Sonskyn groete vanuit Cranleymore

19 Februarie’13 Liewe allemaal, familie en vriende, Daar is seker nie nog mense op aarde wat so bly is om die son te sien as die Iere nie- wat ‘n wonderlike dag, wakker geword met die son wat by die venster inskyn.Nou weet julle seker al dat jy nie hier saam met die hoenders opstaan nie maar rustig bly slaap tot tyd en wyl die lewe daarbuite begin ontdooi het! Die lug was buitengewoon blou hier in Cranleymore met die son wat alreeds ‘n hele paar grade noord beweeg het en heelwat warmer is as ‘n paar weke gelede. Temperature is, veral dae wat die son skyn, laer as bewolkte dae en die hoogste vandag was 8 °! Daar was geen wind nie en het ons die geleentheid gegee om hierdie uiters belangrike taak van snoei agter die rug te kry. Ons het erg terug gesnoei wat ek het nie verlede jaar die rose gesnoei nie, ek is nie seker wat om met die vrugte bome te doen nie – laat weet asb- ek het die dooie stukkies van die druiwerstok afgesny, die framboos bessies en appelliefie is goed terug gesny- as ek terug dink aan die vrugteboord in Calvynsingel kan ek gesnoeide vrugte bome in my gedagte sien. Ek moet ook nog my 4 appelboompies wat in groter potte oorgeplant moet word as ook die 12 lemoen bome! Ek het druiwe pitte in die grond gedruk en ek dink 5 van hulle het opgekom. Alles het reeds begin uitloop en waar ek kon het ek stiggies in die grond gedruk. Sal maar sien wat gebeur. Al die dooie dinge is uitgetrek en Barry sal op ‘n volgende geleentheid die vuilgoed verwyder- ons het ook ons oggend koffie in die tuin geniet –heerlik met die gesing van honderde voëltjies in die heining agter ons. Wat ‘n wonderlike voorreg en dit is met groot dankbaarheid dat ons sulke momente so lank as moontlik vasvang in die hede want wie weet wat môre se weer vir ons bring! Ek het baie hard gewerk die afgelope twee weke met 3 busse elke dag van die Noorde met 8 pasiente, die laaste bus arriveer 9nm en neem dan die laaste 8 weer terug. Die afgelope week was groot operasies en meeste van die mans wag al tot 4 jaar vir hul prostaat operasies- niemand wil aan hulle raak nie want of hulle harte is al op die laaste trap van hul lewe of iets anders het reeds die gees gegaf maar niks is teveel vir hierdie klomp Ierse Pakistanies nie en moet asb nie die Suid Afrikaners vergeet nie, durf alles aan! So –ook is die ellende van bloeding en ander post operatiewe probleme ‘n groot probleem – Na regte moet pasiente ten minste 3 ure wakker wees van algemene narkose voor hulle mag huistoe gaan maar die narkotiseurs maak hulle gou wakker en hulle kom totaal wakker terug in die saal en na 2 ure het het hulle reeds ge-eet en die toilet besoek en is weer oppad terug Noorde toe. Die groter operasies bly vir die nag en gaan dan met die volgende bus ,wat in die môre arriveer met pasiente, terug. So het ons gemiddeld elke nag 26-30 pasiente in die saal gehad –sommige wat eers 11nm uit die teater kom- soms sit ons vir die eerste keer teen 5vm om ‘n koppie tee te drink! Jy moet jou werk ken en weet hoe om bloeding te stop en op te let vir ander probleme! Nou ja, na 9 jaar in akkute verpleging dink ek dat ek myself soms oortref, besef nie eers wat alles iewers in die brien gebêre is nie! Ons moes ook Sondag aand ‘n pasient terug neem teater toe – ‘n Pakistanie Dr wat in Belfast werk het kom help en hy sal nie maklik weer terug kom nie- hy is ‘n slagter en het geen respek agtergelaat nie veral nie nadat hy ‘n man van 66 jaar wat ‘n sirkumsisie moes hê , en aangehou bloei het, die volgende oggend, die bloeipunt toegewerk het sonder verdowing- die man het byna flou geword van pyn-en ek het albei sy hande styf vagehou en so hard as wat hy skree het die trane oor my wange gerol – dit was wreed verby- ek het geopjekteer en gevra waarom hy nie die man lokale verdowing wil gee nie maar hy het gereken dat dit die prikke van die naald dieselfde pyn sou veroorsaak as die van die naald waarmee hy toewerk. Ek hou nie daarvan om Dokters te rapporteer nie maar die slagter het ek dadelik gerapporteer! Ek kom eers na 10vm tuis –vreeslik ontsteld en die idioot ry deur Belfast toe min gepla! Nou ja gelukkig kom daar darem altyd iemand tot ons redding en ons eie uroloog het hom onder hande geneem en vertel dat ons hier op mense opereer en dat hy nie weer toegelaat sal word om in ons hospitaal te opereer nie. So kom ek toe aan die einde van 5 lang hardwerkende nagte en slaap byna vir 16 ure van moegheid. Gelukkig voel ek nou weer goed uitgerus en sien weer kans vir die volgende sessie. Op die politieke front gaan dinge maar beroerd! Die spul aan bewind het mos toe die beloofde paaiemente teruggesoot tot vér in die toekoms in en nou word daar getwyfel of dit wetlik was en ons staan alweer op die rand ‘n ander fianasieële krisis. Iewers moet hulle geld spaar en elke keer is dit die mense wat die mees belangrikste dienste lewer wat aan die pen ry- die polisie, verpleegster en die brandweer – die rykes word net ryker en die armes net armer! Hulle wil nou hê die verpleegsters in die algemene sektor asook die ander moet meer ure werk vir minder geld! Al die jong mense het al die land verlaat want hulle kry nie werk nie en die wat hier bly word uitgemergel tot op die been. Ons laat ellendes agter ons en beweeg nader na die natuur- die jakkalsies blink van goeie voeding- gewoonlik is hulle maar ellendig maer en lyk lelik van hongerte maar nie die wat hier kom eet nie- hulle is vet en gesond! Die voëltjies gee ons steeds oneindig baie plesier- die goue vinkies is pragtig bietjie skaars maar hulle kom en dit is wat belangrik is! Ons eerste affodille blom met die kroukusse geel en pers tussen-in, baie mooi! Die kinders kom die 10de Maart kuier –dit is my eerste naweek af en Lukas wil die koeie sien, hy is baie lief vir enige dier - ook groot belangstelling getoon vir slange wat by hulle inkopie sentrum ten toon gestel was het selfs een om sy nek gehad waar ons ‘n foto van het. Glad nie bang nie en hulle moet hom gereeld dieretuin toe neem! Ek het Sondag diens gemis en voel erg verhongerd maar ons sal volgende week weer terug wees, ek voor die orgel ,al het ek die vorige nag gewerk,want dit is my beurt om te speel! Verjaardae het by my verby gegaan en ek wens almal wat verjaar het Veels Geluk met net die beste van gebeure vir die jaar wat voorlê! Ryklike seën en voorspoed! Renate Röhrs, Garth Kruger, Rozanna Kruger! Ek het heerlik gelag, die trane het gerol oor Haya se storie van die paspoort foto en natuurlik al die nuus van die kinders. Die reis verhaal van Gerda was ook verslind! Elke brief word verslind miskien nie dieselfde dag as wat hulle arriveer nie maar in goeie tyd! Ek het ook ‘n heerlike lang brief vol nuus van Br Mendel ontvang, baie dankie Tjaart dat jy so gereeld my briewe aan Br Mendel gee! Baie dankie nogmaals aan almal wat so gereld skryf- dit is wonderlik om julle nuusies te deel. Ons harte is baie seer en ontsteld oor die Pistorius ellende- dit maak elke dag opskrifte in ons hoof nuus bulletin- baie erg! Die vrouens wat hier in die vroeë 50tiger jare in die Magdalene werkshuise geplaas was of deur die staat of families –en deur die nonne bestuur was- maak hier weer hoof opskrifte vir die onreg wat hulle aangedoen was omdat hulle of arm was of ‘n kind verwag het- hulle was erger as slawe behandel ,somtyds wreede dinge beleef veral die wat as kinders daar aangekom het. Hulle wag nou dat die Taoiseach eksuus sê, vir wat die regering toegelaat het gedurende daardie tyd!. Nou het ek alles kwytgeraak wat daar te vertelle is. Ek sal nie volgende naweek kan skryf nie want ek werk weer en dan vlieg die weke verby! Wees steeds baie versigtig en bly voorbereid op enige ellende! Baie liefde groete aan almal- vanuit ‘n blou hemel en pragtige sonbeskynde Cranleymore Barry en Christina

Greetings from Cranleymore

9th February 13 Good day to all family and friends, Temperature 8° and very mild, no wind for a change, and although very cloudy, no rain! The daffodils are all making heads and the tulips are not far behind! I have to do the pruning this coming week and hope sincerely the weather will allow me! The poor farmers –the fields are so wet and those who do not put their cattle in a shed finds them knee deep in mud! Not good for their hooves and bones. The Ballinasloe Horse & Animal fair, usually held in the 1st week of October were shown on TV a few nights ago and we were appalled at the condition of the animals, Most of the animals traded are from the travellers community and they do not care about the ponies, dogs or rabbits- The ISPCA equivalent to SA SPCA has a full time job rescuing animals and removing them to the veterinary department for either being put down or for treatment if possible- so very sad. Off-course the horse-meat debacle is now stretching into Spain and even Norway and Sweden- no-one knows how long this has been going on and as Gerlof says – everyone is still alive –just sell it to who-ever like horse meat – cheap- but as it is the reputation that is so important thousands of € horse contained lasagne, and burgers will land on the burning stakes rather than taking it through to the poor hungry people in Africa, and all over, for whom there is always an advert on the TV with the flies crawling around the snotty noses and in their eyes- no mother has only one hand and she can easily get rid of the flies but it seems as if they love to see the flies around these poor children who are not taken care of by their own governments –these poor people’s governments are usually in war with some other country and every cent goes into weapons and their own pockets! It is a disaster and here we destroy the meat because it contains horse meat! The lot of politicians in Dublin came to some agreement about the promissory notes given by the previous Government to pay back the money borrowed to keep the banks going, paying it now back over 40-50 years , instead of liquidating the whole lot immediately- but that would have deprived them of their share of payments due to them and therefore the working man and women had to make the sacrifice by paying Social tax, extra high tax and high interests on any money on loan(if you are so fortunate to get a loan)/ during the middle of the night- the lot liquidated the Allied Banks of Ireland and had to fly the Lepricorn(our President) back from Italy to come and sign the papers. Our grand children’s children will now have to pay the debt made by people who did not deserve to ever have been allowed to handle money! One can become very bitter because of the fact their god was, is and will forever be MONEY. The financial dilemma that is present in this country is beyond comprehension and suicides are at the order of the day- the people in general have no idea under what stress some families exist and financial burdens they carry- and living in a country where God is not an option they take their own lives thinking that is the only way out! Sad events like this never come near to you until you are shaken cruelly into realization that it is happening to people you know- The carer who worked with me on Sunday night asked in the morning, if she could leave a few minutes earlier to give her husband a change to get her home and still be in time for his job- {I know her husband – he worked for 2 years with me, a wonderful compassionate man hard working} Director of Nursing for a Nursing home in Mullingar. He was not outside when she left the building- thinking that he might have overslept, she got a lift home and as she opened the front door she saw him, hanging from the staircase! It is just such a terrible shock- hard to understand – but- we know so little about what goes on in people’s lives and who will know what drove him to do it! There are cancers and ‘cancers’ the one we try to cure as soon as it is discovered but the other one – more deadly than the 1st get pushed into the background-many a time- not to be spoken off or to deny the existence of same- bringing more heartache than can be imagined! To step away from people that speaks one language and do another........................ The birdlife in our garden is a wonderful experience of beauty and song- we feed surely a hundred birds at a time and not knowing how many come from some-where else – the numbers increase every day! We have also been introduced to baby Blackie- looks just like his father- with white dot on the chest- and all- the first time they both ate from the same bowl the little one gave dad a clout in the face and demand to have all the food for himself it was fascinating to watch how the father stood back and allowed the little one to finish the milk and all the food! We first saw this cat eating the corn on the ground underneath the feeder- very wild -he ran away when we called him but his dad must have communicated with him because he eventually had the courage to come nearer and enjoyed a meal, meant for his dad! We were watching quietly from the kitchen window. He has found shelter with his dad in the donkey-house under the black plastic! The foxiest come at irregular times and we think mother is either looking after young and cannot get away at her regular times as you all know looking after children means your time is not own any-more- or -they are coming from far away! It is my turn to play the organ tomorrow and by now I know the Hymns very well and look forward to bring glory to God for all the blessings he bestow upon us every hour of the day! The weekly nourishing food for our souls- essential for our spiritual well-being- such a privilege. Birthdays: some have had a birthday during the week- I did not get to write last week as I worked all weekend!(Bus loads of patients coming from Belfast- NHS getting rid of their patients who have been for years on a waiting list). Nine became a year older on the 5th – Kathleen in England &Belinda on the 8th (yesterday) Phillip Josling on the 12th and Brenda Dunne in England the 13th! Happy Birthday to you all! May it be a very good and blessed year! Hope sincerely that Mader get the work- although far away from Gerlof and Sandra – it is still in England! We are also sharing in the joy that Jeanne got a job and that Christiaan is now in UOVS- as I used to know it- surely something else now! Sorry to hear that MarieJanke work so hard –but there are times that we all have to do it! Hope sincerely that the dragons belonging to Devlin who laid the eggs will have off-spring very soon! We Skyped with Finbarr and family this morning and had the joy to see my grandson Lukas- could not hug him but do enjoy listening to him and looking at him! I have horrible off duties and will be working every weekend form next week until 7th March – hope to visit them then! Do remember to send photos, stories, events, family and friends experiences- as you know I regard this line of correspondence as my umbilical cord with the family and SA. I also welcome (Dr) Tertius Venter to my address list and hope that he will become part of my letter family! Time for me to get the chicken in the oven- remember if you do not want to read this- hit the delete button! May the week ahead be good, filled with the nearness of our Lord in your lives. Stay always alert and be careful on the roads! Warm regards from Cranleymore where the temperature has dropped since I started this letter! Barry and Christina

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