From Sunshine 4. 1995

Birthday Card

From Sunshine

4. 1995

Dear Lorna,

                                I think this letter will not reach you until Monday. I hope you had a happy birthday and the girls did something special for your birthday.

                However we may feel there is nothing we can do about getting older. Never mind there are many advantages when you are old. Except when you get sick. I have been twice shopping this week. It was good to get out. I felt much better and only a little bit of stiffness in the leg.

Tomorrow we thought we might go out for a picnic not too far away. That depends on the weather.

I don’t go back to the surgeon for another 2 weeks so I suppose I suppose I won’t be better until at least then.

We are going to go out to post this letter. The more I move around the better I feel. I hope you have a good time.

                                Love from

                                                Dorothy

From Merrivale 2.4.1995

From Merrivale

2.4.1995

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

I missed you phoning me on my birthday, but realise how busy you are, & that you phoned 2 weeks ago.  I had a lovely birthday. All the family from around here came for supper & a good time was had by all.  & all my friends phoned to wish me. What a mess I had to clean after 18 people here for supper.

What a hectic weekend we’ve had. Sherry & her boyfriend Izan decided to get engaged on Saturday night, so les & Ron rushed around & gave her an engagement party with all of us & his family. He is a very sensible boy (very Afrikaans) & very caring we are very fond of him & his family are very nice too.

We went to church this morning then derbies kids came over for the day plus Neals & Regan & Clinton so I was kept busy feeding them & keeping an eye on them as they were playing down at the dam & fishing (we have lots of big fish in the dam & the kids catch them over & over again & throw them back in again). In between I had visitors & I have baked all day to take things with me when we go to Southbroom tomorrow to join the Hayes & the …. for 2 weeks.

Our little car has a cracked cylinder head, so that’s a non- runner – one battles to get spares as it’s a 1968 model. The Kombi is just ticking over so hope we make it to Southbroom tomorrow.

Aunty Phyllis has made Melissa a jersey with the Olympic logia on it. I haven’t sent it yet but please get Melissa to write & thank her – you can send it care of me.

We have just had to fetch Garrett from a friends as he is so sick & we have to leave here at 6:45am tomorrow to get Regan to school.

                                Tons of love from, XXXXXXXXX

                                Dad & Mum, XXXXXXXXXX

From Merrivale 17.3.1995

From Merrivale

17.3.1995

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

It was so lovely talking to you on the phone this morning & hearing all your news.

Dad was in hospital for 3 days & had tests & is all clear - now he will go back again in September & if he is clear again once a year for 5 years then no more.  It’s been a worrying time for me I have really felt it & I’m a bit shaky & nervy still, but are going away quite  abit now so hope I’ll come right. We are going to Sheila on Tuesday for a week, then home for a week, then down to Southbroom for 2 weeks. Sheila & Debbie & families are going to Fanies Island, St Lucia & Kosi Bay camping, they wanted us to go with them, but Dad likes his comfits now in his old age & I also think it will be very crowded, that’s why we have decided to go with Uncle Brian & Aunty Maureen, they have just spent a few days with us in the Drakensberg in Debbie & Lionel’s caravan. We spent 2 weekends with Jim & Jenny, they are doing very well, but have a cash flow problem as Escom takes about 6 months to pay. Tara is in Capetown on a school tour.  Debbie, Lionel & kids have gone to the caravan for 5 days & Sheila & children will join them tomorrow. They will come here for breakfast first.

I’m busy making chutney I have quite a few good customers, one person took 80 bottles, I have also been making cards & have just got an order for 6, they are steady sellers.

Byron & Wesley are here for the weekend, they don’t like going to Durban & especially as they stay with Alison & family.

Kathy Jones baby is expected any minute so Lesley & Ronald are going to Durban to look after …. It’s been 30 today very hot I look forward to autumn but not winter. Kathy had a baby boy today Patrick’s 37^th birthday. Our car is broken again so I had to get Bonzie to take me to P.M.Burg to get it sorted out. Neal is here putting pine ceilings in our bedroom. Must close.

                                Tons of love from, XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

                                Dad, Mum & family, XXXXXXXXXX

From Merrivale 2.3.1995

From Merrivale

2.3.1995

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

Haven’t heard from you mid-January are you still living on planet earth? I am just waiting for Debbie to bring Matthew over for me to look after him. Debbie is being taxi to Nicky’s class at school & helping take them to the circus. I just love having Matthew he is everybody’s darling & I feel sorry for Nicky as he has had to have a back seat. We have been spending quite a lot of time at Midmar & the other day I had Matthew in the water & he said to me “We’re having fun Nana.”

We had a lovely rain yesterday & the world is looking so nice & clean today, we were getting really desperate for rain. I will take Matthew down to the dam just now & see how much that has come up.

We leave for Bergville tomorrow will take Regan home then we are going to Debbie’s caravan for 5 days &the Hayes will join us for part of the time, then the weekend following back to the hotel then we will bring Regan back again on the Sunday. It will save Jenny 2 trips. Then Dad goes back into hospital on Monday for a check-up he will be in hospital for 3-4 days.

Jenny has now got a post at the African teacher training college in Ladysmith & is very happy there. She has a flat there & has Tara & Tam-lyn living with her there. Tara is off to Cape Town on a marvelous trip organized by the school.

Neal is in Durban on a computer course & Vanessa & boys are on their own on the farm. Vanessa says she’s not scared & they have got a very good alarm system – we were going to stay, but she says she is OK.

Lesley is working at Lionel’s factory sanding furniture & just loving it – she is really hard worker.  Sherry still hasn’t got a job.

A lot of our black members of parliament are in the pooh especially Winnie, as they have been using funds donated by other countries to buy themselves fancy houses & motor cars & the money was donated to build houses for the homeless. Mandela’s getting tough & now telling them that they must pay rent, lights & water, they have refused to pay for these for years & years. Must close.

                                Tons of love from, XXXXXXXX

                                Dad, Mum & family, XXXXXXX

Photos 1995 (A)

From Merrivale 15.2.1995

From Merrivale

15.2.1995

It’ nice to have the Besters home, I missed them very much as I either hear or see Debbie & her children just about every day. It is also nice that they are home as it has taken a big weight off my shoulders looking after their house.

Congratulations to Melissa & to you, what about Jolene & Alan?? I am going to send Melissa a card, as soon as I can get into Howick to buy one. The whole family Smiths/Thomas etc.  & friends send congratulations.

We have just come back from Midmar, I think I told you it’s over the wall & what a wondrous sight , Neal, Vanessa, Melony, Mandy, Dad & myself took the boat out for the morning. Neal & Vanessa skied, then Dad took me fishing but I didn’t even get 1 bite. We tried to get hold of Debbie to come too, but Matthew had been playing with the phone so we couldn’t get through. Ronald left yesterday for America his firm has sent him on a course there & to do a tour of the carpet factories in Atlanta. He flew Lufthansa so flew first to Germany then onto America from the news we see they are having one of the worst winters in years with very bad snow storms & the temperatures well below zero, anyway it will be  a very good experience for him & I believe he is going overseas again in May.

Byron & Wesley spent the weekend with me also Regan & of course Clinton , the 3 Bester kids came over & what fun they had they played cricket , swam, took the boats down to our dam  & every 5 minutes I would hear the microwave going they were out in the garden picking mealies then coming in & microwaving them & eating them. The Randalls were here too.

I am still having visitors everyday, also still freezing vegetables & making jams & pickles. My arthritis is really giving me a hard time & I fear that I am going to end up in a wheelchair. It is just starting raining again I love it.

Must close no more space.

                                Tons of love to you all, XXXXXXX

                                Dad, Mum & family, XXXXX

From Merrivale 13.2.1995

From Merrivale

13.2.1995

Dear Melissa & Jolene,

I swam in the Midmar Mile on Sunday and it was quite different from the swim at Lake Trevallyn. The water temperature would have been warmer than the heated pool at Glenorchy as I estimate it was approximately 25-26. We had 2 very hot days on Friday & Saturday, Friday was 40 and I don’t know what it was on Saturday but we had a Hugh storm on Saturday afternoon. After the storm we went and swam at the Agriculture College swimming pool. My mother managed to get a key from someone she used to work with. The water was also very warm and they had two diving platforms which the children loved.  Matthew found a frog which he nursed until he let it go back to its swimming. All your cousins were here on the weekend except Donovan and Taryn. They stayed at home with their father. Shelia and Ronald don’t have a very happy relationship and Donovan doesn’t live at home. He boards at a residential hotel. I think the reason he might not have come was because I saw him carrying a packet of cigarettes and I told him he was not to smoke near me. Jimmy and Lesley also smoke and don’t seem to care where they smoke which is a bit of a pain. I was going to go and stay with Jenny and Jimmy at the hotel but now I will go and stay with Debbie & Lionel at their caravan and just visit the Collighans.

I have not had any of the results of the Midmar Mile but I think that the winner finished in about 19 minutes. They were expecting about 10000 entrants and they had three gates going into the dam and the cars were bumper to bumper going in. It was pouring with rain and there were 5 events. I reckon there would have been about 2000 people in my events. The whole way you are jostling just for a place to swim. I got kicked by quite a few breakstrokers. All the swimmers had to have a bar code stapled to their bathers and your bar code was taken at the end. I have no idea how long I took. /the water was very rough because the weather was bad but I enjoyed the swim. I spoke to a few swimmers before the race and a lot of the swimmers aim for about half the amount of time that you do.

I want to go and see “Babe” with the Besters if it starts showing while I am here.  It is listed as a forthcoming attraction at the cinema. I have told Debbie we never got “Muriel’s Wedding” which they knew nothing about and I told them it has a South African connection. I think you girls would get on with most of your cousins. They seem to be just like normal young teenagers. Clinton wants to start playing rugby and come swimming with me. Byron and Donovan love surfing and Jonathon was “man of the match” at cricket on Saturday. Sherry-Lee rang from the Cape and was very upset that she had just missed us. Apparently she only went back home shortly after we came. I hope you are both coping well with work and training as well as housework.

                See you soon,

                                                Mum

From Merrivale 11.2.1995

From Merrivale

11.2.1995

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

What happening? Haven’t heard from you since you phoned while I was camping at the dam with Neal & friends. Debbie was also saying yesterday she hadn’t heard from you in ages. How did it go with Melissa in Sydney? We still haven’t received the videos. I thought you were going to send them over with either Cheryl or that person from Midmar Museum.

It’s the Midmar Mile tomorrow, wish you were here to swim in it – Cheryl’s kids swim every year & Tam-lyn was supposed to be swimming in it , but couldn’t get a lift down, so messed up our weekend, as were supposed to go to Bergville for the weekend & take Regan home & Debbie was going to have Tam-lyn, then Lionel had to do  job at Howick (where the caravan is ) so they took Regan & we stayed to look after Tam-lyn – then after 5pm Jenny phones to say Tam-lyn wasn’t coming, anyway it’s so hot in the upper 30’s & sometimes 40 everyday & I just can’t take the heat so we are better off at home where I can hop in & out of the pool & lie in bed with the fan on. We are desperate for rain the only rain we have had this season was 90 mm over Xmas.

Dad goes into hospital on the 13^th march for a review, which he will have on the 15^th or the 16^th, so hope & pray he is still clear. He keeps very fit & busy all the time. We are gradually going over all the house & doing all the jobs that haven’t been done for years. I am hoping to get pine ceilings in our bedroom soon & then it will only be the other 2 bedrooms to do as everywhere else has pine ceilings now. How are your alterations going? Please send photos or a video – I love the last photo & keep looking at them. I have just made 60 bottles of tomato/chilli chutney. I have orders for as many bottles as I can make – but its very time consuming takes me 3 hours to cook 7 about 1 hour to prepare.

Sherry was 18 last Saturday & we all had a party over there, you wouldn’t recognize Ronald’s place all the work additions & alterations they have done Sheila & family were here for the weekend. We will most probably spend most of next weekend at Neal’s with Vanessa as Neal is going to be in Durban on a course for a week.

Must close as none room.

                Tons of love from, XXXXXXXXXXX

                Dad, Mum & family, XXXXXXXXXX

From Merrivale 23.1.1995

From Merrivale

23.1.1995

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

Sorry I missed your phone call, but as Dad told you I was with Neal, Vanessa & boys at the dam. We had a lovely time, only my fishing rod was stolen during the bight so I was most put out as it is the only one I own. Pleased to hear about Melissa please send press cuttings & video.

Debbie, Lionel & family came home on Saturday late & we went for lunch after Church, then bought all the kids & their friends here for a swim, & they have all been here nearly all day today. We are going to sleep at Debbie’s tonight as Lionel is away. Debbie is perfectly safe, but likes us to go over for company& to help her get the ids off to school tomorrow, as she doesn’t have a servant at all.

We have to be at grey’s Hospital early tomorrow as Dad is having some warts removed.

Sherry turns 18 next Saturday so she is giving a family party with a few friends.

Went to Molly hills 80^th birthday at her son’s house. her daughter-in-law Cathy is one of the matrons at Grey’s & she has a friend , who says she was on duty when Melissa was born , so she was very interested in Melissa & I gave her one of the newspaper cuttings.

All our kids go back to school tomorrow so peace will reign. Byron & Wesley stayed with me for the weekend. We spent weekend before last with Jim & Jenny & kids & really enjoyed our weekend. We are expecting Jimmy at any moment as he is bringing Regan down to hostel. Tam-lyn & Tara are starting school in Ladysmith tomorrow, so Jenny has had to go to Ladysmith to get the new uniforms , as ESCOM stopped the bus to Escort & Jenny had no way to get the kids to & from school. Jenny is hoping to get a lecturing post in Ladysmith in the next couple of weeks, then that will solve all her problems. We are hoping to go down to Durban soon, although I hate it now it’s much too hot.

Well I’ve run out of space.

                Tons of love from, XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

                Dad, Mum & family, XXXXXXXXXXXXX

From Merrivale 4.1.1995

From Merrivale

4.1.1995

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

A very happy and prosperous New Year to you all. We spent a very quiet New Year’s Eve alone, then went with Ronald & les to Neals for a braai in the afternoon. I said to Vanessa I had only been there 3 times in the whole (Ha! Ha!) year – then we go 3 times in a week – as we went out on Boxing Day, then once again to take Vanessa home & to bring the truck back for Neal.  Taryn was staying with Vanessa & we had Jenny’s 3 kids & they just go wild when they see each other. Jenny & Jim had rushed off to town so we took the kids with us when we went to Neals. We had a super Xmas with Sheila & family about 30 sat down on Xmas eve to a lovely hot meal then Sunday everybody came back again & we had cold lunch. The weather was very good. Did I tell you that Trevor Lumgair had got married again? He & his wife (Angelina I like her very much) popped in on Xmas morning to visit everybody.

Have you got the parcels from Cheryl & hope you had a chance to talk to her – she is really tops & certainly the very best of Aunty Phyllis’ children. Mickey has got divorced from his wife – he didn’t marry that girl that he brought to your place – married, a much older woman with 2 grown up sons – she was a school teacher.

Debbie, Lionel & his kids popped in yesterday with their new Toyota Station wagon – called a Venture was here. They were on their way to the caravan.

Matthew is too adorable you would just eat him whole. He thinks he is very funny because he calls me Granny Fat then laughs like anything & runs away. We are going to Molly Hills 80^th birthday tomorrow. Dad keeps very busy making doll’s house furniture & has been tiling the outside shower & putting on shower doors. Ronald is 41 today. I want to go & make some cheese straws for him. All the rest of the family are well.

                Tons of love from, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

                Dad, Mum & family, XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Photos : 1994 (5)

From Bergville : 23.12.1994

From Athabasca 28,11.1994

Photos : 1994 (4)

From Merrivale 13.12.1994

From Merrivale

13.12.1994

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

Wonder if you will receive this letter before Xmas. I doubt it. I gave Cheryl all the Xmas & birthday presents. The doll’s furniture for Stacey for her birthday. I gave Cheryl yours & dot’s telephone numbers, I also sent Melissa a gold brooch that was presented to her great grandfather & we wanted her to have it, as we didn’t send her anything when she won her medal, please have a pin attached to it for her – it’s quite valuable so please keep it safe & phone as soon as you receive the parcels.

I’ve got Donovan staying I really feel heartsore about him as I feel he hasn’t had a fair deal in life – if you heard the way Ronald used to pick on him the whole time & wouldn’t let him go to the beach or anywhere & he’s nearly 18 years old.

We are having such extremes in temperature 6 last night then over 30 today – went to Midmar yesterday & it was quite cool , but I swam the water was warm on top but freezing underneath, today I have spent nearly all day in the pool. Nicky is swimming nicely. Matthew says the water is too cold – he is so cute & speaks & sings so well.

Neal is going to work at Ronald’s firm in his vacation as they are very hard up & he will earn nearly R5000 for the few weeks he works there.

Sheila came up for the day on Sunday still undecided as to whether she should leave Ronald or not. Taryn is staying with Vanessa – Jema won’t leave Sheila I think she feels insecure.

Still no rain to speak of – we have a bumper crop of plums & peaches, but no vegetables in the garden.

Neal brought me some peas & beans from his garden - but he is able to water & has   labour whereas I battle on my own. I do have Elliott one day a week & I have taken Beselina on for 2 days a week as I just never had time to do anything but housework.

Have a wonderful Xmas & all the best for 1995

                                Tons of love from, XXXXXXXX

                                Dad, Mum & family, XXXXXX

From Merrivale 29.11.1994

From Merrivale

29.11.1994

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

We have come back from a wonderful weekend with Lionel, Debbie & ids at Ballito, what a lovely place, can’t understand why we never went there before. We had a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom duplex right on the beach for only R90 a night including bedding & all mod cons. Jonathon & Nicky both caught fish & Matthew is a real water baby keeps putting his head under the water & talks so well.

Daddy & Neal are out on a job & I just seem to have frittered the day away. Neal & Dad went over to Ulundi & over to Pongola last week so they called in on Mike du Preey at Melmoth – he was so pleased to see them.  Charles & his wife are emigrating to Canada. Aunty Nora & Uncle Andy said Canada was finished.

The weather on Sunday was 36 now yesterday & today it’s been icy I think there’s snow on the mountain. We Aare desperate for rain. I have just stood outside for an hour watering the garden in the icy wind. I am busy making liver pate so want to send some over to Ronald – he is always sending us over some tit bits or other.

Jenny & Jimmy are coming tomorrow to take Regan & Clinton to Bergville for a few days they finished today & only go back to school next week then break up on the 8^th.

Meloney leaves for Capetown on Friday & the way Vanessa is carrying on one would think it was Neal going – she is on the verge of a nervous breakdown because both Angela & Melony now live in Capetown. Trevor Lumgair got married last Friday. Alison wouldn’t go to the church to see her father marry but she was at the reception. The Lumgairs really give me a pain.

Sheila is still having hassles with Ronald but hasn’t the strength to leave him, she says if she leaves him he will throw up his good job & follow him & then he will never be able to get another job. They have to employ 4 blacks now before they can employ 1 white.

                I’m waiting for you to phone.  XXXXX

                Tons of love, Dad, Mum & family XXXXXXX

From Merrivale 15.11.1994

From Merrivale

15.11.1994

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

We have just spent 10 days down at Southbroom 7 had a wonderful time – went swimming everyday , Bobby Hayes & his wife were there Mrs Granny Hayes & her sister Aunty Marge.

Saw Aunty Joan & Uncle Steve Smallman on our way down to Southbroom –they send their love & congratulations to Melissa they were on the old farm with us when Melissa was born , so always want to know all about her……..

On our way down to Southbroom I always call & see Dr Ray Browne & his wife – you will remember them from Que Que & they also always came to visit us in Doble Rd, one year they took us all to see the wizard of Oz, well they have moved from Pennington to Pinetown so I decided to phone her & have a chat & I told her about Melissa well yesterday I got a letter from her & she was so moved by Melissa, that she says she has had the urge to sell some things of hers & to give me the money towards my airfare to America to watch Melissa in the Olympics, I can’t believe how kind people are – everybody is so touched by Melissa’s achievements that they all want to help me to get my airfare  - so please let me know when the Olympics are on so that I can book my air ticket before prices go up anymore.

Dot also wrote & sent me a photo of Melissa & some cuttings from the Melbourne newspapers. I was really touched by her thoughtfulness. Could you have a photo of Melissa at the pool also the one of the whole family at the airport? We spent the weekend with Jenny & family – the hotel was fully booked & they had to turn people away – they also have people in their house (hotel guests) & even sometimes have people in the cottage. No more space so I’ll close,

                                Tons of love to each & everyone, XXXXXXXX

                                Dad, Mum & family, XXXXXXXXXXXX

From Merrivale 28.10.1994

From Merrivale

28.10.1994

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

What wonderful news of Melissa we all thought she would win, but when you didn’t phone on Tuesday – I gave up hope. We were with you in thought every minute. Dad had said that I could go over for the big event – but I decided I would rather go to the Olympics – as soon as we get back from Southbroom I’ll see about booking as it’s only about 18 months away.

We leave for Southbroom tomorrow for 10 days then we go straight to Bergville for the weekend then home to stay for a while I hope. We have just been & stayed with the Pages in Newcastle & they made such a fuss of us & couldn’t do enough for us. We went to the African teacher training college where Jenny lectures – you can’t believe the buildings all brand new – there is a pottery room with 5 brand new pottery wheels  & 2 kilns – most of the rooms are tiled to the ceiling – the music rooms are all soundproofed  & all have 2 doors, but he grounds are a disgrace goats wandering all around & Jenny says everything gets pinched if it’s not bolted down – she had a class & gave 10 harmonicas in their cases –when the class was over all the cases were left in the desks  & there were only 2 harmonicas in them they had pinched the other 8. Before the canteen was even in operation they had pinched the microwave oven.

It’s the church fete tomorrow so we donated   a doll’s house & I have been busy making fudge & biscuits today.

It’s been drizzling here today we have had 7mm. we slept at Debbie’s last night as Lionel was away in Pongola. Matthew cries every time we leave him. Nicholas is very very bright. I’m amazed at what he knows.

                Must close – Tons of love from, XXXXXXX

                                Dad, Mum & family, XXXXXXXXXXX

From Merrivale 14.10.1994

From Merrivale

14.10.1994

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

I thought I must stop work & write, as I don’t know when I’ll get another chance.

Neal & Vanessa just popped in on their way to Durban & left Byron with me & Wesley with Lesley they fight if they are together.

Dad is working at Lionel’s factory – we decided to run the factory & let Lionel go with Debbie, Sheila & kids to the caravan for 10 days – we will go on Monday then to jenny then to Newcastle to Aunty Yvonne & Uncle Alf for 3 days then back to Jenny’s & Jim’s for the week – then home for aa week before we’re off to Southbroom.

I’ve been busy sewing & baking ,so today I went & fetched Debbie’s girl to come & clean the house & I think I have done as much as she has in the house, I gave our bedroom a spring clean – cleaned all the cupboards etc. then washed all the dishes as she doesn’t wash dishes very well, but excellent in everything else.

I have just made 7 bottles of strawberry jam (strawberries are cheap & plentiful at the moment) & 5 bottles of plum jam – made fish cakes from the grunter I caught in Durban & an Irish stew.

The weather has been too awful – hardly any rain, but cold & misty & it was actually snowing here on Monday. Debbie says they have had beautiful weather & have gone on some lovely hikes at royal National.

All the rest of the family are well – the kids go back to school on Monday after a 12 day break. Cheryl Walters & family will be in Melbourne over Xmas & would like to see you all. She is a lovely girl & has a nice husband & 2 kids.

                Must close,

                Tons of love from  XXXXXXXXXX

                Dad, Mum & family XXXXXXXXXX

Photos : 1994 (3)

From Merrivale 29.9.1994

From Merrivale

29.9.1994

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

I can’t believe it will be October day after tomorrow – this year has just flown.

We came back from Durban on Tuesday afternoon late as we had to go to a bring & share farewell dinner for 2 friends who were moving from the neighborhood. Now we are off to Durban again tomorrow as Dad & Neal are putting in a new kitchen for Aunty Norah. We are so happy at Sheila’s now that she has built a flat for us in her back garden. She converted the servant’s quarters & the garage into a flat. Donovan has moved out & living next door he is still at school Std 9. Sheila was very upset as he came over on her birthday to wish her happy birthday & it really upset her & spoilt her day.

Can you believe it Uncle Andy & Aunty Nora were at the commonwealth Games the first 2 days.  then they were staying in Canada with a cousin of Uncle Andy’s & they saw Melissa swim & they said they were so excited, the cousins must have thought they were mad, as they started shouting & pointing at the TV & couldn’t get out that they knew Melissa – they were so disappointed that they didn’t know Melissa was in the games as they would have gone and visited her.  They were away for 5 months so didn’t know Melissa was in the games.

We have had very hot weather in the 30s in fact up to 36 now yesterday & today very cold today 15 & still no rain to speak of although they predicted an 80% chance for today.

Dad & I keep very busy Dad is till making doll’s houses & doll’s furniture & I am making anything that I think will sell & bring some money.

I find it hard without a servant as I never seem to get out of the kitchen & I’m working in the kitchen really every night until about 8pm.

We hope & pray that Melissa will win the car & wish her the best of luck. Debbie says she has been so busy.  Must close.

                                Tons of love from,

                                Dad, Mum, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

PS. don’t forget the tape & cuttings.

From Merrivale 20.9.1994

From Merrivale

20.9.1994

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

First of all very many happy returns of the day Alan. I suppose things have settled down by now & that your lives have returned to normal.

You will be pleased to hear Dad has got a clean bill of health, only has to go back in 6 months’ time now – we were over the moon – he went into hospital unexpectedly last week & they did a review & everything was clear.

Spring is on its way although we haven’t had any rain since the beginning of August – I have really gone to town on the vegetable garden as we can now water from the dam. I am going in for chilies in a very big way & hope to make some cash – as I am determined if Melissa is in the Olympics I’ll be there. I have just made 24 of those cards I make with the little girl in her bonnet, I just said today it’s  a hard way to make  a bit of money as each one takes over ½ hour to make & I sell them at R3:50 each. Uncle Alf & Aunty Yvonne Page have been this morning. They have been so good to Jenny. We are going to spend a few days with them in the October school holidays.

Aunty Joan Smallman phoned & asked us to say congratulations to Melissa from them – she was with us the day Melissa was born & she says she remembers me saying that Melissa would do big things. We are going to Durban on Thursday for Sheila’s birthday & I’ll bake her a cake & make her a nice dinner. On Friday night Meloney is having a farewell braai at the Fynland Angling Club, so I’ll enjoy that, both Meloney & Angela have been transferred to Cape Town. Steven Holt & his family are there also your cousin Diane & her family. I hear from them occasionally & Mike du Preey phones sometimes. We haven’t heard from Hilda for a while.

Must close now. Tons of love to you all XXXXXXX

                                Dad, Mum & family XXXXXXXXXXX

From Merrivale 4.9.1994

From Merrivale

4.9.1994

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

It was so nice talking to you on the phone & hearing all the news of Melissa – please don’t forget to send me all newspaper clippings video etc.

We have had some lovely hot weather it’s been 33 today lovely – Debbie, Lionel & kids are at the caravan I envy them. Jenny came down yesterday & we went to Regan’s school fun day.

We had a lovely time in the Kruger Park & saw lots of animals – I’ll try and send you a video. Our last night we slept at Pilgrim Rest in this palatial hotel – restored to its former glory & at R250 for B & B for 2. It was freezing cold, but there was a lovely fire in the lounge & heaters & hot water bottles in the bedrooms.

Sheila has built  a flat in her back garden & would like us to go & live there, but I couldn’t stand Durban in the summer & also I am always on edge when I’m there & always I’ll be home as soon as Donovan & Ronald drive me away.  Uncle John & Aunty Fay live in a flat in Japie & Linda’s garden and are very happy. They come to see us every time we go down & Aunty Fay & I take a walk from Austeys to Brighton & back.

Dad’s keeping very well & goes back to hospital on the 8^th November & we’ll know how he’s doing. He’s busy watching “Beyond 2000” – he really gets mad when they show sport instead of his favourite programme.

Jenny is loving her job, but the kids come & go as they please & pinch everything moveable. She also has an African choir in Bergville & is entering them in a competition. They are really terrific & so dedicated.

It’s been such a heavenly day & we had a friend for the day & so enjoyed.

Well no more news so I’ll sign off,

                                Tons of love from,

                                Dad, Mum & family, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

From Merrivale 11.8.1994

From Merrivale

11.8.1994

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

This is just going to be a very short note as we hope to be off tomorrow to Jenny for the weekend. Dad has his last treatment tomorrow & if all goes well we will pick Regan up from school then go straight to Bergville.  On Monday we leave for the Hayes & on Wednesday go to Kruger where we are booked in Crocodile Bridge – Lower Sabi – Olifants & Mopani Camps a night in each then 1 night in Pilgrims Rest then back to Vereeniging for a couple of days then home.

Jenny started lecturing, on Monday & has been staying with the Pages who are coming to Bergville over the weekend to visit us – so we are looking forward to seeing them.

My sleeve was wet from washing dishes so it has wet the paper here, but it will dry soon.

Dad is keeping very well & goes into hospital in October for a check-up & then we hope to know whether the treatment has worked or not.

Melissa must be in Seattle now she is in my thoughts all the time I’ll phone Debbie on Saturday to find out how she’s done – please keep all paper cuttings & try & video the race for us , we are borrowing Lionel’s’ video camera to take to Kruger – so will send you  a copy if it comes out well.

All the rest of the family are well – Matthew spoke to me on the phone today calls me Papa or Nan & Dad grandpa he really is cute.

Really must sign off.

                                Tons of love from, XXXXXXXXXXX

                                Dad, Mum & family XXXXXXXXXXXX

From Merrivale 5.8.1994

From Merrivale

5.8.1994

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

It was so lovely talking to you on the phone the other day – Melissa is in my thoughts the whole time – I’ll phone Debbie on the 20^th to find out how she is doing.

Daddy got a lift to hospital this morning at 6:45 am & he will have to wait until 10 am to start his treatment – he took the lift to save one trip  & he will phone when he is finished  & I will go 7 fetch him – he has really been marvelous about the whole thing, I was devastated when the Dr told me, but I just know that with all the prayers that are being said on his behalf he will be OK & it won’t be the end of the world if he has to have his bladder removed, then at least will know that all the cancer has been removed.

Jenny has landed with her bum in the butter she has just got a job lecturing at an African Teacher training college in Newcastle – she will sleep 3 nights in Newcastle & go home once a week – the hotel is doing very well fully booked out until I don’t know when – the old owners are kicking themselves as they thought they were selling Jimmy a no-go hotel, but they weren’t people like Jimmy & they were making their money in the bottle store, which they still own. Jenny has bought herself a brand new Ford ute & Jimmy a 2^nd hand Jaguar. Neal’s boys have been staying there every weekend as Neal is on a managerial course in Durban on a Monday – we also have Regan then Debbie’s kids & Clinton – but I love having them & they don’t give me one moments trouble & spend all their time down at the dam – they were even swimming weekend before last, when the temperatures were in the 30s – since then it has been very very cold with lots of snow.

Daddy is very busy making doll’s houses & dolls furniture – I am enclosing  a photo & clipping from the paper – you can’t see the inside of the house too well – but I’m going next week to see if there are any better photos.

Must close now I’m going to see Debbie & Matthew he’s too cute & clever – takes off his wet pants & puts them in the tumble dryer.

                Tons of love from

                Dad, Mum XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Photos : 1994 (2)

From Merrivale 10.6.1994

From Merrivale

10.6.1994

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

Thanks for your phone call & so excited about Melissa – I am still making things & selling them to get money to go & watch her if she is in the Olympics. I have made about R500 in the last 3 months so I’m not doing too badly. I am busy making a jacket for Lynn – it has nearly killed my back & I am taking Beserol, but is nearly finished & I will charge R60 to make it.

Dad is still in hospital – I’m not too happy about things, as he has had to have more tumors removed from his bladder & he had a drip going into his neck & one into his bladder & a catheter so he was very uncomfortable – I spoke to the Dr & he said he would have to wait for the lab results before deciding on the treatment.

It is perishing cold I even made a fire on my own last night to try & keep warm – I don’t like to go to bed too early. I could sleep at one of the kid’s houses, but prefer to be here as I have so much to do. On Saturday morning at 6am I woke Daddy up & asked him to take me down to Debbie & Lionel & kids at the time share for 3 days – so we left here at 7:30 am & spent 3 wonderful very hot days there. I took the kids fishing everyday & they caught fish every day even Nicky & Fay is such a good fisherman, puts on her own bait and everything.

Shelia has been having hassles again as her maid walked out on her & she like me takes over all & sundry & has a young girl & her child living there plus Sherry & they are giving her a hard time at work, she has just phoned to say she has a maid starting on Monday & we will be going down soon so I will do all the cooking for her & give her a break.

All the rest of the family are well. I am just going to have a hot bath & then go & visit dad. I think that’s about all the news please send photos & all clippings from newspapers about Melissa as I keep a file of her achievements.

                                Tons of love,

                                God bless you all XXXXXXXXXXXX

                                Dad, Mum & family XXXXXXXXXXX

From Merrivale 18.4.94

From Merrivale

18.4.94

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

Just thought I must write tonight as I don’t know when I’ll get another her chance.

I am on a money making spree – so I am busy sewing & knitting & making chutney to sell. I sold 4 of those sewing /cotton / pincushions yesterday to a friend. I put my stuff in a shop in Hilton & the lady sells for me then takes off her commission – I made R50 last month so I am replenishing my stocks at the moment.

Sheila has been on the verge of a nervous breakdown due to the Lumgairs. …… had the cheek to phone Sheila & tell her she must sell her house & divorce her brother – they make me sick they have nothing to do & all day to do it, so interfere in each other’s lives all the time, they have given Trevor Lumgair such a hard time because he has a girl friend, Neal got it from a dizzy height from me as he sided with the Lumgairs, anyway ….. had the grace to phone & apologise to Sheila & …. also apologized to Ronald.

Tomorrow Debbie & I are going to Mooi River to the textile factory as they are having a fantastic sale 25% off all fabrics. Jonathon has been & is still very sick. Matthew is too adorable, he is such a loving child.

We spent last weekend between Jenny & the Besters at their caravan. their craven is parked at such a lovely place overlooks the amphitheater, there is a swimming pool , a tennis court, a trampoline, a tearoom & they organize something everyday for everyone, if one wants to join in.

The Collighams are all well & had a full hotel as it was the Bergville to Ladysmith run last weekend.  I am still swimming it is still very hot in the 30’s during the day, but very dry at the moment. Well my wrist is packing in at the moment so I will have to close.

                                Tons of love to each of you,

                                Dad, Mum & family.

                                XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

From Sunshine 2.4.1994

From Sunshine

2.4.1994

Dear Alan and Lorna,

                                We have thought about your idea of us coming over. We thought it would be better to wait until the Christmas holidays. These holidays you will have just settled in and will have plenty to do.  Also Norm has nearly finished at the factory no printing machine is left and Ray is away for 3 weeks on a holiday around Australia in a DC3. A wonderful way to see the country.

                We would like to come over sometime in Dec, Jan or maybe Feb. We haven’t really decided but around Christmas. Down at the RACV they had a display of holidays in Tassie with East West airlines. I didn’t have time yesterday to look at it but there was a lot of information.

                I have included a list of all the eucalypts that grow in Tassie. The numbers just mean the page of the book. I was looking at “Field guide to Eucalypts.”  A good book if you can get it.

                The trees I have ticked are the ones that I would like to grow from seed. Not all at once but you might get to find some from the Society of Growing Australian Plants in Hobart. They might be a good organization for to join to find out about plants for your garden.

                As you can see we already grow a lot from the area because we have found they grow well there. I haven’t found one from Western Victoria survive.

                Pamela hasn’t got a job yet so she is around our house most of the day knitting or reading. She gets bored so yesterday she came with me when I took Auntie Grace  & Win for a drive. We had a good afternoon drive along the Beach Rd and had afternoon tea at tea rooms on the beach at Beaumaris. Even though it was a little cold and a bit of rain they wanted to come out – anything for a change.

                Dear Melissa Jolene & Stacey,

                                                                                I have put   a book in for each of you so that when Mummy and Daddy are sifting and they are very busy and they don’t want you to help you can keep out of the way with your book. I finished the dress for Stacey’s doll. It looks a bit big but she should be able to dress it herself.  Jolene and Melissa can you read the poems to Stacey. I bought it because I liked the drawings but the poems she could learn some. You might even be able to sing them. I hope you have found some new friends already.

                                                Love from

                                                                Grandma

From St Albans 2.4.94

From St Albans

2.4.94

Dear Alan & Lorna,

I have enclosed a cheque for $20 for Stacey. I hope she has a great day.

The course I am doing is very heavy – with assignments, exams etc all the time. You need to do 6 days work just to pass. I have passed my first exam which is great!

Mum and Dad have been helping mainly with Vicki and Dennis has to get off work early 2 days a week.

I have received a letter from Pam. The baby is due on the 6^th June. She is not well and has not prepared things for the baby.

Ben has received a good report from school – he has settled in well. He is in cadets and rugby (his choices!)

Hope you are all well and everything is going fine,

                                                love Anne

From Merrivale 13.3.1994

From Merrivale

13.3.1994

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

Well Alan how did the cricket go ???? Ha! Ha! We really gave you chaps a hiding. Maybe it was our one moment of glory. It’s a beautiful day here today we have been having beautiful very hot mornings & a storm in the afternoon. The Besters have gone to the caravan for the weekend.

I have got Sherry & Wesley staying for the weekend. Ron & Les have gone to Durban. Ronald had a fabulous time in America & did 1000 miles gas $1 a gallon. Wesley is playing in a cricket match that’s why he’s here. Last weekend I had 8 staying 4 Smiths 3 Besters & Regan. This weekend Regan has gone home. We really had a good weekend but by Monday it was finished. I made the kids everything they asked for like toffee apples – popcorn & fudge biscuits. On Sunday Ronald, Les & all the kids spent the day at Midmar water skiing, Nicky wasn’t to be outdone so Ronald towed him on a surf board behind the boat. Regan said it was the best weekend he had had since the day the whole family went to Water World.

Dad is home & feeling very well, but driving me mad as he is supposed to take things easy for a while & I keep finding him sawing down trees & climbing up ladders. I wanted to go to the caravan for a week to have a good rest, but Dad’s not keen at all so guess we will stay put.  We are house sitting for a friend over Easter & I am not looking forward to it at all – but at least we will get paid.

I’ve just phoned Sheila & they are all well – she is going to take leave in April & we will go down & stay with her & have a ball.

We went fishing on Thursday morning & I caught about a 6 kg barbell so it was quite a thrill as it put up a fight – I let it go afterwards.

I suppose Melissa is in Brisbane now. I was very impressed with the girls playing performances at the concert. We have only watched the video so far.

                Tons of love to you all XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

                Dad, Mum & family XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Photos : 1994 (1)

From Merrivale 3.3.94

From Merrivale

3.3.94

Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,

Neal & Wesley & I went to Bergville yesterday to take some aviaries that Jenny had bought from a friend of mine. As we leave Neal tells me he hasn’t a spare trailer  - well just before Winterton we get a puncture in the truck  & they have  just tarred the road so Neal gets himself covered in tar while changing the tire – then we take the tire into the garage at Bergville & tell the K4 that he must fix it in a hurry as we have to go to Grey’s hospital, but we would go to the hotel for lunch then come back & pick it up – well we get back to the garage its closed between 1-2 , so we have to leave the tire in Bergville to race down to Grey’s to see Dad, as now we don’t have a spare for the truck or tailor , but luckily arrived home safely.

Lesley has gone to pick Ronald up from the airport - I think the plane was delayed as there was a crash at New York airport & there is also heavy snow. I’ll be glad when he’s home as I feel safer when I know he’s next door when I’m here alone.

I am busy sewing trying to make a few extra rands. I sold R18 worth of chilies last week. We are going to house sit over Easter for 2 weeks & will be paid R20 a day – I really don’t want to do it, but my friend has pestered me to such an extent that I’ve given in, but what happens to our place?

Aunty Molly is in Perth I think they sent her ever to get her out of the way while they clear the house out.

Good news I’ve just honed the doctor & he doesn’t think that Dad has cancer – he didn’t see any signs of it, bit has sent it off to the pathologist.

                                Tons of love to each one of you, XXXXXXXXXXXX

                                Dad, Mum & family XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX