Church

This picture was blogged a bit late. I took it with my cellphone while sitting in the front pew on Sunday. The church was specially full and because we were almost late, had to sit in the front.

On the road again

Just arrived at OR Tambo. The Avis rented Polo and my Green bag is ready for Johannesburg. Tomorrow is scheduled for a number of press briefings.

Moving in

Today the move arrived at Protea Retirement Village. Everything was unloaded into the new house, but must still be unpacked. Ado is seen here discussing the new place with Oupa. It was gratifying to see that the old folks are relatively comfortable in their new surroundings. I thanked the Lord for His plan in getting my parents into this beautiful little cottage close to all the support that they could need as an aging couple.

Last day at the old house

After my parents have left, me and Annelie started executing on the move. We planned the move well and everything went according to plan. This photo was taken just before the truck arrived to remove the last pieces of furniture. We have now changed postal addresses, switched off the phone and electricity, arranged for recommendations from their existing doctors and much more. we are now ready to leave the house where I grew up. Tonight will be the last time that I will ever sleep here. Memories are made of times like these.

The end of an Era

My parents lived at 25 Gedenk Street for almost 52 years and they left today to go to a retirement village. I was fortunate to experience this day with them. In a way it should have been a sad day, as it is always difficult to leave things behind... all the memories, all the joys, all the defining moments of your life. But one should also look ahead and this was what was great about this day for me. My parents (even thought they are almost 83) can also start a new chapter. They have new stuff to look forward to. They will make new friends, learn about new things and start a new era. For me this was a celebration of life and being alive.

Clarence Drive

I did more than half an Argus this morning. It is a long story, but I peddled almost 70kms on my own this morning (totally unplanned). It was such a beautiful morning and I enjoyed being out early in the morning. I started off with some other cyclists, but they left me behind as I was too slow for them. Nevertheless, I drove through Gordon's Bay all the way to the SteenBras River and then up the mountain to the Clarence monument. This is a picture of me with the monument in the background as proof that I actually did it!

The Kids are home

Ernst and Catherine arrived at Cape Town International from London this morning. They are now back on a permanent basis. It was an experience that touched my heart to see my two kids come through customs and to know that I will see so much more of them in the future. They have done so well in London. They have accumulated a lot of money and have built lasting friendship and business networks, but it is the maturity that really impressed me. I am so proud to be their dad.

My first beer

My father and mother are moving to a retirement resort and I have been working through the photos and other memorabilia. I am trying to turn everything into digital format. In this way we will be able to manage everything better. Anyhow, I came across this photo of me and my mum drinking my first beer. I thought that this should be blogged!

Late afternoon sun

A big fire raged between Pringle bay and Betties Bay today and when I returned from work this afternoon, the South Eastern blew the smoke over the city. Everything was hazy and visibility was low. When I walked onto the balcony after dinner the air was clear and the setting sun lit up the Helderberg. (Helderberg means "the clear mountain" in Afrikaans). It was such a beautiful picture and I just praised the Lord for this wonderful creation and the privilege to experience it.

The after-effects of the festive season

Johann is a member of my executive team at Fundamo. One of the most dependable people that I know. He will persevere with something till it is conquered and is a great guy to have around. One of the things that I found impressive about him is how he start the year off with a diet after the results of the festive season. This is a picture of him getting stuck into his lunch for today.

Stephan and Heidi

I have known Stephan for donkey years and always enjoys spending time with him. His general knowledge and insight into macro economics are always very stimulating and we can chat till late at night. He and his wife Heidi visited us tonight. We had a great lunch and chatted about the legal system and banking.

AB Rossouw

We went with some friends that did some diving for crayfish at Hangklip. The sea was calm and the visibility clear. It was an enjoyable afternoon. This AB after the dive taking some digital photographs before getting out of his kit.

After the morning's exercise

I cycled almost forty kilometers early this morning (a circle route and returned via the Afdaksriver road). It was quite a hilly road, so I had to put in a bit of effort to keep at the average 20 km/h target that I have set for myself... and it shows.

A new day

The first day of the year - early in the morning. What a beautiful day! The sun has just lifted its head over the horizon and painted the Kogelberg mountains on the other side of the lake pink. I was up early and I just again experienced the grace of God and the blessings that He bestowed on me and my family. I just wanted to praise Him at the start of this new day... this new year.
I pray for His blessings to all of my family and friends all over the world. May you all experience His presence and His love.