14

Everything should be done in love.

The best is yet to come – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

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Boys on the Rocks

Posted on July 14, 2022 by Helga

Thursday

Today was the day…

That dawned with unexpected rain. I went off and had a much needed hair cut.

I worked 5 hours or so and then in the late afternoon, Mike and I walked to Fish Hoek. The tide was high and there were a couple of youngsters on the rocks – they were trying to get photos of the water washing waist high over them. It looked pretty dangerous to me. That’s how accidents happen and people get washed out to sea – but they are young and agile. I got a few photos from the Sunny Cove bridge.

I’m sure they got some pretty good photos.

After our walk to Fish Hoek, we continued along our road to the building site and had a look at the ongoing activity. Tomorrow, they are pouring more concrete. They are expecting 12 concrete mixers to trundle up the road from early in the day. At least this time, the main truck is smaller and cars will be able to get past. Last time, the road was completely blocked.  We got into an animated conversation with Alan & Adrienne who live next door to the building site. They are a patient couple and are watching it all with interest. When they were building, they recommended their builder and we used him to build our house.  We chatted to them about our building experiences, our solar panels and the process to get a permanent occupation certificate.  We watched their house go up and then got hold of Werner who was their builder. This was the day we saw building work begin on their plot.

And some months later, I took my life in my hands going down this slope to find out who the builder was.

Home for dinner. Mike is working on his electricity plan. Tomorrow, the electrician comes to do an inspection and hopefully we can get it signed off. Also tomorrow, I go to the dentist to get my implant crown replaced. The technician has spent the week making a new one. I’m looking forward to getting that done.

John 15:10
(Jesus said) “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in His love.”

The best is yet to come  – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

 

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Nothing to Blog About

Posted on July 13, 2022 by Helga

Wednesday

Today was the day…

I worked more than 7 hours, shopped for a minimum of time – maybe 45 minutes from the time I left home to the time I got in, did no formal exercise and concluded at the end of the day that it all came down to this: nothing to blog about!

I decided that that is a bit of a cop-out because there are always things going on. Surely, something happened in that 7 hours of work…and it did. Long awaited teaching contracts started to drift in – 11 of my teachers got their contracts today. That kept me busy – first sending them out and then answering 100 questions regarding them.

Also, I’ve been reading. I finished a light novel by Danielle Steel – nothing to write home about but it has got me into the feeling that it’s better to read than to surf; it’s better to have a paper book in my hand than a screen; it’s altogether more satisfying to immerse myself in a story than in the gloomy events of the world and its miseries.  So this evening, I took a walk to the loft and picked out a few books that were on the bookshelf. My untrained eye has no idea of what I’m taking.

So the top one looked light and entertaining. Sunday Times bestselling author. It starts with a hint of a murder. I started reading it and am up to page 9. The second one I haven’t opened yet but with our Italian adventure booked for the end of the year, I’m keen as mustard to start – who knows Susan Lewis may be cast aside for the intriguing Italian option. And the third – 1000 Places to See Before You Die. Definitely need to look in there. So I did. It’s the German edition.  I definitely missed that part! When Germans next come to stay, I’ll leave it on the table.

Stacey sent photos of Elsie at work – preparing her dinner – and then carefully eating each little piece of spinach!

David left a voice note telling of his latest exploits. He’s really enjoying himself “adventuring” around Thailand, absorbing himself in the unexpected culture, learning norms and appreciating differences. He’s seeking out expats and visiting tourist attractions. I liken him to a bird who has been trapped in a cage – that has finally been released and can fly – or in the case of Fish Hoek – he’s been  a fish in a bowl for way too long and now he’s out in the big blue sea.  This is one phrase he’s repeated a number of times: “I’m having so much fun”.  I appreciate that he’s staying in touch.

The weather today was far more cloudy, drizzly and then rainy than expected. I did get some washing done – it started outside on the balcony but was quickly whisked in when the rain came.

I’m now going to go and clean the kitchen and put the dishwasher on. Mike has been super busy getting the distribution boards ready for an inspection on Friday. One step closer to our electricity compliance certificate.

So there you go, that’s my “nothing to blog about” Wednesday!

Philippians 2:9

God exalted Him [Jesus] to the highest place and gave Him the Name that is above every other name.

The best is yet to come – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

 

 

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4-Year Old Writing

Posted on July 12, 2022 by Helga

Tuesday

Today was the day…

Stacey sent me a photo of Elsie writing. I looked at the writing and thought that must be Stacey having written her name for her to copy, but Stacey said it was all hers! 4 years old and writing like a pro!

So neat. She is growing up so fast. Back to school next week. I am sure she is counting the sleeps.

For the rest of today, Riana visited in the morning. I got 5 hours or so work done, had guests arrive and through it all, I watched Julian chug along the N1 from Colesburg (Coldsburg should it be?) to Johannesburg. I was so happy to see him arrive in the big city & be so close to home.

As Julian arrived back in Johannesburg, so David messaged to give us an update of his activities in Krabi. He’s really enjoying himself and making the most of his time there, so much so, he hired a car as his accommodation was slightly out of town. He’s been driving around and seeing the sights and teaching in between. It’s going to be a 3 month rush of adventures, that’s for sure. Now we are waiting for photos.

Right now it’s load shedding so everything outside is super dark. The street lights are off and there are only dots of lights across the town. The moon is waxing so appears particularly bright this evening.

Isaiah 66:1

The Lord says, “Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool.”

The best is yet to come – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

 

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Goodbye Little Atos

Posted on July 11, 2022 by Helga

Monday

Today was the day…

That Julian started a long and slowish trip home to Johannesburg in my Little Atos. The Atos was won by Wayne Turner’s wife in a competition in 2009. We bought it from them for R80000.  I loved driving it until Mike bought me a new car for my 50th birthday. I then sold the Atos to David who sold it to Julian.  I’m so glad it stays in the family.

Julian left this morning while it was still dark. One of the memorable things about my Atos is the number plate CA84888. That will have to change when it gets licensed in Gauteng. Bye little Atos.

It needed an engine overhaul recently. Julian was a little worried it would give some trouble. On his journey today, it did make a few odd sounds, but after consulting with a mechanic in Beaufort West, his mind was put at rest that it wasn’t anything serious and he’s now arrived at his overnight stop in Colesburg. 804km done – 633km to go. Keep going little car.

Meanwhile back in Cape Town, the wind picked up and a cold front blew through bringing with it rain and lower temperatures. After saying, I want a fireplace, I have found a quick and easy solution (thanks Heidi!) Under a blanket on my rocking chair, I have all the additional ambience I need!

No fuss, no smoke, no mess (um – and no heat!)

The other day when Mike and I were out shopping, we each bought a magazine. I chose a Codebreaker puzzle mag. I love codebreakers and set about doing the first few pages. Then today, I turned towards the back of this massive one and noticed only a Q was given! One letter! (Although with Q you know the letter that follows will be U). I figured and fathomed; tried different options and overcame brain bafflement to finally crack the code! It was “udder” that got me on the road to success!

Now to fill in the rest of it.

And I did 5 hours or so of work.

My dentist said he has phoned the lab and they will try get my new crown ready for Friday.

Job 23:8; 10

Look, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him. But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

The best is yet to come – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

 

 

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The Garden of Remembrance

Posted on July 10, 2022 by Helga

Sunday

Today was the day….

I managed to get a lovely walk in, even though I got slightly damp on my return. And my implant crown popped off.

The day dawned overcast with the threat of rain, which in due course, arrived. Armed with my jacked and umbrella, I took a solo walk to the shops. The cat walk was quiet…

The cormorants were preening…

After a little shopping, I came home the mountain route, passing, as I always do, the Fish Hoek Garden of Remembrance. Usually, this is a place for drug dealers and skollies, but the gardening club of Fish Hoek is trying to change that. For the first time, I felt safe enough to actually walk through it. That’s because there were a couple of members of the club busy working in it. It’s looking so much better, although they did say it was 2 steps forward and one step back.

The rain started to fall and I walked hidden deep under my umbrella. It worked well for protecting my head, but what I didn’t expect was the rain was coming from the south-east, so I walked home into it. The front of my jeans got damp but it was a refreshing walk and was worth the effort.

This afternoon, I bit into some food and the crown on my implant – right incisor popped off. I’ve sent a message to my cosmetic dentist. I thought it would last longer than 17 months. Anyway, he’s reasonable and will probably fit me in. The stress I feel over this event, on a scale of 1-10 is literally 1. If I had a little chewing gum, I could possibly stick it back in for my meetings tomorrow. In fact, I’ve just put the crown in my retainer and I can have my appointments tomorrow with my retainer in. Sorted…for now.

Now off to watch the tennis.

Psalm 90:2

Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

The best is yet to come!

We are only passing through.

Keep the (toothy) smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

 

 

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Trip to Hout Bay

Posted on July 9, 2022 by Helga

Saturday

Today was the day…

We went to Hout Bay. Julian wanted to visit a charity bookshop he hasn’t been to in a while, so off we went, stopping on iconic Chapman’s Peak drive to enjoy a decidedly grey day.

While I was taking photos, Mike walked up the little hill…

So we went up to that spot….

Then it was onto Hout Bay to the bookshop which was at DARG. Mike and I walked around the place which was very picturesque. These were the next-door horses.

We walked past a paddock that had two bulls in it. One of them gave us a hairy eyeball!

Fortunately there was a fence between us.

From there we sought out a breakfast place in Hout Bay and found a delightful little deli.

With an underlying Dutch feel, the venue was great, the service fine and the food delicious.

I’ll definitely go back there if we return to Hout Bay.

We got home at about lunchtime just in time for a video call with Stacey and Elsie. Elsie is becoming so articulate. She’s an abundance of cuteness. After that I did some reading and then cleaned the Little Lookout. After that Julian & I walked to the beach. There was some light rain, but also some sunshine and a magnificent rainbow. The ‘never again’ sign…

It’s raining now and I think will be like this for most of tomorrow.

Genesis 9:13-15
I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.

The best is yet to come – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

 

 

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Morning Reflections

Posted on July 8, 2022 by Helga

Friday

Today was the day…

I got up early and went for a solo sunrise walk. The day looked perfect from the top of our stairs…

Then it was down to the beach, which was equally as beautiful. The morning reflections…

The sun quickly rose casting bright light across the mountain…

On my way home, I sat for a short time and enjoyed the morning sun.

It was good to sit quietly for a while. It’s been a busy week and I’m glad to see the end of it. Weekend is here and I am ready for some down-time.

I did some laundry this morning and while hanging it out, I looked at this view.

I whipped out my cell phone to take a photo. Centre above the bushes, to the left of the blue house – that’s where there will be a new house built. We spoke to the builder yesterday and he said he hoped to start building Mandy’s house during the course of this year. In the next couple of years there should be two houses behind us. One is Mandy’s and the other is right behind us so there will be lots of activity and the landscape will certainly change.

Part of today required me to see one guest out and to clean the Seaview Apartment to get the next guests in. They have now arrived and they couldn’t have come on a more beautiful evening.

Time now to enjoy the weekend and start again on Monday.

Isaiah 40:8

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God endures forever.

The best is yet to come – we are only passing through.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

 

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Two Orcas Swam Past

Posted on July 7, 2022 by Helga

Thursday

Today  was the day…

Two orcas swam past. It was an amazing sight. One of the neighbours said there were two whales close to the shore. There was a patch of bright sunlight so one of them wasn’t so clear but then they swam on and it became clear their action was that of a porpoise – they were orcas! I got a cell phone photo, but sadly not great quality.

They were amazing to watch!

Most of the day was spent working and keeping an eye on David’s plane which was creeping across the world.

Finally, he landed.

Another couple of hours passed before he had got to the hotel. He said it was crazy arriving in Bangkok, picking up a local sim card and then trying to call the Thai equivalent of an Uber. The first, a “Grab” was not available so he searched for another and finally got a very nice driver who arrived. David could see he had arrived but couldn’t see the car. After messaging him, he told David in his very broken English he was on a different level. David needed to go up to the next level and the driver wasn’t there, so up another level until eventually he found himself amidst hundreds and hundreds of crazed 14 year old Thai youngsters waiting for some Thai celebrity to arrive.  The driver by now had been waiting 20 minutes so David was very grateful that he was still there.

He will sleep well tonight.

Psalm 18:30
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.

The best is yet to come – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

 

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Today Today Today

Posted on July 6, 2022 by Helga

Wednesday

David’s Big Day arrived. I was out early putting a new message on the board…

We had breakfast together. He did some teaching and packed and I worked. By 3:30pm, it was time to go.  He is travelling so light. Small bag, backpack and guitar. What else do you need?!

Mike & I took him to the airport and dropped him at international departures.

And off he goes.

I’m really excited for him. Everything is going to be so different. He leaves behind praying parents, that’s for sure.

Today I saw a remarkable story. An amazing event occurred off Hermanus yesterday.  It is a well known fact that Southern Right whales come to our Cape waters to have their calves, but it’s seldom an event that is witnessed. Southern Right Charters had the amazing privilege of being at the right place at the right time.

Photo cred: Southern Right Charters

The calf…

Amazing!

Genesis 1:21
So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

The best is yet to come – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

 

 

 

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One More Sleep

Posted on July 5, 2022 by Helga

Tuesday

Today was the day…

…that represents one more sleep for David. I was down at the blackboard early…

I’ve got a plan for tomorrow. He spent the morning teaching and the afternoon visiting a friend and packing.

Meantime, it was a crazy work morning for me. I had bucket loads of work thrown at me but eventually it all settled down and I had a kinder afternoon.

Today Julian arrived – one of the passengers very close by was a dog. When the dog started yapping, the owners said not to worry, he would soon stop – he was a frequent flyer! Now we have been talking about other service animals on flights and miniature horses have been seen. I found a pic of weirdest animals seen on a flight.

We all went out for dinner this evening. On getting home and we had a last guitar recital.

The other day when Mike and I were walking along the road I was reminded of when our plot was cleared ahead of our build. It’s so amazing to see what the land looked like prior to our house going up. This was 16th March 2019. It was the first step into a million more.

3rd November 2020 –

I’m appreciating the amount of work that went into getting that house up. Even today, it looks so much more complete as there is a wall going up the left side of the stairs. I’ll have to take another photo from this position.

Psalm 127:1

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.

The best is yet to come – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

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2

Posted on July 4, 2022 by Helga

Monday

Today was the day…

That was crazy to begin with. Fortunately, our guest checked out at about 9am and so not long after that Mike and I went to clean the Seaview apartment. In between stripping the bed and putting on clean linen, I was whatsapping for work and getting messages from my manager who was about to board a flight and needed help in doing something. The MD meanwhile, has Covid and so is out of action altogether.  I messaged the next guest to find out what time to expect him, only for him to reply saying he was leaving the airport at that moment. That gave us 40 minutes tops to get the cleaning done.

The guest arrived just after 11am. Such a nice guy and an interesting one. He came from Pietermaritzburg and is thinking of moving to Cape Town. This is his trip to see what’s available and if they could settle in the area. Once he was settled, I got on with work & could give it my full attention.

Earlier in the  morning, I had been down to the Little Lookout where David is staying and put this on the LL welcome board. Yesterday, it was 3 nights to go. Today 2!

It’s my way of getting used to the idea. David has been generous spending time with us.

Exciting days ahead.

A busy Monday, but we are all caught up.  Another Personal Best on the journey of life.

Acts 17:27-28

God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’

The best is yet to come – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

 

 

 

 

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I Tried to Catch a Train

Posted on July 3, 2022 by Helga

Sunday

Today was the day…

I tried to catch a train. I have thought about and talked about this so often. The idea of catching a train from Sunny Cove station to Simon’s Town has been in my head for many months. Then one day, guests tried it and it worked. They got to Simon’s Town and back. It is possible. Today rain was forecast for most of the day, but it didn’t come. Seeing it pretty clear, I decided to walk to Harbour Bay & back. Mike chose to stay home.

Off I went with umbrella in hand. I soon shed my jacket – being warm enough to walk in a t-shirt. Around the Glencairn lookout area a little light rain began to fall which continued until I crossed the river. It soon stopped – my umbrella had served its purpose and was not needed again. I got to Harbour Bay and went to the Blue Kiwi – I had in mind to have one of their super food smoothies, which went down a treat.

It was after that the real fun began. I decided to walk on towards Simon’s Town. After all, if I couldn’t make it back, Mike was just a phone call away. Off I went, wondering how far I would walk.

As I approached Simon’s Town station, I spotted a train! Ah! That must be the 2pm train. I’ll catch it back. Hastening onward, I made for the station, planning to get there by 1:45pm.

As soon as I arrived, it didn’t look promising.

The entrance…

The door was locked.

There would be no train trip today.

I started back towards Fish Hoek when my phone rang. Mike checking up on me. He said he’d meet me at Town Square in Simon’s Town, so I happily turned around and continued towards Simon’s Town. I love it. This is looking over the wall at Admiralty House.

Simon’s Town…

I arrived at Town Square at the same time as Mike and hopped into the car. Then we drove through Simon’s Town and all the way round past Cape Point to Scarborough, where we stopped to admire the massive rolling waves.

We came home and Mike has made spaghetti bolognaise for dinner. I went down to the Little Lookout where David staying. I drew a massive 3 on his blackboard. Three more sleeps before his big adventure begins.

I must be ready to change it to 2 tomorrow! I’m committed now!

And that has been the day. An early blog as Mike has got a movie lined up for us.

Matthew 18:20

Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.

The best is yet to come – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

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