Why Cy?

We thought some might be interested in the story of the Biblical Cyrus, who inspired our Cyrus's name.  Also it's a good excuse to share more baby pictures.  I asked Tim to write it, since he's our history buff.

He doesn't answer the why of his name, but his name was chosen for the blessings and good things said about Cyrus in the Bible, and for the good that he did.

Who was Cyrus? According to the generally accepted histories, this is his story.  

Cyrus’ story begins with his grandfather dreaming that a great flood would come and overrun the whole land of Media and that it had to do with his daughter.  Being a somewhat more principled man than others who had heard of possibly prophesied usurper relatives, he had her married off in to the ruler kingdom/satrapy of Persia.  This settled the man’s nerves for a while, but then he had another dream.  Again the land was overrun, and it seemed linked to his daughter.  This was too much.  So he had her brought home, to try and deal with her son, as soon as he was born.  He went to someone he thought, ‘would just follow orders’ and instructed him to go and steal his grandson, take the boy to his own home, and then kill him.  The grandfather had the generosity to say that the officer could do it how he wanted.  

The officer, being aware of the royal will, went and stole the boy, and took him to his home as ordered.  Then he called for a shepherd.  But he did not want to ‘just follow orders’ because he was aware that the daughter, whose son he had stolen, might become the ruler, and she would surely give someone else orders.  So he instead had the very scared shepherd take the boy to the mountains, with orders to kill him.  The officer had come to the conclusion that as long as he did not kill Cyrus, Magane (Cyrus’ mother) would not kill him.  In my opinion the officer had a low opinion of Magane’s intelligence and capacity for revenge.

The shepherd arrived in the mountains to discover that his pregnant wife’s baby had died while he was gone and she was giving birth.  He had been very scared when ordered to come, and it is suggested that she had been so afraid that it had been one of the reasons the baby died.  The shepherd now returned and just knew what he had been ordered, but his wife made sure that he did not obey orders, and instead they used their dead baby to fool the messenger sent to confirm the murder.  So Cyrus lived, the shepherd and his wife were happy, the officer and his wife were happy, and the scared grandfather was happy.  Magane was not happy, but she eventually just returned to Persia.

Ten years passed and Cyrus was showing all the marks of being special.  Then a noble’s son went out to the countryside to play with the peasant boys.  This was a mistake and what might be called the inciting incident to Cyrus’ rise to power.  The boys were playing king, and Cyrus was the king.  He ordered the noblemen’s son to do something, and when he was disobeyed, beat the noblemen’s son.  This of course had them in a fuss, so the nobleman himself went to the king for justice.  Presumably, this is because those peasants were directly under the king’s protection, though this section is unclear in the version I read.  

The ten year-old Cyrus was then brought before the king and he impressed him enough that the king looked more closely into the matter, until it was revealed that he was the boy meant to be killed.  Did the king kill him?  No, his wisemen and soothsayers said that now that the boy had played at being king, the prophesies were fulfilled.  So the king had him welcomed into the fold and reunited with his mother.  Then he killed the officer’s son, and tricked the officer into eating his own son.  I retract my earlier comment about the grandfather being principled. 

Cyrus though, according to accounts, grew up as a good mix of Median and Persian ideals, learning how to be honest, tough, and also how to survive in his father’s and grandfather’s courts.  After a few years of growing up, the officer who had been forced to practice involuntary cannibalism, planned for long term revenge, and began inciting Cyrus to take the throne, which he did.  

There was another king, the king of Lydia, Croesus (who has his own extensive backstory) who decided to invade and fight against Cyrus.  He came to restore the grandfather to the throne, and perhaps also to expand his own territory at the expense of the king he came to rescue. He had a mathematician of some standing in his employment, which was a way of foreshadowing who would win.  After digging a new trench for the river Halys at the orders of the mathematician, the Lydian army was in Persian territory.  

He engaged Cyrus in battle, and after a day of fighting, both armies stayed put in their camps, and then the Lydian king decided to go home, and come back to the campaign in the next year.  He retreated, and started to disband his troops, when he found that the Persians were upon him.  Gathering up a rushed-together army he attacked them, but Cyrus used his camels and that scared the Lydian horses, so that they ran though their own lines and forced Croesus’ army into the nearby city.  It was well fortified and seemed secure, being built with walls on a hill.  However, the rear of the hill was less carefully guarded because it was a nearly shear cliff.  Some soldiers went up and took the town, and the king with it and Cyrus was now master of two empires, or very near to it.

As he was leaving to subdue Babylon for himself, he discovered that Lydia and the governor he had appointed had revolted, so after dealing with that, placing the officer who had been forced to commit paternal cannibalism as the new governor, Cyrus came to deal with Babylon.  The city was considered perhaps the most impregnable of its time.  According to Herodotus the walls were over 300 feet high and 80 feet thick.  Except Cyrus invaded under the walls, after diverting the waterways, and was inside the walls, interrupting Beltshazzer’s feast.  Or at least that is what Herodotus says.  Here, I think it is better to ignore Herodotus and go with Daniel, as he is inspired and know that at least for a while that Cyrus was not involved with Babylon.  It is best to recall that Herodotus was inclined toward telling a ‘good’ story and that we know he entirely leaves out mention of Cyaxares who Xenophon discusses as a joint ruler with Cyrus for a while.  Which suggests an entirely different succession than the Herodotus viewpoint.  

This brings to mind the words of a book referenced in a podcast, “The story of Persia…”  It also brings to mind a statement made by Jacob Abbott, “In a word, the real Cyrus is now a far less important personage to mankind than the Cyrus of Herodotus and Xenophon, and it is, accordingly, their story which the author proposes to relate in this volume.”

Some time after the uncertain events in Babylon, Cyrus allows the Jews to return from their exile in Babylon.  This is prophesied in Isaiah (44:28 and 45:1). This was prophesied in roughly 150 years before Cyrus was actually born and these passages Cyrus is described as ‘anointed one,’ a shepherd for Israel.   One who would have the foundation of the temple relaid, and have Jerusalem rebuilt, even though at the time of prophecy it had not been destroyed.  

This is actually carried out as described in Ezra, Daniel,  and

2 Chronicles.  

It is worth pausing on Cyrus, a gentile, being called a shepherd of Israel.  This is a much more exalted title then those who don’t know the Bible would guess.  Moses shepherded Israel, David shepherded Israel, and to hear that type of high language applied to a non-covenant member, is shocking.  Further, the same thing applies with the language of the ‘anointed one.’  The word for that is anglicized as Messiah.  And that is a very high title.

What was the end of Cyrus?  Some say he died peacefully in Susa.  In others he dies, fighting war elephants against the Indians and their allies.  Others (Herodotus) say that he fought a warrior queen of a barbarian nation in the north.  He loses, dies in battle and the warrior queen finds his body, and pours blood into his mouth, demonstrating her views that his war against her was unjust.  

Something to remember is that Herodotus is a Greek playwright.  He was writing to entertain a specific audience and that audience was very pleased with him for showing them in a good light, and for the play over all.  That audience was Athens, and Athens of this time saw Persia as an enemy, and while Herodotus is showing the buildup of the Median Persian empire that nows threatens Greece, he is also painting their arguably best king as tragic figure corrupted by power, until he starts unjust wars and dies disgraced in an unjust war. 

People then and people now take the facts, the rumors, and the opinions of their day and try to process them into their own worldview.  With Cyrus he is seen as the genius child, corrupted by the despotism to which he was raised to, or the child raised to the top of the empire he had built, and he died peaceably at the top of that empire.  

So who was Cyrus?  

The author, our own Timothy P. Young.  

November 7th, the Tension, the Terror, and the Triumph. Thankful!!!!

 You know you've landed in Maine when there's a moose in the airport!
Our family is so scattered right now!  I left Paul and Tim in South Carolina, while I went to be with Evangel for the birth of baby number 2! And, of course, Josh is in college in Connecticut.

It's a tough call to leave the hublet for so long, but his having 21 year old Timothy, who has a new driver's license (Whoo-hoo!!!!!) made me feel better.  I told Tim to help with driving, laundry, and cooking...3 of my areas of help to his Dad.

We didn't know how long I should be away, since we didn't know what type of birth was going to happen.  20 days turned out to be the best because Paul was in Columbia, SC, again, 20 days after I left.

 Such a nice greeting from the family!  My Mom, granddaughter, daughter and sister came to pick me up.  Evangel hadn't started labor yet when I arrived on the 5th.  We asked the Lord for the baby to come the next day, as her doctors were scheduled to induce labor on the 7th since they said baby was overdue.

 Baby did not come on the 5th or the 6th, though she did have some contractions.  We went to the hospital early on the 7th (by 8 AM) and Evangel was given Pitocin to induce labor.  She was excited.  Her husband Ryan was very involved in the labor.  I tried to be helpful, but didn't do much except get more and more fervent in praying as the day went along.

At 1:30, I was wondering how much more Evangel could take, and then her doctor said maybe 5 more hours.  WHAT?!?!  That seemed so discouraging, but Ryan said, "That would be faster than what we planned."  They encouraged themselves, and I was crying (quietly, in a corner, as I remember) and praying.  I did not feel I could last 5 more hours, let alone Evangel!
Happily, it was not so long!  Baby finally came at 3:39, only about 2 hours after.

We were so excited to meet Cyrus Paul Nathan Ford!  He was healthy and well, weighing 8 lbs. 11 ounces or 3.9 kilos.

                                                       Ryan is fascinated with his son.

Evangel began with complications soon after.  Her doctor rushed to deliver the placenta, and it tore, and she began bleeding.  She was rushed into surgery, and it was scary!

The Terror

I had gone down to the hospital cafeteria to tell my Mom and my sister Wendy that it was going to be awhile before they could see Evangel and Cyrus, as there was still some bleeding.  We heard over the  hospital loud speakers an urgent call for a team to room 3015, stat.

That was Evangel's room!  I raced back to the elevator, and up to her floor. The reciptionist wouldn't let me back into the room!  I got one glimpse of Evangel as they wheeled her away to surgery, when she said, "Trust God."

I was remembering her last time I had seen her wheeled around on a hospital gurney, when she was 13 and nearly died of a burst appendix.  She said later she felt closer to death this time, and felt at peace with that.  I'm glad she did, but I wasn't peaceful at that idea.  

Thankfully, though surgery took 4 times longer (!) than they had said it would be, she came through well, with 4 units of blood transfusions!

 While she was in surgery, some of us  (Fords, Youngs, Huntresses, Haynes, and Pastor Storey) held little Cyrus, though not Clarity.  Evangel wanted to be there for that meeting. Aunt Wendy and Great-grammy are thrilled with the new little guy.  They brought him a new hat.

                      I'm frazzled, but thankful!  We were later offered trauma counseling by the hospital.   I was grateful someone acknowledged what a rough day it had been.  Evangel is already talking about "next time".  I guess that's what John 16:21 is talking about, when Jesus talks about a woman not remembering the anguish, after the child is born.  The grandmother remembers.

 Clarity did come the next day, and Evangel was amazingly better already.  She was able to walk around a little, feed Cyrus, and enjoy seeing the historic meeting.

 Evangel and Ryan are thrilled with their little man.

 We stopped here.  Not sure if our attire was "proper".   :- )

 I KNEW Evangel was feeling better when she got going with a photo shoot for Cyrus.  I was inspired by some of the hospital's art in the hallways, so I wrapped my scarf around baby and was trying for some art, but Evangel watched my ineptness and stepped in. I'm so pleased with our results!  I think this one is wall-worthy!  But I'm a little biased.

 On her last day in the hospital, we got the sign organized before we left.  It was a shower gift from Cyrus's Aunt Holly.

 Evangel has known for months that this was the going home outfit if Cyrus was Cyrus.  It's from his African uncles, and says "Your Uncle/My Uncle"  Your Uncle being the bland bathroom uncle silhouette, and My Uncle being the Superman silhouette.

His Grand-mummy brought him this onesie that says "I'm Always Getting Picked Up by Women".  Being a man of virtue, Cyrus is shocked and horrified by this.  :- )

 It was a few days before Cyrus could meet his great Uncle Rick.  He took the John Deere approach to dressing that day.  He went farmer style.

 He likes baths, but not the part when you get out of the warmth and into the chilly post-bath air.

He thinks Christmas looks interesting.

Baby Cyrus came home on Sunday the 10th and is delighting his parents with his every little sign of progress.  He has smiled already!  He's eating well.  All systems are functioning.  Frequently.  

My prayer inspired by Psalm 139:13-14.

You're in control, O God, our Creator.  You covered Cyrus in Evangel's womb.

I will praise you, for Cyrus is fearfully and wonderfully made!  Marvelous are your works; and that my soul knows right well.  

We're thankful for every single finger and toe, and just love his fuzzy hair, and warm, constantly stretching body.  His "big" feet and hands let us know he's not going to  be  a petite prince.  

Pray for this little family.  Baby lives are fragile.  Dad and Mom are tired.  Big sister Clarity has been having some health issues too.  Trust God.  

Glory Hill and Swaziland, parts 3 and 2 of our trip

 

How'd you like these brownies?  It is just some dry earth in Swaziland.  

 Swazi sunsets are hazy this time of year with dust and smoke from burning sugar cane.

 Roots!  White River at Glory Hill. 

                                              Muppim.  My favorite of the 10 cats. 

                                        Kind of not enjoying the idea of Joshua being gone. 

 

 "Mercy" enjoying the gorgeous scenery at Glory Hill.  This is getting ready to be an Instagram picture with a verse on it.  see vickiyoung1066 

Have you ever been to a meeting that you thought was just a dud?  People seemed unenthused, messing around on their cell phones, and unresponsive?  I don't know how anyone could respond to my dynamic, chalk-drawing husband that way, but I thought it was so. 

And then it was over.  A druggie wanted to be saved.  A man in the back wanted to schedule Paul in churches and schools.  Another man was crying.  His daughter was (maybe--don't give up faith!  Pray for Soleil!) dying of brain cancer.  He said he learned more in that one short talk about Psalm 90 than is maybe 15 years of teaching.  One lady who had been on her cell phone prayed for our whole family.  Who knows, maybe she was telling friends about the thrilling message she was hearing.  It's so easy to read people wrong.  It wasn't a dud!  God was working.
 

We are now in the White River section of our trip.  A sweet couple named Dave and Linda have taken us into their home, but what a home!  It is called Glory Hill Lodge, though not now functioning as a Lodge, it still welcomed our very tired selves last Friday.  We didn't really see the glory until we got up Saturday morning.  What a beautiful place!  Inside and out.  It seems a place where time has stood still, it is so peaceful.  The big excitement is when the monkeys invade...then it's "batten down the hatches!" lest they get inside and wreak havoc.  

From this haven, we've had at least 8 meetings to go to, scheduled by Gloria Luus, a resident of Macedonia Frail Care Center.  We met Gloria last year at Barberton's Back to the Bible Mission, and she invited Paul for this year.  She's a "Doer" of the Word, and not a hearer only.  I admire her!  She's bringing forth fruit in old age...one of my ambitions too. 

Yesterday she took us to visit Mercy Air, a Christian airline that does evangelistic, medical, and educational outreach transportation.  Paul and Josh particularly enjoyed that one. 

Of course, Paul wasn't content with just those 8 meetings and he has been filling in the blanks any way he can with more schools.  Yesterday got a little crazy.  I got to play Uber driver again.  I dropped Paul with Josh to assist at a very snazzy school with an equestrian center, then had to race a few kilometers away to Tim's school to drop him.  We would have made it on time, but the GPS thought a trail through a macadamia nut orchard was a regular road, and we lost a little time circling back from that.  Tim had to set up in front of an already-seated student body--I helped, but soon had to race back to Paul to get him to school #3!  We came skidding in on that one just as it was time to start, but they were mercifully a little late.  I left them and went back to where Tim was just walking out of his school, tired, but happy.  They had invited him back for Monday to do the older children!   Yippee!  That's the best kind of feedback. 

He and I went to a book store to wait an hour as Paul and Josh were speaking twice at their second school.  From there, we went to two more schools to schedule more speaking appointments.  Both of them accepted.  We thrive on this stuff!  Open doors, people hearing about Jesus, lives changed!  

Before White River, we had about 8 days in Swaziland/eSwatini staying with Leo and Jill Baan, and their 10 cats, up two from last year when we stayed with them.  Leo had Paul scheduled a bunch of places, and Paul supplemented.  Sometimes Leo and Tim would be a team while Josh and Paul were another team.   Just once Tim and I were a team, thankfully, or I wouldn't have snagged any pictures.   They went to a prison, schools, and a church. 

One thing we enjoyed about Swaziland and also White River, is it's much warmer.  Temperatures have ranged from -6 C (21 degrees F)  while we were in Queenstown to 34 C (93 degrees F) yesterday in White River. I'd just like to interrupt this trip to run home for some cooler clothes!  I only brought 2 and a half pairs of shoes, my sneakers, boots, and a half of pair of sandals, so I've been wearing boots and feeling weird sometimes.  I did invest in some flip flops now, so I'll make it, but I like the warmth.  Josh and Paul have made it into the gorgeous pool at Glory Hill and also back in Swaziland, but I'm not ready for that one.  The water is still remembering the cooler temperatures. 

 We are privileged to meet the nicest people in our travels!     "Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love each other."  1 John 4:11  People have been so kind, sharing so much with us, furthering us along in the journeying.  We're grateful. 

I'm not  sure how much longer we'll be here, but Barberton is next on the schedule.  And we're counting down the days until Josh flies out for the USA.  

2019 Winter Trip, Queenstown Section

This trip is precious, as it is the last one where our Joshua is with us, at least for awhile.  He's 18 now, and off to college in America in August.  We plan to be in four places, the first being Queenstown, South Africa.  We're actually staying at Tylden, which I have fallen in love with.  It's about 6 kilometers off a tar road, and we're staying at Light of the World Mission. 

We slept in this building. 

Jock with Josh or Josh with Jock.  The beginning of a great tongue twister. 

 Tim preaching at Sunday School with a blue hand.  He doesn't like the feel of chalk.  Kind of ironic. 

Light of the World Mission is next to a river, which is significant.  The river floods a couple of times a year, so a hotel was built next to the river to house people stuck on this side of the flood, until the waters subsided.  I think it was in the 80's, that a man named Jack bought the hotel, and used it for missionary work such as camps, Bible schools, and a little church.  Late in the 90's, Frik and Sue Labuschagne came, and they are leading the mission still. 

Pastor Mike Watson in Queenstown invited us so he has filled some of the time, though not as he expected as he has had cancer since we were here last time.  Frik scheduled Paul some other places, and with the "leftover" time we prayed for open doors, and set out visiting schools in Queenstown.  The first day Paul scheduled 10 preaching appointments!  (though I must confess, one of those was online, in America).  After that he combined preaching and scheduling.  When his schedule got full, he started scheduling Timothy, who was now more free to help.

The first few days here, we had another project underway.  We had hoped that both our sons could have a try (Josh) or another try (Tim) at getting their driver's licenses.  We had noticed how the wait time for an appointment to take the test can be just days in these smaller towns, unlike Cape Town where the wait can be weeks or months.  So we made appointments for the following Monday, and went to work having some more driving lessons to perfect their "K-53" skills.  (K-53 is the South African skill set required uniquely for the test.)

Monday morning dawned.  Appetites were low, and tension was high.  We went into town early, still in the dark, to Pastor Michael's house so Paul could borrow the church van so that the boys could use our car.  We had a little panic as we discovered our rear brake light was out (again! what's with that light?!??)  The sun was up, but we didn't know if any place would be open where we could buy a bulb so we scrambled around to get that sorted out.  It wasn't too bad as we had needed a new tire as we had a VERY flat tire on Saturday and had learned a car repair place.  We got a new light bulb and still had a few minutes before Josh's test time at 8:40 AM.  We headed in to the municipality building. 

Then came the blow:  the municipality was on strike!  It is still on strike today, I think, a week later, so no driving tests have happened.  It looks like they will have to try in America. 

The low appetites had worn off, so disgruntled boys were soothed and comforted with a quick trip to KFC for a snack.  At least now they were free to be more helpful to Paul. 

I thought Thursday's schedule was remarkable.  We had an early morning school first, which Paul and Tim handled, then Paul parked us at the pastor's house so we could get some work done with Wi-Fi while he and Josh went to a 11-1 appointment.  They preached 6 times at that one school!  Taking them class by class.  That has some advantages, but it is very tiring for the chalk artist evangelist.  Top priority was to race home for a rest after that, as we were schedule to be interviewed (whole family!) on the radio from 6-8 PM that evening. 

I really enjoyed that interview.  I was a little worried about Paul overdoing, but he had slept for over an hour that afternoon, and he seems to have made it through without a sickness. 

Friday was remarkable in a different way.  We woke to find blood spattered right down the hallway of our current home.  Tim had a horrendous nose-bleed.  (This is cold, arid country right now, and our Capetonian skin is drying and cracking and even bleeding as we adjust.)  We mopped that up and kept moving.  Had to be out of the house by 6:30, to get to the first school and be ready by 7:30.  The plan was for Paul to preach there, with Josh to assist, but the nosebleed changed that plan.  Instead Josh now assisted Tim, just in case. 

I want a T-shirt that says, "Uber driver" cuz it was like that!  We dropped Paul at the first school about 7:15, then raced to Tim's school by 7:45 then back to Paul to pick him up to get him to his 8:30 school.  I stayed with him through that one, helping to hold the chalk board as it was WINDY!  Then together we zipped back to Tim's school to find him and Josh had preached twice and then walked a to a shopping center to wait for us.  Three schools accomplished, four time preaching, by 10:00!

Then Paul could rest, while the boys spoke at a youth group that evening. 

Also of note, some record breaking cold weather (at least the coldest this year) came through over the weekend.  Brrr!  It got down to -6 degrees Celcius.  Someone said I must be used to this, being brought up in New England with snow and all.  But I'm a wimp!  New England has heated, insulated houses.  This cold is colder.  But it's great sleeping weather.  We're in bed early to get warm, and at least one of us lingers til the last second before launching out each morning.  

This bucket got "skun over" with ice, as my Gram would have said, plus icicles.  Chilly! 

The only touristy thing we've done on this trip was as we were driving from Cape Town, we slept over in Graaf Reinet, a beautiful, historic town where Andrew Murray used to live and preach, and David Livingstone's family went to recuperate.  Josh and I did their parkrun, and then we went to the Valley of Desolation to see some more of God's creativity.  

They were more enthusiastic than this picture looks. 

On Wednesday, after some schools, we plan to head to Swaziland where it should be warmer.  We're grateful for our cheery, helpful boys, for open doors, and for open hearts.  We appreciate translators in Xhosa for some of the meetings, and new missionary friends.  I've also enjoyed their little granddaughter Skye who has helped and inspired me with my Instagram Bible pictures (see vickiyoung1066).  It is good to follow God, to obey Him, and to trust Him.  He blesses so much along the way. 

Frik and Sue and Skye.  

Well Bless my Buttons!

Mother's Day is sweet this year, as evidenced in the little things. 

I was trying to finish this trench coat for Prudence this morning.  I'm using dolls to put scripture verses on Instagram, and I'm enjoying that hobby/ministry---even if I am getting teased about going through my second childhood.  I suppose you have to expect persecution. 

 I live with three guys.  Three men, really.  Big men.  They are not into my dolls very much, but they're sweet.

The last thing now was to put the buttons on the coat.  I found a YouTube tutorial that looked do-able, and tried to do it.  You use a hole puncher to cut out the buttons from some plastic, and then poke the holes with a hot needle.  The problem is, I couldn't punch the holes.  It takes some serious hand strength or a sharper hole punch than we have.

Sweetie #1:  I chased Josh down with the black plastic, and he punched out 5 buttons, losing only 1 that shot off into outer space or somewhere.

Sweetie #2:  Tim was vacuuming later, and knocked my 4 remaining black buttons into our green and black carpet!

Sweetie #3:  Paul yelled and alerted #2 as to his misdeed and imminent problems with his mother.  Then the two of them began to search.  It makes my heart swell to bursting (literally, that means getting tears in my eyes) thinking of my darling husband crawling around, even putting his face on the carpet to hunt for those blessed buttons.  Tim got a cell phone flashlight to help, and each precious little find was cheered like a rugby touchdown.  Isn't that sweet?

It's Mother's Day, and I'm just savoring their caring.  I know that of themselves, they don't care two hoots for doll buttons, so it was just for me.  That's sweet!

Soon we'll have Mother's Day Lunch, and that will be so nice too.  I can't wait to see their faces when they see what they got me for Mother's Day this year.  ;- )  

Three Hours at the V & A Waterfront

 What a treat for me today!  Josh was taking his GED exams in downtown Cape Town, so I decided to wait for him and save about an hour of driving back and forth.  I went to the nearby V & A Waterfront to see what I could see.

 I saw oodles and kaboodles of seals.  That's a highly unscientific numbering system, but when you only get to see a piece at a time, accurate counting is tricky.  I didn't get any wonderful shots with my phone, but there are at least 8 in this picture! 

 Table Mountain has its majestic table cloth (a cloud) on it, overlooking the whole city and the boats and all.  We climbed it last week (the back side) for blackberries.  I'm very content to just look from afar today.  You stand in the above frame to take pictures of yourself.

 What?!?!?  I never saw this before!  Maybe I can drag Paul down there to check this out.

 He'd like this!  He's a smoothie guy for sure!

 I tried a Hungarian Hatbread Stack.  My first Hungarian food, and I'm impressed,  If the Lord calls us to Hungary, I know I won't go hungry.  :- )    Notice the classy dining wear: a piece of cardboard.  We're all about recycling around here. 

 A whole army of beaded tall people.  When they make a Tall Small Paul, maybe I'll get one. 

 Rhinos abound to raise awareness of Rhino poaching. 

 This is a treat!  I started my 3 hours with a little sit down on these cushioned bleachers to use some free WiFi and get a bit of work done before I launched off to shop.  It was then I decided to blog my fun day. 

 Blown glass is so pretty! 

 Funny little beaded band of people. 

 I was tempted to get the cutie little dress with the mouse in the pocket. I think my Clarity granddaughter  would like it, but my main mission today was to buy surge protectors for our house.  It's not the most glamorous or exciting purchase, but necessary. 

 Ah!  A rare glimpse of me during my sit down time. 

 And who needs a wooden tie?  I'd have scooped these up for my 3 guys, maybe, but I'm suspecting they won't go for it.  I just sent out a survey, 2 out of 3 give it a thumbs down, one still hasn't responded.  Shame.  I think they're cute. 

 Check out the bags!  I see zebra, ostrich, springbok, and nguni ( a kind of cow) that I can name.  Pricey bags, but probably last awhile.  

I haven't been blogging much lately as I've had another project going.  I'm doing an Instagram account, having dolls act out Bible verses.  I'm getting some criticism for this one.  People are teasing me about going through my second childhood, but my niece Connie, 8, is in on it, so it keeps me respectable. 

 I'm enjoying it.  I'm learning about photography, sets, sewing,  the Bible Lens App (which Evangel recommended and it has been my lifesaver!) and the most important thing, the Bible!  It's a new way for me to study the Bible, keeping an eye out for ways it can be acted out.  It may be new to me, but I am realizing so many others do art with this same goal. 

 This is Prudence, the first doll in the project.  Constance is the other one above, and they're joined by others as I find deals. 

Not all the Instagram pictures have dolls, but most of them do. This one has Connie, a living doll, at a dam on top of Table Mountain.

Please feel free to visit at vickiyoung1066 on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/vickiyoung1066/?hl=en