Play wine-maker

I played wine-maker last night as I tried out the basket press that Annelie gave me for Christmas. It was a lot of fun and the wine will now definitely have more body and tannins as I was able to squeeze more out of the must... but it is still unlikely that it will be drinkable.

Fixing the stove

In the past, when I was in full-time employment, we usually just got an expert to fix stuff when needed. Today, I decided to fix a minor problem on the oven without the need to call an expert. After a complex dis-assembly and re-assembly, I managed to fix the problem, but now I just cannot attach the oven door anymore.

2015 Harvest

I harvested the 2015 Pinotage today. The grapes were still of very bad quality and is an indication of me still being a novice in the art of wine-making. I combated the Erinose mite successfully this year, but the vines are suffering severe nematode infections. The Semillon produced well this year and I left a lot on the vines to over-ripen - maybe there is a sweet wine in the making? If I don't loose the battle against all these diseases, I will get to know wine-making stuff much better.

Francolins on the doorstep

One of the things that I really love about Meerenbosch is the many species of birds that made their home here. We are entertained by a large flock Flamingoes, some Pelicans and even a breeding pair of black Oystercatchers. Today a family of Francolins visited us, walking fearlessly on the stoep in front of the house.

Wim and Heather

Sometimes in life one bumps into a person that turns into a friend for always. In the past, Wim and me have had interactions in Cape Town, on a yacht out of Houtbay, in Indonesia, Lankowi and Kuala Lumpur, in complex negotiations in San Diego, making food in Fourways and Ballito. I had breakfast with him and his wife, Heather, this morning at Spier... what a privilege to share what has happened since.

Thingking

One of the fun things that I do with my days at the moment is to meet young, brilliant entrepreneurs, busy building exciting new businesses here in Cape Town. I recently met Paul from Thingking. He showed me around their workshops in Woodstock where they are crafting wonderful inventions. Afterwards we had an ice cream at Sorbetiere.

Pumpkin harvest

We harvested one of the pumpkins out of the vegetable garden today. Arden and Nina were eager participants in the whole exercise. Such a privilege to have them at de Wijnlanden for a sleepover.

Willem and Gardielle

To see a new marriage partnership unfold is indeed a privilege. Not only do you pray for prosperity for the new young couple, but you also consider your own journey and remember. I experienced many emotions of hope and gratitude as we attended the wedding of Willem and Gardielle.

Rooiels

Rooiels is a small village on the R44 about 40km from Somerset-West. The road hugs rugged mountains with sheer cliffs that drop down to the ocean below on the way there. It is a most spectacular bicycle ride on a beautiful morning like today. I joined the club on a brisk ride to Rooiels and back and once again realized how fortunate I am to live here.

Cape Genet

We woke up early in the morning with a strange growling sound downstairs. Upon investigating, I found two rather scared Cape Genets (a nocturnal wild cat) hiding under furniture. It seemed as they entered into the house through an open window in the bathroom, but could not find the exit again. I opened one of the doors and they fled into the cool of the night like a flash.

Watching TV

Xavier sat so attentively in the green chair that I thought I should hand him a remote control. He grabbed it so dexterously that it seemed that he is a natural with a remote in hand.

Moon over Lake

I have seen this scene so many times from the porch of Huijsiki at Meerenbosch, but this evening was ultra-special with the moon guarding the sunset over the lake.