Old Year's Day

8.30am Visited our “girls”. This time they paid attention to us . See photo of them in their cage, before they are let out into the enclosure. (We have to wear overalls when entering the enclosure, which we then remove and leave in a cupboard, ready to don at the next visit. We also have to dip our shoes in jeyes fluid before and after leaving the enclosure)

A pose with Graeme (Abi caught in the middle of a yawn).

Abi about to fetch a treat from Graeme’s mouth.

Did some shopping. The shops were open on Tues, then again today, and will only reopen again on Monday 4th Jan. See the fruit and vegetable racks in one of the main grocery stores. It will only improve on about the 7th or 8th Jan, after the cargo has been unloaded from the RMS, which is due to dock on 6th Jan.

Spent the afternoon sorting Graeme's National Geographics into chronological order (about 30 years’ worth of magazines)

Later, while working in the kitchen, I heard a noise at the back door. I could hardly believe my eyes. Now I have a cat inviting itself into our home!! A grey and white, pretty little thing with light green eyes that look like someone has outlined them with a kohl pencil. I tried closing the back door on it, but it knocked on the door, trying to get in! I know I am going to regret it, but I gave it a bowl of bread soaked in left over gravy. (I am sure I have a sign saying “sucker” on my forehead) After finishing the food, the cat went and sat on the wall where the myna birds usually perch. The birds came screeching at it, to try and chase it away. I wonder who will win the right to sit on that particular spot of garden wall...

Later in the evening Vince and Vilma came over and had supper with us. (Liver and onions, mash and peas.... we like liver and onions) We chatted while waiting for 11.30pm, when the watchnight service was due to begin. Once again, I enjoyed the sound of the church bell ringing out the call to worship – something that has been stopped in SA.

To all who read this blog, I wish you a BLESSED 2010.

Graeme and Nick

Graeme was invited to spend the afternoon visiting Nick Thorpe. They both enjoy history and old things. Nick showed Graeme his collection of old rifles, and later on they enjoyed a fun shoot at targets. Looks like a good friendship in the making.

Shopping and visiting

Toddled off to the shops around 10.30am in the hope of finding potatoes and onions. I did! When I dropped in at "the Star" hoping to find bread, there was such a queue that I decided to rather go home and bake scones.

Dropped in at the only bank on the island, and found out that there are NO bank charges for anything! The only bank transaction is an annual credit of 3% simple interest on the amount that has been in the bank for a full 12 months!

Puffed up the hill, back to the manse with my shopping treasures. My legs are feeling a little stronger today, but the lungs insist on wheezing like a muscovy duck - it is my signature tune.

We were invited to lunch at Elaine, Anthony and Timon Hopkins. Really good fare and nice getting to know another family. Timon enjoys fishing, and they talked about showing Graeme "the spots".

Stopped at the top of ladder hill, on the way home to take some pics of Jamestown.

Visits

Graeme and I left home about 7.30am to go and visit Vince and Vilma. Graeme and Vince went off for a time of prayer and chatting, while Vilma and I got to know each other better. Left at about 12.00pm and went to visit Harold, Enid and Keran. We had to leave our car at the bottom of their property and walk up 2 hills to their home. Beautiful area, but a stiff walk. Had a good visit, then walked back to the car in thick mist.

Paid our bi-weekly visit to our dogs. Was a bit taken aback when the 2 dears came running towards me, only to run straight past me, and greet Arthur March!! He is one of the 3 people who look after them while they are in quarantine. The dogs are obviously happy and well cared for. They will most probably pine for their new “family” when we bring them home at the end of their quarantine period.

Paid Maisy a visit. She is still in hospital, but was a bit more alert today. I hope that when I am as old as she is, that people will remember me with as much fondness as the Saints remember her. Seems that she was quite a vibrant lady in her younger days.

Took a picture of the view from my kitchen window. The window is level with the ground outside. There is a narrow lane of about a meter wide between the manse and the chapel. Graeme parks his motor bike there.

Edie and Hazie

Dear old Edie – the 90 year old lady that we take to church on Sundays. She walks much faster than I can. The problem is that she is unsteady while she motors along at a breath taking speed, and so she clings onto my arm while she does so. I simply have to try and keep up. (I walk with a walking stick)

We were walking back to the car after the Head O'Wain service. It is quite a long uphill path to the car. Almost there….There is a narrow gap with a hump in the path between a parked car and a field of dense flax. Edie decides to aim for it, dragging me along behind her. Naturally, we both loose our balance, and flop around like 2 old drunks. A new visitor to church, who was about to drive away in his car, sees the 2 of us, and comes dashing to our aid. Edie just giggles merrily, and carries on dragging me behind her to the Fiesta...

No – there are no pictures today.

Jehovah shammah

Slept late. Felt a bit low. Missing my family. Bawled. Then remembered what my son, Arthur had said to encourage me. “My favourite name for God is Jehovah-shammah – i.e. ‘the Lord is there’. The Lord is with me, and He is with you. He is there”.

Felt a bit better, then bawled some more – quietly, of course.

Christmas Day

A rather busy day. Half an hour drive on windy roads to 8.00am Sandy Bay service; another half an hour drive to Knowle Combes service at 9.30am; another half an hour drive back to Jamestown for an 11.00am service.

After the last service we went home, changed into comfortable clothes, and went to have Christmas dinner with the Terry’s. A medical doctor, Sarel Bloem was also invited, as well as Pam and Geoff and Madison. Maureen cooked a fabulous dinner, and we had a pleasant afternoon chatting.

A swarm of java birds landed on the Terry’s lawn in their back garden. I decided that they would make a prettier picture for my blog, than any of us humans.

Christmas Eve

My, but the Saints know how to celebrate Christmas!! Round about 3pm a celebration procession started at the top of Market Street, which leads into Jamestown itself. It went a few blocks, then stopped at “the barracks.” Resumed again around 6.00pm. It reminded me a little of the “Coon’s Carnival” held in Cape Town on New Year’s day. I even heard the strains of “suikerbossie ek wil jou he” being played by one of the groups…

There was a general air of good fun and enjoyment, without any nastiness.

GGraeme and I joined Pam and Madison in the street, and took a number of photos. After watching the procession pass our house, Graeme and I went home for "tea", then wandered into the town around 7.30pm to support some of our friends who were about to start singing carols. Graeme got handed a song sheet, and found himself in the “choir” for about half an hour.

A Christmas Eve that I will not forget in a hurry.

Clevely's Leave St Helena

What an emotional day! The Clevely’s arrived at the manse bright and early to finalise the marking of their boxes before taking them for loading on the ship. A bunch of us met at the coffee shop for a sandwich and coffee at about 12.00pm before the dreadful good bye’s and crying at 1.00pm.

I have only known Nick and Lynn and the boys (face to face) for 3 weeks, yet I found myself joining in the sadness. They are a truly lovely family. Lynn is wise beyond her years, and a true friend. I am going to miss her.

Dogs, then Carols and Cocktails

Graeme and I did some shopping, then went to visit a dear old lady, Maisy (church member) in hospital before visiting our pugs. The pugs have happily accepted their new carers. One of them- Roberta – has even taught them new tricks. It is comforting to see that they are content. The man in charge of the dogs knew Maisy, and her late husband, and told us how Maisy had taught him Sunday school as a little boy, and had played the violin in church.

On the way back, we dropped in on Maisy’s brother. The 2 of them live together. It is such an encouragement to speak to old folks who have faithfully followed our Lord for so many years. We can learn a lot from them.

6.30 am and “Carols and Cocktails” at the governor’s house. Graeme was asked to bring his trumpet along. It was strange seeing people in their fancy clothes, sipping drinks, then heartily joining in a bit of carol singing. This was followed by some delicious snacks.

Children's Corner

Nick and Lynn popped in to drop off more boxes – they are storing their boxes at the manse to make it easier to transport to the wharf on Wed. They were about to run a few errands in Jamestown, and I noted the reluctance on their 2 boys’ faces (Caleb 8 1/2 yrs, and Aaron 7 years) I had just set up my “children’s corner” (i.e. 3 small easy chairs in a group with a little table, a few children’s books, and a bunch of toys and activities in a cupboard) I suggested that, instead of trailing along with their parents, they could stay behind and build some lego. Much relief on little boys’ faces. Caleb did a good job with his set, and then helped his younger brother finish his car.

I managed to clear the dining room table, and we had the Clevely’s over for supper. It is difficult for Lynn to cook when all her things are in the process of being packed away. (Graeme was at his first deacons’ meeting, and joined us later) We had spaghetti bolognaise with a salad of… what was in the fridge…apples, lettuce with a sprinkling of sweet basil.

Sunday Services

Sandy Bay Chapel service at 8.45am. The most narrow, windy road I have ever travelled on. I counted 39 hair pin bends on a 3 mile stretch of road! 10 mins before the service starts, they ring the bell for a full 5 mins – a call to worship that rings out over the fields. Then there is a 5 min pause, and the service begins. This happens at all 4 chapels. I love it!!

The Governor and his wife tend to worship at this chapel, She played the organ, with Graeme on the trumpet, and in the pulpit. There were a number of tearful good-byes after the service, as this was the Clevelys last Sunday on the island.


Off to Head O’Wain chapel for a 10.45am service. See pic of this chapel’s bell.


See photo of Edie, who turned 90 last week. She is still active and quite a character.



After the morning services, we had a music afternoon with Nick and Lynn, Wilma and Vincent, Graeme and I. (Pic of Vincent playing his mandolin)


I was the only one not playing an instrument. Good music and joyful singing – even the resident myna bird joined in from the gate post just outside our open front door. Evening service at 7.00pm in Jamestown. It was strange to listen to the same sermon 3 times in a row. Graeme said that it is not easy to preach the same sermon so quickly after the last. It can feel a little flat. I thought he did well.

Familiar things

Some more unpacking. After putting my children (Brenda, John and Arthur’s) portraits where I could see them, I felt a lot better.

Later, I put the rock that my sister-in-law (Mavis) had painted for me, on the window sill at the top of our stairs. Whenever I pass it – which is a few times a day – I am reminded of this lovely lady, I realized that , surrounding myself with familiar things makes living in a strange place feel less strange.

Steve and Maureen and I spent about an hour this morning cleaning the schoolroom in preparation for tomorrow’s service. While cleaning, we chatted about various St Helenan things. Steve answered my unspoken questions about why there is such differing vegetation on such a small island.

When the island was first discovered in the 1500’s, it was completely wooded and lush. When the settlers wanted to move inland, the trees were so dense that they lopped off their tops in order to see further. At one stage there was a large patch of trees with chopped off tops – hence the name “Half Tree Hollow”. The settlers then brought in goats. These did such a good job of clearing the undergrowth that they left the top soil exposed. The rain and wind then dealt with the top soil, and those areas are now almost desert-like.

Blogging and shopping

Lynn popped in and gave me more help with blogging. I seem to have got the hang of attaching photos now - although I don't have a photo for today. The profile photo that is now on my blog is a photo of me on the RMS with the island of St Helena coming into view in the background.

After lunch time I took myself off on my daily walk. It takes me about 10 mins walking downhill to get to the shops and about 15 mins walking uphill and carrying my shopping, to get home again. For those who don’t know me personally, I am a chronic asthmatic and I also suffered permanent nerve and tendon damage to my feet and have pinched nerves in my spine due to a car accident nearly 10 years ago. The result – I walk funny and breathe noisily. My daily walk has 2 objectives – to try and strengthen my lungs and feet, and to get the hang of shopping on St Helena.

Before I came to the island, I followed Lynn Clevely (the outgoing pastor’s wife) blog to try and get an idea about what life is like on St Helena. I wondered why shopping and what they ate formed such an important part of her blogs. Now I know. Each day is a new challenge trying to find the food you want, at a price you can afford. You usually have to look in at about 3 or 4 of the shops in order to find a few items for the day. Most times you then have to improvise and adjust the recipes you usually use, in order to produce your meals for the day. You need to be in the shops when new produce is unpacked, otherwise the other shoppers will clear the shelf – only a few items are unpacked at a time.

Anyway, I am sure it is all a matter of working the system. I am making a game of it. Last night I made a seafood soup by combining 2 recipes, and using only 4 of the recommended 8 ingredients. I was most chuffed with myself when Graeme asked for seconds.

Pugs and Water Filter

8.00 am and off to visit our “girls” – Cho and Abigail – who are in quarantine for the first 6 months on the island. I brought them a soft old blanket and cover to lie on – Cho is developing calluses from lying on a hard cement floor – and some home cooked rice and bones and gristle. We got permission to bring a bucket and warm water on our next visit, and to give them a bath. They love being clean, and then having a tug-of-war with the towel when we dry them. Thankfully, they are becoming used to their new carers, and don’t cry when we leave any more.

We hurried back to Jamestown. Thursdays are meat and local veggie day. Luckily, I was in one of the stores when the locally grown veggies were unpacked. I bought a cabbage and a broccoli head, but decided against a cucumber. Regretfully, an hour later, when I changed my mind about the cucumber, there were none left!! It will take a while for me to get the hang of the shopping methods here, but never fear, Hazie will overcome.

Lyn came over to bring a few more of their packed boxes that they are storing at the manse until they leave on Wed. She helped me get going on my blog, and showed me how to attach photos – lucky for you guys that are reading my epistles.

Later in the afternoon Graeme fitted our water filter to the kitchen tap. Praise the Lord! We now have clear water instead of slightly yellow water in our drinking glasses.

Pam and Geoff came over to watch the last episode of Matrix. Afterwards Graeme and Geoff enjoyed chatting about the 2nd world war aeroplanes and fighting strategies, etc, while Pam and I sat and thought our own thoughts…

Myna birds

Nick and Lynn and the boys arrived at the manse at about 10 am. Nick and Graeme went to the study to discuss church matters. Lynn went to see a friend. The boys watched DVD's ("Popeye" and then "Never Ending Story"). I went to the shops to buy bread for a picnic lunch later on. I experienced the scramble when the bread appears in the shop after being baked - one minute the bread is on the shelves; the next, the shelves are empty and there is a queue of people waiting to cut their bread in the slicing machine!

We went to Rosemary's plain to eat our sandwiches, and came back via a different route. It amazes me how the scenery can change within such short distances - arid and dry one minute, then lush and green the next. Back to the manse. Graeme played a flaminco guitar CD for Nick to listen to. After the Clevelys left, Graeme went for a little ride on his bike, and I went upstairs to rest my feet and check emails. While siiting on the bed, I heard my myna friends chirping. It sounded very close - like they were in the next room. They were!!

We leave the front door open when we are at home, and the cheeky things had happily wandered in at the front door, walked down the passage and up the stairs. Now the fun started! They were scared and were pooping all over the place - flying from room to room - while I was opening windows and trying to shoo them in the direction of the nearest open window. Graeme arrived home again, just as I finally coaxed the last bird out of the study window. Now I had to clean up myna poop...

Popcorn and movies

After a tiring afternoon/evening of unpacking and sorting, Graeme and I finally got the lounge looking like a lounge instead of a junk room. Pictures hanging on the walls, and the TV and sound system connected. We invited Pam and Geoff over to watch the first video with us in our new home. I made pop corn, and Pam chose Matrix 2 to watch. A nice evening.

35th Wedding Anniversary

Our 35th wedding anniversary!! Good going for chalk and cheese. The Lord has been the cement in our marriage, and I can truthfully say that I love Graeme much more now than what I did on our wedding day.

We celebrated by going out for dinner to a tiny Oriental (Philipino) restaurant with our new friends Steve and Maureen, where we were the only customers for the evening. Delicious food and attentive service. A lovely evening.

Reopening of Schoolroom

At 2.30pm the hall next to the Chapel (known as the Schoolroom) was reopened after the rock fall damage in Aug 2008. (Picture of Pam, Lynn and Nick leading and singing) Graeme preached his opening sermon “I am not ashamed of the gospel” There were a number of visitors – even the bishop from the Anglican church. Afterwards tea and eats were served, and there was a farewell for Nick and Lynn.

When the church council prayed for Nick, they asked God to use him in the far away land (i.e. New Zealand) that he was going to. I smiled at our different perspectives. To me, St Helena is the “far away land”.

Jacob's Ladder

Graeme and I took a little stroll through the shopping area, and stopped to take a photo of Graeme standing at the bottom of Jacob’s ladder. Nick Clevely (super fit young pastor) used to climb this thing a few times a week until his knee started taking strain. Us older folk want to protect our knees…