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.

Ernst new offices

The company where Ernst (my oldest son) works moved into new offices and I was privileged to attend the opening event. After he took me on a tour of the premises. I understand why he is proud to be associated with this company.

Basie in the sun

For a dog it is difficult to find a comfortable spot and soak up the sun at the same time. I thought that Basie tried to do this well this morning; except he may end up with a sore neck.

Unspoilt MeerenBosch

The unspoiled beauty of the Botriver lagoon as it rushes into the ocean at this time of the year, never ceases to charm me. Our footprints were the first on virgin sand today. Sea-birds played in the morning wind and big waves stormed onto the beach persistently. How big is the creation and how small are we?

Annelie's hand

The cast came off Annelie's wrist last Friday and after examination of the most recent X-rays; the verdict was that the outcome of the operation was not what we anticipated. We are taking time to rationalize the implications and to decide on the next steps. Not everything in life will be good news, but then, there is much growth in tribulations.

Like Blood

In the cellar, a box on top of a pile of newly purchased wine fell and a bottle of Quinary broke. The result looked just like blood - a major accident... which is what it was.

Work cycle

These mornings are perfect for cycling on the Cape's scenic roads. I realized it even more so when I saw Mark cycling up a hill in front of me with Table Mountain as a backdrop in the distance.

At Ernst

After the wine-weekend, we were blessed to spend Sunday evening with Ernst. We watched cricket, enjoyed an early supper, talked and played with the grand-children. When Nina came to say: "nighty night" dressed in her special night gown, we knew how fortunate we are to experience them growing up.

Weekend of friendship

Both wine-clubs had their year-end functions this weekend. First the Kurktrekkers with a stunning wine and food pairing at Nederburg's Red Table - honest dishes but elegant and then the Sippers on Saturday. We spend the whole day together in the Stanford area, tasting wines and savoring the cheeses of Kleinrivier. Dinner was at the new harbor in Hermanus with two whales spotted in the waves below the restaurant. Truly a weekend of friendship.

Sunny office

Two of my colleagues found one of the best sunny spots in the office on the 4th floor. I saw them this morning early, having a cup of coffee, discussing important things, while soaking in the early warmth - and I envied them.

Birds in the early morning

I was awake early this morning (jet lag induced) and listened to the exuberant celebration of the birds welcoming the new day. I realized that it does sound different to when I am in other continents. It is as if the chatter of the birds is with much, much more abandonment here in Africa as anywhere else - as if there is more to be thankful for.

Welcome home

We were pleasantly surprised to be met by Catherine and the two grand-children when we landed at Cape Town International. The two little ones were overjoyed to see us (actually more so to see Annelie). We are so thankful for two special grand-children and a daughter that cared enough to be there when we landed.

Rugby on TV in Dubai

We landed in time in Dubai to rush to the hotel to see the second half of the rugby live. Then had a late dinner and a short rest before boarding for the final leg back to Cape Town.

Goodbye San Francisco

Another amazing day in San Francisco; the sun is shining, no smog or wind. We enjoyed the breakfast in the Intercontinental Hotel, a quick walk through the Saturday morning traffic, buy a last bottle of Napa Cab, then pack and off to the airport. We will be back.

Half Moon Bay cycle

While attending an executive discussion, we are booked into the stunning Ritz Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay. Today, I cycled into the hills behind the hotel, towards Higgins Canyon and then Purisima Creek. It was a fun ride in a beautiful country.

French wines in Napa

I savored five of the best Burgundy wines one of the other at the home of friends in Napa. Me and Annelie enjoyed warm hospitality, excellent food and the most beautiful views across the valley from the main living room. But to stand in a big, well-designed cellar predominantly stocked with thousands of the best French wines in the middle of the mecca of American wines; was a memorable experience.

Occidental

I booked us into a basic hotel in the small town Occidental. We enjoyed the drive through the winding roads and the dense forests. We followed the Russian river to the sea, saw the sun set over the rugged north California coast and enjoyed a seafood dinner in Bodega Bay.

Atelier Crenn

We were entertained with a culinary exhibition last night in the company of Vijay and Lawrence. Dominique Crenn is the first female in the US running a two star Michelin-rated restaurant and it shows. Not only was every dish on the (short) five course menu exquisite, but the courageous wine-pairings worked beautifully too. What we really enjoyed was the way that other art-forms (like poetry and sculptures) were integrated to create a unique experience. Definitely one of my top ten dining experiences.

A halloween experience

We actually had a great halloween experience in the suburb where Izak lives. We opened the door to many of the neighborhood kids (most dressed-up friendly. i.e. Alice in Wonderland, etc.) accompanied by their parents. We offered them candy and spoke a few words to them and their parents - an opportunity to get to know the people around here. Annelie scared many of the kids when they heard her speak English... because of her Bloemfontein accent.

First merchant bank

The problem with being an exception is that systems do not cater for you. When I tried opening a US bank account with no plan to settle here, many banks could not help me. Until I stepped into the Brownsburg branch of the First Merchant Bank. Friendly staff, with an attitude of solving problems, managed to open an account for me. The whole experience was a lesson in how important people are in client service; even in banks. The biggest coincidence was that, after I made enquiries, I found that this bank's mobile banking service is supplied by S1, which originally was based on Fundamo software.

Mowed the lawn

Izak bought his first house close to the distribution center. The house is just right with a double garage and a guest bedroom, but the yard is huge. I know, because I had fun, spending a good part of the afternoon cutting the lawn.

First dinner

One can dine in some of the best restaurants, with food prepared by world-class chefs and scarce, expensive wines. So why is it then, that a simple supper of tasty pumpkin soup and fresh bread with the kids around their first dining table is so indescribably special?

Re-united with Izak

It was so special to see Izak and Julia again. Izak picked us up at Miller station, minutes after Julia finished the local Gary half-marathon in a very good time. It is different for parents to hug their kids' warm bodies than seeing them on Skype. We are so thankful for the privilege.

South shore train

Sometimes, when we travel in foreign cities, we take alternative transport; like today. We got on the South Shoreline train out of Chicago to Miller station in Gary. There is a little bit if stress involved to get on the right train on time etc., but the sense of achievement and the interesting people to see and sometimes meet is worth it.

Menomonee Falls Gridiron

On a cold night, with an icy wind blowing from the south, we watched the boys of Riaan and Christa representing the local high school in American football. It was a great finale of a wonderful day spent with the Rocher family from Menomonee Falls in Wisconsin.

Nina's birthday

It is Nina's second birthday today. We left her wrapped present with Ernst and Catherine before our trip. This morning we were fortunate to see her open it, through the miracle of Skype, even with us being thousands of miles away in Milwaukee.

Sears

I was skeptical, but Annelie insisted in a nice way, so we had dinner at Sears - a famous, touristy diner. The service was friendly and crisp. We shared the signature salad as a starter. But it was the main course that I really enjoyed: A thick, juicy pork chop with raisons, accompanied by a heavily oaked Sonoma Pinot.

Nike Ladies Marathon

We watched the start of the Nike Ladies Marathon from our window on the 32nd floor of the Grand Hyatt and then went for an early breakfast.

Litquake

Litquake is a festival of writing organized annually in San Francisco. We arrived on the last day of the festival, but managed to attend one of the last events - held in an alley with wonderful mural art. We listened to amateurs reading some of their unpublished work; ranging from interesting prose and poetry, to work that I had difficulty to understand.

Potrero Hill

Me and Annelie spent a few hours at the Potrero Hill Festival. We listened to the live music and soaked up the atmosphere. Afterwards we agreed that individualism and standing up for a cause is a trademark of this community. We saw many different people, in interesting relationships, dressed uniquely and often walking dogs as original as their owners.

Breakfast in Dubai

There is a big difference between having breakfast in a plane, with safety belt on and sitting down in a dining room with starched, white table cloths. That is why I rather have breakfast in the lounge while in transit in Dubai.

Clouds

Sometimes, one must just see the clouds to know that there is an almighty Creator and that we are infinitely smaller in the bigger scheme of things; I realized when driving back from work, I saw these clouds over Table Mountain.

David Kramer

We enjoyed the brilliance of David Kramer with JP and Maritha at the Old Mill theatre in Paarl. David took us on a journey of his music during the past forty years. His fusion of rock and folk, "weskus" Afrikaans and English, funny and poignant provides for a special enjoyment. He sang some of his newer compositions, but also entertained us with songs like Blokkies Joubert, and an emotional rendition of Skipskop.

Kerrie afval pot

The fires were lit early and tents and gazebos erected. The occasion was our church's annual festival of food. Our group were responsible for selling "skilpadjies" and curry-flavoured "afval-potjies" - both very traditional South African dishes. Notwithstanding the rain and back-breaking work, we managed to sell hundreds of meals, raising funds for the church, but also having an opportunity to work together and get to know each other better.