Nat Cranleymore groete aangewaai deur sterk winde

27 Januarie 13 Goeie dag aan allemaal, familie en vriende, Kannie glo dat ek 2 weke gelede laas geskryf het en intussen het die winter in al sy glorie gearriveer. Ons het verlede nag ‘n storm beleef wat ongelooflik was – die wnd het storm sterkte gewaai en die reen het onophoudend geval wisselend met ys reen. Sommige dae wanneer dit aanhoudend bewolk is en heeldag byna reen styg die temperature bo 10° en 2 dae later is dit -2°. Soms sneeu dit maar dit plak nie en smelt gou en Barry tel die dae na die einde van die maand want hy glo vas Februarie bring verligting. Hier snoei ons ons alles in die eerste 2 weke van Feb en met die einenaardige weer het alles begin uitloop en ek sal alles moet afsny en saag! Die immergroen plante lyk goed en ons sal sien watter van die blom plante het oorleef! Die tulpe en affodille staan goed hoog en die croucusse blom reeds. Wilde primroses staan orals in die onder veld! Anemone is nie gepla met ryp of sneeu nie en staan reeds goed hoog! Ek het alweer toegelaat dat werk my lewe regeer maar elke sent is welkom. Daar is so baie mense wat in ellende verkeer dat ek as Nuwe Jaars voorneme besluit het om nie weer te kla as ek hard werk nie en meer te lag! Ag,ek geniet dit so om oor iets moois te lag –dit lig my bo die donkerste ellendes uit! Die Baas ry nou pasiente van Belfast aan –die wat reeds lank op NHS se waglys is- 3 ritte op ‘n Woensdag, Donderdag en Saterdag! 25-30 per dag – die bus kan net omtrent 10 pasiente laai en soms kom ‘n metgesel saam om die mans se hande te hou- Hulle is gewoond om alles vir gratis gedoen te kry en ten spyte van die feit dat hulle nou vinnig gesien en geopereer word is hulle ondankbaar en kan baie ongeskik raak as hulle moet wag dat die sarsies gesien , ontslaan is en dan weer terug in die bus kom om die terug tog aan te durf! Ons werk ons in ‘n peetjie ,dit is soos ‘n wors masjien daar is net geen einde nie. Donderaand het die laaste pasient 9.20 van teater terug gekom, Hy was veronderstel om huis toe te gaan as hy nou ge-eet het , stabiel is wat observasies betref –want hulle kry net sedasie vir ‘n sistoskopie en biopsies – Hulle moet urine passeer voor hulle kan huis toe gaan en die 60 jarige man staan op nadat hy 14 ure gevas het want hulle het nie besef dat hy ‘n ligte ontbyt kon eet nie en was nou effe laag in energie- die helper was by hom en het hom gehelp tot in die toilet- sy staan toe ewe ordentlik buite die deur toe sy die slag hoor en vlieg die toilet in om hom op die vloer te vind- uit soos ‘n kers- as die ‘emergency’ klokkie afgaan los jy alles en hol en ek vlieg die gang af teen ‘n goeie spoed vir ‘n ou tannie! Sy vrou het haar asvaal geskrik en is in trane en buite haarself – die man het self opgestaan en was oppad terug bed toe toe hy weer sak en ek vang hom net betyds tot op die toilet- en toe is hy nou regtig weg - hy lê soos ‘n baba met sy kop op my maag en om hom regop te hou sodat hy nie weer die vloer tref nie!- is hy yskoud, klam en ‘n pols slag net so nou en dan daar is! Met behulp van ‘n rystoel tel ons hom toe oor en so vinnig as moontlik bed toe kry hom daar en ek wil die bed tilt en breek die bed se voetekant af in die proses maar die bed wil die saam werk nie- en op ‘n manier- met duvet en sy hand bagasie lig ek sy voete omhoog terwyl die ander verpleegster die Dr roep voor hy die gebou verlaat- hy terug- intussen het ek EKG gedoen suurstof oop gedraai ,die drip laat hardloop sodat ons vloeistof in hom kan kry en sy histeriese vrou buitekant- maar nog steeds wil hierdie man net vir sekondes met my bly en dan is hy weer weg want hy is toe in ‘n gevaarlike bradikardie van 28-32 ppm. Dr arriveer en ek hardloop vir die ‘Crash’ trollie 20 minute later het ons hom mooi terug by ons met atropine in sy bloedstroom en glucogel 2 buise vol!. Intussen lui die Dr die narkotiseur maar daar is geen antwoord nie- hy het bluetooth in sy kar en weet dat hy sal antwoord as hy sien wie lui maar tevergeefs! Teen 1vm is hy weer normaal het soet tee en roosterbrood agter die blad –sy vrou het opgehou huil maar die narkotiseur antwoord steeds nie sy foon nie! Toe die Dr tevrede is dat die man die nag sal maak -al bly hy in ‘n bradikardie van 32-40 is hy darem nou met ons met geen skade nie! Die Dr ry Dublin toe en lui toe hy daarkom om te hoor dit hoe dit gaan. Die volgende oggend vroeg lui hy weer en deel ons mee dat die Narkotiseur die vorige aand in ‘n kop aan kop botsing oorlede is op die motorweg en dat hy by die ongeluk verby gery het. Hulle was baie goeie vriende en vandaar dat hy nie sy foon geantwoord het nie. Hy is dood dieselfde moment wat die man omgekantel het. Ons was baie hartseer!’n 24jarige dronk bestuurder het aan die verkeerde kant van die motorweg in hom vasgejaag! En dit met 29 pasiente wat nog aandag moes kry en ‘n bus met pasiente wat moet terug Belfast toe! Nou ja die Here is goed en help ons deur moeilike tye soos die!. Maar ‘n klein stukkie van my verpleeg ervarings- en ek is elke week op diens as die bus van Belfast kom! Intussen het ons ook die baas as pasient gehad en hy is gediagnoseer met thiroiied kanker en het ‘n totale thirodektomie ondergaan. Bestraling le nou voor! Op die politieke front gaan dinge broek skeur en om daaroor te praat maak dinge nie beter nie dus refrein ons om dit te bespreek. Ons het wel die hoof op skrifte gemaak met die perdvleis burgers! Ag, dit is heerlik om ‘n briefie van die plaas te kry , Haya en die gereelde skrywers Nine, Gerlof, Leopold en Isabel- al die ander wat gereeld antwoord op my briewe – dit word baie waardeer! Fotos om na te kyk is kosbaar! Baie bly dat Joy veilig terug is in Brisbane na haar lang SA besoek. Verskeie van ons SA vriende hier, is op die oomblik in SA en ander is oppad terug! Maandag 28ste! Ek moes kies – of ek skryf die brief klaar of kyk na die pragtige program van Attenborough oor Suidelike Afrika- ek kies toe Suidelike Afrika! Dis 10vm en donker buite- die wind waai gevaarlik en hulle voorspel sterker winde en nog meer storm reen! Net klaar Barry se hare gesny nou moet hy met sy mus op die kop buite toe! Verjaardae:Reuben Kruger 29ste,Tim Cooper 31steTjaart die 1ste Veels geluk aan julle almal mag dit ‘n baie goeie jaar vir jul almal wees! Jonk en oud! Ek wens ek kon julle elke Sondag laat inluister na ons predikant – wat ‘n begaafde man en die voedsel vir siele word net ryker en ryker! Ek het gister voor die orrel gesit en die 10 mense het hard probeer om te sing! Dit was ‘n ontstuimige oggend en met 2 siek gemeentelede een 85jr en ‘n totale heup vervanging en sy broer 88jr ‘n totale invaliede na hulle kanker uit sy gesig gesny het, ‘n boer wat van sy perd afgeval het ,sy sleutel been gebreek het en na 4 weke geen groei getoon het nie- word môre oggend geopereer vir penne en skroewe – was die kerk maar leeg! Die spul boewe het ‘n Garda dood geskiet Vrydag gedurende ‘n rooftog – sommer net so –alles moes presies uitgewerk gewees het en die land is in groot skok want jy skiet nie ‘n Garda nie! Hulle brand die karre uit sodat daar geen DNA agter bly nie en vir €4000 is hulle oor die grens! Ongelooflik! Ons klein jakkalsies lyk te pragtig , die kat is spek vet en die derduidende voëltjies wat nou goue vinkies en groen vinkies insluit- gee ons groot plesier! Ek het genoeg kwyt geraak en hoop dat julle almal altyd baie versigtig is, wees bekend met jul gevare en ry versigtig! Aan almal wat reg maak vir troues , vir babatjies wat kom, vir oupas en oumas, wens ons ‘n baie geseënde week toe! Liefde groete van ons twee in Cranleymore waar die wind woes waai en dit nog steeds reen!

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

Dankbare groete

29 Desember 2012 Goeie dag aan allemaal, familie en vriende, 2012 Is besig om in die verlede te verdwyn met heugelike herinneringe, baie smart en ellende, dankbaarheid, en jammer oor dinge wat liefs nie gesê of gedoen moes wees nie, dinge wat jy moes vas gegryp het maar tog laat gaan het. Ons laaste week het ‘n afdruk op ons gelaat van dinge wat verkeerd kan gaan sonder dat jy daarvoor gevra het. Die aand is rustig en ons besef dat die dae langer word en die nagte korter, die maan hang laag in die hemel ,almal is gevoed, kat, ons en die jakkalsies. Ons kyk na ‘n pragtige dokumentêre program toe die ligte skielik dip -die TV ‘n moment afskakel en weer aan gaan. Dit gebeur soms hier en word ‘power surges’ genoem maar hierdie keer ruik ons skielik iets brand, dadelik word daar ondersoek ingestel ,die reuk kom vanuit die elektriese houtkas teen die muur, Barry kan egter niks sien nie en alles werk. Saterdagnag kom die wind op en waai vir ‘n vale –‘n kragonderbreking van omtrent 2 ure in die vroeë oggend ure laat ons wonder- die krag kom weer terug en ons is net klaar gestort en geskeer toe die krag weer afgaan. Doods benoud dat die krag by die kerk ook af sal wees bel ek vind uit alles is reg en in werkende orde. Hier by ons is die krag af- ons besluit om te wag tot na kerk voor ons bel. Kom laat terug want dit was ‘n groot en belangrike dag op ons kerk kalender en tuis is die krag nog steeds af. Ons skakel die nood nommer en volgens hulle lê die fout by ons. Barry terug kas toe en ruil die versekering- ons elektrisiteits fasiliteit kom nog uit die vorige eeu met sommige veranderinge toe ons die huis verbou is- het vandaar die sekering. Siedaar die krag is terug. Alles verloop goed tot Maandagaand toe die krag weer afgaan maar hierdie keer is die kerse reg en vuurhoudjies byderhand. Dit duur nie baie lank nie en alles is weer goed. Gisteroggend terwyl ek stort gaan die krag weer af- ons stort werk met ‘n pomp werking en ‘n elektriese apparaat wat dan onmiddelik warm water gee en wanneer die stort afgeskakel word is alles af. Maar daar staan ek toe heerlik ingeseep van kop tot tone met geen druppel water. Gelukkig was daar warm water in die warmwater kraan van die stoof wat die water verwarm en kon ek buite die stort van die seep ontslae raak en my hare afspoel in die wasbak! Nou wat nou! Alles is nie af net net die stoof en die stort- gelukkig het ons ‘n baie betroubare elektrisien wat binne 1 ½ uur hier is om ondersoek intestel. Die kragstelsel is teen die plafon geinstalleer en moielik om alles bytekom maar met behulp van ‘n paar flitsligte word ons ingelig dat ons baie gelukkig is want ‘n hele paar drade het uitgebrand in die kas!!! John repareer die krag tydelik en ons het weer krag. Ek wil net noem, dat om in die winter sonder krag te sit kan tog wel ‘n probleem veroorsaak- laat gisteraand lui John op en sê dat hy deur middel van ‘n vriend wat ‘n groothandelaar in elektriese ware het alles kon kry om ‘n nuwe stelsel te installeer. Dit is nou net na 3nm en ons het ‘n splinternuwe elektriese stelsels inwerking- sonder sekeringe!!! Gelukkig kan ons nou weer stort! Intussen doen ek die was goed elke 3 de dag en Saterdag was ‘n goeie dag en ek doen groot was, alles gaan goed en teen die aand is alles droog en weggepak. Maandag wil ek die handdoeke was en skakel die masjien aan draai die knop van spin na was siklus 5 en ek voel die knop kliek nie deur die programme nie en toe ek die masjien aanskakel spin die masjien en niks wat ek doen kan die masjien se doel verander nie. Die masjien het op spin gestop en daar bly dit ‘5 mnde oue Indesit wasmasjien. Die winkel waar ons die masjien gekoop het is reeds toe vir Kers en ons moet rustig wag vir Vrydag. Kliente diens kan my nie help nie en Engeland antwoord nie die foon nie en na 10 minute blaas ek die aftog. Uiteindelik maak die winkel oop en laat ons deur ‘n paar dinge gaan om seker te maak ons het nie die probleem veroorsaak nie, maar volgens Barry is ons nie skuldig nie, geen wasmasjien nie maar ek kan wel spin dus word die wasgoed metdie hand gewas , gespoel en in die masjien geplaas vir spin en dan die droeër. So kom ons dan aan die einde van die jaar! Verder is ons gesond en beleef ‘n wonderlike gematigde winter en Desember temperature tussen 3-12°, gister het dit by 13 gedraai – in die somer dra ons t hempies en kort broeke as dit 13 grade is maar in die winter met 13 grade het ons nog steeds ‘n trui en dik baadjie aan want dit is die wind wat koud is. Die eienaardige weerpatroon voorspel ellende later want al die plante is besig uitteloop en die robin sing vir ‘n vale- al die bolplante is op met reen en warm weer dink hulle dit is lente! Finbarr en familie, Amanda en byderhand Lukas was hier Woensdag en ons het hul besoek baie geniet-heerlik ge-eet en het die oulike seuntjie baie geniet- hy is lank en baie groot vir 2jr 8mnde praat soos ‘n kind van 6 jr oud. Glad nie vet nie eintlik so maer soos ‘n kraai want hy stop nooit een oomblik nie en eet goed, alles word in energie omgesit! Gelukkig is die politisi met vakansie alles verloop sonder voorval. Die ellendes in Amerika met geweer aankope sonder beheer is baie tragies. Die dood op die paaie van S A is net so erg -die oorlog in Sirië onbegryplik, die vrouens in Indië wat veg vir hul regte onverstaanbaar. Môre is die beste dag van my week en ons het ‘n besoekende prediker want ons eie predikant moet elke 2de maand ‘n Sondag af wees en hy is reeds 2 mnde terug in die tuig! Ek speel die orgel en sien daarna uit aangesien ek die afgelope weke elke naweek gewerk het en Joy gespeel het. Verjaardae: Veels geluk Anke met jou verjaardag Ma?Di Jou naam verskyn op albei datums!! Ons dink ook baie spesiaal aan Sandra wie se moeder oorlede is na ‘n lang siekbed en bly dat sy nog by haar kon wees in die laaste ure! Ook aan almal wat hul eksamens geslaag het –veels geluk, Aan die wat begin werk, mag dit ‘n goeie ervaring wees! Ek is jammer as my nuus vervelig en onbelangrik is – die keuse is joune – druk die ‘delete’ koppie en dan hinder dit jou nie- ek aan die anderkant geniet elke stukkie nuus, elke dag se dinge en ervaringe – dit is vir my soos ‘n verbinding met die wat vér weg is en ek waardeer elke bietjie nuus en ervaringe! Baie dankie ook aan almal wat gereeld skryf dit word hoog op prys gestel. Mag die jaar 2013 ‘n volbringing wees van jul drome en verwagtinge- leef naby aan God en al sou dinge moeilik en onverstaanbaar verkeerd gaan, is Hy naas jou om jou hand te hou en jou te vertroos. Bring lof en verheerliking aan God vir al jou seëninge elke dag! Dankbare groete van ons in Ierland vir gesondheid en die wete dat ons Verlosser leef! Barry en Christina

Cosy Irish greetings

18 December’12 Tuesday Good day to all family and friends! Everyday something happens- just something small and I think- I would like to let the family and friends know about this but...time catches up with me and the moment is gone and I did not get an opportunity to write it down, From there this letter on Tuesday- Barry called me to the window and when he calls I usually have to make speed in getting there to see what he sees. And there on the power lines in the field behind us sitting on the line are hundreds of birds, the entire line full – why? They are waiting for the fairly thick fog to lift it is an amazing sight- the light is so poor and my camera not able to cope with such weather conditions means that the moment passes and it is then only in your memory. We have had several such experiences during the last week of which this one was surely the best. The hedge facing north and west consist of pine trees fairly high at present, as we did not have an opportunity to have them cut in the last couple of years and it has become the haven of hundreds of birds big and small. Both the kitchen windows give us wonderful views of the back area,( I cannot call it a yard as it is much bigger than a yard and that sounds so city like and we are very much country), while having breakfast, which is now not early, as I only arrive from work after 9.20am and most times even later- we look out on to the area where the bird feeders are- wild bird seed and peanuts. Suddenly Barry pulled his breath in and he touches my arm in urgency – I first thought he is having a heart attack – but no! It was the pheasant, majestically walking in on the feeding ground from no-where- all the smaller bird made way for this king of birds so that he could fill himself with the wheat on the ground! He was abit careful in the beginning and very weary of a truck passing by and would run into the shelter of the pine trees but came back every time until such time that he had his fill and eventually wondered off into Jimmy’s field. Since that morning he has been back every day- even running up to the feeding area it has brought us great joy and excitement to have him visiting now for a full week. The light has been bad during the last week at that time of the morning and as mentioned before, my camera is a ‘cheapy’ and no light meter or slow shutter facility causes the flash to go off every time I want to take a photo from the kitchen window and then he is on the run! My phone camera is better but still not ideal- I will include the best of the pictures so that you can share in our joy! Nine just to let you know that the foxes are well fed and are not interested in this beautiful bird and live in the forest about 250 meters to the south of us! The cat is as fat as a pig and waddles down the pathway – keeping Barry on his toes! The garden is bleak and uninteresting- the evergreens are the only things that brighten up the dullness of winter. The bulbs have made an appearance and we will have daffodils and tulips very early next year. To be very honest- the winter has been very mild so far and we fear for the true cold and horrible weather to arrive- temperature for today predicted to reach 10° which is ominous at this time of the year! The few cold days we did have are long forgotten! The budget is over and every- one is in despair. I do not understand the thinking of the government- it is as if they live in a land far removed from here! There are members of parliament which have been previously ministers and prime ministers and now receive pensions from those post they occupied and still earn now the salary of their present post – double payment and it is us the stupid people who has a job that is paying for that- The Social Welfare department has over the years- to get votes made promises, which has now caught up with them and they cannot afford it anymore-3,500 new Irish citizens got their papers last week of which 75% are from Nigeria living off the state may be a few of them legally working but most of them on Social Welfare and demanding what they regard, as their rightful payment. The working couple with 3-5 children that is just about making ends meet were hit with House tax- which was abolished in the nineties to get votes, Septic tank charges, water charges-which has never been paid for by any-one in this country before, car tax and fuel prices out of this world. Years back, also to get votes the children’s allowances were increased and now it has been cut- these people have been used to receive and extra amount of money every month to pay for the car and mortgage and now they are losing that privilege. The worst of all is- it is not means tested and every-one –even the member of parliament who earns 2 salaries received this children’s allowance- to them is does not matter that it is cut as they never ever needed it but the family that does need is – has been severely and unjustly punished! People are truly in trouble losing their houses and going hungry. That is the budgets effect on people and then the Indian woman who died, after the law prevented the obstetrician to save her life by allowing a termination of her pregnancy, has caused the X Case to surface again and today is the day that it will be discussed in parliament. Every possible pro life supporter is outside Leinster house to object to what possible outcome there is going to be! Anyone can just get into a car and drive over the border to a Mary Stopes clinic and have an abortion on demand but they forget that, as long as you do not interfere with the life of an unborn foetus on this side of the border- no matter how dangerous it is for the mother to continue with the pregnancy or the possibility that the child might be born dead or to be a liability to the state- because every child born with a problem is the states problem- also part of the enormous amount of monies paid to parents that demand carers payment because they have to look after these children with disabilities. It is just too much to comprehend! I really am sorry that I have been moaning so much – I suppose what the heart is full of the mouth run over with I have private health insurance and Barry is on HSE – thankfully he is not a burden on the state yet! The possibility that he might lose his medical card is 99%- that is all he receives from this government – no pension or any other benefits because I work! We are ever so thankful that I have a job and are still healthy enough to work! The whole world is upside down , suicides, youngsters 2 girls,13 & 15 in one family, the murders in America- where are we on our way to? Thank you to all who so regularly made the effort of writing a letter or just a note – for me it means a lot! The weather forecast of reaching 10° got lost somewhere- the fog never lifted all day and the temperature never moved higher than 5° with us! It is just after 4.30pm and it is dark -but not for long – on the 22nd the promise is there that the days will become longer! The hospital is closing 2pm on 22nd and I will be on leave until the 4th Jan’13- wonderful to be home over the festive season- I am on call in case some-one needs to be looked after though! Finbarr and family will join us on the 26th and therefore our Christmas meal will take place on Wednesday! Our Carol service is taking place on Sunday 22nd and with our own minister back it promises to be a very festive occasion! I scandalously forget to mention the birthdays in my last letter but rather late than never: Marie Reinecke 14th, Helene (Zam) 17th, we sincerely hope that your days were perfect! Karin du Toit will be older on the 21st. Paul and Jacob(Br Mendel) will be older on the 24th Nine (Haya) we very specially remember you! On the 26th! To those who are visiting SA from afar- hope you enjoy the fellowship with the family, drive safely when you are on the roads. Those staying at home like we are- stay alert and be watchful! Barry and my -self take then this opportunity to wish each and every-one a very special Christ-like time over Christmas and just the very best for the New Year. Cosy greetings from a cottage in the fog, with a small tree in the window with friendly lights for passers- by and a stove-fire in the living room, warming us up! Take care till next time Barry & Christina

Miserable cold greetings

Saterdag 8 Desember’12 Goeie dag allemaal, familie en vriende! Dis offisieël winter by ons en ervaar alles wat daarmee gepaard gaan! Ys, nat gladde paaie met blits ys op, koue winde en soms sonskyn en ander kere bewolk met sagte reen! Dit word soms erg koud maar soos altyd warmer wanneer dit reen. Klink baie na Haas Das se weer! Totsien Haas Das! Die gaan werklik net ‘n ‘dag sê wees – dis reeds 2 weke wat ek nie geksryf het nie want ‘sucker’ wat ek is - sê ‘ja’ elke keer wat die hospitaal in nood sit! Ek werk dus 4 naweke in ‘n ry- Hopelik sal ek die 23ste gespaar wees want die laaste sjirurgiese lys is op Vrydag 21ste – Ons is nog nie seker of die Ongevalle departement gaan oop wees nie- maar hopelik nie! Ons sien uit na ‘n vol jaar want die CEO het 1200 pasiente in die Noorde van Ierland bymekaar gemaak wat jare al wag op operasies en hy het vir alle moontlike sjirurgie ‘n prys uitgewerk en hoop om almal in Noord Ierland hier in sy Hopsitaal te help! Was nou net by die slagter om die vleis voorraad in die vrieskas weer aantevul en het ‘n heerlike maer skaap, opgesny soos ek dit wil hê nou weer in die huis . Ons het op ‘scraps’ begin leef want ons kry nie kans om by slagter uittekom nie! Ek sou dink dat ons na byna 8 jaar aandele in die slagter moet hê. Heerlik aan Sam se brief gelees en wat my betref is die radioloog een van die mees belangrikste dele in die legkaart wanneer dit by diagnose kom! Sam Jy Is besig met ‘n edel beroep! So is elke dokter! Op die politieke front gaan dit slegter as sleg want na die begroting verlede Dinsdag is mense in diep diep ellende! Die rykes word ryker en die arme idiote wat werk moet die land aan die gang hou en word al armer want hulle melk ons leeg! Hulle het geen benul van wat op die grond aan gaan nie- hulle weet nie honger wees nie, koud kry nie en elke dag van jou lewe bekommernisse hê van waar gaan die geld vandaan kom nie! Dit is ‘n duistere saak vol gate en modderpoele en dryfsand,baie mense leef netnet- kinders kry 1 maaltyd ‘n dag en die ouers miskien 2x ‘n week! Wat die dier kinders betref- hulle gee ons daaglikse plesier –Blackie het nou net sy middagete van koue hoender en ham geniet en is weer terug donkie huis toe waar hy ‘n heerlike warm bed in die strooi het. Die voëltjies eet en eet en ons moet byna elke 2 de dag die voerder vol maak! Met die kinders gaan dit goed- hulle het almal verkoue gehad maar is darem nou aan die beter word, Lukas draai sy ouers om sy pinkie en in hierdie land mag daar net met sielkunde opvoeding plaas vind- dus hoop ons die uitkoms van die taak sal goed wees. Dit is resultaat tyd en ons geluk wensinge aan die klein kinders wat so goed gedoen het, Devlin in Pietermaritzburg, Jaco en sussie Leané in Roodepoort. Dankie ook aan Paul vir sy brief en die fotos van die kinders! Dit is altyd vir my heerlik om van die kinders te hoor! Nou ja my tydjie is verby-ek speel môre die orrel en almal weet dat ek vroeg môre by die werk moet weg – die enigste ellende is dat my oë nie wil fokus as ek moeg is nie –gelukkig ken ek die Psalme en Gesange goed en al sou ek nie kan sien nie hou ons wel die wysie! Ons Kersliedere diens is die 23ste en ons sien baie daarna uit! Baie dankie aan almal wat wel die afgelope weke van hulle laat hoor het- dit word hoog op prys gestel! Wees tog altyd versigtig tuis en op die pad! Liefde groete Vanuit ‘n bedremelde Cranleymore Barry en Christina

Frozen greetings

Sunday 25 November’12 Good day to all, family and friends, You had a breather there for a while , I was in 2 minds if I should write or not but it came clear to me in the last half hour that I should, after listening to Songs of Praise and the wonderful music coming out of the mouths of young boys and men. It is just after ½ 5, 1° outside and winter has arrived in all good measures. The last 2 mornings I had to pour my water bottle on the glass surfaces of my car to be able to just get a peep outside with the engine running and every possible method switch on to clear the lookout field, but not only that, I first had to open the car door which was frozen solid yesterday morning, most of my water was poured over the door frame and door handle to get in! The evergreens in my garden are just about making it; the Lupines in flower have astounded us –frozen stiff in the morning but after thawing – looking fresh as ever. Nothing else of colour in the garden at the moment. The bulbs have pushed their first points above the ground early and we hope the winter cold does not bring disaster. The trees are bare, the colours now all on the ground in heaps of fallen leaves. We do have a problem here with black ice- it looks like wetness on the roads but in fact it is ice and 3 nurses were in car accidents this week because of this dreaded ice –one was admitted to hospital but fortunately not seriously injured – but an accident can happen so quickly. All, early morning accidents, on their way to work. At work things were not always pleasant as the CEO realized that the Nursing Home operating at a loss and that the surgical side of the hospital is at present carrying the whole enterprise. Notice was given to the residents and staff were given the option to stay on at reduced pay and working where needed or to leave. In the interim the surgical ward runs in overdrive - every-one trying to do as much before the New Year as possible. Being one of the oldest staff members I was approached to work Christmas Eve and new Year’s eve- I do not mind as Finbarr and family will arrive on the 26th and we will have Christmas all over again. In general and on the political front- disaster upon disaster. The Indian women who died after a determination of her pregnancy was denied when she was in the process of aborting at 17 weeks, has caused an uproar all over the country and has reach the headlines worldwide. The report on the issue has been made public this weekend with the most ridiculous suggestions ever. This is now in order to avoid something like that happening again. In the mean time her husband demands a public investigation into the death of his wife. The heads of European countries cannot come to an agreement in the EU re the finances of the member states and all the time and money spend on talking to no avail. Where is it going to end? Yesterday’s rugby, now history- brought a smile to the Irish and some relief to the supporters of the Boks. Wales suffered badly! The Thursday before I went back to work we visited a South African Couple who left SA 17 years ago and lives in a lovely small town, Lainsborough, next to the Shannon. He collects ‘smalls’ and his house is filled with every possible article in ceramics and pottery. He also has a fig tree and I had 2 figs- it was like tasting nectar as well as Cape gooseberries. I also had a saucer of his home made biltong-very good. Since I have been back to work there has been no rest- last week was not too busy but this last week work increased and next week I will be working 4 nights. Today as always, the best day of my week and we are ever so thankful for the return of our minister and his wonderful gift of scripture explanation. Joy was playing the organ and I was singing. Birthdays gone by and those to come: Hannelie 19th, Bianca , Paul & Mendel 21st, Jeanne 22nd. Renate (Paul & Hannelie’s daughter) 23rd – tomorrow Jeanette, 29th Nine –Arnold’s daughter Johann Reinecke 30th, Izack 1st and Elmarie 2nd. Happy Birthday to you all! It was wonderful to hear from Arnolda and Paul her brother! Thank you to all the other who always manage to comment on my letters- most appreciated. Apart from Blackie, that is now dictating Barry’s life – and as fat and shining as a cat can be – the birds are the joy of our lives! Exams nearly over and now the waiting for the results! Hope it will go well. Congratulations to MariJanke with her successful job hunting. There will be a good 2 weeks between letters as I am working next weekend! Our prayers are still with Nine and Stephan and hope they are coping! Be alert, diligent and careful at home and on the roads! Greetings from Barry and Christina out of a frozen Cranleymo

Vuur warm groete

Sondag 11 November’12 Goeie dag allemaal, familie en vriende, Dit was ‘n droewige week vir die familie in Pretoria en ons is in gees en gedagtes veral met Stefan en Nine en dan almal wat so nou betrokke was by die maande van moedige veg van die kleinste mensie denkbaar. Tog is ons dankbaarheid groot vir sy verlossing. Dit is net so na ½ 3 en na vanoggned se briljante sonskyn en 3 grade op pad kerk toe-sit ons byna in donkerte.Die pragtige blou van vroeg dag is nou toegewikkel in ‘n dik kombers van grys en wit wolke massas en die temperatuur draai net so by 6°. Ons moet darem onthou ons bly in die Noordelike halfrond en hier is alles moontlik selfs die onmoontlike! Gister was ‘n dag volgepak met opwinding vreugdes en lekker eet. Die kinders was op besoek en omdat ons hulle nie baie sien nie word daar omtrent altyd ‘n Kersmaal voorgesit en gister was dit skaapboud met gebakte artappels ,soet wortels, blomkool,broccolli met wit sous en kaas bo-oor gebak in die oond. Poeding vir jonge heer was roomys met warm sjokolade sous en die groot mense- appeltert met room. Gladnie goed vir die middel nie maar ‘n mens mag darem so nou en dan die perke oortree. Dit was ‘n heerlike ervaring om die kinders hier te hê en dan ook die goeie nuus dat Lukas volgende jaar ‘n maatjie gaan kry. 3 Jaar gelede was ek in die dieptes oor die nuus dat ons ‘n kleinkind gaan hê en so met die tyd het hy die punt van ons harte geword. Hy is mal oor sy Oupa ek het waarde maar alleen waar dit hom behaag.. Hy het so groot geword in die 2 mnde wat ons hom nie gesien het nie, dat dit byna skrikwekkend is hoe lank hy is. Hy praat soos ‘n 4jarige en kan goed argumenteer en sy saak stel en is so sterk soos ‘n os. Hulle woon nou in ‘n groot en gerieflike huis en is baie gelukkig.! Ons woon nog steeds op die stukkie grond wat die liewe Heer vir ons beskik het en waar ons vreugdes ongekend is. Die voêltjies in groot getalle kan jou oneindig besig hou. Ons het ook die valk sien duik en gelukkig het die kwikstertjie net betyds uit sy pad gekom maar teen die venster vas –hy het ietwat bedremmeld bly sit en uiteindelik weer weg gevlieg. Duidelik dankbaar dat hy nie ‘n maaltyd geword het nie. Blackie dink hy behoort aan ons –kan byna praat en noudat dit alreeds donker is net na 5nm sit hy voor die deur en huil om ons aandag te trek. Hy is nou spek vet en sy jas blink! Daar is nie nog ‘n kat in die land wat soveel aandag ontvang as die besoekende kat wat nie eers ons s’n is nie. Gruwelikke moorde wat hier op die eiland plaas vind en dit maak ‘n mens wonder waar dit alles gaan eindig ook die vreeslike moorde wat in SA families voorkom. Hier het ‘n jongman ‘n jong vrou vermoor en haar in ‘n drom gedruk en in sy agterplaas begrawe. In Walis is ‘n ander Ierse vee-arts vermoor en sy is in stukke gesny en op verskillende plekke begrawe. Onbegryplik. Ek wil liewers nie eers die politiek noem nie- gister was Referendum stemming om die konstitusie te verander vir die regte van die KIND... Nadat die kinders weer die pad huistoe gevat het, het ons na die wedstryd Ierland teen die Bokke gekyk maar die 1ste helfte het die Bokke –waarvan ons niemand ken nie- nog ‘n slapie in gekry en teen halftyd met die telling Ierland 12 en SA 3 kom daardie spul wilde beeste terug, en mensig hulle het omtrent die Iere vertrap- letterlik en figuurlik- ek weet maar min van die spel af- maar ten spyte van SA se wen was dit vir my ‘n lelike wedstyd. Die tuin is nou in ‘rest mode’,al die bolle is geplant en sommige kom alreeds op om sekerlik verbrand te word deur die ysige koue wat nog gaan kom. Ek het omtrent 12 lemoen boompies wat uitgeplant moet word en 4 wat oorgeplant moet word in groter potte. Ek het ook 2 doringboompies wat Christiaan (Potgieter) vir my gegee het voor hy SA toe is. Ongelukkig het iets die een boompie se blare bygekom die ander een lyk nog baie goed. Ons appelboom- gegroei van ‘n pit- staan nou trots in die tuin. Ons enigste peer vir die jaar 2012 het afgeval en ek het hom nou in ‘n ere plek –hy is miniatuur en klipsteen hard. Hy sal lank hou. Vandag was weereens die beste dag van my week-ons eie predikant is terug en hy het begin met ‘n reeks preke uit Galasiers- suiwer skrifuitlegging-wat wonderlik is-ons het dit baie gemis!.Ek het nou 3 weke agter die orrel gewees en volgende week is dit Joy se beurt. My vakanise kom hierdie week op ‘n einde en ek werk die volgende 2 naweke en is nie seker of ek by skryf gaan uitkom nie. Sandra sit reeds in die trein op pad huis toe en ons is bly dat sy nog by haar ma kon kuier. Jammer om te hoor dat MarieJanke sukkel om werk te kry- het sy enige ander lande oorweeg? Verjaarsdae: Annalize verjaar die 14de en ons wens haar ‘n pragtige dag toe. Attie op die plaas in die Noorde verjaar 16e. Lekker verjaar! Aan almal wat eksamen skryf en vir die wat wag op uitslae –mag dit goed gaan. Baie dankie aan almal wat briefies geskryf het en ja daar is werklik baie van julle wat bietjie kan laat weet hoe dit gaan. Ek pos nou maar elke 6 weke ‘n dik koevert aan Br Mendel want hy hoor andersins niks van ons nie. Is darem in kontak per SMS Arnolda en Garth- hoe vind julle dit om Oupa en Ouma te wees? Miskien het julle van die aarde afgeval? Ons wat reeds die verhewe status bereik het - hou nooit op praat oor die wonderwerke nie –maar julle is dood stil..............! Nou het ek niks meer om te sê nie en wens julle ‘n goeie week of meer toe. Onthou dat veiligheid van uiterste belang is tuis en weg –ook op die paaie! Ons sit heerlik warm voor die vuur en stuur dus vuur warm groete vanuit Cranleymore. Barry & Christina