Doing Special Things

Posted on September 8, 2024 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today I thought about how I’ve been doing special things each month because it’s my 60th year, but today I had a change of mind. I’m going to start doing special things just to enjoy life, not only because I’m turning 60. Let the special things roll! Today’s special thing was we went for a long walk up Silvermine. The weather looked a little uncertain, but we took the plunge and just after 11.30am, we were parked and ready to walk. We went over the reservoir bridge and up this path…

Loads of flowers. In places the road is half a donga, which is fine for walkers but quite treacherous for cyclists. The view from this road is one out towards our house.

We could just see our little piece of the mountain. We walked up and over the mountain, diverting off to the ridge which looks over the Lakes…

And further along the rocks that overlook De Goede Estate.

Onwards and upwards until eventually we were closing in on the view of Hout Bay.

And there it is.

The wind was pretty cold, so we didn’t hang about. I was glad for my jacket and gloves. We continued the loop, returning down the mountain on the other side. There were loads of proteas.

We passed lots of walkers and a number of cyclists; there was a shower and we got a little wet but we soon we arrived at the path that would take us to the reservoir.

Which is looking pretty full…

Mike and I on the bridge on the far side of the dam.

Mike on the boardwalk.

Back to the car over the bridge.

It was a great 8.5km hike.

We shopped, came home, rested, cooked and ate.

And now I am in bed with the electric blanket on. Yup, it’s not even 7pm!

2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

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 Plan for the Day

Posted on September 7, 2024 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day that had a plan! I decided to go for an early morning walk to Harbour Bay. It’s just under 4km each way. The plan for the day was for me to have breakfast at the Blue Kiwi. They have a delish, upscaled, enhanced, super-sized French Toast. It deserves being photographed from both sides. It’s an indulgence of note!

It was only when I tucked in that I saw the flower on the other side…

It was really good and gave me all the energy I  needed walking home. There are benches at Glencairn beach.

I sat on the right hand side one for a few minutes, and admired the view…

I wondered if the trains were running because I hadn’t seen one all the way to Glencairn, but on the way back, one passed by.

I spoke to a couple who were walking along Simon’s Town road. They asked if I had seen the whales. To be honest, I wasn’t really looking so I hadn’t. They had spotted whales breaching far out in the bay. We had a bit of a chat about the whale activity, where they live (Stone Haven), the fire that went close to their house & finally the West Coast flowers. From that conversation, I concluded we must try and get to see the flowers before they are gone. So that’s also the plan.  One thing that has liberated me as far as my walking goes, is having the high viz waistcoat. I feel far safer wearing it. People who I don’t mind approaching me, do; and those I don’t want to approach me, don’t.

I got home and the plan for the rest of the day was to rest and then clean the house.  Now I’m rushing through the blog because the next plan is to watch the rugby, win or lose!

It’s been a good Saturday.

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

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 Little Gem of a Walk

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

I’ve often looked across at Kalk Bay and St James and thought how it looks very Mediterranean – a bit like a mountainside town you’d find  in Italy – although Italians can be over the top when it comes to mountainside houses….on some mountainsides there would be double the number of houses than this photo; they would tumble from half way up the mountain…

But this next photo is why KB and St James reminds me of Italy…this is one of the many shorelines on the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

This afternoon I found a special little nook in St James that looks so Mediterranean. I loved it. Mike had to go to Retreat, so he dropped me off about 6km from home, on Boyes Drive. I took a photo and headed down the road.

I got to St James steps and that was where the magic started. I think I’ve gone up these steps before, but not down. It was a whole new perspective and the sun was behind me. The top of the stairs…

The stairs end at a walk-way that winds down the rest of the hillside. They are so picturesque.   

It comes out by Folk Cafe  just opposite St James Station. Such a picturesque route. Definitely one I’ll do again.

On the walk home, spring has come to Fish Hoek…

By then Mike was on his way home and picked me up just outside Fish Hoek beach. Well timed.

It’s been a good Friday. I only worked this morning and was able to take this afternoon off.

One other thing to mention was last night’s business! I woke up hearing a loud thud – it sounded like someone had a big mallet and had hit a solid door very hard. I listened some more but heard nothing. I got up and looked out a few windows. I opened our bedroom balcony door and peered into the darkness. The guests downstairs had their light on. Had they heard it too? Then I heard a similar but noise but not as loud. Ah, that’s it, I thought and went back to bed. I checked my cell phone and all was confirmed.

Weekend!

Psalm 50:15
Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honour me.

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

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

 

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Whale Paradise

Posted on September 5, 2024 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Another day in what is whale paradise. Not only have there been a lot of whale sightings but  what has been surprising is there have been a number of different kinds of whales. Killer whales, aka Orcas have come into town and this evening have been porpoising up and down our little coast line. It’s one of the ways you tell they are orcas – their action is like that of a dolphin only they are enormous. There have also been hump backs and Southern Right. The tourists are in awe. Seeing them suddenly appear right below us never gets old, mainly because they are elusive and uncooperative.  Out the corner of my eye I’ll see a massive splash and see the end of an amazing breach and then they are gone. There is no rewinding of the tape, pausing and going backwards, replaying. Nope, all that remains is a swirl of foamy water and the hope they will reappear 30m on. As they are simply making their way in the water, they do not know they are being swooned over by anyone and everyone in the vicinity.  We need to enjoy it because it’s a few months they are around and then they leave for their next destination. By mid December most will have disappeared.

There is much beauty around us. Daisy Lane however, has no daisies this year, so for the moment it’s become Lavender Lane. Beautiful bunches of lavender all the way along.

It was a busy, but satisfying workday. I have had some email issues and found my work email has only 5% storage, so I was asked to clear some out. I discovered my very first email dated 13th August 2014. At that point, I had no idea that the position would grow to such a rewarding one. Anyway, I deleted all of 2014 and 2015 emails. Tomorrow, I’ll try get rid of another two years.

When I read this verse, it reminds me that I never know what people are going through.

2 Corinthians 8:2
In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

It is only God who can make overflowing joy and rich generosity come from a very severe trial and extreme poverty.

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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Whales for Company

Posted on September 4, 2024 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we had loads of whales for company. They seemed to use the coast line right in front of us as their main route. I started the day with an early morning walk as it’s getting light much earlier. I set off a little after 7am and walked to the Glencairn lookout.

On the way back, I saw a whale and hoped it would surface in the rays of the sun. It didn’t but you can see its ‘footprints’. The dips all along the water are from its movement.

There were a lot of seagulls following it. One of those dots is a drone manned by a guy who I spoke to. His wife is a marine biologist and he was getting some footage. I asked him about the shark population of False Bay and he had shocking news to tell. He said around our coast line from as far north as Madagascar all the way round South Africa there were only about 50 great white sharks left. They are a dying species, he said – they are all but gone. He agreed it is very safe to swim at Fish Hoek now. Seal attacks are more like than shark attacks. Another interesting road-side chat. I came home via Daisy Lane and got my walk in up front.

The rest of the day was spent working, but I had whales for company. While the whale from the sunlight was a humpback (according to the guy with the drone), these two are a mother and baby Southern Right, I believe. They have been up and down the coast and are now settled in one place a little further out.

They glide along very peacefully. The only time there is any action is when they breach or flap their tails. Every now and again there is a spray as they breath through their blow holes. They sleep at the surface. It will be interesting to see if they are around tomorrow. They weren’t the only ones. There were a couple closer to Clovelly; I saw one close to the coast but further down and I spotted one breaching quite far out. Lots of whales about.

Couple more photos. I  meant to post this one  yesterday. When I was walking up the hill at the end of my walk, look who was coming down…Courage & Ruth.

And finally, I saw this on Facebook yesterday and thought it was a good one. World Cup Rugby captains x 8 all in the same room – that’s an achievement.

A satisfying day. No stress.

2 Corinthians 7:10
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret…

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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Tsotsi Story

Posted on September 3, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was an early work day that began early. From about 7am, I was at my computer on and off until after 3.30pm when I went for a walk. My company while working – Raiku hanging out with me…

The pink peg sometimes catches his attention and he bats it about. Sometimes he purrs and meows and head butts me, standing in front of my laptop and obstructing my view. Other times he just curls up and  naps.

After work, I took off for a 5km walk. Wearing my Neighbourhoodwatch high viz bib, I walked the length of Highway to Kommetjie Rd. While walking along Kom Rd towards the beach, I saw two sketchy guys approaching. They were looking over walls as they went along, checking out houses. As I got closer, I reached into my pocket and got out my pepper spray, but it got stuck. I was almost upon them when I finally got it out. By then, they were staring intently on what I was reaching for. I think they thought it may have been my cell phone. I greeted them and that seemed to take them by surprise. They said hello and went on by. A 100m down the road, I met another guy who stopped me to tell me those two are tsotis who had robbed his brother. They stayed in Masi and were well known. As we were looking back at them, a cyclist was about to go past them, when he suddenly decided to cross the road. The guy I was speaking to said, “You see that cyclist? He knows them – that’s why he crossed the road.” I asked if he new their names? “The one on the outside is known as  Mbashu”, he said. I made a mental note and went on my way. I don’t know if he thought I was going to do something official with this information. The two under discussion weren’t exactly doing anything more than I do  – that is walk along the road looking at houses. I wouldn’t recognise them if I saw them again either. It is only a Tsotsi story from my walk today.

I came home via a very quiet, pristine beach. For fun, I walked along the wall on the right.

It’s not only the beach that’s quiet – you can hear a pin drop in the house this evening.  Julian left this morning. David is having dinner with Anna and so we are all alone. Mike is busy reading the Agatha Christie book he took out of David’s bookshelf last night. Maybe we’ll watch some tennis or Netflix.

2 Corinthians 7:5-6
For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us…

I always love verses that have But God in them. So  much of my life would be a mess But 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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Braai with David

Posted on September 2, 2024 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we woke to a very calm windless day with a flat sea.

We couldn’t resist heading to the beach for a swim. We fell right back into our regular routine with Mike going for his 3km trot and me swimming until his return. The water seemed colder than yesterday but I think the air temperature was warmer so the contrast was greater.

We got home, showered, had breakfast and I worked for 6 hours.

But the highlight of the day is we are currently having a braai with David. Happening now!

Julian returns to Johannesburg tomorrow and won’t be back for a few weeks. He has a 2nd grandchild arriving soon – a grandson to add to Lizzy, so he will be around for that grand arrival. A new cousin for you Elsie! We are also excited.

I’m still not having lunch. In July, I lost 2.5kg and August half a kilo, so my body is adjusting to the plan. I’m feeling really good with the few kilos off and not eating for about 8 hours of the day. It will be interesting to see if my weight is affected by our  morning swims.

2 Corinthians 6:2
For he says, “In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

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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Spring Splash

Posted on September 1, 2024 by Helga

Sunday 1st September 2024

Dear Elsie

I just love the 1st September – it really makes me feel spring is coming. Today dawned with sunshine and not too much wind. We did a few things this morning and then this afternoon, we were at the beach in time for the spring splash.

I was ready…

We had been out, so Mike and Julian dropped me at the beach.  I ran into the water ahead of the crowd so Mike could get a pic of me…

Then I got out – Mike and Julian went home and I waited with the crowd and ran in again with them. It was about 14C. I swam to the barrel (the shark net was in place). On my swim back to shore, I saw Mike jogging along the cat walk. He came and joined me. I had spent 20 minutes in the water & was chilled through. I was happy to get changed and we walked home feeling very relaxed. It’s such a great activity. It took me a bit of time to warm up.

Later, we walked along the mountain to see Joti’s cabin, which has made progress this last week. No sewerage and no electrics, so we are not sure what the plan is.

That’s the only window. It has a beautiful view of the mountain, but we are a bit surprised there isn’t one on the sea-side.

We walked a little further and came home a different route. On the mountain, I found a potted cactus lying on its side in the middle of nowhere. Ah, that needs a home. I carried it off.

It is now in our entry courtyard and Raiku has found it a very interesting addition. When David came up for dinner, he found Raiku rubbing against it.

Dinner is done and now we are watching tennis.

Good weekend.

2 Corinthians 5:1
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.

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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We Caught the Train to Simon’s Town

Posted on August 31, 2024 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we did what we have procrastinated over for a long time! We caught the train to Simon’s Town. One day I hope to take you on it too! It’s the new blue train that runs regularly from Fish Hoek to Simon’s Town and stops at Sunny Cove. This morning I saw it pass at 8.20am, then again at 9.20am and figured it would go past an hour later as well. At some time after 10.10am, we headed down the road. As we got to Highway, we saw the train pull out of Fish Hoek station, so we hot-footed it down Sunny Cove steps & dashed across the road to the platform. The train was slow, so we had a bit of time to spare. Mike waiting for the train…

Train pulled up and we got in…

Inside the seats are along the windows. There is security on board. It’s safe and clean and organised.

There is no ticket office at Sunny Cove Station, so we expected to be able to pay at Simon’s Town. We asked the security at Simon’s Town and they said we had to buy tickets at Fish Hoek! There is a ticket office at Simon’s Town but there’s no one in it.

We decided to walk home. We stopped here:

….and enjoyed this view from the lookout point.

We walked onto Glencairn and watched the train pass by again.

It was a 5.5km walk home and it was thirsty work.  We enjoyed resting this afternoon. We also sorted out the loft for guests tonight. Then I went shopping. Later we had dinner here…

Such a satisfying day.

More from 2 Corinthians 4
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

That’s why 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 Overslept

Posted on August 30, 2024 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie

Today I overslept. I am such an early riser – usually between 5am & 6am, I’m out of bed and making coffee. Occasionally, it’s after 6 or even before 5am, but seldom is it after 7am. This morning, I woke up with full sunshine pouring in through the cracks of the curtains. It was daylight and I had overslept. It was a lovely feeling mainly because it didn’t matter at all! There was no one waiting for me. I didn’t have to be anywhere. I had just racked up more sleep than usual. I don’t have an alarm – I just wake up when I do. Sometimes Raiku meows to be let out and I did vaguely hear him this morning, but Mike got up and opened the window and I slept on. It was a rare treat.

What was also a treat today was the splendid sunshine. We had breakfast and I had afternoon coffee on the balcony.

Summer is round the corner. Mike had some work to do at the Sun Valley house so Julian and I went along so we could walk home. 5km in 1 hour or so. Passing views like this made it worth it.

Now we will have dinner and then some telly.

Sometimes I’m told how idyllic my life looks through the lens of my blog, but please believe me when I say I do have frustrations and stress. Mike needs to get a whole lot of approval certificates for varying parts of our build and the stress has been ongoing and at times it swallows him (and me) up! The other irritation which Mike has to put up with with me, and which puts me in a rage, is the slowness of my work system. It’s hit a key, wait 10 seconds. It can ruin my day & it is then very hard to keep the smile going! In the big scheme of things, these are small issues, but they are like an irritating splinter that causes discomfort for a season. In the background of our life, these are the things of which I don’t write. Last year was the biggest crisis year with David’s long Covid. That goes on but he is now able to function better and manage the finite amount of energy he has. He’s  living independently in one of our units – we don’t see him every day – he comes and goes as he did prior to falling sick. It’s been more than 18 months. We are so grateful to see some improvement and the gratitude we carry in our hearts brings with it a far happier outlook that is for sure. Compared to what we went through last year, the vexations of this year certainly are of far lesser consequence.

2 Corinthians 4 brings with this this famous passage:

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

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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Quite a Display of Nature Today

Posted on August 29, 2024 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we had quite a display of nature from the moment the sun rose to the moment it sank in the evening sky.  After days of rain, we had sunshine today.

This afternoon, a mama whale and her baby swam past. They spent some time just off our coast before heading towards Simon’s Town. They were visible for quite some time so it was fun to watch. Of course, the photo doesn’t do them justice.

And across the bay on the distant Hottentot Holland mountains, we see snow.

We can feel it in the frosty air!

I worked a full 8 hours today and went for a walk at the end of it.

Home for dinner. The sunset view…

Today also is Gerrie’s birthday! Happy Birthday Gerrie!

And that’s Thursday done. The days just fly by. I’m glad to be able to stop and enjoy the abundant nature.

2 Corinthians 3:2
You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.

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

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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Fish Hoek Beach Signs

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we went walking off to Fish Hoek and took photos of some of the new signs on Fish Hoek beach. They won’t look like this forever. Right now they are all sparkly and new.

I’m glad this one warns of the rip tides. That threat is real.

Along the cat walk, we pass Skellie’s Pool..

….with the accompanying sign…

The end of the cat walk….

Maybe one day in 30 years time, you can walk this route and take photos from the same place.

Today the weather, as you can see turned slightly better than the early part of the week. I even got some washing done and had a walk both down to the shops and later, with Julian to the end of the road and back. Finally, I got more than 10000 steps. Twas a very cold day with the temperature at 8.30am only 7.5C on our balcony. Snow on Table Mountain, although not much – just a sprinkling really. In the distant mountains we can also see some snow-covered peaks. It is expected to warm up over the next few days.

Psalm 42:8
By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me—

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

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

 

 

 

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Stay at Home Day

Posted on August 27, 2024 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day it rained almost all day. There was not sufficient break in the day for us to take a walk to Fish Hoek, so we didn’t. I stayed at home all day long with the exception of a walk to the end of the road and back just after dinner.  Even then it rained, but just a brief spattering. Twas a gloomy day for sure.

Raiku had the right idea, although he gets frustrated with the rain.

He goes outside, gets a bit wet and then comes tearing in to dry off. A few hours later he ventures to the front door meowing to be let out. I open the door and the wind howls in… he hesitates and then backs off mooching inside again. If he’s very eager to go outside, he’ll put one paw on the doormat, then lift it up and shake it, then wait. Meanwhile, he’s half in the door and half out and I’m standing waiting for him to make up his mind. A little nudge and most of the time he’ll go outside but he has been known to change his mind and reverse back in. That’s a cat for you.

The rain may continue  tomorrow, when it’s also expected to be colder but not quite so windy. Courage spent most of the day working in the ceiling and changing bulbs. It’s crazy to think we have been in the house almost 4 years. Ongoing maintenance is required. With all the rain, the garden is also becoming a bit of a jungle and one of these days Courage is going to need to cut it all back. There is a never ending stream of work for him to do.  We need to clone him.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

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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Drowned Rats

Posted on August 26, 2024 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we walked in the rain. I worked for most of the day and mid afternoon when I thought maybe there was to be a break in the weather, we walked to Fish Hoek to buy milk. When we got to the bridge, it was relatively clear, with a rainbow..

When we had finished the shopping, it was raining steadily. The rain was light but persistent. We decided to head home anyway. Drowned rats under a bush, but still smiling. A little water didn’t do any harm!

Just as well we didn’t wait because the rain set in and didn’t abate for quite some time.

Why walk? I have steps to get. 10000 a day is preferred but 8000 a minimum.  My watch is beginning to dictate a number of aspects of my life. It tells me how much sleep to have, how much deep sleep is preferable, how much light sleep is not. It tells me how many times I wake up and what my deep sleep continuity rate is. Then it tells me I need to stand for a minute every hour & I am a bit too diligent in obeying its command.  Oh, and the three rings need to be completed. This is the main reason, I will put on my jacket and in wind or rain, head for the road. I need to move, get 30 minutes exercise and stand for a minute every hour.  This is from the other day.

The problem is, I’m on a roll. It keeps telling me I’ve got a consistency “award” which is not really an award – it’s just an announcement to me to say I’ve done another day of having all three rings complete. There are many words to describe my daily dedication to my rings – I think committed and determined come to mind. Others will think loopy!  Anyway, I got them today even if I haven’t done nearly enough steps.

While working today, I rearranged my desk. Can you see the difference?

He loves being on my desk with me. Precious Raiku!

The start of 2 Corinthians today.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

God doesn’t waste pain.

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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Scarborough Ramble

Posted on August 25, 2024 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we went for a ramble through the Scarborough Dunes. It’s the Schusterkraal park…

Parking is at the end of Beach Rd Scarborough where a path goes right to the beach and straight to the Schusterkraal picnic area. We went straight, over this bridge. 

The path leads past the fence which is the boundary of Cape Point Nature reserve..

It winds down to the beach…

A short walk along the sea front comes out at Scarborough Beach but on the other side of the river.

We always like to spend a few minutes sitting on a rock having a little prayer together.

We returned the way we came. It was not a very long walk.

Home for a rest and then later, we took off to the end of the beach. We also went over the dunes and were amazed at how well the dune rehab has worked in places.

A good walking weekend.

Psalm 40 always bring with it such encouragement

1: I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.

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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