From Ireland

30 May 09

To all family and friends
It has been a most wonderful day, bright sunshine, blue skies and just the slightest of breeze!
After so much rain the change in the weather is most welcome and the sunshine highly appreciated. Isabel, visiting us from SA has experienced all the seasons already in the 7 days she has been here!
One night was so cold we had the fire going, other nights we keep the knee blanket over our legs to stay snug. Admittedly ,since Thursday afternoon we had excellent weather.
We travel extensively through the boreens behind our property showing off our green, green fields and the lush summer growth, patches of white hawthorn bushes and bright yellow of the fur bushes.
All the farms with private houses on the road front which is hard to understand if you do not live here. I have to admit that we have become used to the beauty of summer and boasting about where we live has brought back the realization of the wonderful vegetation especially in summer.
We also took a trip to Athlone ,one of my favourite places and we hope that Isabel who has written in detail to the family , has enjoyed the visit as well. We also visited the Adamson Castle with rich history for the 1st time.
Being on holiday means that I live a life of leisure, doing little and just enjoy female company and speaking Afrikaans. Barry has been wonderful, so very accommodating and making sure that every day brings a surprise!
Garden is in good shape except for the marrows that made no move and most probably will rot in the ground without a problem, so the beetroot! Carrots growing well , potatoes thriving and the peas on their way to become giant plants. The tomatoes were once again a failure and we realize that they will only survive in tunnel or hothouse circumstances
The roses are ready to open and with Isabel as my right hand diagnosed all the deceases and treatment dished out accordingly. I cut down the tired tulip stalks and in the process discovered gladiolas in between!
News these last 2 weeks have been overshadowed by the Ryan report with great sadness that things like that happened and now instead of having a Truth and Reconciliation process they think that money can fix broken spirits.
We have the best day of the week tomorrow and Isabel will then be going with us to church!
Food for our souls and joyful praises will be at the order of the day. For the afternoon we plan a visit to Carrick on Shannon ,also a favourite of mine where we will take a trip on the leisure boat going up the Shannon River.
Well , checking my birthday book , I could not find any birthdays for the coming week but are aware of student studying and writing exams, the very best result for all of you!
Just received notification about the Super 14 success and Rustenburg’s defeat!
Glad to hear that Haya’s foot operation seems to have a success and all the excitement of planning weddings etc will keep her very happy and well occupied. Gerlof’s weeks are getting less for his departure to SA . Thank you so much Althea for your lovely letter I really enjoyed the news!
Joy must be in SA at present as I have not heard from her. Trish hopes you are keeping well. Rob and Thilo I cannot off load MSN on this computer and need Finbarr to assist me, actually to all I used to talk to – one day things will be the same again!
News depleted and the food in the oven ready for dishing up, so I great you from a warm sunny most pleasant Ireland.
Keep save,
Watch your step,
Never be careless!
And keep well!
Regards
The Dunnes from Cranleymore