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