Starlight Classics

The Starlight Classic is an annual concert of International artist supported by the Cape Town philharmonic orchestra, held in the gardens of the Vergelegen wine-estate. Old classics like Verdi's slave choir and more recent hits (like Laurika and Vusi's rendition of Weeping) were part of the program. But I realized how powerful Afro-Classical music can be when I listened in awe as Hlengiwe Mkhwanazi performed Vilja from the Merry Widow. How music can touch our inner souls.

Cape Cobra

The dogs started barking in one corner of the property and when Annelie went to investigate, she found a mid-sized Cape Cobra. We had to get a snake-catcher to remove this highly venomous snake to somewhere else.

Clean Koi Dam

One of the projects that I have tackled at home - now that I have more time - was to clean the Koi Dam. The pool was basically a pit full of stinking goo, with a bit of dirty water on the top. It was hard physical work to just clean the pool out. I then built a home-grown filter and now I enjoy greeting the fish every morning in a crystal clear pond.

Brass Bell

We booked into a B&B in Noordhoek for Friday evening so that I could trace a part of the Argus route with my bicycle early on Saturday. Dinner was at the Brass Bell (an old favorite). The waves crashed into the boulders right below us as we enjoyed a great Chardonnay with seafood.

Trevi's upholstery

I bought some foam (for the Koi-dam filter that I am building) at an upholstery firm in Faure (a little village close to our place). I met Trevor, the owner, and he showed me around the little factory that he has. They manufacture furniture and employ fifteen people. I loved to see the enthusiasm and pride in his business. We need more entrepreneurs like this.

Lunch with John Thompson

I enjoyed a special lunch with John Thompson (whom I have known for fifteen years). John was in Cape Town for a few weeks from New Hampshire where he lives. We spoke about our families and the blessings that we have experienced. Afterwards I drove through Masiphumelele with John. He showed me the school, library and some creches that he was instrumental in getting off the ground. He spoke about the positive impact on the community and the hope that it brings. So inspirational!

Farewell dinner

I had an amazing dinner at Terroir with the Fundamo management team. Great food and even better wine were accompanied by stories of the past decade (stories of flooded Karachi, many trips to Barcelona, Lagos and Kampala, intense negotiations and many special people - to name a few). I was given a GoPro ("to record what I am going to do now - so that I can share it").

Son and his daughter

We had lunch at Wild Clover on a scorching Sunday with my son, Ernst, and his family. We enjoyed the locally brewed bears and the heart food. But my best memories was to see the easy-going and comfortable expression of compassion and love amongst the members of this young family.

Flat tyre

The "flat tyre" warning light came on as I left home for my breakfast appointment. I had to stop on the side of a busy road and change the tyre myself - long time since I last did it. Turns out that the there was damage to the wall of the tyre which could not be repaired. In stead of buying two new tyres, and having time available nowadays, I found the correct second hand tyre in Kraaifontein for a fraction of the price.

Early Rooi-els run

I enjoyed the early-morning dash to Rooi-els and back this morning so much. In addition to the stunning views and the vigorous exercise, I think it is the crisp morning aromas that makes this so special: The smokey fynbos smell or the salty ocean spray, mixed with exposed kelp, breakfast cooked on an open fire next to the Kogelbay camping grounds, and many others.

Dinner at Giovanni's

I had a wonderful dinner with my wife at the local Italian. The food was great (as always), we had a few glasses of wine and just enjoyed our special style of conversation.

Fourth Midmar

It is becoming a tradition now: I swam my fourth Midmar open water mile successfully. I am getting the hang of the thing now and managed to swallow less water, bump into fewer people and navigate a much straighter line. I am thankful that I have the ability to do this.

Umhlanga Sunset

Stayed in a great boutique hotel in Umhlanga for our first night in KZN. (Teremok -little hideout in Russian, I am told). We had a short walk on the beach during sunset before we enjoyed dinner at one of the local restaurants. Live is different without constant responsibilitie

Oyster Terrace

We enjoyed a light lunch at the Oyster Terrace in Umhlanga. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, right behind an old lighthouse, the hotel has a grand setting.

Helshoogte Climb

There is few things as satisfying in cycle world than to stand at the top of Helshoogte after a strenuous climb early in the morning. The sun touches only the tops of the highest peaks, there is still a chill in the air and you know that in a few minutes you will speed into Stellenbosch at more than seventy kilometers per hour.

Helpmekaar

We helped volunteers pre-pack birthday parcels for a local organization looking after mentally handicapped people. The idea is that each person would receive something small on their birthday to show that the community care about them too.

Property developers

We investigated a beautiful area of land with an intention to possibly do a residential development there. After a late breakfast with Hendrik and Hetta in a village close by we stopped at the top to appreciate the vistas to the northeast.

My Fundamo Chair

As I packed the last of my stuff, sent out those 'good-bye' eMails and greeted my colleagues, I noticed the chair that I sat in for thirteen years. It traveled with me from the Sanlam days, through all the different offices to the Willowbridge offices that we now occupy. This is the chair that I sat in during all the tribulations and celebrations. Two weeks ago one of the wheels fell out. It was almost as if the chair knew. Now nobody will ever sit in my chair.

Grindstone talk

I was thrilled when Keet and Andrea invited me to give a talk about the Fundamo story to companies participating in the Grindstone Accelerator. I was concerned when I saw that I had to be entertaining for ninety minutes (without any idea what I would talk about nor back-up foils). In the end I had to stop myself. There is so much to tell about this amazing adventure that I was fortunate to be part of.

White wine tasting

It was a white wine tasting with a difference. Not only did Fred surprise us with some excellent examples of white wine-making in South Africa. Not only did Elmarie prepared a scrumptious chicken meal to complement the wines... but we were all enticed to wear white to this kick-off meeting of the year.

Annelie's operation

After a long wait in the hospital corridors outside the theatre, I saw the staff push my wife, Annelie to her room. She was still heavily sedated, but I could see that she recognized me in her eyes. I had an opportunity to speak with the surgeon. He showed me a lot of photos (on his smartphone), explaining why he felt very upbeat with the outcome of the operation.

Full set of Platters

John Platter published a listing of all South African wines in 1982. Since then, the book was published every year and became the ipso facto reference to the wine industry, using the same structure just getting thicker as the industry grew. I have tried to source the older books for some time and now can boast a complete set from 1990 till now. I am still hunting for a few books from the 80's.

Philip seventy

We attended the celebration of Philip's seventy years birthday celebration. The event was held at Arugula in Welgemoed. The food, service and setting was exquisite. We enjoyed sharing this milestone with Philip and Anita.

Renovation project

Annelie is doing a great job of a renovation project for one of our rental properties. Not only is the kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms now beautiful, but it looks like she will finish a week earlier and almost within budget.

Great brown-paper chat

I thrived on the intellectual challenges at work: how to authenticate a payment best, what do subscribers really want from mobile money, etc. We arranged opportunities (brown paper bag meetings) to kick such thoughts around on a regular basis. I attended my last such meeting and enjoyed the discussion with some melancholy. I will miss things like that.

End of a chapter

It was announced yesterday that I decided to leave Fundamo at the end of January. Today, I spoke to the staff about my decision and the exciting way forward for them. Back in my office, as I surveyed the trinkets that I have collected over the years, I remembered some of the stories that are locked up in each one of them. It definitely was an amazing journey.

Lola's lunch

We enjoyed a bistro-style lunch at Lola's on Long Street before an early evening movie in the Waterfront. The fresh Kingklip mains was very special with a glass of old-time favorite Chardonnay Fat Bastard.

Arden the geocacher

I found an ardent geocacher in my grandson, Arden. We successfully searched for and found four caches during a most enjoyable search, predominantly in the Brackenfell nature reserve. Arden was enthusiastic about this pastime and found a very sneaky cache all on his own - showing a lot of perseverance in the process.

Ouma Christine visit

I dropped my mother off at the airport after an extended stay with us at de Wijnlanden. It was special times to entertain the eighty-eight year old lady with small little things, but also to realize how difficult life is for the elderly. She walks with difficulty, fights anxiety and loneliness, suffers insomnia and struggles with ordinary chores. Yet, she still reads a lot of books, sustains intelligent conversations and enjoys a few glasses of wine supporting her healthy appetite for good food.

Heine Dinner

We hosted Quintus and Rielle for dinner at de Wijnlanden on a seven course dinner with wines paired with each dish. Annelie did an amazing job with the food and we once again realized how blessed we are with friends like the Heines.

Arden is swimming

Arden was full of excitement to show us his new skill when we visited Ernst for Sunday-lunch. Without any fear for having his head under water, he demonstrated that he can now swim. The frog-eye water-goggles helped a bit.

Ado and family

We were only two children: me and my brother. Since childhood we had a close relationship. That is why it was so special that he and his family stayed with us for almost a week during the new year holidays. We had meals together, visited some wine farms, watched television and talked a lot. We will keep the memories close to our heart.

A new day

As the sun rises over the Helderberg, I hear the Egyptian geese waking up on the Meerlust dam, far away a rock pigeon is calling his mate while a Tarentaal family is discussing the plans for the day. There is no wind and the clear sky promises a perfect new day at the beginning of yet another month and a new year... almost the same as every other day.

Late-night plumbing

Just before going to bed after watching a late-night movie, I discovered a burst pipe in the garden. After some urgent phone calls I managed to find a willing emergency plumber and the problem was soon fixed. In situations like these one realizes that not everyone is on leave during these times.

Jeroboam of Champagne

A three liter bottle of wine is called a Jeroboam. Me and my brother were confronted with a High Constantia Clos Andre 2008 Jeroboam. With the help of family, we almost managed to finish the bottle this afternoon.

Adlem's at Meerenbosch

Dawie and Liza Adlem visited us at Meerenbosch. We cooked "flat" chickens in the Weber and talked cricket, triathlons and life in general. It was good to see friends that we have known for years again.

Nonnatjie ill

I took a lethargic and feverish Nonnatjie to the vet. After the vet tested her blood the verdict was rickettsia. The good news is that the infection was not too bad and that it could still be treated effectively. One could say that we took her to the vet in the tick of time.

Meerenbosch Xmas

What a blessing to have our children and grand-children at MeerenBosch to celebrate the most well-known Christian day. As Spiderman and a young ballerina posed in front of the Christmas tree, I experienced tremendous joy that I would want to share with all my friends, colleagues and partners all over the world.

The wild horses of Sandown bay

The wild horses of Sandown bay have been roaming the coastal region between Kleinmond and Hawston for a hundred years. Domesticated animals that escaped into the wild, they adapted to the marshland and sandy underfoot and were rarely seen by humans. We were therefor pleasantly surprised when we saw a small group in front of the house during the afternoon.

Fishershaven cycle

I took the mountain bike for a lazy spin on a sleepy Sunday morning to the look-out point in Fishershaven. There was almost no movement in the little village with three "wild" horses strolling in the deserted streets. Even the solitary bench at the look-out point, overlooking the most beautiful scenery looked lost.

Braai at MeerenBosch

A perfect evening and friends. A fire and enough meat to feed an army. Great wines and laughter.., I don't think it is possible to improve on that. We were blessed with an outstanding evening at MeerenBosch with Nico and Doreen, Abrie and Susan and my children.

Hofmeyr Sandbaai

Steve Hofmeyr is a well-known South African singer with major hits spanning a 25 year career. We enjoyed his show with friends in a packed Sandbaai hall. Old hits, clever quips and some serious moments contributed to a very professional performance.

Chameleon

Me and Annelie discovered a delicate chameleon in a tree today. It was fascinating to watch the little creature maneuver from one twig to another. It made one realize that there are many, many intricate things happening that we are not even close aware of.

Afternoon sleep

I know that I am starting to relax when I am able to sleep in the afternoon. This sunday I slept for four hours after lunch and woke refreshed ready to have a late night.

Clarensdrive

If the weather is good, there is nothing like a cycle to Rooiels and back. I joined about ten Wannabees for a wonderful ride along False bay's coast. Not even a flat tyre could stifle the fun.

Mas Nicolas

Xmas came early this year when a rare bottle of Mas Nicolas were delivered to the office. Thanks to Gavin, after unwrapping the bottle, I held a 2007 in my hands. Made by Nico van der Merwe, this wine is seen as one of the best blends produced here and 2007 was one of the best years.

Vintage 2013

Did the last racking and got the 2013 vintage into the bottles where they can rest until I am confident enough to open them again... maybe never.

Sam's birthday

We celebrated Sam's birthday at their home. The stunning setting, good friends, great food and wine contributed to a special evening. We are blessed with exceptional friends and it is good to reminded from time to time.

Brother and sister

While we sat on the stoep after supper, our grandchildren played outside in the last minutes of sunshine - brother and sister. We just love having them here at home and we think they like it too.

33rd year Anniversary

Thirty three years ago, me and Annelie committed ourselves to a lifetime together. Today we celebrated many years of blessings, recognizing that all the good that we experienced was infinite grace from God. The environment and the food at the Delaire Graff restaurant was exquisite and spending the night at Clouds Luxury Estate was also very special. I am so thankful for Annelie and what she means to me.