Lockdown 400

Lockdown Day 400 - 30 April 2021

Day 400. Wow.

It started out with a 4am thunder storm after which I was wide awake. So I got up and dressed warmly, deciding to have some quiet time in the kitchen. Winter has arrived, and the rain ushered in the cold weather I have been waiting for.

I decided to bake our new lockdown fave, the "squishy muffin", using cream to zhuzh  (Webster dictionary: pronounced zoosh) things up.

My favourite winter foods are these muffins, slow cooker shanks or butter chicken, butternut soup, slow roasted sweet potato and folding my hands around a hot cuppa anything.

So to celebrate winter, I would like to share this video with delicious slow cooker ideas with you to kick start your taste buds and hopefully add a little zest to your winter menu❄️. For those abroad, save it for those rainy spring days! 🤩

https://youtu.be/y1vm2pncEwQ

After sharing Friday gin, steak and chips with Charline, I dug in for the night, offering up a prayer of thanks for the change of seasons, holding promise of rest and restoration.

#Ggt

Lockdown 399

Lockdown Day 399 - 29 April 2021

Any kind of art is edifying, inspiring and juggles the mind, even if you're not a lover of art. The visual imprint on one's brain has an incredible effect on neuro-processing.

Devaney wrote about when you observe a profound art piece, the neuro-firing in your brain will mostly match that of the artist's brain when the piece was created.

This is a complex motor cortex reaction much like when you use your hands while talking to assist in conveying information. A kind of physical understanding or muscle memory/intelligence.

I went to a gallery today to meet a friend. They were busy getting ready to launch all the new exhibits for May. With promise of a great viewing next week, I photographed a horse sculpture (made entirely from horseshoes) on the deck of the in-house tea garden. 

So I decided to share this horse and other sculptures I photographed near the old harbour in Hermanus.

Enjoy! :

     (Tribute to Sea Rescue) 

Local is lekker! 

I hope your neurons have fired up according to your Godly design. 

#Ggt

Lockdown 398

Lockdown Day 398 - 28 April 2021

Saying goodbye is never easy and mostly sad. Especially if it is to someone you don't know how long it will be before you see each other again.

Today one of my long standing Harrismith friends left for Texas to go and make a life there. She will be traveling around half the world to get there and also subjected to halfway quarantine and self-isolation because of all the regulations.

EM, we will miss you. Thank you for always taking the time to see me and for holding our friendship close to your heart. I know wherever you go you will be a light bearer for Truth and anyone who gets to know you will be blessed for it.

I will always hope to see you again, but in the meantime social media and chat platforms will have to do. Spread our country's warmth and sunshine and make your home the best version of yourself you can possibly make. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and we hope your family will be reunited soon.

I bless you with this Scripture tonight:

"Yes, keep this book of the Torah on your lips, and meditate on it day and night, so that you will take care to act according to everything written in it. Then your undertakings will prosper, and you will succeed. Haven’t I ordered you, ‘Be strong, be bold’? So don’t be afraid or downhearted, because Adonai your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:8‭-‬9

#Gbwy

#Ggt

Lockdown 397

Lockdown Day 397 - 27 April 2021

Amidst all the reports and debates about vaccines vs medicines in the fight against the abominable virus, I decided to start educating myself on all the facts about how the stuff is supposed to work. The more we know, the better our decisions will be concerning our health and keeping our immune system strong.

I still am an advocate for healthy living and making sure to be as strong as possible, as fit as possible and as positive as possible.

Just imagine being a football player of a national team. There will be no way you will play if you don't look after yourself. Your team management will see to your physical as well as emotional well-being, because it is an investment they make towards the goal of being the best team.

So I ask two questions: why wouldn't we want to keep ourselves in the best possible condition so we could win this war - the war against everything this abominable virus and lockdown has forced upon us? Are we going to step out of this pandemic wounded or healed, downtrodden victims or victorious overcomers?

#MLM stands for My Life Matters.

This doesn't mean I only matter, but it means I choose to love and accept who I am and feed my spirit, mind and body accordingly.

Think what you are thinking about. If it doesn't build you up, nurture and inspire you, think again!

Go outside and breathe deeply, do the exercise I challenged you to do yesterday:

Throw your shoulders back, lift your chin and align your view with the horizon. Then, look straight up while throwing your arms back out wide.

This will give God the opportunity to impart His wisdom into your heart!

#Ggt

Lockdown 396

Lockdown Day 396 - 26 April 2021

(Dedicated to EM.)

Human resilience and ability to adapt is grossly underestimated. We are stronger than we think. We are more resourceful than we think. Maybe we should start to open ourselves up to the Truth that our spirits have been equipped with everything we need to do life.

The omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent God who  created us made sure our design is precise and His plan for us even more particular and detailed. 

We only have to look at the intricate orbit pattern of planets in our milky way alone to know it is not by accident or a sudden explosion 💥. It is carefully constructed and planned, positioned and placed into a collision-free anti-clockwise orbit network. No amount of human intellect and technology could have created this.

So, tonight I am sitting outside, watching the supermoon come nearest to earth. Completely  overwhelmed by its brightness, and almost 3D- like appearance, I am relieved that God's got this all firmly in control. Looking up is so easy and this simple action releases tension and lifts off the earthly load we carry in one swoop.

Come on, stand up and try it next time you're out moon gazing or when you need a break. Throw your shoulders back, lift your chin and align your view with the horizon. Then, look straight up while throwing your arms back out wide. Breathe deeply and feel the release and then God's peace. Priceless.

#Gbwy

#Ggt

Lockdown 395

Lockdown Day 395 - 25 April 2021

Get ready for the pink supermoon!

According to a number of sites reporting on this, a supermoon is when the moon is full at the point in its orbit when it comes closest to the earth, making it look larger and brighter than usual.

Apparently the colour will not be pink and the name derives from a North American wildflower species called moss pink that blooms in this month.

The supermoon will rise tomorrow night with the exact moment in orbit at 23h31 and will be visible through Tuesday the 27th as well.

The moon will however already look bigger just after is has risen due to the illusion that it looks bigger on the horizon. Diarise May 26 and June 24 for the next two supermoons.

Although we missed the meteor shower on April 22 because of cloudy conditions, I managed to source the picture at the end of this post.

Standing outside, watching the almost full moon flooding our staircase, the 15°C night air feels fresh and cool on my skin. I offer up a prayer with a grateful heart knowing God is in control, knowing I can rest because His grace and mercy is enough for us, and new every morning!

See you at the supermoon tomorrow!

#Ggt

Lockdown 394

Lockdown Day 394 - 24 April 2021

Moon pictures. Last night I sent my moon photograph to a couple of friends in different places, hoping to get a view of the moon from their perspective.

It turned out to be such a wonderful thing to share. Not only are we then looking at the same moon, but somehow I feel more connected to every place and person.

I received moon pics from Paarl, Hermanus, Breede River, Jongensfontein, Port Shepstone and Bloemfontein. Also, pics came in from Alkmaar Netherlands, Mauritius, Windhoek and Lake Malawi.

We started this moon tradition somewhere early in Lockdown last year when everyone was still coming to grips about what was happening to us.

Tomorrow I shall post info about the coming pink supermoon on Monday and anticipated sightings to come. Plan ahead and get ready for Monday night and Thursday.

So tonight, as the moon is positioning itself to shine through my roof window, I wonder who is also looking at the moon at this moment. What I know for sure is God is too! He is omnipresent and omniscient, knowing who is looking and where. That is why I still firmly believe He well and truly gets me. And you. And He's definitely got this.

Lockdown 393

Lockdown Day 393 - 23 April 2021

And so we drove out of town around 8am, negotiating light traffic and some low lying clouds, arriving at the airport in good time. After I dropped my bag we settled at a table with a view on the runway for a last coffee together. We parted with heavy hearts but lifted spirits. 💕

Boarding took forever as everyone had to be carted to the aeroplane with a bus, but at least we got away on time.

After take-off the pilot did something absolutely spectacular. In stead of turning directly north, he did a full 360 degrees turn over Table Bay and Blouberg and then over the whole False Bay.

I took pictures until my arm hurt. I had goosebumps as all passengers gasped, oohhed and aahhed at the amazing scenes we saw. At one point I had Table Bay, Table Mountain and False Bay in my window. What a treat!

Our airport approach took us over Centurion and through impressive clouds, landing safely on time. My homecoming was sweet and we celebrated being together again with a fire and my favourite lamb chops.

With the moon once again saying hello through my room window, I drift off with beach memories floating in and out of my mind accompanied by a saying my Dad always said, "Hermanus is my terminus." 🐳

"And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts."

Revelation 21:6 NKJV

Lockdown 392

Lockdown Day 392 - 22 April 2021

The last day. Going on a trip is always exciting. Going on a long awaited visit to family you haven't seen for 18months amidst a pandemic is even more wonderful. The last day is always one of mixed emotions, last minute chats and things to do.

After my early morning walk we had Hendrien's Muesli (instagram: hendriens_muesli)

and potted around in the house, packing my things and chatting about the past 11 days and how wonderful each day was. We really made the most of every day.

Liesl and I had a last lunch together at the Eatery after which I packed my last things, still wondering what to wear tomorrow when we leave early for the airport. Chuffed about my wardrobe vacation capsule that worked well for all eventualities, I still silently hoped for cooler weather across the two weeks.

So tonight I offer up a prayer of thanks for family and health, being loved as well as able to love. For being able to make new memories and revisit old ones and for a cold surf second to none. My well is full and I return home tomorrow with salt in my hair and vitamin sea coursing through my veins.

"And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."

John 6:35

#Ggt 

Lockdown 391

Lockdown Day 391 - 21 April 2021

Another perfect Walker Bay day greeted us this morning. I was up early and prepared our roast for dinner tonight with my sister & family. I took a brisk walk while assessing the weather and the sea, deciding another swim would be good.

With dinner well on its way, I set off to surf at Voëlklip beach. The tide was coming in, just the way I like it. I saw the currents were strong and wayward and knew all the good waves would be a battle.

On days like these the salty air and the icy cold water are great on my skin, making the dives through the double overheads even more exhilarating. The couple of drop-ins I could get had enough power so I could kick-out before it lost speed.

I had the surf all to myself, enjoying every minute. 90 minutes later, I left the beach warmly dressed, feeling the cold still in my throbbing defrosting feet. This made me feel alive and strong. It put a smile on my face, but also got me thinking about what it is about swimming in 10°C water that makes life really good.

Apart from going against all my better judgement, I definitely know for sure it releases endorphins when we do crazy things like this. Also, we sleep better and eventually feel elation about what we did which also sparks a kind of internal satisfaction and sense of self discovery. In short, a great stress reliever.

This is how God created us to be: free from stress, free to worship Him unrestrained. Don't allow the world to hold you down, rather allow Jesus to set you free. When in such cold water, you are forced to focus on everything that gives life. He is LIFE. Embrace it. Because He is doing the heavy lifting, you only need to ride His wave.

#Ggt

Lockdown 390

Lockdown Day 390 - 20 April 2021

This morning we decided the sunny morning was perfect for driving to the little town of Franschhoek. The 75minute drive took us through parts of the farmlands of the Overberg, over the dam wall of the Theewaterskloof dam and through the picturesque Franschhoek pass.

Theewaterskloof is currently at 74. 7% of its 480 million cubic metres and driving along its surface area of just over 5000ha is just an impressive sight. With little to no traffic, we could enjoy the Franschhoek pass with its breathtaking views of its impressive 7km climb to 432m and especially the Franschhoek Valley.

Franschhoek, Afrikaans for 'French Corner', so named because it where most French Huguenots settled to build a life in the Cape in the late 1600's.

Sharing this heritage with the original family farms from both sides of my family still very much intact, it always feels like I can stay forever. Walking down the street reconnected me to the soil where my predecessors also walked.

We parked the car in front of Terbodore Café in Huguenot street. Their coffee roastery opened in 2004 and was expanded in 2011, sporting a café and online shopping with countrywide delivery. Needless to say, we started off with a little Terbodore inspiration.

The Great Dane blend of the day was accompanied by the now famous 'dog biscuit' cookie. Promising to return for an after lunch cuppa, we strolled down Huguenot Street, stopping along the way to appreciate the architecture and view all the arts and crafts on offer.

Lunch at Le Petit Manoir consisted of smoked brisket and veggie spring rolls and butter chicken, plated and presented with ultra-modern and contemporary crockery.

We stopped in at Terbodore for a last coffee before it was time to leave. Thank you Gavin for your excellent service and sense of humour!

We then took a quick drive past all the family farms before heading home. Franschhoek really looks and feels like a little piece of France with a touch of Swiss mountain air in this extra special champagne valley of the fairest Cape.

Back home, watching a most spectacular sunset, I silently thank our Creator for the angels He sends into our space, both the human and the celestial type.

#Gbwy

#Ggt

Lockdown 389

Lockdown Day 389 - 19 April 2021

The first winter rain greeted us this morning on Mom's birthday. We had plans to go on a walkabout, but decided to postpone to another day.

Instead, we went for a warm cuppa at Just Pure Bistro, both sitting on the same side of the table so we could see the stormy sea outside. After dropping off a hot flat white takeaway for my sister, we decided to do a little whale searching and ended up sitting in the car at Sievers Point.

While the North wind howled around the car, I spotted a whale blow very far out. The sea was green and grey with moving dappled light spots as the clouds milled around.

We talked about how Hermanus is our place and will always be embedded into our fibre. How I know every current at every beach and where to go to see the best views. How we know every nook and cranny of every cliff path and every beach path and the secret picnic spots very few people know of.

Where in the world is there such a place with the sea touching the mountain's feet and where the moon has its own spot to shine (Maanskynkop)?

I suppose one could find similar beauty elsewhere in the world, but none of them share a history with us like this place does.

We spent the afternoon indoors, sharing tea and cake with some of Mom's friends who popped in to say happy birthday. Thankful for every call and good wishes, I offer up a prayer of thanks for health, friends and those who are alone. #Godbewithyou

#Godsgotthis

Lockdown 388

Lockdown Day 388 - 18 April 2021

Sunday. Mogg's Country Cookhouse day. We slept late and meandered slowly through our routine of yoghurt, plunger coffee, hair and make-up.

Driving out on the Hemel-en-Aarde road, we passed numerous wine farms, tasting rooms and farm stalls. The view of the valley explains the name: 'as if heaven came to earth'. It felt as if we were transported into another world.

Jenny and Julia Mogg started up this country cookhouse 25 years ago in a mere 2-room shack. Since then this wonderful mother-and-daughter duo have graced the pages of many magz and newspapers, and became renowned for their country cooking with flair and yumminess.

Memories include way back when we went there for the first time with friends in winter time where we enjoyed pulled lamb and glühwein in front of the fire, and 5 years ago for Mom's birthday with her siblings.

Today was no different. We all had a wonderful time and enjoyed every bite. I took a walk on the wild side and combined two starters for my mains and got a culinary experience par excellence.

It was prawn risotto balls with herbs and a beetroot fritter and salmon stack. Out of this world is an understatement!

Everything was tasty and looked amazing , from the pan fried hake, crispy pork belly and Aubergine salad, to the kids' pumpkin veggie dish (specially prepared for Lana by Julia, thank you! 🤩) and chicken 'n' chips.

After Mom and I shared a super decadent dark chocolate tart with van der Hum (Dan had a trio of ice cream), we took a stroll through the garden to see the impressive King protea in bloom, we also appreciated their lovely herb and veg garden.

Driving home, we mused over Mogg's and how going there is just so great because you know it is always amazing. Thank you Jenny, Julia and your team for once again making our day!

For those who want to see more, here is the website link for Mogg's (they are also on Instagram as moggs cookhouse) :

https://moggscookhouse.co.za

#Ggt

Lockdown 387

Lockdown Day 387 - 17 April 2021

The day started out with an awesome swim in fizzled out high tide. The water was 10 degrees and after an hour my hands and feet were numb but my spirit soared.

There were many birds diving in the sea, and as I drove back home I saw what looked like a huge school of fish in the bay, with many seals and birds enjoying the bounty. I briefly stopped to see what looked like a whale and to my surprise I saw an Orca also joining the feast. I then saw a whale blow just a couple of metres in from where the fish feast was. What a treat!

The sea, salty air and sightings in the bay made me feel normal for the first time in a long time, forgetting about all things virus. Being outside where masks are off and faces are real, breathing in the fresh air without effort, was like sanitising the body with sea spray and stocking up on vitamin D.

Stocking up on vitamins also includes the privelege of visiting with friends from afar. Friends that come a long way earn a certain right to carve out a niche in our heart. It's a kind of heart-soul imprint that is left on one another's spirit. Thank you IA and M for taking the time to see me!

With the quarter moon hanging above the horizon on another spectacular night sky, I offer up a prayer for the world, its people and their future. While I have no clue how to bridge this seemingly insurmountable challenge, I know God does. In fact, He has a plan. And He really has got this.

Lockdown 386

Lockdown Day 386 - 16 April 2021

Walker Bay. Where my heart lies. Where the surfing is best and the waves are near perfect.

After coffee with my cuz early morning and late avo on toast brunch, we left for Voëlklip Beach. My fave for a good wave. The afternoon was windless, warm and sunny, almost hot. My new RipCurl almost-wetsuit-cozzie worked like a charm and the 12 °C water was totally awesome.

On my way in, a boy no older than 10yrs came out with a disgusted look on his face. He looked up as he passed me and said in a warning tone, "you can't, it is too cold!" 😅

In the water I met a 9 year old girl called Mia. She reminded me of myself at that age. Fearless and thinking the sea is my oyster and my slave. She kept on saying, "don't you just love this, I can be here all day!"

Oh yes, she said it all. I do just love the salt against my skin,

the sun on the water and the cold temperature makes for the best social distancing sport on earth! 😁

We ended off our day with a heart warming braai at my sister's home, with mouth watering fillet and fabulous veg, sharing, chatting and laughing until we had to leave. Falling asleep, I thank God for all the muchness.

#Ggt

Lockdown 385

Lockdown Day 385 - 15 April 2021

Watching the clouds pull a shroud over the town and feeling the first winter cold roll in, we decided to take a stroll through part of the town, ending up having great coffee and many laughs about fond family memories.

We also took a peek inside an antique shop, utterly surprised by the clean and extremely organised interior, musing over porcelain tooth paste containers, silver cutlery and many familiar utility items from the past we grew up with.

As the skies grew darker, we took the opportunity to stay indoors for a quiet afternoon, busying ourselves with a little reading and catching up on tech.

After dinner we watched the SA KykNet version of Farmer wants a wife. It was the last episode of this series. As always we had much to say about all the forged relationships and single farmers walking out with nothing. Every year I vow not to follow this reality show again, and every year I find myself doing just that.

These people go through a  process of trying to find their other half. This while millions of viewers get to see (and relentlessly comment on, of course 😅) them go through happiness, heartache, troublesome decisions and poker facing all at once.

My only comment? Please do not enter this competition if you don't want a farmer or a wife.

So it is in life:  if you are not entirely vested in finding and reaching a clearly defined goal, no one and nothing will ever fit the unattainable criteria you have in your head. The key is to go in with a completely open mind and not to leave until you get what you came for.

So tonight while the wind is howling around the corners and knocking on the windows, I offer up a prayer for those in need of their "person". For clarity of the stakes at hand and faith that God has got this completely sorted.

Lockdown 384

Lockdown Day 384 - 14 April 2021

The precious nature of life and people often escapes us in our busy days. But every now and again people cross our paths with stories sounding like something out of a movie. Sometimes these people stay a while and walk our journey with us or only stop to tell their story and move on.

Whichever way, I believe these encounters are one of the missions God had when He created us on this earth. To learn from and be inspired by such people. To ask Him why He would want us to hear a particular person's story.

We recently met such a woman. In one year, the men in her and her daughter's lives were taken from them. A boyfriend, a father, a husband, a brother and a son. Sounds like Job reversed. Our eyes met a few times during our conversation and both mother and daughter left us touched and inspired.

I believe such encounters are the God kind and are never just a hi-and-bye moment, it always lingers or comes back.

God created us in His image. I am sure His idea was if everyone projects Him, we would feel surrounded by Him.

Maybe it's because He wants to remind us of His grace and mercy, or how wonderful and utterly fabulous He is. Or how strong He has created us to be so we can also be a showcase for Him when we tell our stories.

Never think you have nothing to tell, for by just living your life and staying true to who He designed you to be is the very thing He wants someone else to see!

#Ggt

Lockdown 383

Lockdown Day 383 - 13 April 2021

Waking up to the distant swoosh of the sea crashing on the beach not far from here, I was disoriented for a moment before realising where I was.

After our morning walk, we went to see all the sites of Hermanus I have grown to love over all the years. Grotto beach with its white sand and wide open space, Voëlklip beach where I love surfing, and Kwaaiwater where my amygdala dances.

Lunchtime was spent with my sister at the Eatery, officially now my new digs. From the flat white Margaret delivered with a smile to Rebecca's fabulous benedict and Susan's incredibly special touch with her flowers, our day was lit up by this little place with it's big heart.

Our day ended without electricity (looks like an outage only in Onrus area) and the discovery of one of the most beautiful stargazing night sky I have ever seen in this area. We stood outside in the cool air, stunned by what we were seeing. The milky way was strutting it's stuff sprawled across the night sky canopy.

I was instantly aware of God's presence in a way I haven't felt in a while. And I thought of this expanse we live in and speck we really are in comparison to God. He is bigger than all this and this little pandemic diminishes to nothing in the face of this expanse. He really has got this.

(The Eatery Link:

https://g.co/kgs/RnsBJR ) 

Lockdown 382

Lockdown Day 382 - 12 April 2021

Flying in Lockdown is not so bad, as long as you abide by the rules. But I would be lying if I said it is exciting and exhilarating. The whole experience has become rather like a hurry-up-and-get-on-with-it process like when you are queuing in the bank's customer care queue.

I will say though, there were much fewer people than I remember. Kulula was great, but their pre-lockdown humorous mojo has sadly made way for virus rambling they don't have a choice in.

My heart soared once seated, the aeroplane pushing me back into my seat as we took off. Although the masks were a tad irritating and the absence of chicken-or beef with a glass of champers was conspicuous in their absence, I had time to read half a book, something I rarely get the time for nowadays.

Approaching Cape Town, we flew over Paarl with the impressive Theewaterskloof dam in the background. Once over the Du Toitskloof Mountains the approach for landing felt as if we were descending like a feather on its way to the ground.

The spectacular view of False Bay lingered long enough to catch a glimpse of Cape Point. As Table Mountain came into view while taxiing after landing smoothly, I found myself emotional over so many things: seeing my Mom, missing Ma Daphne, a myriad of memories flood my brain of days gone by when CSE were still living here. Missing you guys always!

Mom and I enjoyed the drive home and spent the evening unpacking and catching up well into the night. It is good to finally be here again. I fall asleep thanking God for all the muchness.

"יהוה guards your going out and your coming in now and forever." Psalm 121:8

#Ggt

Lockdown 381

Lockdown Day 381 - 11 April 2021

Today consisted of packing a suitcase for a flight to Cape Town tomorrow. I realised yesterday the extended weather forecast was pretty much hectic with the week starting off with highs of 28 and 26°C. And then, it plummets over the weekend to highs of only 16 and 17°C.

So yesterday I first had to sort out winter clothes still stored elsewhere from the move. And then I had to decide how to pack a medium size bag with clothes and shoes and all things utility for literally four seasons.

Knowing how winter in the Cape can creep up and move in at a moment's notice, I eventually decided to Google what to wear.

I found the most awesome posts from people who have traveled frequently, posting what they call a vacation wardrobe capsule. Pictures and all.

I settled on an interesting blog of a girl who would've traveled abroad in 2020, but had to stay put because of lockdown.

She actually packed her bag and wore her outfits according to the weather at her destinations, and also posted what she would change if she actually got to go.

So I got my act together and did as the capsule people said. And got it done. Filled to the brim, my bag weighs approximately 17kg, well within limits.

Packing is as much a brain exercise as it is a spiritual one. Another thing our spirit has been equipped for in our design by God. Tonight I retire knowing God is in the driver's seat.

#Ggt