5 Boats & Venus

Posted on June 17, 2022 by Helga

Friday

Today was the day…

That began with 5 boats and Venus. It is a blessing that both Mike and I are comfortable sleeping with our bedroom blinds up. We have been in this house for 20 months and not a night has passed that we haven’t gone to bed with the lights of the city and sky twinkling into our bedroom. We drop the blinds in the morning when the sun is at its brightest, raise them by lunchtime and they stay like that until the next day. Last night when we were off to bed, the boats from Kalk Bay were our companions as they settled into a night of fishing. I slept well again (that’s 2 nights in a row!), waking at 4am and then drifting back to sleep until about 6:30am. By 7am I was in  my rocking chair. As the arc of the rising sun began to beckon the day, I took a photo of the 5 boats and Venus.

The last boat crept back to the harbour around 10pm. Perhaps our fish tonight was caught by one of them.

Work was quiet today. I knew it would be because managers are off. At lunchtime, I walked into Fish Hoek and got some exercise.

Mike meantime, drove across the city to buy me a new cartridge for my printer which ground to a halt last night. He took advantage of the trip and stopped by a specialist shade cloth shop and found some a super duper special. 30m for R800 instead of 30m for R3000. That’s a deal.

It’s great having David around. He leaves in a few weeks and then we won’t see him for a few months. Furthermore, news is beginning to trickle in that China is possibly opening up so he may be able to venture off to the Far East by early next year. Who knows!? It is a blessing that the Chinese school that employed him in the first instance have allowed him to work online for the last few years.

Weekend! I’m ready.

Proverbs 18:10

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

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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Sleeping Through

Posted on June 16, 2022 by Helga

Thursday

Today was the day…

I woke up early after an amazing night’s sleep. There are few nights of my life where I sleep all the way through. Last night was one of them. I was so tired, I went to sleep at 9pm and woke up just after 5am. One of the great joys of my life is sitting in my rocking chair early in the morning. These winter sunrises are amazing…

I checked in with Julian’s flight which was about to enter Angolan air space…

Mike and I set off for an early morning walk.  The clouds were bathed in light…

The main purpose of our walk was  to buy eggs and bacon for a cooked breakfast. We walked to the Spar at Valyland. And for those who want to know, Marmite, which has been scarce since Covid,  is back in stock there.

David was home and had a day off.  We had a leisurely breakfast and I started work late.

It was a good work day which ended at 5pm.

The three of us enjoyed dinner and then David and I walked to the end of the road and back. By then it was dark. It is fun having David home, albeit for a short time. In 3 weeks time he’ll be off on his next adventure.  It is chilly out and by day, snow was visible on some of the highest mountains in the distance. There’s another cold front due this weekend.

Mike has got a 4 piece period drama lined up so off I go to watch it.

Night!

Psalm 71:3

Be my rock of safety where I can always hide. Give the order to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.

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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David Came Home

Posted on June 15, 2022 by Helga

Wednesday

Today was the day…

David came home.  He is home for 3 weeks before flying off to see the world. That will be another adventure.

Today, it rained a few times in the morning, but there was also a significant amount of sun. At lunchtime, I took a walk to Fish Hoek for a few supplies. On the way down, I spied out a looming ominous looking cloud.

I got down to the shops and as I left, it started to rain. Fortunately, I had an umbrella – otherwise I would have got drenched! As it was I got pretty wet…specially my shoes. This was the sad view walking home…

It rained all the way. After, I got home and collapsed in a heap, it stopped! Of course it did!

I had a shorter, but successful work day.

Tonight, Julian sleeps on the plane.  A short blog! I’m sitting at my desk and am cold! Time to shower and warm up.

Psalm 119:114

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your Word.

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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Cape Town Got Washed

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Helga

Tuesday

Today was the day…

Cape Town got washed. There was significant rain overnight. Some people have reported 100mm since the cold front hit.  The tanks are overflowing. It rained on and off today but is expected to be less tonight and by tomorrow afternoon, the cold front will have passed until the next massive one arrives Friday night. Yay for Winter! We get so little of it, I do enjoy it.

I stayed in my pajamas until lunchtime, working from my rocking chair with a blanket over me. Despite the intermittent downpours, I saw 4 paddlers going past on their surf-skis. That was unexpected. I also saw a diver diving between two orange buoys.  The sea is super flat with the north wind blowing.

When my laptop battery ran down, I put it on charge, pulled some jeans on and during a break in the weather, went for a walk.  The wind turned for a short while and came from the south-east before returning to a stiff north-wester.

From my bedroom door, I look down on this tree…

I love the shade it provides and the birds love it. We are all very keen to keep it, but it is directly in the path of where the funicular must go, so whenever I look at it, it is with the pleasure it brings until such time as it may get the chop. The funicular may be 1 or 2 years away, so we get to enjoy it for some time to come. There is a little chance, we can cut it right back and the rails will fit alongside the  main trunk, but we’ll see when the time comes. With the rain, everything is sparkling clean, including the trees. They look lovely.

I worked for 7 hours.

Tonight Julian sleeps his last night in Londontown.

With the rain, we’ve had no sunrises, but this evening, I got a first peek at this month’s full moon.

The day has gone by with very little stress.

Isaiah 25:4

You have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat.

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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More Steady Than Heavy

Posted on June 13, 2022 by Helga

Monday

Today was the day…

It rained. It came down steadily overnight – more steady than heavy. By morning, we had 8mm. It’s rained most of the day. Heavier winds and rain is forecast for tonight, but we’ll see how accurate that is.  It tends to come in squalls. Below all in a matter of minutes.

Here it comes…

By now it’s raining…

 

Really, it was just a rainy day. No mud on the steps.

I worked. Today, surprisingly, wasn’t as busy as a regular Monday. For eye breaks, I did the washing, dishwasher, and cleaned the kitchen. Mike spent quite some hours in his workshop, completing the gates/doors for the Seaview Apartment entrance. He’s almost done which means Courage can paint them tomorrow.

Today Courage went through the units touching up the woodwork & a whole lot of other indoor stuff.

We heard our ‘as built’ house plans are fully approved. Now to get a permanent occupancy certificate. We have a couple of things still to do to get that.

Julian sleeps tonight in central London!

Bed time.

Psalm 27:5

In the day of trouble he will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

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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Waiting for the Storm

Posted on June 12, 2022 by Helga

Sunday

Today was the day…

The last sunrise before a few days of rain…

We have not had much rain this autumn/early winter so the coming rain is significant for us. It’s an event.

We went on an 8km walk. It took us from Kalk Bay up Boyes Drive via Manila steps (named after original Filipino population of Kalk Bay who were called Manilas). We then went down Hillside steps to the Main Rd, walked to St. James and along the sea front to Muizenberg. From there we went up past the Muizenberg Synagogue to Boyes Drive. We crossed the road and went up the steep Pecks path above the drive and walked the rugged path towards Kalk Bay. We came down a very steep path zig-zagging down the Bailey’s Hike. Pleased to be back on the road (we hadn’t had breakfast), we retraced our steps and arrived back at a our car 2.5 hours later. (Starving!)

Leaving home…

Arriving in Muizenberg…

Up Pecks path – very steep to start…

View from the mountain path…

A mountain bird jubilant with song…

We stopped at Woolworths for a few supplies and got home hungry and tired but satisfied we had got some exercise. The morning was balmy and not too windy.

After brunch, we rested for a few hours and I even had a snooze in my rocking chair. I watched the sun give way to clouds and the wind go from a breeze to a stiff north-easterly wind. We don’t know how fierce the coming storm will be, so we set about securing furniture. I bought all the patio cushions in and some of the light chairs, on all levels. The guests in the Seaview Apartment had just checked out. And then Mike and I set about putting bricks and rocks on the edge of the steps to prevent mud from washing onto the stairway as it did with the last rain.

I am now done and that includes an early blog. I’m going to shower and then we will have lupper. Julian’s last night in Bedford.

Proverbs 14:26

Those who fear the Lord are secure; He will be a refuge for their children.

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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Visit to Melkbosstrand

Posted on June 11, 2022 by Helga

Saturday

Today was the day…

We went to visit PJ and Nadine in Melkbosstrand. I forgot to take a photo of them, but here’s one from a while ago…

They haven’t changed! But they have bought a house just a block away from the beach. It is an awesome 1960s fixer upper but has vast potential. I’m so happy for Paul and Nadine. We had a lovely braai together. This is their view…

The thing that struck me is the lack of railway line. In Fish Hoek, none of the proper houses can get near Fish Hoek beach because of the railway line. The exception is the estate of prefab cottages at the end of the beach. They have it pretty good being between the railway line and the sea – a hop over the dunes and you’re on the beach.  We came home along Otto du Plessis drive…such an iconic view….

Home around 4pm and having not done any exercise, I went for a 5km walk, including to the end of my road and back…

The wind is blowing steadily from the north. Tomorrow, it is expected to pick up and the rain will set in during the evening; rain that is expected to continue through to Wednesday. We sort of thought of hiking tomorrow but we’ll see what the weather does.

Today is Adrian’s birthday. Julian sleeps in Bedford, north of London. He is visiting my step mother, Miriam, who, he says, is very frail, although she doesn’t look it in the photo he sent. She’s in her mid/late 80s now.  She doesn’t look any different to 20 years ago, but she has cut her hair.

Proverbs 30:5

Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those 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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Cooling the Solar Room

Posted on June 10, 2022 by Helga

Friday

Today was the day…

Mike finished his cooling system for the solar room. When he got the new software to monitor the solar system remotely, he realised the solar room was overheating. It shouldn’t get hotter than 50C and it was right up there at the max, so he had to make a plan. He bought 5 fans (R100 each) and set about making a box to carry them. Today, he finished it and installed it in the solar room. It’s the box at the top with psychedelic blue lights.

It’s made such a difference…

I worked for most of the day.

It has been such spectacular weather with hardly a breath of wind. This evening is very balmy. Tomorrow, we were planning a hike, but with the temperatures expecting to rise to 26C, we’ve put that on hold. Instead, we are heading out to see friends in Melkbosstrand.

This evening the Berettas came for Freedom Food Fish. Freedom Food do such great Fish every Friday.

Julian sleeps in Exeter for one more night. Elsie wants to go to school tomorrow. Sweet child has to wait til Monday. 🙂

Psalm 62:8

Trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge.

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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Changing Things Round

Posted on June 9, 2022 by Helga

Thursday

Today was the day…

We changed things around. Mike stayed home. I headed for the beach, but not for a swim. Mike was going to have a busy day doing stuff, so he rested and I went for a walk/jog. For the most part, I walked 100 steps/jogged 100 steps to the end of the beach and back. The sun peeped over the distant mountains while I was going down Echo steps.

And on the beach…

A beautiful calm day.

I got home puffing and panting like a steam train. When I looked in the mirror, I was beetroot red. It was so much harder than my regular swim and walk home, yet, believe it or not, I burned the same number of calories. It was good to change things around. Tomorrow, Mike has already said he’s not going beaching, so my exercise will be cleaning.

Elsie has wrapped up three very successful days at pre-school. She has taken it like a duck to water and was perfectly ready!

Meanwhile Julian sleeps in Exeter tonight. He says it’s beautiful.

I had a very successful work day.  A teacher who was really needing to be placed,  interviewed yesterday, was offered today and accepted immediately. A load off her mind. It was very satisfying for both of us.

Weekend beckons. Mike and I hope to go hiking on Saturday, so we are watching the weather. A lot of rain is forecast for Sunday into Monday.

Monday into Tuesday seems to be worse. It is forecast to rain all day Tuesday as well. There seems to be a little break Tuesday night before more rain during Wednesday. We’ll see if the prediction is correct.

I’d better go retrieve Mike. I told him I’d do the blog and then go fish him out the workshop – otherwise he’d be there all night. I’ve stayed here longer than I meant to.

Nahum 1:7

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust 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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Mike Making Gates

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Helga

Wednesday

Today was the day…

Mike made gates. This is the second set. He made these ones for the Little Lookout…

And now he is making more for the Seaview apartment entrance…this is the gap into which they will go…

This is one side nearing completion…

Mike working on the other side…

Today Mike was not idle. He helped Courage with the back fence.

And he found time to make bread.

This morning, we went to the beach. There were loads of dolphins swimming towards Fish Hoek, but they seemed to pass the beach by and head off towards Kalk Bay. The water was cool. I got in a good swim – the tide was quite high, so the water by the barrel is deep and it always looks further from the shore during high tide because no kelp is visible above the waterline. I’m feeling safe in the deep water these days. Winter is not shark season, but there are still shark spotters on duty so I feel safe knowing they are watching out.

It’s blowing gales as I write – from the north. We have to be careful opening the front door – it can get ripped out of hand and slam. It did that once when the house was being built and the glass shattered.  Oh wow, look at this – I have the picture….Sept 2020

Now look at this…today…I can’t get the exact angle, but you get the picture!

Great progress.

Julian still in Southampton…tomorrow he’s on the move.

A good work day for me.

Psalm 34:22

The Lord redeems the life of His servants; none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

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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Sizzling Winter’s Day

Posted on June 7, 2022 by Helga

Tuesday

How’s it possible that today could have been a sizzling winter’s day. It feels like it was the hottest day of the year.

At least we see cooler days ahead. I don’t know if the hot weather had anything to do with it, but the early morning bought with it lots of dolphins in the bay. Fish Hoek photographers were out in full force….and Aly Ison always does a great job.

They were in the bay while I was swimming this morning, but I didn’t see them.  When saw them frolicking while we were walking home and apparently they came in closer and put on a fine show. What a treat.

I worked 7 hours and have just come in from walking to the end of the road and back.

Today Elsie went to pre-school for the first time. She loved it. At the teacher’s suggestion, Stacey was told to collect her early. When she appeared, Elsie asked, “why are you here?!”  She’s off to a good start.

Tonight, Julian sleeps in Southampton.

Psalm 91:2

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

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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Back of the House Update

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Helga

Monday

Today was the day…

That was a balmy, balmy day. Even now, there is not a breath of wind. Dinner was on the balcony and the candle stayed alight for the duration.

We walked up the road, where the end house is looking like it may be on the final stretch…

And we checked on progress behind our house. This was what it looked like before…December 2021…

March 2022

May 2022

Today…

Courage has done all of it. He is amazing.

This morning, we went to the beach. The water was not too cold and was flat. Swimming conditions were easy and I had a robust 30 minute swim. I worked for about 7 hours.

All the time I was working, there were a team of guys bringing up sand and stone for behind the house. They are back tomorrow as well.

I didn’t see them this morning, but apparently there were humpback whales in the bay. Perhaps they will appear tomorrow. The other thing about tonight – Julian sleeps on a plane.

Psalm 61:3-4

You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the the shelter of Your wings.

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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When Guests Leave the Apartment…

Posted on June 5, 2022 by Helga

Sunday

Today was the day…

That was pretty chilled. We had a relaxed morning which included a latish visit to the beach. The water was about 14C and I swam for 34 minutes. It was more bobbing up and down because there was quite a lot of swell. Home for breakfast and a relaxing day. We did stop by the cottage as guests checked out yesterday. We usually go in to turn off the hot water cylinder. While in the kitchen, we checked the electricity and there were NO units! Fortunately, it had literally run out this morning. I quickly bought more and uploaded them. We took all the laundry up to the house and washed the whole lot. It was a perfect day for washing & all of it is now dry.

Meanwhile, I sent a message to the guests in the Seaview Apartment to say they could leave as late as they wished as no one was coming in. Mid afternoon, they said they had checked out. Mike and I went down to get that linen and this is what we found…

They had stripped the bed and folded all the linen. When guests leave the apartment sparkling clean it is always just amazing!

We spent the evening with the Berettas and that wrapped up a pleasant weekend. Best thing – there is not  a lot of work waiting for me. Tomorrow, we should be able to swim.

Google reminded me this was what the house looked like 2  years ago…how far we have come.

Psalm 18:2

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.

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 Hour Hike

Posted on June 4, 2022 by Helga

Saturday

Today was the day….

Mike and I walked up to the Constantiaberg mast via Elephant’s Eye. It took us 4 hours and was a round trip of just about 9.5km. I can see the mast from my rocking chair through  my study window. I have this triangle in my bedroom around which my life commonly revolves. The peak of the triangle is my bed – I don’t spend too much time on my bed.  The base of the triangle is made up of my desk on one corner and my rocking chair at the other and it’s from these two points that I can see the tall TV mast on the top of Constantiaberg mountain.

We parked at Silvermine carpark and went first to Elephant’s Eye overlooking Tokai. Approaching EE.

It took us an hour to get to the cave and this is the view from it…

Inside the eye…

From there we headed up a steep and rocky path to get to the mast. Eventually, we were 1.1km away and at  my pace, it was going to take 23 minutes to walk that 1km!

The view from the 1.1km to go mark…notice the girl in the bottom left corner? She was RUNNING up the mountain!

1.1km to go…

And we got there!

The globe with back of Table Mountain in the background…

Brunch view…that’s Chapman’s Peak drive down there…and Chapman’s Peak looks pretty small! It’s the Hout Bay side so that’s Little Lion’s Head on the right.

There was a fellow hiker happy to take a phot of us at the beacon. We should have been facing the other way, but it shows we were there!

And from there we could just see our house.

We trekked back down again. It was hard on the knees, but we got back at just over the 4 hour mark. It was good to get home, shower and then I soaked my feet in hot water and Mike made a marvellous cappuccino.

I learned something more about Mike on our walk. He was going so fast, I could not keep up and I learned why. He has a naturally very slow heart rate. When mine is 160, his will be 120 – maybe. He has to keep going so his heart rate doesn’t drop too low – when that happens, he gets dizzy. I, on the other hand, have a heart rate that spikes and I need to stop to let it recover a bit. Why Mike does not want to dawdle only dawned on me today. We did stop twice though. We had embarked on our little hike without having breakfast, so we stopped half way to the mast and had a banana and some water. We had our packed brunch at the top. It was a lovely morning with perfect weather.

We spent the afternoon recovering. I had the pleasure of video calling with Elsie and Stacey.

We need milk. I need to go out and buy some, but my brain is objecting to the idea of walking!

1 Chronicles 29:11
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; You are exalted as head over all.

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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Joys of Nature

Posted on June 3, 2022 by Helga

Friday

Today was the day….

I was up early and got to witness one of the most amazing pre-dawn displays of the sun. The sun is only rising at 7:45am. This photo was taken an hour earlier. No filter. I literally was in my rocking chair, put my cell phone against the window and took the pic.

Mike slept in, so I made myself coffee and went down to finish cleaning the Seaview Apartment. I was joined by a neighbour, who kept me entertained. I think her name is Sybil. She couldn’t confirm!

Twas entertaining! The apartment is looking good.

I was there for sunrise…

Then it was off to the beach. Yesterday, because I was taken up with the Queen’s Jubilee, I forgot to write about one of the amazing things I saw on the ocean bed. The water has been super clear and as I swam, I passed a number of crabs. I saw one doing what I’ve never seen before. There have been round balls of vegetative matter on the the floor of the sea. They don’t float. Yesterday, I saw a crab pushing one along in the same manner a dung beetle would push along a ball of dung. As soon as the crab sensed me, he stopped what he was doing and scuttled under the sand. It was so interesting to see.

Today, one of highlights of my swim was watching a seagull flying towards the beach. From way out, it began to glide. Without flapping its wings, it majestically soared towards the beach. It descended gracefully, turning at the last minute;  a few flaps saw it land on the sand. It was so amazing.  Plenty of blue sky today…

I have worked for 5 hours, seen new guests in and am now ready for the weekend.

Deuteronomy 33:27

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

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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