Upside down summer greeting from Cranleymore

Saturday 14 July ‘12 Good day to all, family and friends They promised we will have some sunshine today and tomorrow but they forgot to tell us that is just a dream! The clouds are layer upon layer -you can cut it with a knife and will need a real good carving knife with a long blade to get through all the layers. One thing I have to admit there is water in the air but it is not raining! Many things happened this past week. Tuesday we brought the front wheel driven lawn mower back to the shop where they graciously gave us a refund. Then the search for another lawn mower started-in Home Base we could not find what Barry wanted and after visiting 3 more places we still could not make up our minds. After a cup of African tea we felt more refreshed and returned to a provider that we promise we will not entertain again as we previously found their spares dept for our stove (boiler) unreliable but if they now have the best machine then you overlook and forget. The washing mashing has been making the most terrible noise when it starts spinning- 7 years later one would expect something to give notice and I imagine it must be a bearing somewhere in the deepest part of the machines’ digestive system. It would cost more to get some-one to come and have a look, quote and fix than a new one- that we also established. So with that in mind we did a double deal and got the lawn mower and washing machine at the same place with a discount on top of the discount already on the washing machine- all in all a good Tuesday. Delivery will take place the next day which suites us fine and no delivery charge as we did buy 2 items which is not something that happens every day in any shop now a days. We could do it as we got the refund for the other machine and we planned for the washing machine for some time! Every cent before spending it, is turned over and over to make sure that what you spend it on is value for money! Wednesday just before my rest period the lot arrived and the man was very good he brought the washing machine right into the kitchen for Barry! It stood there until this morning –and now it is installed and the first wash was done! Perfect- noiseless! I am very happy! The sun came out for a while on Thursday and Barry took this opportunity to make mincemeat of the grass in the garden, the lower field’s pathway and outside in the road! It looks good again! I worked 2 extra nights 2 weeks ago and instead of payment I got it back in time owing and worked only one night this week – that was a bonus! Barry eventually decided that a dish on the roof will improve his TV life and leave him with fewer headaches- as we have to look through a thick layer of mist to the BBC channels. The digital viewing which comes into operation 24 October provides us with 8 channels in Ireland but nothing more and we have been spoiled with the BBC channels and he will not be able to watch the OPEN next week in the mist- I tuned the lot to the best of my ability according to direction for analogue channels but my knowledge is not enough for complicated new world equipment. None of my working though but thanks to GOLF!.We will be able to enjoy a better picture, Just hope the man arrives before Thursday! The children are visiting tomorrow and we are looking forward to it. The plan is to have a braai and we had to laugh at the butcher in town’s face when we asked him if he does not have bigger T –bone steaks than those on the tray. He then produced a proper piece of meat and we told him 1” thick please! X4. Wow it looked good and I hope it will braai well! Lukas has also got a sandpit which can close with a lid to prevent rain and animal intruders to spoil it. Last time he played in the building sand that was left –not very hygienic and left him unpleasantly dirty and he is not fond of dirty hands! On Thursday with the sun shining the farmer behind us Jimmy O’Shaughnessy started cutting the grass and so my suffering started- No amount of anti-histamine tables, inhalers, nose drops/sprays and tissues could assist me in the sneezing sessions that followed and still continues! I hope they will finish today as the sneezing is very tiring and at time 4 sneezes come at once and there is no time to breathe in between! Dangerous for older people – I thought one outgrows things like Hay-fever! The only thing that helps is to drink very cold water- but that means I drink an enormous amount of water during the sneezing times> Blackie stayed away for a few days and we got worried but yesterday he arrived. Eating so fast that he nearly choked!. Our visiting grey doves are timid birds and very peaceful. The foxies are cute! Professor we have not seen now for 3 months or longer and we suspect that he is no more. The swallows took their time and fledged after 3 weeks in the nest also on Thursday they return there every night and still sleeps in the nest! They do not all fit in anymore- and it is very funny! The tomato plants were reaching the ceiling and had to be moved they are now parked outside next to the grapevine and the apple tree. Still looking good and we might have to get on the roof of the shed to pick the tomatoes! My orchids that I divided a year ago started to flower during the week and I feel good about the product! Birthdays: Leandri du Toit has a birthday on the 21st, Hope you will have a lovely day! We remember Werner in the 20th, who sadly passed away earlier in the year! Never a dull moment in Irish politics! The Min. Of Health’s name appeared in the gazette of people owing money – bad debts- he was away and on his arrival here had to please explain what, how, why and what is next? Could become very interesting. The outcome of the murder case in Mauritius last year of the Irish girl Mc Creevey was very sad- People here do not understand the mentality of other races as I think we do who come from SA.. We watch the dilemmas unveil there in London with the Olympics about 2 weeks away! They had 8 years to prepare and still all is not in place! I am back in front of the organ tomorrow after 2 weeks of absence and a need to praise the Lord with song and music! My best day of the week. We think also of Jeanne who has nearly 3 weeks behind her in SA-hope you are getting used to the cold! To those who have to travel please be careful and never forget safety at home! Summer in hiding greetings from Cranleymore Barry & Christina