David Sadie

David Sadie is a big wine maker. Not just because of his physical size, but because of the impact his wines have on the South African wine scene. His approach of respecting the unique terroir of the Swartland and minimalistic impact in the cellar produces delicate wines with immense character - real pieces of art. The Kurktrekkers spent a memorable evening with him tasting and discussing several wines.

Argus organisation

I experienced aspects of the Argus organization that goes unnoticed to the majority of cyclists when my derailer broke and I had to withdraw because of mechanical failure. From being ferried on the back of a motor-bike to a bike mechanic station. The admin of withdrawing and the sweeping of cyclists back to the start; the Aegus (or the Cape Cycle Tour) sets the gold standard. Very disappointed.

Book launch

What an absolute privilege to not only cycle the Junior Argus with my grandson, but to experience his joy as we prepared for the event, being on the road with him and analyzing it afterwards.

Exclusive Books

I walked up to the counter and ask the attendant: do you have a copy of 'Cash in Cash out'?
She types in some words into the computer then looks at the screen briefly.
'Author Van Rensburg', she looks up for confirmation: 'Not yet, sir. It is on order. Scheduled to be released in March, Do you want us to hold a copy for you?'
Strange feeling of apprehension mixed with fear.

Beef Wellington

It wasn't the Beef Wellington, or the peanut brittle milk-tart or ample great wine that made Jacobus and Maritha's visit special. It was the comfortable level of discourse and the quality of our friendship that made the evening something to remember.

Ironing

I made some changes in my life this year. Decided to do all my washing and cleaning. I even started ironing myself. I am learning a lot about myself... not sure how long I will keep this up.

Ethics in Theology

I never thought that I would end up in a Masters class on Public Theology in the Ethics department of Religious studies at Stellenbosch University. But it so happened that I sat in a class with students and some friends and managed to follow an interesting lecture for 90 minutes. While I enjoyed it, I will avoid such an experience for some time.

Cape Point

I enjoyed it so much to show some of my Pakistani friends the beauty of our surroundings. And the Cape played along with clear skies and a calm sea. It was as if the creation was saying welcome to our land.

Up Steenbras

I received my new Wannabee cycle shirt yesterday and took it up Steenbras this morning in perfect conditions. There was no breeze and the sea was pristine. One could smell the kelp and the fynbos in the air.

Midmar 2016

In perfect conditions, I finished another Midmar mile, with George, Mike and a few more friends. George and I travelled from Cape Town to do this bucket-list event. During the preparation I strengthened old friendships and made new ones.

Location:R103,,South Africa

Kaeng matsaman gai

I had a quick lunch with my friend, JP, at Wang Thai. As I sipped the Singha and enjoyed the familiar aromas of the Kaeng Matsaman Gai, my mind wondered to wonderful memories in another era. JP and I talked about how different our lives are now, through blessings and tribulations and speculated about the future.

Under 40

I swam a mile in under 40 min in the pool today. It is actually quite pedestrian, but a milestone for me. Next stop the Midmar dam.

99er

The fact that I stopped at the top of Vissershok road during the 99er cycle race to take a selfie of myself, shows that my actual time was not important or how fast I finished... or maybe I was just too tired to carry on.

Huijsiki Award

We won an award from Booking.com for Huijsiki 10 - that we are renting out at MeerenBosch. They are posting it too us. Strange how much satisfaction I feel for something so small.

Nuclear Conference

It has been some time since I was at a conference. Today I attended the Nuclear Industry Congress Africa with my brother. We had such a lot of fun listening to the presentations, meeting delegates and just hanging out together. Most of all, I enjoyed being stimulated intellectually and dreaming what could be possible.

Spices

Some fennel, star aniseed, whole black pepper, a few ingredients and a dash of ginger. I am going to spice this old pork belly into a something special.

Lana Renee

Little girls are so cute. One of my favorite pictures of Lana Renee, our latest grand-daughter.

Harbor wall and back

We usually swim early on Friday mornings, but someone had a great idea to organize a swim on a scorching afternoon: to the harbor wall and back. I am starting to get the hang of this thing now: calm breathing, constant rhythm and swim straight.

Fillet Grande

There are beef fillets and then there are bigger ones. The one that Ryan cooked was big enough to feed the four of us and have left-over to feed a large team of carnivores.

Art in nowhere

Sometimes art are committed in the strangest of places, and sometimes part of the enjoyment lies in the discovery of it. This mural mosaic decorate a nondescript wall at the old mill in Philadelphia. I discovered it while geocaching.

Early morning swim

A strong south-easter crashes into a flat sea. The morning sun paints pink lines on the horizon. Getting into my wetsuit for the early-morning swim in a cold sea, I am asking myself why am I dong it.

Heathrow

Arrived at London Heathrow after an uneventful cross-Atlantic flight. A small benefit is that I am now in a land where English is spoken and nobody lifts an eyebrow when you ask for a cup of tea.

Brickhouse

A Brickhouse cigar is a premium handmade cigar from Nicaragua. I had to find a slot to smoke one with my son Izak to celebrate his induction onto the fatherhood club. Nursing a glass of some of the finest Van Rijn brandy we talked about the miracle of life. Wonderful bonding time.

Lana is a week

I am so fortunate to be able to see (and hold) Lana, Izak and Julia's daughter. I managed to add a few days to my business trip and a detour to California. My heart is full of thankfulness and praise.

Powerpoint

Priorities change as activities change. Finding a seat next to the charging station has definitely clicked up in what must be done between flights at Houston en route to SFO.

Brass frogs

What do you do when you have everything and still have some spare dollars? You buy yourself a brass frog. There are hundreds of these brass frogs for sale in downtown Naples. They are actually quite cute... in an ironic way.

Oxygen masks

The oxygen masks deployed some miles west of Luanda on my flight from Cape Town to London Heathrow. The crew assured us that, while this was an accident, it does occur from time to time and that we should not be disturbed. Nine hours later, we landed safely at Heathrow with the masks swinging merrily along as the pilot reversed the engines to slow the aircraft down.

Lana

It happened just after noon (South African time): Lana arrived at the Sutter Maternity Center in California. My youngest son Izak and Julia have now been introduced to the joys of parenthood for a lifetime. Annelie and I celebrate another beautiful and special grandchild.

Color Accounting

Had such a wonderful lunch at Solms-Delta with Peter, Digby and Craig, talking about mechanisms to help people with financial wellness. Afterwards, Craig showed us the farm ending the tour at the wine cellar.

JP in hospitaal

I visited my good friend, JP, in hospital today. He has been lying on his back since the 21st December, including Christmas and New Year. I can just imagine how hard it must be for him, yet, he often have time to laugh. Inspirational.

New year with family

It was special to spend time with my brother and his family. We had a wonderful dinner on the eve of the new year, while talking about our wishes for 2016. His three kids added sparkle to the evening.