Winter Greetings 2013

12 January 2013 Good day to all, family and friends, .....and then the cold came. After a very mild December with temperatures between 6-13°, we became spoiled and with a sweep of a brush we were plunged into -3, frost and freezing winds. The new plants and buds were surprised but have survived so far and we hope that not too much damage was done. Lambing time has arrived and everywhere in the fields you see the ewes with little lambs, it is such a good and wonderful sight, new life in a new year. Thank you Paul for the series of lovely photos of your December get- together, I did not recognise all the people in it but it was still a wonderful thing to look at people you know, even Elsje, Barend and Hurter, I surely did appreciate it. Also a big thank you for those who took time to write over the New Year, every little bit of life experiences, sorrows and happiness is important to me. Our year started with the one disaster after the other. The Electricity problem was just under control, the service department if Indesit notified about the problem with the washing machine and the broken down tumble dryer. We walked into the kitchen on Monday morning, a week ago and found the floor under water. Every bit of courage for the day ebbed away. The previous evening there was a crackle coming from the light when we switched it on. And we blocked it with tape in order not to touch it until Barry had a change to check it. With all the water on the floor it meant that at least the floor got a good wash Several towels on the floor and Barry on the step ladder, the light cover was removed to present us with nearly a bucket full of water –collected .( Electricity switched off ) It meant that there was a leak in the roof and in spite of several covers and insulation the water got through. He poked several holes in the ceiling and released an avalanche of water. The light was removed and the wires secured. Barry got into the roof, and found the leak in the flat part of the roof where the water seems to accumulate –it is a very small leak but with 120mm of rain in 3 weeks we are now without the 2nd light in the kitchen. We waited for the Indesit engineer to arrive and by Thursday still no appearance. During the afternoon we paid a visit to Ganly’s where Barry made sure they understand that we were not satisfied with their customer service and that it has now been 2 weeks that we were without a washing machine. The same evening we received a call from Indesit themselves informing us that the engineer will be with us at 07h15 the next morning if it suites us otherwise we will have to wait till the next Monday. Needless to say we agreed, got up at ½7 in order to be presentable when the engineer arrives. The plastic knobs must have been of inferior quality and broke- I will have a new set of knobs within a week and off he went! It became a long day and we decided that with some time on hands before I start my stint of many nights it was a good time to go and look at a tumble dryer. The old one we inherited with the house and do not know how old it is and to try and repair it will cost more than a new one. We are now the proud owners of a working washing machine and a new tumble dryer, the wholly ceiling and one lighted kitchen. I also started working and did 6 nights with a break of one night in between. Not even long enough to get out of your pyjamas. We got out of the blocks with some speed. On Wednesday we had 58 admissions into 3 wards, the staff thinly spread and the night we knew that theatre was busy! I do thank the Lord that I can still do my work –although, I have to admit that I am tired in the morning and the drive home not conducive to safety on the roads. I play the music loud and sing at the top of my voice in order not to dose off! Our visiting animals are as always a great joy, the cat‘s belly is hanging on the ground, spoiled rotten. Just before Christmas we heard some shots and as it is hunting season we do hear shot every now and again and did not think much of it, but....our pheasant has not been visiting again and we fear that he is dead. He used to run into the back garden eating hastily and we do miss him. Glad I had a chance to have seen him and could take a photo. On the political front Ireland received the Presidency of the European Union for the next six month which brought quite some publicity to Ireland. The X case of 20 years ago and the recent Indian woman who died of septicaemia after the Drs refused to do a D & C on her after she started to miscarriage is now the topic of legal discussion. The Catholic Church and the medical profession in battle! Birthdays: Corlé had her birthday on the 9th I know I am late but a big Happy Birthday to her. MariJanke will be a year older on the 16 th . We hope that your year will wonderful! Our sincere sympathies with Marjorie and family on the death of ‘Pa Daan’. Tomorrow is the best day of my week and I will be playing the organ. A Wonderful experience every time! The battery of this laptop is screaming in my ears and I will have to say good bye! ( Have been sitting in front of the fire) Cold wet and frosty greetings from Barry and myself! Be always alert and careful at home and on the roads! From the two of us in Cranleymore