Lockdown 819

Lockdown Day 819-23 June 2022

And so, without a speech and unceremoniously, the ministry of health announced the complete abolisment of all regulations around the abominable virus.

Just like that.

After 818 days.

And the only question running through my mind is, "what are we going to do with all the masks?" 😂

Apart from the weirdness, I listen to the local radio station on my way to swimming. They have a poll running for everyone to vote ON or OFF. Would you rather still wear a mask or not?

Ummmm....🤔 Duh....... 👀

While negotiating the ocean's swells, I realised this is also the end of this "lockdown" blog. So I am going to finish this post with recycling ideas for all those masks, take a couple of days' break, and then reinvent my blog. So, enjoy these recycling ideas:

To end this Lockdown blog without giving thanks to God would be completely wrong. My mantra has become God's got this and will stay with me forever.

So tonight I celebrate freedom in life and breath in honour of my Creator God Almighty, my Redeemer Jesus and my teacher Holy Spirit. To Him be all the glory forever and ever.

Amen

#Godsgotthis

#lockdownfreedom

Lockdown 818

Lockdown Day 818-22 June 2022

In the wake of Winter solstice comes the news of a possible abolishment of the wearing of masks. This marks the unofficial end of regulatory measures after the State of disaster was lifted in April.

So, in anticipation of what tonight's announcement holds, I have decided to share a couple of funnies:

#Godsgotthis

Lockdown 817

Lockdown Day 817-21 June 2022

The clouds hang heavy with promise when we take our first walk of the day. While watching the sun colour the clouds, I thought of our temporary life here on earth and how we should use our talents and skills (design) to showcase God's creation, not forgetting to enjoy the fruits of our labour.

I thought about how nature effortlessly showcases all of that and more. And even if they wanted to rebel or complain, they don't, because they understand the laws of God. Now that is a lesson of enlightenment we can take away from nature.

I believe an hour under a tree or in your favourite nature spot, can reset our spirit and re-align our focus. Our breathing becomes more rhythmical, inhaling and exhaling deeper. The rhythm of nature is translated into our heart rate and gets all systems to run synchronised. I don't know of any other activity that can get that done.

When our sleep patterns become synchronised to longer working hours and jolted out of rhythm , the reduced restoration time diminishes our nutrient reserves cardinal for optimal functioning.

So tonight I offer up a prayer for everyone pulling amps because of life's pressures. Take a break. Inhale and exhale. Because God's got this.

Lockdown 816

Lockdown Day 816-20 June 2022

Many people have asked me how I got through the last three moves. My answer was always, " by putting one foot in front of the other".  Although I partly joked about it, I got to think about a proper answer to that question.

If serving God hasn't taught us that life on earth is only temporary, I suppose moving around a lot can cause trauma because it is the law of nature to grow roots.

Every time we move and start a new chapter we end off another lesson in how temporary life on earth is. This is not supposed to be a depressing lesson, but rather a lesson of enlightenment.

Which is why I view our stay here as part of a journey God has taken us on. Who am I to question where I am or why I am here, when I know He is the planner of my time on earth.

This is not complacency but rather active faith following the best GPS there is: God Positioning System. No amount of planning and worry can better this, so why not trust Him implicitly? He will never ever leave nor forsake you, because He's got this.

Lockdown 815

Lockdown Day 815-19 June 2022

The road home was swift after we woke up in 0°C on the guest farm. Last night I thought the hostess was joking when she showed us the electric blanket and oil heater that had been switched on. But the ice on our vehicle's windscreen this morning confirmed the temperature.

Being home evoked all kinds of emotions. Although I knew we were unpacked and moved in and the 3 moves were done and dusted, it properly sinked in when I walked into our new space. An immense relief flooded my whole being and I felt a stir in my spirit I cannot describe yet.

I am excited for what this new chapter in our lives hold and eagerly await the last items of furniture to arrive. We are getting in line with rain water tanks to get through the last days before our long awaited and prayed for rains come.

So tonight I offer up a prayer for all the dams of our area and the city itself. For the repentance of sins and believing God for His provision we cannot live without. And I believe God will provide and show everyone, even the skeptics and naysayers He controls all the laws of nature and science.

He really has got this.

Lockdown 814

Lockdown Day 814-18 June 2022

Kgalagadi Day 6.

We wake up early to get ready for the road. 

In between we sit on the balcony with our tea to welcome the sun. We leave Kieliekrankie with heavy hearts, but fed souls and nourished spirits.

Driving to the main camp and exit gate in silence, we take in the last of the Kgalagadi as the red dune vistas drift by. Leaving the Kgalagadi is like leaving home. You always have that feeling you will be back soon.

We stop in Upington for fuel and a quick bite before motoring on in a southeasterly direction towards Prieska. The road is quiet untill we hit the N10 with umpteen oar trucks and a worn road surface. I wonder why SANRAL hasn't made this route a toll road so they can at least have the oar companies pay for the roads their trucks are wearing out daily.

We reach our overnight accommodation before sunset and enjoy a delicious meal before catching a good night's rest before the last leg of our journey tomorrow. With the sounds of silence still around us, I thank God for all the angel wing clouds on the way, co firming He's still got us/this.

Lockdown 813

Lockdown Day 813-17 June 2022

Kgalagadi Day 5.

We decide to sleep in and wait for the sunrise to make the most of our beloved Kieliekrankie. The dunes go from dark to red to light and suddenly the sunrise with all its glory envelops our waterhole in all the hues of orange and red.

I notice the moon is still high in the sky and plan to take a panoramic photograph a little later, to get the sun, moon and Kieliekrankie all together in one panorama.

Our morning drive gives us a beautiful spotted eagle owl in a tree and two honey badgers playing their hearts out on the road before running off into the grass.

We decide to stay put late afternoon, and enjoy the warmer weather out on our balcony. After dinner we pack our crates, ready to be loaded tomorrow morning.

I take my tea out to the balcony around 19:30 and decide to first have a look what's happening at the waterhole. And there, just like that, a lioness appears with her two cubs. We notice only she drinks water before the cubs join her as she moves on.

What a sighting this was, our beloved Kieliekrankie gave us a lioness plus two cubs! As they move out of sight into the dark night, I look up at the amazing milky way and thank God for this special moment. As I wonder how I'm going to sleep tonight, I do know for sure He's really got this.

Lockdown 812

Lockdown Day 812-16 June 2022

Kgalagadi Day 4.

Our first morning in Kieliekrankie. It is - 2°C at sunrise and we leave early for a long drive via Kij Kij to the main camp for brunch. Kij kij is a waterhole where the road connects to the Nossob road, which, if you drive north will take you to Nossob Camp. We turn south to Twee Rivieren.

On the way we talk about how every visitor we speak to complains about seeing so little animals compared to other years. We muse over the reasons for this, such as good rains and more than enough food across the dunes where no roads go.

Just before the main camp we see many cars parked in front of a high dune right by the roadside. We see two leopards sitting in the grass, barely visible and perfectly camouflaged.

What a reward and a sighting to remember. And again, as if the Kgalagadi was whispering in our ears, we took a single picture through the lens of the binoculars, because without the right equipment this picture was one for the memory bank to save.

I would like to share my indignance about the restaurant service in Twee Rivieren, but I decided against spoiling the Kgalagadi vibe. We left for Kieliekrankie on a high, and end a beautiful day with a beautiful night.

A jackal calls out in the night as we retire, and I lie in bed, watching the moon light up the sky once again. And I cannot stop thanking God for His awesome creativity and awesome vistas He spreads out before us, day and night. Yes, I know for sure He's got this. 

Lockdown 811

Lockdown Day 811-15 June 2022

Kgalagadi Day 3.

The morning mist lies thick and hazy in the low areas as we leave Mata Mata with -4°C on the dasboard display. 

We travel swiftly and are blessed with a Gnu and young giraffes right next to the road. We decide to turn into a loop after hearing of 4 cheetah males were hanging around there the past couple of days. 

And there, on the far side of the rigde opposite the loop they were, lazily sitting upright and scanning the area. Sharp sunlight and misty conditions made for bad photography, but hopefully we can extract something off the video camera. 

This is the thing about a trip like this. No reception forces you off the grid and changes the perception of 'sharing'. You start relaxing, because you're not chained to the outside world, and in a way the Kgalagadi rewrites those rules. 

You actually feel like it gives you your life back. Like when you swim in the ocean. I have a friend who says the red Kalahari sand gets under her skin. How true. When I walked into my beloved Kieliekrankie hut, seeing the amazing view over the dunes, I inhale and exhale, feeling the Kgalagadi doing its thing. 

So tonight, while the full moon highlights our own waterhole and an owl glides past the window, I thank God for His provision and goodness, His awesome creation and omnipresence. I praise Him forever for carrying us in His hand. He really has got this. 

Lockdown 810

Lockdown Day 810-14 June 2022

Kgalagadi Day 2.

We thank Kgalagadi lodge and leave on time for the gate at the park. After checking in we waste no time to get on the road to Mata Mata. 

The drive was wonderful and apart from the beautiful morning nature scenes as the sun spilled over the layers of dunes, we saw many antelope, including Oryx, Red Hartebeest and Wildebeest. 

We decide to take a detour to our beloved Kieliekrankie, where we are booked from tomorrow. On the 10 km private road into the dunes we saw a steenbok. 

The managers of the nature camps are strict rule keepers and multi skilled peoole who have to run the entire set up and be prepared for any eventuality, such as pipe bursts, broken appliances, etc etc. They are also the cleaners who make sure you arrive to clean linen and fresh accommodations. 

They work in two week shifts and have to take all their provisions with them. This is why we make a courtesy stop to meet and greet the manager the day before, and offer to bring any supplies he might need from Mata Mata. 

After our afternoon nap in Mata Mata, we set off, perked by a cup of Coffee Excellence's Cup-a-Ground. Sitting at Dalkeith waterhole, we watch as a group of Oryx come to drink water. And then the pick of the day arrives.... a pair of Martial Eagles swoop in. What a wonderful way to start our Kgalagadi stay. 

So tonight as the cold front creeps in, we retire, grateful for our first day of rest and eager to see what God has in store for us tomorrow. 

#Ggt

Lockdown 809

Lockdown Day 809-13 June 2022

Kgalagadi Day 1.

We leave Upington behind and push on to our via point Askham where we sit down for brunch. With our freshly baked rusks loaded, we set off for our overnight digs.

Although not spending the night in the park, we are at its doorstep, and after a quick afternoon nap, we go to the gate office to finish tomorrow's paperwork and use our wild card to take a drive of about 20 km in on the road to Nossob. After being rewarded with a single file of Oryx road-crossing, we head out to the Kgalagadi lodge.

Our little fire lights up the dune and the subsided wind makes for perfect conditions for our first meal out here. I fill giant mushrooms with cheese, herbs, butter and lemon and place them next to the fire in foil. The steak and mushrooms are ready in no time and we enjoy it on the stoep in the last of the warmer weather.

We retire amidst confirmation of the cold weather to arrive tomorrow. As the full moon lights up the red dunes, we make the most of our last internet connections before falling asleep. (FYI posts will follow as and when I have internet) 

#Ggt

Lockdown 808

Lockdown Day 808-12 June 2022

Kgalagadi week starts as we drive to Upington. Although we will only sleep in the park from Tuesday, we will take our first drive tomorrow afternoon before spending the night just outside the park.

The road to Upington was quiet and we listened to the local radio weather forecast warning about the expected cold weather in the area. The Kalahari region is known for the winds that usher in cold during the winter months.

Driving through the little towns we see lots of yellowed grass and the occasion full farm dam, indicative of good rains in the past season.

We drive into Upington late afternoon, passing a road sign saying Namibia border 120km. Thankful for a good passage, we check in at our overnight stop to enjoy a restful evening before the cold sets in.

As I fall asleep, I am grateful for the period of rest we have ahead, looking forward to no reception, the quiet and the milky way nights.

#Ggt

Lockdown 807

Lockdown Day 807-11 June 2022

The road to Bloem reveals cold inland weather. We don jackets at our stops in Jansenville and Colesberg. Between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg we see a rare sight.

An Aquila verrauxii (black eagle or witkruisarend) sitting in the middle of the road with a small mammal that was killed on the road.

He was fighting off an army of crows who wouldn't let him steal it. What a beautiful bird it is and when it took to the sky, we stopped to watch it fly higher and higher and lead all the crows far away.

We also saw through the passes how the height above sea level increased to the free state plateau of 1395 m, with the highest point 1718 m at the top of Lootsberg pass.

After hubby's afternoon meeting we settled down in front of the fire with our Bloem friends Natasha and Hendrien, Carl and daughter for a wonderful warm winter dinner.

Warm forever friendships have a way not only to warm the heart but strengthen the spirit and feed the soul. N&H, thanks for your unbridled love and unconditional friendship. You are rare people who have cut deep into my heart.

God has got you both!

#Ggt

Lockdown 806

Lockdown Day 806-10 June 2022

I find it hard to plan a wardrobe capsule while it is a conflicting warm kind of winter in the Bay. But experience has taught me to throw in the below zero socks and padded coats and jackets. After throwing out the last of my archaic and oversized jeans, I go to check out a sale at our local mall.

Jeans shopping has changed forever. I was stunned as I stood looking at a wall of jeans with more than eighteen (yes, I kid you not, 18 +) different cuts. Not to mention the different textiles and colours. "What the....." 👀 😅, was the only thought running through my mind while I considered running out of there rather than facing this daunting task.

But then, the fitting room assistant appeared, a young man, dressed to the nines in a pair of super skinny jeans I am sure he had to jump into. First, he educated the two dads sitting in the mirror room waiting for, and complaining about their teenage daughters who can't seem to find their right fit. Apparently they are not chilled enough.

He turned to me with a sigh and with a roll of his eyes, looked at me up and down, "Never mind", he says and quickly selects a couple of different jeans. "Try these on", he said, pulling me into a lovely booth with too many mirrors.

We eventually found my fit and I left, feeling like a million dollars.

After loading our vehicle with all the provisions for the Kgalagadi week, I smile at my new jean I will be wearing tomorrow and giggle by myself🤭, because after the whole ordeal, I still don't really know what my fit is called.

Fortunately I know God is my fit, because He's got me. And because He's got this.

Lockdown 805

Lockdown Day 805-9 June 2022

Our Kgalagadi week is beckoning and today we start our preparations, which included planning our day to day meals and shopping for provisions.

Detailed planning is essential, as the Kgalagadi Transfrontier is one of our National Parks where, apart from no cellphone reception in most of the park except main camp, there are only basics available when it comes to provisions.

Everything, from the vehicle and drinking water supply to the braai wood and binoculars, needs to be checked and double checked. The weather forecast is also important, although we know how this normally pans out this time of year.

Although winter is late, it will surely come, starting with our first overnight stop in Bloem where the forecast shows zero and minus temperatures.

Only God knew a year ago what my diary would look like when we decided to book this getaway to celebrate our 35th anniversary. He knew I would spend the preceding six weeks with 3 moves.

So tonight I give praise to my Creator who has most definitely got this.