YVONNE ENA GIDDY BORN 29 JUNE 1916 -- 100TH BIRTHDAY PARTY 18 JUNE 2016

Yvonne Ena Giddy was born in Scotland 29 June 1916.    Died at age 100 and 45 days on 14th August 2016

Today we celcebrate this occasion of her birth with her family.   People have travelled from Cape Town and Port Elizabeth to join Ena for a Midday Meal.   

This celebration takes place in Plettenberg Bay in her home where the table is set for 22 people. 

 JOSHUA; JESSICA; ENA AND DANIEL

 TABLE WITH BALOONS

 SALMON STARTER

 ISABELLE MADE THIS PAVLOVA. THOMAS BLOWS OUT THE CANDLES

 JULIA AND ENA

 JESSICA AND ENA

 ISABELLE LIGHTS THE CANDLES AND ANNE TAKES PICS

 

ST JOHN AND THOMAS CHATTING TO ENA
Saturday morning 18th June 2016 -- Drive to Plett with St John and Edie for Ena 100th birthday party. At the Party are Patrick; Marianne and friend Inky; Thomas; Isabelle; St John; Lene; Jessica; Joshua; Daniel; Alice; Julia; Anne; Edie; Nicky and Werner; Barbara and myself Catered by Violet and daughter. A most successful afternoon.

 
 NICKY AND ENA AT THE 100TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

 CAKE CREATED BY ISABELLE

 MIA; NICKY; ZARA; AARON AND CHRISTIAN

 WERNER AND NICKY

NICKY ON HER ROAD TRIP TO PLETT.  THREE NIGHTS OF STAYING IN THE VAN.

Patrick wrote out a speech for Ena's 100th birthday
He had decorated the lounge with 100 X balloons and over the dining table were Ten Balloons with each decade 1916 to 2016 written on the balloon.
The party was held 11 days early to allow for traveling time. It was a long weekend.

1916 -- In Dumfries, near Glasgow, a baby was born to Yvonne (Nee Majorel) and Wilfred Spence, named Henriette after Yvonnes younger brother Henri who had died recently in the Great War. While in the same year, not far from there, Henri Major Gie, South African Colonial Forces, was killed, leaving his daughter Beatrice, 18, who was to become Henriette's mother in law.
But Henriette did not survive because Wilfred was dissatisfied with the name and re baptized her after her mother Yvonne (Second name Ena) as her brother had been named after his father Wilfred, Second name Ian.

1920's -- The children (Ena and Ian) were subjected to a strict regime from their wealthy father and the nannies, sitting up straight, eating what is on your plate, not extending your little finger while drinking your tea.  The marriage did not last. Ena, now back to Henriette, was schooled in Paris, had first communion at he Church Monmartre, spent a year in Madrid, Spain with aunt Mathilde.

1930's -- Wilfred pursued and remarried Yvonne at the English Church in Paris. Yvonne's brother Andre, increasingly wealthy, was there as well as Brother in law Marice Valetta.  Ian and Ena went off to Boarding school in England when not at home in Levington Spa where tennis parties were held. a year of Piano playing - Madrid meant Ena was a Prodigy. Or as her teacher sir Edwards Elgar said: "Played like a monkey" (Just as well he did not Tweet that remark)

1940's -- Ena is now studying Domestic Science in Edinburgh.  And Ian at Cambridge (Mining Engineering). The marriage is again over. War breaks out.  The whole French family decamps to Dorgone, to the cluster Tenpillac, next door to where Jane Curruthers, now Edwards, Patricks ex girlfriend from Johannesburg, would set up an XXXXXX?. 2010?
Allan Giddy lands on the toe of Italy to liberate the Italians from the Germans. Ena and mother land in Durban, South Africa, before driving to Johannesburg where Ena works as a Chauffeur for a  prominent businessman; eventually buying a small holding on the Vaal, using Italian prisoners of war as labour. Ena meets the charming Allan, returned from the war, at a tennis party. Allan is now a qualified accountant. Ena writes a note to him; "Do come for a drink. And stay for supper". At this time Ena is at the Agricultural College in Potchefstroom. " I am off to do spot of shopping" she writes; "Then the flicks". They marry! Allan's younger brother David is there, And Ian, And his mother of course. Little Ian is born.

1950's -- The young family is established at 177 Jan Smuts Avenue, a few blocks from where, 20 years later, on the same road, Marianne would grow up. With Allan's mother in law of course. Soon to be known as Nene. Who decides if it is time for her son to marry and warns her French and Spanish family that Ian is coming to Europe to find a bride. He returns unexpectedly with a beautiful Swedish Aristocrat Alice Leyervendad.  But Allan gets a job with Modern Appliances in Cape Town and the family decamps to Fish Hoek. Where Nene buys a block of flats (Bru na Mare) next to the beach and the three boys enjoy swimming and Jaggers walk while Nene and Ena go to Auctions and make Mayonaise. The boys buy 7up and sweets at the Greet Parrot Café which is alas an estate agent now.  A great overseas trip is arranged by dumping the boys with Alice in Messina. Finally the family moves to Port Elizabeth. Ena follows Allan some time later with boys in the back of the car. The steering pin breaks and the car and family ends up in a ditch near to Heidelberg. First off it is Burton Road in Mill Park where Sunday Tennis parties are held. Then a flat in Park Drive, walking distance from St Georges Prep. Spence children come too.

1960's -- Its the Great Mr Giddy  managing director of Giddy's Appliances, Headquarters in North End, Branches all over, Telling Mrs Housewife which refrigerator to buy to meet all her needs. Family holidays are no longer in Fish Hoek but now in Plett in the caravan at Piesang Valley. Nene still complains that her back is bumped by children's swinging legs in the car.. Ian is at Wits, Margaret Panades visits. The whole family has a holiday in Europe  over December and January. We walk upstairs to great aunts flat in Paris.

1970's. -- Ena and Allan move to Johannesburg to 7 Killarney Park Flats. And to a social life and Golf. Ena gets a lap dog. Ian is in the USA and marries. Peter goes to PE to work and marries Barbara. Patrick is a perpetual student at UCT bringing home unsuitable friends. The security police phones and Questions Allan. Nene dies. Allan and Ena retire to Plett. Build a house at 3 Rectory Lane. Trips overseas, Walking in Wales. Geneology research takes over.  Edie reinstates herself as a research assistant to Allan.
P
1980's -- Patrick becomes a monk and is sent to Lesotho.  Ena and Allan visit: Where is the toilet for Whites asks Ena. Ian marries Rachel (3rd attempt), this time in Plett.   Peter and Barbara are pregnant again.  Patrick is in Oxford and marries Patti.  More overseas trips. Far East and others. The fight against Apartheid is at its height.

ISABELLE; ENA AND PATRICK. DECORATED BALLOONS IN THE BACKGROUND.
1990's;  Allan dies quickly of cancer. Giles takes over the family finances. Ena moves to Hill House. Peter stops having children and starts to Adopt some more. Patrick is in Lesotho at Roma.  Mandela is released from prison and general elections are held. Various Plett people develop Altzheimers. David and Zoe move to Perth. Patrick moves to Durban where St John is born.

2000's -- Ena and Ann Thomas are building houses on the Wildcliff Reserve near Heidelberg. Back and forth in her bakkie.  Ena has become a well known figure in Plett. When we visit they frown at us; "Ons sien haar loop in die straat Stok alleen en ons vra -- waars haar mense?" Her eyesight deteriorates. 90th Birthday party in Johannesburg. Patrick marries Marianne. At 93 Ena takes the bus to Durban. Fails to reboard in Kingwilliamstown so Dominic and Patrick have to get her at midnight in the centre of town with the following bus. But she visits the new born Thomas. Ian marries Jenny. Grandchildren now visit frequently; Nicky Isabelle and others. She now has 11 grandchildren. Great grandchildren start to appear and she will soon have 11 of those.
But Ian dies of Cancer; Dominique is murdered; Michael dies of Cancer. Ena is there at Dominique's funeral and at Michael's supporting even though she needs support.

2016; -- So here we are -- Her balloon is still full of air with a bit of help. She still enjoys company, family gossip, visits and outings. No longer are cakes baked with salt instead of sugar. The marmalade gets even more delicious. St John is now ok because he doesn't play with light switches. Nicky is wonderful so is Julia and Isabelle even though she went off with the sleeping bag. Violett is a blessing. Anne is a saint  and Alice is far too good. And Daughters-in-Law are never good enough.

At this party:
Patrick Giddy Retired Philosophy Prof; Marianne Leadership Development ; Isabelle off to Mozambique to save Dugongs; St John At Rhodes University; Thomas 8 -- Giddy
Peter Giddy -- retired & now a tour guide and doing some part time admin work; Barbara Housewife/ horse, dog and bird rescue campaigner;
Nicky Steenkamp -- Promotions and event companies - Four Children -- Living in Riebeek Kasteel with Werner - professional musician
Edie Dore -- Living in PE with Dave. Working in an import company (Motorbike accessories).
Friend of Edie -- Terrence
Alice Spence -- Living between Plett and Jhb. Ian is in Hospital after a fall. He is now 101 years old.
Ann Thomas -- Living in Plett and Ena's best friend and helping hand
Lene Giddy - Radiographer -with Jessica - Grade 10 Pearson high; Josh and Daniel - Grade 6 and 5 - Clarendon Park PE.
Inky - Friend of Marianne living in George - visited Ena when she most needed a friend.
Julia Giddy achieved Phd 2016 - Living in Johannesburg and working at the University on Research projects.
Violet and daughter who prepared and served the meal -- starter Salmon; Main - Lamb Curry with ensembles; Lasagne.  Desert consisted of a number of cakes including a Pavlova made by Isabelle; Ice Cream and Custard.

 JULIA AND THE TABLE

 10 DECADES OF BALLOONS ON THE CEILING.

LEFT TO RIGHT: NICKY; WERNER; TERRENCE; EDIE AND ALICE.


Sadly Ena suffered a stroke soon after she had turned 100 and exactly 90 days after her 100th birthday she died on Sunday morning 14th August 2016

MAITLANDS RIVER MOUTH PORT ELIZABETH -- HIKING TRAIL JUNE 2016

Peter Giddy provides a variety of hiking trail experiences for visitors to Port Elizabeth.  To find out more and to join one of these fun activities of around 2 - 3 hours contact Peter
peter.giddy@gmail.com


MAITLANDS HIKING TRAIL
WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE 2016
APPROXIMATELY 8KM AND TWO & HALF HOURS.

ROBIN EXPLAINS THE ROUTE FOR TODAY. UP THE HILL AND LEFT AT DESTADES TURN OFF AND THEN FOLLOW THE CONTOUR PATHWAYS. AROUND 7 - 8KM

 VIEW OF MAITLANDS MOUTH - MAITLANDS HILL IS A KILLER FOR CYCLISTS, A GREAT BEACH FOR WALKING,  SAND DUNES IDEAL FOR SANDBOARDING & THE PICNIC AREA FOR FAMILIES.

WE REACH THE TOP OF THE SHORT HILL. A GROUP OF TWELVE HIKERS TODAY. FLO; PAUL; DAVE; PETER; CORNELIUS; JENNY; DAVE; JULIA; CHANTRE; ROBIN; BRIDGET AND MYSELF

Wednesday -- Maitlands Hike. Looked like it was going to rain but the day could not have been more magnificent. On the walk:  Robin; Dave; Dave; Paul; Flo; Bridget (First time); Cornelius; Jenny; Julia; Chandre; Peter and myself.
It had been raining from early this morning and I missed my run for the second day in a row. I was up early and ready for the walk but it continued to rain. So I phoned Robin and eventually we decided to go to Maitlands together. I was a bit late so drove faster than I like. We took the N2 freeway and left towards Seaview. Then right at the Destades Road and left again to Maitlands Mouth. We arrived at the hike just after 8.15am.

The hike starts with a bit of a climb. But it is cool and the small group of 12 stays together.  At the top of the hill we turn left to the Destades Trail. This section of the hike is along a contour and mainly under the canopy. 

After a short while we emerge looking over the valleys Here you are able to turn around and look back towards the Old Maitlands Tin Mine.  For a while we walk along a fence and some pretty flowers such as the Blombos and Erica of the coastal fynbos.  We have magnificent views today. The air is particularly clear following the rains. The sun has emerged, the sky is totally cloudless and there is almost no wind.

We stop for a snack break. Interesting to see what people have brought -- from simply an apple to sandwiches or snack bars. At this point we are heading back in an easterly direction back towards the cars.  There is still a little walking to be done and short ups and downs on this narrow single track pathway.  Paul shows me some of the different plant kinds.

Once we emerge from the forest everyone takes time to check their legs for ticks. It seems that everyone has at least one or two ticks on their shoes and legs. They are so small that it would be easy to miss one. Bridget points out that her husband had once been extremely sick with tick bite fever.
The hike ends back on the Maitlands mouth road. 

Back home I check for ticks and find two more on my legs.

 AT THE TOP OF THE FIRST SHORT CLIMB WE TURN LEFT TO DESTADES

 LOOKING ACROSS THE VALLEY TO THE MAITLANDS ROAD BELOW

SPINY TORTOISEBERRY  -- MURALTIA SPINOSA.

 SPINY TORTOISEBERRY == THE END OF EACH BRANCH HAS A SHARP POINT AND THE BRANCH ITSELF IS TOUGH.

 BLOMBOS -- METALASIA MURICATA

 METALASIA EURICATS?

 MAITLANDS RIVER MOUTH -- PICNIC SPOT; PIPE AND DUNES

AT THE END OF THE HIKE WE ALL HAVE TO CHECK FOR TICKS.

JUNE 2016 -- JACQUI AND FAMILY IN SOUTH AFRICA; WEDNESDAY HIKES; RUGBY AT CLARENDON AND GREY;

JUNE 2016

Jacqui; Michael; Emily; Annabell and Tom come to SA for a month holiday
Wednesday walks   ---   Sacramento trail.
Wednesday walks  ---  Maitlands Nature reserve.
Wednesday walks --- Cape Recife.
Running and cycling
Josh and Daniel playing rugby for Clarendon
Rugby at Grey.
Ian Spence falls and is in Hospital and frail care.
Ena birthday party 18th. Turns 100 on 29th.

30 WALKERS WITH THE SACRAMENTO GROUP TODAY.  A WARM, SUNNY WINTERS MORNING WITH A NUMBER OF FIRST TIME WALKERS. QUITE A HILLY ROUTE WITH SOFT SEA SAND

 PAUL POINTS OUT TO US WHERE THE SACRAMENTO BEACHED ITSELF  AND WHERE ANCHORS CAN BE FOUND. ONLY THE BRONZE CANON AND ANCHORS WERE REMOVED AS THE STEEL ONES WILL FALL APART DUE TO OXIDISATION.

LOOKING DOWN TOWARDS THE SARDINIA BAY LIFESAVING CLUBHOUSE WHERE WE STOPPED FOR A SNACK. 
Wednesday 1st June.
Run slow and painful around the park with Neil and Adrienne.
Walking Sacramento trail.  Amazingly we had 30 walkers on the trail today. This is about the maximum number that I have seen. 

John; Julian, Keith, Jimmy, Paul. Cornelius Nilsen;  David & David, Peter & Peter, Flo, Martie, Kei Ko, Elaine Hillhouse ; Richard, Robin, Marge Knipe and friend Beth;  Dennis. Ina, Margriet, Chandre, Sheila;  Karrin and Rentia;  Earlier starters:  Julia and dog & Chris (F); Ron and Jenny

The route was out along the "high road" with views of the trail below us. 

Paul explained where the wreck was beached and the circumstances surrounding it. And where we may still find Anchors.  And the stone that was used in ballast.  Only Bronze canon and anchors were salvaged as the steel would oxidize and collapse if taken from the water.  Paul tells us that canon were being carried to Portugal but the history tells us that the canon were "Fixed".  Perhaps there were both fixed canon and canon being transported from India?

Additional information

Elaine was not feeling up to the long hike and so Jimmy and Paul walked back with her.

Elaine's daughter is Janice and she is married to my cousin from Barclay East -- Brett Giddy. Elaine was a farmer from Indwe near to Barclay East (bordering on the Transkei made farming extremely tough). They moved to PE about 10 years ago. Her husband has Parkinsons.  

Marge Knipe is married to Mike who I met doing tour guiding. He is a part time guide assistant. Mike also works for the Perishable Control Board which is linked to one of the companies that I deal with regarding Citrus Export. 

Marge has a son, Mark Groch.  Mark and my son, Michael, were at school together from Linkside Pre-primary.  And I used to fetch Mark to take him to school with Michael.  Marge used to run with our group in Mill Park and remembers me from those days.

Cornelius Nilsen is the brother of Theo who I have known for over 30 years. Cornelius hiked the Fish River Canyon with me when we were with the Trevor Kay Group about 30 years ago. My son Michael would have been about 10 years old and hiked with us.

Yesterday’s (Wednesday) walk on the Sacramento Trail was stunning. We had a group of around 20 walkers setting off. We were taken on “the scenic route” to Sardinia Bay. This is a route known as “Borelli’s Pass” & takes one on a winding path north of the normal trail route. One meanders through beautiful thickets of fynbos & you then emerge on the ridge high above the “cooking” route. It was a perfect day with a light offshore breeze blowing. Incredible views. We finally came out slightly west of the old Life-saving Club clubhouse, returning to Schoenies via the lower path. A most enjoyable excursion, but one only to be attempted in numbers.
 

 DANIEL PLAYS HERBERT HURD U11 AND WIN 26;0

JOSH PLAYS GREY AND HAS AN AGRESSIVE RUNNING AND TACKLING GAME.

This afternoon both Daniel U11 and Josh U13 play great games of rugby. Both playing right wing. Both boys play strong running and tackling games.

Thursday -- Feeling strong again for the first time this week.  Run with Neil, Liesl, Mike, Kelly, Chris and Lindie.  Just 6k; but a better run than the previous three days this week.  Later Chris and I cycle to Recife and Patti.  High tide and not much wind makes for a great cycle.  Beautiful views of breaking waves.  Chris will always tell me how wave and wind conditions would affect the fishing, what fish could be caught and the places where you would have to cast. Chris spent many years along these shores catching fish.

 29 May 1953: New Zealand explorer Edmund Hillary and his Nepalese partner Tenzing Norgay became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
31 May 1910: The Union of South Africa is formed following the acceptance of the so-called Treaty of Vereeniging between the British and Boers.
1 June 2002: Former South African cricket captain Hansie Cronje and two pilots die when their airplane crashes in the Outentiqua Mountains near George due to poor weather.
2 June 2005: The Durban High Court finds the former financial advisor to then Deputy President Jacob Zuma, Schabir Shaik, guilty on charges of fraud and corruption. 
4 June 1944: Rome becomes the first capital city to be taken by Allied Forces during WW II.

 Adrienne and Viv on our Saturday morning run. Friends -- PE Winter morning sunrise at Hobie.

 Jackal scavenging on a warthog carcass

 Elephant crossing the road at Hapoor

David and Sheila at Suurkop Lookout -- Saturday Addo Tour.
Saturday 4th.  Run with Adrienne; Viv; Neil; Kevin; Lindie; Mike. Run short as I have to get to work early.  Addo tour with David (Spain) and Sheila (Mexico).
Sunday evening Audrey van Wyk is the minister and I always enjoy listening to her.

Monday morning run 6-7k. Then later cycle with Chris and Andrea from Kings Beach to Recife.
Tuesday runners: I can remember the following 26 names and may have forgotten a few more: Neil; Mike; Adrienne; Anne; Stefanie; Liesl; Kelly; Susan; John; John; Ingrid; Melissa; Angela; Lisa; Mike; Stuart; Kobus; Gay; Duncan; Johan; Benita; Amanda; Nicky; Rodney; Chris; myself.
Addo Tour with Geoff and Jude from Isle of Mann.  Craig has the Logos staff on a mass tour of Addo.
The Isle of Man (or Mann) is situated between Scotland, England and Ireland. 52km long and 22km wide with a population of about 85 000. The main city is Douglas on the East. Part of the British Isles. Independent but internationally it is represented by Britain in many ways (Defence and other international matters). Not part of the EU but does have trade agreements with EU countries. Low tax for individuals and Zero tax for many organisations and industry. Mark Cavendish was born in Douglas. He is a sprinter and has won 26 stages of the Tour de France. 
This evening I do Olive Bottling with Elmarie and Peter.n Grace takes charge and shows me what to do.  Cousins Jessica and Ryan and Skipper -- Elmarie had everything prepared. A lot of work.  And had made a delicious chicken soup for us. I have two glasses of red wine -- too much for me and I should not have driven home.
Wednesday morning -- too tired to run. Craig and I have a Full day Addo tour with 27 members of  the Logos Crew.   I have a Quantum Toyota with 10 crew members including James Berry - Deck Officer.

Thursday 9th.  Run with Mike, Adrienne, Anne, Chris, Lindie, Kobus, Neil, Susan, Stefanie.  Cycle with Andrea and Shara. Kings Beach to Recife and back on Road Bikes. Some stress and pressure to get Dole work done.  Supper with Lene, Jess, Josh and Daniel. Large roasted chicken, Gems, Pumpkin and Veg mix. No Rice or potato for many months now. But end with Ice Cream for those not on a strict Banting diet. Good to have a short period of family time.

 GRAVE STONE OF JAMES LANGLEY DALTON -  VC

RUSSELL ROAD CEMETERY -- RUSSELL ROAD -- PORT ELIZABETH.
Friday -- Ron and I visit the grave site of James Dalton -- VC --  See information sheet on James Dalton below.  I make a chicken soup for the family this evening. 

Saturday. Cold and Wet. I had planned to run a 21k event but bail in favour of a short run with Annie, Adrienne and Neil.  In the cold and wet but we did at least have a bit of a run.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON -- STILL COLD AND WET. WATCH BRAD NELSON PLAYING SCRUMHALF VS DESPATCH.  Three great matches with some wonderful try's scored.  Including three by Andrew Dalgliesh who appears to be getting stronger and faster each time we watch him.  Saturday afternoons at Grey -- My Best!

 BARBARA AND I AT THE MPRG FUNCTION AT OLD GREY

 ELMARIE; ALMARIE AND RONEL

 BARBARA AND MYSELF

 CLAIRE AND ALMARIE

CAROL AND KOBUS

 CHRIS AND ELMARIE

 GERALD; RONEL AND PAT

 BEV AND ANDY

PETER AND ADRIENNE

 PETER; ANDY; BARBARA AND BENITA

PETER; BARBARA; CHRIS; BENITA AND ANDREW.
This evening is the MPRG AGM. Supper at Old Grey.  The usual suspects are there. A great evening where Andy and Kobus hand over the organisation to Clair; Almarie and Haley.  They did a great job. Adrienne took the pics.

Sunday morning I receive a late call to do an Addo Tour. I pick up Sylvia from KB BP and we see a Grysbok in the Main Camp, then 5 Bull Elephant right at the gate and then a male lion near to Domkrag. We watch as he moves around and then roars calling his mate.  We then move on to Hapoor where we again see huge herds of Elephant up close.  The tour ends with us seeing 4 lion on the open plains. Back in PE I briefly show Sylvia around the city and related areas.  Back too late for church.
Monday. I spend the day with Dole work and doing "Information Sheets" for Port Elizabeth places and points of interest. My idea is that I talk to people and then, if they are interested, hand them an information sheet on the points we discussed.
Tuesday More Dole stuff.  Visit the Prince Alfred Guards building and do a bit of research.

MAITLANDS NATURE RESERVE -- ROBIN SHOWS US OUR HIKE ROUTE TODAY.
Wednesday -- Maitlands Hike. Looked like it was going to rain but the day could not have been more magnificent. On the walk:  Robin; Dave; Dave; Paul; Flo; Bridget (First time); Cornelius; Jenny; Julia; Chandre; Peter and myself.
Thursday 16th June.  Public Holiday.  This day celebrates the beginning of an Uprising of both Students and the general black population in protest against the Apartheid system.  It began in Soweto, Johannesburg with students from Naledi school marching peacefully.  That day 1000's of students clashed with police who shot at the students at random.  Over the following few days increased levels of protest across the country were met with gunfire and deaths.  This brutality was reported in various countries around the world. A general feeling of anti South Africanism began to be felt internationally and support for the cause of the black population strengthened.
On the run today -- Neil; Chris; Lindie; Mike; Viv; Anne; Stefany; Kevin; Adrienne and Scott. Also on the beach -- Kelly and Andrea.
It is cold and windy but a hard core group of runners meet at Hobie beach for a 10k run.  Barbara and I visit Matthew and Delene at the Woodridge farm.  The area is called Witteklip as is the Lady's Slipper range of mountains.

 DANIEL AND I CYCLED FROM KB TO PINE LODGE AND BACK BEFORE FETCHING JESSICA FROM HER DRAMA PRACTICE AT PEARSON

FROM HERE WE VISITED MC DONALD FOR AN ICE CREAM WITH A FLAKE.
Friday morning -- Daniel and I cycle from Kings Beach to Pine Lodge. Then fetch Jessica from her drama practice at Pearson; Ice cream with a flake.
12 June 1964: The Rivonia Trial concludes in the Pretoria Supreme Court with the eight accused, including Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Walter Sisulu and Raymond Mhlba, being sentenced to life behind bars.
14 June 2005: Jacob Zuma is fired by President Thabo Mbeki as Deputy President two weeks after being found guilty of corruption.
16 June 1976: Over 20 000 students take to the streets of Soweto in a peaceful protest against the use of Afrikaans as teaching medium in schools.

 ON THE ROAD TO PLETT WE FIND THIS FLOWERING BUSH OR TREE KNOWN AS A BOSVLIER

BOSVLIER -- NUXIA FLORIBUNDA
Saturday morning run with Annie; Adrienne; Pat; Ronel & Lindie. Normal route up Walmer Boulevard; Strandfontein and 7th Ave. Drive to Plett with St John and Edie for Ena 100th birthday party.

 JOSHUA; JESSICA; ENA AND DANIEL

 TABLE WITH BALOONS

 SALMON STARTER

 ISABELLE MADE THIS PAVLOVA. THOMAS BLOWS OUT THE CANDLES

 JULIA AND ENA

 JESSICA AND ENA

 ISABELLE LIGHTS THE CANDLES AND ANNE TAKES PICS

 

ST JOHN AND THOMAS CHATTING TO ENA
Saturday morning run with Annie; Adrienne; Pat; Ronel & Lindie. Normal route up Walmer Boulevard; Strandfontein and 7th Ave. Drive to Plett with St John and Edie for Ena 100th birthday party. At the Party are Patrick; Marianne and friend Inky; Thomas; Isabelle; St John; Lene; Jessica; Joshua; Daniel; Alice; Julia; Anne; Edie; Nicky and Werner; Barbara and myself Catered by Violet and daughter. A most successful afternoon.

 ADRIENNE; ANNE AND LINDIE ON OUR SATURDAY MORNING RUN

 NICKY AND ENA AT THE 100TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

 CAKE CREATED BY ISABELLE

 MIA; NICKY; ZARA; AARON AND CHRISTIAN

 WERNER AND NICKY

NICKY ON HER ROAD TRIP TO PLETT.  THREE NIGHTS OF STAYING IN THE VAN.

 DOLPHINS SEEN FROM ALONG THE PROMENADE AS WE CYCLED TO KEEP UP WITH THEM

 JOSHUA ON THE MARINE DRIVE - A TREAT FOR ME TO HAVE THEM WITH ME.

DANIEL ON THE WAY TO SAMREC THIS MORNING -- FATHERS DAY PRESENT TO GRANDAD

WE CYCLE UP THE PIER TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE DOLPHINS UP CLOSE.
Sunday 19th.  Fathers Day.  Lene visits and brings some Chocolate and a Tea Cup to match one that she gave Barbara on Mothers Day.  I take Josh and Daniel to the beach and we cycle to Pine Lodge. Daniel spots a school of dolphins and we follow them. Cycle to the end of the pier where I am not able to capture the moment. Then on to SAMREC and back. The best Fathers Day present that any Grandad could wish for. Especially as we stop on the way home for an ice cream and flake.

Patrick; Marianne; St John; Isabelle and Thomas stay for a short visit on their way to Grahamstown to see Rhodes and St John's digs. This evening Isabelle flies to JHB and on to Mozambique; Beira where she will be staying for a period doing conservation work on the fishing industry.

JACQUI IS ABLE TO CAPTURE MY HEAVY RUNNING STYLE AND PAINED LOOK ON MY FACE. Monday morning. Back to the routine running routes. This morning I run with Adrienne; Annie who has a sore hip so the two of them walk. Also Joan and Gillian who do the full Langenhoven; Susan; Chris; Lindie.  In the fast group are Andy; Claire; John; Natalie; Lisa; Michelle; Johan; Benita; Lynne. It is a cold and windy morning so quite surprising that there is such a good showing of runners. Walking this morning -- Kobus; Gaye and Almarie. I count around 20 runners!
Wednesday -- Susan; Adrienne and I run around Park Drive. We meet Owen and run up Cape Road with him before turning back to the cars.

 WALKING UP THE DUNE TOWARDS THE VIEW POINT AND THE WW2 OBSERVATION POINT.

 WW2 OBSERVATION POST WHICH WAS LINKED TO THE MILITARY HQ BY TELEGRAPH.  USED TO LOOK OUT FOR ENEMY SHIPS AND SUBMARINES

SNACK BREAK.  WE TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A FRUIT OR BISCUIT AND SOME WATER.
This morning it is the Cape Recife hiking trail. 

We were 29 walkers on the trail this morning. 

Peter;  Peter; Dave; Dave; Robin; Di; Jimmy; Jim; First timers: Irma; Glenton; Brett; Elsa and Cheryl; Ken; Chandre; Cornelius; Alwyn; Jenny; Ina; Sheila; Dennis; Margriet; Richard; Flo; Steve; Rentia; Mike; Lynn; Lucy. = 29 walkers.

It started off a bit chilly but we soon warmed up as we walked along the tar road past SAMREC. Turned right towards the Bird Hide and then up a couple of dunes before emerging at the view point where Alwyn pointed out Lady's Slipper; Uitenhage and Zuurberg mountains. We could see the wreck of the Patti and across to Noordhoek.

TODAY WE WALK ALONG THE TAR ROAD PAST SAMREC TO THE BIRD HIDE TURN OFF.

MILITARY OBSERVATION POST OVERLOOKING NOORDHOEK.

SNACK BREAKS ARE ALWAYS POPULAR -- TOO SHORT.

There was quite a bit of interest in the Military Observation structure that was built during WW2 to lookout for enemy ships and Submarines. These observations posts were linked to the Military HQ in Humewood by means of Telegraph. From there we descend to the beach and continue in an easterly direction. We stop for a quick snack before continuing past the Cape Recife Lighthouse built 1851; which is still operational.

Around the Lighthouse and walk on this unspoilt beach all the way back to SAMREC and to the cars parked at Pine Lodge.  The full moon and spring low tide made the walk even more interesting. Today's walk was about 2.5 hours and not at all strenuous. 

This evening Cathy and Blake arrive from Cape Town. This is the last time we will see them for some time as they are leaving for New Zealand in two weeks.
Thursday 23rd.  Jacqui and family miss their flight on Wednesday night as they don't have the birth certificates for the three children.  So upset.  Cath had hoped to see Jacqui before she leaves for New Zealand. I run with Adrienne; Susan; Stefanie; Neil; Mike; Lindie and Chris. It is exceptionally cold at 4degrees C.  Teaching Elmarie to do the Dole stuff when we are away for the Knysna half in July.

 SACRAMENTO TRAIL WITH BRIAN.

 JACQUI ARRIVES AT THE PE AIRPORT WITH EMILY; TOM AND ANNABELL
I have a City Tour with Brian from Ireland. Jacqui finally arrives from Israel. Great excitement in the house.  Barbara and Cathy go off to buy a new phone.

 STEFF; MIKE; LINDIE AND CHRIS ON THE RUN THIS MORNING.

Saturday 25th.  Start the morning off with a beach front run with Neil; Margie; Stefanie; Mike; Lindi and Chris.  Full family home. Lots of noisy children running around. I take the children to the park where there is more fun and games.  Finally Cathy has to leave for Cape Town. She is off to Aukland New Zealand on Wednesday.  Such a very long way away.

21 June 1965: Gary Player becomes the first non-American to win the US Open since 1925, as well as the only non-American to win all four major golfing tournaments.

22 June 1990: The infamous Checkpoint Charlie border control between East and West Berlin is dismantled.

23 June 1994: South Africa is readmitted to the United Nations after being voted out in 1974 due to Apartheid.

24 June 1995: South Africa beats New Zealand 15-12 to claim the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

ANNABELLE ON THE BIG SWING

BLAKE AND TOM ON THE JUNGLE GYM

HOW HIGH CAN YOU GO

 DANIEL; ANABELLE; JOSH AND EMILY ON SWINGS.

 AT RUGBY WITH JESSICA; LENE; DANIEL AND JOSHUA

 CRAIG AND A SHY LUKE AND CARRYN.

THE STADIUM WAS FULL, MEXICAN WAVES, OLE OLE OLE WAS THE SHOUT WITH SHOSHOLOZA BEING SUNG.

Rugby this evening. I have bought tickets for Craig and his family. Lene; Jess; Josh and Daniel all sit together.  We have good seats in block 211 which is on the North West corner.  A couple of beers and hot dogs and we are set to watch this deciding game.  In the first of the series Ireland had beaten the Springboks at Newlands and then the following weekend in Jhb the Springboks had come back from 3-19 down to beat the Irish. So we started off the game with 1-1 and this was a Have To Win game.  Our team plays an excellent defensive game but gives away possession with their kicking. However in the end we win 19 - 13 with one try each.  A nail biting tense game that went to the final whistle before we knew that we had won. It was really a great outing with a near full stadium of 42 000 people Clapping, Singing, shouting and doing the Mexican Wave.

 CATHY AND NICKY ON THEIR LAST WEEKEND TOGETHER BEFORE CATHY LEAVES FOR NEW ZEALAND.

 LOOKING DOWN AT THE CHEETAH BELOW.

SWING BRIDGE AT THE KRAGGA KAMMA MONKEY WALK.
Sunday I take Jacqui and some children to Kragga Kamma. They have all been before but have a great time together. Also -- Annabelle starts to gain confidence on the Bicycle -- She lost her ability some time ago after a fall but today seems to be fine even on the big bike that she is on. "Let go Grandad" is the shout -- Just turning corners and stopping is a bit difficult. We have a big family supper so I miss church.

AT GRASSROOF THERE IS PLENTY TO KEEP YOUNGSTERS ACTIVE

WE MEET UP WITH AMBER ZEELIE .. SHE IS IN MATRIC THIS YEAR. NEXT YEAR PLANS A 40 DAY CAMINO WALK IN SPAIN WITH JESS DANIELS AND AMY LOVEMORE.
Monday the family goes to Grassroof. I have some admin stuff to do. The afternoon becomes miserable -- cold and windy.
Tuesday - I am stiff and sore and run short. Adrienne is in Canada visiting her sister Anne. Mike has a sore knee. Annie is off running for a couple of weeks. Neils Wife, Rene, arrives home after a month of holiday. Our water is cut off due to a burst pipe in the street.
Wednesday. Today, 100 years ago, Ena was born 29.6.1916;  Now 29.6.2016 Ena is 100 years old. Survived through Global wars; South African history is only 360 years old if you take it from when Jan van Riebeek began to develop the first settlement of this country. Ena saw Political changes in our country from the United Party, National Party and eventually after many years of turmoil, the ANC running the country.
Our hike is the Aloes Trail in Bluewaterbay. Starts off with an Aloe Presentation of Fiery red across the valley. Great views of Swartkops below and Amsterdam Hoek village. Then we walk into the tall Albany Thicket full of Cactus, Aloe and thorn bushes. The sun is warm and the air is cold. This morning we are 35 hikers:

 OVERLOOKING SWARTKOPS AND AMSTERDAM HOEK

 ALOE OR CACTUS?

 ALOE OR MISTLETOE

 ALOE SHINING RED IN THE MORNING SUN

CLIMBED TO THE TOP OF THE STAIRWAY TO THE OBSERVATION POST IN BWB

Dave and David; Robin; Robin and Robyn; Kevin; Shelley; Cornelius; Ken and Sebastian; Julia; Lucy; Keiko; Richard; Jim and Jimmy; Dennis; Di; Irma; Cheryl; Karin; Sandra; Keith; Pat; Peter and Peter; Joy; Flo; Susan; Sheila: Ina; Margriet; Teresa; Wendy; Chandre; = 35 Walkers.

After the Aloe Trail, Susan and I join a group that continues down Tippers to the river front and then back towards the bridge where we climb stairs up to the Military Observation post.

This afternoon I have a short township tour with Ruth from Tanzania who is now living in Papua New Guinea. She is studying law at NMMU.  

 

Thursday 30th June. We are now halfway through the year. Ally is planning a trip to Bali. Cathy lands in New Zealand, Jacqui is with us in PE. Lene has moved into our house after living in her sisters home for some while. Nicky is in Riebeek Kasteel and seems to be settled. Nothing is certain but for the present -- the family appears to be reasonably content.

Barbara and Jacqui spend the morning at Homleigh farms. Then the four children come home and promptly jump into the COLD swimming pool. They are having such fun together: Joshua; Daniel; Emily; Annabelle and little Tom.  I had a bit of a breakthrough as Tom came to the shops with me. Just the two of us. I was surprised to have gained so much trust from him in just one week.

 

I'm no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God
You split the sea
So I could walk right through it
My fears were drowned in perfect love
You rescued me
And I could stand and sing
I am a child of God...
I'm no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

 Yes, I am
I am a child of God
I am a child of God
Yes, I am
I am a child of God
Full of faith
Yes, I am a child of God
I am a child of God

 

Peter Giddy

30 June 2016

MY CRAZY DAUGHTER AND HER FRIENDS TAKING A WEEKEND OFF

 ALLY ON THE WEST COAST OF AUSTRALIA.

 

 FANFARE BEFORE THE GAME STARTS

 LOOKING INTENSELY AT TH EPLAY.

 SINGING OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEMS

 DANIEL AND JOSH WALKING UP TO THE STADIUM.

SERIOUS FACES WATCHING A SERIOUS GAME.