It has been long

This is scary! A year has passed and I am blogging again for the first time. Shocking actually. Well good news, we are alive and kicking and presently in the USA. (You can follow us to some degree on www.itsallaboutballs.shutterfly.com)

I promise 2010 we will keep you up-to-date. Will do a 2009 review post within the next few weeks and let you know what has happened in our lives.

God Bless

Where have we been?

So, as you may have realised we have not commented (shockingly that is) over the first 6 monhts of this year (2009). How bad is that. We have not dissapeared off the face of this beautiful planet. Things have just been so hectic the last few months, that blogging has been the last thing on our minds.

So much has happened over the last few months and I will hopefully be able to share just some of the things that have happened in our lives. This sharing I will try and do over the next while and endeavouir to keep our blog up to date as we move forward.

So watch this space as we let you know how we keep on walking or should I say bouncing and rolling along.

Happy New Year

So 2009 is but 1hour old here in the southern tip of africa. Here's wishing you and your loved ones a blessed 2009. May God's grace be upon you and your family. May you grow from strength to strength through His guidance and love and may all your dreams become reality according to His ultimate plan for you.

 

Looking forward to an awesome 2009 and many interesting and entertaining posts.

Keep well

Operation 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' - Mission Completed

We left, we drove (and did we ever - 5000kms later), we visited, we saw, we returned, we Conquered. We at home again safe & sound and what a trip it was. In total we went through 5 of the 9 officials provinces, saw such vast differences in land scape (makes you realise how amazing our country really is) got to see absolute beauty, visit friends, see Gods hand & got too spend much needed time together as husband & wife.

 

It was amazing. Would not recommend it if you don't like driving, but if you want to experience things go for it. So our trip has drawn to a close and we have enjoyed every minute of it. Now to see in the new year and watch this space as the Bouncing Balls look forward to new adventures.

God Bless

Operation 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' - The Final stretch

So what a holiday it has been. What a trip we have had, a long one but awesome. So as we celebrate Christmas today, we get ready for our final stages of Operation Bouncing Christmas Balls and the fair cape. We have had a ball (no pun intended) but sadely it is time to head back north, through the free state cheetah country, through the Lions country and back to Blue Bull valley.

 

We have enjoyed every moment of our trip. We leave (or should I say we are blown right out of here) bright & early tommorrow morning heading for our over night stop at Gariep Dam, leaving awesome times and fond memories behind. These include towns like Graaf Reinett, Knysna, Mossel Bay (easily the best calamari & chips we have had), Victoria bay (one of the most stunning beach towns for me), Cape Agulhas (where the indian & atlantic oceans thunder against one another) Somerset West (& spending time with Tanya, having sea food platters & seeing cape point), Berg Vliet (first staying with Diane & Clive - seeing V&A waterfront, being almost cremated in the sun @ Lududno Beach - but awesome beach it was. Watching Johnny Clegg @ the botanical gardens. Then staying with Nicolene & Gary & being pampered with awesome meals, seeing Hout bay, have 3 burgers at Spur in Bloubergstrand & finally going to Durbanville Baptist Church for Christmas service today).

 

It has been hectic and fun and been great to stay with friends. We are greatful for their hospitality and wish abundant blessings on them all. It has been busy and now the finals long road awaits. Thanks CT for your willingness to let the balls take over this beautiful city.

 

Chat Soon.

Merry Christmas

May this Christmas be a special time for u & your loved ones, a time of reflection on what this special day symbolises(that Jesus was born to fulfill his destiny & save our lives), and a day filled with love, happiness & abundant blessings.

 

Psalm139 The Lord has a plan 4 each of us, the same He had a plan 4 his son Jesus. Celebrate the start of his destiny.

 

To all our family, friends, colleagues, clients, faithful blog readers and all who stumble across our blogs, we wish you all much love, and thank you for being part of our lives.

God Bless, Love Steven & Robyn - 'The Balls' (Keep Bouncing!)

Operation 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' - Last few days, Days 7, 8, 9 (i think)

Man I am losing track of where we are and what we are up. Been a relaxing & at the same time filled last few days. They have been spent with the Iron Maiden leaving at 06:00 on her bike and heading through the hills, doing a 50 & 60km cycle with Julian, taking drives around the passes and scenic roads, watching Johnny Clegg at the picturesque Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens, beautiful sun sets, the best weather the cape has ever seen, spending time with friends (Diane & Clive; Nicoleen & Gary), getting burnt at one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen (Ludadno) - watching a seal catch a fish right on the shore line, with dolphins playing in the background and surfers trying in vain to catch some waves) & deep deep fried fish & chips from Kalky's (the original fish & chip shop in Kalk bay - would not recommend it though).

 

Anyway, it has been a good couple of days. Beautiful weather, with it now turned overcast & rainy. But been awesome.

 

Johnny Clegg

So Operation 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' rolled on and we heard that my all time favourite SA musician was playing at the famous Kirstenbosch botanical gardens as part of there summertime concerts in the park. We just had to go.

 

We phoned them and to our horror the tickets were sold out for the Johnny Clegg show. We were dissapointed as he is absolutely briliiiant. Next minute we got a call from Julian Marsay, a friend from our church in Pretoria, who has been the Iron Maidens cycling partner here on leave and was going to the show. They had recieved two complimentary tickets and offered it to us. So off we went.

 

The show was around a hour and a half and absolutely brilliant. I love his music and songs. We both enjoyed it so much sitting on a blanket, everyone picknicking, one of the most clearest, spectacular views of a mountain to our right and people singing & jiving to Johnny. It was so worth it.

 

When the show ended we went back to fetxch our stuff from Clive & Diane and movwed on up the road to stay with Gary & Nicoleen, Robyns friend from school.

Operation 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' - Day 6

So today after a very sluggish morning for me and a run for the Iron Maiden (good for her), we decided V&A Waterfront at Cape Town Harbour is the order fo the day. Look if there is one thing that Robyn loves more than, mmmm, Me is Harbours. If we are in a town or a city with one, we cannot leave there without seeing it.

So though the streets of Constantia we went and along the base of Table Mountain. Had a good walk around there, saw the necessary ships to satisfy Iron Maiden's appetite for a while and ten headed back to Clive & Diane for a braai.

We decided to take the scenice route via Camps Bay. I must just tell you that it was easily one of the best sites I have seen on this trip. With the Sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean, all the people on the beach front, the tourists sitting at coffee shops, what a sight.

Finished off another great day with friends, a wonderful braai and a good piece of Pork.
SB

Operation 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' - Day 3, 4 & 5

So the show moved on and a relatively early start was had. Robyn went for an hour run (HoeHaa Ironmaiden) and did some long overdue quiet time. We had a filling breakfast at our overnight accommodation, Inyathi Lodge. Today's destination was the Mother city, Cape Town. But before we would get there our navigator would take us on some detours. We saw places like Victoria Bay (my favourite for the day), Herolds Bay, this bay & that bay. Had good old fish & chips for lunch in Mossel Bay. (must confess this was the best calamari I have ever had) Back on the long road, with a petrol stop in Swellendam, where the locals told me that all that happens there is that it is HOT!

 

Next stop was, and we could not have missed out on that one, Cape Agulhas, the southern most tip of the beautiful African continent. Finally I am able to say I have been at this tip and have seen where the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans meet up. Was truly amazing. Must admit we almost blew back into the ocean with the winds that was there. Struisbaai, I must confess was a cool small holiday & fishing town.

 

Anyway, from there it was a journey to Somerset West where we were staying with Rob's german varsity friend, Tanya. By now we were tired of driving, and could not wait to get there. Well after travelling through beautiful farms lands and going over Sir Lowrey's Pass we found Somerset and the house we were staying in. What we did not expect was the stunning house and particularly the view. From the pool deck we could see Gordon's Bay & Cape point.

 

We decided then to go the next day to see Cape Point. What an beautiful trip all along the coast line. Got to see small famous cape towns such as Muizemburg, Fish Hoek and Simons Town. Have a look at thje previous post I did from Cape point.

 

We headed back and spent the afternoon in the pool looking over the swimming pools edge at Someset & Strand. We went and had an scrumptious supper of seafood at the small bay in Gordon's Bay.

 

Yesterday morning we decided to go for a drive through Stellenbosch to Fraschoek, the winelands community. Was a stunning drive through the vineyards and we made it to visit one of Robyn's first client, Cyril and his wife, who now own a 3.5ha wine farm. The gave us the tour of the houses and it was good to catch up. We headed back and had abit to eat before we moved on our road trip to Bergvliet, where we will be staying with Clive & Diane (robyn's best friend & bridesmaid) for few nights.

Was good to catch up with them over supper. So the Christmas balls journey continues. Onward we go!

Cape point - 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' Day 4

Standing at the tip of Cape Point, a historic landmark in South Africa, a landmark of such beauty but one that at the same time has caused much damage and lives cost. As I stand leaning over the walls with the Atlantic Ocean so blue I cannot help feeling God's power as I marvel it his creation. The awesomeness of His creation and the feel of His power as the Cape Doctor (the winds that clean the Cape) blow up the side of the mountain cliff face.

 

Being able to visit places like this and view His creation is phenonmenal and I am blessed being able to. As the birds swoop around the face cliffs the freedom they experience, at the same time as being carried by his power the wind. it makes me think of the verse in the Bible where we are carried on eagles wings.

 

When you look at this point, seeing the ocean bashing against the rocky cliffs, feel the wind blowing up the mountain, you can only appreciate it, but at the same time respect the creation.

 

While I stand here I cant help praying that more people can experience God's creation and beauty like I have been blessed today, whilst on holiday and that all can realised how great is our God!

 

God Bless our country and Africa!

SB

Operation 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' - Day 2

Sowe woke up in Graaf Reinette bright and early and decided that we would go and see the famous valley of desselation just outside the town. We had some time as our next destination was the beautiful town of Knysna. We packed up & headed out. Wow what a site it was. We climbed up the mountain in our car, to see some of the most amazing sites. Firstly we got the most beautiful view of the town and then got to see some of the amazing rock formations that lead to a valley with just open plains. It was beautiful.

 

Off to Knysna it then was. What a trip driving through some of the baron land I have ever seen. We had it all planned out, what our navigator did not realise was there was a 80km dirt road, so detour was the orde of the day. All went good with a few moments of speed limits ignoring but all went good and we arrived in Knysna.

 

Along the way we got to drive past the forests of Tsitstikama (lush green forests), stopped in Plettenburg bay to get a bite to eat and finally arrived at the wooden cabins we were staying in at Knysna. After relaxing for a half hour or so we decided to head to the lagoon to see the famous Knysna Heads (the two mountains that form the opening to the lagoon. Then Robyn spoilt us and we went on the sundowner cruise boat for an 1,5 hour trip around the lagoon to the heads. It was really cool, except for the loud arrogant guys on the boat as well. When we got back we went and found (on the quays) a nice little Italian restuarant and had the most amazing pasta's. All good to end of a great day.

Operation 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' - Day 1

So after a long year of work the December holidays have finally arrived for us. Robyn had been left in charge of the operational component of our holiday, and going to Cape Town it is!

 

Finally the 13th of december arrived and we were on leave. Day 1 destination, the small Eastern Cape town of Graaf Reinet. This town, as the legends go is one of the oldest towns in South Africa and had been established in the early 1700's, I believe.

 

So the plan had been to pack the night before, get an early nights rest, wake up at 05:00, pack the car and leave at 06:00. So what happened? We got home after work, tired, made supper, sat in front of TV and started watching Miss Congeniality on SABC 3, woke up at 10:00 and went to bed. By implication, we would have to pack and do everything in the morning. Well that is what happened. We woke up at 05:00, lay in bed till 05:20 and got up and rushed and left at 07:00. Between all of this there was puppy dog eyes given by the iron maiden as she try to convince me to take her bike with on the trip as she is going to loose fitness while we were away. By the way, under much protest by myself, she won!

 

So we were off and the adventures of the 'bouncing christmas balls' had begun. The road would be a long one, with 890km to evening 1 destination. The trip went well and we arrived in Graaf Reinett around 16:30. It was a long day with a petrol stop in Kroonstad, a get some lunch fro pick 'n pay in Bloemfontein, a pit stop & stretch my legs in Colesburg and finally a drive between Middleburg & Graaf Reinett that brought back memories of the research project i had done there in October / November / December 2003.

 

it was funny enough that during that trip that Iron Maiden and I started to g;communicate' with one another and that we realised there could be more to each other. So this town has some good memories for me personally. Since that trip I have told everyone about the kids we tested just outside the town in a small community called Neiu Bethesda, about the 2 restuarants we went to, one with the succulent springbok fillet and the other one with the most amazing kudu schnitzel (my other fond name for Robyn). So the plan had been to get there, check in (great little B&B we found for R280 for the room for the night - this town is known for all its B&B's and has around 2-3 in every street, with its main income coming from tourists ans business men), then head to one of these restuarants and have supper, which we did. Well the springbok place has closed down and the kudu place was fully booked. What a dissapointment, so Spur it had to be.

 

Anyway, we have enjoyed the time here, and have just woken up after a well rested evening in our room with its 2 single beds. But alls good. We are going to take a quick walk through the town (should take all of 5 min - ha ha) go visit one of the most beautiful churches, that forms the center piece of the town and the main street and then head off to day 2 destination, the coastal town of Knysna. We cant wait. Luckily today's trip will be around 4-5 hours. let me go and get finished. So watch this space and keep up to date on THE ADVENTURES OF THE BOUNCING CHRISTMAS BALLS!

IRON MAIDEN - Part 1

So the other day I posted on Rob’s running her first 21km. Well how did it go? It went brialliantly. 2 hours 5 min – Unbelievable. Almost as fast as I take to run to the bath room and back to the couch! The Iron Maiden is becoming the regular monster of training, putting her heart, mind and body into her training. It is always amazing to see how The Iron Maiden, or fondly known as MY WIFE, can do what ever she puts her mind to.

 

So how is things going with her training. Well, really well. Last week she managed to do a 2 hour training run (and had all the red lobster features to show for the time under the african sun) and what for this the Little Mermaid swam an impresive 5km in one session. So yes, if you were wondering if she was training, don’t worry she has it all under control.

 

So watch this space for future installments on the Iron Maidens quest to conquer the Iron Man in March next year. By the way, yes if you missed it Rob’s is planning on doing 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42km run all on one day.

 

 

First 21!

 

SO as I type this Robyn is busy running her first 21km race. What a moment for her as up until now it has mainly been 10km’s. But the focus is on the Ironman next year in March. I thinkl she was a little nervous this morning, but she has been training really well and I have full faith she will be completely it comfortably. She has been going for about an 54 minutes now so yip around and hour 10min to go I suspect. Will keep you posted on her progress leading up to the Olympics.

Steven

 

Holiday to Home

So we heading back today from Durban. It was nice to be on holiday a bit. Was nice to be able to go away, see family, dive, spend time at the beach and just plain relax. But back we go and the real world starts tommorrow again. Rob's is back at work tommorrow and I am officially back on Tuesday, but i have so much to do before then so tommorrow will be spent doing that. Plus I have to give an answer as to whether or not I accept the new job position within the company (not quite sure yet!).

S

Deep sea adventures

So yesterday we went to do our deap sea expedition. The conditions were really good and this was the first time we were doing a dive in Durban. So off we went with a party of 8 divers to T-Barge a wreck off Umhlanga rocks.

 

T-Barge was a ship that was sunk many years back and is about a 25min boat ride running parrallel to the coast line from UShaka at the Harbour mouth.

 

So we entered the water, man it was cold (took my breath away). I battled a bit to descend but Robyn had no problems. As we got to the wreck at around 25m we were totally surrounded by fish. There were thousands, so many that it was actually difficult to see the wreck. It was a different type of dive from ones we have been on before. But it was still good. We saw the most scorpion fish we have ever see (they are quite deadly though!) I also saw a sand shark, who when it saw us moved away so quickly. We saw a 2m 'baby' bass (cant remember the exact name), a moray eel, a few Moorish Idols (our favorite fish) & water, water everywhere.

 

Anway, had a good time under da sea but as per usual the entry to the boat led to my usual sea sickness. Man I wish that did not happen. Anyway, it does and we returned safely to the shore, but there was definetely no second dive on the table.

 

Was still a good experience and glad we were able to dive. It is just so amazing to be under the ocean and to view God's creation in a different way.

S

The cousins!

So we in Durban and we went to Gateway shopping centre this afternoon to try and find booties for the diving expedition tommorrow. My cousin, Jacqui, invited us around afterwards for a visit & supper. We don't see much of each other, probably about 2 times in the last 2 years.

 

So after watching the Hansie Cronje movie we went to Jacs and James. What a great time. Was really cool to just catch up a bit and the food was awesome. Jacs really outdid herself.

 

Anyway, so we just got back to gran's flat. You don't always realise how important it is to spend time with your family. Was really cool.

S

Diving

So after much negotiating we decided to hed to Durban to go diving. We have not divied since december and we did not know when we would be able to again and what the plans in december this year will be.

 

So diving in durban it will be. We drove through from Pretoria last night and stayed in ladysmith with my folks. Was great to see them again and also to have supper with them and oumie last night. Was also good to see my second mom, Irene, this morning. Cant believe she has been with my folks since the week before I was born, 30 years in February it will be.

 

Anyway, today we drove to durban and went straight to the dive shop at Ushaka to book some dives. So we have booked two dives for friday. Going to be interesting and fun I am sure. We have never dived before in Durban so not sure what to expect. So we will have to wait and see, so watch this space. Also hopefully the weather plays along, seems as though it might change to the worse tommorrow. Hope not! Will let you know how it goes.

Steven

Church Camp

So last week friday, after much packing, squashing stuff into a car, we headed off to Eastside church camp, at Kimiad campsite. As expected with the usual traffic jams around Joburg and collecting Keenan in Benoni, we made it. So weekend away with friends from Eastside.

 

So we get here and as we enter I notice that a fire has swept through the grounds. Anyway, we drive in find a spot next to Tanya & Ducan and proceed to put up our tent. After much sweat it was erected but to notice that less than a few metres from us the smouldering trees have caught alight again and we run the risk of it coming our way. So to the rescue came the manager and some of the laborours and proceeded to put it out, which was awesome. Anyway, when we went to bed later we realised it had flared slightly in certain areas. So Duncan, Jurg, Bernard & I, armed with 500ml, 2 litre and 5 litre containers proceeded to put a 'dampen' on the fire that was being flared by the increasing wind. I eventually around 12:20 went to bed in our tent but with a very uncomfortable feeling. This led to geeting up every 45 min for the next 4 hours and checking on, pouring water & rechecking where the wind had rekindled the sparks. Finally around 4 i went to sleep. So notably the next day i won the box of chocolates for the person who faithfully defended his tent the whole night!

 

The rest of the camp was really awesome with lots of time spent worshipping, playing touch rugby, putting out more fire, socialising, reading and just having good fun.

What an awesome weekend we had! Was cool to have Keenan with us and spending time with God.

Steven