Late Autumn regards

Tuesday 23 October’12 Good day to all, family and friends, I am on holiday and feel as if I can move the world –just out of pure gladness! It was a long and heavy stretch with enormous responsibilities. To make a good start we decided to go to NOBBER a village somewhere north-east of Cranleymore but to get there, we took the Castlepollard road which is not a main road but will get you there in the end- I still have not got my orientation to South North East and West correct here in the Northern hemisphere and all the way it felt to me as if I am driving south west but according to the map we were going North east – how-? I still cannot figure out! I came of duty yesterday morning, were home at 9.15am had a cup of tea and although we spoke about going to Nobber over the weekend no final arrangements were made! Barry not a keen leaver of the house and always reluctant to go anywhere, were quite happy when I suggested that if we go I think we will sleep over in Kells the nearest big town to Nobber. I went from the breakfast table to the computer to do the booking- and went to bed! Barry woke me at 2.15pm and after a very light lunch we left at 3.15pm. The reason for us going to Nobber is because some time ago, we chose this auction company to sell our goods which was picked up - antique furniture, briq-a-braq, we collected over the last few years- to be sold by public auction of which one already took place but because I was working we could not attend- we thought it a good idea to make the effort and see how things go. From Edgeworthstown we went via several small towns to Delvin and on N52 to Kells we were there in an hour and ½ -drove 2 times through town before we found the hotel but eventually arrived and were pleasantly surprised! We booked in and left immediately for Nobber which is still another few kilometres further north. The auction premises were very big and well situated in the main road. Just a village with wide streets. After viewing we were satisfied that we identified our goods and waited in the car for the start. Where we parked was a real proper “Fish and Chips” shop- we never do things like this but we got fresh cod and lovely crisp freshly made chips, salt and vinegar for our evening meal! We truly licked our fingers and lips afterwards-it was far too much and the cat and the other animals that visit us, are enjoying the rest at this very moment. All went well and when our last items were sold we left. It was now raining and very dark, we drove this time straight to the hotel, and confronted with the newest technology where your key even activates the lift, we entered a lovely room with everything we could wish for. We were both tired and the hotel heating system was excellent - we only covered ourselves with a sheet and slept peacefully through a very quiet night. Breakfast was good and off we went-as always, we never take the same road back and this time- as it was bright daylight we went back on a real country road-beautiful via Crossakeel, King Cross roads, here in front of us was hen pheasant walking leisurely in the middle of the road then Killallen, back to Delvin. From Delvin to Collinstown-CastlePollard, Coole, Lismacaffry Lisryan and home! The trees were all in their autumn colours and it was a real pleasure and treat. We were back for 11am in our own home, ever so much a pleasant experience! Our next trip will be to Westport watching the weather so that we can utilise the best of the late autumn weather. During lunch we noticed the first visitor from the Arctic a lovely bird called thrush. They visit regularly during our winter. Our other bird live is well and alive, doves, gold finches, green finches and the rest. The other visitors are continually a great experience. Blackie the cat allowed me to take a picture of him. I worked the last weekend and that meant that I missed Sunday’s church but we will be there for the next 3 Sundays for sure. Our own minister has been declared well enough to commence services ,God willing, again on the 4th Nov and we are so thankful for his recovery. The evenings are coming in fast and next Sunday night the clocks go back an hour and we will then be 2 hours behind SA. To me, a ridiculous arrangement. Barry was contacted by our rough Mr Penrose and he agreed to sell good turf to us at Barry’s price. Now we are well prepared for the winter. They are a family concern all inter married- living on a piece of ground given to them by a Good Samaritan with a bog as part of the land! There are still areas which are allowed to cut turf as per EU regulations as Adelbert correctly stated –we do not want end up like Holland –hollow – but not only that- they are worried about the fauna and flora more than allowing us to fall into a hole. The flowers are still going strong and I picked still about 50 sweat-peas on Saturday morning. Bringing the most pleasant smell into the house! On the political front we experience every now and then anxious moment with IMF, Troika and Angela Merkel make statements that does not correlate with what our politicians tell us.. The Prime Minister thinks that by pecking her on the cheek when- ever he sees her that it will some- how spare us more monitory problems and the billions we owe, payback period will be extended. They lie so much that they forget what they told us 3 months ago and their tune change with every daybreak. We had a very sad time over the last few days when 2 children 3 yrs and 12 weeks old was killed when a car drove into a father walking with his children on a road where there is a hard shoulder. The sorrow of the incident has gripped us all. Another murder of a vet in Wales also touched the Irish as she is from Ireland and has only been living in Wales for the last 2 years. Another idiot and murderer that will not tell them where the body is. I heard from Isabel that Georg is writing exams –we hope that it is going well. To any other young people writing exams, our best wishes- to Sandra’s Mom we hold her in our prayers. Nine, Stefan and baby Christiaan are very specially brought in prayer to the Lord for strength and faith. We also think of Nanette and Brandon –we hope that the treatment for Brandon will be blessed! Birthdays: I have only Monique du Toit having her birthday on the 31st Happy Birthday to you! How about and update on little Evie? I have come to the end of my ramblings and would just remind you of being careful, alert and safe in all your doings! Regards from us in Cranleymore where autumn is showing its most glorious splendour in colours. Barry and Christina