Saturday 29 Oct’11
Good day to all, Family and friends!
....and now we have a new President.” I will be a President for all the people” I wonder if he realize what this statement means. Maybe that some of the other candidates, if successful, would be President for only some of the people? Well it is over and I think the whole Island is sighing with relief.
“Old uncle” Michael D Higgins on his way to 71 years old will be inaugurated on the 11 Nov. I have to admit apart from the fact that he just do not have the physic and appearance of a president and that he will hopefully finish the 7 years without reverting to a walking frame and hearing aids, he had the least criticism from the press and TV crucifiers. They did hammer on the fact that he is old and needed a box to stand on behind the cathedra, in order to see the audience and TV presenter. He was stammering last night in excitement over the success and I hope that he loses this quickly. He does give the impression that he is an intellectual and a learned person and hopefully his heart will last under tremendous stress, meeting heads of countries and selling Ireland to the world! You know that he is old by the size of his ears! Barry says I can just see them better because he had a haircut! Hahahaha!
Back to the weather! As most of you have seen on TV we experienced the most awful floods during the last week. The whole of one full months rain fell in 9 hours, the death toll was sad. A Pilipino Nurse drowned in her basement apartment after receiving her Irish citizenship 3months ago, and a young Garda was swept away by the force of the waters while helping and advising people to take different routes.
We have been very fortunate that the house is built on the side of a smallish hill and the water ran past us in torrents, very frightening! And then on Tuesday afternoon the sun broke through and the wind took all the clouds somewhere else! It was brilliant to see the sun, clear blue skies and no rain!
With the clear skies comes the cold and frost and we had our 1st frost on Wednesday morning just a scare, not bad but enough to make you realize there is now no escape!
The clouds are gathering momentum again and the forecast for tomorrow does not look good, high winds and heavy rain! Temperature today 12-15° in comparison with 2-9° earlier on.
In order not to be caught by a sudden downpour we already cut the cabbage for the ham tonight! The first of the winter cabbages! We were supposed to be in Dublin today but I received a request to be on standby for duty for the weekend( Halloween and Bank Holiday Monday)
I am also on organ duty at church and we had to postpone our visit until the weekend of the 19th- my heart cry for our little man and we are very sad that we cannot see him but we know that his parents take good care of him!
I mentioned that the flowers and plants have lost contact with nature and started to grow again, the Hydrangeas are going to flower and so the Rhododendrons, idiotic and we had to bring in soil to cover the tulips and daffodils form the frost and cold. The roses are flowering in bunches, all so wrong, but is because of the warm spell we had!
Professor arrives now every 2nd evening for a meal, last night he ate so fast that he nearly choked! He could not jump on the wall and were stretching himself to reach the milk and food! Tonight we will put it on the grass for him! Blackie who thinks he owns the place also sleeps in the new shed on the straw we found his hiding place! I would say that he does belong to some-one somewhere in a barn and that we are his adopted parents! The foxes are light sensitive at present and hides until they think it is safe and then they grab the food and run! We have not seen the hedgehog for some time but he leaves his trail in the long grass and we know he is somewhere!
I had to go back to work this morning to return the drug cupboard’s key! I was so very tired yesterday morning that after a session with one of the managers that insisted on something being on the computer and I had to convince them that is it not and in the process of leaving ½hr later forgot the key in my pocket, usually I would empty my pockets before I put the uniform in the bag but not yesterday -I folded it, dropped it in the bag dressed and left! At 3pm yesterday they phoned looking for the key and to my shame it was in my uniform pocket! There was a spare key and it was not urgent but the last week of work was unreal! Amanda does ‘power walking’ but I do power walking in the ward, it is built in a square and covers about 350meters all round and if I did that on Wednesday-night 200x’s then it is a few times as the ward was full! I was so tired that I napped a little, waiting 15 minutes for a 2way stop light where there are road works, and the oak behind me hooted! I felt such a fool!
I usually sing loud while driving home but then do not have to stop anywhere, just imagine me singing at the top of my voice while 50 other cars are listening! So I dosed off- I have to say I was very much awake there-after!
We are at the end of the month and we have to sleep one hour longer tonight as the time changes and we move on 1 hour to accommodate the schoolchildren that had to walk to school in the 1930-50’s They never changed it and we still live in the past! “ Wie Immer” This Island with all respect, is about 20 years behind the world if not more!
Birthdays: I have only one birthday in my book and that is Monique du Toit- Happy birthday and we hope you have a lovely day! Anybody else that I do not know about! Happy Birthday!
We do think of Jeanne who has had a set back from the Irish Government refusing her a working visa- their reasons not applicable to her at all but they live in an archaic juridical system and cannot think for themselves! We keep on praying for a good outcome!
Those young people who are studying and writing their Matric- everything of the best!
Tomorrow is the best day of my week and also places me in front of the organ which I love- last Sunday I was off but landed there for a short while when the other organist misjudged the time with a husband who’s foot is in a plaster and 3 little ones . The minister, visiting waited 5 minutes on and then I got up and did the honours with the wrong glasses on and truly had to play from memory and hope for the best! I cannot see that far with the bifocals but we got through the Psalm without a problem In future I will take my glasses with to church in any case!
I have said enough- hope you are all well and save. Hope that the weekend for the van Marle’s was grand and that Gerlof and Sandra enjoy visiting the grandchildren!
It was lovely to hear from Arnolda and the trip through west Australia! Waiting for the album!
There are a few on my post list that somehow does not write to let us know how you are and sometimes it is very nice just to get a line or 2 confirming that you are still well! I am thinking of Barend and Elsje for example!
This is only applicable to the guilty ones who know who they are!
It has become brighter outside and the sun just manages to shine every now and again! We lit the fire for the 1st time last night and that was very special! It brings a different atmosphere into the house the crackling of the wood and the warm flames!
....and with that I greet ye all.
Watch where you go and be diligent with safety!
Warm greetings from
Barry & Christina in Cranleymore
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Groete vanuit 'n druipnat Cranleymore
Saterdag 22 Okt’11
Goeie dag allemaal, Familie en vriende,
Dit is egte Ierse weer-en vir die wat dalk vergeet het, dit reën,ag... al vir dae lank maar dit beteken ook dat ons soggens met 8-10° wakker word. Dit is heerlik wanneer die son skyn maar jy bibber van die koue! ‘n paar oggende was dit 4° en dan weet jy daar is geen keer nie –die winter is hier! Die blaredos soos altyd, briljant in hul kleure van songeel tot warm roesbruin en dan die snaakste struik waarvan die stingels in die somer met blare oortrek is en groen is, staan kiertsregop nou sonder blare en skarlaken rooi,ongelooflik mooi ,al langs die pad van Mullingar na Edgeworthstown.
Omdat dit so eienaardig warm was die dae tussen in het die blomme en plante die klits kwyt- alles loop van vooraf uit en nou staan my stokroos te pragtig in sy pot en die pers dalias pryk met trots in hul ½ vaatjie! Die groente tuin lyk beter as in die somer want ek hoor dit is omdat die grond nou uiteindelik warm geword het,het maar lank gevat -ek moet sê- en ons hoop om hierdie pragtige blomkole , groen kole en brussels se spruite vir Kers op die tafel te hê.Weet nou nie so mooi van die kool vir Kers nie maar die ander twee defenitief.
Dis maar ‘n deurmekaar spul hier met die IMF wat gereeld besoek aflê,soms word ons opgebeur en ander kere raak ons erg depresief oor die land se geldelike verknorssing. Inwoners van ‘n blok woonstelle is deur die gesondheids en gevare raad uit hul gebou verban want die is so swak gebou dat daar enige oomblik ‘n vuur kan uitbreek. Die mense het die plekke gekoop en betaal verbande en nou sit hulle in ‘n hotel met kinders en al-plaas dat hulle dankbaar is dat hulle ‘n dak oor hulle koppe het murmereer hulle want hulle moet nou in die hotel bly wat alles moontlik doen om die kinders te akkomodeer en boonop hoef hulle nie eers te kook nie! Die gebou is nog nie 10 jaar oud nie en is op die randjie van duik! Geen bou-inspekteur het ooit die plek gesien toe die stene opgemaak geplaas is nie en later nog minder!’n produk van die Celtic Tiger!
...en dan natuurlik die President’s verkiesing wat meer na ‘n wasgoed draad lyk! Alles veral die vuil wasgoed is behoortlik
ten toongestel, eintlik baie sielig is.Die met ‘n bietjie integriteit
kry maar swaar!. Donderdag is die dag en dan moet jy ook nog ‘n kruisie trek om te sê hoe jy voel oor die howe en die regters- of hulle maar kan doen wat hulle wil wanneer hulle wil en hoe hulle wil of moet die regering die gesag oorneem! Dit gaan vrot soos dit is,en wat die referendum gaan meebring is duister!
Ons het gister ‘n heerlike ‘Brunch’ geniet saam met die SAfrikaanse vroue-sommige kon dit nie maak nie en julle was gewis gemis! Welkom ook aan Debbie wat ek vir die eerstekeer gister ontmoet het! Sy hanteer koekbakkery!!!
By die werk gaan dit rof verby- almal werk dat hulle tonge op die grond hang , betaling bly dieselfde en van voordele kan jy maar vergeet. Die nuwe ongevalle departement wat nie ‘ongelukke’ hanteer nie doen goed want elke ou mens wat nie kans sien om dae op ‘n trollie in die County hospitaal te lê nie kom nou na ons toe- hulle word dadelik deur die ongevalle dokter gesien,en verwys na of die internis of die kardioloog of na ‘n sjirurg toe, Cat scans word so gou moontlik gedoen en kankers word binne dae gediagnoseer met die nodige ondersoeke wat volg en biopsies wat weggestuur word!
Dit is moeilik om sjirurgiese pasiente en mediese gevalle met ‘n gemiddelde ouderdom van 80 jr saam te verpleeg!...maar met die Genade van Bo kom ons deur die nagte. Ek moes 6 nagte aaneen werk maar ek het erg stof( meer modder) opgeskop en nou werk ek 2 nagte 3x met ‘n nag af tussenin,dit help darem bietjie!
Die mees wonderlikste ding bebeur toe Donderdagaand Barry soos sy gewonnte skakel die buitelig aan om te sien of die jakkalsies al opgedaag het en wie sit toe daar onder die heining in die reën? Niemand anders as Professor nie! Hy is dadelik met groot vreugde verwelkom en het sommer ‘n blikkie Tuna vis gekry! Toe hy naderkom sien ons dat hy duidelik getrap was deur ‘n voertuig, sy linker agter poot is opgetrek en dit mag ‘n gebreekte heup wees! Hy is terug en kan oor die weg kom en ons is erg bly daaroor! Blackie –blink van al die heerlike kos wat hy nou die afgelope 3 weke alleen verorber het en die jakkalsies kom nou vroeg want die dae is mos nou baie korter as lankal toe hulle vir die eerste keer opgedaag het! Hulle jassies glinster in die lig!
Ons geniet ons dieretuin baie! Die voeltjies daag nou in troppe op en ons wag nog vir die groot maat grondboontjies 25kg sak want die kleiner hoeveelhede kos bitter duur! Hulle kry saadbolle en hawermout op die oomblik! As dit erg koud word gee ons ook kalkoen byvoeding! Hulle hou baie van die kalkoen/gans kos en dit kan enige iemand bekostig! 25kg @€11.
Verjaardae: Geen een op my lysie nie en as dit verkeerd is is dit nie my skuld nie! Lekker verjaar!aan almal! Ons dink ook baie spesiaal aan al die jong dames en jongmanne wat met hul eind-eksamens in SA begin- Matriek! Leer lekker en geniet dit!
Baie dankie vir die briefies en fotos van tiervisse en visarende! Veels geluk aan die Zambiërs! Haya en familie op die plaas- ek dink dit moet ‘n wonderlike ervaring wees! Trotse Ouma en Oupa wat gaan spog! Ons weet tog alles daarvan af! Nine wat so besig is , ek hoop jou bure en vriende waardeer jou bedagsaamheid!
Hessie ek dink julle moet Kongo toe trek daar is baie reën en goeie grond! Ek dank baie aan julle met die droogte en die son wat so ongenadiglik op julle neer skyn terwyl dit hier aaneen reën!
Nou ja ek rus van orgel speel môre maar sal die singkant ondersteun! Ons het ‘n besoekende predikant en sal gewis ons eie predikant baie mis!
Ook baie jammer oor die atlete wat vanmôre naby Midrand doodgery is! ‘n Ongeluk gebeur so gou! Wees tog altyd versigtig veral die wat vêr ente moet ry!
Hou jul deure gesluit en wees beraad!
Ons groet vanuit ‘n druipnat Cranleymore!
Liefde groete
Barry & Christina
Goeie dag allemaal, Familie en vriende,
Dit is egte Ierse weer-en vir die wat dalk vergeet het, dit reën,ag... al vir dae lank maar dit beteken ook dat ons soggens met 8-10° wakker word. Dit is heerlik wanneer die son skyn maar jy bibber van die koue! ‘n paar oggende was dit 4° en dan weet jy daar is geen keer nie –die winter is hier! Die blaredos soos altyd, briljant in hul kleure van songeel tot warm roesbruin en dan die snaakste struik waarvan die stingels in die somer met blare oortrek is en groen is, staan kiertsregop nou sonder blare en skarlaken rooi,ongelooflik mooi ,al langs die pad van Mullingar na Edgeworthstown.
Omdat dit so eienaardig warm was die dae tussen in het die blomme en plante die klits kwyt- alles loop van vooraf uit en nou staan my stokroos te pragtig in sy pot en die pers dalias pryk met trots in hul ½ vaatjie! Die groente tuin lyk beter as in die somer want ek hoor dit is omdat die grond nou uiteindelik warm geword het,het maar lank gevat -ek moet sê- en ons hoop om hierdie pragtige blomkole , groen kole en brussels se spruite vir Kers op die tafel te hê.Weet nou nie so mooi van die kool vir Kers nie maar die ander twee defenitief.
Dis maar ‘n deurmekaar spul hier met die IMF wat gereeld besoek aflê,soms word ons opgebeur en ander kere raak ons erg depresief oor die land se geldelike verknorssing. Inwoners van ‘n blok woonstelle is deur die gesondheids en gevare raad uit hul gebou verban want die is so swak gebou dat daar enige oomblik ‘n vuur kan uitbreek. Die mense het die plekke gekoop en betaal verbande en nou sit hulle in ‘n hotel met kinders en al-plaas dat hulle dankbaar is dat hulle ‘n dak oor hulle koppe het murmereer hulle want hulle moet nou in die hotel bly wat alles moontlik doen om die kinders te akkomodeer en boonop hoef hulle nie eers te kook nie! Die gebou is nog nie 10 jaar oud nie en is op die randjie van duik! Geen bou-inspekteur het ooit die plek gesien toe die stene opgemaak geplaas is nie en later nog minder!’n produk van die Celtic Tiger!
...en dan natuurlik die President’s verkiesing wat meer na ‘n wasgoed draad lyk! Alles veral die vuil wasgoed is behoortlik
ten toongestel, eintlik baie sielig is.Die met ‘n bietjie integriteit
kry maar swaar!. Donderdag is die dag en dan moet jy ook nog ‘n kruisie trek om te sê hoe jy voel oor die howe en die regters- of hulle maar kan doen wat hulle wil wanneer hulle wil en hoe hulle wil of moet die regering die gesag oorneem! Dit gaan vrot soos dit is,en wat die referendum gaan meebring is duister!
Ons het gister ‘n heerlike ‘Brunch’ geniet saam met die SAfrikaanse vroue-sommige kon dit nie maak nie en julle was gewis gemis! Welkom ook aan Debbie wat ek vir die eerstekeer gister ontmoet het! Sy hanteer koekbakkery!!!
By die werk gaan dit rof verby- almal werk dat hulle tonge op die grond hang , betaling bly dieselfde en van voordele kan jy maar vergeet. Die nuwe ongevalle departement wat nie ‘ongelukke’ hanteer nie doen goed want elke ou mens wat nie kans sien om dae op ‘n trollie in die County hospitaal te lê nie kom nou na ons toe- hulle word dadelik deur die ongevalle dokter gesien,en verwys na of die internis of die kardioloog of na ‘n sjirurg toe, Cat scans word so gou moontlik gedoen en kankers word binne dae gediagnoseer met die nodige ondersoeke wat volg en biopsies wat weggestuur word!
Dit is moeilik om sjirurgiese pasiente en mediese gevalle met ‘n gemiddelde ouderdom van 80 jr saam te verpleeg!...maar met die Genade van Bo kom ons deur die nagte. Ek moes 6 nagte aaneen werk maar ek het erg stof( meer modder) opgeskop en nou werk ek 2 nagte 3x met ‘n nag af tussenin,dit help darem bietjie!
Die mees wonderlikste ding bebeur toe Donderdagaand Barry soos sy gewonnte skakel die buitelig aan om te sien of die jakkalsies al opgedaag het en wie sit toe daar onder die heining in die reën? Niemand anders as Professor nie! Hy is dadelik met groot vreugde verwelkom en het sommer ‘n blikkie Tuna vis gekry! Toe hy naderkom sien ons dat hy duidelik getrap was deur ‘n voertuig, sy linker agter poot is opgetrek en dit mag ‘n gebreekte heup wees! Hy is terug en kan oor die weg kom en ons is erg bly daaroor! Blackie –blink van al die heerlike kos wat hy nou die afgelope 3 weke alleen verorber het en die jakkalsies kom nou vroeg want die dae is mos nou baie korter as lankal toe hulle vir die eerste keer opgedaag het! Hulle jassies glinster in die lig!
Ons geniet ons dieretuin baie! Die voeltjies daag nou in troppe op en ons wag nog vir die groot maat grondboontjies 25kg sak want die kleiner hoeveelhede kos bitter duur! Hulle kry saadbolle en hawermout op die oomblik! As dit erg koud word gee ons ook kalkoen byvoeding! Hulle hou baie van die kalkoen/gans kos en dit kan enige iemand bekostig! 25kg @€11.
Verjaardae: Geen een op my lysie nie en as dit verkeerd is is dit nie my skuld nie! Lekker verjaar!aan almal! Ons dink ook baie spesiaal aan al die jong dames en jongmanne wat met hul eind-eksamens in SA begin- Matriek! Leer lekker en geniet dit!
Baie dankie vir die briefies en fotos van tiervisse en visarende! Veels geluk aan die Zambiërs! Haya en familie op die plaas- ek dink dit moet ‘n wonderlike ervaring wees! Trotse Ouma en Oupa wat gaan spog! Ons weet tog alles daarvan af! Nine wat so besig is , ek hoop jou bure en vriende waardeer jou bedagsaamheid!
Hessie ek dink julle moet Kongo toe trek daar is baie reën en goeie grond! Ek dank baie aan julle met die droogte en die son wat so ongenadiglik op julle neer skyn terwyl dit hier aaneen reën!
Nou ja ek rus van orgel speel môre maar sal die singkant ondersteun! Ons het ‘n besoekende predikant en sal gewis ons eie predikant baie mis!
Ook baie jammer oor die atlete wat vanmôre naby Midrand doodgery is! ‘n Ongeluk gebeur so gou! Wees tog altyd versigtig veral die wat vêr ente moet ry!
Hou jul deure gesluit en wees beraad!
Ons groet vanuit ‘n druipnat Cranleymore!
Liefde groete
Barry & Christina
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Greetings from a wet Cranleymore
Saturday 15 Oct’11
Good day to you all, family and friends!
It is beyond miserable outside, it is raining, not misty or a soft drizzle, it is raining, continuously. There was some relief on Thursday afternoon when the sun came out the wind lied down the clouds disappeared and the temperatures rose to 21°. We were outside picking berries for another bottle of jam, having coffee in the back yard, looking over the fence at all the new cattle Jimmy, the neighbour bought!!! That was then- but unfortunately today is like the days before Thursday and since! I have to admit it is not cold and that is a blessing.
Very unusual - the flowers starts to flower all over again and there is new growth everywhere the roses are plentiful and the dahlias we thought were dead and gone are absolutely lovely , we also have a ‘stokroos’ in flower, never thought we will ever experience that in this country!
All my promulgated stems seem to have taken and I will do some more especially of the wonderful dahlias!
We cut the grass quickly last Thursday a week ago when the wind dried out the grass but could not get into the ground since. When you walk on the grass it is like a sponge, sucking you in.
The cabbages and cauliflowers are out of this world- also a trial as we have never planted winter veggies before .There is a promise of some dry weather coming around Monday and then we hope to plant our winter onions, Anemones, and wonderful varieties of Tulips discovered yesterday! After 7 years of extremely hard work the lawn mower is in dire need of replacement and as always the prices drop tremendously over the winter months and we were out shopping for one yesterday, did not buy one yet but will watch the prices and maybe in the next month we hope to have a new lawnmower!
Our visiting animals have become less. The grey cat with his wonderful Professor expression has not been seen for 2 weeks or more and I hope that he is well. The foxes are big and bold, with shining coats from the good food they get from the Dunnes.
The little hedgehog has not been seen but with all the new cattle in the field behind the house it is possible that he feels threatened! The boss of the place Blackie thinks he belongs to us now! He has become quite tame and miaau for his milk and food!
I got some orchids from my friend Marthie earlier in the year that were drowned by their carer but I have, with good care revived them and they stand in full flower, The big orchid has 2 stems growing at alarming speed and all going well we might have flowers on there for Easter.
I spoke to Lukas a few minutes ago- who is really just too good to be true. At nearly 18mnths old, he is at least 6 mnths ahead in his milestones and perception. Using both hands equally well and talks! All going well, God willing, they will be over at the end of the month when we have a bank holiday on the 31st- cannot wait. Haya enjoy the grandmother feeling – it is something that grows!
At work things are moving fast- the Emergency department has been quite busy and that means extra work for us in the ward. The principle of patient safety is still in question as we have to look after 16- 20 surgical cases as well as at least 6 high dependency medical cases at present – only 2 nurses and no carer. The new Lamina Flow theatres will soon be ready and also the High Care Unit for hip and knee replacements. The hospital was built a good few years ago before there was piped oxygen and suction- all these facilities had to be installed to pass accreditation for the HCU. We still use oxygen cylinders in the wards.
The staff is working very hard with many extra hours which are given back in ‘Time Owing’ rather than getting paid! The accreditation is behind us and we seemed to have done very well.
Official report will be available in 2 weeks.
Birthdays for the following week!
Rina Herbst’s birthday is tomorrow 16th We hope and pray that the year ahead will bring good health and many wonderful hours with your flowers! Paul Eloff, son of Oubaas & Gerda, who most probably do not have a clue who I am, has his birthday on the 18th! Study well young man and every success with the exams!
Marthie Potgieter, my dear friend here in Longford is a year older on the 20th! Happy Birthday- may this year bring you great joy!
Tomorrow , as always is the best day of my week. I am in front of the organ and I am looking forward to the Praise we will bring our Lord! We enjoy the wonderful preaching from a very gifted minister and look forward to tomorrow’s sermon!
Thank you for all the lovely letters I received and especially to Joy in Brisbane who writes so regularly!
Now that Wales is out of the World cup we have not decided who we favour- I am not fond of the French but they are now all that is left from this side of the world!
We read the SA news and are sometimes very saddened by the murders and rape reports- not that it is any better anywhere else- but just because it is my homeland.
Therefore, be diligent in your safety procedures and take good care of yourselves!
I greet you from a very wet Cranleymore
Barry & Christina
Good day to you all, family and friends!
It is beyond miserable outside, it is raining, not misty or a soft drizzle, it is raining, continuously. There was some relief on Thursday afternoon when the sun came out the wind lied down the clouds disappeared and the temperatures rose to 21°. We were outside picking berries for another bottle of jam, having coffee in the back yard, looking over the fence at all the new cattle Jimmy, the neighbour bought!!! That was then- but unfortunately today is like the days before Thursday and since! I have to admit it is not cold and that is a blessing.
Very unusual - the flowers starts to flower all over again and there is new growth everywhere the roses are plentiful and the dahlias we thought were dead and gone are absolutely lovely , we also have a ‘stokroos’ in flower, never thought we will ever experience that in this country!
All my promulgated stems seem to have taken and I will do some more especially of the wonderful dahlias!
We cut the grass quickly last Thursday a week ago when the wind dried out the grass but could not get into the ground since. When you walk on the grass it is like a sponge, sucking you in.
The cabbages and cauliflowers are out of this world- also a trial as we have never planted winter veggies before .There is a promise of some dry weather coming around Monday and then we hope to plant our winter onions, Anemones, and wonderful varieties of Tulips discovered yesterday! After 7 years of extremely hard work the lawn mower is in dire need of replacement and as always the prices drop tremendously over the winter months and we were out shopping for one yesterday, did not buy one yet but will watch the prices and maybe in the next month we hope to have a new lawnmower!
Our visiting animals have become less. The grey cat with his wonderful Professor expression has not been seen for 2 weeks or more and I hope that he is well. The foxes are big and bold, with shining coats from the good food they get from the Dunnes.
The little hedgehog has not been seen but with all the new cattle in the field behind the house it is possible that he feels threatened! The boss of the place Blackie thinks he belongs to us now! He has become quite tame and miaau for his milk and food!
I got some orchids from my friend Marthie earlier in the year that were drowned by their carer but I have, with good care revived them and they stand in full flower, The big orchid has 2 stems growing at alarming speed and all going well we might have flowers on there for Easter.
I spoke to Lukas a few minutes ago- who is really just too good to be true. At nearly 18mnths old, he is at least 6 mnths ahead in his milestones and perception. Using both hands equally well and talks! All going well, God willing, they will be over at the end of the month when we have a bank holiday on the 31st- cannot wait. Haya enjoy the grandmother feeling – it is something that grows!
At work things are moving fast- the Emergency department has been quite busy and that means extra work for us in the ward. The principle of patient safety is still in question as we have to look after 16- 20 surgical cases as well as at least 6 high dependency medical cases at present – only 2 nurses and no carer. The new Lamina Flow theatres will soon be ready and also the High Care Unit for hip and knee replacements. The hospital was built a good few years ago before there was piped oxygen and suction- all these facilities had to be installed to pass accreditation for the HCU. We still use oxygen cylinders in the wards.
The staff is working very hard with many extra hours which are given back in ‘Time Owing’ rather than getting paid! The accreditation is behind us and we seemed to have done very well.
Official report will be available in 2 weeks.
Birthdays for the following week!
Rina Herbst’s birthday is tomorrow 16th We hope and pray that the year ahead will bring good health and many wonderful hours with your flowers! Paul Eloff, son of Oubaas & Gerda, who most probably do not have a clue who I am, has his birthday on the 18th! Study well young man and every success with the exams!
Marthie Potgieter, my dear friend here in Longford is a year older on the 20th! Happy Birthday- may this year bring you great joy!
Tomorrow , as always is the best day of my week. I am in front of the organ and I am looking forward to the Praise we will bring our Lord! We enjoy the wonderful preaching from a very gifted minister and look forward to tomorrow’s sermon!
Thank you for all the lovely letters I received and especially to Joy in Brisbane who writes so regularly!
Now that Wales is out of the World cup we have not decided who we favour- I am not fond of the French but they are now all that is left from this side of the world!
We read the SA news and are sometimes very saddened by the murders and rape reports- not that it is any better anywhere else- but just because it is my homeland.
Therefore, be diligent in your safety procedures and take good care of yourselves!
I greet you from a very wet Cranleymore
Barry & Christina
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Groete vanuit 'n warm dag in Cranleymore
Saterdag 8 Oktober’11
Goeie dag allemaal, familie en vriende!
Die son het laat( na 8.45) deur die wolke gebreek maar toe dit gebeur was dit asof daar kristal glas klink in die sontrale, dit het suiwer ‘geping’ so ‘n stralende oggend en vroeg middag was dit- byna nie te glo nie.
Ons kom nou net van buite in waar ons een van die potplante wat nou reeds 5 jaar in sy pot is, moes uitplant want so mooi as vandag is so verpletterend was die reën en die wind van tussen 90-110m/p/u. Die pot was groot en die boombos ook- maar die wind se krag het dit soos ‘n veertjie van die stoep rand afgeveeg,te pletter op die aarde wat 3vt weg was, geval. Stukke het afgebreek wat ons vinnig by ander goed ingesteek het maar ons kon van weë die reën nie lank genoeg buite bly om ‘n gat te grawe en die groot bosboom te plant nie.
Met heel party stukke af staan hy nou ewe trosts en veilig in die aarde geplant- ons hoop dat die skok nie te groot sal wees nie.
Omdat die weer regtig nie te koud is nie bly daar nog baie blomme oor wat steeds pragtig lyk- die hanekamme floreer op die oomblik en so ook die dalias wat ons gedog het, is dood. Die begonias bly ‘n treffer hierdie jaar!
Ek was baie besig gedurende dieweek en het stiggies gesny van rose en klim plante ook van die peer boom en dit in groei stof gesteek en in spesiaal voorgbereide potte geplant en ons hoop van harte dat dit gaan groei.
Temperature vandag 20-22° ligte windjie – die son wat so helder geskyn het,nou, tenspyte van sy enorme krag, weg. Hy kan net nie die wolke uit sy pad gebrand kry nie en dit het reeds vandat ek kom sit het so donker geword dat ek die lig moes aanskakel en dit sal seker nounou giet!
Ons dieretuin het bietjie skade gelei want met dié dat die jakkalsies nou tieners is en baie sku is, kom hul heelwat later eet- hulle het seker nie gehou van die spreilig wat hulle so pragtig tentoon gestel het nie.
Die krimp varkie het ons ook lanklaas gesien maar ons weet hy is hier want sy gangetjies wat hy deur die lang gras in die onder veld loop gee sy teenwoordigheid weg!
Blackie, die swart kat verbeel hom nou dat hy reg het op ons agterplaas en is so te sê die baas! Sit op die vensterbank en tjank vir melk en kos sommer enige tyd van die dag!
Professor is skoon veld- het hom seker 10 dae gelede laas gesien- my hart trek sommer saam as ek dink dat hy dalk iets oorgekom het.
Die voeltjies was vir ‘n lang ruk weg – seker op konferensie en begin nou stadig maar seker terug keer na die groen wei velde van Cranleymore.Die swaeltjies is oppad SA toe!
Ons het vanmore gaan inkopies doen vir die voeltjies maar vind dat die emmer met grondboontjies half is en die prys byna dubbel.Kosbolletjies is darem nog redelik! moet nou plan maak om ‘n paar ton te koop en self te verpak en te verkoop!
Nou ja, daar is natuurlik slegte nuus ook op hierdie dag en die waters in die Ierse see het aansienlik gestyg van al die trane wat deur die Engelse en die Iere gestort is in die vroeë môre ure! Om darem so wakker te word is darem nie lekker nie, uiteindelik is dit die beste span wat wegloop as die wenners en die nabetragting en post mortems is deurtrek met verwyte en wat hulle moes gedoen het! Hulle kan nou sommer geld spaar en met dieselfde vliegtuig huistoe kom!
Ons het gister gaan kyk na ‘n veiling wat in Virginia Co Cavan môre middag gaan plaasvind! Die oorspronklike huis moes ‘n goeie
300 jr gelede gebou gewees het, stukkies is met die tyd aanglas en dit maak dit baie interesant! Die voorkant is op die straat en moes op een of andertyd ook as winkel gedien het. Die kombuis se vuurhert is nog net soos dit eeue terug was met die yster stang wat uitdraai, ketel wat daaraan hang en dan oor die vuur kook! Die ou dame was 94 toe sy oorlede is en sy het in die huis groot geword wat aan haar grootouers behoort het. Sy het hulle tot hul dood versorg en is toe later self daar oorlede ‘n maand of twee gelede nooit getrou nie. Die ou Ysterkatel beddens, meubels wat baie baie jare oud is, regtige antieke goed, ‘n klavier wat later jare bygekom het met ingelegte hout en die kandelare nog met die kers druppels steeds daarin!. Sommige van die boeke dateer uit die jaar 1850 met hofsake wat opgeskryf is,’n werklike belewenis!
Sielig was ook die geraamte van ‘n kat wat in die agterplaas in ‘n val gevang was en seker daar van hongerte gesterf het. Alles net soos dit was, vir baie jare.‘n Ou Pennyfarnum(spelling????) fiets en die ‘pony trap’ met al die bybehore!
Die pad na Virginia is baie mooi, kronkel deur boomtonnels en plekplek moet jy jou ligte aanskakel anders sien jy niks! Daar is ook ander paaie maar ons hou baie van die een wat by Old Castle verby gaan.
Dit is nie regtig vêr maar neem tog baie langer as wat dit sou neem om in die Vrystaat van dorp na dorp te ry want die pad is maar nou en as ‘n vragmotor van voor kom staan jy maar geduldig eenkant en wag dat hy by jou verby skuur en dan kry natuurlik die boer met trekker en sleepwa wat vir niks en niemand uit die pad sal draai of plek maak nie!tog is dit heerlik en pragtig om alles so van naby te beleef!
Hier is die spektakel van President kandidate, van wie die pers en radio mense met groot genoeë, elkeen se vuilwasgoed na buite krap en oopvlek vir die publiek, aan die gang. Dit maak jou naar. Integriteit bestaan dood eenvoudig nie. Die TV debat was duidelik ‘n modderslingende geveg en het my laat skaam voel dat iemand wat eendag ons President moet wees hulle so sleg kan gedra!Daar was wel een wat erg deurgeloop het en volgens my , hom die beste van die ellende gekwyt het en dit was die “ verskriklike terroris” soos wat hulle hom beskryf het, Martin McGuinness. Hierdie land se mense het geen benul van ‘Truth and Reconciliation’ nie. Genoeg gesê- voor ek gestenig word
Môre is die beste dag van die week en ek sal in die bank sit en luister en sing! Mag dit vir almal ‘n baie geseënde Sondag wees.
Verjaardae:Hildegard van Br Mendel verjaar die 12de, Jaco van Marle die 14e. Beste wense julle toegewens.
Ek begin weer Maandagaand werk en dan is die tyd van rus en niks doen ook verby! Die skof gaan lank en moeilik wees want ons is aangesê om geen verlof te neem oor Kers en Nuwejaar nie want met die Noodgevalle wat oop is moet ons gereed wees om te verpleeg en te versorg! Die teaters sal net gebruik word vir noodgevalle gedurende daardie tyd!
Baie dankie vir al die briefies wat ek ontvang het – wonder net waar Paul in Vanderbijl is , sy pos kom terug, Tjaart miskien kan jy vir my by Br Mendel uitvind? Ek moet ook ‘n ander adres vir Arnolda kry sy is ook nie op kantoor nie!
Onse Lukas is die punt van ons harte- gisteraand praat ek met hom oor die foon en hy sing toe vir my saam met sy pa ‘Baba black sheep’ en Twinkle twinkle little Star. Sy geliefde uitdrukking is:” O no! O dear!”” Okay, wat hy lank uitrek.Oookaaaaayyyyy!” Hy sê dit met soveel emosie , jy moet dit waardeer. – Haya en Gerlof , laat my maar toe om bietjie te spog!
Soos altyd is julle almal altyd in ons gebede vir veiligheid en seën.
Hou deure gesluit, ry versigtig!
Groete vanuit Cranleymore waar dit ‘n wonderlike dag in laat herfs is.
Barry & Christina
Goeie dag allemaal, familie en vriende!
Die son het laat( na 8.45) deur die wolke gebreek maar toe dit gebeur was dit asof daar kristal glas klink in die sontrale, dit het suiwer ‘geping’ so ‘n stralende oggend en vroeg middag was dit- byna nie te glo nie.
Ons kom nou net van buite in waar ons een van die potplante wat nou reeds 5 jaar in sy pot is, moes uitplant want so mooi as vandag is so verpletterend was die reën en die wind van tussen 90-110m/p/u. Die pot was groot en die boombos ook- maar die wind se krag het dit soos ‘n veertjie van die stoep rand afgeveeg,te pletter op die aarde wat 3vt weg was, geval. Stukke het afgebreek wat ons vinnig by ander goed ingesteek het maar ons kon van weë die reën nie lank genoeg buite bly om ‘n gat te grawe en die groot bosboom te plant nie.
Met heel party stukke af staan hy nou ewe trosts en veilig in die aarde geplant- ons hoop dat die skok nie te groot sal wees nie.
Omdat die weer regtig nie te koud is nie bly daar nog baie blomme oor wat steeds pragtig lyk- die hanekamme floreer op die oomblik en so ook die dalias wat ons gedog het, is dood. Die begonias bly ‘n treffer hierdie jaar!
Ek was baie besig gedurende dieweek en het stiggies gesny van rose en klim plante ook van die peer boom en dit in groei stof gesteek en in spesiaal voorgbereide potte geplant en ons hoop van harte dat dit gaan groei.
Temperature vandag 20-22° ligte windjie – die son wat so helder geskyn het,nou, tenspyte van sy enorme krag, weg. Hy kan net nie die wolke uit sy pad gebrand kry nie en dit het reeds vandat ek kom sit het so donker geword dat ek die lig moes aanskakel en dit sal seker nounou giet!
Ons dieretuin het bietjie skade gelei want met dié dat die jakkalsies nou tieners is en baie sku is, kom hul heelwat later eet- hulle het seker nie gehou van die spreilig wat hulle so pragtig tentoon gestel het nie.
Die krimp varkie het ons ook lanklaas gesien maar ons weet hy is hier want sy gangetjies wat hy deur die lang gras in die onder veld loop gee sy teenwoordigheid weg!
Blackie, die swart kat verbeel hom nou dat hy reg het op ons agterplaas en is so te sê die baas! Sit op die vensterbank en tjank vir melk en kos sommer enige tyd van die dag!
Professor is skoon veld- het hom seker 10 dae gelede laas gesien- my hart trek sommer saam as ek dink dat hy dalk iets oorgekom het.
Die voeltjies was vir ‘n lang ruk weg – seker op konferensie en begin nou stadig maar seker terug keer na die groen wei velde van Cranleymore.Die swaeltjies is oppad SA toe!
Ons het vanmore gaan inkopies doen vir die voeltjies maar vind dat die emmer met grondboontjies half is en die prys byna dubbel.Kosbolletjies is darem nog redelik! moet nou plan maak om ‘n paar ton te koop en self te verpak en te verkoop!
Nou ja, daar is natuurlik slegte nuus ook op hierdie dag en die waters in die Ierse see het aansienlik gestyg van al die trane wat deur die Engelse en die Iere gestort is in die vroeë môre ure! Om darem so wakker te word is darem nie lekker nie, uiteindelik is dit die beste span wat wegloop as die wenners en die nabetragting en post mortems is deurtrek met verwyte en wat hulle moes gedoen het! Hulle kan nou sommer geld spaar en met dieselfde vliegtuig huistoe kom!
Ons het gister gaan kyk na ‘n veiling wat in Virginia Co Cavan môre middag gaan plaasvind! Die oorspronklike huis moes ‘n goeie
300 jr gelede gebou gewees het, stukkies is met die tyd aanglas en dit maak dit baie interesant! Die voorkant is op die straat en moes op een of andertyd ook as winkel gedien het. Die kombuis se vuurhert is nog net soos dit eeue terug was met die yster stang wat uitdraai, ketel wat daaraan hang en dan oor die vuur kook! Die ou dame was 94 toe sy oorlede is en sy het in die huis groot geword wat aan haar grootouers behoort het. Sy het hulle tot hul dood versorg en is toe later self daar oorlede ‘n maand of twee gelede nooit getrou nie. Die ou Ysterkatel beddens, meubels wat baie baie jare oud is, regtige antieke goed, ‘n klavier wat later jare bygekom het met ingelegte hout en die kandelare nog met die kers druppels steeds daarin!. Sommige van die boeke dateer uit die jaar 1850 met hofsake wat opgeskryf is,’n werklike belewenis!
Sielig was ook die geraamte van ‘n kat wat in die agterplaas in ‘n val gevang was en seker daar van hongerte gesterf het. Alles net soos dit was, vir baie jare.‘n Ou Pennyfarnum(spelling????) fiets en die ‘pony trap’ met al die bybehore!
Die pad na Virginia is baie mooi, kronkel deur boomtonnels en plekplek moet jy jou ligte aanskakel anders sien jy niks! Daar is ook ander paaie maar ons hou baie van die een wat by Old Castle verby gaan.
Dit is nie regtig vêr maar neem tog baie langer as wat dit sou neem om in die Vrystaat van dorp na dorp te ry want die pad is maar nou en as ‘n vragmotor van voor kom staan jy maar geduldig eenkant en wag dat hy by jou verby skuur en dan kry natuurlik die boer met trekker en sleepwa wat vir niks en niemand uit die pad sal draai of plek maak nie!tog is dit heerlik en pragtig om alles so van naby te beleef!
Hier is die spektakel van President kandidate, van wie die pers en radio mense met groot genoeë, elkeen se vuilwasgoed na buite krap en oopvlek vir die publiek, aan die gang. Dit maak jou naar. Integriteit bestaan dood eenvoudig nie. Die TV debat was duidelik ‘n modderslingende geveg en het my laat skaam voel dat iemand wat eendag ons President moet wees hulle so sleg kan gedra!Daar was wel een wat erg deurgeloop het en volgens my , hom die beste van die ellende gekwyt het en dit was die “ verskriklike terroris” soos wat hulle hom beskryf het, Martin McGuinness. Hierdie land se mense het geen benul van ‘Truth and Reconciliation’ nie. Genoeg gesê- voor ek gestenig word
Môre is die beste dag van die week en ek sal in die bank sit en luister en sing! Mag dit vir almal ‘n baie geseënde Sondag wees.
Verjaardae:Hildegard van Br Mendel verjaar die 12de, Jaco van Marle die 14e. Beste wense julle toegewens.
Ek begin weer Maandagaand werk en dan is die tyd van rus en niks doen ook verby! Die skof gaan lank en moeilik wees want ons is aangesê om geen verlof te neem oor Kers en Nuwejaar nie want met die Noodgevalle wat oop is moet ons gereed wees om te verpleeg en te versorg! Die teaters sal net gebruik word vir noodgevalle gedurende daardie tyd!
Baie dankie vir al die briefies wat ek ontvang het – wonder net waar Paul in Vanderbijl is , sy pos kom terug, Tjaart miskien kan jy vir my by Br Mendel uitvind? Ek moet ook ‘n ander adres vir Arnolda kry sy is ook nie op kantoor nie!
Onse Lukas is die punt van ons harte- gisteraand praat ek met hom oor die foon en hy sing toe vir my saam met sy pa ‘Baba black sheep’ en Twinkle twinkle little Star. Sy geliefde uitdrukking is:” O no! O dear!”” Okay, wat hy lank uitrek.Oookaaaaayyyyy!” Hy sê dit met soveel emosie , jy moet dit waardeer. – Haya en Gerlof , laat my maar toe om bietjie te spog!
Soos altyd is julle almal altyd in ons gebede vir veiligheid en seën.
Hou deure gesluit, ry versigtig!
Groete vanuit Cranleymore waar dit ‘n wonderlike dag in laat herfs is.
Barry & Christina
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Autumn Greetings from a wet Cranleymore
Saturday 1st October’11
Good day to you all, family and friends.
Two letters in one week is slightly much therefore just a Memo today!
Just back from Northern Ireland where we attended an Antique Auction in Enniskillen- As the auction took place at 18h00 last night we decided to have less stress and booked into the hotel where the Auction was going to take place. Viewing was earlier in the day at the old Georgian house of a Vet who‘s wife is still living there until the house is sold!
Three stories high with a basement, narrow staircase and how they got the furniture to the top floor must have asked some muscle and patience!
We now have to arrange transport for a chest of drawers which we had hoped will fit into the car but was too heavy and large! The small things came home with us! As hot as it is in England and Wales – so miserable and wet is it with us! We had 2 lovely days out of the Indian Summer which was promised but being at the end of every weather system we always just get the last lick!
On Thursday morning I noticed a fox at the side of the road which must have been killed during the night! It could be one of ours but maybe not, we have not seen them this last week, we think they are getting clever and know that we watch them and are tired of the show! The hedgehog is not bothered and he stands still while Barry crumbles the bread around him! They were all very neglected yesterday and last night but not to worry Blackie was on the windowsill waiting when we arrived. Professor has to check the field carefully before approaching the eating area! The swallows have left!!!!
They called me from the hospital to help out tomorrow night so I will do a stint in the middle of my holidays. It is only one night and I do not mind!
Thought I picked the last of my sweet peas but the more I pick the better they look! The winter veggies are beautiful in the garden and we are watching the Brussels sprouts forming on the storks and cannot wait to eat our own sprouts!
The rugby fever has waned slightly here as the Irish have not been playing, only until tomorrow morning, then we will have it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and supper.
The presidential candidates, seven in all are having a month of canvassing to be elected as the President of Ireland. There are a few dubious characters partaking and we can only hope and pray that the one with the most integrity gets there in the end!
On the financial front doom and gloom in sight! How Europe is going solve the problems stays a riddle! I think that everything should close for a week. Everything that trades, banks, shops and then start from the beginning. Forget everything that happened before, have a clean slate and get on with it! Would that not been wonderful, but unfortunately it does not work like that and we have to keep on struggling until we are no more. There will always be the gambler, the optimist and the pessimist and between them you have to make your way! The hardworking middleman becomes the backbone of the economy- paying taxes and keeps the wheel turning over!
Birthdays for this week! Derek Duvenhage in PMB hope you have good day and year on the 4/10! SarahJane Starnes will also be a year older on the same day! Have a wonderful day!
To those of whom I have no record- I hope that your days will be good as well!
Tomorrow is the best day of my week and after the successful Harvest Service of last week we are back to normal. I am playing the organ and all is well!
Hope that the new parents in Reitz are coping well with Cobus Jnr!
Haya, we are sorry to hear about your dog- yes and I do feel like you that there should be a dog/animal/pet heaven!
Your safety is always a concern to us and we hope that you all drive safely and lock the doors!
Take care!
From us in Cranleymore where the first day in October brings us one step nearer to late autumn.
Barry & Christina
Good day to you all, family and friends.
Two letters in one week is slightly much therefore just a Memo today!
Just back from Northern Ireland where we attended an Antique Auction in Enniskillen- As the auction took place at 18h00 last night we decided to have less stress and booked into the hotel where the Auction was going to take place. Viewing was earlier in the day at the old Georgian house of a Vet who‘s wife is still living there until the house is sold!
Three stories high with a basement, narrow staircase and how they got the furniture to the top floor must have asked some muscle and patience!
We now have to arrange transport for a chest of drawers which we had hoped will fit into the car but was too heavy and large! The small things came home with us! As hot as it is in England and Wales – so miserable and wet is it with us! We had 2 lovely days out of the Indian Summer which was promised but being at the end of every weather system we always just get the last lick!
On Thursday morning I noticed a fox at the side of the road which must have been killed during the night! It could be one of ours but maybe not, we have not seen them this last week, we think they are getting clever and know that we watch them and are tired of the show! The hedgehog is not bothered and he stands still while Barry crumbles the bread around him! They were all very neglected yesterday and last night but not to worry Blackie was on the windowsill waiting when we arrived. Professor has to check the field carefully before approaching the eating area! The swallows have left!!!!
They called me from the hospital to help out tomorrow night so I will do a stint in the middle of my holidays. It is only one night and I do not mind!
Thought I picked the last of my sweet peas but the more I pick the better they look! The winter veggies are beautiful in the garden and we are watching the Brussels sprouts forming on the storks and cannot wait to eat our own sprouts!
The rugby fever has waned slightly here as the Irish have not been playing, only until tomorrow morning, then we will have it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and supper.
The presidential candidates, seven in all are having a month of canvassing to be elected as the President of Ireland. There are a few dubious characters partaking and we can only hope and pray that the one with the most integrity gets there in the end!
On the financial front doom and gloom in sight! How Europe is going solve the problems stays a riddle! I think that everything should close for a week. Everything that trades, banks, shops and then start from the beginning. Forget everything that happened before, have a clean slate and get on with it! Would that not been wonderful, but unfortunately it does not work like that and we have to keep on struggling until we are no more. There will always be the gambler, the optimist and the pessimist and between them you have to make your way! The hardworking middleman becomes the backbone of the economy- paying taxes and keeps the wheel turning over!
Birthdays for this week! Derek Duvenhage in PMB hope you have good day and year on the 4/10! SarahJane Starnes will also be a year older on the same day! Have a wonderful day!
To those of whom I have no record- I hope that your days will be good as well!
Tomorrow is the best day of my week and after the successful Harvest Service of last week we are back to normal. I am playing the organ and all is well!
Hope that the new parents in Reitz are coping well with Cobus Jnr!
Haya, we are sorry to hear about your dog- yes and I do feel like you that there should be a dog/animal/pet heaven!
Your safety is always a concern to us and we hope that you all drive safely and lock the doors!
Take care!
From us in Cranleymore where the first day in October brings us one step nearer to late autumn.
Barry & Christina
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