Sun Shine, Sun shine!

9 June Sunday Good day to you all, far and near, family and friends! There are few words in any language that can describe the bliss of the brilliant weather we are experiencing since last Monday- also the first time in many years that the good weather lasted for longer than 5 days at a time and we are already in day seven! It lifts the dark mood of a long tiresome continuous cold and miserable winter filled with financial troubles. The sun, the bright and beautiful blue expanse pulls you into a thankful realm, seldom experienced by the people from this island. Unnecessary to say that temperatures of 22-25° caused severe sun burn to the Celtic race who suffers a lack of melanin We from Africa just turn berry brown without even trying, a day in the garden has changed Barry into a native of Africa without a problem. I unfortunately slept through most of the good weather but snatched a little here and there. The garden looks good. Tulips have been removed, the gladioli are up and we planted pirinial sweet peas this year in the hope that we do not have to keep on replacing them. Our idea of changing the kind of garden we used to have to shrubs and bushes is taking shape and looks good! The vegetable garden has now got carrots and peas added to the potatoes and onions. The slugs have been curbed by the alcohol feed but it is a sham-the tin marked to have 340ml is only half-full. The rhubarb stands lush and high-ready for picking! The bottom field centre stand waist high with all the grasses and veld flowers you can think of- very beautiful-we did notice a great lack of insects and bees, only a few butterflies around! The surroundings and in fact every- where you cast your eyes the May flower 6 weeks late filled every hedge, it is beautiful and the sharp yellow of the fir bushes makes the countryside a feast for the eye. We will in the next 3-4 weeks be the proud parents of two little kittens, from a church home to a church home- so these are Presbyterian kittens- we do miss company that is our own-the wild animals are lovely but we cannot stroke them or show then affection and I think that is what we need-to show our affection to another living creature in our house. The birds are all feeding their young and the swallows are sitting on 5 eggs! The cats continues to confuse us-= then 2 then one then three! The rest are very busy with growing up! We had a very anxious 24 hours behind us at work as our wages were not in the bank on Friday morning- emotions were running high and the union were contacted and a plan of action put in place if the wages were still not in at 8am on Monday, Thankful were we al,l when the first notice came through-all is well the money is there. Some people have nothing in reserve and can only survive from week to week. The last 2 weekends there were only 1 or 2 patients in the ward and one day out of the weekend the place was closed. I was supposed to work tonight –but I am home! Lovely! Our most gorgeous grandsons are as always our joy and pride! Baby Eli is gaining weight and is blossoming while his older brother is now a real young boy, up to every- thing on earth. All well and God willing we will visit them again next weekend, in the mean time we do receive photos regularly to pacify our longing for the children! Today, the best day of my week filled with praise and learning was today enriched by a minister who are now doing missionary work in Mongolia and he explained the enormous task to plant a Christian-dome in this far off country. On the political front-we are preparing with the County of Fermanagh for the GU summit later the summer, the voting in Parliament re the law on abortion will take place and the repercussions, that the outcome of that vote, will have on so many. Death on the roads because of speed which the young people think makes them ‘cool’ causes a lot of heartache. We, like the UK get news of Madiba’s hospitalization as main headlines in News papers and news Bulletins. If he dies, Apartheid will be blamed- but if it was not for Apartheid in a certain way, he might never have reach this wonderful age of over 90, but that is not to mentioned. We think of all those who are writing exams- enjoy and do well! The tour descriptions received from Gerlof was wonderful I could just as well have been a passenger with them, thank you so much! We hope that Nine and Kanne will not be exposed to any flooding! We think of those who are very ill, Hennie stays in our prayers –so Martie who is at his side. Thankful for the positive report from Brandon’s overseers. Any-one who are not feeling well-sincerely hope that you will feel better soon! We also pray for Dr Tertius Venter, their work and for relief of their financial predicament. Any-one who would like to receive his News letter which is so very touching, just let me know! We also hope that Georg’s preparation for his 80° change in temperature will be a wonderful experience and that his preparation will proceed uneventful! Yakutz the coldest place on earth! Every letter or note is welcome and appreciated! Birthdays: Elaine Kruger 12th, Anneke (Haya) 14th, my dear cousin Retha 16th- we pray that you will have a blessed day and a year filled with blessings. Any-one else reading this letter and are not mentioned! Happy Birthday as well! This then my contribution to your mail box filled with sunshine, blue skies and happiness! Take care of your security at all times Barry and Christina