Warm Summer Greetings from Ireland

Saturday 4 June’11

Good day to you all, family and friends.
Summer has arrived!
We left in overcast and drizzling weather for our holiday and as the journey progressed so did the weather, every 20km we could see a difference.
What a wonderful 5 days did we have. I know people say we are mad to have a holiday in Ireland but it was breath taken beautiful and the sun shone 90% of the time.
I am near completion with my journal of our travels and those who are interested can let me know and I will forward it. We took 227 photos. A pity I could not keep record of everyone but time did not allow me to fit that in as well.
Also just back from a very enjoyable afternoon with Finbarr Amanda and little Lukas. He is so adorable it is nearly unbelievable that a child can be so happy.
On the way back my eye fell on M50 and N3 and that spells ‘HOME’ but as usual I took the wrong route and we landed on a new highway going north before turning back to go home. Barry eventually got a turn off on the map and we landed once again on the ‘scenic route’ It was beautiful but a little time consuming because instead of travelling 120km/h we travelled at 40-60km/h and got home a little later than planned but thankfully safely.
Summer arrived while we were away and with our arrival we found the grass in a wild state of growth and all the flowers in pots and basket lying down.
Barry forgot that he was still on holiday and got the lawn mower going and turned the field in the back garden back into a beautiful manicured lawn. I pulled the hose-pipe to its utmost length in order to reach every corner. On the barometer it showed 22 ° in the shade
The window boxes were so dry that the block of ground was swimming as a solid piece of earth in the box and only after the 3rd watering turn it began to absorb the water and settled back into position. At the same time I did some washing and we decided after the delicious meals we enjoyed every evening and the perfect breakfasts that we will stay on water at least for 2 days. Therefore no cooking for a while and it was good after 8pm before we settled for the evening the sun still bright in the sky!
The vegetable garden was a sight the potatoes stood as high as our waistlines, the carrots showing body under the ground and the German spinach were ready to pick. While it was raining the slugs must have had a grand time devouring them, and if we wanted anything for ourselves I will have to pick quickly. Yesterday morning we entered the work zone with vigour and enthusiasm. Barry started to paint the shed roof which he had to abandon a previous time. The temperature started to rise as the day got older and shortly it was as hot as you have never felt it in years. In the shade the temp rose to 24 so I have no idea what it was in the baking sun. Barry was getting scorched on the iron and had to give up at 11h30. Sizzling hot.
We both had sunscreen cream on but this time it had no effect and we look now like beetroots. Fortunately we both are blessed with enough melanin and turn brown quickly.
The growth on the trees and bushes everywhere is so lush and rich that you cannot help to admire it. Many trees form arches across the road which let you pass through a tunnel of green peace!
We do not know how long summer is going to last but while it does we have to enjoy it to the full. It might just pour tomorrow.
I have still one week vacation left and if the weather holds we will be visiting the big garden show at Belvedere House commencing Thursday. Isabel was with us there 2 years ago.
Birthdays None in my book, But if I missed some-one, Many happy retuns!
Many have finished their exams and some are still busy. Everything of the very best! Warm congratulations to Paul in Canada and to his parents Arnolda and Garth for acquiring such a wonderful result. I agree Australia should have paid for his ticket!!!
I am just a congregation member tomorrow at church, the best day of the week. SUNDAY! Our own minister is away on leave and we have visiting preachers bringing us the Good News. We are very spoilt with Stephen and find it difficult to always understand and grasp the essence of their sermons. Joy is playing and I can sing. I do not know if the other members enjoy it as much as I do but it is just tough. I sing to the Lord and not to them.!
Well, on political front the lot of ministers are not liaising properly with each other and they are giving contradicting statements about bailouts and economic affairs. What a pity- it causes anguish among those already 3 years on social welfare. I thank the Lord daily that I do have a job!
The new strain of E Coli has caused a lot of anger amongst the farmers also the early statement from Germany that it was cucumbers and whole crops had to be destroyed. It is very sad that people had to die from it- in this modern world of medicine and research it is nearly unbelievable.
I have to say thank you to all of you who wrote letters after my hint last week. Much appreciated! Hester and spouse must enjoy their tour to Greece. All others who are waiting to go to Botswana, collections of peoples all over the world together- hope all arrangements go well!
Just wanted to mention we have had a few days of warm weather and they are talking about water restrictions! Out of this world, they have no idea what drought means.
Gerlof you forgot to say in how many days you are leaving.
My story has come to an end and I hope that you will all enjoy the SA winter, which is in places corresponding with our summer.
Regards from A summer day in Cranleymore.
Barry & Christina