AUGUST 2011

SCOREBOARD COLLEGIATE U14 HOCKEY; PLAYING RIEKBEEK







ALLY PLAYS HOCKEY AGAINST PEGS 15.08.2011



ALLY HAD TO MARK THIS CLARENDON PLAYER CAREFULLY.




FIREMAN DANIEL




ALLY, JESSICA AND KERRY DISCUSS WORLD POLITICS WHILE MICHAEL AND GREG LOOK ON.


14 YEAR OLD ALLY





AUGUST 2011

JULIA MOVED TO A FLAT IN HUMEWOOD
MICHAEL AND LENE STAY WITH US
ALLY TURNS 14
ALPHA AT WALMER METHODIST
LENE GOES TO HOSPITAL FOR AN OPERATION TO HER ARM
BARBARA AND MY 35TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
BEACHFRONT RUNNING AND SWIMMING
LUNCH AT THE PINK FIG
ALLY PLAYS COLLEGIATE U14 HOCKEY AS OLD GREY ACADEMY HOCKEY
START WITH BIKE RIDING IN THE MORNINGS
MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE WITH CHARLES, FRED, JOHN MC GILLIVRAY, GEORGE, DARRYL SMITH AND VINANCE.


TREE CLIMBING JOSH


MIND THE GAP



FUN IN THE TREES

Monday 1st August
I leave for East London early this morning. Dark when driving and I chose to drive the coastal road. This was a mistake as there are simply too many potholes on this route. I hit a really nasty one which jolts me; fortunately no damage to the car. Then later I come across a dead horse across the road. This made me think that driving at night is not a good idea.

Tuesday 2nd August
I am in East London this morning and leave for PE around midday.

Wednesday 3rd August. I run in the morning but am feeling stiff from the run on Sunday. Grahamstown this morning and Alpha this evening. Ally is not feeling well and stays home. Lene has to go into hospital for an operation to her arm.
I have Alpha this evening. I am a leader of a small group together with Salomie. The group consists of Heidi, Bev, Brad, Jenny, Mandy, Steven,

Thursday: Morning run. Feeling a lot better. Running easily this morning.
Friday evening Ally and a group of her friends go to Youth at Summerstrand Church. She has Kerry stay over. It is raining and chilly as predicted.
Saturday morning: It has been raining all night. We have agreed to run even if it rains. I collect Adrienne. Susan and Gerald meet us at Hobie beach. Graham and Margie also join us and I enjoy running and chatting with Graham. He is back into the lawyering business and trying to end all amployment connections with the municipality. Margie is feeling very frisky and keeps on heading off into the distance and then fetching us. We are so fortunate as it is not raining at all. We start off in a slight west wind. Gerald runs as far as the Garage and then turns back.

We had expected to have to run in the rain but are pleasantly surprised that we run all the way and it is a beautiful almost spring morning. Graham and Margie carry on along Strandfontien while Sue, Adrienne and I run down 2nd ave. We pass Jonny Bakkes. As we reach the beach promenade we turn right to meet up with the others as they come back to Hobie. It starts to rain and we turn back. We meet up with Elmarie and we run back to Hobie. Graham and Margie catch us as we finish. It is now raining and we are running through puddles of water. Adrienne, Sue and I strip down and go for our Saturday morning swim. It is cold but amazingly refreshing. And I am able to body surf a few waves. What an incredible start to the day!

After work I collect MC Burri and we go to Framesby to watch rugby. I meet up with Terry Hepburn, Keith and Grant (who was also at the youth group that Ally visited last evening) and Andrew Jonas. Grey thirds (Grant's team win and the seconds (Aiden Boyd) also win. The Grey First team suffer what I hear is their 9th loss this season. Not a good reflection on their own ability nor on that of their coach. They made all kinds of tactical and handling errors. Framesby (Lene's old shcool) on the other hand looked confident and were at full tilt throughout the match.


AN ALMOST DRY DANIEL


JOSHUA RESCUES A DROWNED CARE



Sunday 7.08.2011
It is Ally's 14th Birthday and Barbara & my 35th wedding anniversary. Barbara has bought Ally a Blackberry Phone. She is delighted and immediately sets it up. Michael and I take a walk around Grey, we meet Claire and Michelle going for their morning run.


JOSHUA AND JESSICA


SORTING OUT THE RULES


PASS THE BALL PLEASE JOSH


JESSICA & JOSHUA CHASE THE BALL; DANIEL IN THE BACKGROUND


BASKETBALL AT THE PINK FIG

We meet for lunch at the Pink Fig. This is an outdoor restaurant designed for children and families. Michael and Lene, Jessica, Joshua and Daniel --- Charles, Ingrid, John and Cheryl, Michael and Greg are there as well. Ally had her friend Kerry there. We have a really good meal and good conversation. This is a good venue for adults and children alike: lots of place for the children to play and run around and we were given a room to ourselves with a fireplace. It was a chilly afternoon and we needed the extra bit of warmth. This was our way of celebrating our 35th anniversary and Ally's 14th birthday at one time with family and friends.



LUNCH AT THE PINK FIG


LENE AND INGRID SHARE A STORY




GOOD LOOKING GIRLS AT THE PINK FIG


Nicci and her family are at Ceres with Stefan's sister, Lynette. There is snow on the mountains and they are able to go up the mountain in a 4x4.

Monday morning I am back running in the group. It is a long weekend for many as the schools have taken Monday off in anticipation of the Tuesday -- Womens day. We have no Cell Group this evening.

Tuesday 9th.
I am up early. Barbara is in the throws of a Kitchen Clean Up. The place is a Balagan (Hewbrew for Mess). I do the dishes and some cleaning and then leave for the Beach Front run. Adrienne is off with a cold. I meet up with Gerald, Ronel and Elmarie; Ben, Mike and Suzanne join us. Suzanne is in front of the running group. I battle to keep up with Ronel and Ben. Mike and Elmarie cut out the top of Walmer Boulevard section.

Gerald turns back as he feels he is not in good shape and battling with the running. It had been raining in the night but now there is a west wind but as we turn away from the wind it becomes one of the stunning mornings that I love. We set a reasonable pace running to the Caltex Garage in LeRoche drive and then along to Strandfontein road.

At Second avenue most of the group turn back to the beach. Suzanne has said that she is keen to do a slightly longer distance so I head off expecting her to catch me at any time. I run all the way along Strandfontein road and then down Admiralty. I stop at the garage thinking that Suzanne must have turned down 2nd ave when she comes running down for some water. She had to make a pit stop and I was just out of calling distance. So I had run so hard for nothing.

On to the promenade and along past Summerstrand. Jonny Bakkes is at the surf competition. The sea is like glass. Or should I say Ice? When we get to Hobie I must have the traditional swim even if it is only a shorty. Suzanne leaves and I take the plunge. Getting into the water is always the tough part. Once you are completely wet then you really feel how cold it is. My feet were Ice Blocks. I surfed two waves and then walked back to where I had left my clothes.

As I walked to the car, Tony Maine greeted me. He is supporting / seconding his son Kyle swimming. Kyle will, this morning, swim to Summerstrand and back to Kings Beach around three times (three hours) in that cold water. This is part of his training for his English Channel swim attempt in around a month's time.

Back home I have a long hot shower trying to thaw out. Then Barbara,Ally, Jessica and I leave for Plett. It is Womens day and we have arranged to have lunch with Ena. She has invited some of her friends; Anne and Anthony de Wet; Anne Thomas and Trish. Ena makes us some roast chicken with vegetables. While we are ther the stove nearly catches fire. Ena is frail as any 95 year old person should be. She has had a fall recently and hurt herself.

Despite all of this Ena is amazingly alert in many ways. We sit out on the veranda for lunch. Good conversation despite the fact that Anthony is pretty deaf and that Ena keeps asking where is the Broccoli? And have you cut the bread? Anthony (Deaf) tells me about the South African economy, the education system, The American and British University systems, Nobel Prize winners and various other stuff which I really battle to understand what he is saying. I cant respond as he cant hear me. Just as well.

I commit a criminal act in washing the dishes. Fortunately I am bigger than Ena otherwise she would have Clapped me.

Pudding is Waffels, Honey and Cream. Too much grub. But nice. The Annes leave. I wash dishes, Ena complains about the knives in the water and packs the left overs and rusks in packets for us. We try to sneak out without taking this but she remembers and we go back for the take-aways.

Ena has had some tests for leisons that she has on her back. She walks or hikes to the Clinic. She seems in good spirits and happy with life despite the setbacks.

Ena has been very generous helping Michael and his family during this time of financial stress. They have medical aid and a mounting medical bill to pay. Both Lene and Michael are making full use of the medical aid.

We arrive home safely. Well fed and happy to have been able to spend the day visiting.

Wednesday 10th
Start with Bradlows North End. Alpha 4 this evening.

Thursday 11th. No running today. Merc in for 260 000kay service. Meeting at Old grey.

Friday 12th
I was supposed to meet Gerald for a cycle but we missed each other and I cycled the Moffat circuit on my own. Good to be back on the bike.

Rowena and I leave for Somerset East early. Josh is opening a new shop there sometime soon and we are interviewing for staff. Too many road stops but I suppose that we will benefit in the long run. Seems like we have found staff for this shop.
This evening Ally watches Hockey at Grey. Michael is at a meeting with some friends as he is trying to set up a business supplying supermarkets with Nappies now and hopefully other goods later.

This evening Ally and I watch Grey play Selborne at Hockey. Grey first team manage a strong 4-1 win. I sit with Susan Burri and Lolo. Colin is doing the transbaviaans cycle and Markus is padding in a marathon conpetition in gauteng.


Saturday 13th morning.
COld and windy; No run.
Ally has hockey at Collegiate. Collegiate is having a derby day. Playing Clarendon from East London. This is a particularly strong team and when we were in East London earlier this year, Collegiate only managed a draw. So Collegiate recons this is a strong rival. Ally is playing Left Back. As we arrive at Collegiate it starts to rain. The west wind is already putting a chill into the air and we move across to the pavilion for a bit of shelter. It is better on the west side of the field. The game is a tense one with both sides battling to score. Collegiate Manage to find the goal just once before half time. Clarendon fight hard to even the score. Ally is playing a strong match while marking a girl called Brittany. Altimately Collegiate hold Clarendon off to a One - Nil lead and win this match. After the match, while the coach is giving them some feedback, "Ally is named Man of the match".




THIS BRITANNY PLAYED FOR BORDER AND ALLY WAS CAREFUL TO NOT ALLOW HER ANY ADVANTAGE


COLLEGIATE SAVED THIS SHORT CORNER


HALF TIME DISCUSSION. COLLEGIATE ARE 1-0 UP. ALLY NAMED MAN OF THE MATCH.

Satutday afternoon Ally and I walk across to Grey where we watch the final match of the season. Selborne is a strong team and outplay the Grey first team to a 29=25 win. I sat with Varrin and Wendy Karp as well as Charles du Toit. It was a really chilly afternoon. The Grey and Selborne supporters should receive a medal for being out there this afternoon while they could be watching the Springbok Rugby team playing in the Tri Nations matches. The Thirds did well to even the score while the second team managed a win against Selborne.

Watching Grey rugby on a Saturday afternoon is one of my favourite ways of relaxiing. The season has ended but Ally still has a number of hockey matches to play.

Ally goes to watch her friend Megan Derry at a Balet evening at the Savoy theatre. Barbara has tickets for a Michael Jackson show at the Opera theater. Michael is not feeling well and stays home with the boys. I do some lifting: Take Ally to Balet, Take Barbara to fetch Lene at a friend, take them all to collect Ally from the Balet and take them all to the Opera House to the Michael Jackson show. Then set the alarm for 10.30 and collect them all again at the Opera theater. It seems that this was a really worthwhile show and they enjoyed it thoroughly. They had front seats for the show. Jessica a bit scared of the spooky bits, Ally has one of the actors sitting on her lap.

Sunday Morning.
I had arranged to meet Gerald and Charles for a cycle. It has been raining all night and still wet outside. Gerald SMS's to say he is not coming. But Charles arrives with his new bike at just before 7am. It is still drizzling and quite chilly but we are determined to enjoy ourselves. Charles has his first attempt at riding this mountain bike that he bought from a man in Charlo. It is second hand but looks
new. This way you save huge on the price of a new bike but you get the same quality.


CHARLES SHOWS OFF HIS NEW BIKE AND OUTFIT

Charles takes a little while to accustom himself to the gears and the setting of the bike but we are soon up into Cape Road and riding into the west wind and the rain. Chilly but not so cold that we turn back. We ride up to the Moffat turn off. Charles does not have a big gear for downhill.

In Moffat I see our running group partner, Liz, who is running on her own. We bike up to the Builderswarehouse and dowm Buffelsfontein. Chris Sheasby passes us on his way to Church. He is back from his 18year stint in flying missions in K/Z/Natal. He now works in the church but I am sure that he longs for the flying which was such an adventure life for him for so long.

Now we are with the wind and downhill to 6th Ave. Down 6 ave and into Target Kloof. I have to be careful with the rumble strips as the road bike does not take well to them. Charles is able to ride straight over them. Up the steep climb to the top of Target and then back home.

There was a bit of rain but nothing to talk about. Gerald has missed out on a good outing. BUT as soon as Charles and I have finished the ride; the rain starts coming down in earnest. So we made the best of the morning. A hot shower and warm clothes and we are back to normal.

This afternoon I have a Nippers meeting at Summies and Barbara takes Michael's children to have a bit of a run around on the beach.


Monday 15th August 2011
Began the morning with a tough run. I was quite tired after the relentless pace that Ronel runs at. My feet and legs were really quite tired later this morning.

This evening Ally has an Old Grey Academy game against PEGs at Grey. Our team started with a really shocking game of Hockey. Ally included. She could not see the ball and let a number of balls go past her whereas she is normally so reliable in stopping the ball. But this was how the whole team played. However our team managed a really good team goal in the first half.


OLD GREY ACADEMY HOCKEY AT GREY ON A NIGHT THEY WOULD RATHER FORGET


ALLY HAD A TOUGH OPPONENT TO MARK 15.08.2011

In the second half of the game our team's game picked up and we played a whole lot better. But the PEGs managed to score a goal and it ended up a 1-1 draw. It had been a match to forget. PEG's outplayed our team who continually played into their "hands" as they stopped everything that we tried to do. But the youth and fitness of the younger team prevailed.

Tuesday morning; Up early and out for a run. After yesterday I took it a little easier and avoided the faster group.
Wednesday morning. Three days of running in a row. I was the only one of our group who was here for the third day consecutively. I had an easier run this morning with Mike Dean, Susan and Sjani.
This evening Ally had another Old Grey Academy Hockey game.

This was, unfortunately one of the games we would rather forget. The University team which included Kate Derry, gave our Old Grey team a real thrashing of 4-0. We could simply not do anything right. The only compensation was that we had a cooler bag with some Jeripigo and snacks which we enjoyed in the cold evening. Jessica and Daniel were with us (under a blanket). Michael and Lene had gone to Joshua's concert.

At the end of the game Ally, who had taken a knock during the game, was feeling terrible. Her friend, Alex, had come with us.

Thursday morning I go out running for the fourth day in a row. It is some time since I last did this.

Friday 19.08.2011;
I am not feeling well, I have caught a bit of a cold. So I abandon the cycle. This morning is the Grandad and Granny's day at Clarendon Park. Joshua is in the concert and we enjoy their singing and the show that they put on for us. Josh is a Rata in the song: "I am glad to say, I am on my way, to Kingston town". The children show us what real discipline there is in the school as they sing and act out parts in unison and harmony. As Allan Lones says later: "There is nothing wrong with the schooling system in this school" He is referring to the reports that the SA school system is not functioning.



HOCKEY AT COLLEGIATE


COLLEGIATE U14A HOCKEY TEAM


ALLY JUST LOVES HOCKEY


ALLY IN ACTION


ALLY HAVING FUN ON COLLEGIATE ASTRO


ALLY'S FINAL GAME FOR COLLEGIATE U14


NOT A BRILLIAN DISPLAY -- BUT A WIN


Saturday morning;
I start the day with a run at the beach. Andre, Margie, John Nelson and I do the Admiralty route. And I am the only one to swim afterwards. The water is freezing cold. I do not have time to shower as I have to drop Ally off at Hockey. This is to be Ally's Final Game for the Collegiate U14 first team. They have had a really good run this season. From what I understand is that they have only drawn one game: To Clarendon in East London during the hockey tournament and the rest they have won. Today is no exception. They play Riebeek and win easily 4-0.



SCOREBOARD COLLEGIATE U14 HOCKEY; PLAYING RIEKBEEK


Later in the day Julia plays for Pirates where they lose 5-0. We watch the game on Grass at Pirates. Barbara meets Wendy who is the mother of Gina who plays hockey against Julia's team. Gina is one of Ally's friends. Also with her is Sarah Rose; another of Ally's friends. Wendy also runs a play school from home.

I spent the afternoon cleaning my Mountain Bike in preparation for a bike ride on Sunday morning. I am so stoked on this ride. I check everything on the bike: Gears, Brakes, chain, tyres etc. I purchase some more Slime green in case I need to refill the tubes. The last time I rode the Mountain bike was for the Redhouse river mile triathlon in February. It was still full of that mud and grime. But by the end of the afternoon I had it all cleaned up and looking spiffing.

Spoke to Patrick; his family has had a bit of flu. So many people are at the rugby stadium. The All Blacks play Springboks at the Nelson Mandela stadium today as part of the Tri Nations. SA beat the All Blacks 18-5. Only one try scored by the Kiwi's. Streets are quiet until just after the match. At this time the town becomes alive and we can hear the music from the stadium. Only praise for the PE Crowd and the vibe in the city.


Sunday morning. I set up the bike rack. I thought of cycling to Charles' house but woosied out of that. I give the tyres one more final pump, wipe the bike down one more time and am ready to go.

We have the most wonderful adventure in the valley; See Blog.



FRED DISCUSSES THE TRAIL


CHARLES POWERS THROUGH THE FAST FLOWING RIVER ON A WIER



JOHN MCGILLIVRAY AT THE TOP OF A HILL


We have been out for nearly 2 hours and I am glad that we can relax. I load up the bike and drive home. As I arrive at home my three grandchildren: Jessica, Joshua and Danny ask if they can have a bike ride. So off we go again through the streets of Mill Park. The 4 of us shouting at each other to be careful of cars. Daniel does not have brakes and uses his shoes to stop. It is unnerving for me. But I love being with this little group of children.


JOSHUA, JESSICA AND DANIEL AFTER OUR RIDE


Last time I did a trail ride, I put my bike away and did no maintenance. This time I spent 30-60 minutes cleaning and preparing the bike so that I will be able to say "YES' at short notice. It has been a great adventure for me. I hope that we area able to do this again sooner than later.

Monday I have a day in King and on Tuesday morning I still have a cough and cold so miss out on running. I take Ally to water polo training at 05.30am and then see her next at a Water Polo match against UPE at 06.30pm at Newton park Pool. Ally is trying out for the U16 team. It is a whitewash to the UPE team but good experience for Ally.

Wednesday it is back to Alpha in the evening.
Thursday 24th morning I am back to running again. It is a slow and short run but at least I am back out and on the road.
Friday morning I meet Mike Dean and the two of us cycle the Moffat circuit.

Saturday morning I collect Adrienne and we meet up with John Nelson, Margie Saunders, Susan Burri, Pat, Gerald and Ronel Scheepers and Susan Gendall. We start at 05.30 and have a great run. I am trying out the waist pack that I won at the Woodridge Trail run. It is heavy on my waist (two full water bottles) and, with the cold that I still have, I battle to stay with the group. John and Margie go ahead. Pat keeps me company at the back until 2nd avenue. The rest of the group goes down 2nd ave while I have a bit of an advantage of not having to stop for water.

I press on and the rest of the group catches me at Admiralty. Again Margie and Susan charge off into the distance while John keeps me company at the back. When we get to the bottom of Admiralty the girls have had a drink and John and I drink from the waist pack. We run along the waterfront promenade; It is a stunning winter morning with the sun rising over the eastern shore line and a slight west wind flattening the sea. The Moon is a slither on the Eastern Horizon and it is Neap Low tide.


JOHN NELSON AND RUNNING ALONG THE BOARDWALK



Back at the Pier I go for a swim and am able to almost walk to the end of the pier the tide is so low. The water is cold but I love my swim.

From Hobie beach I drive around the Marine drive to Sappershoek at Schoenies where the Alpha Weekend is to be held. I spend the day at Alpha while Cathy flys in from Cape Town to spend the weekend with Barbara.

This evening Charles and I go to see the Gino Fabrio show at the Old Grey Club where there is a Centerstage production. Barbara has also caught a cold and she and Cathy stay home for the evening.

Charles and I sit with Adrienne's table. It is a really good show and the two of us have a great evening out. Adrienne takes her son Matthew, Danielle and friend Zane, and Ray and Dee Kemp. We sit in the very front row. The hall is packed to capacity.

Sunday morning I am up early and cycle to Hobie beach where I meet up with John Nelson. We cycle out to Sappershoek. It is some time since I last cycled this far and am quite exhausted at the end of the ride. Cycling around Marine drive is such a priveledge. The Ocean always looks so amazing. This morning it is calm with a gentle west blowing. At other times the wind is strong and the sea looks like a washing machine. One has to be careful as the road is narrow and not all of the motorists are careful or considerate of cyclists. John continues around and up the hill to back home in Summerstrand. I spend the morning at Alpha and then Ken gives me a lift home in his combi.

Sunday afternoon I do my income tax form. Barbara, Cathy and Lene take a ride to the beach. Ally is also at the beach with some friends. Michaels children love it when I am home in the afternoon because this means that I can take them for a bike ride around the suburb. We do this twice this afternoon. This evening I go to church on my own. The rest of the family are too tired or doing homework.

Monday morning I am up early and leave for East London. I stay there for three days doing branch visits and a meeting on Wednesday with Corrie and Ron Jordaan. As usual I stay at the B&B where Chris Zietsman used to own,

Tuesday: Ally and Tara vd Venter were chosen to play in the U16 Water Polo team. This is a year before their time. They played against Grey U14 team. Our team did not have a Goal Keeper and were up against a strong team of boys who gave the Collegiate team a lesson in WP. Good experience for our girls.
I have had two successful days in EL. Doing Br Visits, seeing a newly opened store in Mdantsane and listening to conflict in two of the more volatile shops.

Wednesday 31st. Meeting in El with Ron Jordaan who does some training on Control Self Assessment. Corrie was supposed to be there but could not make it due to a last minute meeting that he has to attend. I lead the Heart talk 3. Hand Talk.

Wednesday evening I drive home in time for Alpha. We still have around 4 to 5 weeks of Wednesday evenings. It is not always easy to commit to so many Wednesdays but I try to be there as often as possible. Alpha is being run by Debbie and Hugh Glover. They do a great job of it and with Debbies passion and Hugh's organisation skills it seems to be a huge success.