Monday 30 October 2017
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 8th.
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
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 8th
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 20th
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 2nd 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
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 6th 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
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
From Merrivale 4.2.1994
From Merrivale
4.2.1994
Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,
I thought I must sit down & write as I haven’t written
for a couple of weeks – thanks for the phone call it was nice talking to you
all.
We have been house siting for a friend across the way, I
wasn’t very happy about it, but they are back today so I am rejoicing – we are
paid R20 a day, but he worry is not worth the money, anyway I am going to put
the money away and start saving, if Melissa is in the Olympics I am going to be
there, so Melissa keep on working hard at your swimming.
The weather is too beautiful 30 C today & we had 25 mm
of rain day before yesterday a lovely evening thunderstorm.
Debbie, Lionel & kids are at their caravan, so must be
having a fabulous time. Dad & I hope to go up in 2 weeks’ time – he has to
go for a check-up next week so that’s why we’re not going now. Taryn has come
up to me for a few days – she says she has come to get away from Brat Jenna – I
feel very sorry for Taryn as Jenna hangs onto her like a leech. Sheila is not
well again I wanted Daddy to go down & fetch her today, but she said she
was feeling so ill that she would rather just stay in her own bed.
Ron & Les are going to Jenny for a few days tomorrow.
Clinton has been there the whole holidays.
The kids have been catching big bass down in the dam – they
throw them back again & there are lots of babies. Neal, Vanessa &
family & David & Cheryl & family all went to Midmar for the day
& went water skiing , they wanted us to go , but we were waiting for our
friends to come back home – which they did at 5 p. m.
Mrs Montague is driving me crazy she went to the states to
stay with Kemp for 4 ½ months & has only been gone a month & they are
at one another’s throats so she wants me to get her on the first plane home – I
told her not to go in the first place, so now I have to waste my time &
money to get her back here.
Must
close now.
Tons of
love to each of you,
Dad,
Mum & family
PS. I’m enjoying the video, but wish there was more of all
of you – Stacey looks so lovely.
From Merrivale 23.1.1994
From Merrivale
23.1.1994
Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,
I think it has rained every day since Debbie left & one
can sit & watch the grass growing. Elliot has his work cut out trying to
keep the place mowed & weed free. Jenny has decided to send Tara to
boarding school in Escort. I think it is an excellent idea, as the kids spend
far too much time in the hotel & I don’t think it’s a good idea at all.
I’ll be glad when the Besters come back Clinton is totally lost
without Jonathon , who is his best friend
he keeps pestering me as to when they are coming home as he has caught a
grunter & will only cook when Jonathon comes to share it with him.
We’ve just got back from Midmar Dam & it’s over the wall
so very exciting. Regan’s hostel had an open day at Midmar & all the
families were invited – 150 boys plus their families & the weather
heavenly. We were all there & there were so many boats etc. you should have
seen the queue to get into Midmar.
We have just a farmer’s radio the police have given one to
everyone over 60 years of age so we are very pleased to have one & will use
it in the car as well. We are going to Andrew Engelbrecht’s wedding on Saturday
then picking up the Besters on Sunday. The whole family are going to be at the
airport to meet them with banners & all.
We have had visitors everyday for over 2 weeks now & it
looks as though this week is going to be the same – The Mallons are now living
in Howick & are coming to visit this week.
Must close now my bed is calling.
Tons
of love from,
Dad,
Mum & family
From Merrivale 20.1.1994
From Merrivale
20.1.1994
Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,
At last I have managed to get some air letter cards & to
write to you – it’s now 8 p. m. & I have only just finished in the kitchen
– I have put cauliflower out of Lionel’s garden & baby marrows out of mine
in the deepfreeze & made 6 batches of fig jam from figs kindly given to me.
I shall be glad when the Bester family come home as we’ve
found it quite a strain running backwards & forwards to their house all the
time.
The Hayes were here for 4 days & we spent a day up the north coast & a day on the
Midlands Meander. It was very hot for the last few days with a storm each
afternoon.
I went to a friend’s place today & got a whole lot of
strawberry plants & I have managed to plant 15 so far.
Daddy is very sick at the moment with gastro & my
arthritis is crippling me, I’ve been to the hospital & it was a black woman
doctor & she was lovely & ever so helpful. Daddy goes back into
hospital on the 28th February. Sheila is not at all well since she
had her hysterectomy, I wish I could wish her away to the Bester’s caravan for
a holiday on her own. This letter seems
to be full of all our ails – anyway the rest of the family are all well…..
Well I’m going to sign off now as I’m finished.
Tons
of love to you all, XXXXX
Dad,
Mum & family, XXXXX
From Merrivale 3.1.1994
From Merrivale
3.1.1994
Dear Alan, Lorna & Girls,
A very happy New Year to you all – I missed hearing from you
at xmas but realised you were in Melbourne – hope you are all enjoying
yourselves together – sorry I have been so long in writing, but at least I do
write & it’s really an effort as my wrist gives me uphill when I try to
write – also we have been very busy & away a lot. We went to Durbs to be
with Sheila after her op she is recovering nicely, but her lovely old maid
walked out on her & she used to do all the cooking etc. Then we went to
Bergville for a few days – then the Murdocks invited us to their time share at
Drakensburg Gardens & we went there for 4 lovely days. We’ve also had to be running backwards &
forwards to Debbie’s the whole time –
now they’ve had a devastating hail storm & I can’t believe all the damage
it has totally destroyed all the mealies
& pumpkins & the shade house has collapsed.
We had a lovely Xmas at Neal & Vanessa’s I was dreading
it as there were 45 people all told, but it really went off very well. On
Boxing day 50 of us went to Midmar Dam with 3 boats & a good time was had
by all. We are having a marvelous summer
– we have sunshine in the morning & rain or a storm in the afternoon – I
have been busy filling my deep freeze from all the vegetables in the garden
& I have made lots of plum jam. I lost a lot of the stuff as while we were
away we had a storm & the outside fridge went off & I had to throw away
all our peaches & meat & vegetables as well. It is pouring with rain
now & very misty – we are waiting to go & sleep at Debbie’s, but we
won’t go unless the mist lifts.
I am hoping to stay at home now & get some work done
here also some sewing.
Jenny & family have just popped in they come on their
way to Durban to visit Sheila then they are going to Neal & Vanessa for a
few days.
Daddy sees the specialist on Thursday so hope & pray all
goes well. Had the Shonnes here yesterday & the Murdocks Saturday. The
Hayes are hoping to come soon.
No more for now.
Tons
of love from, XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Dad,
Mum & family XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
PS. The Besters telephone account is R817 & some change.
The rules of modern history
This blog is a record of what happened.
The photos are one person’s view of various subjects. They were taken in the approximate year
shown. Sometimes the year is a guess. They tell me something about the photographer
and the person in the photograph. Everybody is shown warts and all. None have been digitally altered in any way. None have been altered to make the
photographer or the photographed appeared better than what they were.
The letters are an absolute copy of letters written on the
date shown. Occasionally sections have
been left out for various reasons. Nothing
has been added. What you see is what was
written. Unaltered in any way. The letters tell me something about the person
writing the letter and the person mentioned in the letter. None have been altered with the benefit of
hindsight.
This recent history will cease in 1997. I have introduced a
20 year statute of limitations. Anything less than 20 years old will not be
uploaded.
Alan Carlton
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