Next generation

Twenty years ago, I was the skipper of a boat on these waters when my sons learned to waterski. Today, I held my grand-daughter as my son skippered another boat on these waters.

Christmas kids

In a quiet Christmas, with much to think about, it was such a privilege to see the joy in the faces of my grandchildren. As grownups we have learned to block this joy by embracing our small worries.

Painting again

I started painting again, using acrylic paints to do landscapes. It felt good to give my imperfect efforts as Christmas presents as it meant something different than to buying something.

First print ready copy

I received the second print-ready copy of the book during the week-end. I now have IBSN numbers, the photo section is almost complete and we are making small tweaks to the content. It is great to see a project coming to fruition and I am super excited.

Seaswim

There was more than ten swimmers that did the 2000 meter (depending on how straight you swim) to the harbour wall and back. I am starting to enjoy this new pastime of mine, especially in wonderful conditions like this morning.

Unemployed

It is two days before Christmas and I counted more than a hundred people standing at this intersection looking for a job that might pay $20. There is something seriously wrong and I just wonder what I can do (rather than criticizing).

Rooi-els and back

It does not matter how many times you cycle from Somerset West to Rooiels and back, the beauty is always new and fresh. This morning was no different as I tried to keep up with a group of WannaBees that were clearly more fit than I was.

Pork parmigiana

Pork Parmigiana in true New York style, garnished with fresh basil from the herb garden. The chillies and lemon mixed with the breadcrumbs combined to produce the perfect dish. Often my cooking produces average dishes at best, but sometimes things just combine to create magic.

Starwars fever

Some came dressed for the occasion, others carried their lightsabers to the event. The theatre was totally full on opening night for the latest Starwars epic. It was a great experience to see the Force awaken in 3D and to hear the audience gasp at the old stars making their appearance and coming to life.

Braai with a view

A beer in the hand, a lake in the front (with a flock of flamingos), the mountains at the back and a the coals in the braai getting ready. I would call this a braai with a view.

Open water wet suit

I swam my first open water wet-suit swim today in perfect conditions at Gordonsbay early this morning. It was a wonderful experience. Thanks to the experienced swimmers who encouraged me.

Corporate Startups

Corporates and Startups are fundamentally different from the enterprise's objectives to the shoes of the CEO's. Yet there is much potential benefit in finding some mechanism to a happy co-existence between the two. The one can help the other in different ways. That is why Zach and his team must be congratulated on how they managed to show that these two animals can actually operate on the same stage at Africa Rise at the Barn today.

Up Clarence drive

A quick cycle to the top of Clarence drive, with the majestic mountain on the left and a crystal clear ocean on my right, I was struck by the greatness of creation. On my way back, I saw a crew shooting a movie from two boats on the flat sea.

Zoe church

I visited the Home of Compassion ministries in Delft with a friend. We were welcomed with a smile and shown so many inspirational projects: from feeding schemes to career education. All of this underpinned by a clear foundation of love and confidence.

99 Hits

The name of the show is 99 hits and as is usual, it was an extravaganza of music, lighting and costumes. It was good to experience it with friends... but somehow it felt incomplete.

A lot of wine-glasses

Another farewell dinner for ex-Fundamo staff: this time for Aletha and Susan. As usual there was little space on the table except for many wine-glasses. The sad thing is that we are running out of people to say goodbye to.

Italian pleasure

Guiseppe prepares wholesome, Italian food at home and then spoils large groups with his food and his stories. It is special people like this (that can be found throughout the Mother City) that makes Cape Town unique in its make-up.

Last Wannabee race

I enjoyed finishing the Stellenbosch Cycle Race in an acceptable time, notwithstanding the heat. Afterwards, as I loaded my cycle I felt a bit melancholic as I realized that this may be the last race in the old Wannabee colors.

Emphasis on vegetables

I decided to concentrate on vegetables for this meal: creamed spinach with mushrooms and carrots in caramel syrup. Even the color composition worked.

View from the Roundhouse

At was good to see a good representation of Cape Town Fintech entrepreneurs as guests of Apis Partners. We gathered outside the Roundhouse for a glass of champagne, before enjoying an eight course meal inside. The view over Campsbay as the sun started setting was stunning.

Morning reflections

The Brandvlei dam, close to Worcester is primarily used for irrigation. Bass fishermen an water sport enthusiasts also travel here regularly. I stayed one night at my friend Schalk's house on the waters edge. We talked till late. In the morning, the reflections on the water was spectacular.

N Man soos my Pa

This is a golden era for Afrikaans movies. New (and old) film-makers explore bold topics (like abuse of minors in "Dis ek, Anna" or alcoholism in "'n Man soos my Pa") or just classy suspense thrillers ("Balade vir n Enkeling) and even a surf movie ("Die Pro"). The quality of the script, the acting, the cinematography and most aspects are world-class. I am proud of what can be seen in my own language on the big screen at the moment.

First principle braai broodjies

It takes skill to make the perfect braai-broodjie; but even more so if it is made from first principles. For these, I even baked the bread.

Nic Kohler

I was fortunate to listen to Nic Kohler at an Endeavour lunch. Through his talk about the Enthoven family businesses, I once again realized how important values are in running any successful enterprise. Doing something with a noble purpose is an important requisite to building anything sustainable.

Arden Nativity

In his final year in pre-school, Arden played an important role in his schools nativity concert. As one of the three wise men, he executed very well on his solo pieces. As a child from the apartheid-generation, I could not help to notice the new South African make-up of the three wise men and how comfortable and naturally it felt.

Badenhorst

Adi Badenhorst is one of South Africa's best new winemakers. Under his Secateur label he produced unique blended wines made in an innovative way, combining modern, best practices with old traditional ways. The Kurktrekkers ended a wonderful year of celebration at Kalmoesfontein (his farm in the Swartland) with an evening of food and wine.

African Fintech

Speaking at the African Fintech Zambezi awards. I read a small excerpt from my book that is about ready to go to the printers. It was a weird experience. It was also great to see old friends and make new ones.

Schalk 50th

Schalk told the story if his life as best he could by making use of music. He was assisted by very capable musicians and his two daughters. It was a privilege to celebrate his fiftieth birthday with him and many guests.  

Simple bed

Just a mattress, a pillow and a blanket. Luckily I managed to get some cheap curtains for some privacy. You do not need much to sleep comfortably.

Obviously inconspicuos

I decided to hide one of the caches that was muggled recently in a different way. By making it conspicuously obvious, I think it will be much harder to find now.

Back on the MTB

I took the mountain bike out of storage and dusted it off. A short route past Afdaks river and down a steep downhill confirmed: my ankle is healing fast.

Food for a King

A simple red wine, some salad with avocado, braai-broodjies with a lot of grounded pepper, a small lamb rib braaied on medium heat and small boerewors; food for a king. Even if it is not for a king.

Hundreds of flamingoes

The lagoon has been breached to the sea - it now is an extension to the ocean. The tides rush in twice a day as small waves. Hundreds of flamingos stand in the shallows as they filter the water for small morsels.

Scratch plate

Something must itch somewhere considering all the "scratch plates" affixed to parking payment stations at shopping malls. Could there be any scientific reason for scratching a coin before dropping it into a machine, or is this just another urban legend that went viral?

Echezeaux

One of the best Burgundy Grand Cru's is from a small patch called Echezeaux. Triggered by a shared love for Pinot Noir, I opened a bottle with Andre to complement the lamb-chops and sosaties. We talked till late.

Starwars

Why did it take me so long to watch a Starwars movie? I enjoyed seeing the old characters again when I watched Episode V on my laptop one evening.

My first home away from home

Trying to figure out how to live without a real cupboard and a place to keep my stuff. I am learning all kinds of things about myself as I am trying to find my feet amongst all the turmoil.

Annelie at Mediclinic

I sat next to her bed, watching the effects of the anesthesia wear off. The procedure was successful. I am acutely aware of how frail we are.

They have breached the lagoon

It was a big thing for me to be part of the process of breaching the lagoon. There were so many telephone calls and meetings, but in the end the beach was opened up mechanically. Was it the right thing or wasn't it? One will never know.

Johan and a perfect steak

There is so much about a perfect steak. Is it in the quality of the meat, or the marinade, or is it in the herbs and spices or the temperature of the grill, or the time before you turn it over, or all of the above? Johan got pretty close to the perfect steak one night.

Honey-sandwich

Why is it that over time, as we get more trained to be civilized, we cannot enjoy a honey-sandwich with the same gusto as a one-year old?

Video games

The old Wii games station became a big hit with Arden (our six year old grandson) during their stay with us. I supervised and played with him, but soon realised that in this new digital world, my almost-sixty year old reactions were no match for his.

Cardboard box

How easy is it to turn an old cardboard box into a brand new house - with a door and a window? How much joy it creates when occupied by the three grand-children when they occupy it?

My sons and their partners

My two sons and their beautiful wifes: I wish I had more time to listen to them, to hug them, to dream with them and to be with them.

Adri and Willie's wedding

Marriage is the joining of two different individuals into something much bigger. We witnessed this wonder again when we attended Adri and Willie's wedding. In addition it was also a special opportunity to see family and friends again.

Nostalgia

Hempies du Toit from Annandale made a limited edition wine with his late dad based on an old Cape style. He named it Nostalgia. It was appropriate for me and my two sons to open one of only 500 bottles and enjoy it with the family.

All the kids at home

We are so thankful to have all of our children, grandchildren and grandchildren-to-be with us at de Wijnlanden. We celebrated Xavier's birthday, Izak and Julia's expecting and just being together.

Heritage koeksisters

Koeksisters is as a traditional dish as you can get. Annelie and I decided to bake some on Heritage day. They turned out to be pretty good.

Snapscan Zapper

On the weekend away with the manne-support group, we had lunch in Rooi-Els at Something Els Restaurant. It was the first establishment that I saw accepting both Zapper and Snapscan.

Clear fish pond

The filter and UV lamp that I installed a few weeks ago have started doing the trick. The pond is now crystal clear and one can see the fish much better now.

New look

A beard and much longer hair, combed back. A totally new look.