JUNE 2013 IS FULL OF ACTIVITY. HAPPINESS AND SADNESS. TRADGEDY AND TRIUMPH. HARD WORK AND HARD PLAY. WHAT A CONFUSING BUT WONDERFUL LIFE WE ARE EXPERIENCING.
E GIDDY .... Looks like 13.4.1946. This pic was taken by Melissa Riordan at a Karoo Farm. Ena and Allan must have been recently married. Ian was born 18 Jan 1948.
JACQUI AND NICKY AT GILI'S WEDDING IN TEL AVIV
AFTER THE MUCK RUN AT BUSHPIG ADVENTURES ON THE LAKE FARM ROAD 2ND JUNE 2013
JUNE 2013
Trail running the Baakens valley
Setting up the Settlers park Parkrun.
Delene and Mat start work on the farm at Thornhill.
MUCK RUN WITH RONEL AND PAT
TRIP TO BURGERSDORP; ALIWAL NORTH AND MIDDELBURG
JACQUI'S BIRTHDAY
COLIN HEYDENRYCH PASSES ON WHILE ON A MTB RIDE
NICKY AND JACQUI AT GILI'S WEDDING
EXHAUSTING MOFFET RUN
TRIP TO QUEENSTOWN, STUTTERHEIM AND EAST LONDON
SOME FINAL WORDS FROM MICHAEL
BACK TO GETTING FIT
A MONTH OF NO ALCOHOL AND SOME DIETING
PATRICK JOINS US FOR A BEACH RUN
SPRINGBOK RUGBY ... SO EXCITING.
ENA 97TH BIRTHDAY
MY GRANDCHILDREN IN CAPE TOWN. ZARA; MIA; CHRISTIAN AND AARON
LUNCH AT THE ELEPHANT WALK RESTAURANT NEAR TO COWS CORNER IN KRAGGA KAMMA
RUGBY AT THE NELSON MANDELA STADIUM WITH PATRICK; RACHEL; JULIA AND BOYFRIEND
RACHEL AND JULIA ENJOYING THE MATCH. A FIRST FOR RACHEL WHILE JULIA IS AN ARDENT FAN OF SA RUGBY
Saturday 1 June 2013
Gerald Scheepers birthday
I drive to the Bridge St Brewery for 11km run. Organised by Sheena and Sian. Dallas and Jane. Meet up with Svenje and Devon, her friends Hanrie and Lou Anne. Andrew and Megan, Rob and Michelle, Yolanda who runs with me for most of the way. MC Botha who I have met before on a beach run. Dallas explains the route. We set off up the first hill, down the other side and across the stream. Up towards Walmer and the back down and cross the stream. A bit of flat and cross the stream, I run through each time while some other prefer the stepping stones.
BAAKENS VALLEY TRAIL RUN WITH YOLANDE
I LOOK LIKE A REALLY SERIOUS RUNNER. ANTON VD VENTER IS THE PHOTOGRAPHER.
Up hill number three towards 5th ave and the back down, bit of flat and then run past the Gutsche residence and electric fence. Under the bridge of Target Kloof and on towards Dodds Farm. Cross the weir and the stop for a cold drink at Dodds farm, 9th ave Walmer. Up a short hill and then down before a sharp climb and start heading back, down the steps, cross the river and then flat for a short while before the descent, climbs, descent and climbs,
Back under the Target Kloof bridge, past the electric fence and join the 5kay runners up the pathway to the car park. We turn left up an even steeper section past the "trenches" and then down to the car park. We then jog along the contour path before descending to the final climb. I have run most of the trail today with Yolande and the last bit with MC Botha. Now I meet up with Carol Cooper and we finish together.
I have to leave immediately as we are going out to Thornhill to meet Deleen and Mat at their new farm. This is an exciting project that they are about to start. 71 hectares of farm with stables and a huge residence. Possibilities are endless. Dawn, Barbara and I explore as much as we can.
Back home I meet up with Peter Wade and we do a second reccee of Settlers Park to try to establish a 5 k route for the Parkrun. looks like we ae starting to put an event together. Both Peter W and I have made contact with friends who seem keen to help us set up. I will have to obtain permission from Parks Dept. But once that has been done we may be in business.
Gerald's birthday, he comes over to fix our back gate lock.
Sunday 2nd June.
Drive to Muck Run near to Lake Farm at Bushpig adventures. With Ronel and Pat. We are about an hour early but find that there are already plenty of cars there. There is a chilly west wind blowing. The run starts at 10am. Ronel and I are in Batch one after the children set off. Down the hill to the first of many obstacles: wading through a cold, smelly, muddy dam. Weeds suck at our feet. Then a second smelly water section. Dusty hills, narrow and low bush trails. Bum sliding down hills. We meet up with Joanne Pretorius. From Charlo. After a couple more dusty crawling through wet muddy obstacles we arrive back at the start area. No. This is not the finish. This merely shows those at the finish what we are getting up to.
THANKS TO PAT FOR ALL OF THESE PHOTOGRAPHS.
RONEL AND HER FRIEND WHO USED TO RUN WITH US BUT HAS BEEN CAUGHT UP IN STUDIES THESE PAST FEW YEARS -- KATHLEEN
PETER AND RONEL LOOKING ALL SPIC AND SPAN BEFORE THE MUCK RUN
WE MET UP WITH JO-ANN PRETORIUS WHO KEPT US COMPANY FOR THE REST OF RUN
RONEL LOOKS PRETTY (MUCKY) AND I BATTLE UP ONE OF THESE SOFT SAND OBSTABLES
CRAWLING UNDER A CARGO NET IN THE MUD
RONEL AND PAT BEFORE THE START OF THE FIRST EVER MUCK RUN IN PE JUNE 2013
SEE HOW CLEAN WE LOOKED BEFORE STARTING TO CRAWL AND GROVEL IN THE MUD AND SLIMY DAMS
Running up a soft sand hill is not easy. But we do this in front of Pat and the other spectators. Over and down on the other side. We almost take a wrong trail when Joanne points out that we missed an arrow. Back track with Craig and Sharon Wilson. Down and up! Up and Down! Finally a drink of water. My mouth is so dry and dusty. We are nearing the end, but first must crawl under a black mat and up through a tyre. Then the coup De grace is a soapy slippery slide ending up in a muddy soapy quagmire.
PAT'S SHADOW AS SHE TAKES ME WALLOWING IN THE MUD
THE ROUTE TAKES THE RUNNER IN A COUPLE OF CIRCLES ENDING BACK AT THE SPECTATOR AREA SO THAT THEY CAN WATCH AS WE GROVEL UNDER MATS AND IN THE DUST.
DOWN THIS HILL AND BACK UP AGAIN TO THE SLIPPERY SLIDE
SLIDING DOWN THE SOAPY WATER DID NOTHING TO CLEAN US UP
INTO A QUAGMIRE OF SOAP AND MUCK
UP THE LAST BIT AS JO ANN MAKES HER WAY UNDER THE TARP
BEATEN, MUDDY AND FINALLY FINISHED
HERE WE ARE TRIUMPHANT WITH OUR WASHING POWDER AND BUFF. WELL DONE RONEL, PETER AND JO-ANN
Over the finish line and we are given a large pack of Mac washing powder. We look and feel like drowned rats. Shower to get rid of some of the mud and we leave for home. The wind is too strong and chilly t'o want to stick around. The hot shower at home is one of the best showers ever! Thanks Pat, thanks Ronel and Joanne. For waiting for me and sticking together for the distance. Well done to Sharon and Craig, Sean and Sheena. Carol and Marc, Kathleen, Peter Wade. And all the rest of the muckers today.
IF YOU ARE A KEEN WILDLIFE SPOTTER YOU MAY BE ABLE TO SEE PETER HIDING IN THE BULRUSHES.
MORE MUCK RUNNING THROUGH THE WATERY OBSTACLES
THIS WAS AT THE END. NOT SURE IF WE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE CLEANING UP?
Made a healthy lunch of crumbed chicken, baked potato, steamed veg and a veg stir fry all topped with a cheese sauce.
Then passed out under the covers of a warm bed.
Dawn leaves for Calgary, Canada.
Church Sunday evening
Run Monday morning with my trusted running partner -- Adrienne. It is cold with a biting wind but we manage to go around Linkside. Good to be out even if a short run. Ally tries to get back to school but bails feeling a sense that no one cares. People are staring at her but no one talks to her.
Ally has Hockey academy this evening at NMMU. And I am late for Cell Group.
Tuesday 4 morning. Rowena and I leave early for Burgersdorp 450km, where Josh is opening a new shop this week. This is always a stressful activity as we rely on our staff from a distance.
As we drive through Cradock the temperature continues to drop until we are at 3degrees. On to Hofmeyer where you can do White Water Rafting with the Karoo water trails. Then Steynsburg and finally Burgersdorp. Rowena stays to assist with the set up while I continue to Aliwal North where I do a branch visit. Back to Burgersdorp and then to Middelburg. Total of around 720km drive today. We are exhausted. I chipped a tooth and have been in pain with a sore tongue. Slept well in the Middelburg hotel after a painful supper of curry chicken and prawns on rice with vegetables.
Nicky books me to fly to CT to help her with the family while Stephan has to leave for Europe for a Photo Shoot and Nicky has a big Wedding expo to take care of.
AARON; MIA; ZARA AND CHRISTIAN ARE OFF TO SCHOOL
TAKING GRANDCHILDREN TO SCHOOL WITH NICKY IN CAPE TOWN
CHRIS; AARON WHO WILL BE VISITING FRIENDS AND HAS AN EXTRA BAG AND ZARA AT EVERSAHD SCHOOL
THIS IS CHRIS' CLASSROOM HE HAS AN EXAM LATER TODAY IN GRADE FOUR
AARON IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL ROOM
MIA IS AT A PRESCHOOL AT THE CHURCH. WE WALKED TO SCHOOL AND SHE SHOWED ME THE WAY. SHE WALKS THIS ON A REGULAR BASIS WITH THE DOMESTIC WHO WORKS AT NICKY;S HOME
Nicky collects me from the airport and then we collect children from school. I walk them back to the Stoneys. Meet all of Nicky;s staff who run the Pink Book and who work in Zara Zoo photography. Lisa and Reynardt are there. Magdalena and Stoney work upstairs on the insurance business.
NICKY. CHRIS AND DAD WATCH THE WEDDING SHOW
THIS IS THE ZARA ZOO STAND WITH LEACHEN. LEANNE. NICKY AND LISA SETTING UP
HERE CHRIS JOINS IN THE ACTIVITIY IN THE ZARA ZOO STAND WITH REYNARDT; LEANNE; NICKY AND LEACHEN.
Nicky,Chris and I drive through to the Wedding Show at the CTICC with Reynard. I meet his Birth Mom; Vivienne. The Pink Book has a stand there which is manned by Leanne, Leachen and Lisa. Nicky has set up this show where the suppliers of services such as stationery, cake, venue, dresses, table settings and food put on a mock wedding table.
Saturday; Early morning I am reading on the Ipad; Facebook and other messages. Find out the Colin Heydenrych; Husband to Lolo; Active member of our church; father to Jarrod who has been a friend to Ally for many years; well known MTB'er, was on a 30k bike ride this morning. Not pushing himself; had a massive heart attack and died on the road. So very sad. He was a son of PE. He was a symbol of what makes PE the city that we love.
I go to Zara's Gymnastics in the morning with Nicky. She does a number of activities including the single cross bar and a jumping aparatus. The children have a wonderful and caring set of coaches. Chris is the main coach and he explains what is going on.
CHRIS IS ON THE CROSS BAR. A DIFFICULT EXERCISE AS HE HAS TO TWIST AROUND AND THIS HURTS UNDER THE KNEE AND IS QUITE SCARY.
ZARA READIES HERSELF TO JUMP OFF
ZARA ON THE CROSS BAR BEING JUDGED
ZARA AND HER COACH READY FOR THE BAR
Later I go to Tygervalley to set up Chris's and my phone. Doing my phone takes forever and I have Mia and Zara with me. Nightmare.
CHRIS IS SECOND OVERALL IN HIS AGE GROUP AT THE GYMNASTICS COMPETITION WITH A TINY MARGIN SEPARATING HIM AND THE FIRST PLACE.
CHRIS WINS A SILVER MEDAL
CHRIS IS AWARDED TWO MEDALS. ONE FOR PARTICIPATION AND A SILVER MEDAL FOR BEING SECOND PLACED.
CHRIS IS ON THE HIGH BAR
CHRIS STANDS BEFORE THE JUDGES BEFORE GETTING ONTO THE HIGH BAR
Sunday Morning 9th June
We have a lazy morning. Until around 8am when we start to get ready for church. Nicky says that church starts at 9 so I am ready in time for this, But she says that she normally arrives at 9;30. We get there at about 9;15; register children for Sunday School and go into the hall. It is a school hall used for services.
There are a number of announcements and then some singing. After the signing there is a time for personal worship and expression. This goes on for quite a while. Then some people take the mike and start to praise individually being echoed by the church. Then there is a farewell to a couple going to another town. This goes on for a long period. Finally I tell Nicky that I would like to visit the Sunday School. I find the children and try to not interrupt. Nicky joins me and we decide that we have had enought church this morning.
ZARA AND HER MEDAL. SHE WON THE MEDAL ON SATURDAY AND WHEN WE LEFT ON SUNDAY WAS STILL PROUDLY WEARING HER MEDAL. SHE EARNED IT AND HAD EVERY RIGHT TO FEEL PROUD.
YES. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
We spend the next hour at the Stoneys. They are roasting Sheeps Head for lunch. Back to Nicky's house. Lisa joins us at Nickys house for tea. We do our final packing and leave for the Stoneys where we drop the children. We drive off in Julia's car as Rachel and Julia fly into Cape Town a little later today. As we drive off Nicky realises that she does not have her passport. Back to the Stoneys; scratch around. Find the passport by LUCK.
Drive to the airport. Pack the stuff on the trolley and hide the key on top of the wheel. Into the elevator. Go up instead of down. Go down. Where is my Camera? asks Nicky. Back up in the elevator. Unhide the key. Find the camera bag. Back to the elevator. Count the bags for Nicky. Those are not my bags says Nicky. Oooops! I have loaded Julia's bags on our trolley. Back to the Car. Unhide the Key. Pack Julia's bags back in her boot. Back to the elevator.
We book in. I am hours early. Nicky is more or less on time. But I have my book on my Ipad so we part ways. Nicky to International as she is flying to Israel to Jacqui for her birthday tomorrow. And Stefan is in London for work and will meet Nicky in Israel.
JACQUI AND ANNABELLE AT THE WEDDING
MICHAEL AND JACQUI MAKE A BEAUTIFUL COUPLE AT GILI"S WEDDING IN TEL AVIV
I book in through security. See and introduce myself to Gary Player and his wife. This is the second time I have met and introduced myself to this wonderful ambassador to RSA. Buy a Mug & Bean -- red cappucino and Chicken Wrap and find a comfortable seat to eat, drink and read. I haul out my Ipad. I am in the middle of a James Patterson Alex Cross Thriller. Open the Ipad. Oooops . It is not mine. It is a childs Ipad with games on. No book to read. I have taken a child Ipad by mistake. Damn.
Long wait at the airport and in the plane with no book to read. Horrible. I thought of going back to the car and driving back to Nicky's house via the Stoney's who have the Key but then just sat. And sat. And sat. From around 2pm until I landed in PE around 6pm. Worse things have happened to nicer people.
Read the weekend newspaper. Depressing!
Monday 10th.
Nicky somehow made it to Tel Aviv. She had only 20 minutes between flights at Istanbul and the flight had been delayed. But she and Stefan managed to meet up with Jacqui and Michael for a week of visiting and signtseeing.
JACQUI AND NICKY AT GILI'S WEDDING IN TEL AVIV. OUTSHING THE POOR BRIDE, BRIDESMAIDS AND GENERALLY ALL 500 ISRAELI GUESTS AT THIS GALA EVENT.
I fly to East London. I pick up Maria's car as she is in Durban in training and drive to Queenstown. I meet up with Rob van Rooyen. He used to be a warehouse manager at Morkels and moved to Builders Warehouse. We were able to catch up and arranged to meet for supper at Positano where I stay. I spent the next four days doing branch visits in Queenstown, Stutterheim and East London. Alfred is sick and not able to be with me. Thursday afternoon I fly home. Friday 14th. I am up early for a run. On my own as the group does not normally run on a Friday. As I am on my way back I meet up with Gay who I see walking her dog every morning. Gay is a particularly fast walker and I must jog to keep up with her. She is the HOD at Collegiate jnr and must do a Fathers Day presentation this morning. Always good to meet someone. Stuart Brown meets me at work this morning and we fetch Ally. We don't see each other very often but Stuart has been a good friend to me for many years and coached me to a 11 hour run at my last Comrades. Ally goes to a party this evening and has a sleep over at her friend in Summerstrand
PEARSON ASTRO LIGHTS FINAL FITTING AND ADCUSTMENTS BEING COMPLETED
STUART AND I FETCH ALLY AND CHECK OUT THE ASTRO LICHTS BEING CONNECTED
THE PEARSON ASTRO LIGHTS WILL MAKE A MAJOR IMPACT ON THIS CAMPUS
Saturday 15th morning. I had entered a trial run but the wind is blowing and it is raining and I stay in bed. I fetch Ally and we go to Home Affairs where we apply for an ID book for Ally.
Later this morning I go to repair Daniels bike tyre and meet up with Liz and Gerrie v d Merwe. The bike shop in 6th ave has now been sold to Coimbra. They are most pleasant and helpful. Stop in at Pastreyworks for some goodies. Al
Ally has a hockey match for Academy against Hearts. In the pouring rain. Julia and Rachel come to watch. The game is as tough as it gets. Our team battles to score despite being in the opponents D on many occasions. At half time the score remains 0-0. But in the second half Academey manages to sneak one in and the game ends 1-0. Ally plays an excellent game in the toughest of conditions. Never once does a ball get past her and she manages to skillfully pass the ball to one of her players every time.
We had collected her friend Christie from Collegiate hostel and dropped her off in Newton Park. Woolworths to buy ingredients for a supper of Butternut soup and Curry and rice. We buy ourselves a DVD to watch. A series called Life about a falsely accused Cop who solves murder mysteries.
Nicky and Jacqui are in Israel for Gili's wedding and Jacqui's birthday
Sunday 16th.
Rachel leaves for USA. Moving to Florida. Father's Day. I am spoilt with gifts. A jersey, biltong, chocolate and a runners phone holder. A lunch of roast chicken. This afternoon we visit Lolo and Jarrod. Evening Church.
RACHEL AND JULIA AS RACHEL PREPARES TO LEAVE FOR USA
Monday 17th. Public holiday
Start the day with a Moffet Run. Down Target and up into Walmer. With us today are Ronel, Elmarie and Pat; Andrew; Viv and Belinda; Adrienne and Marilyn; Kobus, Margie and Graham. along Church road in the dark. Jonty joins us for a while. Along the Moffet. I dont stop for water as I need to stay moving. I am really tired and my legs are chafing. The group soon catches me and we run up to Cape Road. Now I am tired and sore. No rest. We carry on along Westview drive to First Ave where we get some water and vasbyt to the end.
Home at last. Shower and cream on my stinging legs.
JOSHUA AND ALLY FUNNY FACES
JOSH AND ALLY ARE AT LUNCH AT THE ELEPHANT WALK
PRETTY GIRSL ALLY AND JESSICA
MORE FUNNY FACES
This afternoon we have lunch at ELephant walk at Cows Corner. Lolo and Jaryd join us. Lene and Lolo are able to share some thoughts. A lazy relaxed afternoon and I almost fall asleep on the way home.
WE SIT OUTSIDE ENJOYING THE WINTER SUN AT THE ELEPHANT WALK. RUN BY MAURO"S AT COWS CORNER AT THE END OF KRAGGA KAMMA ROAD.
Tuesday morning I am amazed how many of those who ran yesterday are back for more this morning. My legs are still sore but I am so happy to be out again. I am in Grahamstown for work today. slow lazy drive.
Wednesday morning up early for a run again. I have determined to lose some weight that I have gained while doing nothing recently. When I am on holiday I eat and eat with minimal exercise inbetween.
Fruit for lunch, Less bread and no alcohol for a month. Lets see if I can sustain this.
This afternoon Ally plays hockey for Pearson against Riebeek girls from Uitenhage. Win 3-0. The Pearson Astro Lights are almost completed. The final electrical work is being done and then the lights must be adjusted before they are really effective. Hopefully that will happen before the start of the third school term.
Thursday 20th.
Morning Run and afternoon Nippers / Summies Meeting. Inbetween drove through to Somerset East.
Friday; Today is the shortest day of the year. It is also World Fun run 5k day. Initiated by someone called Angie in Japan. I had pledged to go out. I would be on my own. It was a cold and windy morning. But I had pledged. So off I go; around Grey and over to St Georges Park. Running past the Hospital I meet up with Earl and Michelle. So we run the second half of my 5k together.
This afternoon I meet up with Clyde Scott at Settlers Park. I am trying to arrange the Parkrun and after our meeting he gives us a big thumbs up. Now all we need is to be allocated a date and set up our first run. Peter Wade and I are so looking forward to this.
We have been receiving a cooked meal from Clarendon Moms. Very generous of them. It has been a huge blessing to us. This evening I make a Cottage Pie. Ally goes to movies with her friend Hanna.
Saturday Morning: The wind has been blowing all night. But again I had SMS'd and said that wind or shine I would be running this afternoon. Patrick is staying with Michael Dean and he joins us with Mike this morning. Collect Adrienne and meet up with Mike; Patrick; Annie; Adrienne; Stuart. The 6 of us head into the wind along the promenade. It is not as cold when we are running as it appears from Bed. We pick up a chap; Hubert; who enjoys Michaels repetoir. Chatting about the old days with Jacqui Wilmot and others.
Up Walmer Boulevard and over the top. At last the wind is behind us.
We carry on at this easy pace with the wind now behind our backs. Stop at Caltex for water. Into Strandfontein road and again stop for water. Then down 2nd ave and right all the way to 5th / 7th ave where we turn down to Marine Drive. Then across to the promenade and run back to Hobie Beach. It has been a great hour or something of running. The rest of the group leave us as Adrienne and I dare to have a swim in the early morning dusk, Turns out to be fine. We are the first swimmers this morning as we cool down our muscles.
Back home enjoy a couple of oranges before going to work for a short while. This afternoon is a Rugby watching session. British Lions beat Aus in Brisbane; Scotland beats Italy with a last minute try and then Springboks play a really physical Samoa at Loftus. I miss Michaels passion and knowledge of the players and play. He would have loved the game this afternoon as SA plays the ball out wide and makes for really exciting rugby.
Sunday 23rd morning.
Andre and I do a memorial ride for Colin Heydenrych.
Sunday lunch at home with the family.
Monday I do a short slow run.
Tuesday I am in King for work. Afterwards I collect Ally from Waterpolo. The Sundays River bridge is finally open to traffic. They have been working on this bridge for around two years.
SUNDAYS RIVER BRIDGE TAKEN AS I DRIVE OVER THE NEW BRIDGE FOR THE FIRST TIME
THE BRIDGE HAS BEEN UNDER CONSTRUCTION FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS. MAKES THE DRIVE TOWARDS GRAHAMSTOWN A WHOLE LOT EASIER AND SAFER. I THINK
THAT THEY WILL NOW START WORK ON THE SECOND HALF OF THE BRIDGE;
Wednesday had a good run with the group. This evening we had our First Alpha Leaders training for the Alpha course that is starting in July. Debbie and Hugh have handed over to Charmaine and Johan.
Also leading are David and Marlene; Heidi; Cathy; Colleen; Cindy and Debbie.
Thursday morning I drive to Alice for business. The wash away of the Assegai River is still not repaired. Looks like it will take another year. This wash away took place >>>>> when Ally and I were in EL for a Waterpolo tournament. There were heavy rains and a lot of talk and discussion as to which road to take. In the end we took the road past Peddie and then Grahamstown. We had only crossed this section and about 10 minutes later the road was completely washed away.
We were not only fortunate to not be washed away but also that we did not have to do what many others did -- drive back to Grahamstown and then take the turn off to Fort Beaufort and across to Cookhouse which was about a 200k detour. The drivers who had taken the Port Alfred route were also nearly washed away with the mudslides.
THIS WASH AWAY SECTION OF THE N2 IS ABOUT 25KM ON THE PE SIDE OF GRAHAMSTOWN
I AM PRETTY SURE THAT THIS IS THE ASSEGAI RIVER WHICH PETER, BARBARA, FRED AND PENNY, THEO AND PAULA AND ADRIENNE HIKED LAST YEAR.
LOOKS LIKE CONSTRUCTION WILL TAKE A LONG TIME BEFORE THE ROAD IS OPEN AGAIN, THEY HAVE DUG AWAY MUCH MORE THAN THE ORIGINAL WASH AWAY.
HERE YOU CAN SEE HOW THE TUNNEL UNDERNEATH THE ROAD HAS BEEN CONSTRUCTED TO ALLOW WATER TO FLOW AND TO PREVENT SUCH A WASH HAPPENING AGAIN;
Saturday 29th June. Today celebrates Ena's 97th birthday. Born in Dunfreeshire, Scotland in1916. I was supposed to run the Heartbreakhill 21km but am not feeling strong with a head cold, sneezing. We drive through to Plett in two cars, Julia, LENE and children. Barbara, Ally and myself in our car. We fetch Ena and go to the beach front restaurant where we have lunch. Children play on the beach.
We leave Plett at 3pm. Drop Ally off at a friend in Kabega. Fetch her at 9;30. This is a long way out!
LUNCH IN PLETT WITH JOSH AND DANIEL; LENE AND JESSICA; JULIA, BARBARA AND ALLY.
BARBARA AND ALLY ARE SO HUNGRY FOR THE DISSAPPOINTING LUNCH THAT WAS TO COME
ALLY AND ENA. LUNCH AT PLETT TO CELEBRATE ENA'S 97TH BIRTHDAY ON 29TH JUNE 2013
Today Nicky received this email which is an amazing affirmation of the quality of work that she is doing:
Hia All!!
Today I want to say a huge, massive thank you to all you beautiful people at The Little Pink Book for making one of my dreams become a reality!
When I left the Design industry 2 years ago to start Lov at First Sight a lot of people in the industry was shocked and quiet negative towards my radical move and I was met with a lot of negativity with “how does she think she will ever make it baking cakes!”
Well, I am quite funny in that way, when met with negativity I become harder, stronger and more determent to proof what I am really capable of and set myself goals that push me to sometimes think how on earth will you ever get there?
Everyone have dreams and starting Lov at First Sight I had a lot of dreams.. but very soon reality also kicked in how difficult it is to make it in our industry.
Today I was so fortunate to be a part of a few vendors that participated in a shoot for Top Billing…. Being on Top Billing was one of my dreams / goals that I said to myself I am one day going to achieve.
If it was not for The Little Pink Book and the sweetness of all of you that would have never had happened.
Being part of the Little Pink Book Wedding Workshop at the Wedding Expo gave me the exposure for the Aleit Group to really notice me and gave me the awesome opportunity to be on the Top Billing shoot with them!
Today I am really overwhelmed with emotion and feel so blessed that doing this all on my own, working non -stop 24/7 with no support at all you guys have given me the massive support and had the faith in me from the beginning that has given me the platform to really be recognized!!
THANK YOU…. THANK YOU… THANK YOU!
You GUYS ROCK!!!
All my big love and hugs!
Jeandre’
SAW THIS PASSENGER BUS ON THE WAY TO PLETT. NOT EVEN THE DRIVER KNEW WHAT THIS ATTACHMENT WAS FOR.
GREYHOUND BUS WITH A STRANGE WHEEL ATTACHMENT
PICTURES OF MICHAEL AND FAMILY
MICHAEL AND FAMILY AT ANGELO"S RESTAURANT AT THE BEACH FRONT.
MICHAEL NEVER LOST HIS GOOD HUMOUR EVEN WHEN HE WAS IN HOSPITAL;
SOME FINAL WORDS FROM MICHAEL
Lene was looking for a voice mail from Mikes and came across a file headed. Lene Look At This.
He had info for her on bank details etc . He then wrote her a letter and two songs. All dated 13 April.
"If anything happens to me tonight it has been strange. I have had continuous out of body experiences. I love you and the kids so so so much. I am sorry for leaving you. Be strong. Trust in God. Have faith in my family. They will assist you. They love you all. I will always be with you and the children. In your memories, in your hearts. I cannot wait to see you again in heaven, but until then - live your life full! Live it for the children. They need you. They are so amazing. Never did a day go by that I was not proud of them. I am so lucky to be their dad. I thank God for each day He gave me with them and me with you.
I love you with all my heart.
Michael"
Songs by Mikes
I cant rewrite the past.
That story is written.
The words engraved.
But my future is an open chapter.
Why does it take you to die to start living?
Im living on a six foot high.
Im just addicted to life.
If this is my final day I want it to count rather than pay.
I cant run from the pain
I must turn and face it again.
We still got a life to live.
Dont cry my children - it will be alright in the morning
Learning to fly is easy
Falling down is the hardest thing
Stay young my child the days not done
The suns still up the night to come
Everyday is beautiful when you are dying.
Song 2
I know you will never be the same again
In a way I defined some part of you, the question is how?
If there was good, focus on that
Remember the good times - God blessed us with those days
I cant wait to meet you in heaven again
But live out your days
Live your life - not mine
That is what I want for you
.jpg)
